First week with 2 kids

Well, I have been home with the kids for a week now by myself since Clint went back to work this past Wednesday.  And I am proud to day that there have been no tears shed.  I realized I am pretty good at being a mama to two kids!

We ran errands.

We went on walks around the neighborhood.

We gave Ava her reward for being potty trained!

Many many naps

A check up or two.

And of course to the pool!

Actually, its been pretty much the same routine that we had before we were blessed with Brody!

Life is good!

Brody's birth story

So on my last ob/gyn appt I reluctantly scheduled an induction for Monday August 12th at 6am.  I wanted to go all natural and no drugs during labor, so the thought of having to induce at 41 weeks and 1 day made me upset and thinking my body was failing somehow. I know it isn't a rational thought but who is rational all of the time?!

41 weeks(day before induction on the way to church)

The night before we took Ava to my parent's house to spend the night. This was also a big deal because she had NEVER spent the night away from us in all of her 3 years.  We packed her new little backpack and all of her animals  that she sleeps with and dropped her off.  We said our goodbyes, Ava and I cried and I bolted out of the house before I became a mess of tears in front of her. I knew she would be taken care of no doubt but I was still sad about leaving her.

I prayed and prayed that contractions would start or my water would break that night, but alas my alarm went off Monday morning at 3:45am to get up and get ready.  We already had the bags packed and ready, but I showered and put last minutes things in my bag and Clint snacks (it could be a very long day!) Off we went.

Check in went very smooth.  We had to be there at 5am for a 6am induction and we were the only ones there that early.  We sat in the waiting room until the nurse came to get us.  At this point I had kinda given up hope on the natural birth.  I knew they would start Pitocin to jump start contractions and with that in my system it would be 10x harder to go without an epidural.

The nurse took us to the huge delivery/birthing room and the process started.  Put the ugly huge robe on, get in the bed and get a HUGE needle in my forearm. Start the sugar water and wait just a bit to let that get in my system.  She then checked me and I was 4-5cm and still had a little cervix to efface.  She said she got off at 11am and that we would probably have him before then. Clint and I were skeptical and called our family and told them not to rush and they were all coming about lunch or so.  We didn't them all just waiting around like the did with Ava and although Ava is a great kid, 3 year olds can't be confined for that long.

The nurse came back about 15 minutes later and started the Pitocin about 6:15am.  I didn't really start feeling any contractions until she upped the Pitocin to about 4 and they still weren't that painful but I could tell.  The monitor also helped to actually be able to see when they started.

I read some, Clint watched SportsCenter and we waited.  My doc was coming between 7:30 and 8am to break my water.  She got there about 8:03am and broke my water (gush of warm water) and checked me and I was closer to 5cm, but still needed to efface some.  She said she'd check in later and headed over to her office.

About 5-10 min after the contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and very strong and high on the monitor.  My mom called about then and I was breathing through them and talking to her.  Not an easy feat. When the nurse came in she said I was a good 6cm. Awesome!

About 8:30am I couldn't talk through the contractions and had lots of pressure down low.  I kept telling Clint I felt like I had to poop (lovely) and when the nurse came back in she said I was an 8!!  Heck yea!
She said she was going to call my doc and get her here and set the table up, we would be having a baby soon!

Doctor B got there about 10 min later.  I don't think she had left the hospital yet.  The women were setting things up and I kept telling doc that I needed to push.  The nurse said "no not yet, you aren't ready. "  Listen lady.....I can feel everything and I need to push.  Dr. B.  checked me and said push if you feel you need to.  Push I did!  After the second push, they told me that I needed to stop yelling and to use that energy to push.  Hey, I have had NO PAIN MEDICINE and if I want to yell I will!  The burning was so painful.  I was sweating and crying because that pain is NO JOKE!!! Dr. B. said she could see the head and to wait for another contraction.  I didn't want to wait.  Not at all.  I was just trying to get him out!  Doc let Brody's head open me up a little more so I would tear as much.  Smart woman.  I pushed 2 more hard times and at 8:58am Brody came in to this world perfect and screaming.

Let's recap shall we.  Pitocin started at 6:15am. Water broken at 8am.  No epidural, no drugs for pain.  Delivered at 8:58am!  I was in labor for 2 hours and 43 minutes!!!  Crazy!!!  My doc said that's the fastest delivery we have had in a while!

He finally decided to come out.

Introducing......

Brody Alan

Born: August 12

@ 8:58am

8lbs 4oz

20in long

Birth story to come. It is a doozy.  

Our hearts grew when he decided to come out in to the world.  

Our family is complete!

Over.....due

Well.......

I'm over my estimated due date and still going strong!

40 weeks 1 day

3 years already

Our sweet girl turned 3 this past week.  Since I wasn't (still not) sure when Brody would arrive, we didn't plan a party.  But we did spread our her birthday as much as we could and tried to make her still feel as special and celebrated as possible!

Clint's mom and husband came over for supper one night and they brought her a "Minnie" birthday and a "black" cake, which is chocolate in Ava's world.

My aunt gave her her present at church the next day.

The day before her birthday, we took her to our local bakery and let her pick out a cupcake of her choice.

We opened presents, made tacos for supper (one of her favorites).

Then it was time to blow out the 3 candles on her "wedding cake" cupcake! 
Clint and I both had to work on her actual birthday, but she opened presents at my parent's house and got to blow out another round of candles. 

I'm pretty sure she had a fantastic few DAYS of birthday celebration. 

After Brody decides to arrive, we will have the family over to celebrate her birthday and see the new man in the family. 

Wow, does time fly.  She is the best kid and we are so blessed to have her in our lives!

38 weeks+

How far along? 38 weeks 2 days


How big is baby? Average size: nearly 7 pounds

Average length: 19 1/2 inches, head to heel.

What is baby doing this week? "Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb."


What about mama? "For many women, the next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Use this time to prepare your baby's nursery or to take care of necessary tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born. Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can."

Dr. appt update:
Weight: same as last week.  No weight gain in 6 weeks, but Brody has plenty to steal from his mama!
Pee cup: normal
Blood pressure:116/72
Fundal height: measuring at 38weeks
Cervix check: I am still 2.5cm, but am now 80% effaced.  Although, that is so exciting and I am progressing, it still doesn't mean I could go into labor any second.  It could be a week or so.  WHich makes me sad, because I am ready!  My body has been practicing and I am ready to go!

Work: Yep, I will be working until Brody decided it is game time!

Movement: Slowing down, but when he is moving it it very strong!

Cravings: Nothing really.  I really don't have much of a appetite.

What I miss? Doing normal things.

What I am looking forward to: Going in to true labor and not all of this false sh*t!

Milestones: Less than 2 weeks until his due date.


How is daddy? Just as anxious as I am.  He has started texting me and checking on me.

How is Ava? She is ready for him.  She says "he is going to be a baby and be here soon. I'm going to be a good big sister!"

Not quite sure

Morning!  So after going to TSC for dogfood, Best Buy for something for our old laptop, and Trader Joe's, and the park to try and "catch the birds" and watch the ducks, I had my 35 week check up yesterday and things were....interesting.

Pee in a cup-no worries there
Weight-The scale hasn't moved in 4 weeks.
Blood Pressure-104/58
Brody's heartbeat-143
Fundal height-She measured 34....but he has been a week ahead the entire pregnancy.
Strep B swab-lovely.....I'll find out results some time.

Before I left she wanted me to go down and get an ultrasound.  She was a little concerned because I haven't gained any weight and she "thought" Brody was measuring behind. 
So, with the hint of concern, Ava and I walked down to the ultrasound office and waited to jump in on the schedule. We only had to weight about 30 minutes and then were able to see his beautiful self on the screen! 
After the tech took all of his measurements, he is perfect!  He (guesstimation) weighs about 5lbs 9oz. On paper as of yesterday I was 34 weeks 6days, but according to his measurements and growth I am 35 weeks and 4 days, so about 5 ish days ahead.  Not sure if that will affect my labor, but who knows!!

So, I am not sure where I am in this pregnancy.  I'll just say I have about 4 weeks and that should take care of it!
Have a great day!

34 weeks 6 days

How far along? 34 weeks 6 days

How big is baby? Average size: nearly five pounds.

Average Length: 12.8 inches (crown to rump)

What is baby doing this week? Babyzone.com says "Your unborn baby's muscles are maturing along with the rest of his body. He can hold his head up and turn it from side to side. He'll practice his newfound muscle tone by stretching out his arms and kicking his legs.  Most of the lanugo is gone and replaced with a thick coat of vernix."

What about mama?  Babyzone.com says "By now you're getting used to the backaches, leg cramps, and other pains that come with the final weeks of pregnancy. You may also experience swelling in your ankles and feet, and sometimes in your face and hands. The swelling is caused in part by pregnancy hormones, which encourage your body to hang on to water to fuel a variety of baby-growing needs. Try drinking plenty of water and elevating your feet as much as possible to relieve swelling. Don't worry—most of your uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms will disappear once you deliver. In some cases—five to 10 percent of pregnancies—persistent swelling may be a sign of a potentially serious condition called preeclampsia. Your healthcare provider will be checking you regularly, however, to make sure that you do not have this condition."




Symptoms: headaches, no really appetite


Maternity clothes: From here on out, no other choice. Dresses or Clint's tshirts

Sleep: I am blessed in that Brody sleeps at night and my sleeping has been good.

Best moment last week?




Movement: Crazy uncomfortable at times, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.


Cravings:  Diet coke(fountain drink)

Belly Button in or out: in


What I miss? Sleeping on my stomach.

What I am looking forward to: Seeing his beautiful face!!

Milestones: Getting to the stage of pregnancy that normal daily activites are not possible for me to do!!


How is daddy? Working a lot!  He is doing a job that requires 60+ hours a week of him working.  He wil get 2 weeks off when Brody comes.

How is Ava? She is almost potty trained!!   So proud of her!

25 and 26 week update!

How far along? 26 weeks and 2 days

How big is baby?

What is baby doing this week? Babyzone.com says "This week your baby-to-be opens his eyes for the first time. She'll open and shut his eyes as he gets used to his new ability. Your little one is still on the small side. His body may look fully formed on the outside, but inside there's fine-tuning taking place, including his lungs and brain. Your unborn baby still has some growing to do!"

What is going on in mama? Pregnancy induced Allergies are still here, but very mild now.  Local honey and QB Complex work wonders. 

Symptoms:  If I sit for a while my butt and back start to hurt, but other than that nothing big, but I get adjusted every other day and that is so helpful!!

Total weight gain: A lot!

Exercise: I take Ava and Pekka on 2 mile walk/jogs about 3-4 days a week.

Maternity clothes: There are clothes that aren't maternity???

Sleep: Pretty good for the last week actually.

Best moment last week? 

Movement: Oh yes!

Cravings:   Eating clean, healthy, natural foods.

Belly Button in or out: Still in there, but barely!

What I miss? Having a body that can do whatever I want.  Things are starting to get harder and harder. Like shaving standing up!

What I am looking forward to: Not hearing from the glucose test. No news is good news.

Milestones: Last week in 2rd tri.

How is daddy and Ava? So sweet.  They tell Brody about their day each night before we go to sleep.  

23-24 weeks with Brody

 23 weeks

24 weeks

How far along? 24 weeks!
How big is baby? Your 10.5-to-11.8-inch fetus weighs about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces

What is baby doing this week?  Thebump.com says "

• His see-through skin is gradually becoming more opaque.
• And it's got a new pink glow, thanks to the small capillaries that have recently formed.

Symptoms:  Some sciatic pain, but I get adjusted every other day. Man, I wish I had known about Chiropractic when I was pregnant with Ava.  It is amazing!!
I have accrued pregnancy allergies.  I have never had allergies before so this is new to me. I have ordered a natural vitamin QB Complex that is a natural histamine to help with that.

Total weight gain:  whew!

Maternity clothes: Dresses are amazing!

Sleep: Pretty good actually! 

Best moment last week: My mom was able to feel Brody last week!  I have actually ran twice in the past few days. Makes me feel proud of myself!  Although, it makes me hungry the next day!

Movement: Yes please and thank you!

Cravings: Turkey sandwiches

Belly Button in or out: Creeping to the surface.

What I miss? BEER!!!

What I am looking forward to: hmmm

Milestones: Brody is at the viable stage!

How is daddy? Great. We just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary and enjoyed a date night Saturday.  He really is so fun to be with!

How is Ava?  She prays for "big big Brody and Ava a big sister every night.  Melts my heart!