June 29, 2013 Owen went for his 6 month pictures today. We got some good ones. :) I realized I never got the 3 month ones up, so they're here and the 6 month ones are here.
Happy 6 months to Owen!
Owen at 3 months.
March 9, 2013
I took Hailey for her 4 year pictures today. She did so well and looked adorable! :)
I just realized I never posted Owen's newborn pictures. Oops! The album can be found here.
His 3 month pictures are coming up here soon!
February 20, 2013 Hailey's 4 year checkup stats:
Weight: 32 lbs (30%) Height: 38.25 in (30%)
Owen's 2 month checkup stats:
Weight:11 lbs 4 oz (50%) Height: 22.5 inches (50%)
Everyone is growing and doing well! Life with 4 is very busy and I don't get a lot of time for updates these days.
December 6, 2012
Baby Owen arrived on December 4th, 2012 at 4:52 PM. He weighed 6 lbs 7 oz and was 18.5" long. We got home last night and are doing well. :)
I went in for my usual ob appointment on Tuesday and my blood pressure was very high. With that and all the contractions I had been having, my doctor wanted me to go to the Women's Center to be monitored. When I got there, my blood pressure came back down to normal, but I was at 3 cm dilated, 60 % effaced and contracting steadily every 3-11 minutes. They decided to keep me and have me deliver! They broke my water around 1:15 PM and things progressed quickly. We were holding our new little guy by 4:52 PM. He scored 9 and 9 on his apgars and is doing great so far!
November 24, 2012
I'm really behind on keeping up with this! Nathan has lost two more teeth, and his adult teeth are already coming in.
We celebrated Sophie's birthday on November 7th. She had a blast! I still need to get those pictures up...
Speaking of pictures, I've got Nathan and Sophie's birthday pics up now. Albums can be found here and here:)
Oh, and all is well with our little guy. We're 36 weeks+ and anxiously awaiting his arrival. :)
Everything looked good today. I did fail the GTT, but all my blood sugar levels since have looked fine. Supposed to just keep doing what I'm doing. We see the specialist for an ultrasound on the 19th to check growth.
September 26, 2012
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+4 (Yeah, I'm not counting the total :P)
Blood Pressure: 124/72 (little high for me, but normal) Baby's HB:140's bpm Size:29 weeks (little big, but normal)
Everything looked good today. He is measuring a little on the big side, but still perfectly normal. I'm on to appts every two weeks now, yikes! We are getting close to the end! I'll be getting my glucose test results back by the weekend. Here's hoping I passed. ;)
September 19, 2012
Nathan lost his first baby tooth tonight! He's very excited about the tooth fairy, and he has another wiggly tooth. I can't believe he's already to this milestone!
September 8, 2012
Hailey started preschool on September 6th. So far, she really likes school. :)
As part of prep for school, I took the girls to the hair salon on August 28th. Hailey got a trim and a style, and Sophie got her first hair cut!
August 21, 2012
So far, Nathan loves his new school. :)
August 19, 2012
It seems like Nathan JUST graduated preschool, but he's starting kindergarten tomorrow morning. I'll try to get some pictures of him in his little uniform. It's still hard to believe he's really going into kindy already, but yep! We already met his teacher on Friday. He's excited that one of his friends from preschool is going to be in his class.
Hailey will be starting preschool on September 5th. She already gave me a list of bows that she needs to match her new clothes, lol.
Sophie is still just happy to be alive, lol. She's not so thrilled about the big kids going off to school, but she's getting better at playing by herself. I'm hoping she'll get used to it and be ok.
July 26, 2012
We had our BIG ultrasound appointment today. As far as we know, everything is looking fine with the baby. Nice strong heartbeat and VERY active. So active that it was really hard to get a look at the gender. I had to get up and walk around a bit to force the baby to change positions. Luckily, we DID end up getting a peek. ;)
Here is a profile shot from today (18 wks and 6 days).
July 9, 2012
Nathan's 5 year checkup was today!
Weight:40 lbs 4 oz (50%) Height:42 inches (45%)
Nathan is sticking to average for his growth curve now. He's still doing well developmentally. He had an eye exam as part of his kindergarten physical, and it looks like he may need glasses. We're doing a follow-up exam next month.
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+10 (10 total)
Blood Pressure: 122/64 (little high from stress, but normal) Baby's HB:150's bpm
Everything looked good today. We got to schedule the BIG ultrasound where we get a chance to find the gender. It feels like it's taking forever to find out, but also that this pregnancy is progressing pretty quickly.
Nathan has asked to go to the big reveal with us. I don't know if we'll take the girls as well. Either way, we're just a few weeks short of finding out if they're getting a brother or sister.
July 7, 2012
Nathan's 5th birthday party was today. It's a little sad having our "baby" be 5 and getting ready to go off to kindergarten, but he sure had a blast with his friends today.
Blood Pressure: 122/70 (little high from stress, but normal) Baby's HB:150's bpm
Everything looked good today. The kids went with me (hence the slightly high bp, haha). They loved hearing their new little brother or sister's heartbeat on the doppler.
Not much else to report. We start our Second Trimester on the 15th. We should be getting a peek at the gender the last week of July. Nathan has asked to go to that appointment with us so he can see the baby.
June 7, 2012
I added a bunch of videos of the kids from April, May and June. They're in the Videos section.
I also added pictures from Nathan's preschool graduation in May. The full album is here.
Nathan graduated preschool on May 23rd, 2012. Here he is with his cerificate.
May 18, 2012
Hailey had her visit with Primary Children's. Weight: 29 lbs Height: 36.25 in
Hailey is still having major growth problems, so she was sent to Primary Children's. They're running some tests, but I'm not sure when we'll hear back. She also went for x-rays to check her bone age. The doctor does not think it's Turner Syndrome, which is good.
May 16, 2012
Sophie had her 18 month well baby visit.
Height: 32.75 in (90%) Weight:23 lbs 13 oz (50%) Head:17 something (25%)
Sophie is doing well. She's met the milestones she needs to meet and is quite the chatterbox for her age. She sees the doctor again when she turns 2.
April 27, 2012 Hailey finally got her 3 year pictures taken. :) The full album can be found here.
April 1, 2012
Man, I haven't been on here in forever! Life gets busy and there just isn't a lot of time for pictures and posting. Everyone is doing well. :)
Tyler and I spent the night at Asylum 49 last night. Quite the experience. It was fun. I think we'll have to do it again sometime.
We're taking the kids to Disney for my birthday! They're all pretty excited to go meet Mickey and the princesses. I've been working on things for them to wear while we're there. Nate has a mickey hat and the girls have princess ribbon sculptures. I see matching shirts in our future! ;)
Oh! And Nathan made it into Excelsior Academy! We're very excited for him to start kindergarten there in the Fall. We took him on a tour of the school and he says he likes it. I'm a little nervous about him going off to school, but I hope he'll do well and like it there. He loves learning, so I guess we'll see!
February 14, 2012
The girls had their checkups yesterday.
Sophie had her 15 month well baby visit.
Height: 31.5 in (90%) Weight:22 lbs 6 oz (45%) Head:17 something (28%)
Sophie is doing well. She's met the milestones she needs to meet and is ahead with her fine motor skills and verbal stuff.
Hailey had her 3 year well baby visit. Weight: 28 lbs 8 oz (25%) Height: 35.5 in (25%)
Hailey is still having major growth problems, and we still don't know why. She's being sent to Primary Children's to see a specialist in May. She's still ahead on all her milestones and seems to be healthy other than not growing.
January 25, 2012
Busy, busy, busy around here, as usual. ;) I finally got some video of Sophie walking. I have another one that I'll upload later (if I get a chance).
Hailey will be 3 next month! She's doing pretty well with potty training and is excited to have a "princess party with cake". I still have to make her dress for her birthday pictures. We're just doing a small party this year, but I still want it to be special for her.
We've entered Nate into the lottery for Excelsior. We won't know if he made it for a few more months. I still can't believe he's really starting kindergarten in the Fall.
Sophie Walking video is in the Videos Section - January 2012.
January 4, 2012
The Christmas pictures are up. Full album can be found here.
January 2, 2012 Sophie's 8th tooth broke through! And Hailey's 2nd 2 yr molar!
The girls both got more teeth the week of Christmas. I just haven't had 5 minutes to sit down and blog about it, lol.
Christmas went well. Lots of good times and good loot. I'll get pictures up at some point. Santa brought Nathan a Leapster Explorer, and the girls got a dollhouse and a trunk full of princess dress up clothes. Ty and I got Settlers of Catan - awesome game.
We rang in the New Year at home with family and friends. Lots of fun! Definitely have to do more game nights. Still a little surreal it's 2012 now. Last year flew by! This year seems to be following suit already. I guess with little kids, you're often busy and time just gets away from you. I'm going to try to get more pictures and blog more this year, but no promises. ;)
Bow business is good. I'm still enjoying lots of crafts, both for sale and for fun. I made a bunch of hats and amigurumi for the kids. Current project is tunisian knit stitch scarf - Harry Potter Gryffindor colors. Can't wait to finish it and be able to wear it. :D
December 16, 2011
Nathan's Preschool Program 2011. In the video, right around the 30 second mark, I get a shout out from Nate's friend, Oakley, lol. "Hi Nathan's mom!"
Nathan's Preschool Program video is in the Video Section under December 16th 2011.
December 10, 2011
We finally got around to getting Sophie's 1 year pictures done! It's been a busy season, but they were worth the wait. She's such a ham!
Sophie is doing well. She's met the milestones she needs to meet and is ahead with her fine motor and verbal skills. :)
Sophie's 7th tooth broke through!
November 5, 2011
Sophie's 5th and 6th teeth broke through!
Sophie got two more new teeth last week. She now has 4 on top and 2 on the bottom.
We celebrated Sophie's 1st birthday today! The full photo album is here. Sophie's Birthday Videos are in the Video Section under November 5, 2011.
Happy Birthday to Sophie!
October 24, 2011
Sophie's 4th tooth broke through!
It's on the top in the middle, right side. I'm hoping we all get a break from teething for awhile!
In other news, physical therapy is coming along pretty well. I started last week and they measured my mobility in my knees. My uninjured leg measured -6* to 140*. My other leg measured +12* to 60*. They measured me again today, and the recovering knee is up to 0* to 75*. Progress, yay!
Other than that, I've been insanely busy with craft projects and fall time fun with the kids. We took them to the pumpkin patch over the weekend and they loved the hay maze! We let them take the lead this year and they exclaimed "dead end!" with such glee. It was priceless.
The kids picked out yarn colors for their new mommy-made hats. So far, just Nathan's is finished, but Hailey's is about 75% done. Nathan also got a wizard outfit and the girls got new pillow case dresses and ruffle pants. I still have to finish their wizard outfits. My knee is handling the sewing pretty well now. Which is good, since I have a few friends that would like outfits like the girls'. I might have to add those to my Etsy shop! ;)
Other recent activities include learning to build a tent out of blankets. We need more practice, but the kids had fun.
October 7, 2011 Sophie's 3rd tooth broke through!
It's on the top in the middle, left side. The one right next to it is attempting to come in right now, too.
September 26, 2011
I can't remember if I mentioned on here that we were going on a cruise, but anyway, we're home now!
In our cabin on the ship. Me with street performers in Cozumel, Mexico. Yes, I am taller than everyone in Mexico. :-P Us in front of the Carnival Inspiration in Cozumel, Mexico. One of the sunsets we watched while on the trip.
We went kayaking in Grand Cayman and swimming with dolphins in Cozumel, Mexico. We also visited my Gram in Florida before we headed out. Quite the trip! Full album is here. Well, almost full. We haven't developed the kayaking pictures yet.
August 29, 2011
Hailey got her ears pierced today! She's been asking for it for about a year now. She did amazing! She sat still without having to be pinned down and let the woman pierce both ears. She just said "ow, that hurts" and cried a little. She cried more when she had her flu shot last year, so I was really proud of her. Then she asked to see them in the mirror and was happy as a clam. She chose a pink color, which coincidentally is the birthstone for February.
She's done great so far with taking care of them. She didn't give me any hassle either of the times we cleaned and rotated them. She's very proud of her new earrings and is telling everyone all about it. She was talking so fast to Ty on the phone tonight that he only caught about half of it, lol. She can't wait to show her new earrings to Daddy when he gets back from his business trip. :) (Ty knew she was getting them done and I sent him a picture to see the finished product, but she wants to show him, too) Happy Hailey after getting her first earrings! Close up of the earrings she chose. Helping with the cleaning and rotating before bath and bed. One VERY happy little girl! "I have earrings!"
August 24, 2011
I took Sophie for her 9 month pictures today. I also got a few of the three kids together. I did not order them for everyone in the family this time. If you would like a copy of a picture, contact me for the link to purchase them.
Another productive trip to Carter's today. :) The kids should be set on clothes for Fall. Carter's is having an AWESOME sale right now! You can also find 20% off coupons online. I had a 25% off coupon so I got an especially nice deal. ;)
Original Cost - $606.91 Actual Cost - $163.87 Total Saved - $443.04
LOVE sale shopping with coupons!
August 20, 2011
I gave the page a face lift today. It's been a long time coming. I was just tired of the old layout.
It's been a busy summer filled with trips to the zoo and the drive-in. I'm ready for things to wind down and get back into a school schedule. Nathan will be starting his second year of preschool in September. He asked me to go to kindergarten this year, but I explained that you have to be 5 to go...
Hailey and Sophie are doing well. They already have that sisterly bond. It's so cute! They talk to each other in their room and play tea party and dolls. Now that Sophie is so mobile, she's spending a lot more time playing with the big kids. I love watching the three of them together.
I'm really looking forward to Fall and the holidays this year. I think the kids are going to have a lot of fun baking cookies and decorating the house. I miss the smell of pumpkin cookies.
August 8, 2011
Sophie had her 9 month well baby visit today.
Height: 27.5 in (60%) Weight:15 lbs 5 oz (40%) Head:I forget... (25%)
Sophie is doing well. She's met the milestones she needs to meet and is ahead with her fine motor skills. I think I've got a future bow helper!
Sophie is finally putting on a little weight, but that might be short-lived. The doctor thinks she's about to hit another growth spurt. She's also still teething.
July 30, 2011
We're all still alive, just busy. I'm working on my Fall/Halloween bows for my shop and some other ideas that I've been kicking around. The kids are busy just being kids. Ty is busy being Ty. This summer is flying by!
Ty and I went to Carter's today to pick out a 9 month picture outfit for Sophie. We chose a polka dot dress and green sweater.
I finished the girls' new bow holders for their rooms today. They ran out of space to store their bows!
July 14, 2011
Nathan's Birthday Party pictures are up. Album is here.
I got a call from Hailey's doctor today. She does NOT have cancer! (There isn't a happy enough emoticon for this.)
They weren't able to completely rule out Celiac Disease, but aren't testing for it further at this point. Guessing it doesn't look that likely?
Her cbc shows her body is fighting something off (they're thinking maybe viral?), but it's not something serious. Her thyroid also came back normal. She is anemic, but again, not considered serious. She's already on supplements.
They have no idea what's causing her growth issues. We'll be doing weigh in's for the next 3 months. Oct 8th we're supposed to review her progress and decide where to go from there. She's finally gained a little bit, so they're hopeful that she's on the right track. If we're lucky, she's basically stopped growing because her body decided she's going to take after her Daddy's side and be a shorty.
July 13, 2011
I added the video of singing Happy Birthday to Nathan. Birthday Party album coming soon. I've got them off the camera, just haven't had time to put them on here.
July 12, 2011
I took Nathan for his 4 year portraits. He was a ham today! We got some good shots. Album is here. I'll be picking them up and mailing them out by the end of the month.
In other news, Hailey had her labs drawn today. We're closer to having answers about what's going on with her. Will update when we know for sure.
July 8, 2011
Nathan's 4 year checkup was today!
Weight:37 lbs 6 oz (60%) Height:39.75 inches (50%)
Nate's growth has really slowed down. He's down to being average size now. The doctor says it's nothing to worry about and that Nate is doing great. He's ahead of where he should be developmentally, so all is well.
I'll be getting Nathan's 4 year portraits done at some point this month and will post them when I have the proofs available.
We are having some undetermined health issues with Hailey. I talked to the doctor about them at Nate's appointment today. She will be having blood work done to try to find out what's going on. If you're the praying type, prayers are appreciated.
July 6, 2011
No time to update the blog tonight, but I'm finally caught up on pictures! Lots of new albums. Two new videos (from April).
It's on the bottom in the middle, right side. It looks like she might be attempting some top teeth...
June 18, 2011
We took the kids camping for the first time! They had so much fun. They're already asking when we can go again. :) Posted some pictures here.
Sophie in Hailey's camp chair. The kids in their sleeping bags.
June 14, 2011
Sophie's 1st tooth broke through!
Sophie is no longer toothless. She bit me when nursing yesterday, but no tooth when I checked her. She bit me again today and there it was!It's on the bottom in the middle, left side. I don't think the right side is going to be far behind it.
May 17, 2011 Sophie had her 6 month well baby visit today.
Height: 27 in (92%) Weight:14 lbs 12 oz (24%) Head:16 (13%)
Sophie
is doing well. She's growing like crazy! She's met the milestones she needs to meet and is ahead physically. Her hernia is still looking closed, so we shouldn't have to worry about it anymore.
Sophie is actually taller than the older kids were at this age. It's crazy to think she was the smallest at birth and now she's our big girl!
May 7, 2011
I took Miss Sophie to get her 6 month pictures taken today! Pictures are here.
May 4, 2011
I've been busy learning to make hair things for girls. I've recently opened my own Etsy shop. I'm currently selling Boutique Bows in 3" and 4" size, as well as Pinwheels, Korkers, Firecrackers, Bug Bows and Tutus! Check it out!As part of our Grand Opening, every order in May gets a FREE gift!
April 12, 2011
We took Nathan to see Hop on Friday (the 8th). He did awesome! He sat through the whole movie and had a good time. :)
We've been busy with a lot of indoor crafts lately due to all the rain and snow we've been getting. The kids painted Easter figures, made hats out of paper plates and "Thank-You" boxes from old tissue boxes. They like making things.
Nathan is still enjoying preschool. He tells me all the time about his friends and his teacher. He's learned his abc's and how to spell and write his name. He's growing up so fast!
Hailey is still coming along with her potty training. Today, she came into the bathroom and said "Need to go pee. Get out, Mommy!". I guess she's hit the stage where she wants privacy to go. Whatever works! She used the potty, wanted me to come check, so I did. Then she ordered me out again because she needed to go some more. When she was done, I picked an orange sticker for her potty chart. She goes "No! Green, Mommy!", so I changed it for a green one and she said "Thank you, Mommy", and was all smiles. She's getting good with her colors now, too. :)
Funny Hailey and potty training story: She had pooped her pants and didn't want me to know that was "stinky", so she got Ty's deodorant and rubbed it all over her jammies. Points for creativity on that one.
Sophie is still growing like a weed and doing well. She's a very smiley baby! She mostly enjoys her jumperoo and watching the big kids play. No new developments with mobility, but she sure is trying! I think she'll be at the rolling and spinning stage awhile longer.
I've been busy working on learning to make hair bows for the girls. I'm interested in getting a local hair bow exchange going. If you know how to make bows (or want to learn!), email me. :)
March 27, 2011
We took the kids to the zoo yesterday! I'll get the pics up when I get a chance. They had a lot of fun seeing the animals. :)
Hailey got to attend the "princess tea party" and meet the zoo's princess. She had so much fun! Nate got some Daddy time at the playground and watched the train go by. We took a ride on the train later in the day.
I think my favorite part of the day was lunch. Some wild turkeys came over to visit with us. They ate some food the kids had dropped and Hailey chewed them out and tried to shoo them away. "Bad turkeys eat mine food! Bad turkeys. Bad! Bad turkey eat my food - rude! Go away me!"
We bought a zoo membership, so we're planning on taking the kids a lot this year.
March 19, 2011
Another productive trip to Carter's today! I love that place. They have so many cute little things. They're having their baby sale, so I took my 20% off coupon and $20 in Carter's Cash that was leftover from our last trip.
Total Retail Value: $638.96 Total Paid: $241.90 Total Saved: $397.06
I know I say it a lot, but I really love hitting sales with coupons! The dress and sweater sets I picked out for the girls for Easter were originally $60 (each), but I got them for $20 and $22. Nate will be wearing an orange dress shirt to match. I also picked up a little pink dress for Sophie's 6 month pictures.
I got waaaay too many summer outfits and jammies to post pictures of them all, so you'll just have to trust me that they're super cute. ;) If anybody else needs to pick up some Spring/Summer stuff, here's a coupon!
March 14, 2011
Sophie had her 4 month well baby visit today.
Height: 25 in (90%) Weight:12 lbs 14 oz (35%) Head:15.2 (6%)
Sophie is doing well. She's growing great and meeting her milestones. Also, her hernia has officially closed up, so she won't be needing surgery!
February 14, 2011 Hailey had her 2 year well baby visit today.
Weight: 24 lbs 2 oz (23%) Height: 33.5 in (50%) Head: 18.5 in (26%)
Hailey has barely grown in the last 6 months. We're supposed to keep her on full fat milk. She's met all her milestones and is doing really well developmentally, she's just small. The doctor thinks she's in a "growth slump" and will catch up again soon. I'm trying not to worry much about it.
Also, we had her birthday party over the weekend. Her pictures are here.
Sophie's Stats
Height: 24.25 in (85%) Weight:12 lbs 2 oz (35%)
Sophie got her prevnar and Hep A shots today. She's growing well and her hernia is closing up. We see the doctor for her 4 month checkup in March.
Nathan didn't get weighed or measured today, but I did get forms for having him evaluated for ADHD in July. The doctor said that his behavior problems could be normal 3 year old stuff, but maybe not. The nurse is convinced he has ADHD and that he will need medication. I'm not coping well with this right now. I don't think any parent wants to hear that there's something "wrong" with their child.
February 4, 2011
We took Hailey to get her 2nd birthday pictures done today. I think they turned out awesome! The proofs can be found here.
January 28, 2011
Well, it's been another few weeks since I've had a chance to update. The kids really keep things busy around here! I uploaded a bunch of pictures, so we're caught up for January.
We did Sophie's 3 month pictures today! She's not 3 months until February 7th, but it's going to be a busy month, so we did it early. Here are some of the proofs.
Hailey's 13, 14th, 15th and 16th teeth broke through a couple of weeks ago! All she has left are her 2 yr molars.
Other than that, we've had quite a few "adventures" in the past few weeks. We discovered that toothpaste will remove permanent marker from your walls when nothing else will, that shoving poop in a lamp's light socket and turning it on produces smoke - we've yet to figure out what gets white nail polish out of dark green couch... Good times.
Nathan is getting increasingly creative with covering his tracks. During his poop-in-lamp experiment, he covered Hailey in poop and tried to blame the whole thing on her. The poor girl was crying "poop" and freaking out (understandable). He gets points for effort, I guess?
At some point in the madness I found time to make shirts for the kids. Hailey is obsessed with Blue's Clues right now (it's going to be her birthday party theme). There's still a ton to finish before Hailey's birthday party, but I'm working on it. She has custom Blue's Clues hair clippies for her pigtails that we ordered off Etsy. She'll get to wear them for her pictures next week, and for her birthday party. She's pretty excited. She's also psyched about getting to wear a tutu to pictures. She's getting really into tutus. I'm going to try learning to make them.
January 9, 2011
I spent this morning uploading pictures and videos of the kids. I should be all caught up - for now.
January 7, 2011
Sophie had her 2 month well baby visit today.
Height: 22.5 in (75%) Weight:9 lbs 13 oz (25%) Head:14.5 (10%)
Sophie is doing fine with gaining weight now, which is a huge relief. She's still growing like a weed. It looks like we'll be needing to go shopping for some 6 month clothes soon. She started out the smallest baby we've had, but she's catching up! She's slightly bigger than Nathan was at this age, and only just barely smaller than Hailey was.
Also, she's met all her milestones and is doing great.
The doctor discovered that Sophie has an umbilical hernia. He says that it should resolve itself by the time she's 3, but that if it doesn't, she will need surgery to correct it. I've never heard of this before, so it's a little scary, but Dr. Gould says she should be just fine either way.
December 27, 2010
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas! The kids were very excited this year. Nathan was over the moon that Santa and the reindeer ate the snacks we left out for them.
Santa brought Nathan and Hailey the train table they were hoping for. Nathan with his Buzz Lightyear. Hailey's favorite things so far seem to be her dress up jewelry and her robot bear cub. Sophie was just happy to be included.
It's sure been busy around here! Nate is still working on adjusting to all the changes we've had this year, but he's doing a lot better. We moved Hailey to a booster chair and she is loving sitting at the table like a big girl. Sophie started smiling and tries to "talk" to the kids by making cooing sounds. I posted some newer pictures of the kids here.
And the adventures of Hailey continue! She's been keeping us all very busy lately. Today she went upstairs to get her baby doll, but instead of coming right back down with it, I hear the water turn on. I went racing up to see what she was doing, and I found her holding her baby over the bathtub with the shower on. She was giving baby a bath she said. Baby and Hailey both needed dry clothes, and the floor was drenched!
Hailey has also decided she's too big to use sippy cups. I still keep giving them to her because of the whole spill factor, but she takes the lids off and tries to drink them like regular cups. Today she decided to take the lid off Nate's cup and drink all his milk. I told her that wasn't nice and asked her what Nathan was supposed to drink now. She took the cup into the bathroom, filled it from the toilet, put the lid back on and handed it to Nathan with a "Here ya go". He didn't drink it, but eewww.
Of course, not every activity the kids get interested in results in a mess that I have to pick up. They're also very into coloring, doing puzzles and playing with their trains. Hailey had us all play tea party this afternoon. Nate had fun adding milk and sugar to his tea and stirring it. Hailey was an awesome hostess and made sure we never had an empty cup. Sophie fell asleep halfway through the party - must have been too much excitement for her, lol.
Nate got some board games for Christmas and seems to have a lot of luck at Candyland. I've been playing since before he was born, so you'd think I'd win a few, but nope!
Oh! And Nathan got his first hair cut from Mommy.
December 19, 2010
It feels like forever since I've had time to check in on here and really update. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I've got time right now either. I'll try to get caught up again after the holidays. Just too much to do right now and never enough time, lol.
Thanksgiving came and went in a blur. The girls wore their matching turkey shirts and bows. Nate had his preschool Thanksgiving party. And preschool Christmas party. We also had the family Christmas party. We've been busy decorating the tree... And cookies!
I did finally manage to upload a ton of pictures! I haven't had time to post who's who or many descriptions, but at least the pictures are there.
Height: 21.5 in (90%) Weight:7 lbs 2 oz (10%) Head:13.5 (10%)
Sophie
has gained 1 oz short of a pound, and 1.5 inches, in a week and a half! She's doing well, so no more bringing her in for weight checks. No wonder she's eating like crazy around the clock - girl is growing like a weed!
Sophie's onesie gave me some trouble buttoning this morning. The newborn size only goes up to 21.5", so when they measured her at 21.5" today, we knew why it didn't fit. I can't believe it's time to pack away her newborn clothes already. It makes me a little sad that she won't be a "newborn" anymore, but I'm glad she's doing well.
November 22, 2010 Sophie had her 2 week well baby visit today.
Height: 20 in (70%) Weight:6 lbs 3 oz (10%) Head:13.25 (25%)
Sophie has grown quite a bit length wise, but she seems to be having some trouble gaining weight - just like Nathan and Hailey. She'll have another weight check on December 3rd to determine how she's doing. We'll be continuing supplementing and hoping she starts gaining soon.
Sophie had her Hep B vaccine and second newborn screening test today. She'll be done being poked with needles until her 2 month well baby visit.
November 14, 2010
Sophie had another bili check today.
Bilirubin:9.4
We are done checking Sophie's bili levels! She is doing really well and the bili level has dropped a decent amount. She should be just fine with no treatment for jaundice, woohoo!
In other news, Sophie's umbilical cord fell off sometime early this morning. I think it's neat that each of the kids has lost their cord at exactly one week old.
November 12, 2010
Sophie had a weight check today.
Height: 18.5 in Weight:6 lbs 4 oz Bilirubin:12.6 (yesterday)
The doctor typically gives newborns two weeks to regain their birth weight. Sophie is only 5 days old and she's back up to birth weight plus 2 ounces! She's the only one of our kids not labeled "failure to thrive". She's also the lowest risk level for jaundice. She's doing awesome!
*** We took the kids to JCPenney's for pictures last night. Nathan decided he didn't want his picture taken, so we didn't get any of all three kids. I'm definitely disappointed, but at least we got some good shots of the girls. We can try for one of all three again in February when we take Sophie for her 3 month pics and Hailey for her 2 year pics (lots of pics that month!).
November 9, 2010
Sophie had her first well baby visit today!
Height: 18 in Weight:5 lbs 10 oz Bilirubin:10.3
Sophie's weight loss is within normal range, but since the other kids had higher than normal weight loss, she'll have a weight check later this week. Her bilirubin level isn't terrible, but she does have jaundice. Again, since the older kids had it, we're rechecking her level later in the week, just to be safe. Everything else looks great!
*** Nate helped me give Sophie her first at home bath. He likes being a helper and wanted his picture taken - too cute! Both of the kids love Sophie and smother her with hugs and kisses. Life is good.
November 8, 2010
Sophie Elise Perkins was born November 7th, 2010, at 10:55 am.
Height: 18 in Weight:6 lbs 2 oz
I had gone for my nightly walk, gotten my shower and finally was headed to bed for the night - or so I thought. I'd been having contractions for over a week, but they were pretty bad that night. I figured I'd try to sleep through them and see if they let up. Ty and I were almost asleep when I heard a loud POP and felt a really strong pain in my middle. Worried about Sophie, I got up and ran to the bathroom. There was fluid running down my legs and I was pretty sure it wasn't pee! I sat on the toilet to keep from dripping all over the floor, and I discovered that I was having bloody show (definite sign of labor). The doubt over whether or not my water had broken was over and we were off to the hospital!
It was around 2-2:30 am that we got to the hospital. The nurses didn't want to check me for dilation since my water had broken - it could introduce an infection. They hooked me up to the monitors which showed that labor hadn't really gotten into a steady pattern yet. Somewhere around 6am, they decided to check and see where we were at. Sophie was down to -1 station and we were dilated between 3-4 cm and 70% effaced. Early labor was a pretty slow process, but we were definitely making progress. Having had no sleep, I decided to get the epidural and try to nap.
I got to sleep about 2.5 hours. When I woke up, they told me labor had stalled out while I was sleeping and that they wanted to give me a little pitocin just to get it rolling again. I'm not a fan of the pit, but figured this was a good idea, so we did it. An hour later we were at a definite 4 cm and the contractions were starting to get going again. As the contractions got stronger, I noticed that the epidural wasn't working on my lower half like it should be and that I had a constant urge to pee (later found out that Sophie had pushed my catheter into the wrong place and that caused the peeing thing). The midwife came in and said she'd call the epidural guy to come fix it. The contractions picked this time to really kick in and get things moving. In the 10 minutes it took the anesthesia doctor to get there, I went from 4cm to 10.
Sophie's heart rate was starting to drop with the contractions. I asked the midwife if we had time to fix the epidural or if Sophie was having enough trouble that we needed to just proceed forward. Her heart rate dropped low again and proceeding without the epi we did! Because of the heart rate issue, I had to wear an oxygen mask, which helped a little. Also, I couldn't push when I wanted to push, I had to wait for her heart rate to rebound first. When we hit the "ring of fire" stage, this was particularly difficult, but I knew it was important for Sophie to recover.
Sophie was attempting to come out ear first, which is NOT the preferred presentation. The last really strong push got her to finally turn her head so she could come out the right way. The doctors discovered the cord around her neck and decided that that was what had been affecting her heart rate during contractions. Luckily, all was well with Miss Sophie and she did very well with her apgar scores (9 and 9!).
It was quite an eventful night. I guess she was trying to make up for being my "boring" pregnancy by cramming as much excitement into one night as possible, lol. We're both home and doing well now. The hospital usually keeps you for 48 hours, but I had no tearing or stitches, and Sophie was looking great, so we got to come home early.
Weight:+7 (I'm just not counting the total anymore, oy) Blood pressure:130/76 (little high) Baby's HB:150's Abdomen:40.5 cm (big) Position:head down (not engaged) Dilation:"one fingertip" Effacement:40% Station:-3
Yesterday's appointment SUCKED. It was my first time meeting this particular midwife and let's just say she is not making my favorite's list. My blood pressure looked a tad high, not even really that bad, and yet she decided to keep me ALL DAY for testing. My appointment was at 11am and I didn't get home until after 5pm - friggin' ridiculous! Not a single test came back looking bad, yet she wanted me to do MORE testing. I asked for a second opinion from the midwife on call, she told me there was no medical reason to be doing these tests, so I went home.
Sophie went from lying oblique (kind of sideways) to being straight head down and her measurements reflect that by looking big again. We were at 36w5d and measured 40.5 weeks. Nate measured 2.5 weeks bigger at that same gestation, and Hailey measured 2 weeks smaller than that at the same gestation, so Sophie sounds perfect to me.
Not a lot going on dilation-wise. The midwife thought I might have dilated a little more, but refused to really check because I wasn't full-term for two more DAYS. Yeah, can you tell I loved this lady or what? Anyway! I went from 0% effaced last week to 40% this week, so maybe something is finally starting. Still hoping we've only got a week or two left. Being hooked up to all those monitors yesterday showed me that I'm not nuts - I really am contracting off an on all day these days. It needs to go away and come back when it's serious about doing something, lol.
October 30, 2010
HappyHalloween from the kids!
Nathan and Hailey had a blast trick-or-treating around our neighborhood. Surprisingly, Nate had just as much fun handing out candy once we got back home. He liked wishing everyone a Happy Halloween and putting treats in bags.
Today was the Halloween party for Nathan's preschool! Nate and Hailey had a lot of fun playing with the kids and doing Halloween things. Pictures can be found here.
Here they are playing Halloween Bingo. :)
October 27, 2010
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+7 (45 total, ouch!) Blood pressure:118/72 (normal) Baby's HB:156 bpm Abdomen:35 cm (normal) Position:head down (not engaged) Dilation:"one fingertip" Effacement:0%
It's looking like Miss Sophie is going to be our biggest baby yet. Hailey was estimated at 5 lbs 12 oz just 10 days before she was born (ended up being 7 lbs 5 oz), Sophie is already estimated at 5 lbs 14 oz and we have 4.5 weeks until our due date. The midwife says she should be a healthy 8 lb baby when she makes her way into the world. Everything else with our ultrasound looked good. Sophie is still a girl, lol.
Only 1 week and 2 days until we're 37 weeks (full-term). Sophie can come any point after that and be considered a fully-baked baby, lol. She probably won't be coming that soon, but I hope she doesn't decide to hang out in there the full 40 weeks.
Mommy and Sophie today. :) Miss Sophie
October 17, 2010
The family Halloween party was last night. The kids had a lot of fun. It was good to see everybody. Pictures are here.
Here the kids are in costume, getting ready to leave for the party.
October 13, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER!!! Ty is 27 today.
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+3 (38 total)
Blood Pressure: 132/65 (little high, but not bad) Baby's HB:140 bpm Measuring:35 cm (little big) Position:head down, diagonal
Everything looked good today. Sophie still has her head rammed into my pelvic bone and her feet firmly lodged in my ribs. She seems comfy. Me? Not so much. The midwife is estimating her somewhere between 4-5 lbs, which is normal for this point. We're having an ultrasound on the 27th to double check that all is well and see how big she is. I was measured twice today - one said 35 weeks, one said 37 weeks. Depending on her position at the checkups, we're getting some very different measurements - anything from 1-4 weeks big. Be nice to know where she really falls in that range.
This was our last appt before we start the cervix checks! I have one more two week appt (27th) and then will be going weekly. I scheduled my first November checkup today. Getting close now. Can't wait to see her on ultrasound again.
October 9, 2010
I walked into the bathroom tonight to Nathan dipping his head in the toilet. I don't even know what else to say. Love that kid to pieces, but sometimes he's so weird I just don't get him, lol.
October 7, 2010
Hailey's 12th tooth broke through!
I found another new tooth while brushing Hailey's teeth last night. It's the bottom left molar. One step closer to being done with teething! At least for Hailey...
October 6, 2010
We took the kids to Sam's 3rd birthday party at the bowling alley here in town. It turns out they really like bowling. They had a great time!
Hailey cracked us up by refusing to even try on the bowling shoes because they were too ugly. She yelled "NO!", wouldn't let us put her feet in them, and kept asking for her "pretty shoes". We ended up letting her bowl in her pink sparkly shoes. She's turning out to be pretty particular. She wouldn't bowl with a ball unless it was pink or orange. All the other colors were unacceptable. She's 1 going on 13, I guess, lol.
When we got home tonight, Ty got out his Halloween Snoopy that plays music. Hailey was afraid of it. She kept yelling "ow!" and running away. I guess "ow" now means hurt and/or scared, lol. Nate still loves Snoopy, but I guess we'll have to play with it when Hailey's not around?
October 3, 2010
We got hit with the stomach flu. It's been one puke-filled week (yuck!). Everyone seems to be feeling better, so we're hoping to make it to Babies "R" Us to pick up a few things we still need for Sophie.
I'm so excited that it's finally October!!! I love this time of year. Ty's birthday is coming up, then Halloween. The kids are excited. Nate wants to make his Daddy a Halloween birthday cake, lol. Probably one of the most exciting parts of October this year is that we can finally say we're due NEXT MONTH.
The nesting has been hitting hard lately. Not a whole lot left that needs to be done before Sophie gets here. Her bassinet is cleaned and put together, all clothes are washed and put away, and we've stocked up on newborn and size 1 diapers. Only 7 1/2 weeks left - or less!
Everything looked good today. Urine test was negative for sugar! All my sugar levels for the past week have been perfect, so definitely not gestational diabetes. I won't be having to redo the glucose test, woohoo!
Sophie was positioned different this week, so it was hard to measure her. The midwife says she estimates her to weigh 3.5 lbs or so from what she could feel. Her head is still down in my pelvis, but not locked into position for birth yet. We're not dilating more, but my cervix has gone soft in preparation for it. Only a few more weeks until full-term! If Sophie is still looking big at my next appointment, we'll be scheduling an ultrasound to check on her.
My blood pressure has been looking ok for the last week, so all restrictions are being lifted! I can go back to the gym (within reason) and am on every two week appointments instead of every week! At least for the month of October... then I'll be so far along that I'm back to every week, but I'm enjoying the break from driving to Salt Lake all the time.
September 26, 2010
Another successful trip to Carter's today! I got the kids their winter coats, some jeans for Hailey and some Christmas jammies for Nate.
Original Total of Items - $181 Actual Price Paid - $70 Total Saved - $111
I think I'm getting the hang of this sale shopping stuff. One winter coat without the sale or coupon was $68, so it's almost like getting everything else for free, lol.
Nathan's new coat Hailey's new coat
The matching snow pants are out of stock for Hailey's coat, so I'll probably wait to get the kids' snow stuff until I can get both. I was really hoping to get them while they're half off, so it'll be nice if we can get them at the next sale. I'll be keeping an eye out.
I was super psyched to find matching Christmas jammies for Hailey and Nate. They didn't have any small enough for Sophie.
I'm going in every week because of my blood pressure. It looked slightly better this week, but not enough to have my restrictions lifted. I'm gaining weight like crazy and yet they won't let me go to the gym anymore. So frustrated, feeling HUGE and miserable, and I've got 9 weeks left until my due date. The next time someone asks me "How are you feeling?" they are risking their life. You've been warned.
I'm now spilling sugar in my urine, which made them decide they want to do yet another 3 hr glucose test. When they asked me when was "convenient" to come back to do it AGAIN, I about lost it. Just give me the special diet plan and glucose meter and quit ****ing stabbing me with needles!!! I just barely did that test for the second time, I am NOT doing it again!
Today they mentioned induction. They think if pre-eclampsia doesn't set in (like with Nate), that gestational diabetes will (like with Hailey), so I'm pretty much looking at being induced again. Guess I just wasn't meant to know what going into labor on my own is like?
September 21, 2010
Hailey still isn't thrilled that Nate is going to preschool. She asks to go get him about a million times in the whole 2.5 hours he's gone. Today she went on for 30 minutes with "Go. Mommy, go. GO Nene (Nathan)!", complete with tears, until I told her that Nathan's school wasn't out yet and we would have to wait to get him. Then she started with "Out. Mommy, go!". I guess Nate's school now gets out when Hailey decides it's time for him to come home?
Funny Nate story of the day... I sent him to time out and told him that he couldn't take his toy trains with him. I was still in the kitchen making dinner and saw him sneak down the stairs and start calling quietly for Hailey. When she came over, he whispered to her to bring him his trains. Technically, HE didn't take them, just like I told him not to, but that's kind of beside the point...
September 19, 2010
Hailey's 11th tooth broke through!
It's
the bottom right molar. One more molar to go! She's still cranky and having teething signs, so we might be seeing it soon.
September 14, 2010
The girls' shelves got here today. Hailey and I picked them up while Nate was at preschool (he had a great day, btw!). The kids actually napped at the same time, so I took advantage of that time to make some bow holders for the girls. Here's the finished product.
And a pic of the girls' new bow corner!
September 13, 2010
Got the results of the 24 hr test tonight - good news! My protein count was 275 - anything under 300 means no pre-eclampsia. It looks like I have regular pregnancy induced hypertension. I had this with Hailey and still made it to full-term, so I'm feeling optimistic about our chances at making it this time.
My blood pressure check tonight came out 137/75 when I first got there. After resting it was 110/47. Definitely following the same pattern as it did with Hailey. The slightest stress and it will go up A LOT, but as long as it's still coming back down, we should be alright. Just have to watch that stress level. I'm sure that'll be cake with toddlers, right?
September 12, 2010
Sophie and I had our first trip to Labor & Delivery today. I woke up just as swollen as I had been when I went to bed last night - not a good sign. I called the midwife to ask what I should do, she sent me to L&D to be tested for pre-eclampsia. Pre-e is the reason Nathan was born a month early, so this was NOT what I wanted to hear.
My blood pressure was 102/60 a week and a half ago. I was monitored for several hours today and it was consistently 140's/80's. I also had no traces of protein at my last appointment, but had them today. They've concluded that I'm in the beginning stages of pre-e. I'm doing the 24 hour urine collection to be tested tomorrow night. They said this should give them an idea of "how fast I'm going downhill". As encouraging as THAT sounds, it will be nice to know if they think we stand a chance of still making it to term. They told me today that pre-e can escalate quickly, and as soon as it looks better for Sophie to be out than in, she will be delivered. The goal is to make it to 37 weeks (or longer), but there's no guarantee that it will work out that way. We're only 7 weeks and 5 days away from being full-term, so I'm hoping with everything I've got we can make it that much longer.
September 6, 2010
We took the kids to Lagoon today! They had a lot of fun. They both enjoyed the Merry-Go-Round. Nate loved it last year, but Hailey was too small to go. It was fun seeing her react to it like Nate did last year. When we went the last time, she was going "weeee" the whole ride.
Nathan went on his first ever solo ride! He chose the helicopter ride in the KiddieLand part of Lagoon. Ty tried his best not to get his picture taken, but I got him anyway! The kids enjoyed the Wild Kingdom train and the Tilt-A-Whirl. They giggled like crazy when we got to spin around in the cup. Mommy and Nate on the train. Mommy and Hailey in line for the Tilt-A-Whirl.
We took the kids to Hogle Zoo today! They had a lot of fun seeing all the animals, and they even got to feed the ducks! Pictures are here. Our family with the giraffes. Nate with Mr. Giraffe. Hailey with her baby elephant.
September 2, 2010
Hailey's 10th tooth broke through!
It's
the bottom one, right of the
middle. She's got two more molars left (both on the bottom). We're getting closer
to getting a break from teething.
This appt was 5 weeks from the last instead of the usual 4. Everything is looking fine with the baby. We're measuring a little big (31 weeks at almost 28 weeks), but still within normal range.
I've been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions and then some spotting last weekend, so I had them check my cervix to make sure all is well. It looks like we're dilated to 1 cm. Dr. Cohen said that it's considered normal for the point I'm at in my pregnancy and having had other children, so she doesn't think we're at risk for pre-term labor right now. All the same, I'm supposed to get off my feet and take it easy if I have anymore contractions or spotting.
I did my 3 hr glucose tolerance test today. I should have the results sometime tonight. Not really expecting to pass, but you never know.
We're moving to appointments every 3 weeks instead of 4 weeks now. Starting to sink in that we're getting closer to having this baby!
***EDIT***
3 hr Glucose Results
Fasting - 70, had to be <95 1 hr - 170, had to be <180 2 hr - 116, had to be <155 3 hr - 56, had to be <140
Anemia Results 39.5
I'm not even close to being anemic this time (I was borderline with Hailey), woohoo! It also appears I may have passed the gestational diabetes test. Waiting to hear back from the midwife as to what the plan is, but according to previous 3 hr tests I've taken, those numbers are all within normal range. GD results reference.
Call from the midwife confirms it. All numbers are normal, NO DIABETES! I'm more than a little surprised. With our family history of diabetes, me being insulin resistant, AND having had GD with a previous pregnancy, I was told my chances of having it this time were 90%. Not that I'm complaining. Happy to not have it. Nate is also happy. He did a dance with me in the kitchen, singing "We don't have giant bees! We're happy!".
August 30, 2010
Nate had an accident in his underpants today. I didn't realize he'd gone, so I asked him to go to the bathroom while I grabbed the laundry, and I'd meet him upstairs... He decided to use an entire roll of toilet paper, an entire container of baby wipes (both shoved into the toilet, clogging it), and his sister's bathing suit (shoved into the sink) to "clean" his dirty underpants. Surprise, surprise when I came up to that lovely mess. I swear, kids keep life interesting. I could use a little less "interesting" this week though, lol.
All in all, it was a good day. The kids had fun going for a walk and watching Harry Potter. They are missing Daddy (he's in CA on business), but they're doing really well. They talked to him for a little while on the phone tonight and got to say goodnight. Ty should be home Friday, so it's only a few more days!
August 29, 2010
Hailey's 9th tooth broke through!
It's the top left molar. Tooth #10 isn't far behind (bottom one, off the middle), and then we've got two more molars left. We're getting closer to getting a break from teething.
August 28, 2010
Busy day for us today! I hit the Carter's sale, coupon in hand. They were also having buy one get one free on jammies (yay!). The kids should be pretty well set for the colder weather, except we'll need to get bigger jackets and some snow suits at some point.
Original Total of Items = $577 Actual Price Paid = $225 Total Saved = $352!!!
Not a bad day at all! Also, I came across Nate's favorite pair of jammies that were discontinued in the next two sizes up that he needed. He's so happy!
I think my favorite purchase came in the form of matching dresses. Isn't it the cutest?! Love it!
Other than that, the kids had fun painting some little wooden trains tonight. I got them ones just like their name trains since they won't leave the baby's name train alone. Maybe this will help. Mommy helped with the wheels and some of Hailey's train cars. I also finished the baby's name train today. I FINALLY got my hands on an engine to paint.
August 27, 2010
Nathan's Halloween costume arrived today! Here he is trying it on.
In other news, we've officially graduated to the Third Trimester (7th month)! Only a few more months until the baby's here!
Today's excitement of the day - I put Hailey down for nap in the crib (she sleeps in the toddler bed at night now, but won't stay put during the day), an hour later, she is standing here climbing on my lap. Nathan says "I teached her how to get out, Mommy!". He's all excited to have taught Hailey something new. Mommy? Decidedly less excited about this.
August 26, 2010
Hailey's Halloween costume arrived today! She was so excited that as soon as she saw it, she had to try it on! She was already wearing her Snow White princess dress, so I changed her out of one princess dress and into another, lol. I got it in 2T/3T, so it's got a little room to grow. I can see her wearing it for as long as she can!
Nate's Halloween costume is supposed to get here tomorrow. I'll have to get pics when he tries it on. He says I can't take his picture, but I'm sure I can sneak one.
August 25, 2010
Nate decided that Hailey's hair needed more Desitin (diaper cream) and Johnson's Baby Lotion in it. Surprisingly, Hailey didn't seem to be all that upset about it. She was quite happy once she was clean and running around again.
August 21, 2010
We took the kids to the Tooele Train Museum today. They had fun looking at the HO scale train model and climbing up in the big train. Pics are here.
I ordered the kids their Halloween costumes yesterday. We also went shoe shopping!
Nathan is going as Handy Manny this year. We got him some little work boots to go with his costume. They're waterproof and sturdy, so they'll be good winter shoes, and he loves them! Hailey is going as Princess Aurora. We got her some little princess shoes to go with her costume. She loves them already. :)
August 14, 2010
Today was the annual Beehive Party. The kids had a lot of fun! There were snow cones, face painting, bouncy toys, horses, balloons - lots to do!
Nathan really loved the snow cones.
Hailey got a pink butterfly painted on her face.
Also today, Nathan's new big boy bed got here. Tonight will be the kids' first night in their new beds - Nathan in his new full size bed, and Hailey in the toddler bed. Here's hoping all goes well!
August 12, 2010
Hailey had her 18 month well baby visit today. Weight: 22 lbs 7 oz (25%) Height: 33 in (90%) Head: 17.75
in (25%)
Hailey is getting big and doing great! She's met all her milestones - no worries about development - and no shots today. She gets one more at her 2 yr checkup, and then no more until kindergarten!
I had to get Hailey up from nap to take her to her appt. As I'm carrying her out to the van, she starts yelling "Bow! Shoes!" over and over. She was barely awake and more worried about what she was wearing than where I was taking her, lol. Such a girl!
August 9, 2010
I painted my nails during Hailey's nap today. When she woke up, she immediately noticed them and wanted hers painted as well. She did pretty well sitting still. I put on one coat of a sheer pink color for her and she was very pleased.
August 8, 2010
Hailey's 8th tooth broke through!
It's about time! These teeth sure are taking their sweet time coming in. She's still teething 3 more molars and one bottom tooth. This is her first molar (top right) to break through. I'm hoping this means some relief to the cranky/whiny/velcro-baby stuff we've been dealing with, but with all those other teeth still coming in, maybe not. At any rate, one down, a million to go, lol.
August 6, 2010
Happy 24 weeks to us! We've reached the point of viability, woohoo! Only a few more weeks and we'll be in our last trimester. We will be full-term three months from yesterday, not that I'm counting, so it's not long now until we get to meet our baby!
I finished the blankie last night! Washing it today. Can't wait until we have our baby to snuggle in it.
August 4, 2010
Nate is officially enrolled in preschool for this Fall! We'll be taking him shopping for a little backpack sometime this month. I can't believe how grown up he's getting.
Our little guy has been in underpants for a whole month now! Nate also decided that he is now too old to pee on the potty sitting down. He informed me that he needs to stand like Daddy, and so he does. We've been lucky and not seen any incidents of pee where it shouldn't be (so far). He's also gotten to where he can wear his underpants when we go out and keep them dry. I'm so proud of him! It's hard to see him growing up so fast, but I'm happy for him.
August 3, 2010
Nate and I have been visiting preschools to find one for him to attend this Fall. We finally found THE ONE today! He loved it there and Mommy was happy with it, too. I should be picking up the last form we need to get him enrolled and have him officially on the list for Fall by Friday!
In other Nate news, he's really into being "artistic" lately. Today, he dipped toilet paper in the toilet and then stuck it all over the bathroom walls. I don't know why this seemed like a good idea to him, but apparently it did.
In Hailey news, she's talking more and more lately. She upgraded Tyler and I from "dada" and "mama" to "Daddy" and "Mommy" a few weeks ago. It's so cute to hear her call me in her little baby voice! She's also getting to where she wants a name for everything and to tell you what she needs/wants. I think we're officially in the repeater stage, so watch out!
July 30, 2010
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+7 (15 total)
Blood Pressure: 110/64 Baby's HB:140's-150's Measuring:25 cm (2 wks big)
Everything is looking fine with the baby. We're measuring a little bigger now, but still within normal range.
The midwife was extremely rude for the second appt in a row, so I am switching from Dr. Penny to Dr. Cohen. Hoping this solves the problem and appts will be much less stressful in the future. I'm so over being told how fat I am at every appt!
July 28, 2010
I finally got a chance to sort pictures and get caught up! The Ogden Train Thing pics are here. I also updated the July pics of the kids - lots more pics!
Also, Nathan got a birthday package in the mail today! He loves his new Toy Story Woody.
July 25, 2010
Happy 6th month of pregnancy to us! Only a few more weeks until we're in our 3rd trimester! I'll be getting another bump picture later this week. We also have our next baby appt on Friday. The time is flying. This baby is going to be here before you know it.
July 21, 2010
Nate has been in underpants for a week and a half now! We're still not completely accident-free all the time, but he's doing great most of the time. We're also seeing more mornings where he wakes up with a dry pull-up.
Nate has also taken to talking about the new baby all the time. He's very excited to be getting another sibling. He talks to my tummy and even gave it hugs and kisses to tell the baby goodnight.
Hailey has been practicing her climbing skills and can now climb just about everything in the house. She loves to get up to the table and sit like a big person with her teddy bear. We've had a few mishaps where she's fallen off something when I was in the bathroom, but so far, no cuts or bruises. She seems to have inherited Nate's luck with climbing.
Hailey has also started showing interest in the potty and has started wanting to sit on it. We haven't had any successful attempts, but I'm hopeful. She comes to me to tell me "poop" when she needs to be changed, so it's a start.
Other than that, not a lot new with us. Ty took the kids to some train thing in Ogden last weekend. I'll try to get the pictures up when I get a chance.
We'll be starting our 6th month soon! We have another baby appt coming up next week, and my next 3 hr GTT will be in August. So far, everything has looked really good with the baby, so fingers crossed it stays that way!
July 10, 2010
A big thanks to everyone who came to Nathan's 3rd birthday party! He had a blast! Pics are here.
July 9, 2010
Nathan's 3 year checkup was today!
Weight:33 lbs 8 oz (75%) Height:37.25 inches (65%)
Nate has sure gotten big in the last year! His weight percentage has finally caught up to his height. The pediatrician says there isn't an inch to pinch on Nate and he's "built like a train". I guess all that running and climbing has built some serious muscles.
The other big progress is in his speech. He used to be just barely where he needed to be and now he is doing great! He's also still way advanced in his motor skills.
No shots today. The next shots Nate has to get are in preparation for kindergarten. No more well baby visits til he's 4.
Also today, I took Nathan to get his 3rd birthday pictures! Full album here. The traditional "Be Squared" Pic. Nate's official 3 year portrait. We even got a pretty good one of the kids together.
July 5, 2010
We went over to Carl & Sharol's for a 4th of July BBQ. The kids had a blast with the fireworks. I got a few videos of the fun. Pics are here.
Everything is looking awesome! We had our BIG ultrasound today and the baby looks perfect! It was a lot of fun to see the baby moving around and looking like an actual baby. The last time we got a peek, still kind of looked like a lima bean. The ultrasound estimates the baby to weigh 10 oz at this point, which is on target.
And yes, we took a peek at the gender. And no, we're not telling.
June 25, 2010
Hailey's 7th tooth broke through!
It's about time! She's been teething for what feels like forever. The dentist told us in May that she had two coming in on the bottom, plus 4 molars. This one is bottom row, one left of the middle. She's still teething another bottom tooth and those dang molars. At least she should be a little happier with one less to be teething?
June 24, 2010
Our ticker bumped over to the 5th month today! We're down to 1 week and 1 day until our BIG ultrasound. Definitely getting anxious to see the baby and find out what we're having.
I'm trying to finish getting Nathan's birthday party planned. His birthday is the middle of the week this year, so we'll have the party on July 10th (Saturday). He's asked for a bike, some cake and decorations, and some little kids to attend. Here's hoping we can deliver the party he's imagining.
Took a few new "bumpie pics".
June 23, 2010
We got home from our trip to Athens late last night. I'll be sorting pictures and uploading them when I get a chance. Still a lot of unpacking and whatnot to get done! When they're up, I'll link them here.
Me & the kids in Athens.
June 5, 2010
I decided to take advantage of Carter's 70% off sale today to get the kids more summer clothes. They should be set for the rest of summer, yay! As always, I took my email coupon with me.
Total of original clothes prices - $415 Amount actually paid - $141
I even picked up a few outfits for the new baby - one pink, one blue. They were on clearance, so I don't feel bad about the cost of the one we won't use. Originally priced at $24 each, I got the both of them for $4 total - $44 less than they would have been without the sale and coupon.
Everything is looking good
so far. My blood pressure is actually better than it's been in YEARS, and my weight gain is under the typical amount. Thinking all that exercise is really paying off and keeping the bean and I in good shape.
The midwife did suggest scaling back on exercise around 20 weeks. She thinks continuing boot camp at that point would have to be highly modified. I'm sure we'll figure something out. If all else fails, pulling the kids in their wagon is a good workout.
Our BIG ultrasound is scheduled for our next visit - July 2nd. Can't wait to see what we're having!!!
June 3, 2010
I'm working on catching up on videos and pictures. I posted a couple of new videos. One is from the beginning of May where Hailey started saying "yuck". The other one is from a week or two ago. The kids like to watch Glee every week and dance to it.
May 28, 2010
Nathan is definitely developing a very active imagination. Hi-light of the week was him telling us at dinner that he's got a baby growing in his tummy and it makes his back hurt. I wonder where he came up with that.
He's also spent an awful lot of time on the phone with Handy Manny lately. Shrek's Donkey needed a drink out of our hose on Thursday, too. At least life is never boring with Nathan around.
Other than that, Nathan has started telling me all about his baby brother. He's convinced we are having a boy. I told him the baby could end up being a girl, but he says NO, it is his baby brother. He now wants to see/poke my tummy every so often and ask me about his brother. Only a few more weeks until we get to see if he's right!
May 24, 2010
We had a family dentist appointment today. We are all cavity-free!
Hailey got her teeth looked at for the first time. She was not interested in letting strangers look in her mouth AT ALL. The dentist did eventually get to look, and he confirmed what we already knew - Hailey is teething BAD right now. She hasn't slept well in about a week, and the drool is insane, so that was pretty obvious. Here's hoping it's not much longer til we see those new teeth!
In page news, I've condensed the photo albums for Nathan and Hailey into one area - Kid Pics - and will be starting albums with month/year names instead of separate ones for the both of them from now on. It should make uploading a whole lot faster/easier for me, and hopefully that will mean more updates for all of you.
May 23, 2010
We took the kiddos to Shrek 4 yesterday. We didn't make it through the entire movie, but they had a good time. Maybe the next movie we try, we'll actually get to see how it ends, lol.
We also got the kids some new shoes this weekend. Nate got some Spiderman flip flops and new Thomas the Train sneakers. His old sneakers were literally falling apart. He loves his new flip flops and wants to show them to everybody. He's now up to size 10/11 depending on the shoe.
Hailey got new sandals that she loves. She's up to size 5/6 now. She totally LOVED being in the shoe aisle. She wanted to take home EVERY shoe that was pink, and she cried her little eyes out when we left with only one pair of shoes. She went past the toys without a problem, but had a meltdown over shoes. Such a girl! HA HA. It'll be like Christmas to her when we go back for cooler weather shoes later on.
May 21, 2010
Happy 4th month to us! We're entering our Second Trimester now. Here's a pic from this morning of the bump.
May 17, 2010
Hailey had her 15 month well baby visit today. Weight: 21 lbs 8 oz (30%) Height: 30.75 in (70%) Head: 17.75
in (30%)
Hailey is getting big and doing great! She's met all her milestones and is even ahead on most. She is definitely going to be our chatter box - she knows way more words than the average baby her age. She also knows how to pretend play, dance and can point to 3 body parts.
So proud of her!
May 15, 2010
Well, we finally broke down and bought a van. We swore we'd never own a mini-van, but times change. It has three seats that have LATCH in them, so it can safely secure three kids in their car seats.
I was expecting driving a van to be very strange, and possibly unpleasant, but so far, I think I kind of like it (shhh!). Here's a stock photo of the new van - it's a Chrysler Town & Country. I'll try to get a better picture up soon.
May 12, 2010
Happy 15 months to Hailey baby! She'll be having her 15 month checkup next week, and I'll post her new stats then.
And I missed posting on the actual day, but we've got less than 200 days left til Baby #3! Only 197 days until our due date. We're officially in our Second Trimester next week.
May 9, 2010
Nathan is starting to make some real progress on the potty! Instead of us always having to remind him to go, there are times when he tells us he needs to go, and then off he goes! I don't think we'll be completely diaper-free for awhile yet, but we're very proud of the progress he's making. He's also starting to use the potty away from home, which is HUGE for him. We usually have the most "accidents" when we're not home, but he's been doing very well staying dry. He even made two potty trips when we went to Leatherby's - he got there dry, he got home dry. Wtg, Little Man!
May 7, 2010 Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms and Moms-to-be out there! Many women are still hoping and trying to start their family. I hope you'll remember to take a moment to count your blessings. I know we're especially thankful for our three little miracles.
The video below always makes me sad, but it's good to be reminded just how lucky we are. With PCOS and Endometriosis, things could have turned out much differently.
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+0 (2 total)
Blood Pressure: 118/62 Baby's HB:170's bpm
Everything is looking good so far. I had yet more blood drawn (4-5 more vials). Really starting to feel like a pin cushion! But the meeting with the midwife went well, and the hospital is AWESOME! The place is HUGE, and I was amazed by it. It's up in the mountains, beautiful views, and they have FREE valet parking. I didn't have to look for a spot or find my car afterwards, lol. It was nice. All in all, a good experience and I really felt comfortable there.
I think my doctor search is officially over! I'm still slightly bummed that I won't get to deliver in Tooele again, but I definitely didn't want Cullen Archer anywhere near me after how rude he was, so it's probably for the best to be in Salt Lake.
May 6, 2010
Nathan and Hailey made me lunch today. It was 100% plastic food from their toy kitchen, but it's the thought that counts. I thought it was sweet of them to want to make me food. They're both growing up so fast now, and they have such imaginations!
Hailey woke up with a puffy eye the other day. We thought it might be pink eye, but it appears to be an allergic reaction to some of the dinner she got in her eye the other night. It's looking better since we started her on the allergy eyedrops. We're hoping it'll be cleared up soon.
I've been horrible about pictures lately. I'll have to grab the camera and try to get some new ones of the kids this week. It's just been kind of hectic around here lately.
April 24, 2010
Nathan and Hailey attended Jocelynn's 3rd birthday party today. They had fun and seemed to get along well with their new cousin. Hailey especially seemed to do well with her, though she's not exactly a great conversationalist at the age of 1.
I didn't remember my camera, so I'll have to wait for Jodi to mail me some pics... I can get a few of Nate riding around on one of those horse-on-a-stick things he got from the party, though. He spent a good part of the evening running around the house going "yee-haw".
You can really see my insulin resistance in the 3 hr numbers; my blood sugar CRASHES. The good news is that I PASSED the test, without the help of medication. I guess there's something to be said about the effect of weight loss on the body's ability to process sugar. And so, I can continue to eat my carbs, at least for now.
If you look yourself up on Spokeo.com, you'll find a disturbing amount of personal information listed for all to see. If someone wants to pay $3 (yes, only $3!), it will give them even more information, including: your exact street address, email, credit information, pictures of you and your home, etc. Anything and everything a potential stalker or identity thief would ever need - all in one place - awesome!
I already removed myself and Tyler from this list, but I suggest you check it out and remove yourselves as well.
April 14, 2010 New camera is here, woohoo!
Nathan to old camera: "I'm sorry I broke you, old one."
Also, Nate and I got our hair done tonight. We're looking awesome!
April 12, 2010
Nathan broke my camera this week. The new one shipped today, so we should see it soon! Hopefully this one lives longer than 4 months. The joys of having toddlers.
April 10, 2010
The kids had a blast at the Easter Party tonight! It was good to see everyone and get to visit. And for those asking about when we're planning to add on to our family again, we think November sounds pretty good.
April 7, 2010
I entered Hailey in a contest to win a hair bow gift certificate. The photo with the most comments wins. If you have Facebook and a free minute, feel free to leave a comment for her!
The kids had a blast this year. There was snow outside, so we had to do our egg hunt indoors, but they didn't seem to mind at all. Easter pics are here.
Our indoor egg hunt went well, despite Nathan telling me that we couldn't do it inside this year "because the monkeys will eat them".
March 27, 2010
We took the kids to Hogle Zoo today! They had a lot of fun. We're thinking of getting a season pass for next year. Pics are here.
Nathan and his Daddy looking at monkeys! Mommy and Hailey
Hailey fell in love with a swan. Nathan loved riding on the train.
March 24, 2010
The kids and I made an impromptu trip to the park after running some errands today. Hailey got to try the baby swing for the first time, and Nate had fun running all over and going down the slides. We finished up with some swinging and then got some icecream and headed home.
Here are a couple of pics I grabbed with my cell.
March 20, 2010
I had so much fun at Carter's today! Their Spring/Summer stuff is soooo cute! Nate and Hailey should be pretty well covered for Spring and most of Summer. I took my gift checks and coupons and hit their Easter sale. We ended up with $450 worth of clothes for $173! Coupons are your friends.
Here are the kids trying on their hats and shades!
March 17, 2010
The kids have been taking turns with the stomach flu (or something very similar) lately. A lot of baby puke all over the house! It's been miserable. I hope everyone is feeling better soon and we can be DONE with this!
In happier news, Hailey has learned to brush her hair. It's adorable!
Nate is still very into making fake food and wanting us to eat it. He's got quite the imagination!
March 10, 2010
Spring is finally considering paying us a visit. The kids and I even made it outside for "exploring the neighborhood" in the wagon. The kids loved getting out of the house and going for a ride. I hope the weather will cooperate and let us do it more often!
We received a package from Dad and Katie today. Nate helped Hailey open it. The look on her face says it all! Hailey LOVES her new bear! She growls at him and then pounces for hugs. It's hilarious. Nathan loves him, too. Thanks Dad & Kate! And Kate, you were right. The bear IS bigger than Hailey. It doesn't stop her from carrying it around, though.
February 24, 2010
Hailey's 5th and 6th teeth broke through!
They are just *barely* through the gums. It's about time! These are on top, one to the left and one to the right of the middle. She's teething two more on the bottom, but they don't look like they'll be in anytime soon...
Moving on to other news!
The upside to all the crappy weather lately is that it's perfect for Movie Days. Ice Age and Harry Potter are generally pretty popular, and so is the popcorn!
The kids have also recently begun having tea parties. I really do love watching them play together.
February 18, 2010
The kids and I went to the Post Office today to mail out thank-you notes and Hailey's 1st birthday pictures. They did pretty well considering how boring a Post Office trip must seem to a 1-year-old and 2-year-old. Also, we ran into Kelly there (hi Kelly!), and that was pretty awesome.
Anyway! If you get an envelope in the mail that has barn animals on it, then thank you for being awesome and helping us celebrate Hailey's birthday. And if you get an envelope without barn animals, well, you're still getting pictures, so be happy. I have a few spares leftover if anybody needs one - email me or message me on Facebook.
In Nathan news, he sure is getting talkative these days. Some of the things he comes up with crack me up. When we decorated for Hailey's birthday party, he informed me that he was going to grow up big and strong, and tall like Daddy - so tall he'd be able to reach the decorations.
Today, I was talking to Tyler on the phone and said "love you, Honey, bye!", Nathan goes "Love you, Honey, bye!". I'm glad we don't have embarrassing pet names for each other, lol.
By far my favorite part of Nathan being so talkative now is when he's being my sweet little man. He tells us all the time how much he loves us and "Hailey sister". Tonight, when I was leaving for the gym, he told me "Me sad Mommy." I asked him why he was sad. "You leave Mommy. Me sad." It's good to be missed. It got funny, though, when he decided to tell me "Daddy say you no leave, Mommy". Ty was sitting right there and didn't say anything like that, but I guess Nathan thought if Daddy said I had to stay, I had to stay, lol.
And in Hailey news, she's getting more and more attached to her Blankie. She now cries if you take it away from her, even if you're just trying to keep it out of her breakfast. She carries that thing everywhere (sound familiar?)! I'm glad she appreciates all the time and hard work that went into making it.
Blankie's not the only one feeling the love these days. Hailey loves to give hugs. It's so sweet to be tackled by Hailey and her Blankie for a quick hug. She doesn't always stay long these days, though. She spends most of her time running around, chasing Nathan. I love watching them play together.
I'm still surprised all the time by how grown up the kids are getting. It goes by fast. I'm trying to remember that on the days where I'm busy trying to get the house clean or the laundry folded. These days won't last forever, the kids won't stay little, and I don't want to look back and wish I could trade some of the time I spent working for more time with the kids.
February 15, 2010
Hailey had her 1 year well baby visit today. Weight: 19 lbs 14 oz (30%) Height: 29.25 in (70%) Head: 17.5 in (50%)
Hailey is in a "growth slump" right now. Her doctor thinks she'll be hitting another monster growth spurt here soon. Good thing we've already got some clothes in the next size up.
Hailey is also teething 4 teeth again. Now it's two on top and two on the bottom. She also got 4 shots today. Good thing we have Tylenol and Motrin on hand. Poor little thing is in for a sore couple of days.
Other than that, she's a happy, healthy little 1 year-old girl! She's met her milestones and is doing just fine. Can't ask for more than that.
February 13, 2010
Hailey's 1st Birthday Party was today! Thanks to everyone that came and helped make it extra special for Hailey. She had so much fun! Her birthday pictures are here.
February 12, 2010
Happy Birthday Hailey baby! We love you!
February 11, 2010
I have a couple of new Hailey videos I wanted to get up before all the birthday craziness this weekend. I still can't believe she'll be turning 1 tomorrow.
There are also some new pictures of the kids from this week in their albums. Hailey has taken to carrying around her Blankie, just like Nate! It's so cute.
February 9, 2010
I've had an awful lot of "help" from Nate lately.
Yesterday, he decided to get Hailey and himself cups of milk while I was on the phone with the SSA about replacing our SSN cards. Amazingly enough, he knew that Hailey drinks a different type of milk than he does (whole vs 1%) and got BOTH things of milk out of the fridge. He even remembered which cap color is which milk. He has yet to master the art of pouring without spilling everywhere, however...
Today, he decided to help Mommy by getting his own breakfast while she was getting Hailey up for the day. This breakfast was cookies, of course, and resulted in chocolate being EVERYWHERE.
When Mommy went to put Hailey down for her nap, Nate decided he was going to "make cookies" in the kitchen. Every tupperware bowl he could reach was filled with baking soda, salt, vanilla, 4 colors of sprinkles and red food coloring. This "cookie dough" was then smushed all over the stove, counters, cupboards and floor.
Hailey woke up from her nap, so Mommy went to get her. Nate decided he was thirsty, so he helped himself to a drink. Mommy got to clean up the very wet aftermath with towels.
And Nate's last "help" of the day resulted in ordering new runners for his dresser drawer. Nate is now able to dress himself, and he decided he needed to change his clothes, so he climbed up the dresser and hung off the drawer, trying to get clothes out. The drawer and Nate went crashing to the floor. Nate wasn't hurt, but we can't say the drawer fared as well. Mommy hammered out the runners enough to get the drawer back in the dresser, but the replacement is a must.
Here's hoping for a little less "help" tomorrow...
February 7, 2010
Nathan got to wear his Thomas the Train apron today to help Mommy make cookies.
Nathan even took a plate of cookies to his Grandma's house. He made sure to let everyone know they were for his Grandma, and that none of the rest of us were supposed to eat them, lol.
Also in Nathan news this week, he got to do his first painting craft. He painted a little wooden bus.
He's very proud of how it turned out, and I think he's a very creative little guy. He used every color of paint we have on that bus. It took quite awhile to dry due to all the layers, lol.
I've updated the kids' picture folders, so they're current as of today, woohoo!
February 6, 2010
Ty & I took the kids to a train show today. Nate had fun, and he and Ty got to add a new train to their collection - "Emily" from Thomas & Friends.
Also, we took Hailey to get her 1st Birthday pictures done yesterday. They turned out soooo cute! The first one is her "official" 1st birthday picture - the one we're sending out to family. The second one is just too cute not to share! You can see the rest of them here.
February 3, 2010
Here's a video of Hailey walking!!!
Well. Nate decided he'd "help" wipe himself today and used an entire container of baby wipes in the process. He then attempted to flush them. Joy! You haven't lived until you're up to your elbow in the toilet, trying to pull a wad of baby wipes out.
In happier news, Nathan has learned how to put his own pants on! He's very proud of himself, as are we. He's getting there with his shirts, too. It'll be pretty nice when he can dress himself. I wonder what "adventures" he'll think up with clothes?
Hailey is still very into playing fetch with Nathan. She throws a toy for him to bring back to her, and then she claps for him and jabbers away. It's pretty funny to watch.
Not much else new. Just finishing getting things around for Hailey's birthday party. We've got her pictures on Friday. I'll try to remember to post proofs this weekend.
We're still in talks about our first family vacation. It's looking like we'll be going to visit my Dad and sister in Pennsylvania (and a few friends along the way). The dates aren't concrete just yet, but the trip is looking good.
February 1, 2010
Hailey's 3rd and 4th teeth broke through!
And.... we have TEETH! They are just *barely* through the gums, but they are definitely there. Two on the top, in the middle. Yay for teeth!!!!
It feels like I never get to do teeth posts with Hailey, but I was always doing them with Nate. She's taking her sweet time getting those chompers. She's still teething TWO more teeth, on top. Who knows when they'll come in...
January 24, 2010
Nathan and Mommy got haircuts again yesterday! Don't we look adorable? As always, Sarah did an AWESOME job! A Cut Above is in Tooele - make sure to ask for Sarah Price. I've always loved the way my hair turns out, and she's great with Nathan, too.
Yesterday was so much fun! After getting my hair done, Ty and I went to Salt Lake to buy Hailey's birthday presents. Then we went to Leatherby's (awesome food!) and to see Avatar in 3D Imax. It was unlike any other movie experience I've had. The 3D is amazing!
In other news, we're almost ready for Hailey's birthday. I took Nathan shopping the other day so he could pick her out a present. When I asked him what he thought Hailey wanted for her birthday, he said "Presents, Mommy". Then I asked him what kind of presents, and he said "Pink ones, Mommy". What he chose will have to remain a mystery for now, but here's the wrapped present! I think he did a great job. I thought it was sweet that he stuck the ribbons on the way I do when I wrap.
January 19, 2010
Nathan decided that today it was time Hailey learned to climb - "C'mon, Baby, climb up!". She's proven to be an awesome student so far. He taught her to climb up and down off his toddler bed, and she figured out chairs on her own after that.
I did get video of her climbing up and down the toddler bed. I'll link it here when it's up.
January 17, 2010
Nathan got a special surprise in the mail from Casey (and his mom Katie!). It's a Thomas the Train apron to wear when helping Mommy in the kitchen! Nate already LOVES his apron. He even wore it to grill in his toy kitchen.
Thanks again Casey (and Katie)! It was so sweet of you to think of Nate, and to remember how much he loves Thomas the train. I'm sure we'll get a lot of good use out of his special surprise!
January 14, 2010
Nathan decided to "help" me out by feeding his sister breakfast.
Yes, that is pistachio pudding my 11 month old is eating. And yes, babies are not supposed to have anything with nuts until they are 2. She doesn't appear to have a nut allergy, but I guess we'll find out! I'm supposed to give her kids' Benadryl if she starts to swell up or "look funny".
January 9, 2010
I took Hailey shoe shopping today. She's outgrown her first shoes already and is now a size 4. These are the shoes she'll be wearing for her birthday pictures.
She also got a pair of sneakers. I'll throw a pic of them in her folder later.
In other news, the hair bows I ordered for Hailey's birthday are here!!! Soooo excited. I can't wait to put them on Hailey. She is going to look adorable for her birthday pictures! Which reminds me, I need to schedule her birthday pictures. Anyhoo, here's the bow that she's going to wear for her pictures.
January 5, 2010
I just wanted to share a couple of cute Nate stories.
I was feeling pretty sick yesterday and I decided to lie down during Hailey's nap. Nate told me his dinosaurs were sick and needed to nap, too, so he gave them his Blankie and put them to sleep. Then Dr. Nate told me "Mommy vitamin better. No sick, better". So I made sure to take my vitamins. When I was still sick that afternoon, Nate decided it called for more drastic measures. He got out his drill and decided to "fix" me by drilling me in the arm. "Mommy no sick, all better". Of course, I'm still sick today, but Nate sure did try to make me better.
Then today I was washing the kids' bedding. Nate carried Blankie to the wash, gave it hugs and told it to take a bath. When it was done, I took Hailey and her bedding upstairs for her nap. Nate saw me with the bedding and went running for the dryer "Blankie done clean". I came downstairs to him cuddling his Blankie on the couch. He really is such a sweet little kid.
In other news, we're still working hard on the potty training. Nate is doing really well, for the most part. I don't see a complete end to diapers in our near future, but we've sure cut down on the amount of them being used during the day!
December 31, 2009
Nate wanted to make sure 2009 went out with a BANG. Unfortunately, that bang was the refrigerator door into the drawer... Nathan was stealing pudding cups out of the refrigerator while I was cleaning the bathroom. I guess he was trying to close the fridge door so I wouldn't notice, but the drawer was still open and he ended up smashing it.
Luckily, the fridge is still under warranty! We'll have a new drawer in a week or two, and I totally made the receptionist's day with the story of why it needed to be replaced in the first place.
That concludes Nate's adventures for 2009! Which means the "Nate & Hailey adventures of 2010" are about to commence. Woohoo?
Seriously though, we've had an AMAZING year! This year has brought many changes for our family, but they were all for the best. Hailey joined our family in February and now we can't imagine life without her. Then we sold our old home in July to move to a bigger one in August. We are LOVING our new home, btw. Plus, we've been blessed with AWESOME friends that not only helped us move (twice!), but also helped Ty with kids when I had my surgery. We couldn't have asked for a better year, or better people to have shared it with.
Wishing you all health and prosperity in the New Year! Happy 2010 everybody!
December 28, 2009
Nathan invented a new game today. Have to say, not a fan. As part of our potty training adventures, Nathan has learned that it's not a good thing to go #2 in his diaper. SO. Today he decided to take the poopy diaper off and HIDE IT so that I wouldn't find out he had gone in it. Fun times. This easily gets nominated as the worst version of hide and seek EVER.
Nathan is getting really good with his manners. He's got please and thank you down, and now he's working on you're welcome. Recently, when given dinner, he said "Dinner! Thank you, Mommy!". Such a sweetie.
In other news, Hailey is still occasionally taking steps, but is not walking just yet. She also has a head cold that she's shared with the rest of the family. I took her to the pediatrician this week and she's grown an inch in the last month (85-90%)! She's still not gaining much weight (down to 25% now), but the doctors aren't worried. She's still on target to end up in 18 month clothes before turning 1. Going to be a BIG girl.
December 25, 2009
MERRYCHRISTMAS!!!
The kids certainly had a very Merry Christmas. Nathan was SO excited to see that Santa ate the cookies he left out! And even more excited to see what Santa brought for him. Nothing compares to seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child.
You can check out our Christmas Eve & Christmas pictures here.
Here the kids are with their loot! They must have been VERY good this year.
December 19, 2009
The family Christmas party was tonight! Thanks to Laurie & Paul for hosting. We had a blast! I'll have pictures up sometime tomorrow and I'll link them here.
Hailey decided to make the Christmas party extra special by taking her first steps! I guess she was just waiting for the right audience? She sure is growing up fast...
December 18, 2009
And so the naptime battle rages on... Today Nathan dumped a cup of water on his bed and then informed me that he couldn't take a nap because his bed was wet. I stripped off the wet bedding, gave him a pillow and blanket (and dry clothing) and told him he had to sleep there anyway. He gets points for effort.
We are starting to have potty training success again! I'm SO excited about that! With the move and all of the changes this year, I knew it wasn't going to be easy. Maybe we'll be down to only ONE in diapers in 2010. Fingers crossed!
December 16, 2009
The new camera has arrived! I've added some of the pictures I've taken so far into the kids' albums. We are aware that thumbnail viewing is currently "broken", but the images ARE still there and working. You just have to click on them. At some point in the future, Tyler plans to fix the thumbnails. The increase in picture size from the new camera is what's "breaking" it...
December 15, 2009 Nathan had his Early Intervention appointment today. He is advanced in all the physical areas (no surprise there), but he is NOT delayed verbally (so relieved there!).
I was right that he does understand a lot more than he's able to say, but apparently that's because his understanding is advanced, not that his speech is delayed. They said that he is understanding at a 3 year-old level and able to communicate back at a 28 month old level (he turned 29 months 8 days ago), so he will not be needing speech therapy at this time.
I'm glad that he got evaluated so that now we know there is nothing to worry about! They also told me that Nathan is highly intelligent and that we should look into pre-school programs for him.
December 14, 2009
Nathan is definitely one smart little guy! He tried to make himself a hotdog today. He got the hotdog out of the tupperware container we keep them in in the fridge. Then he got up on the counter to get one of the kids' plates to put the hotdog on. He stuck it in the microwave, but couldn't get it to start, so he started calling "Mommy, help make it!". I finished it for him so he could have his snack.
How do you explain to a two-year-old that they really shouldn't be trying to get their own snacks? He didn't make a mess or break anything... But still!
December 13, 2009
Today, Nathan and I built our very first "snow people". We built a snow-Nathan and a snow-Hailey. It was a lot of fun!
Ty also built a "snow house" that we all crawled through. Nate's small enough to actually hang out in there and he had a blast! Nate Video 72 - Snow House!
We finished our building by coming inside to warm up and drink hot chocolate.
Then we went to Salt Lake to look for something Christmassy for the kids to wear to the family Christmas party on Saturday. There wasn't a whole lot to choose from this year, so we just went with red.
We finished our evening off by coming home and making pizzas. We made Hawaiian again, but decided to mix it up a bit by trying garlic chicken, too. They turned out awesome! I think we're getting pretty good at this pizza stuff.
December 12, 2009
We took the kids on the train ride today. They both did REALLY well, especially considering how long the train ride was (not to mention the car ride to get there!). Nathan got a candy cane from Santa.
We also made a gingerbread house! I'll try to get a better quality picture of it before we eat it. New camera gets here soon! YAY!
December 11, 2009
We're planning on another Heber trip tomorrow! It's a two-hour train ride. "A spectacular scenic excursion! Climb aboard for a relaxing ride along the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir and the base of majestic Mt. Timpanogos, for an "over the river and through the woods" view of Heber Valley's breathtaking winter scenery. You may enjoy a variety of native wildlife, such as deer, bald eagles, elk, foxes and more."
In other news, my new camera gets here on the 15th!!! Can't wait to start figuring it out!
The old one got broken when Nate was trying to take pictures of Hailey and himself. He was so proud of his pictures... Thinking we might need to look into one of those cameras for kids...
And in latest Nate "adventures", which will now be called Nate AND Hailey "adventures" , our Christmas tree has been remodeled a few times this week. I was happy with the way it looked originally, but apparently the kids thought they should "help" by taking it apart, and so I got to put it back together. The simplicity of an artificial tree has gone out the window. Maybe a real tree next year? Or a gate for the tree???
December 5, 2009
I added a couple of videos of Hailey. One is from a week or two ago and one is from today. Hailey has figured out what the push-toy is for! It's soooo cute watching her "walk" around.
Well, this afternoon I told Nathan he needed to go upstairs and take a nap. This is how I found him. Yes, he is ASLEEP on a shelf in the linen closet. I was laughing too hard to be mad about the towels being everywhere. Where does he come up with this stuff???
Sorry the picture quality sucks. The kids broke my camera. Not sure when we'll be able to replace it.
December 3, 2009
So, I put Hailey down for a nap in her room. And Nathan down in his
room. I hear a lot of banging around, go up to find Nathan jumping
around in Hailey's bed like a monkey on crack.
November 30, 2009
Mommy helped Nathan hang candycanes on the tree tonight. Only 2 (out of 24) got broken - not bad! It was a lot of fun and Nate loved getting to help with the tree. I can already tell this year is going to be a LOT of fun!
Nate spent most of today telling me about Santa. After Nate got into some things he shouldn't, he went and told a toy Santa we have displayed that he was sorry and then asked me if Santa will still bring him presents. That kid cracks me up sometimes. Oh, to be so young and innocent again!
As it stands, a little birdie told me that Santa is seriously considering a toy kitchen for Nathan and Hailey this year. Still a few details to hash out, but fingers crossed! I think they would LOVE it.
November 29, 2009
We went to see an elf about some toys. We took Nathan to see Santa today! He didn't really seem to know what to make of it, but he didn't cry. He told Santa he likes Thomas the Train. Then we went to Toys "R" Us to check out the toys.
Oh! And here's the ornament Nathan picked out for our tree. As if it could have possibly been anything else.
Which reminds me, we got our tree up last night. All it needs now are some presents under it. I LOVE this time of year! Can't wait to get wrapping!
November 24, 2009
I had my laparoscopy this morning. The doctor removed Endometriosis and several adhesions. I'm not sure how bad it all was because I was pretty out of it and didn't get to ask my questions.
We also learned that I'm allergic to morphine. Within 30 seconds of them putting it in my IV, I broke out into a rash and couldn't stop itching.
I'm home now and resting. Very tired and sore. Thanks to everyone for their well wishes. We are still hoping to make it to Ron & Lori's for Thanksgiving.
November 15, 2009
We got our family pictures done! Whew, what a long and exhausting process that was. BUT, the pictures turned out pretty nice and I can't wait to pick them up later this week. Perkins Family in 2009! Ty & Jessi, 8.5 years together so far!
November 13, 2009 Hailey had her 9 month well baby visit today. Weight: 17 lbs 9 oz (35%) Height: 28.2 in (85%) Head: 16-something (25%)
Nate was 18 lbs 10 oz and 28.5 in at this age. It's strange how close they've been in size - he was born a month early, she was only a week early and he's a boy, she's a girl... All these things that factor into size... and genetics wins out?
Anyway! Hailey's met her milestones and there weren't any problems or anything to be concerned about. She had to get two shots today - one was her 2nd dose of flu shot. They've been out of it since early October, so it was nice to finally get it.
*** I updated the Charting Growth page to make it more organized.
November 12, 2009
For all the craziness and moments that have you wanting to scream, there are the really sweet moments when your child does something that melts your heart.
Today, while Nate and I were watching Chicken Little, the following conversation took place. Me: You really love Chicken Little, huh? Nate: Yeah. Me: You know what Mommy loves? Nate: ME!!! Me: *laughs* Yes, Mommy loves YOU!
And in recent "adventures", we have a melted glob of used-to-be-toy that was in the oven. It serves as a friendly reminder that I need to check the oven for toys BEFORE pre-heating it.
November 8, 2009
Hailey is still doing well. We're almost done with the Tamiflu and she hasn't had a fever since Thursday (the 5th)! So far, no one else has had a fever or vomiting. I was certainly expecting worse from this "highly contagious" "epidemic" etc. flu. Not that I'm complaining (!), because I'm not! Not having people throwing up all over the place is always a good thing.
In the latest Nate "adventures", I'm going to be up late tonight washing his bedding. He decided to salt & pepper it. I'm at a loss for a "why" on that one, but ok.
In development news, Nate is starting to say his J's! The letter L is still missing in action from his pronunciations, but we're very pleased to welcome the letter J to the family. As part of this advancement in speech, Aunt "Dodo" is now Aunt "Jodi". We will miss you, Dodo. But now Ty is free to go back to trying to teach Nate that her name is really Judy, not Jodi.
November 6, 2009
Hailey was diagnosed with suspected H1N1 on the 4th. She woke up that morning with a fever and I had her into the pediatrician that night. She started the Tamiflu about 12 hours after her fever started.
Two days later and she is doing MUCH better! No fever, no throwing up, and she's actually EATING! Nathan and I made mini-pizzas today. He had a lot of fun!
November 2, 2009
I took Hailey to JCPenney's to get her 9 month pictures done today. She's not actually 9 months until the 12th, but it's close enough! We got some really good ones - lots of smiles! Isn't she the cutest thing ever?
October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!!!
The kids had fun Trick-or-Treating down our street. They also got cute little treat bags from their Grandma (thanks Sharol!). It was a good first Halloween for Hailey, and a good first Trick-or-Treat for Nate.
So many Nate stories, so little time! Guess we'll start with the good stuff.
We took Nate to see his first movie in a theater - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. He had a lot of fun and did really well - for the first hour... Then he got cranky and we had to leave. But all in all, I think it was a good experience. We finished off the night with Coldstone icecream.
Nate has nicknamed his sister "crying butt" whenever she's fussy. Tyler and I usually call her "fussy butt", but crying butt is a lot funnier. At least it shows he connects concepts?
A few days ago, Nate took off his poopy diaper and his sister painted herself and the bathroom with it. Didn't get any pictures of that particular "adventure".
We've had several more "murals" on the walls from Nate. Thank God for washable crayons!
Oh, and he ate a birthday candle. I did get a picture of that, but not sure what category album it should be under, lol.
October 24, 2009
Thanks to everyone that came to our Halloween party! Sorry to those that couldn't make it. Pete & Mary Ann, get well soon!
We'll be seeing you again soon if you're going to Leah's party next Friday. We're still undecided on which decoration to bring, but thinking the butler ought to do, since he was so popular, lol.
Thanks to everyone that came to our Halloween party! It was good to see you all again. Spencer & Rachael, Nate had a BLAST playing with your boys. We'll have to get together more often.
October 15, 2009
In recent Nate adventures... We're running out of lightbulbs. I woke up in broken glass the other morning. Nate had put lightbulbs in my bed and I rolled over on them.
He's also got a thing for unscrewing bulbs from the lamps in the living room and from the water dispenser on the fridge. Why? I don't know why.
Today's activities of choice? Finger-painting the couch with Desitin (diaper cream). Took me an hour and A LOT of scrubbing to get that one out. He also decided to eat the birthday candle from Ty's cake. Again, why? No idea.
The important thing is that no one has been hurt in any of his adventures, and we love him very much. Still, hoping for a less eventful week next week.
October 12, 2009
Oh, the misadventures of Nate. Yes, that is purple crayon. In our dryer. The clothes didn't fare much better. Luckily, they were washable crayons and Oxiclean Max Force seems to have saved them.
October 10, 2009
Ty and I took the kids to Wheeler Farm today. Ty helped Nate pick out a (little) pumpkin to bring home. Hailey and I were there, too! We just didn't get as many pictures of us.
October 8, 2009
Nathan is part monkey. Hailey is starting to try out the push-toys in the house. She prefers Nate's truck, but he doesn't give it up often.
October 6, 2009
We've officially started decorating for the Halloween party! The kids and I helped Ty set up the Halloween globe in the front yard. Still a lot to do, but it's a start.
October 2, 2009
Hailey got her first pair of shoes today! And a cold weather pair, too. She's in a size 3.
Hailey has advanced to climbing the "big stairs". Any time she gets a chance, she's out of the living room and heading upstairs to the bedrooms. Eek! She's turning out to be more curious and "into things" than Nathan was. We are in trouble with this one!
September 30, 2009
In Hailey news, she crawled up the stairs today! She was so proud of herself when she made it. I got it on video, which I'll be uploading soon.
In Nate news, we are still having some potty success daily. We're also having some issues daily, but at least he's going sometimes. It's going to take months before he's really good at it, I think.
In carpet/wall news, the owner of Bowcutts came out to see the damage on the walls. He's sending a professional painter on Friday to repair it. He did apologize for what was done.
September 27, 2009
We recent had carpet installed. They damaged EVERY WALL upstairs. We will need to patch them and paint them ALL again, even though we just spent 3 weeks painting the upstairs.
I made sure to take pictures of the damage and to call our home owner's insurance company since they are the ones that recommended Bowcutts to us.
September 24, 2009
Nate went pee on the potty, all by himself!!! Every day I ask if he needs to go (or wants to go), every day he says no. But I think I figured it out. I offered to pause his cartoons (thank God for DVR) while he tried to pee, and it worked! He went in the bathroom, asked me to leave and close the door (LOL), and then he did his thing. He came out yelling "pee! pee! Me pee!" and sure enough, he filled his little potty. I was shocked that he didn't get any pee where it wasn't supposed to be!
We danced and had M&Ms. SO excited to be back on track!
September 23, 2009
Considering recent events, we could all use a little laughter.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Dad, and the Hunter girls. So sorry for your loss.
"Alice L. Hunter, 47, of Wellsburg, N.Y., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009.
She was born Aug. 17, 1962, in Sayre, Pa., the daughter of the late David and Ethel Carr Rath.
Alice spent her childhood years in the Litchfield area. She attended Sayre and Athens schools. Alice graduated from Athens Area High School in 1980. She was employed at P&C and G.T.P. (formerly Sylvania), having just received her 15 year award.
She is predeceased by her sister, Donna Rath Thomas.
Alice is survived by: her daughters Jessica Hunter of Athens, Pa., attending college at Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pa., and Tommi "Tic" Rae Hunter of Athens, Pa., attending college at RVCC in Califon, N.J.; grandchildren Brayden Michael Hunter and Jonah Alaric Lowell of Athens, Pa.; her children's father Thomas Hunter; sister Margaret Reilly of Keyport, N.J.; brother David Rath of Louisa, Va.; aunt Annamae Karuza of Dallas, Pa.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home, 225 S. Main St., Athens, Pa. Funeral services will follow at 8 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Martin Bovee from the Athens United Methodist Church officiating.
Memorial donations may be made in her memory to educationally fund her grandchildren with the: People's State Bank, 205 W. Lockhart St., Sayre, PA 18840"
September 18, 2009
Hailey's 1st and 2nd teeth broke through!
And.... we have TEETH! They are just *barely* through the gums, but they are definitely there. Two on the bottom, in the middle. Yay for teeth!!!
In kiddo news, Hailey's "word" of choice for jabbering is "mama" and I am LOVING it! She is growing up SO fast. She's gone from sitting up in a "tripod" style to sitting up straight. She also sits herself up from crawling, lying down, etc. She can even maneuver around in the tub! I put her down on her tummy and she just flips to sitting up and splashing like it's nothing. I'm happy for her, but it's a little sad that she is getting so big already. They just don't stay little for long.
Nathan is talking more and learning his colors. He's not 100% at it yet, but he gets blue and green pretty regularly. I think he's bored a lot during the day and I really need to start teaching him more things. Maybe if we put that mind to good use, we'll have fewer incidents (ie: paint, toothpaste...).
I made a trip out to Carter's yesterday to get the kids some clothes for Fall. I LOVE sales + coupons!!! The original pricing on the clothes = $568, but with the sale they were having, plus my 20% off coupon and $100 gift card, we only paid $198! I absolutely adore Carter's, so this was an awesome deal! I can only hope we'll continue to get good deals on clothes for the kids. Man, kids go through a lot of clothes!
*** UPDATE *** Hailey decided to make today a momentous occasion. She used the Bumbo to stand up for the very first time!
September 14, 2009
Nate decided to express his "creativity" in the bathroom yesterday. The medium of choice was Crest toothpaste for kids. Two is a "fun" age.
In other news, got some video of Hailey going from crawling to sitting up on her own. Hailey Video 14 - Sitting Up
September 13, 2009
Ty and I put the border up in Nate's room! We're doing Hailey's as soon as she's up from her nap.
September 11, 2009
Added more pictures of the kids from the last week or so. Pretty sure I'm caught up now.
Added some pictures of the new house. Nate and Hailey's rooms are about halfway done now.
Nate's Room Hailey's Room
September 8, 2009
Nate is still in his "lightbulb phase". He climbed the kitchen table to unscrew all the lightbulbs out of the chandelier while I was putting Hailey down for her nap. An hour later, I had the broken bulbs cleaned up and new bulbs in. Wasn't much longer I found him in Hailey's closet with her lamp. He'd unscrewed the lamp shade piece and lightbulb.
September 4, 2009
Things are starting to resemble "normal" again. Nate slept in his own bed, all night, last night. He hasn't done that since we've moved! I think he's feeling a lot more at home here.
The kids are starting to play together (mostly because Hailey crawls after Nate non-stop, lol) and it is SO cute! Life is good.
September 2, 2009
I got my hair done again today. I decided to try something new and go dark.
Hailey's moving from army man crawling to this newer version. Not even sure what to call it, but it's a little odd to me.
In Nate news, he put his shoes on by himself today. They're velcro, so no ties, but it was still pretty neat.
August 29, 2009
Thanks to everyone that has helped us get moved in! Special thanks to those of you that showed up, in the rain, to help. You guys ROCK!
We're going to be hosting the annual Halloween party at our new house!Keep your eyes peeled for details.
August 28, 2009
Hailey hit a new milestone today. She went from lying down to sitting up all on her own! She's getting a lot better at sitting up, but she still does the "tripod" thing a lot. For those of you not familiar with "tripoding", little kids lean forward in a sort of tripod formation when they're first learning to sit without help. It's for balance.
Also, got a new Hailey video today. She's attempting to bear walk now. It's hilarious to watch in person. Not sure if it's as funny on video... But it still makes me smile.
New pictures of the kids in their albums, too. We should be all caught up - for now.
August 26, 2009
We are in the new house. Very busy with unpacking/painting, etc. Still, it feels good to have a home of our own again!
August 20, 2009
Well, we did it. We closed on the new house today. We'll start moving in Monday night. Only 4 more days!!!
August 19, 2009
I went ahead and purchased a few of the "finishing touches" items for Nate's new room today. Nate got to help pick them out.
This is the wall border for his new room. And this is his new lamp!
In other news, tomorrow is closing day! The house will officially be ours! But we won't be able to move in until the current occupants are out.
August 18, 2009
Ugh, it's still not the 24th?! How about now? .... Now? No? Well, crap. The 24th certainly is taking its sweet time getting here.
We close this Thursday around 2pm! I called the lender and the title company today just to make sure all is still going smoothly and nothing more needed to be done on our end. Turned out I needed to go get a cashier's check for the down payment (which I did). Now there is nothing left other than signing papers. Yay!
... Is it the 24th NOW?
August 16, 2009
In preparation for moving into our new home, we went to Liddiard Home Furnishings and purchased a new refrigerator and microwave this weekend. We also got Nate's new dresser. Everything is set to be delivered to our new home on the 25th.
This last week until we can move in is REALLY dragging... Is it the 24th yet?
August 14, 2009
Hailey had her 6 month well baby visit today. Weight: 15 lbs 6 oz (45%) Height: 26.25 in (80%) Head: 16-something
Nate was 15 lbs 12 oz and 26.5 in at this age. Staying right about the same size. Too bad she can't wear his hand-me-downs.
Hailey's a little off her growth curve right now, but she is hitting her 6 month growth spurt and should be right back on it soon! I think the height measurement was a little off (since 9 month clothes start around 26 inches and they fit her perfect...), but oh well!
Everything else looked good. Still advanced on milestones, still had to get some shots today. Pretty much the same stuff as last time.
She is getting an Rx for fluoride w/ vitamins (so is Nate), and a cream for her heat rash. I forgot the Rx at their office, but hopefully we'll have it called in sometime this weekend anyway.
August 13, 2009
Some happy ME news today. I FINALLY lost ALL of the baby weight, from BOTH babies. Woohoo - 70 lbs and counting! Feeling SO much healthier. For those of you not familiar with PCOS, losing weight really helps with the symptoms you experience.
August 12, 2009
Happy 1/2 birthday to Hailey!!!
Sharol and I took Hailey to get her 6 month pictures done today. Click here to see them.
Thanks go to Sharol for helping herd Nathan away from dangerous situations while Hailey get her pictures taken!
August 11, 2009
And so the countdown begins! Closing on our 650 East home is the 20th, with possession no later than 5pm on the 24th. We may or may not get the keys sooner than that. Only 13 days left at the most!!!
In other news, I washed and installed Hailey's new "big girl" car seat! Now she'll be sitting more upright and be able to see Nathan while we take trips. I know she's going to like this a whole lot better than the infant carrier.
August 4, 2009
It's official! We signed the papers on the 650 East house today.
We'll be needing some help moving on the 28th-29th if any of you are free... Ty's going out of town for a week starting the 30th and I'd really like to have the kids and I moved over to the new house before he goes...
August 3, 2009
In house news, we put an offer on the NE Tooele house today. Hoping they accept, or at least counter with something we can live with.
In me news, I had my appt with Dr. Vered today. Looking like we're still on for September surgery. Not overjoyed by this news, but it's supposed to help with the Endometriosis, so what choice do I really have? Hope we'll at least be in a new house by then, but he's wanting to do it the end of August/beginning of September... Ty will be out of town around that time, but we'll work something out.
August 1, 2009
We may have found a new home! It's not official yet, but we're thinking of putting in an offer on Monday.
July 31, 2009
We're going house hunting on Saturday. We've made a list of 7 homes to see so far. Should be interesting to see the insides. I only hope they'll be cleaner than the last bunch we went to see... In a word, eewww!
I ordered Hailey's new car seat and nursery bedding today. In other Hailey news, guess who is crawling? Oh, and I need to schedule Hailey's 6 month pictures soon - she turns 6 months on August 12th and I haven't even picked out a picture outfit yet, eek! Not like I haven't had other things to keep me busy, but still.
I haven't ordered the rest of the Thomas the Train stuff to finish Nate's room theme yet. I've picked out the items, just haven't actually purchased them. In other Nate news, he is still having nightmares and waking 2-3+ times a night. I know all of this change is really hard on him. I'm hoping we'll get settled again soon and things will go back to normal.
He's also taken to calling himself "me". It's pretty cute.
July 28, 2009
We closed on our house today. It's no longer ours. I am beyond sad to see it go. Especially now with having everything with the short sale blow up on us today. We are really and truly homeless. The f***tard that said he'd put our
new home under contract did NOT put it under contract and submitted 5
other offers to the bank. The bank has accepted one and we don't know
whose it is.
SO, we have wasted an entire month when we could
have been looking at houses, based on this man's word that if we
"waited it out" we would have our home. I have never wanted to kill
someone this badly before.
July 27, 2009
Closing is July 28th at 4pm. We're going to see the house we have the bid on afterwards. Should help cheer me up. Or so I hope. Waiting around to have a home of our own really sucks.
July 23, 2009
Well, the actual moving commences tomorrow. We'll be out of here and into Sharol's by Sunday. Then we just have to clean all the dust bunnies out and repaint the wall that Nate drew on (thanks Nate! ).
Official closing date is July 29th. Man, I am going to miss this place. I think I'll feel less sad when we're in our new home. Assuming we get the one we've put the offer on, that should be September-ish.
There is SO much that needs to be done on the new house that it will keep us busy a LONG time. We need to replace all the carpet, paint, the sliding glass door (the one side is completely shattered and gone), the back steps (they're rotted out)... But it will all be worth it in the end. I think.
On the plus side, it's a bigger home (approx 2700 sq ft) with central air, and we won't have to put in another yard because it's already got one!
July 22, 2009
Played around a bit with nursery ideas today. They're just rough mockups, but here's what I came up with so far. I'm leaning towards #4 & #7. And yes, I know there's not a #1 & #2. I scrapped them because they were too "busy" looking.
#3 & #4 #5 & #6 #7
July 21, 2009
I'm trying to think about the HAPPY parts of moving, so I won't feel so sad about leaving the nursery behind. Well, I *think* I've chosen a theme for Hailey's nursery in the new house. It's called Ladybug Lullaby and it's from the same maker's as Nate's Day At the Zoo theme in our nursery now.
Still trying to decide on a car seat for her. I really like the Allie pattern Britax Marathon, but I'm not 100% sure yet.
July 20, 2009
I need to get caught up on pictures again.
Nate has been imitating Tyler and I a lot more. He's helping "pack" by throwing things into boxes. I thought it was sweet of him to try to help.
Nate's also picking up words REALLY fast all of the sudden. Yesterday I called him "bubba" and he repeated it right back to me, clear as day. Today I told him that he can't have a lot of juice because juice makes him "poopy". Now he's walking around "poo, poop, poopy, poo poo!". Of all the words to get fixated on, he chooses poop?! I guess we need to be real careful what we say to him or in front of him...
July 13, 2009
I finally made it to Carter's today to buy Hailey's 9m clothes. I can't believe how quickly she's outgrowing her clothes! At least I'm getting good deals on the new stuff. I took coupons, as usual, and got $350 worth of clothes for $176. They've got some seriously cute Fall stuff this year!
I also grabbed a few 3T items for Nate. There were some dinosaur handy man jammies I just couldn't pass up, and a new style of "big brother" t-shirt. I'm a sucker for the big brother/little sister shirts.
Time to pack away the 6 month stuff for Hailey. It's a little different this time since it's going into a storage unit instead of the basement. *cue music* Ch-ch-changes!
Hailey is growing up so fast! She has been scooting (pre-crawling, not actual crawling yet) along the floor to get things she wants. I think it's frustrating to Nate because he used to be able to move his toys away from her so she couldn't reach them, but now she just goes and gets them again. She should be actual crawling any day now. I know it will be an emotional milestone.
In Nate news, he is getting way too smart for his own good. He let himself outside the other day and then promptly fell on the steps. He's got a *lovely* shiner to show for it.
He's also getting more and more into mimicking things he sees. I caught him with my hair straightener tonight, pulling it through his hair. Since it wasn't plugged in at the time, it was pretty cute. His mimicking Daddy usually consists of using his screwdriver on any nearby items that contain screws.
In other news, Ty and I are meeting with a financial adviser tomorrow to get the loan process moving along for the new house. Should be interesting.
Also picking up Nate's 2yr pictures tomorrow night. It's strange not having anywhere to hang them...
July 10, 2009
Nathan's 2 year checkup was today!
Weight:26 lbs 4 oz (30%) Height:34.5 inches (70%) Head Circumference:18.5 (25%)
Nate hasn't grown much in the last 6 months. He's sticking to his "stairs" pattern of growth, though. We should see a growth spurt within the next few months - Fall/Winter.
Nate is still very advanced physically, but average verbally. A new milestone category is "comprehension". Dr. Gould says Nate is advanced with his memory and understanding of things. Apparently a 2 year-old that can figure out how to work the dvd player just by observing his parents doing it is not the norm. Who knew? LOL.
Other than being proud of Nate's thirst for learning, it makes me feel better that I'm not imagining raising Nate to be harder than it is. He really does do things, and get into things, that other children his age don't.
July 9, 2009
Quick kid update. I've been so busy that I keep forgetting to write stuff out. I know I'll forget it if I don't start getting caught up.
Hailey's newest "trick" is escaping Bumbo. She figured out a week or two ago that she can arch like she does to roll and it will help her get out. So, Bumbo isn't all that helpful anymore. Lasted just about as long as it did with Nate, which isn't long at all!
In Nate news, he figured out the dvd player awhile back. He knows where we've packed the dvds (since we're moving, we don't need them all over the place). He keeps going down, opening the boxes, getting a dvd, then bringing it upstairs. He knows which button opens the dvd player, he takes the dvd out, sticks it in, pushes the close button and then waits for the movie to start. He seems to like watching Harry Potter, Ninja Turtles and various Disney movies.Thinking it might be time to get him his own tv/dvd player/dvds.
July 7, 2009
Well, Nathan is officially two now. He had a blast at his mini-party (just us and his grandparents + Jodi). Got a lot of pics and will be posting them here shortly.
His two year checkup isn't until Friday, so no new stats yet. I don't think he's grown at all since January, though. He's still wearing the same clothes! He is definitely talking way more than he did a few months ago, though.
It's amazing to look back and see how much Nate has changed.
And what a ride it's been! We are so blessed to have Nate in our lives. For all the challenges he presents each day, he is also the sweetest child we could ever hope for. He has more personality at age 2 than some people will ever have. He has the potential to go on to do great things and I really hope we can help him see that.
July 7th, 2009
Happy Birthday Nathan! We love you! We got Nathan's 2 year pictures done. We get to pick them up next week. To see some of the proofs, go here.
July 6, 2009
Had a server issue. Lost a month's worth of stuff. I'm adding it back now, what I can remember anyway (news entries are pretty short due to "mommy brain"). So, if things are missing, that's why! Be patient and hopefully I'll have it all back up within a week or two.
June 30th, 2009
We finally got an offer on the house! I say "finally", but the house was only on the market a month... Still felt like forever. Anyway, we're accepting it and moving on to the next chapter in our lives.
The home we've chosen as a replacement home is a "short sale". It can take months for that to get sorted, so we will be staying with Ty's parents for the month of August. If things aren't sorted by August 31st, we'll be looking at other homes.
June 19th, 2009
We took Nate to Lagoon for the first time!
He had a blast! He loved the Merry-Go-Round best of all. He had to have ridden it a half a dozen times or more. He also braved Dracula's Castle and the Terror Ride with Mommy and Daddy.
June 17th, 2009
So. Went to the gym tonight. Came home to the garage door locked (I left it unlocked), so I figured Nate locked me out. I hear him on the other side unlocking the deadbolt, which isn't new, but then he opens the door for me. We have "child-proof" "(from now on, all child-proof things are in quotes!!!) knobs on all the doors - or at least we did - so I'm like wth??? He was standing there with the "baby-proof" knob in his hands and goes "Uh-oh, Mama". Yeah uh-oh! Now what?! LOL. That kid keeps life interesting!
In other news, got video of Hailey rolling all over the place. I'll get it posted sometime soon. I swear she's the only kid in the universe that prefers tummy time to being on her back!
June 13th, 2009
Hailey got to try baby oatmeal for the first time!
June 12th, 2009
Hailey had her 4 month well baby visit today. Weight: 13 lbs 9 oz (60%) Height: 25 in (90%) Head: 15.7 in (50%)
Nate was 13 lbs 8 oz and 24.25 inches long at this age.
Hailey's appointment went well. She's met all her milestones for this age, and a few of the 6 month ones as well. She is "advanced", just not as much so as Nathan was - which is ok!
She DOES have eczema on her forehead, but it's very mild. We're supposed to keep treating it the way we have been.
Other than that, we got the OK to start solids. Hailey gets to try baby oatmeal tomorrow!
June 11th, 2009
Nate entertained Hailey with a rattle. I woke up and found him hanging off her crib, shaking it for her.
Had my eye appointment. My vision is now 20/2000. Get to pick up new glasses next week!
June 2, 2009
Nathan still doesn't talk a whole lot (that is easily understood anyway), but he finds ways to get his point across. Today I was feeding Hailey in the family room (upstairs) and Nate disappeared on me. He went down into the basement, got into the storage container that has coloring books (there are about a dozen containers down there - surprised he remembered which one was which!), and brought them upstairs. Then he went and got the crayons and some more coloring books (about 5-6 books total). He can't say "crayon" or "color" yet, but I think it was pretty clear what he wanted to do for our afternoon activity!
June 1, 2009
I had my appointment with Dr. Vered today. He says he's sure I have Endometriosis. With my family history being what it is, I knew this was a possibility, but I guess a part of me just thought it wouldn't really happen to me. I can't say that I'm taking it all that well at this point. I already have PCOS and lactation failure.
Supposed to have surgery in September to help. I'll be glad when the pain is gone, but I'm not thrilled by the idea of being cut open. The other option was a shot that puts you into temporary menopause. With my luck, it wouldn't be temporary. I'm not risking it.
May 30, 2009
Nate's 20th (and last) tooth broke through!
We are officially done teething for Nathan. I found his new tooth tonight while brushing for bedtime. I told him he has a new tooth and he says "wow". I don't think it's a big deal to him, but to me, it means only ONE baby teething instead of TWO. YAY!!!
May 28, 2009
We got the feedback today from our first showing.
"The
agent said it showed very well. Said you had it "perfect"! Yours is
one of the homes her buyers very much liked, but they're not ready to make a
decision yet."
Our home hasn't even been on the market a week yet. It'd be crazy if they decided to make an offer. We're not getting our hopes up about that, lol, but we're psyched that our hard work is paying off. Apparently we are doing something right.
May 27, 2009
Nate took nailpolish to the new carpet last night. I was WAY too stressed to get any pictures of the damage at the time. Ty and I got most of it out after several hours of hard labor. That kid is going to be the death of me yet.
*** We had our first home showing tonight. They called a few hours before they wanted to come, so we had a *little* time to prepare. No idea how it went until we hear back from the realtor tomorrow. If nothing else, we should have some info to help us show it better next time.
May 26, 2009
Our listing is online now! It feels so weird to see the house for sale.
It will always be our first "real home". So many good memories here! All of Nathan's "firsts" have been in this house, and it's hard to leave that behind. Especially all the time and love that went into making a nursery for him... to not be able to take that with us...
Hopefully, we'll be able to turn whatever new house we find into a home, too.
May 23, 2009
"Day out with Thomas" went well. Nate had a blast! Ty and I had fun, too. When I get the pictures posted, I'll link them here
In other news, our house is officially on the market! Wish us luck. We're hoping to move to a bigger house within a few months - just have to sell this house first.
May 21, 2009
We've been painting, getting the house ready to sell, so we had a window open to air the house out. This particular window doesn't have a screen. Well. When we were finished for the night and ready to close the window, we noticed some odd items on the front porch. Items that had previously been in the kitchen/pantry. Apparently Nate was sneaking items from there and throwing them out the window. Why? I haven't the foggiest idea! Nothing was broken, so it was pretty funny. He is such an odd child sometimes!
Tomorrow is our "Day out with Thomas". We're taking Nate to meet Thomas the Train. We should have TONS of pictures to upload later this weekend.
Oh. And I forgot to mention that Nate is using real cups all by himself now. I don't have any pictures from when he first started doing it, but I'll grab one in the next few days to upload (if I remember).
May 16, 2009
I went to Carter's today (with Hailey) to get the kids some summer clothes. 50%-75% off sale + additional 25% off coupon = MAJOR savings!!! I got $325 worth of clothes for $120. Not bad.
The kids should be set on clothes until the end of Summer, beginning of Fall. Thinking Nate will probably still fit his 2T stuff at that point, but Hailey will probably be moving from 6 months to 9 months. The 6 month stuff should last the Summer for her, assuming this is the last growth spurt for awhile.
Man, they grow FAST!
In Nathan news, he's started coming to me asking to sit on the potty sans diaper. Fingers crossed this means he's ready for potty training! So far we haven't had any "productive" attempts, but I still tell him how good he's doing for sitting on the potty. He keeps going in his diaper and then asking to sit on the potty (instead of getting a diaper change). I explained to him that we sit on the potty BEFORE we go. But adding the potty in there is a step in the right direction.
Also, my previous opinion that Nathan CAN talk if he wants to, but chooses not to, has been confirmed. I told him tonight that I would not pick him up unless he asked me nicely (ie: Mommy please) and he started calling me "mama". I told him how good it was to hear him talk to me and he's kept doing it all night. Maybe he just needs some extra pushing in the talking area to get him speaking more.
May 14, 2009
Our Day Out With Thomas tickets got here today! We're going next Friday, the 22nd. Hailey will be staying with her Grandparents, so it's just Nate and us.
May 12, 2009
Happy 3 months to Hailey!!!
Ty and I went to see the new X-Men movie for my birthday last night. It was pretty good. He still would rather see Star Trek again, but he's a Trekkie to begin with. I do have to admit that the Star Trek movie was good, which surprised me. I usually hate all things Star Trek.
In Nate news, he still fits in Bumbo! We've been using Bumbo with Hailey lately, and Nate being Nate, he feels that any time Hailey is not in Bumbo is a time he should be in it. Bumbo is intended for small infants that can't sit up on their own yet (like Hailey), so it's really weird that Nate can still fit in it, and even more so that he would want to! I'm thinking toddler furniture is in his future. He wants his own little chair so much. He does have a birthday coming up. Hmm.
Also in Nathan-related news, we are taking Nathan to meet Thomas the Train next week! He should have a blast. I can't wait to see what he thinks. And don't worry, I'm bringing the camera for millions of pictures.
May 11, 2009
Funny Nathan tidbit of the week. He's turning into an evil sock gnome (like on South Park). He's recently started taking all of Hailey's socks out of her dresser and then hiding them. Sometimes they're in other drawers, sometimes they're in the hamper (still folded), other times who knows??? Not sure what gave him the idea to hide her socks, but it's never a dull moment around here with Nate.
A quick cute Nate story. Hailey started to fuss when I was in the bathroom. I came out, wondering why she wasn't crying anymore, and found her asleep in her swing. When she started to cry, Nate had gone over to her baby swing (Hailey was already in it at the time) and turned it on. It rocked her right to sleep!
May 9, 2009
Got all of Hailey's pictures in envelopes and addressed. Should have them out in the mail this week - just in time for her to actually turn 3 months, yay!
Make sure to get picture requests in before July 1st. We're getting Nate's 2 year pics and Hailey's 6 month pics done this summer (also some of the two of them together). If you want some, make sure you call "dibs" on the chat page. Sizes go from wallet to 10x13 for grandparents, and wallet to 5x7 for everybody else, unless you're buying your own.
May 6, 2009
We got a lot of work done today. Still a lot more to get done. I hope this will all be worth it in the end!
Piece of advice for those of you doing prolonged yard work, sunblock is your friend! I think you can still see my original color in there somewhere.
May 3, 2009
Hailey's 3 month professional pictures are online. I posted them in an album on here, too (click the pic below). If you want to order any copies, you'll need the JCP code for their site - email me, or post on the chat and I can email you. I'll be mailing out the wallets after May 8th.
If you want to call "dibs" on some wallets for when we get pictures of
BOTH kids done this summer, email or leave me a note on the chat page or
guestbook so I can make a list.
May 2, 2009
In house news, Tyler and I met with the realtor today. She says no major work needs to be done before selling the house - just some paint touch-ups (mostly from Nate ramming his truck into the trim) and replacing the carpet (spilled paint in the nursery). We're looking at having the house on the market by the end of this month! She also said she is still thinking we're going to see a 35k-45k profit off the house. We're not getting our hopes up that we'll see that much, but who knows?
We also visited the bank yesterday to get pre-approved for a new mortgage. The bank approved the amount we asked for and said that we qualify for their lowest rate. Even if rates change, whatever their lowest current rate is - that's our rate. Good to know. It'll be nice if having a high credit score is worth something other than looking good on paper, eh?
SO. All in all, looks like we will be moving sometime in the next couple of months. Nervous and excited all rolled into one right now. I hope things work out, and that we'll be able to get a big fenced-in yard for the kids to play in. They are definitely getting their own rooms, though, lucky dogs. I was stucking rooming with one sibling or the other until I was 13, lol.
April 30, 2009
I took Hailey for her 3 month pictures yesterday. They're ready for pickup on May 8th. I'll post the online ones in a few days when they're ready for viewing.
April 25, 2009
Tonight will be Hailey's first night in the crib. Fingers crossed she sleeps as well there as she has in her bassinet! We've gotten rather used to 6+ hrs of sleep in a row.
In other news, we are looking into moving. Right now it's looking like we'll be able to get a nice profit off our house (yes, even in this market). If that holds true, we will be able to get a bigger house/yard for a similar payment to what we have now. Will update when there's something to update. We plan on being smart about this and won't be going through with it if things don't work out the way we want.
April 24, 2009
So, today was another "interesting" day. Nathan decided to use Desitin (diaper cream) as chapstick while I was at the chiropractor. I came home and he was covered in white stuff. I ask him what's all over him, he brings me the Desitin. It says to contact Poison Control immediately if swallowed, so I called Poison Control. They informed me that Desitin can give a child a pretty bad stomach ache (along with vomiting and diarrhea), but will not kill them. Good to know.
I now have Poision Control's number saved on my cell. Just another day being Nate's mommy.
April 22, 2009
I got some pictures posted of Nate in his new toddler bed.
Hailey is still in the bassinet but will be moving to the crib in the near future. We wanted to wait until she was sleeping well at night and she is doing well enough now that she should be alright in the nursery with Nate.
April 21, 2009
So today has been interesting. We were done brushing Nate's teeth this morning so I put his toothbrush away and closed the bathroom door. Nate wouldn't quit going in there and getting it no matter how many times I closed the door and told him to leave it alone, SO, I put him in timeout (which usually works) and started to head back to my room to get Hailey up. I hear Nate's bedroom door slam behind me. It's not possible to slam Nate's door while in the crib (where Nate does timeout) so I'm like "wth???". I turn around and open the door and there sits Nate, on the floor with his books. I pick him up and put him back in his crib and he climbed right back out with me standing there in shock. I'm guessing timeout in the crib is NOT going to work anymore!
Kind of funny timing - Ty's big thing about not wanting a toddler bed was that Nate would wander the house at night. Nate is wandering the house after hopping out of the crib, lol. At least he won't hurt himself climbing in/out of the toddler bed!
***Update***
We moved Nate to his toddler bed tonight. His new mattress and bedding aren't here yet, so we just moved his crib stuff over. So far he is LOVING his big boy bed. Ty installed a baby gate in Nate's doorway so that he won't wander around at night. Hoping to get a cute picture of Nate in his new bed soon.
Just went in to get Nate up from his nap. He's in his crib completely naked. Clothes, diaper, everything - on the floor. He certainly does keep life interesting. And oh how I hope this won't be a trend - specifically not an out-in-public sort of trend...
April 13, 2009
Hailey had her 2 month well baby visit today.
Weight:10 lbs 12 oz (60%) Height:23 in (90%) Head:15 in (50%)
Hailey's appointment went well. She is definitely a chunky monkey! Well, I guess technically she's average, but Nate was so tiny at this age that she seems chunky to us.
Hailey is slower than Nate on milestones but is still considered "advanced". Dr. Gould said that Nate is just "super advanced" and that's why she seems kind of behind to me. Apparently she's met all of the 2 month milestones and a few of the 4 month ones. As long as she's not behind, life is good.
Hailey did well with her shots. She cried for awhile but seems to be alright now. We just have to watch her for any reactions.
Other than that, the doctor says Hailey has big feet. He's guessing she is going to stay tall like Nate. They're both 90% (or higher in Nate's case) for height. I'm going to end up being the short one in the family, lol.
*** And here's a video of Nate hunting eggs from yesterday. I'll get the rest of the stuff up later.
So yeah. Nate has 3 of his 4 two-year molars now. He's been SUPER cranky the past week, diaper rash - all of his usual teething symptoms - and I didn't connect the dots. I feel like an ass. He's been saying "oww" and I thought he was just doing it for attention like he says "eewww" all the time... So he didn't get Tylenol or anything. It's not like I can make it up to him or anything, but I wish I could. *sigh*
April 12, 2009
Happy Easter!!!
I've got the Easter pics from yesterday and this morning up. Will be taking more later - probably won't get them up until tomorrow or later in the week, though.
Thanks again to Laurie for hosting the Easter party. Nate had a blast!
Pretty excited today. I got a Babies "R" Us ad in the mail that they are having a 35% off sale on toddler beds! Perfect timing because we just happen to have a little guy that will be needing one. The one I absolutely LOVE (same makers, wood color, etc. as his crib!!!) was originally $100, so we were just going to get a cheap one from Wal-Mart for $60. With this sale, my favorite one will be $65 and right back in the reasonable price range.
Guess who will be getting a toddler bed for an early birthday present.
April 9, 2009 Finally got Hailey to roll for the camera.
She was watching Nathan playing with his toys while I was making breakfast. Her head was up off the floor and she was turning it all around to watch him play. When he moved out of her sight, she rolled over to be able to keep watching him. It scared her and she cried, lol. I flipped her back on her tummy so she wouldn't be scared anymore, but she rolled right back on her back! I'm excited for her that she's learning to use her little body better.
I'm going to try to catch it on video if I can. Nate's not feeling well and is being extra needy, so who knows if I'll get a chance today. *sigh*
A couple of cute Nate stories to share. He is big into "helping". He tried to help me with the garbage today. I had the new bag out by the can while I tied up the old one and threw it out. When I opened the side door and came back in, Nate threw the new bag in the can and put the lid on. Of course I had to fix it, but I thought it was adorable that he tried to help.
Another bit of "help" this week was the diaper stacker. I had the new pack of diapers sitting out, already open, while I was changing Hailey. Nate saw the diaper stacker was empty so he pulled all the diapers out of the pack and shoved them in the diaper stacker. And I do mean SHOVED. I had to uncrumple them, LOL.
With all the hair-pulling-out moments that come with the terrible two's, it's good to remember the happy moments, too!
March 30, 2009
I gave Nate peanut butter for the first time today.
I made him eat it sitting next to me and the phone, lol. If he looked
so much as blotchy, I was calling 9-1-1.
It's been an hour and nothing so far. I don't think he's allergic to
peanuts. Still making him sit in a chair next to me, just in case.
In other news, I found a picture of Nate and I when he was about the age Hailey is now. Not exactly news that Nate and Hailey look alike (I think everyone knows that by now, lol). But I noticed how different I look. What a difference a year and a half can make. I barely look like the same person these days.
March 28, 2009
Today was Hailey's Open House. Thanks to everybody that came! It was good to see everyone and to get to visit for awhile. Also, thanks again for all of the gifts. I'll try to get the actual thank you cards mailed out next week.
Weight:-20 (out of 24 gained) Blood pressure:140/90 (high), after rest 120/80 (still high)
The doctor said she thinks my blood pressure is high from stress. She mentioned anti-anxiety pills. I am not interested in taking pills. I know I'm stressed out from having lactation failure again and struggling with deciding when to wean Hailey.
I was also informed today that I have "polycystic breasts". Basically my breast tissue isn't normal, but I already knew that - hence the milk failure and all of that jazz.
About the only good thing today was knowing that I've lost most of the weight I gained with Hailey. Also, I am cleared to go back to the gym. Hopefully I will be making my first trip back tomorrow. I need to get out of the house and get back to some of my old habits. I think I will feel loads better when I do.
March 20, 2009
I wanted to share a few stories about the kids before I completely forget about them.
We took Nate to the mall to pick up the JCP pictures a few weeks ago. There was one of those ride-in toys that you put change in and it moves around. He sat in it and loved making his own sound effects and whatnot. I dug around for some change to get it started for him, assuming he would like it better when it moved... not at all! He freaked right out as soon as it started up and wanted me to hold him the entire time it was on. He wouldn't let me even stand too close to the toy train.
Nate is starting to talk a lot more to where you can understand it these days. I think one of my favorites is "night-night" when it's bedtime. He's also started asking "Where is it?" when something is not in its usual place.
Nate is a very good big brother to Hailey. He absolutely adores her! All throughout the day, he randomly comes up to give her hugs and kisses or to sit by her. He still brings her her blankie, too. One of the cute things he's started is to bring her her bottle or his sippy cup when she cries because he knows she wants a "drink". He's tried to feed her some of his food (mostly crackers) a few times, too, so I'm keeping a close eye on that!
Hailey has started smiling and cooing. She is such a sweet baby - just like Nate. It's nice to feel like she's happy to see me when I go to pick her up. She's also starting to spend more time awake during the day. We're starting to get one 4-5 hour stretch of sleep at night and those nights are awesome! Hopefully we'll continue to get more sleep at night.
March 15, 2009
Well, it's official. Hailey has outgrown her newborn stuff. With her being our last baby, I was hoping she'd stay little longer. She's getting big so fast (3 month size already?!) and the time is just flying by.
Nate is also still growing like a weed. He's about to make the jump from 24 month size to 2T. Yes, that's right, no more infants' sizes - it's all toddler for him - and he won't even be 2 (24 months) until July.
I'm glad the kids are healthy and growing, I just wish they'd stay my little babies for awhile. I have a feeling I'm going to blink and they'll be 18. *sigh*
March 12, 2009
Happy 1 month birthday to Hailey!!! That was a really quick month! I blame it on February being short.
I added some new pictures of the kids today. Nate got to hold Hailey for the first time and it was adorable! When I tried to take her back, he reached for her and wanted her again, lol. I'm glad he likes her. I hope that continues as they get older.
In other news, I get to pick up my JCP reorders tomorrow! I can't wait!
March 9, 2009
Just for kicks, here are pictures of Nate and Hailey at 3 weeks old. I think there is a definite resemblance.
March 8, 2009
I get to pick up more pictures on Friday. The one I'm the most excited about was not on the original shoot - I had them alter it for me when I picked up the first prints.
We're getting it as a 10x13 for the living room and I can't wait!
March 6, 2009
Nathan turns 20 months old tomorrow. I can't believe he'll be two in a few more months. It's insane how quickly time can get away from you.
Hailey will be one month old next week. They grow up so fast!
I posted some new pictures of them both from today in their albums.
March 2, 2009
Hailey's pictures are now available online. Just click on the link and put in my first and last name to see them. JCP Pictures
February 26, 2009
Hailey had her 2 week well baby visit today.
Weight:7 lbs 5 oz (35%) Height:20.25 in (75%) Head:13 something (20%)
Hailey's no longer "failure to thrive" since she regained her birth weight (YAY!!!).
Everything else is looking good so far, too. She has some dry skin, but apparently it's from baking a long time (which is why Nate didn't have it). Dr. Gould said the longer the baby bakes, the worse the dry skin usually is. It doesn't hurt and it'll go away on its own.
It's pretty neat that Hailey is built like Nate. He's always been on the long and skinny side and it looks like she will be, too. I'm still glad she didn't end up with the bad jaundice like Nate. She would have had the same weight issues, but we already knew about my milk problems and avoided that.
We'll be picking up Hailey's professional newborn pictures on March 3rd. Birth announcements will be mailed at some point after that. I'll try to get the pictures scanned/posted as soon as I can and will post the online link for everyone, too. We're only doing wallet-size with the announcements, so if you want to order your own copies, feel free!
Nate made sure I had a "fun" shower yesterday. He turned the water heater off. I didn't realize it until I was already in the shower and lathering up. Then I'm wondering why it's taking so long for the water to get warm... it never did get warm. Coldest shower of my life. Gotta love toddlers.
February 23, 2009
Hailey had a weight check today.
Weight:7 lbs 3 oz
She's almost regained her birth weight, yay! Her next appointment is her two week well baby visit on Thursday. We shouldn't have anymore appointments after that until her two month well baby visit. It's nice to be out of the woods on the whole jaundice thing and to have her gaining weight like she should. It took Nathan almost an entire month to regain his birth weight, so this is very good!
Our supplemental nursing system should be here tomorrow. I'm pretty excited about that. It will let me feed Hailey her supplement while she's nursing - cutting feeding time in half!
February 19, 2009
Hailey had a weight check today.
Weight:6 lbs 11 oz
She is still gaining weight, which is good, but she isn't gaining as quickly as they'd like. We have yet another weight check on Monday (Hailey's due date!). And I thought I'd be done living at the doctor's office once Hailey was born. *sigh* I will be glad when this all over and we get back to normal.
I made Hailey's newborn picture appointment for Saturday! I hope we can get some good ones for her official birth announcements.
Hailey's umbilical cord fell off today! She has a very cute little belly button.
She has another weight check tomorrow so wish us luck! I think it will go well since she's eating tons and wetting diapers now. She also looks way better - hardly a tint of yellow left at all.
In Nate news, he is doing really well so far. He really likes to help with Hailey. Anytime she cries, he checks on her and makes sure we know she's crying. He banged on the bathroom door today while I was in there because Hailey started to cry. As soon as I came out, he went running to the baby and pointed at her. It was pretty cute. He also brings her her blankie all the time. I guess because his blankie always makes him feel better, he thinks she needs hers, too.
Cute Nate thing of the day - while I was changing Hailey, I told Nate she was "stinky". He opened her baby wipes and gave me one, lol. It's funny he knows that wipes are for when you're "stinky" and he wanted to help. He is such a good kid!
February 17, 2009
Hailey had a weight check and bilirubin test today.
Weight:6 lbs 10 oz Bilirubin:12.8
Things are looking up thanks to the supplementing. Hailey will be a mostly formula baby due to my severe low milk supply. Nate survived the low supply problems and a much worse case of jaundice (he was almost hospitalized), so she will be just fine.
February 16, 2009
Hailey had her first well baby visit today.
Weight:6 lbs 7 oz Bilirubin:13.2
The weight loss is not good. Failure to thrive, just like Nate. It's low milk supply again. I guess the positive side to this is that we've already been through this with Nate and he turned out alright. We've got some formula and are going to be supplementing.
She is definitely jaundiced, but not severely so like Nate was. We're hoping to avoid the bilibed (bed of lights) this time around. We have another weight check and bilirubin check tomorrow. Hoping it goes well.
Other than the jaundice and weight loss, she's a healthy little baby. Deja vu from Nate's first appt.
February 15, 2009
This is my new favorite picture EVER.
Will update later about Hailey's billirubin test results. I have to go get ready and take her to get it done. Hoping the levels aren't bad.
February 13, 2009
Hailey Elizabeth Perkins was born February 12th, 2009 at 11:27 am, after 3 hours of labor.
Height:20 in Weight:7 lbs 5 oz
Dr. Vered came in between 8:30-9 am to check where I was at and break my water - we were 4 cm and 50% on Monday - still at 4 cm but 70% effaced when they broke my water.
The nurse checked me an hour later and we were already at 6 cm and 90% effaced. She said that labor was "just chugging along!" so she'd be in to check me sooner than usual. She also decided to hook up the pitocin on the lowest setting in case we'd need it around this point. Labor was moving along just fine on its own so we didn't really end up doing the pit (YAY!!!! )
About 30 minutes later, she came to check me again - 7 cm, 90% effaced. She said it "wouldn't be long now" and she'd be back soon. Well, she wasn't gone another 30 minutes and I was getting a SERIOUS urge to push. It was coming exactly when my contractions were starting so I decided to buzz the nurse. At this point, I'm thinking there's no way I dilated 3 cm in less than 30 minutes, but the urge to push is killing me! The nurse came in around 11 am and I told her about wanting to push. She checked me and sure enough - fully dilated and effaced, the baby's head was right there and ready! Now we just had to call Dr. Vered and get him over to the hospital.
Dr. Vered arrived and told me it was ok to push (finally!!!). Hailey was born on the very first contraction I was allowed to push on! There were about 3 pushes during that contraction, a total of less than 5 minutes and the baby was born (along with the placenta). No tears, no stitches!
The cord was around Hailey's neck at birth so she was a little blue at first, but she pinked up quickly and hasn't had any breathing problems or anything. Her pediatrician saw her this morning and said "she's perfect!".
February 9, 2009
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+0 (24 total) Blood pressure:140/78 (little high), after NST 122/64 (ok) Baby's HB:140's Abdomen:40 cm (measuring ahead) Position:head down Station:-2 Dilation:4 cm (yay!) Effacement:50% (yay!)
My sugar levels are still looking fine and I still haven't gained anymore weight. My blood pressure was looking good today after resting, yay!
Also, we have made quite a bit of progress in the last week! We're up to 4 cm dilated. That old joke about asking for "drugs" as soon as you get in the door... well, at our hospital you have to be 4-5 cm to get the epidural, so I really could get it, LOL.
Due to being this far along and dilated so much, the doctor has decided to induce us. Just a few more days left! I can hardly believe we'll be holding our little girl so soon!
February 5, 2009
We had yet another NST today. Usually they are pretty quick and not that bad to sit through. Today, however, Hailey decided to sleep instead of moving at all and I got to stay hooked up to monitors for over 2 hours instead of the usual 30 minutes. I'm glad she did finally start moving because I was starting to get worried about her...
In happier news, my blood pressure was down to 122/66 today, which is way better than it has been lately. Hoping that part stays good.
In Nathan news - he was in a car accident last night with Jodi and Sharol. No one was hurt, but they were all pretty badly shaken up. Everyone had a pretty good scare over that. Stupid teenager wasn't paying attention and rear-ended them - big surprise, right? Teenagers are known for being responsible drivers - or not. Here's a shot of the damage - and yes, the back of the car literally fell off and had to be put in the trunk just to get it towed off the road.
February 2, 2009
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+0 (24 total) Blood pressure:140/100 (high), after NST 134/82 (ok) Baby's HB:140's Abdomen:38.5 cm, but 36 by u/s Position:head down (engaged!!!) Dilation:2 cm (yay!) Effacement:50% (yay!)
So, Hailey is NOT huge. She's actually a little small. I'm told she's "normal size" for her gestational age. They estimate her to be 5 lbs 12 oz (just a little under 6 lbs) and that she'll be a healthy 6 lb baby when she makes her way into the world. They did say it was hard to get her measurements because of the fluid, so she might already be 6 lbs. Again, I'm told this is "normal" and she should be just fine.
Between my blood pressure and them wanting to keep a close eye on Hailey, I'm being moved to twice weekly NSTs instead of just weekly like I've been doing. I scheduled the rest of them right up until my due date to make sure I got my favorite appt time for all of them.
The exciting news is how much progress we've made this past week! The doctor and nurse said that I should have Hailey within the next two weeks, maybe even next week. I'm a little scared about how small she seems, but also feeling very ready to meet our little girl (which, by the way, is definitely a girl, we checked again.).
January 29, 2009
Nathan had his first playdate today. I think it went pretty well. We need to work on sharing with other kids, but there wasn't any hitting or crying involved, so yay! I'm hoping to get him out to socialize more often. I think it's good for him to start hanging around kids in his age group.
I was happy to see that I haven't gained any weight, yay! I also got my GBS results today - negative .
Other than that, we talked a little bit about the ultrasound on Monday.
Since I haven't gained but Hailey keeps getting bigger, they're
checking her for excess fluid and also her size (oh, and gender, just
because I'm a freak ). They are estimating she's 7 lbs+ and want to check to make sure.
If she's really big, we get to discuss induction/c-section options. I
already made it known that I am more for induction than c-section
because of my whole fear-of-sharp-objects thing. Still hoping for going
into labor on my own, but what will be, will be.
January 26, 2009 Blood pressure checkup today!
Blood pressure:152/72 (high), after rest 130/78 (ok) Baby's HB:140's Abdomen:38cm (measuring ahead) Position:head down (not engaged yet)
Today was just supposed to be a blood pressure checkup, but since my numbers were WAY high again, they decided to check on the baby as well. I still have my regular NST on Wednesday and will finish the rest of my regular OB check stuff on that day, too.
It's only been 4 days since my last appointment, but Hailey is measuring another week ahead. They're a little concerned about her size. We're having an ultrasound on Monday to check that her fluid levels are still good (apparently my bad BP could affect that?) and to estimate her size.
Hoping that all looks well, but even if it doesn't, we'll be 37 weeks (full-term) and can safely deliver her! It feels good to know that we've made it to the "safe" part of pregnancy and that the baby should be alright.
January 25, 2009
We went to Carter's tonight to get some more stuff for Nate. He grows SO fast, and I don't when I'll have a chance to get out there again, so we picked up a few things in the next size up. I can't believe he's in 24 months sizes and we're buying 2T. Where did my baby go???
Anyway, got a great deal between their sale and my coupon! We got $140 worth of stuff for about $60! That's pretty awesome!
We're pretty set for stuff for Hailey until the 3-6 month size. Depending on how big she is and fast she grows, we shouldn't have to go shopping again until Spring!
January 24, 2009 Happy 9th month to us!!!
There are 29 days until your due date. You are 251 days pregnant. You are 8.2 months pregnant. You are in your 9th month of pregnancy.
Wow, 9th month! It really won't be long now!
I think we pretty much have everything done that really needs to be done for Hailey. Of course I'd still like to make sure the house is absolutely spotless and all of that...
Baby Checklist so far: *bassinet *bassinet mattress *bassinet bedding *newborn diapers *take home outfit *blankie made by mommy *carseat all washed and put together again *baby sling washed and packed *hospital bag packed
Things left to do: install carseat base in car stock up on more diapers buy more bottles buy formula
Sugar levels are still looking fine. Blood pressure was not so great. I've got to go back in a few days just for a BP check. We're keeping an eye on it in case pre-e sets in.
In exciting news, my cervix is all soft and I'm starting to dilate!!! That doesn't necessarily mean labor will be soon, but at least it's progress.
We will schedule an ultrasound at my next appointment since Hailey is consistently measuring a little big. I'm excited to see my little girl again! I bet she's all cute and chubby by now.
January 21, 2009
I posted some more Nathan pictures in his 18 month folder. I've really been slacking on pictures of Nate lately and I fear it'll only get worse after Hailey gets here. Just so tired and busy these days! Anyway, enjoy the new pics.
I'll try to get a new baby bump pic to post tomorrow with our 35-36 week prenatal checkup info. Sleeping Nate and Mommy's baby belly!
January 19, 2009
Nate's 15th and 16th teeth broke through!
With all of the excitement around here, I forgot to post about Nate's new teeth. I found them while brushing his teeth Friday night (the 16th). He's been super cranky and not sleeping well so I figured he was teething. These are his top canines - the last teeth before his two year molars. It'll be nice to get a teething break! I can't wait until he is done with teething altogether.
January 18, 2009
I've sprained my knee and am on crutches for this week. If I looked graceful waddling around before, it's nothing compared to being 35 weeks pregnant and on crutches! Ugh! When I'm allowed off the crutches, I'm still supposed to "take it easy" for a few weeks. Should be interesting with Nate and possibly Hailey...
The worst part (besides it hurting) is that I'm not able to finish all the nesting stuff I wanted to get done this weekend. *sigh*
Sugar levels are still looking fine. Blood pressure was back to looking good (yay!). I only gained 1 lb in the last two weeks, so that's also very good. I'm still on target for the "normal" range of weight gain and I am happy with that.
Hailey is still head down but not quite engaged just yet. As long as she's not breech, fine with me! I got a size estimate on her today - they think she's over 5 lbs. She's a little big but within the "normal" range. If she had to be born sometime soon, she should be fine. That's a huge relief!
We're moving to every week ob appts instead of just every week NSTs. I've got my GBS test next week and then we get to start checking dilation/effacement. Can't believe we'll be 9th month next week! This baby is coming soon!
January 10, 2009
Tyler and I (with Nathan in tow) went to Babies "R" Us tonight to pick up the rest of the items we needed for Hailey. Our registry is looking pretty bare, which is good! Only a few more things we'll need to pick up at some point after she's born, but we are SET for her arrival. It feels good to be able to say that.
Now that I got the bag Hailey and I will be sharing (which will be her diaper bag), no more excuses on not being packed. Gotta get all my crap together and stick it in the bag. I can't believe we're so far along and that she'll be here so soon!
A list of tonight's loot: Pack 'n Play Mattress (2) Yellow Pack 'n Play Sheets (2) Green Pack 'n Play Sheets Carseat strap covers (Pink/White) Carseat bunting (Pink/White) Large Diaper Bag (Pink) Travel Baby Wipes Container (Pink) Baby Book (Girl) (2) Green Crib Sheets (For Nathan) Green Changing Pad Cover Yellow Changing Pad Cover
January 9, 2009
Nathan's 18 month checkup was today!
Weight:25 lbs 2 oz (50%) Height:34 inches (95%) Head Circumference:18 something (45%)
Our son is a bit of a moose. I knew he'd had a growth spurt due to him outgrowing all of his clothes, but I hadn't guessed just how big he'd gotten. No wonder my back is killing me from lugging him around!
All milestones are doing well. I was concerned about his speech again, but he's right where he ought to be. Ahead physically, but I'm never worried that he's not active enough, lol.
Nate surprised us all as the doctor was examining him. Here I am telling Dr. Gould that I'm afraid that Nate is behind because he doesn't talk much or combine words hardly at all... and Nate gets all mad about being examined, pushes the doctor and yells "Go away!". I just sat there shocked for a minute and then the doctor asks me "Did he just tell me to go away?" and we both laugh. So, apparently Nate talks just fine, when he feels like it.
Other than that, no shots today. He gets one more at his 24 month (2 year) checkup and then he's done until kindergarten!
January 7, 2009
Happy half-birthday to Nate! He turned 18 months today.
We didn't do much to celebrate, but we did take Nate to get his hair cut again. I can't believe how quickly it grew out! He did really well sitting still to get his hair cut. He's growing up so much these days.
I posted some pictures in his brand new 18 month folder.
Well, today could have gone better. My blood pressure is up again, which I think is directly related to me having to see Stand-In Doctor because it was 119/67 just a week ago (without having to see her)... I'm spilling some protein, which is still within normal range (for now), but is something to keep an eye on.
Stand-In Doctor was even more charming today than usual, which is saying something. After all the rude remarks, my patience is seriously wearing thin and I cannot stand that woman!!! It made today extra "special" that I got to learn that my doctor is STILL not back and now will likely NOT be the one delivering me. You guessed it - I'm probably stuck having Stand-In Doctor with me in the delivery room. I am pretty upset (Ok, SERIOUSLY UPSET) and not sure what to do now. I didn't choose this woman to deliver me and I would rather have a stranger there than her!!!
Other than that, I'm on weekly NSTs until the end of this pregnancy. Today's NST went fine. Hailey is looking great (a little big) and my sugar levels are still fine.
January 1, 2009
I have a super cute Nate story I wanted to share . He LOVES his Elmo Live and thinks it's real. He tries to feed it animal crackers and everything...
Well, yesterday we were watching Sesame Street and it got to the Elmo's
World part. Elmo was asking about penguins and said he wanted to learn
more about penguins. Nate went and got the penguin book he got for
Christmas, brought it to Elmo Live and started showing him all the
pictures. I swear, for every one of those hard toddler moments, he has so many nice moments where he cracks me up!
December 31, 2008
Happy (almost) New Year! I can't believe our little Nathan will be 18 months (1 1/2) in a week and Hailey will be here soon. The time really flies!
Posted a couple more bump pictures. A friend pointed out that we're more in the "mountain" stage than "bump" stage now, lol. Seriously, it does kind of look like I've got a ball or something under my shirt!
December 27, 2008
I posted pictures of Hailey's going home outfit! Click here to see them all!
I got to go for a drive in the "lovely" snow storm we're having. The roads are hell - I don't recommend going out unless you really need to. As it turned out, I needed to go to Labor and Delivery.
I'm having unexplained bleeding and they are putting me on bed rest until further notice. I don't know if this is going to be temporary or for the duration of the pregnancy. I'm not supposed to be up and about and I'm not allowed to pick Nate up.
The only good news is that I'm not dilating and my blood pressure is back down to 119/67. So, if it weren't for the bleeding, things would be looking great.
December 22, 2008 Happy 8th month to us!!!
There are 62 days until your due date. You are 218 days pregnant. You are 7.1 months pregnant. You are in your 8th month of pregnancy.
Wow, 8th month! Nathan was born 5 weeks from this point. That really makes this all feel more real and like it will be happening SOON! I'm still hoping we'll make it to full-term (37 weeks), but even that is a little less than 6 weeks away. Time to get moving and get things ready for this baby!
*** Me, officially in my 8th month! The heartburn kills the whole smiling idea, but oh well.
December 19, 2008
It's official. Nate does NOT like snow. He thinks it's perfectly fine to look at from inside the house, or even outside if he's all bundled up and you're carrying him, but the moment he *might* touch snow, not interested anymore. I don't know if he'll grow into the snow later on or if this is just one of those things that is what it is. The look of disgust on his little face when he discovered that snow was cold made me smile because my Grandma Jones HATES snow. Looks like Nate might have inherited that sentiment, lol.
Well, I'm still looking pre-eclampsia free! I lost a few pounds due to the oh-so-lovely stomach flu that we've all had, but the doctor says the baby should be fine. She is measuring right where she should be and had a good strong heart rate like usual. She's also a bit of a moody baby - if you try to get her heart rate, she kicks the monitor like you're bothering her, lol. Reminds me of Nate.
Nate and Ty seem to also be over their flu bug, with just a few leftover symptoms remaining. We should all be better in time for Christmas, so yay!
December 14, 2008
Nate is sick. He's been throwing up all night and just plain feels awful. It's hard not being able to make everything all better for him. We're just cuddling him a whole lot and trying to get him to drink his Pedialyte. I hope he's feeling better soon! This on top of teething... poor little guy.
I've got some kind of cold, but so far, no throwing up. Hoping it stays mild like this so that I can take good care of Nate! I can't be at my mommy best if I end up throwing up everywhere, too...
At least these things usually only last a few days and everyone should be feeling better for Christmas!
December 11, 2008
Got my call back. NOT pre-eclampsia! At least not yet. They think I might have pregnancy-induced hypertension, which comes before
pre-e. BUT, it might not ever actually advance to pre-e this time. I'm
taking the news as AWESOME news that I'll probably have Hailey before
this all has a chance to go downhill.
Still supposed to rest, but at least it's not bed rest! I know it's
still a possibility that pre-e could come on, but they really think it
won't be until 36+ weeks and by then, Hailey can be born safely so I
can relax a bit.
Well, my blood pressure is high. They checked it twice, about an hour apart, just to be sure. It didn't come down AT ALL. So, they're running blood work to check for pre-eclampsia. I should have the results tomorrow. I'm also on every week appointments until further notice. I'm supposed to "rest as much as possible" and they mentioned the dreaded "bed rest" as a possibility if my blood pressure isn't looking better by next week.
In happier news, my blood sugar levels are looking fine. Supposed to continue as I've been doing. Also, Hailey is looking good! She was kicking the doppler and having a great time today. She had a growth spurt, though. They're going to watch her carefully so she doesn't get TOO big.
Feeling nervous about the whole pre-e thing and hoping the results are good tomorrow.
December 8, 2008
I was thinking about Christmas cards and how I wanted to do a picture for them like last year... probably don't have time now...
Anyway! Here's our picture of Nate from last year:
And a picture of Nate from today:
I can't believe how much he's changed in a year! He's growing up so fast!
I also made him a 17 month folder and added a few pictures in there.
*** In case anybody was wondering, I finally finished Hailey's baby blanket. Here it is, hanging out with Nate's blankie.
December 6, 2008
I haven't had an all-about-Nate post in awhile, so here we go!
Nate will be 17 months tomorrow. I can't believe how grown up he's getting! He loves to "help" with everything from getting himself dressed to picking up his toys to cleaning the house. I'm hoping this is a habit that will stick... at least until his teen years where he decides that seeing the floor of his room is no longer necessary.
He's gotten very good at helping with some things - like picking up toys and dressing/undressing. He puts his arms up to take shirts off and he hands me the arm/leg I need to get shirts/pants on or his car seat straps buckled. He's gotten to where he tries to put his own clothes on, but hasn't actually accomplished it yet. Undressing himself is getting easier for him, though!
Nate is loving all of the Christmas decorations around the house. He's figured out how to turn the mini singing snowman and penguins on/off and plays it to his amusement off and on all day. He also likes to look out the windows in the evening when the outside stuff kicks on. Sometimes I bundle him up to go touch the air-blown snowman/penguins.
Toy-wise, blocks and toy cars/trains are his favorites these days - along with anything that has lights/music. He's very into building towers out of his blocks. He's gotten to where he likes to connect his towers to other things (like whatever Ty or I have built for him). He's also enjoying crashing one toy car/train into another - gets big laughs every time. It's neat watching the way his mind works.
Language-wise, his new favorite words are "Uh oh", "Please" and "No". Anytime he drops something or his block tower falls over, it's "uh oh", and he's connected "please" with wanting us to get him something or help him with something. I get a lot of "please" for putting toys together after he's taken them apart, or wanting a drink refill or snack.
I guess it's pretty common for "no" to become a favorite word at some point. It's actually pretty cute most of the time because he shakes his head while he says it to me. It's hard not to laugh, even when it's getting irritating.
Nate's favorite physical skill (besides climbing EVERYHING, which is NOT new) is jumping! He will suddenly stand still and then just start hopping up and down. It makes him laugh like crazy and it's really funny to watch. It keeps us both amused. It reminds me of when he was a tiny little thing and we got him the jumperoo. He LOVED jumping so much and it looks like he's found that same joy now that he can do it anytime he wants.
He's such a little boy these days that it's hard to connect him to the newborn pictures of the tiny baby we brought home almost a year and a half ago... There are certainly some challenging times (the word "no" comes to mind!), but we love him to pieces are are very grateful to have him in our lives.
December 6, 2008
My nesting urges are definitely kicking in! I've gotten a TON of cleaning done this week. And all I want to do is get more done. I'm washing all of Hailey's things again because I had forgotten that babies need the special detergent (Dreft) and had used our regular stuff. I also took apart Nate's old baby carrier to wash the pads. Once the pads are dry, I get to change all the settings to newborn again!
Anybody know if you can have a pack 'n play/bassinet dry cleaned??? It certainly won't fit in the wash but I want it clean, too!
I also need to see about packing my hospital bag. I don't plan on packing all that much, but if I start it now, I have plenty of time to remember any little things I've forgotten.
It's really not that much longer until the baby could be here, and I'll feel SO much better knowing that we've got her bed set up and all of that.
December 4, 2008
A friend online had us all doing this personality thing and it was pretty neat. Feel free to check it out.
I thought it was neat to see famous people that supposedly had a similar personality type. "Isaac Newton, Niels Bohr, C. G. Jung, Michel de Montaigne, Michel Nostradamus, Ada Lovelace"
Anyway! If you're bored, it's a fun way to pass time.
December 2, 2008
I survived my "GD checkup" with the stand-in doctor today. My numbers are looking fine, even on the days I forgot my pills that help my body recognize its own insulin. I was told that having GD means that I should not be able to eat the amounts of carbs/sugar that I am eating and still have fine sugar levels, but I DO have fine sugar levels. If my numbers are still fine next week, I get to quit poking my fingers so much. Yay!!!!!
December 1, 2008
Nate's 13th and 14th teeth broke today!
Two down, two to go. He's much less cranky now that he's teething two instead of four. He slept today, without a huge battle, for the first time in over a week!!!
*** Also added a few new Nathan pictures from last week. Almost time for a 17 month folder. Where does the time go?
November 26, 2008
Happy (almost) Thanksgiving!
Well, I'm still surviving! The finger poking is not as horrible as I had imagined. Mostly because the tips of my fingers are almost numb from being used so much for crocheting/typing/etc. Nice having spots that hardly feel the jab. Makes life easier.
Also, my blood sugar numbers have all been fine so far. I'm averaging 80-110 most of the time. It's looking like this gestational diabetes thing is really not that bad (yet). I'm hoping I can keep it managed well and Hailey will be just fine! It helps to keep reminding myself that any unpleasantness is only for a few more months and then we'll have our baby girl!
November 24, 2008
They gave me a glucose monitor, but I haven't met with the diabetes lady yet. SO, I had no idea what my numbers are supposed to be or any of that. I looked it up online and just about every site has a different opinion. Not exactly helpful.
From what I can tell, your "two hours after eating" numbers are supposed to be under the 130-140 range. Mine have been 118 and 114 so far, so I *think* that's good. It'll be nice when I meet the woman that's supposed to explain all this crap, though.
Right now, just trying to adjust and prepare for whatever might come. I want Hailey to be healthy and alright...
November 24, 2008
Got my glucose results.
1st draw - 90-something (normal) 2nd - "elevated" 223, had to be <180 3rd - "elevated" 181, had to be <160 4th - 60-something (LOW)
Considering I'm insulin resistant, that makes sense. BUT, apparently some doctors can't tell the difference between insulin resistance and diabetic, so "maybe" having gestational diabetes, they're going to make me do all of the diabetic bulls*** anyway. I'm pretty pissed about it. I'm thinking if my regular doctor was around (and hadn't broken her stupid ankle) I would NOT be dealing with this right now. This stupid other doctor, I do not like her AT ALL, and she has no idea what the hell IR even is, so JOY. Having to explain what PCOS and IR are is always a "good sign" and puts me in a "confident" mood to begin with.
November 21, 2008 Happy Third Trimester to us!!!
There are 93 days until your due date. You are 187 days pregnant. You are 6.1 months pregnant. You are in your 7th month of pregnancy.
We've made it to the "final stretch" of pregnancy. Hoping she stays put another 9 weeks at least, but it really won't be long now until we're holding our new baby girl!
I took my 3 hr GTT today. My arms HURT from all the blood drawing this week, but I'm reminding myself it's for a good cause. We'll have the results on Monday. Hoping against hope that I'll pass... but mentally trying to prepare myself for failing and having to learn the diabetic lifestyle for the remainder of the pregnancy. My comforting thought in all of this is that even if I fail, it's only a few months of being miserable and then I'll have a HEALTHY baby girl to show for it.
November 20, 2008
Glucose results - 156. It had to be under 139 to pass. They're making me do the 3 hr test tomorrow. I get to spend 4 hours (yes, 4) getting blood drawn 4 times and having to drink another sugary drink, after not eating anything. I'm going to feel like hell and want to die. Can't wait!
November 19, 2008
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+ 5 (14 total) Blood pressure:128/82 (little high, but looking good!) Baby's HB:140's (she was sleeping) Abdomen:27cm (measuring right on)
Things are looking good so far. I get the results of my glucose tolerance test tomorrow, along with my anemia results. No problems or concerns right now. My blood pressure was slightly higher than usual today, but we're pretty sure that my huge fear of needles had something to do with that.
We're moving to having appointments every THREE weeks instead of four now. Count down until D-Day has begun.
November 18, 2008
Nathan had his first ever dentist appointment today. No cavities! He did well for the most part, and only got scared when they were making him lie still to count his teeth. He really enjoyed the tooth cleaning, though! We confirmed he has 12 teeth (which we already knew) and found out that he's teething 4 more right now! Poor little guy is feeling pretty miserable and now we know why. I'm glad he's not getting sick and it's just teeth, but teething is still pretty hard on everyone.
Tyler and I also had dental checkups today. I'm cavity-free and my teeth and gums look healthy and strong. Always good to know. Good gum health is especially important during pregnancy because certain kinds of gingivitis can cause pre-term labor. I can breathe easy knowing I'm in the clear!
November 15, 2008
The baby shower for Daniel was today. He is so tiny and cute in person!
Mary Ann gave us her girls' old clothes and holy cow! There are TONS of baby clothes! Major thanks. I'll be sure to find homes for anything we can't use.
*** I almost forgot. We're down to less than 100 days to go now!!!
Less than a week left until 3rd trimester, yikes!
November 11, 2008
I added some new pictures of Nathan from this morning. They're in his brand new 16 month folder. I can't believe how much he's growing up on me! He'll be 1 1/2 in January. Where does the time go?
November 10, 2008
Shh, I know what Santa is bringing Nathan! Elmo Live is the "it" toy this year and is supposed to be really hard to get. If any of you are planning on getting one for that special little person in your life, you'll want to ask Santa for it now rather than later! And make sure you let him know that Toys "R" Us was having a sale on them.
We took Nate with us toy hunting over the weekend and he loved looking at all the toys! Elmo Live and Leapfrog's Alphabet Pal were very popular as were a few other things. I was surprised at Nate's interest in one toy, though: Yes, that's right. He thought this creepy-looking T-rex was awesome! I never would have picked it out as something Nate would like - guess you learn something new every day.
November 9, 2008 Fetal development in pregnancy week 25: "Your little grower’s physical proportions are evening out at this point and most of their remaining development will largely be weight gain and lots and lots of nervous system development. The good news is: if your child is born premature now they’ll be more likely to survive without too much trauma as their lungs began to produce “surfactant” last week, which means their tiny respiratory system is getting stronger with each passing day. Yes, now’s a good time for a minor sigh of relief and a quick pat on the back. All that hard work and conscientious living is really getting your child prepared for a healthy delivery. Keep up the fabulous work mama! This week they’ll be scootching slowly out of the old breech position and start rotating (already!) into a better position for exit during their birth. Their head and feet are slowly rotating so that the head is pointed down towards the birth canal. Time is short (or really long, depending on who you ask) - "just (still!) 15 weeks left before you can go back to being a single-resident human."
Here's to celebrating the "point of viability"! Of course, we want Hailey to stay put at least another 11 weeks (which is when Nathan was born!), but it's good to know we are getting closer to a healthy baby!
November 4, 2008
Happy Voting Day!!!
Nate and I were going to walk down to vote today, but it's been raining/snowing all day, so we drove. It was cold enough driving!
Nate did really well at the voting place. He tried to take my electronic ticket to vote because it apparently looks neat... But then he stood there and pulled things out of my purse while I voted.
Anyhoo, we both got our "I Voted!" stickers, so mission accomplished.
Here's Nate, right before naptime, with his sticker.
***UPDATE*** I just have to say how SUPER psyched I am that Barack Obama is our next President!!!
I'm feeling very hopeful that the complete crapfest of the last 8 years will get fixed and things will be alright again. Major congrats to President-elect Obama and good luck!
November 1, 2008
I had the weirdest dream last night! I dreamt it was later in the year and I went into labor with Hailey. Since we were full term, they were letting us have her. After however many hours, they said they needed to do a c-section (which is a huge fear of mine!). And for some reason, my brain supplied the image of the doctor using an electric turkey carver to do the surgery. WTH? So, it was a terrifying dream until I woke up and was like "A turkey carver?!". It goes on the weird dream list, yep.
October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween!!!
Nathan was sick all day , but seemed to be feeling better by this evening.
This is Nathan's jack-o-lantern that Tyler and I carved for him tonight. He thought it was really neat, which made us happy. He's such a sweet little kid!
October 30, 2008 Congrats to Kelly and Chris on their new little girl!
Lilian was born October 27th at 4:27 pm. She was 6 lbs 13 oz and 17 inches long.
October 29, 2008
I went and got my first ever flu shot today. I have never bothered with them before and can't even remember the last time I had the flu... but better safe than sorry considering we've got our entire third trimester in the flu season!
October 23, 2008 We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+ 5 (9 total) Blood pressure:122/72 (looking good!) Baby's HB:140's (she was sleeping) Abdomen:23cm (measuring right on)
We went over our ultrasound results from our last appointment and everything is looking good! Hailey is a little big, but only by a few days, so it's nothing to worry about. She was already weighing 1 lb a month ago, though, and that is a little on the heavy side. She might end up being a chubby bubby like Nate was. Hoping to avoid induction at this point, but as long as Hailey is healthy and doing well, we'll do what needs to be done.
I got my glucose drink to take home. I can't believe I'm already up to doing the glucose test! That's a third trimester thing and I get to do it at my next appt. Holy cow, time just keeps getting away from me!
October 22, 2008
I posted a new "bump picture". I've REALLY started to round out in the last month. No wonder my Halloween costume was so dang tight in the belly! At least it fit.
We've got another prenatal checkup tomorrow. I can't wait to see how much Hailey's grown in the last month! She's quite the active kicker these days, even waking me up sometimes. She reminds me a lot of Nathan when she decides that a full bladder is the perfect target for kicking practice. She even favors the same side of my belly to "hang out" that Nathan did. Pretty neat!
October 20, 2008
Happy 6th month to us!
There are 125 days until your due date. You are 155 days pregnant. You are 5.1 months pregnant. You are in your 6th month of pregnancy.
We've officially completed our 5th month and are working on the 6th now. That means only one more month until we start our third trimester (and will be 2/3 done!!!). Holy crap! Can this one really be that close to being done baking already?! Where does the time go?
October 19, 2008
The Halloween party was a hit! I've got pictures posted now if you want to go check them out.
I was rocking Nathan and his Blankie to help him fall asleep for naptime today. Hailey started kicking and Nate was feeling it! When she'd kick, he'd sit up and look at me like "Why are you poking me?". Then he'd lie back down. He did eventually fall asleep but it was so cute! It was a really nice way to spend some time this afternoon.
October 16, 2008
Nathan got his first haircut tonight!!! I took him to my usual place and he really liked my usual hairdresser. She's a nice lady and loves kids!
He looks so much older without all his hair. I'm sure part of this is pregnancy hormones, but I feel so sad that he's growing up and doesn't have his "baby hair" anymore!
October 14, 2008
Well, it's looking like the "end" of my morning sickness was more a "break" than an end. I've been feeling horrible for about a week or so now. I'm back to being nauseous ALL THE TIME. If I eat, I feel like I'm going to throw up. If I don't eat, I feel like I'm going to throw up. It's pleasant, really.
I was hoping it would go away in a few days (stomach bug or something?), but some of my friends that have had little girls have made sure to let me know that is it probably NOT going away. I guess having constant morning sickness is a byproduct of having a little girl? Couldn't I just trade it for more stretch marks?!?
October 13, 2008
Happy 25th Birthday to Tyler!!! Hopefully will have some pictures to add later.
So, I got a funny video of Nate climbing the rocking ottoman in his room. That thing moves around so much and it's hilarious watching him climb up it and then rock it around.
In other Nathan news, he helped himself up into the kitchen chairs at the table today, too. I was doing dishes and he was playing in the kitchen like usual. He was quiet so I was looking for him - and there he was! Sitting at the table playing.
October 12, 2008
Nate likes to carry people's keys around all the time so I made him his own keyring. It started with just one key, that didn't go to anything. He's now going around the house and bringing loose keys he finds to Tyler and I. He's up to 7-8 keys now.
Nate takes his keys and tries them on the front and back doors of the house. He knows the doors are locked, so he is trying to unlock them and go outside.
October 10, 2008 Nathan's 15 month checkup was today!
Weight:23 lbs 8 oz (40%) Height:31.25 inches (70%) Head Circumference:18 something (35%)
All milestones are doing well. I was worried he might be behind because he likes to make animal noises more than talk, but animal noises count as talking, so yay!
Nate got three shots today. One was his flu shot. He goes back in 4 weeks for the second flu shot dose. Hopefully, it'll be a mild cold season for us.
October 9, 2008
I added more pictures of Nathan today. I also finally got a new video of him making cat noises. It's so cute when he meows!
The other videos are him showing me he knows where his feet are and him playing with Halloween toys. He's been able to show you his feet for awhile, but I didn't think to get it on video until recently. Oh well!
Last night I was up late (pregnancy insomnia, ugh!) crocheting more on Hailey's baby blanket. I was resting my arms on my belly because it's big and there (lol), and I felt her kicks on the outside! She is getting so big and strong! I didn't feel Nate so well until weeks later, but the doctors say you feel everything sooner the second time around.
October 7, 2008
Happy 15 months to Nate! He doesn't have his 15 month checkup until Friday, so no new stats yet. I'll try to remember to take some pictures of him this week to get his 15 month picture folder started.
October 6, 2008 Congrats to Pete and Mary Ann on their new little boy!
Posted by Pete yesterday:
"Daniel David Overson was born at 8:29 p.m. on Friday, October 3rd, 2008.
He weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.
Mother and Baby are home and trying to get used to each other "on the outside.""
October 3, 2008
Well, those of you that know me know that I do NOT have a high opinion of Las Vegas. Not helping the matter today, I logged in to our account and found that Tyler's credit card number got stolen while in Vegas and some Vegas local is running up charges in Nevada. NICE. Let me just say that dealing with credit card fraud people on the phone is NOT fun and I'm having a great freakin' day.
October 1, 2008
Nate's 11th and 12th teeth broke today!
They are the molars on the left side - one up, one down. He now has his four middle teeth on top, four middle teeth on the bottom, two left molars and two right molars. Not much he can't chew at this point! Hoping now that the teeth have broken, he will mellow out and go back to being our happy baby that takes naps! This anti-napping stuff has been really hard on me lately. I'm pretty tired and sore already this pregnancy...
Oh, I also forgot to update this, but Nate's been completely bottle-free for almost a week.
We've been gradually weaning him since he turned one and he was down to just the nighttime bottle. Now he's been doing NO bottles and seems to be fine with it. I can't believe how many "baby things" he's put behind him! Potty training will be next, but probably not for awhile. The pediatrician says most kids aren't ready until 18 months+ (1 1/2 yrs old), so January?
***Update*** Cute Nate story from putting him to bed tonight.We had finished giving Nate and Blankie hugs and putting them down for the night, so we gave him his giraffe to snuggle. He then handed it to me for me to hug, so I did and then I gave it back. Then he handed it to his Daddy to hug, too. I thought it was so sweet he wanted his giraffe to have goodnight hugs.
September 29, 2008
I've been looking stuff up on how to make my own baby headbands. I'm hoping that I'll be able to make a bunch for Hailey. I have found some really nice ones online, though, in case it turns out to be too hard to make good ones myself. It's exciting thinking of all the cutesy little girl things I'll get to do soon!
So far, I really like all the pink and brown clothes and headbands. They are so cute!
September 27, 2008
Tyler and I went to Carter's today to pick up some newborn/0-3 month baby clothes. It was lots of fun looking at itty bitty clothes! It seems like forever ago that Nate was that small. Hopefully, we got enough stuff to last until Spring. It's hard to say how big Hailey will be, but if she's anything like Nate, we're all set!
I brought coupons (of course!) so we got a good deal on our items. We picked out some really cute stuff! But you'll have to wait to see it until after our little model arrives.
September 25, 2008
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+ 4 (4 total) Blood pressure:140/64 (little high - stress?) Baby's HB:150's Abdomen:20cm (measuring +2 cm ahead!)
We FINALLY had our ultrasound today. Everything with the baby is looking great! We also got to peek at the gender. I'll try to remember to add the ultrasound pictures tonight or tomorrow!
September 23, 2008
For those of you that know Nathan, you know he is a major Mr. Crankypants when teething. He also gets VERY clingy when teething. Well, he is teething, again! Being clingy is so much worse now that he weighs 23-24 lbs!!! My back has been killing me from being pregnant (sciatic nerve pain), and carrying Mr. Crankypants is getting increasingly difficult. He's decided that being left alone, even for me to go to the bathroom, is unacceptable and screams the whole time. His old baby gate climbing habit comes into play here. He decided today that climbing the gate is not enough. He needed to go up and OVER the gate and go get Mommy. And so he did. Now I don't know what I'm supposed to do to keep him off the staircase or from running wild in the house when I need to use the bathroom or something.
September 20, 2008
Our baby ticker moved over to the 5th month, holy cow!!! This pregnancy seems to be going by so much faster than it did with Nate. Only 5 more days until we get our peek at Bean 2.0!
September 19, 2008
Haven't shared much in the land of Nate lately, so here's what he's up to!
Nate is getting so vocal lately and I'm loving it! He's named everybody by now, which makes life easier. His grandparents are tickled pink that he calls them grandma and grandpa (sounds more like duhma and duhpa, but oh well!). My personal favorite is him answering me with "yeah". If you ask if he needs to be changed, he will tell you "yeah" and head off to his room. He even starts to climb up the changing table if he gets there before me. He also pulls on the front of his pants when they're dirty to let you know he wants them off.
I asked him today if he was tired (it was nap time) and he goes "yeah", picks up his blankie and starts marching off to his room. So much easier than when he used to get cranky and throw fits to let you know he was tired! I'm so amazed with how much he understands. He doesn't talk half as much as he understands me. I can give him directions to go look for something and bring it back and he will. He's really good at getting his own blocks out from under the couch. That's going to be REAL helpful as my tummy gets bigger!!!
He also will show you where his feet are when you ask and is trying to put his own shoes on. He's not been successful yet (mostly he is stepping ON them instead of IN them), but he knows that shoes go on your feet and that shoes mean he can go play outside. He brings me his shoes and points outside sometimes.
Nate is also into brushing his own hair. I ask him to brush his hair while I put on his jammies (mostly to keep him occupied) and he will do it, lol. I have to redo it afterwards, but it's so cute that he knows what a brush is for!
I don't know where all the time went to, but he is turning into such a little man these days! I hardly recognize the little baby he used to be.
September 17, 2008 I finished Nate's costume tonight! All that's left is to hand sew some hooks on for closing the hood and the belly. The belly covers the zipper on the costume so he looks more dragon-like, lol. I'll try to get pictures sometime soon. I've been beyond busy lately, especially with Ty out of town.
Next (and last, yay!) item on the list is my costume. I'll be starting it tomorrow. I've got until October the 18th (the Halloween party) to get it done, so I should be safe on time.
In other news, I've been working on a mini-me for Nate's Blankie. It's almost put together, but then I have to do the border around it, too. I'm hoping to have it finished soon, but Halloween costumes are taking priority since they have a "due date" of sorts. It's nice to have projects to work on. When Halloween costumes and Mini-Blankie are finished, I can start a baby blanket for this baby! Only 8 more days until we get our chance to peek at the gender, and I find out what yarn colors to buy.
Oh! Nate said a new word today. Grandpa. He kept pointing at his Grandpa and saying a two-syllable "word" that ended in "pa". It was the same "word" over and over, so he knows what he's saying. It was pretty neat. He's really getting into giving things names lately.
September 16, 2008
Halloween costume update! Tyler's was finished ages ago and I've been working on Nate's. I completed the main part tonight. It's been a lot more work than I was expecting, but it's turning out so cute! All I have left to finish is the hood.
Here's a picture I snapped with my cell when he was trying it on for me. Nate the dragon!
Surprisingly enough, the tail doesn't seem to slow him down AT ALL. He was off as soon as I set him down, and as you can see, was ransacking Aunt Jodi's room. I'll hopefully have the hood to his costume completed tomorrow and be ready to move on to my costume. It's a dress, which is going to be hard (!), but I'm hoping it will turn out alright. It's about the only pregnancy-friendly costume I was interested in.
In other news, Ty's still out of town. Missing him lots! Can't wait for this weekend so he'll be home again! I'm so glad he'll be back before our big ultrasound, too. Only 9 more days until we get to take a peek at our little Bean 2.0!
September 11, 2008
I finally took Nate shoe shopping today. He's been living in socks for awhile now because his old shoes made his feet hurt. I was pretty shocked when the sales lady measured Nate's feet and told me I was in the wrong area - he no longer wears infant shoes! He had to move to the little boys' area! He's up to a size 7!
I got him some really cute shoes. His old ones were light-up Thomas the Train and the new ones are a different style, but still light-up Thomas the Train! Nate wanted to carry them out of the store, in the car the whole way home, and then into the house. I'm going to say he likes his new shoes.
September 10, 2008
Ok, so I think we are getting into a dangerous Blankie situation around here, lol. "Blankie" is now capitalized because it's officially a family member according to Nate. Nate takes it EVERYWHERE and it's starting to get tattered. I get to try to perform emergency surgery on Blankie today after he goes to Grandma's to visit (kid won't let me have the thing long enough to fix it while he's still here, lol). I think we're going to need a Blankie backup that is just for sleeping or playing with.
It's so cute, though, the way he's attached to it! He ran down the hall all interested in something, stopped dead because he realized he had dropped Blankie, then he goes running back to his room to find it. Usually, if he's going to go do something else, he chooses one of us to "babysit" and hands us Blankie to watch for him. He gets this serious face if we're not holding Blankie just the way he left us with it, too, LOL.
*** Blankie survived surgery. Here's a pic of Blankie post-op, lol.
*** I added a 14 month folder of Nathan pictures today. Also, there is a new video of Nate making "piggy noises"! He snorts and it's so dang cute! He's the quiet snorting sound - I'm making the loud ones.
Looks like it's another molar. He already has one on the right side, but on the top. This one is on the bottom. He's still showing signs of teething, so possibly breaking the other molars. Poor kid isn't feeling the greatest.
In other news, we went out and bought Nate a winter wardrobe today, including a snowsuit . Got an awesome deal, too! About $300 worth of clothes for $180 . I still can't believe my 'baby' is in 18 months clothes and that we had to buy his winter stuff in 24 months!
I picked up a few neutral newborn items while I was at Carter's since they were on sale. I can't wait until we can buy pink or blue!!! Only two more weeks until we get our chance to find out, yay!
September 8, 2008
Well, I had my first kidney stone experience. TONS of fun. As part of that, they wanted to keep an eye on the baby's heart beat, just to make sure all was well. The heartbeat was ranging 157-163 bpm - nice and strong and LOUD. It was so nice to hear!
I'm still pretty sore and tired. A lot of blood work today to make sure it was just stones and not an infection, etc. Everything appears to be well.
September 3, 2008
I posted a bunch more Nathan pictures in his 13 month folder. It's almost time to start a 14 month folder, yikes!
I started Nate's baby book today - the scrap book, not the important info one. To be fair, I've only had the book since his birthday-ish, so I'm not that far behind... Unlike our scrapbooks that are now two years behind. I think I'm going to pick a day of the week to start adding to them to try to catch up a little.
August 30, 2008
We used Nathan's gift card from his Great-Grandmother to buy some Mega Bloks yesterday. He loves blocks! And we've had the gift card since his birthday, just couldn't think of anything cool to get him until now. The blocks are definitely "cool" in Nate land. Posted a ton of pictures in his 13 month folder. Check them out!
August 27, 2008
I've got sinusitis. Joy! Started antibiotics today so I shouldn't be all germy or whatever. Thought Nate was getting sick again so I took him in, too. Turns out it's just his allergies acting up again. He's on children's Benadryl now. Guess he's just going to have allergies permanently then.
Cute story to remember! When the doctor started looking in my nose and all of that to see what was wrong with me, Nate started to cry. I picked him up and he had tears all down his face. He wouldn't turn his back on the doctor and kept trying to get him away from me. I thought it was cute he was trying to "save" Mommy from the doctor. I tried to tell him it didn't hurt or anything, but he wasn't convinced. Such a sweet kid!
August 26, 2008
We had another prenatal checkup today!
Weight:+ 0 (no gain yet) Blood pressure:114/74 Baby's HB:160's Abdomen:16cm (measuring +2 cm ahead!)
My progesterone test results were normal and looking good as well as all other tests. Our BIG ultrasound is scheduled for September 25th! Hopefully, the baby will cooperate and let us see what he or she is!
I started measuring "big" around this time with Nathan, too, so it wasn't a surprise that we're measuring ahead 2 weeks so far. Wonder if I'll jump to 4 weeks ahead next appt like Nate kept doing? Going to be another big baby either way!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* In other news - morning sickness seems to have finally gone away!!! I'm looking much less zombie-like and more like I might actually be human.
Me this morning - little over 14 weeks pg!
I took another "bump" picture today, also. Definitely starting to grow!
We (FINALLY!!!!) get to find out what we're having on September 25th! Can't wait!
August 25, 2008 Happy 100th day of pregnancy!
There are 180 days until your due date. You are 100 days pregnant. You are 3.3 months pregnant. You are in your 4th month of pregnancy.
Your baby's crown to rump length is 3.2 to 4.5 inches long and he weighs approximately 1 ounce now. Your baby is about the size of the average fist.
Good stuff to know! Will update tomorrow after our baby checkup.
August 22, 2008
I finished the rest of Tyler's costume today! I just need to measure him so it fits properly. I get to start Nathan's dragon costume next. Still a little intimidated by making my first baby costume. Hoping the pattern won't be too difficult to figure out.
In other news, Mynx will be finding a new home as of tomorrow. She has not adjusted well to Nathan and it is only getting worse. She is chewing EVERYTHING - including important pieces to our new pool, Nathan's bottles/toys, etc. Enough is enough! Hoping the Humane Society finds her a good home without children to be jealous of.
August 21, 2008
I discovered Nathan's 9th tooth today.
It looks like it broke through a couple of days ago (which explains the crankiness!), but he's still acting like he's teething. Hoping this one comes in quicker. The newest tooth is on the top right side - a molar! It looks like he's getting another molar because he's chewing on things pretty far back in his mouth.
August 20, 2008
Today I made Nathan some pillows! He's been wadding up his blanket and things to use as a pillow so I figured it was time he had some pillows of his own.
I had an extra window valance left over from when we bought his nursery set so I cut the animals off of it and stitched them onto pillows that I made. Now the new pillows match his nursery perfectly! I'll get some pictures uploaded later so everyone can see them.
***
August 19, 2008
In Nate news, we moved his car seat to the forward-facing position today. Nate is pretty excited about getting to see more while we drive. He seems to really like that he can see us now, too. He just looks so grown up sitting there like a little boy instead of a baby!
I finished the top to Tyler's Halloween costume today. Now I have to get started on the pants and get Nate's costume going. So much to do! Glad I'm starting early, though.
Our ticker that's counting down to Baby #2's arrival has moved over to the 4th month, wow! We've reached the second trimester!!! The time really seems to be flying lately. We've still got a lot to get done before the baby gets here. Hoping we find time for it all. The "to do" list seems to be growing the more I think about it.
August 13, 2008
I bought the patterns for our Halloween costumes today. I'm going to do Nate and Tyler's first and then mine. Hopefully I will have an accurate belly measurement to work into mine by then! So exciting planning around a baby bump!
I haven't done a sewing project in a couple of years so this is going to be challenging, but fun. I can't wait to see Nate wearing something I made him! I hope it turns out alright.
August 12, 2008
Nate is working very hard on his speech lately. He's starting to copy syllables and some sounds to try to form words. He's started "onk ooh" for thank you. Hoping to keep encouraging good manners for when he's older!
His newest attempt at talking was last night and was so neat! I wasn't feeling well so I went to bed early. Ty brought Nate in to say goodnight to me. I told Nate "Goodnight, Nate. I love you" and he goes "ow off ooh" and gave me hugs. I'm pretty sure he was telling me "I love you" because that's what it sounded like! I'm pretty excited about it, yep. He's such a sweet little critter!
August 10, 2008 This is what a baby looks like at 12 weeks!
We are in our last week before our second trimester now. Pretty exciting times. Once you've made it to the second trimester, you have a 90% chance of carrying the baby to term - definitely cause to celebrate!
I can't believe we'll be in our 4th month in a week. Where is the time going???
August 4, 2008
Here is a comparison pic (of me) from last August and then this morning. What a difference a year makes! And why does losing weight make my nose look bigger??? I'm hoping it's just the camera angle... Anyway!
Me with Nate at 1 month old - Me this morning at 11 weeks pg
*** EDIT ***
Added more Nate pictures and videos.
Nate Video 44 - Milk Man Nate! Nate likes to carry his milk "bowling pins" around and sort them in their box. He's also very into sharing his toys right now and feels that I need to see them at least a couple times.
Nate Video 43 - Nate plays with his tow truck This video is of Nate pushing his little tow truck around and them ramming it into the wall. His driving skills need work before he goes near our car, yep.
July 31, 2008
Here are a couple pictures of our brand new pool!!!
Our new pool (ladder not pictured - don't want unauthorized people in the pool)! You can barely see the neighbor's crap pile anymore HA HA HA!!!!
Nathan's baby "ufo" floating around the pool. Cant' wait to let him try it out and get pictures of him in it!
*** EDIT ***
I got some pictures of Nate in the pool. They're in the 12 months folder. Also got some videos of Nate this week. It'd been awhile since I got some.
Nate Video 42 - Tantrum Time! For everybody that says Nate is "happy all the time", here's a tantrum! Or at least part of one. He gives up and starts playing again pretty soon, lol.
July 29, 2008 We had another prenatal checkup today!
Everything is looking good so far. I'm down 5 lbs since last appointment (morning sickness is a mixed "blessing"?). I got to see our little bean on ultrasound again! He or she was wiggling all over the place and really seemed to be enjoying life. Heartbeat was 163 bpm, going nice and strong. I'll post one of the pictures I got in the Prenatal area later. It's kind of hard to tell, but it's a profile shot and you can see its little fingers.
July 28, 2008
We got a pool! I'll post more about it tomorrow when I get a chance. It took a long time to set up and now it's filling up with water, which will also take a long time. We got the 18 ft x 4 ft one and it's bigger than I thought it'd be... I'll try to get pictures this weekend (Ty will be out of town until Friday and I'm extremely busy with being pregnant and chasing Nate!).
My next prenatal appointment is tomorrow. I'll post details in the evening time, most likely after Nate is in bed. Wish us luck!
July 26, 2008
We opened Nathan a savings account today! All the money he's received from his birthday was deposited. Of course Nate doesn't understand he has a savings account but he did really like looking at everything in the bank. When I told him his birthday money was going "bye bye" into an account, he waved "bye bye" to it! He's so precious.
July 25, 2008
I've now broken up Nathan's photo album into several albums, arranged by age, to make it easier to view his pictures. I will be posting pictures in separate albums from now on.
Nate made his first crayon picture today! It's posted in his most recent album, 12 months.
July 21, 2008
Tyler and I decided to switch from our previous phone service to the one that is now offered by the company he works for. Since it's new, I'm not sure what the differences will be compared to our old service, but I'm hoping it's a whole lot better quality!
Anyway! We will now have a new phone number! I'm not posting it here because I don't want random internet people having my phone number, lol. I'll be emailing the new number out today. If I don't have your email, you can always call one of our cell phones until you get the new number.
***
In other news. Saw the new Batman movie on Saturday and it rocked!!! If you're thinking about seeing it, definitely order the tickets ahead of time - they seem to be sold out a lot.
July 13, 2008
I added some new Nathan pictures today. Just more of him with his presents and one of him eating eggs. I'm thinking I might have to start a new Nathan album... or a new section just for Nathan pictures. There are getting to be so many that they could use some organization of some kind. Hmm.
July 11, 2008
We had our ultrasound today.
Baby #2 is growing and appears to be doing well. We got to see and hear the heartbeat. It was pretty neat. We got our "final due date" also. It was only one day off of my guess so it wasn't a huge surprise. We are due in February 2009.
I posted the pictures in Prenatal Pictures. One is of our "bean" itself and the other is the heartbeat - around 172 bpm. Good strong heartbeat!
July 8, 2008
Nathan's 1 year checkup was today!
Weight:21 lbs 11 oz (40%) Height:30 inches (70%) Head Circumference:17.7 inches (20-25%)
Weight at birth: 7 lbs 3oz Height at birth: 18.5 in
He's grown a whole lot in a year!
Nathan is where he should be for his verbal milestones and is ahead in the other areas. His pediatrician says he thinks Nate might be an early potty-trainer because he is already disliking being wet and pulling his diapers off! When I asked how we get him to quit pulling his diapers off, Dr. Gould said "try duct tape".
July 5, 2008 Today was Nathan's 1st birthday party!
Thanks to everyone that came! It was good to see you all and share Nathan's special day. He had so much fun! He went right to bed (after a bath) when we got home. Poor little guy is all tuckered out, lol. I can't wait to see his face when he sees all his presents again tomorrow.
Nathan LOVED seeing all the people and having them sing to him. He was a little confused during the birthday song until we got to the "Nathan" part and then he was all smiles. I'm so glad that his birthday was a happy occasion for him.
I'll get pictures posted as soon as some of you send them to me. I wish I had remembered my camera, but at least I remembered the food! lol
June 26, 2008
Nathan's 8th tooth broke through the gums today!
The total is 4 on top, 4 on bottom. He's a regular chewing machine now!
In other news, Nathan has begun wanting us to set him down in public so he can walk instead of being carried. It's very strange to me to see him wanting to be such a "big boy" instead of a baby, but I guess that's the natural order of things.
June 24, 2008
We took Nathan to get his 1 year photos taken today. He did very well and had fun running around the studio! Here are some of my favorite pictures:
To view the other pictures that were taken at the shoot, go toSearsPortrait.com . Our session ID is 41888A122302176 and the pw is JDWHSJVFH .
If you want to order any in the next two days (June 24th-26th) I can place the order for $3 a picture sheet. Sheets are (1) 8x10, (2) 5x7, (8) wallets, just for an example.
June 17, 2008
Well, I decided to give the page a makeover! Hope you like it. I'll probably be fiddling around with it for awhile until I get it just the way I want it to look.
I also put all of the Nate Videos on one page to make them easier to view. The link is on the side, labeled "Videos".
June 9, 2008 I've got Nathan's Birthday E-invites ready to go now! Click to open.
The actual invites went out in the mail today. $0.83 postage each, lol. If you get something in the mail that's heavy and covered in train stickers, you know what it is!!! Hope to hear from you all soon! ____________________________________________________________
June 8, 2008
Nathan made a new consecutive step record. He's up to 12 steps at a time! He's starting to walk from one place to another without falling. That's a lot of progress since last week, where his step record was 6.
I made a few videos of Nate, again. Now that he's getting older, I'm looking back through his pictures and videos and realizing how much he's changed!
I'll be posting a scan of Nate's Birthday invites soon, along with info about his birthday party. The party will be Saturday, July 5th @ 3pm, so keep the date open! ____________________________________________________________
June 6, 2008
Nathan's 7th tooth broke today.
It's on the bottom (finally more bottom teeth!), left-side. He's still being really cranky, so it's either still hurting, or he is getting another tooth that I just don't see yet.
Nathan is starting to imitate what he sees us do. He's learned to start stacking his stacking cups and putting his shapes away (although not necessarily matching the shapes with the right holes...).
Nathan's newest thing is starting walk backwards with his push toy. It's pretty funny to watch! I think he'll figure out how to get it unstuck from the corner without help pretty soon - that would be awesome! I spend a lot of time unsticking it right now.
In other news, I went through the site today to do some "cleaning". I resized some overly-large images and put icons next to some of the more important posts (makes them easier to find). Might do some other updates when I have time.
This image is for every tooth Nate has cut. This image is for doctor's appointments and checkups. ____________________________________________________________
June 5, 2008
Nathan got his first cookie (chocolate chip!) on June 3rd. I remembered to get it on video (yay!), so check it out to see one messy baby! It's a pretty long video and will take awhile to load. If you're not up to checking out the video, I also posted some pics of Nate with his cookie.
This second video has been a long time coming. Nathan started unlocking Mynx's crate to let her out about a month ago. I just barely got video of it and here it is! The crate has two locks - one top, one bottom. The top one "sticks" a little.
I'm finally posting some of Nate's videos. Btw, videos now open in their own windows, so you don't need to use the "Back" button to get back to this page.
The first one is back from when he was 8 months old. He's cranky from it being nap time, but he shows off for Aunt Jodi that he can play peek-a-boo without help now. Nate Video 32 - Grumpy Nate Plays Peek-a-Boo
This video is Nate's first time in a baby swing at the park. He's 9 months, almost 10 months old. He was puzzled by the swing at first, but now he really likes them. Nate Video 33 - Swinging Nate
Here's Nate with his push toy. He's 10 months old. He loves to walk that toy around. Excuse the insane mess of the living room; Nate had been playing all morning. Nate Video 34 - Nate & His Push Toy
I got a short video of Nate taking some steps! He only gets about 3-4 before he crouches down to crawl, but at least I had the camera this time. His record for consecutive steps stands at 5, for now. Nate Video 35 - Nate Taking Steps! ____________________________________________________________
May 30, 2008
I'm getting rather behind in taking pictures and videos of Nathan, but I'll try to get some more if I get a chance.
In Nathan news, he took 5 whole steps today before falling down! And instead of crawling away once he fell, he stood himself back up and took more steps. He walked from the couch to the tv (about 3-4 feet) and I'm so proud of him! Our little "newbie" is growing up!
I've got to try to catch him taking steps on video. I'm not carrying the camera around like I used to when he was brand new so I tend to miss more things than before. I did get a video of him walking around with his push toy, though. I'll have to get that posted, so somebody remind me, lol. ____________________________________________________________
May 20, 2008
It's been a busy week for Nathan and learning! He is still taking occasional steps on his own, so last week wasn't a fluke.
Also, he has now learned to stand up from sitting/crawling without having to pull up on something. He'll just push off the floor and be standing all by himself in the middle of the living room now. He seems to be spending more and more time standing independent of help. I've even seen him stooping down from standing to pick things up or to get back to the crawling position. This is big news because he was just dropping onto his bottom a week ago! I think he's getting pretty close to walking, which is scary. ____________________________________________________________
May 15, 2008
My "baby" took steps today! Two steps! I don't know if this was a fluke or if he's getting more courageous about trying to walk on his own, but I was shocked (and a bit sad ). He was just standing there, by himself, and he reached out to me (I was sitting on the floor) and he took two steps towards me! Then he fell on his little bottom and I was so shocked that I just sat there staring at him.
He's growing up too fast!!! ____________________________________________________________
May 12, 2008
Nathan is up to 6 teeth now!
He got teeth #5 and #6 on May 1st and 11th. He appears to still be teething, so maybe he'll be getting more bottom teeth. As of this morning, he has 4 teeth on top and 2 on the bottom. ____________________________________________________________
April 12, 2008
As promised, a picture of our new car! This picture was taken a couple of days ago at Nate's grandparents' house.
We bought Nathan a "big boy" car seat tonight. He will have to remain riding in the rear-facing position until he turns 1, but it's a convertible seat and will adjust with him. We chose theBritaxBoulevard Convertible Car Seat - Sutton, from Babies "R" Us. It comes very highly recommended (5 out of 5 stars!) and is supposed to be VERY safe. Here is what it looks like.
Of course me being me, I am currently washing all the pads... But they'll be dry tomorrow and we can install the new seat! ____________________________________________________________
April 7, 2008
Happy 9 month birthday Nate!
Nate's 9 month checkup was today. He's now:
Weight:18 lbs 10 oz (20-25%) Height:28.5 inches ( 70-75%) Head Circumference:17 inches (10-15%)
Nate met all his milestones and more, so no developmental delays, which is good. I got to hear how "advanced" he is again and I loved it, I'm embarrassed to say... Our doctor said he thinks Nate will be walking any day now... (holy crap?!) Oh, and he had to get a shot. He's cranky, but doing alright.
Nate also has another tooth (total = 4)! And he's got two more coming in, confirmed by the doctor today as he was doing Nate's checkup. Guess he's making up for lost time on the teeth. Wonder when he'll do that with HAIR? ____________________________________________________________
April 5, 2008
I picked up Nathan's 9 month pictures today. I posted them, after scanning, so there are large versions under Nathan Pictures. I'll be getting them sorted and ready for mailing this weekend. They should be out in the mail on Monday at the latest (I am hoping).
If anyone wants to buy their own copies, you can still go to the JCPenney link in the earlier post and order them until the middle of June! ____________________________________________________________
April 1, 2008
Nathan got his third tooth!
He's been teething again for awhile and I was checking his front teeth to see if they had come in when, SURPRISE, I found his new tooth. I hadn't been looking there because it's not one babies "normally" get for their third tooth, but it looks like it's normal for Nathan, lol. His new tooth is on top, one left of the middle left one (so second left tooth). It's hard enough getting his mouth open to see it right now, so no pictures, but when it's in further, I should be able to get a shot of it.
Also, the left canine is about to pop through the gums! So Nathan's 3rd and 4th teeth should be pretty close together. No middle teeth on top yet. Hard to say which tooth will be next, but the middle ones are trying to come in, too. ____________________________________________________________
March 28, 2008
Nate's 9 monthpicturesareonline!!!!! Same as before, my first and last name are your password to get in to see them.
I posted new Nate pictures from Easter. Some pretty cute ones, so be sure to check them out.
We got Nathan's professional pictures taken yesterday and we'll have them back in two weeks (April 4th). We got some cute ones of him in his bunny ears, but they won't be viewable for you until after Easter (obviously). When they come available online, I'll post the link. If anyone wants to buy their own copies, feel free. I'll be mailing some out after the 4th, but only wallet-size mostly. Didn't order many since his birthday is right around the corner and we plan on making a bigger deal about those pictures.
Also, when I get a chance, I'll post a picture of our new car. We just got it on the 17th and it's a silver Nissan Altima. The green Beetle is gone now. It just wasn't big enough for our family anymore. It will be missed. No memorial service, however. ____________________________________________________________
March 13, 2008
Nate learned something new this week. When I'm putting his shoes on him, he takes them back off. This process continues, I make an annoyed face, Nate laughs, I give him something else to do and THEN the shoes stay on.
I think the size 3's are too small for him because it's harder to get them on now, and suddenly he wants them off. I felt the shoe for his big toe and it feels like it's at the very top! I bought him 4's, for his birthday, but it's looking like he'll have to get them early. I swear that poor kid is going to end up with clown feet!!!
I also tried Nate's new 12 month jammies on him yesterday (because the 9 month ones are getting tight in the FEET). The feet fit perfectly and it's close height wise (still a little long), but they're so baggy you could fit two of Nate in them! It's getting harder to find a decent fit of clothes for that kid.
Luckily, MOST of his 12 month jammies don't have feet! I was thinking ahead. The 18 month ones have feet in them and that could be an issue... I think I'm going to have to stick to non-footy jammies from now on, even though I LOVE the feet ones! ____________________________________________________________
March 10, 2008
I added some new pictures of Nate since he just turned 8 months. I also made a new video. It's about 3 minutes long, so it could take awhile to load.
Nate is very much into opening and closing doors. He's also really picked up speed on his crawling and he enjoys exploring the house. He's improving his balance but he still doesn't stand or walk without something to hold onto. Not sure how long it will take for him to master that, but I'm still thinking we'll see his first steps sometime between 9 and 10 months.
Here is a video of Nate rocking out to Led Zeppelin's Black Dog. He really gets going at the end! The video is about 2-3 minutes long, so it'll take a minute to load if you have less-than-fast internet...
Well, we've all been taking turns with fevers for the last week. Everyone is starting to look better now. My fever broke today, and will hopefully stay that way now.
Nathan doesn't seem to be feverish anymore, either, but he is still sick. He's lost his little voice and it's so sad. His energy is picking up and he's back to crawling all over the house, so I'm hopeful that he'll be himself in a few more days.
Nate turns 8 months old next Friday. That will make him two-thirds of a year old! He has grown up so fast. He'll be turning 1 and walking so soon...
Still putting plans together for his 1st birthday party. If you have any suggestions, drop them on the Chat board or via email. ____________________________________________________________
February 21, 2008
We bought Nathan's very first pair of shoes today! I'll post some pictures of him in them under Nathan pictures, but here are the shoes!
Nathan is a size 3 in infant shoes, for now. I bought him a size 4 pair of sneakers for his birthday that are Thomas the Train. He looks so grown up wearing his little shoes! ____________________________________________________________
February 20, 2008
Well, today Nathan did something new. He's been pulling up to standing for about a month now (I finally took videos, btw), but today he let go of what he was using to keep his balance and stood by himself! It didn't last long, so I didn't have time to grab a picture, but he was trying to take a step. I think we'll see his first steps coming in the next month or two. Scary, isn't it? Time just keeps flying by!
Also in milestone news, Nathan is officially "cruising"! For those unfamiliar with the term, that means he can walk while holding onto furniture (or something similarly stable). Advanced babies usually cruise around 9 months, average babies by 11 months, according to Baby Center's milestone chart - located here. Nate is 7 months, so it came as a bit of a surprise!
I also decided to organize the photo albums a bit and add a few new ones. Feel free to browse around. ____________________________________________________________
February 16, 2008
Nathan's new geek shirts got here a few days ago. They are now washed and hanging in his closet for future use. His "newbie" onesie is all ready for Game Day!
We might be lowering Nathan's mattress another setting soon. Tyler and I keep finding him in there standing again. He keeps getting taller and being able to see over the bar too much, so down the mattress goes. I also had to buy outlet plugs this week because he won't quit sticking his fingers in the outlets! Still no solution for him unplugging the lamp... Going to have to think on that one for awhile.
Not much else new. Starting to roughly plan Nathan's first birthday party. If I start planning now, I just might be done in time to send out invites in June! Where does all the time go?! ____________________________________________________________
February 8, 2008
Since Nate has outgrown his Newbie shirt and is unable to wear it to Game Day, we have decided to buy him a new one! Along with two other geek shirts for future Game Days. Sizes 12, 18 and 24 months. He will be geeky for a long time now.
He sure has done a lot of growing! ____________________________________________________________
February 5, 2008
Nathan's Aunt Jodi and I took him to Carter's today to buy some new clothes. I had to pack up all of his 6 month clothes because he's outgrown them! Now he has some nice new 9 month clothes to wear!
I also picked up a lot of 12 month items, since that is the next size up. I can't believe how quickly the year is going . He will be wearing a lot of frog and monkey themed clothes, hehe. He looks so cute in monkeys and frogs!
While we were there, I picked out outfits for his 9 month and one year photos (a froggie polo shirt with blue pants for 9 months, and a "birthday boy" onesie with a cupcake on it for the 1st birthday ). It will be time to schedule his next photo session before you know it! I think we will use JCPenney's again as they did so well with his 6 month pictures.
Oh! Forgot to mention that on the 2nd, Tyler lowered Nate's mattress so he can't climb out of the crib. That should help settle any fears of those of you looking through his climbing pictures, lol. ____________________________________________________________
February 4, 2008
Posted more Nathan pictures. His newest thing is attempting to climb things.
I also made a new Nate video. I was teaching him peek-a-boo! The first couple times, I pulled the blanket off for him, but then he got the hang of it and does it himself. He seems to really like that game! Nate is at such a fun age! Nate Video 27 - Peekaboo Nate! ____________________________________________________________
January 30, 2008
Ty's out of town. I've been bored, so I took some more videos of Nate! Make sure you have the volume on for the second video. You can hear Nate growling at his toys before he goes to attack them. He picked that up from Daddy! Nate is a little fussy in video 2 - he's teething and about to go down for his nap!
Posted more Nathan pictures under Baby Pictures (Nathan) and a rare picture of me under Family Pictures. Enjoy! ____________________________________________________________
January 27, 2008
Had some blood tests done recently to try to figure out what's going on with me. Everything is looking pretty good except one hormone, called Prolactin. Basically, what we found out is that I make a normal amount of this hormone - for a postmenopausal woman! - which is not good.
This explains my troubles with trying to nurse Nate and confirms my fear that I will have the same problem with each and every child that I have. In a way, it's good to know that not being able to nurse Nate longer than 4 months was not my fault, my body just fails to do its job.
I still plan to try to nurse any future children we might have because the benefits are great for the baby. It's just now I know it's going to always be an uphill battle and I will never be able to nurse without supplementing. If I get lucky, the low prolactin levels won't ruin our chances of having more children.
Nate has grown so much that we were running out of clothes! We went to Old Navy to sale shop and got some really cute things. Here are a few of them.
I got the matching pants that went with them, but they don't have the images online to link to.... We got a lot of cute things. We also bought him his very first pair of cargo pants. Can't wait til Nate can wear them all. ____________________________________________________________
January 24, 2008
Haven't had any Nate videos of his very "unique" crawling style yet, so I made a couple yesterday. He has mostly graduated from "army man" to "bunny hop". You can see in the second video that he is starting to do "push-ups", where he is on his hands and feet instead of hands and knees. He's pretty interesting to watch. I think he might get to "real" crawling eventually, lol.
*** EDIT *** I decided to add some new Nathan pictures today, too! ____________________________________________________________
January 16, 2008
Got Nate's professional pictures today. Will be mailing them out over the next week. I posted a few under Baby Pictures, just my favorites really. Might post more later. If you want any copies, let me know.
Nate got to try a sippy cup for the first time today. I put half apple juice, half water, and he seemed to like it. We will be offering the sippy cup more often now. I made a short video of him drinking and posted a picture, too. Nate Video 22 - Nate's Sippy Cup ____________________________________________________________
January 7, 2008
I posted a bunch more of Nate pictures! I even got a couple of decent shots of his teeth. He is 6 months old today and will be going to the doctor in about an hour or so. I will edit this post when we get back to post his info.
We got Nate's 6 month portraits done at JCPenney's and they posted them online today! So excited! Anyone can go see them here -JCPenney Pictures of Nate!!!All you need to view them is my first and last name, which family and friends already know, I would hope.
***EDIT***
Nathan's 6 month checkup!
Nate's appointment went well. I always love hearing the doctor tell me how wonderful my little guy is. He says Nate is growing just fine and is no longer "string beany"! He is now "proportionate". Soooo glad to hear it!
Height:26.4 or .5 (50%) Weight:15lbs 12oz (20%)
Head Circ:forgot to ask...
So proud of my little guy. He has caught up to full term babies enough to be average!
Milestones wise, the doctor says Nate is "advanced" and should be "real" crawling any day now. I didn't know boys were supposed to be slower than girls at development, but apparently Nate is advanced even compared to girl babies his age. Not bad for being "preemie" and supposedly going to hit all his milestones late, eh? Again, proud parent, can't help it.
Dr Gould also took Nate around to "show him off" to the nurses, which I have to say I looooved. Yes, yes I did. Nate is "one of the happiest babies" they've ever seen. Definitely made me feel good.
Nate has to get a shot at his 9 month appointment because of that whole shot mix up when he was born (said they gave it, then said they didn't. card says they did, but apparently they really didn't and now he has to get it). Gah! ____________________________________________________________
January 4, 2008
Nathan has another tooth! Now he has both of his front teeth on the bottom! Getting the second tooth seemed to be much less painful for him, but I think he's been working that one just as long as the first one. Anyway! Pretty exciting.
We also got his 6 month professional pictures taken. We are supposed to have them on the 16th. I will get them posted asap. ____________________________________________________________
December 27, 2007
Biggest news in awhile. Nathan finally has a tooth! He hasn't needed his teething medicine in two whole days and that is why. The tooth finally came in! It's in the center on the bottom and is very sharp. I will get a picture of it if I can, but so far he won't keep his mouth open long enough!
Also, Nathan is learning his name! He still doesn't look at me every time, but he will turn and look most of the time. I figured this out today while taking his picture. I'd call his name and he'd look at me and sometimes smile, too. This will make future picture taking MUCH easier!
He's still in steamroller mode as far as being mobile. If he can roll around to get what he wants, he will. He still doesn't really crawl. He likes to get up on his hands and knees and rock back and forth, though. He also does this inch worm thing where he scrunches his body up and then stretches out to move forward. I think he will start crawling next. Oh, I added more Nate pictures. ____________________________________________________________
December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
I posted some Christmas Nate pictures and also a few pictures from Katie's trip under Family Pictures. I took some Nate videos but only have time to post one of them for now!
There are some new pictures to help get everyone in the Christmas mood - Santa Nate! And I also took some videos. The last two are just to share our Christmas experience with far away family.
In other news...Nate has moved into his own room now. He seems to be doing pretty well with the adjustment, but it means a little walk in the middle of the night when he wakes up. Props go out to Daddy for usually being the one to make that journey.
Nate tried a new food today - sweet potatoes! He seems to like these just as much as peas. I think he'll be a good eater. Since Thanksgiving is coming up, I bought him a special turkey baby food that he can eat while the rest of us are having the real thing! It will be his first Thanksgiving (obviously) and it should be spent enjoying good food and lots of company. In other news, heard back from Salt Lake Regional today. The head of the department swears that Nate did NOT get any shots that I was not ok with, and that it was a nurse's mistake on his immunization card. Basically, she has a copy of the form I signed saying NO SHOTS and no record of him actually receiving any shots, so she says some nurse must have filled out his card before looking at the consent form (trying to save time or something?) and then just handed me the incorrectly filled out form. She also said this has happened before and that is why she thinks this is the case. Still, not a lot of fun for me having to figure out what shots he did or did not get because people were not paying attention to what was going on! It's looking like Nate will be getting an extra shot next appointment to make up for the one we thought he got, that he didn't get, but would have gotten last time, and now needs. If that sounds confusing, it's because it is. ____________________________________________________________
November 10, 2007
Nate tried peas today! Very exciting for everybody (and messy!). I posted some pictures and made a new Nate video.
Height:24.25 in (50%) Weight:13 lbs 8 oz (25%) Head Circ:(25%)
He is finally above 10% for weight! He is catching up to babies his age so you can't always tell by looking at him that he was born early.
Dr. Gould says Nate has met all his milestones and is ahead in most areas. He said Nate is going to be smart and tall. Apparently, he has large feet for his age/size, which is pretty funny to me. Man, I love baby feet! Even giant baby feet.
Poor Nate had to get his second set of shots today. We got a lovely (SARACASM) surprise today, also. It appears that people in Salt Lake City can't read. I signed papers TWICE saying not to give Nathan any shots - twice because they lost the first set of paperwork, go team go? Plus, I told the nurses tending to him not to give him any shots. Well, guess what. They gave him the shots ANYWAY. So when we went to get them today, he couldn't get them again so early. I am pissed beyond pissed. I've left a bunch of messages at Salt Lake Regional with different directors and patient relations advisers, etc. They may not value parents' rights, but the law does and someone will be getting a swift kick in the ass. ____________________________________________________________
Took Nate to the doctor today. We are sick! Some virus that is going around. Nate has to have baby Tylenol every 4 hours and saline drops for his nose. He is also teething, two teeth on the bottom at the same time! Poor little guy.
His new stats for 3.5 months old - Height:24.25 in Weight:13 lbs
He's gained 2.25 lbs and 2.25 inches since his last appointment. Pretty neat he's gaining evenly all over - finally! He is starting to have some baby fat so he doesn't look quite so stringbean-like, but he has really long legs and that adds to the stringbean look! According to charts, he is a high percentile for height and is finally about average weight. I will know more specifics at his 4 month checkup in two weeks.
In other news, I found a neat milestone chart to let you know when your baby is supposed to be able to do things.
So far, Nate is 3.5 months old and has already mastered all of the 3 and 4 month skills, except the Advanced section for 4 month olds. He is certainly in a hurry to grow up - he's been early on every milestone so far! I can't believe how much he's learning and how fast it seems to go by. He's going to be up and crawling about way too soon, but I'm happy for him that he is able to learn and do the things he is trying so hard to do. ____________________________________________________________
October 20, 2007
We got Nate a Bumbo tonight and he loves it! I posted some pictures of him in it. Also, there is a video! He doesn't do much in it, but it's his first time and worth remembering. Also, I started recording him sideways...but eventually I remembered the camera doesn't do with video what it does with pictures, so I turned it right side up.
I posted some new Nate pictures since he's now 3 months old. There is also a new Nate video! He is mostly staring at himself in the mirror and looking at me. He also drools, a lot.
Ok, as promised, here is the Olan Mills info for re-ordering Nate's pictures. You first need to go to the the Olan Mills website. You then select "Start shopping" and "portraits". Put in our last name and order number (email me for the order number!). Then it brings up a screen with all the pictures taken at that shoot. We only ordered certain ones, which I will include here with the last 4 digits of their order numbers.
Picture #1, order # 029-5 Picture #2, order # 027-9 Picture #3, order # 043-6 Picture #4, order # 048-5
The photo cards, not pictured here, are order # 045-1, but they come in a set of 6 and I don't really see anyone needing that many (except maybe crazed grandparents ).
According to their online store, prices are as follows: 8 wallets for $20 5x7 and 4 wallets for $20 8x10 for $20 10x13 for $40
Most people receiving pictures will be getting the wallet size. If you want larger versions, feel free to purchase them! ____________________________________________________________
September 28, 2007
I added the professional pictures of Nathan today! I will eventually be mailing some pictures out to family. I only ordered just so many (they get expensive!), so if you want one and don't get one, you *can* order your own from Olan Mills' website. I will post more info on that (like a link) later. Actual account info, you will have to email me for. I don't want random weirdos online able to get to it.
As for the nursing stuff...La Leche League has come to the decision that it's a physical problem, probably under-developed milk glands. Not much more to do about it. Continuing supplementing. ____________________________________________________________
September 15, 2007
We got Nathan's pictures done today, professionally. They should be ready in two weeks! I plan on scanning them and posting them when I can, so keep an eye out for some VERY cute new pictures!
We took him in his bear outfit that Tyler and I bought him before he was born. I took some pictures of him in it before, so you can see the outfit under Baby Pictures.
In other news...I've been talking to a woman from LaLecheLeague, a group of breastfeeding mothers that helps other moms getting started and keeping going. She thinks that I have an over-supply problem rather than a low-supply problem and gave me some suggestions to try. I'll be talking to her more, but so far it seems to be helping. Certainly will be "interesting" if I've been wasting my time for the last two months treating a problem that didn't exist.
ANYWAY. More news when I have news. Hope you all are well. ____________________________________________________________
September 8, 2007 Nate's two month checkup was on Friday, September 7th.
Height:22 in Weight:9lbs, 12oz
He has completely outgrown newborn sizes and is almost out of 0-3 month sizes as well. The pediatrician says he's doing great and looking healthy - he has met all of his current milestones, plus a few that aren't usually until later. We are very proud of him, in case you couldn't tell. Tyler and I went today to buy Nate some 3-6 month clothes so he'll have something to wear in the next couple of weeks. Here are the cute Halloween onesies we got him from Old Navy (they are on sale!!!)
I can't wait for the holidays to come! It's going to be very exciting having a little one around for the first time. It should be pretty neat having Santa come to our house from now on. ____________________________________________________________
September 2, 2007
Added more pictures of Nate and finally got some more videos. The first video is 4 minutes long so it will take awhile to load. Trying to get more videos of him attempting crawling and rolling from back to tummy - got one of the "crawling" which is really just scooting so far, but haven't caught him trying to roll the other way yet. He doesn't make it all the way, just on his side, but he's trying!
Got my thyroid results - normal! That's always good news.
Nathan is still doing better with spitting up and being fussy. The new formula (Enfamil A.R.) seems to be doing the trick. I'm glad he's feeling better and sleeping again!
The Reglan (prescription to help milk production) also seems to be working. Still can't produce with a pump, but at least Nate should be getting more milk! He's a healthy, growing boy. Can't wait to see how much bigger he's gotten. Only two more weeks til his 2 month checkup!
I need to get back on my metformin for my insulin resistance. Different articles say it's safe or not safe to take while nursing. So frustrating! Not sure what I'll do yet, just have to weigh the risks and benefits, I guess. It could lower Nate's blood sugar, but might not. It would definitely keep my insulin in check. Decisions, decisions.
Added more Nate pics. No new videos yet. ____________________________________________________________
August 20, 2007
Not 100% sure why Nate is sick yet, but it's unlikely it's lactose intolerance or the stomach flu. We switched him to a new formula for sensitive tummies and that seems to be helping a bit. His next doctor's appointment is his two month checkup on September 7th.
I had my six week checkup today. Doctor says I'm "looking great"! My blood pressure is back to normal, everything is healing properly and...it's official! I am down 28 lbs since Nathan was born! Still a long way to go, but I am thrilled to have made any progress in that department seeing as I still can't take my metformin to treat my insulin resistance (which inhibits weight loss A LOT).
Talked to my doctor also about milk troubles and told him I wanted to check my thyroid and try Reglan to see if we can figure things out. No arguments at all! He wrote the slip for the blood work and the Rx and told me to call if the Reglan isn't helping in 3 weeks' time! Should know about the thyroid in a few days, he said.
All in all, feeling hopeful again. It will be nice to at least rule out my thyroid as the cause of all my milk troubles. But if it IS the thyroid, we can finally FIX my milk problems!
Hope you are all doing well! Been busy (finally) mailing out birth announcements! ____________________________________________________________
August 15, 2007
Well, Nate is sick.
The doctor thinks it might just be the stomach flu and I'm hoping so, too. Our other 'options' are lactose intolerance and acid reflux - both of which will last much longer than just a tummy bug. Should know more by Friday, hopefully.
As part of getting checked out today, Nathan got weighed and measured again.
Height:21.75 in (50%) Weight:8lbs 3oz (10%)
Apparently he's a long, skinny baby, better known as a stringbean! ____________________________________________________________
August 8, 2007
I posted some new pictures of Nate since he's a whole month old now. He's changed so much already! I also have a new Nate video, taken this morning.
Nate Video 7 ____________________________________________________________
August 2, 2007
I got the video of Nate rolling over put online! Here is the link - Nate Video 6
I also posted a picture of Nate holding his own bottle for the first time! Exciting stuff! He is learning so fast. Can't wait until he can crawl! ____________________________________________________________
July 30, 2007
Today was another weigh-in for Nate.
Previous Weight:6lbs 6oz New Weight:7lbs 6oz!
He has gained an entire pound now! Since he's now regained his birthweight of 7lbs 3oz, we don't have to go to anymore weighings until he is 2 months old (in September). Dr. Gould said Nate is looking good and healthy, so we are doing something right! ____________________________________________________________
July 24, 2007
Nate has had two more weighing appointments and has another one on Thursday. He gained 5 oz in 4 days! He is doing much better with supplementing (giving him bottles of formula on top of nursing). His doctor thinks he should be back up to his birth weight by Thursday so that is what his weighing is for.
He still has daytime and nighttime mixed up, choosing to sleep most of the day and be wide awake ALL night. Sleep is still a luxury here for the time being. ____________________________________________________________
July 18, 2007
Nate had another weighing at the pediatrician today.
He has lost more weight (1 oz). So far the doctor thinks it might be something with my milk, so I have to pump and call them tomorrow to let them know how much I am able to produce. Then Nate has another weighing on Friday. It's all very stressful not knowing why he isn't gaining weight like other babies do. We are definitely off to a rough start between the jaundice and this weight issue. I hope things get better soon. ____________________________________________________________
July 14, 2007
Nate's last jaundice test was yesterday. His billrubin levels went down to 11.8 (anything under 12 is normal)! He got to be taken out of the billibed (box of lights) and is allowed to be treated like a 'normal baby' now. It's been so nice being able to hold him and cuddle him again!
We also had his first pediatrician visit yesterday.
Everything is looking good so far except his weight. He is healthy and his cord and circumcision are healing well, but he has lost 4 ounces since he was allowed to go home, and he was supposed to be gaining weight, so that is an issue. Dr. Gould thinks it could be because of the jaundice and my milk coming in a couple days late (lack of proper food). Now that things are looking better (no more jaundice and milk is in), the doctor thinks Nate will start growing like a weed and catch up to the other babies his age. I really hope so because I'm worried about him losing weight. We go back on Wednesday to see how he is doing.
Also, new pictures posted under Baby Pictures. And here are some new videos from Nate's nap at the park today.
Nate's jaundice test today was better. He is down from a billirubin level of 20 to 18. That doesn't seem like a lot, but it takes him out of the "danger zone" and makes it so we get to keep treating him at home instead of having to have him admitted to the hospital! He still has to be in the billibed (light box), but we're hopeful that he will be better soon. Besides just the emotional strain of having a sick infant, renting that box is over $100 a DAY...Trying not to stress too much and just concentrate on helping Nate get better. ____________________________________________________________
July 10, 2007
Nate's jaundice test today did not go well. He is now sleeping in a special bed of lights trying to bring his billirubin levels down. He will be tested again tomorrow to see if the lights are helping. If they are not, he will probably have to go back to the hospital for special treatment. We are really hoping he improves so he can stay at home for treatment instead of being admitted.
This is a hard time for us and I would appreciate it if family and friends could hold off on visits until Nate is doing well again. It would be better for everyone to meet Nate when he can actually be held and really seen. Right now he is only allowed out of the lights for feedings, baths and diaper changes.
So, for now, enjoy the pictures of him and please keep him in your thoughts that he will take to the treatment well and be ok again soon. ____________________________________________________________
July 9, 2007
Well, it has been a very busy weekend around here!
Nathan Richard Perkins was born July 7th, 2007 at 1:14pm.
Height:18.5 in Weight:7lbs 3oz
I went in for a regular prenatal checkup on Friday, still at 2 cm 60% effaced...but my blood pressure had suddenly spiked from 110/70 to 160/90! Doctor sent me over to labor and delivery to be monitored and to see what was up.
After 5 HOURS of monitoring...blood pressure still wasn't down and my lab work had come back borderline pre-eclampsia on several tests. Considering how far along we were, the doctor came in and told me he had decided to keep me and that we were having a baby! I was in shock, but very excited.
After 7 1/2 hours of being induced on pitocin, I wasn't making much progress other than terrible pain , so I gave up my goal of going without meds and got the epidural. I am so glad I did! Pitocin is one mean drug! After getting the epidural, we jumped to 10 centimeters pretty fast. About an hour of pushing, had to even be stopped so the doctor could get there in time! The nurses said I did great learning to push and even still feeling contractions through the epidural.
I decided to have the mirrors and watched him come out, wow that happens fast! It was amazing to see this little guy coming out. We all had a bit of a surprise when his head started to crown - apparently part of my hymen was still in tact and had to break for him to come out - ouch! I only had two small tears, so not that bad.
We finally got home today. Nate has a bit of jaundice so we are taking him to get checked again tomorrow. Other than that, he did great! Apgar scores were 8 and then 9 and he is breastfeeding like a champ. I'll be posting pictures in the Baby section and hopefully a couple of videos, too!
***Update*** Nate Video 1 Nate Video 2 ____________________________________________________________
July 3, 2007
Well it has been an interesting night/morning! We went into labor and delivery last night because the contractions were steady at 5 minutes apart for over an hour and starting to get a lot closer and more painful as time went by. I didn't know if it was labor, but I wasn't taking chances!
So, we get there, they hook me up to monitors and stuff and start monitoring away. Contractions are regular, 3 minutes apart. Then they are really regular, 1 1/2 minutes apart, lasting 1 to 2 minutes sometimes (way too long, omg!).
They decide to check my cervix to see if it's doing anything. I went from 0 cm dilated and 30% effaced to 2 cm dilated and 60% effaced! The plan was now to let nature take its course and we were most likely having a baby! I was so excited and ready to do this!
But apparently my body thought that was enough progress for one day. When they checked again, it hadn't really changed any and my water still hadn't broke...nurse said that early labor can come and go. It definitely came fast and it went just about as fast :(.
Over the next couple hours, contractions spaced back out to 10 minutes apart and then stopped altogether. I was sent home to rest and wait for it to come back...which could be hours, days or even weeks!
I am definitely disappointed that I left without my baby in my arms, but he must be pretty happy in my tummy for now. Just trying to be patient and wait for labor to come back. At least the brief time it was here, labor made more progress than I had with braxton hicks contractions over the last few weeks.
Right now I'm staying hopeful that it will only be a few days or a week until things pick up again and Nate finally makes his appearance to the world!
June 26, 2007
While I am not "really dilated" yet, my cervix is nice and soft again and I'm up to 30% effaced! It's not a lot, but hey, it's a start!
We also scheduled an ultrasound date. If I don't have Nate before July 17th, I am getting an ultrasound to check the baby's size and determine if we are going the induction or c-section route. I'm still hoping for my natural birth, but I will go with whatever has to be done as long as my little guy is healthy and ok. It is nice to know that we are getting a sort of "final date" for the baby. And if we have to be induced or whatever, the doctor said he'd let me choose the date - I hope he sticks to that! Just in case .
While the doctor was checking my cervix for progress today, he felt the baby's head! I was like wow! You can really feel it?! Nate is definitely head down and "dropped"! I'm so happy he's in the right position because the doctor said he's much too big to attempt to turn him at this point. One less thing to worry about.
I asked the doctor one more time for an opinion on why Nate is so large since he is now measuring 41 weeks!...he said it could be my sugar (gestational diabetes) or just plain genetics, so he decided to randomly test my glucose today (I already passed the 1 hr test back in May)...as I sat there eating Skittles! But I still passed, yay! So it's not sugar. He said his best guess is that I'm just genetically predisposed to have large babies. Good news for when we're having #2?! Still a little undecided on that one, but at least he doesn't think there's anything wrong with Nate!
Oh, one last thing. We are now up to seeing the doctor EVERY WEEK! I can't believe how time has flown! Our ticker moved us to the 9th month today, too. Just wow. We are really really getting close now.
June 12, 2007
Today's appointment update real quick before I head off to bed!
Doctor says we are measuring 39 weeks now. Just what I wanted to hear! Or not. We are keeping the same due date, but he no longer wants me to go past 36-37 weeks. He wants another ultrasound in the next couple of weeks (if we make it that far, he says) to determine baby's size again and see about possibly inducing or a c-section. He also said that 34 weeks is our cut off point. If this baby really wants out, they aren't stopping him again .
He could find no reason for the tummy upset other than that it's a sign of possible labor and we might just be heading that way. I can't believe we will be having our baby sooner, but dang is he big.
Two weeks ago he was estimated at 5 lbs 2 oz and they said it can be a little off - doctor says he thinks the baby was at least that big, if not bigger and so he wants Nate born sooner rather than later. I am excited about meeting my little one sooner, but I do worry about any harm it might do to him. I just hope he will be ok! We have worked so hard and so long for this, just be ok in there!
In weight news, I only gained 1/2 a lb in 2 weeks instead of the 2 lbs usual for this stage, but the baby had another growth spurt! It is definitely not all me making him huge, he is just growing like a weed. I am kind of worried about his size and that something might be wrong with him, but the doctor says the baby looks fine and healthy so far and is just big for unknown reasons. He is over 90th % for size and I swear he must be older than the doctor thinks, but he is stubbornly sticking to the due date and just wanting us to go sooner. He said he thinks Nate will come all on his own in the next couple of weeks. They will be checking me for dilation from here on out. It's all happening so fast now!
At least blood pressure is still the same as when I was 7 weeks pregnant , so my health is still looking ok. Kind of feeling a little thrown off by today's appointment. I went from having 6 weeks left to having about 3 weeks left, in one day, and it's a bit scary.
Also - Posted some new pictures - one bump, one ultrasound.
June 6, 2007
Well, we almost had Nate!
I had two days in a row of doing too many chores and started having contractions. I didn't know that I was coming down with a stomach virus, too, but got very very sick quickly. I went to the hospital when the contractions wouldn't stop and were starting to hurt really bad. They hooked me up to monitors and found that the contractions were every 2-3 minutes and definitely not braxton hicks (practice contractions)!
Between the overactivity and the stomach virus, I had sent myself into early labor. They hooked me up to my 1st ever IV and started me on fluids to try and fix the dehydration from the stomach bug. I spent the entire day at the hospital being monitored and getting fluids (2 bags total). They decided they would let me go home once my fever had gone down and the contractions were mild and not regular. My temperature was 98.6 and the contractions were at least 7 minutes apart when they let me go home to rest and wait.
At least now I know for sure what real contractions are like and to get to the hospital quickly!
May 30, 2007
Ok, so for the results of our ultrasound...Baby Nate is looking healthy and good . But he is also very big. Instead of measuring 30-31 weeks, he is measuring 34! My amniotic fluid levels are normal, so mystery solved! The giant uterus is from baby growing and not a fluid issue after all.
The ultrasound technician said that their measurements can be off by 12 oz (about 2/3 lb), give or take. Nate is estimated to weigh 5 lbs 2 oz! I'm hoping if they are off on that measurement, it is more take than give or he could already be edging the 6 lb mark. He is one big baby, that is for sure!
He is also already head down and facing my back - the position he is supposed to be in for delivery. They said tonight that he is measuring for an estimated due date of July 12th, but that it will be up to my doctor to determine if we change our due date or leave it the same. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he comes July 13th (Friday the 13th!!!) either way!
May 29, 2007 We had another prenatal appointment today. Last appointment Dr. Lash said if I was still measuring big, we would need another ultrasound to determine why. Well, instead of measuring 30-31 weeks, we are measuring 36! So we have an ultrasound tomorrow to figure it all out. Could be excess amniotic fluid or a BIG baby, hard to say, but we will be finding out tomorrow night.
Everything else looked good, baby is fine, I am fine, life is good. Can't wait for the ultrasound tomorrow. Should have a new picture to post!
May 22, 2007
We had our first trip to labor and delivery over the weekend. Everything is fine! But I am dehydrated. Supposed to rest and get lots of fluids. Better than what it could have been, so I am happy. Blood pressure was suspected, but it was 117/56, which is normal even for non-pregnant women. Yay us, things are good!
Our next prenatal class is tonight! Can't wait!
I checked our "status" today and: There are 65 days until your due date on July 27, 2007. You are 215 days pregnant. You are 7 months pregnant. You are in your 8th month of pregnancy. Pretty neat! We are entering the 8th month. So close to the end now. Also, we bought an adorable little onesie for our newbie-to-be today.
Well, our first prenatal class was tonight. I found it very interesting and fun to go to. Tyler seems to have enjoyed it as well. There is going to be a lot of information covered in the next 5-6 weeks and I hope we can take it all in!
We got homework tonight to do a communication exercise (looks fun!) and to pack a hospital bag so we're ready to go anytime labor sets in. I didn't think it would be so soon, but we only have 10 weeks left...so I guess it's good to start thinking about!
May 12, 2007
Yesterday was my 22nd birthday! Things went well, but it was very hot out (about 90 F) and I did some very impressive swelling.
I added some new pictures to the Baby Pictures area - some new bumpie pics (yes, it has grown again already!). I'm also putting a picture of the monkey we made at Build-A-Bear in the nursery pictures. Tyler and I made him for Nate!
Not much else new. Got my hair cut and it feels a lot better. It's been getting pretty hot out and the shorter hair should help me survive!
May 7, 2007 Today was our 28 week prenatal checkup. I did my glucose screening today. They said they wanted to see glucose under 140 - I got 129! And hemoglobin between 12 and 16 - I got 13.5! Passed the whole test, yay! I can have birthday cake after all!
I'm measuring 31 weeks instead of 27-28, so the doctor said if we are still measuring big next appointment (in 3 weeks), he may want to do another ultrasound to check on the size of the baby. Other than that, baby's heartbeat is good, my blood pressure was great and everything is looking the way it should. I even gained less weight this time, although it was still more than what it should have been. Anyway, doctor is happy, I am happy, life is good.
May 5, 2007 Found these cartoons online and it just fit the moment. They are pretty funny.
May 2, 2007 I added a new bumpie picture in the Baby Pictures section. Baby Nate has definitely been growing like a weed! My December picture compared to now - BIG difference. It's so neat watching him grow from the outside. Only 9-12 more weeks to go!
April 30, 2007 Baby Nate had hiccups for the first time (that I've noticed) last night! It was pretty strange and neat at the same time. He also got his foot stuck in my ribs the other night! Quite the experience. He did finally move his foot and I felt so much better!
Our next prenatal appointment is one week from today. I have to do the 1 hour glucose test. Still not looking forward to that! I don't want my blood drawn.
Also, my birthday is next week! I'm going to be 22. Practically ancient, according to Katie. We will be starting birth classes a few days after my birthday. So much that will be going on in the next week or so!
April 18, 2007 Just wanted to add our newest update! Nathan is finally strong enough to kick me and move my belly where you can watch it. Tyler got to feel him kicking for the first time last night and it was awesome. Only one more week until 3rd trimester! We're getting closer to the final countdown now.
April 10, 2007
Had another prenatal checkup yesterday, the 9th. Everything is looking normal and good, except my weight. Also, baby Nate is 24 weeks measuring 28 weeks. He is either really long or going to be huge. His heartbeat is still good and the doctor said his ultrasound info was perfect. So, all is well with baby.
Our next appointment is May 7th, four days before my 22nd birthday. I am scheduled to take the 1 hour glucose test to see if I have gestational diabetes. Keep your fingers crossed it comes back ok!
April 8, 2007
Added 3 new nursery pictures today. These ones show the new furniture and bedding! The nursery is almost set up now and looking much more ready for baby Nate.
March 31, 2007
Well, I posted some new pictures today! Including a new "bumpie" picture, 22-23 weeks pregnant. Man, has my tummy exploded and gotten huge! Also posted some pictures of nursery furniture, so make sure you check them out.
March 29, 2007
I added a link to our baby registry on the site today. Just thought it would be nice to give people an idea of what we need (for those interested in gifts ). There are tons of things on the registry, but I had fun making it!
March 26, 2007
Well, today I added a new photo album - Family Pictures. I thought it might be nice to have some pictures of the baby's family posted.
I'm missing a lot of extended family due to lack of pictures, but hopefully I'll get some pictures eventually! Some of the ones posted are a year old or so, but I'm trying to get newer ones . So many people and so many pictures to find!
Anyway, I hope you will enjoy what pictures ARE posted. If you are family and have a newer picture of you to be posted, let me know
March 23, 2007
I was just looking through baby development pictures today and was amazed at how much our little bean has grown! We are officially 5 months pregnant now, wow!
This is what he looked like at our first ultrasound - 7 weeks
And now he is 22 weeks and looks something like this -
March, 15, 2007
Today was our 20 week ultrasound. We got a new due date of July 27th, 2007, putting us a week ahead of where we were before. Also, we finally found out the sex of the baby! It's a boy! We will be naming him Nathan.
February 16, 2007
Our new addition to the family is expected this summer and we can't wait! We will be finding out the gender in March, so stay tuned for updates.
Hailey's 5 year checkup stats:
(There isn't a happy enough emoticon for this.)
We'll be doing weigh in's for the next 3 months. Oct 8th we're supposed to review her progress and decide where to go from there. She's finally gained a little bit, so they're hopeful that she's on the right track. If we're lucky, she's basically stopped growing because her body decided she's going to take after her Daddy's side and be a shorty. 
![](http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_na/image/AADY_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-Carters-Site/Sites-carters_master_catalog/default/v1300519128978/images/127-616_White.jpg?sw=300&sh=300")
![](http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs188.snc3/19563_1264039734159_1624723732_690267_5502698_n.jpg")
Fun times. This easily gets nominated as the worst version of hide and seek EVER. 
He was standing there with the "baby-proof" knob in his hands and goes "Uh-oh, Mama". Yeah uh-oh! Now what?! LOL. That kid keeps life interesting! 
I swear she's the only kid in the universe that prefers tummy time to being on her back! 
We were done brushing Nate's teeth this morning so I put his toothbrush away and closed the bathroom door. Nate wouldn't quit going in there and getting it no matter how many times I closed the door and told him to leave it alone, SO, I put him in timeout (which usually works) and started to head back to my room to get Hailey up. I hear Nate's bedroom door slam behind me. It's not possible to slam Nate's door while in the crib (where Nate does timeout) so I'm like "wth???". I turn around and open the door and there sits Nate, on the floor with his books. I pick him up and put him back in his crib and he climbed right back out with me standing there in shock. I'm guessing timeout in the crib is NOT going to work anymore! 
and good luck!
That's a third trimester thing and I get to do it at my next appt. Holy cow, time just keeps getting away from me!
I'm hoping it's just the camera angle... Anyway!
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