Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
This and that.
Whew. Life has been insane. I keep wondering when it will slow down but I am not sure that is possible when you have two small kids and work full time. I hate that I'm so behind on here because it's the only way I'll ever remember things when my kids are older!
I have no pictures on this post because apparently I'm over my max on photo storage. How do I go around this? Grrr.
I have so many posts in the works. So many. One of which is 5 months overdue (nursery!), kitchen reno, 5 month post, the list goes on!
Brady has attempted potty training a few times. All times ended up in him crying for a diaper. Sigh. He won't be wearing diapers to Kindergarten, right?
Bennett started this week (1 week shy of 6 months!) on solids. I just about cried. I wasn't ready but he sure as heck was. The kid loved every single bite. It's so not time for him to be all growns up yet. He is all over the place, rolling and scooting a bit. I'm SO not ready and paranoid about crawling.
That last thing could be because of this! A few nights ago, I ran from one room to the next to grab a diaper. In those 30 seconds, Brady had grabbed a peanut from somewhere and PUT IT IN BENNETT'S MOUTH! Holy, crap! The poor kid was looking at me like, "What, mom? That tasted good!" while I was scooping it out of his mouth. Lesson learned. Brady and Ben are NOT allowed by themselves. Ever.
Sigh. I scheduled Ben's surgery. If you recall, he has something called, hydrospasis and I'm sure he will love me speaking about his boy parts on the Internets but while I knew it was coming up to the time we needed to have it done, I didn't know it would hit me so hard after I actually made the appointment, especially when she reminded me it was an hour and a half procedure. It's a common procedure they do often and but I'm still struggling with it because after all, it's still my baby.
Brady is SO into Christmas this year. Last night he was running around the house pretending he was Santa. He told Daddy he was getting a new TV and I was getting a new pizza cutter. A green one. I had to crack up at that one. I get the kitchen utensil? We don't even eat that much pizza! He also said yesterday to Blake, "I don't call him Bennett anymore, I call him Puddin'!" I'm not sure where he gets this stuff but he is cracking me up!
We went on a walk the past few nights to see Christmas decorations and lights in the neighborhood because it's been in the 70's here! Crazy, right? I'll take it over snow any day! Brady had to bring his 'phone' with him (aka a purple calculator) and tells me, "Excuse me, I have to take a call!" Then he proceeds to say, "Ok, I'll see you later. I'll see you on Christmas!''
Is it me or is this the longest week, like ever????
I have no pictures on this post because apparently I'm over my max on photo storage. How do I go around this? Grrr.
I have so many posts in the works. So many. One of which is 5 months overdue (nursery!), kitchen reno, 5 month post, the list goes on!
Brady has attempted potty training a few times. All times ended up in him crying for a diaper. Sigh. He won't be wearing diapers to Kindergarten, right?
Bennett started this week (1 week shy of 6 months!) on solids. I just about cried. I wasn't ready but he sure as heck was. The kid loved every single bite. It's so not time for him to be all growns up yet. He is all over the place, rolling and scooting a bit. I'm SO not ready and paranoid about crawling.
That last thing could be because of this! A few nights ago, I ran from one room to the next to grab a diaper. In those 30 seconds, Brady had grabbed a peanut from somewhere and PUT IT IN BENNETT'S MOUTH! Holy, crap! The poor kid was looking at me like, "What, mom? That tasted good!" while I was scooping it out of his mouth. Lesson learned. Brady and Ben are NOT allowed by themselves. Ever.
Sigh. I scheduled Ben's surgery. If you recall, he has something called, hydrospasis and I'm sure he will love me speaking about his boy parts on the Internets but while I knew it was coming up to the time we needed to have it done, I didn't know it would hit me so hard after I actually made the appointment, especially when she reminded me it was an hour and a half procedure. It's a common procedure they do often and but I'm still struggling with it because after all, it's still my baby.
Brady is SO into Christmas this year. Last night he was running around the house pretending he was Santa. He told Daddy he was getting a new TV and I was getting a new pizza cutter. A green one. I had to crack up at that one. I get the kitchen utensil? We don't even eat that much pizza! He also said yesterday to Blake, "I don't call him Bennett anymore, I call him Puddin'!" I'm not sure where he gets this stuff but he is cracking me up!
We went on a walk the past few nights to see Christmas decorations and lights in the neighborhood because it's been in the 70's here! Crazy, right? I'll take it over snow any day! Brady had to bring his 'phone' with him (aka a purple calculator) and tells me, "Excuse me, I have to take a call!" Then he proceeds to say, "Ok, I'll see you later. I'll see you on Christmas!''
Is it me or is this the longest week, like ever????
Friday, November 16, 2012
An tale of two births.
I've wanted to write this post for a long time. This is going to be long so if you can get through it, congrats!
I want to first say this. I hate 'comparing' the birth of my children. I mean, I feel sometimes I do that a lot because they were just night and day. The way my children were born really doesn't matter in how I love them or parent or what not. I love both of them. They are both amazing in their own ways and their births were both equally special to me. Both births were equally emotional in different ways and even both had moments where they were scary but all for different reasons. Oddly enough, even as rough everything after Brady's birth was, I wouldn't change a thing. It made me want to fight for the birth I hoped for the first time but I think in that, I bonded with Brady so very quickly because of it. Not to say I didn't bond with Ben, it was just different. I get asked a lot which delivery was 'easier' or 'better' or whatever word they would use to ask and I feel awkward in a way with my answer. I know how to answer that in terms of recovery but I think they are both equally perfect and amazing in their own ways. A child's birth (either through a natural birth, a c-section or through an adoption) is such an emotionally charged experience. I had a super easy recovery with Bennett and sometimes I do feel guilty for saying that because I don't want it to somehow lessen Brady's experience. It's such an odd feeling but as I've said, I look back and they are both so amazingly different and full of such raw beauty and joy.
If you want to read both birth stories, you can find both at the top of the blog.
So, back to this post. I've wanted to write it for many reasons. When I was looking into doing a VBAC, I found limited information, scary stories or not much at all. In talking to people about my hopes for Bennett's birth, they were surprised I was able to 'find a doctor to let me do that' or would ask 'is that safe?!?' I also want to remember if we ever decide to have a 3rd on why those contractions are worth it in the end.
I think with Brady's birth, many things went wrong and it was a combination of things that didn't happen that did with Bennett. For one, I never felt a single contraction with Brady. My water broke with Brady and nothing every happened in the next 24 hours. I often wonder if I had I not started spiking a fever, if I would have started to dilate. With Bennett, I went from basically barely a 1 to 10 in a few hours (after almost two days of early labor.) With Brady, membranes were swept a few days before my water broke. I think if I had not had that done, my body would have been more ready. Who knows, really.
When I went into my first appointment with Bennett, my OB looked at me and said, "VBAC?'' It was a no-brainer. Here were her 'requirements' if I was even going to attempt one.
Towards the end, I was a mess. I was crabby, anxious and just a mess. I hated that I didn't know if I was really going to have this chance at a VBAC or not. It was all I thought about and I wanted this baby out because I wanted his birth to be over with. I'm grateful that I was able to have the birth I wanted. I was able to hold Benny right after he was born and to try nursing immediately Not to say that those with a c-section couldn't have those things but I know if I would have had another c-section, things would not have gone well. Since I had have complications before, I was more at risk for those again and to make things more complicated, the hernia repair increased my risks for MORE complications.
I wanted to share why I think it worked out and maybe help someone else or make someone feel that it could be a possibility! I had never met anyone who had one and to say that the information I found was limited and scary. I think the hardest part of this all was not knowing what to expect or to not know if I was going to have a c-section or not but I think a lot of things all lined up right this time.
1. Supportive doctor: My OB wanted this for me almost as much as I did. With having had a c-section and then a hernia repair, cutting into that mesh from the repair was last on her list of things she wanted to do but also knew it was in my best interest to try a VBAC. It was her first thing that came out of her mouth after, "Congrats!"
2. Supportive nurses: I was worried about this as not every nurse is the same and with Brady I had been in labor so long, I had several. It was bascially a luck of a drawl and this time I got so lucky! When I got to the hospital the first time, I was mad they sent me home. I was just done. I was so nervous and I wanted to know in the end, we were all ok. So, when I came back and the contractions were awful and I she told me I was still a measly 1 cm, I lost it. I almost gave in and said, do whatever you want. I'm done. After a while, nothing was happening but my pain was just increasing and combined with no sleep in 24 hours and the anxiety of the unknown, I needed to relax. So, while they finally agreed to give me an epi, comment was made that it is going to lead me closer to a c-section. When the shift change happened, I was unsure and nervous but I had the most amazing nurse and I think I can thank her for helping to get me my VBAC.
An hour after the epi, I had gone from 0-4 and my water had broke. The nurse and midwife on staff there looked at me and I felt like they were giving me the okay, that this was really going to happen. I felt like they were cheering me on. It was JUST what I needed. During labor, my nurse kept positioning me and I was getting frustrated at this odd way she had me but I think it truly helped me move that baby down. I tried bouncing on a ball with both births and other things but I think this was key for me along with relaxing.
3. Minimized interventions: I was one who always planned on having an epi but with Brady, I was so nervous and I had so much against me, I think it all just snowballed. With Bennett, I was glad that I couldn't get pitocin or anything because it gave my body the chance to do what it needed. I also requested not to have my membranes swept this time because I'm truly convinced that is what led me to where I got with Brady. I'm glad I also didn't let them keep me after the first hospital visit because it could have very well snowballed from there too. I went home, relaxed, slept a teeny bit and that is when things kicked into gear!
4. Epidural. Oddly enough, I think the epi was key to getting where I needed to be. I was nervous about getting it this time because I was worried it would lead me to a c-section again (even as the first nurse I had said!) but after being in labor for over 30 hours and NO sleep, my body was exhausted. Your uterus is a big muscle and when they tire, they don't function as they need to be. So, basically, I was contracting but my body was so exhausted, it wasn't do it's job of dilating. I find it odd enough that once I got the epi and could really relax, I went from basically 0-10 in a few hours. It was just what I needed!
5. Supportive family: Blake was amazing through all of this. Having not been in this position the first time, he had no idea what to expect and I think it truly bonded us even more. My family was great in giving me the space (well, most of them, ha ha!) I needed when I was trying to relax and get through contractions. I wanted no one there and most of them heard my requests. I wanted to be able to focus and relax the best I could and I think that helped!
6. My own desire for a VBAC because of my past experience: I know a lot of women are determined to have a natural birth or want something to go their way but these sweet babies of ours have their own plans. I think that me wanting this so bad was key in no giving up. I've admit, there were times I considered giving in, especially in the heat of the moment after 30 hours of constant contractions and pain, I was so over it. I kept reminding myself of WHY I wanted this so badly. Why I needed to do this. I think that is what helped me in those most difficult moments and even though it was easy to say screw it, I knew deep down inside, I had to give myself the chance. I knew I would regret it if I didn't and I also knew that I had come so far, there was no turning back. I was terrified. I mean they tell you about the risks all the time and who wants to hear about 'uterine rupture' but without remembering all I went through after Brady's birth, I would not have gotten through it.
7. Brady: I knew with Brady I would love him regardless but as a new mommy, I had no idea the force that you love your own child with and I was excited for that again but at the same time, I wanted to be able to be the best mommy I could for Brady after especially because it was going to change his life. I knew there was a chance with a c-section, the complications were possible and I didn't want that to happen again for his sake. It helped a lot during it all to picture his face and all the things we were going to do as a family of four when things got tough!
To be honest, after he was out, it was the most amazing feeling, I've ever felt. A rush of pride, joy, elation, relief and peace rushed to me all at once. The contractions sucked, yes, but knowing that I was able to do this for myself and my boys was the most amazing thing. Granted, I know it doesn't work out for everyone and there were things that could have prevented me from it as well but I'm so grateful that it was something I even pursued! So, I think the last two things were key in it all. If things were not so hard the first time around, I might not have even thought of trying for a VBAC!
I'll write another whole post about recovery because that is a whole post in itself but this time around, everything was so easy, it made the transition much easier for our whole family.
These kids are so worth it all though. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. In.a.heartbeat!
I want to first say this. I hate 'comparing' the birth of my children. I mean, I feel sometimes I do that a lot because they were just night and day. The way my children were born really doesn't matter in how I love them or parent or what not. I love both of them. They are both amazing in their own ways and their births were both equally special to me. Both births were equally emotional in different ways and even both had moments where they were scary but all for different reasons. Oddly enough, even as rough everything after Brady's birth was, I wouldn't change a thing. It made me want to fight for the birth I hoped for the first time but I think in that, I bonded with Brady so very quickly because of it. Not to say I didn't bond with Ben, it was just different. I get asked a lot which delivery was 'easier' or 'better' or whatever word they would use to ask and I feel awkward in a way with my answer. I know how to answer that in terms of recovery but I think they are both equally perfect and amazing in their own ways. A child's birth (either through a natural birth, a c-section or through an adoption) is such an emotionally charged experience. I had a super easy recovery with Bennett and sometimes I do feel guilty for saying that because I don't want it to somehow lessen Brady's experience. It's such an odd feeling but as I've said, I look back and they are both so amazingly different and full of such raw beauty and joy.
So, back to this post. I've wanted to write it for many reasons. When I was looking into doing a VBAC, I found limited information, scary stories or not much at all. In talking to people about my hopes for Bennett's birth, they were surprised I was able to 'find a doctor to let me do that' or would ask 'is that safe?!?' I also want to remember if we ever decide to have a 3rd on why those contractions are worth it in the end.
I think with Brady's birth, many things went wrong and it was a combination of things that didn't happen that did with Bennett. For one, I never felt a single contraction with Brady. My water broke with Brady and nothing every happened in the next 24 hours. I often wonder if I had I not started spiking a fever, if I would have started to dilate. With Bennett, I went from basically barely a 1 to 10 in a few hours (after almost two days of early labor.) With Brady, membranes were swept a few days before my water broke. I think if I had not had that done, my body would have been more ready. Who knows, really.
When I went into my first appointment with Bennett, my OB looked at me and said, "VBAC?'' It was a no-brainer. Here were her 'requirements' if I was even going to attempt one.
- No induction, meaning, I had to go into labor on my own. I didn't feel like this would be an issue though I got nervous towards the end.
- With that, no pitocin as it can increase the risk of Uterine rupture.
- No complications.
Towards the end, I was a mess. I was crabby, anxious and just a mess. I hated that I didn't know if I was really going to have this chance at a VBAC or not. It was all I thought about and I wanted this baby out because I wanted his birth to be over with. I'm grateful that I was able to have the birth I wanted. I was able to hold Benny right after he was born and to try nursing immediately Not to say that those with a c-section couldn't have those things but I know if I would have had another c-section, things would not have gone well. Since I had have complications before, I was more at risk for those again and to make things more complicated, the hernia repair increased my risks for MORE complications.
I wanted to share why I think it worked out and maybe help someone else or make someone feel that it could be a possibility! I had never met anyone who had one and to say that the information I found was limited and scary. I think the hardest part of this all was not knowing what to expect or to not know if I was going to have a c-section or not but I think a lot of things all lined up right this time.
1. Supportive doctor: My OB wanted this for me almost as much as I did. With having had a c-section and then a hernia repair, cutting into that mesh from the repair was last on her list of things she wanted to do but also knew it was in my best interest to try a VBAC. It was her first thing that came out of her mouth after, "Congrats!"
2. Supportive nurses: I was worried about this as not every nurse is the same and with Brady I had been in labor so long, I had several. It was bascially a luck of a drawl and this time I got so lucky! When I got to the hospital the first time, I was mad they sent me home. I was just done. I was so nervous and I wanted to know in the end, we were all ok. So, when I came back and the contractions were awful and I she told me I was still a measly 1 cm, I lost it. I almost gave in and said, do whatever you want. I'm done. After a while, nothing was happening but my pain was just increasing and combined with no sleep in 24 hours and the anxiety of the unknown, I needed to relax. So, while they finally agreed to give me an epi, comment was made that it is going to lead me closer to a c-section. When the shift change happened, I was unsure and nervous but I had the most amazing nurse and I think I can thank her for helping to get me my VBAC.
An hour after the epi, I had gone from 0-4 and my water had broke. The nurse and midwife on staff there looked at me and I felt like they were giving me the okay, that this was really going to happen. I felt like they were cheering me on. It was JUST what I needed. During labor, my nurse kept positioning me and I was getting frustrated at this odd way she had me but I think it truly helped me move that baby down. I tried bouncing on a ball with both births and other things but I think this was key for me along with relaxing.
3. Minimized interventions: I was one who always planned on having an epi but with Brady, I was so nervous and I had so much against me, I think it all just snowballed. With Bennett, I was glad that I couldn't get pitocin or anything because it gave my body the chance to do what it needed. I also requested not to have my membranes swept this time because I'm truly convinced that is what led me to where I got with Brady. I'm glad I also didn't let them keep me after the first hospital visit because it could have very well snowballed from there too. I went home, relaxed, slept a teeny bit and that is when things kicked into gear!
4. Epidural. Oddly enough, I think the epi was key to getting where I needed to be. I was nervous about getting it this time because I was worried it would lead me to a c-section again (even as the first nurse I had said!) but after being in labor for over 30 hours and NO sleep, my body was exhausted. Your uterus is a big muscle and when they tire, they don't function as they need to be. So, basically, I was contracting but my body was so exhausted, it wasn't do it's job of dilating. I find it odd enough that once I got the epi and could really relax, I went from basically 0-10 in a few hours. It was just what I needed!
5. Supportive family: Blake was amazing through all of this. Having not been in this position the first time, he had no idea what to expect and I think it truly bonded us even more. My family was great in giving me the space (well, most of them, ha ha!) I needed when I was trying to relax and get through contractions. I wanted no one there and most of them heard my requests. I wanted to be able to focus and relax the best I could and I think that helped!
6. My own desire for a VBAC because of my past experience: I know a lot of women are determined to have a natural birth or want something to go their way but these sweet babies of ours have their own plans. I think that me wanting this so bad was key in no giving up. I've admit, there were times I considered giving in, especially in the heat of the moment after 30 hours of constant contractions and pain, I was so over it. I kept reminding myself of WHY I wanted this so badly. Why I needed to do this. I think that is what helped me in those most difficult moments and even though it was easy to say screw it, I knew deep down inside, I had to give myself the chance. I knew I would regret it if I didn't and I also knew that I had come so far, there was no turning back. I was terrified. I mean they tell you about the risks all the time and who wants to hear about 'uterine rupture' but without remembering all I went through after Brady's birth, I would not have gotten through it.
7. Brady: I knew with Brady I would love him regardless but as a new mommy, I had no idea the force that you love your own child with and I was excited for that again but at the same time, I wanted to be able to be the best mommy I could for Brady after especially because it was going to change his life. I knew there was a chance with a c-section, the complications were possible and I didn't want that to happen again for his sake. It helped a lot during it all to picture his face and all the things we were going to do as a family of four when things got tough!
To be honest, after he was out, it was the most amazing feeling, I've ever felt. A rush of pride, joy, elation, relief and peace rushed to me all at once. The contractions sucked, yes, but knowing that I was able to do this for myself and my boys was the most amazing thing. Granted, I know it doesn't work out for everyone and there were things that could have prevented me from it as well but I'm so grateful that it was something I even pursued! So, I think the last two things were key in it all. If things were not so hard the first time around, I might not have even thought of trying for a VBAC!
I'll write another whole post about recovery because that is a whole post in itself but this time around, everything was so easy, it made the transition much easier for our whole family.
These kids are so worth it all though. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. In.a.heartbeat!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Tested
If you remember, Bennett's newborn screening came back not only for hypothyroidism but also his hemoglobin test came back with a few unspecified cells. We were told to retest between 3-6 months.
A few weeks ago, Blake and I were tested to see if we were carriers of a hemoglobin disease. If we were carriers and Ben still had these funky cells in his blood, it could mean a combination of things or really not much at all. Try telling that to a mom a little over a month post partum without freaking her out. Then, tell her you'll have to wait a while to even find out if anything is wrong.
One of them, thalassemia occurs in those of Mediterranean decent and being that we are both Italian, it concerned me a bit more than others. I tried to put it in the back of my mind but it was always there. I wasn't sure what exactly to be worried about, which I think helped in preventing me worry more by consulting Dr. Google more than I needed to because there was such an unknown other than possible hemoglobin disease.
One of them, thalassemia occurs in those of Mediterranean decent and being that we are both Italian, it concerned me a bit more than others. I tried to put it in the back of my mind but it was always there. I wasn't sure what exactly to be worried about, which I think helped in preventing me worry more by consulting Dr. Google more than I needed to because there was such an unknown other than possible hemoglobin disease.
The test sucked more so because we had to do his thyroid levels at the same time and filling two vials.....sigh. It took a while and not to mention it was awful timing and he was hungry/tired and there was lots of screaming. Ugh. 2 years and 7 more months of blood work minimum for this kid. Blah.
I figured it would be a while before we heard but low and behold, it came back.
Neither Blake and I are carriers!!
Bennett's still has some fetal hemoglobin cells or something or another but she said that those usually go away before he is a year old. We'll retest around then just to be sure but, praise the lord!
Bennett's still has some fetal hemoglobin cells or something or another but she said that those usually go away before he is a year old. We'll retest around then just to be sure but, praise the lord!
Last night, I nursed him to sleep and laid him down in the pack n play right beside my bed and he woke up, which he rarely does at bedtime. I was preparing for him to start crying and ready to pick him back up but he didn't. He looked up at me, smiled, closed his eyes and then drifted peacefully back to sleep. A little moment that made a huge impact on this momma's heart. A special one indeed.
Then, he started sleeping like this. Little hands clasped together.
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I find it so perfect as I've done so much praying about this little boy,which started before he was even born and he continues to show me on a daily basis, how truly blessed I am.
Then, he started sleeping like this. Little hands clasped together.
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Friday, November 2, 2012
Four
Four months
(only two weeks late, yay, me!)
Likes: Mommy, Daddy, Brady, milk, Sophie, music, kisses, watching people, laughing, being tickled, holding toys, putting things in his mouth, his hands, toys.
Apparently, it gets harder to take pictures of them both as he gets older and Brady looks tasty.
Sleep: Sigh. Two words. Reverse cycle. He's practically nursing all night. Thank you, cosleeping for making it bearable and luckily, I don't feel more exhausted but he does have nights where he's having a hard time settling. I'm back to swaddling him, with one arm out in hopes to slowly wean him from it. Naps are all over the place but I'm blaming our child care (uh, more on this later and the reason for the reverse cycling) and I'm working on that end. Though, he's now almost 4 1/2 months and things are getting much better a few days after he's been at home (rather than at my IL's who watch him.)
Dislikes: Still not fond of the carseat, being without Mommy, being overtired, strangers, the Dog's barking at Nana's, loud noises that make him jump, bottles (though he'll take them, he just prefers drinking it from the source!) and pacifiers.
Yummies: Still nursing! I'm so happy we've made it this far. We made it through my first month back at work and though it's been hard with being sick so many times since I've been back, the stress of pumping AND some feeding issues with people who watch him, we are making it. He still prefers mommy but will take a bottle. He generally will drink 2 bottles while I'm gone, sometimes more or less but he really sleeps more during the day, which I'm okay with to keep this going. He eats every 3 hours when I'm home. A typical work day, we'll get up for the day between 530-6 and he had just fallen back asleep. I get up, shower, he's up and I try to top him off before I leave. He has a bottle or two while I'm gone. I get home between 4 and 4:30, he eats then and clusters the rest of the night before he goes down 730/8. Up again around 10/10:30 (which is new!) and then a decent 3 hours and then from about 2/3 on, he's filling his belly.
Growth: I go back and forth on this. This month again, he's in the 5th percentile at 12 pounds 9 ounces and then a few days later at his endocrinologist appointment, he was already 12lbs 13 oz and 25 inches. So, he's growing from his lowest of 6lbs 5 oz and starting length of 20.5. In the great span of things, he's gained 6 pounds since birth so that is great! It's just hard for me since Brady was already high on growth charts and it's hard not to second guess myself sometimes. His doctor isn't worried but sometimes that isn't enough to reassure mommy. He sure makes it disappear when he does a new trick though!
This month, he got baptized. I mean, how cute is this outfit?
Thyroid stuff:
We finally met with the endocrinologist last week. He will have to remain on Synthroid until he is three. At that point, we can drop it and see if his numbers stay down. If they do, he can stay off but if they go up, well, he'll most likely have to stay on it for most of his life. He is thinking though, since his numbers were just a wee bit high, that he does have transient and won't have to be on it for life. It's the most common thing for babies to have but it still isn't one thing I wish we had to go through. We also went and were tested for the Hemoglobin disease that came back from the newborn screening and I'm sure that will take awhile to come back. Blood draws are so quick (seriously the kid's hospital is amazing) but it still is hard to see him be stuck. We'll see the endo every 3-4 months and do bloodwork every 2-3 for a while. Luckily, the sticks at our children's hospital are so quick, it's been much easier on all of us. It's worth going out of our way and waiting forever to be seen.
Milestones
Month three to four is like night and day. Newborn no more. We've had several instances where he didn't scream in the car. The first time was when Blake drove him to my IL's and he, GASP, SLEPT in the car. That was miraculous! Then, we ran to Target and he gabbed but didn't scream. Please, let it be nearing the end. Though, we've had some days where he screamed bloody murder again but I'm hoping we are near the end. I've noticed now it's more so when he's really tired and sometimes he'll eventually fall asleep.
This past month, he started grabbing toys and holding them. He will bring them to his mouth and chew them. I love it. Love, love it! He is really fond of Sophie, much more than Brady ever was.
Squealing! It cracks me up!
His first cold. This wasn't too bad other than a runny nose but I've been sick so many times since I've been back at work, which is odd for our family since we never get sick!
Blowing raspberries! His raspberry face is priceless!
Squealing! It cracks me up!
His first cold. This wasn't too bad other than a runny nose but I've been sick so many times since I've been back at work, which is odd for our family since we never get sick!
Blowing raspberries! His raspberry face is priceless!
Lastly, little laughs. Little laughs that melt your heart. The smiles are plenty and I swear, he has the most amazing smile that lights up the room. That kid, he sure is special and I'm so blessed to watch him grow!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The Halloween post.
How can you dress your kiddos up and not post about it? I've been looking forward to this for a while. Brady's at that age where he is so much fun, gets so excited about things and is just so funny.
Brady's first pumpkin carving attempt. Well, he didn't carve it but he helped draw the face. I just loved it. It's ready to go in the trash but had to wait till after Halloween so we could avoid a total meltdown.
A coworker gave me a few clothes from her three boys and I had to try it on and have fun with this one. I might be biased but he's the cutest pumpkin I've seen!
When we started talking about Halloween, Brady heard candy and didn't care much about it other than wanting candy right NOW! Then, it got closer and we started talking more about it.
He had told me he wanted to a be a train from the get-go but every time I asked him what train, I'd get a different answer.
Thomas. Percy. Hiro. James. Rosie. Emily. Percy. Kevin.
I wondered who the heck this Kevin guy he had been talking about!
Finally, he went back and forth between Percy and Thomas.
A few days ago, his vote was Percy. Then, we went out and bought paint and he picked, blue for Thomas.
Then, he told me he wanted to be Percy.
Sigh. So, we agreed he'd be Thomas since we already had the paint.
It's funny because months ago, I thought I was ahead of the game. I had a few tutorials (here and here ) saved and the boxes and most of the pieces ready to go. Uh, then the kitchen stuff happened, we've had sickness, after sickness go through our house and then, there was no time.
I had put the 'train' together and needed to paint and put all the details on it, which finally happened the night before. Oh well. I might have lost sleep and the house looked like a train hit (har har) but it was all worth it.
He told me he had SO much fun. "Mommy, I had lotsa fun!"
"I have to say, 'Cheeeeeese, mommy!" He was so excited, I think he could hardly contain himself!!!
I mean, how cute is Benny as Sir Tophem Hat? I can't handle the hat. I'm obsessed with it.
I was so suprised he wore it. I had asked him before I spent time on the details and he told me he would wear it. Wear it he did! He was such a trooper and I had even asked him if I could carry it for him and he said, No! By the end of the night and after about 45 minutes, he was done and ready to reap his rewards.
Blinded by the flash, Thomas lost his head after the 2nd house. Poor Thomas. I've promised to put him back on so that he could continue to play with him.
I swear, this was the best Halloween ever. I said that last year but this year was double the fun.
When we started talking about Halloween, Brady heard candy and didn't care much about it other than wanting candy right NOW! Then, it got closer and we started talking more about it.
He had told me he wanted to a be a train from the get-go but every time I asked him what train, I'd get a different answer.
Thomas. Percy. Hiro. James. Rosie. Emily. Percy. Kevin.
I wondered who the heck this Kevin guy he had been talking about!
Finally, he went back and forth between Percy and Thomas.
A few days ago, his vote was Percy. Then, we went out and bought paint and he picked, blue for Thomas.
Then, he told me he wanted to be Percy.
Sigh. So, we agreed he'd be Thomas since we already had the paint.
It's funny because months ago, I thought I was ahead of the game. I had a few tutorials (here and here ) saved and the boxes and most of the pieces ready to go. Uh, then the kitchen stuff happened, we've had sickness, after sickness go through our house and then, there was no time.
I had put the 'train' together and needed to paint and put all the details on it, which finally happened the night before. Oh well. I might have lost sleep and the house looked like a train hit (har har) but it was all worth it.
He told me he had SO much fun. "Mommy, I had lotsa fun!"
Blinded by the flash, Thomas lost his head after the 2nd house. Poor Thomas. I've promised to put him back on so that he could continue to play with him.
I swear, this was the best Halloween ever. I said that last year but this year was double the fun.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Three: Time flies.
Dear Brady,
I'm also amazed at how well you've grown into your new role as a big brother. You have adapted so well. I'm not going to lie and say you haven't licked him, thrown something at him or flicked a booger on him but most of the time, you are so sweet with him. You talk to him when he cries and he stops. You do that for him buddy. He looks up to you with this affection that only you two share and it makes my heart swell each and every time I see it. You're the best big brother and I'm lucky that I get to watch you both grow but your relationships as well. It's something I've wanted so much for you both so I'm blessed that you have loved him since the moment you set your eyes on his.
You're so very bright and sometimes you surprise me in how your mind works. You see things in such a way that I find myself looking at the world differently too. You probably ask 432 questions a day and I here you repeating things I've said. I forget sometimes how much you understand and we've had some amazing conversations. They always end every night with us both saying, "I love you!"
You are all boy but you like some things done the 'right' way. You like pink and purple and don't mind playing with princesses. You think it's SO funny right now and like to talk about 'talking' things. Like talking fruit, talking hair or talking shoes.
You stopped napping right when Bennett was about 2 months old but have days where you still take one though, you really need one everyday. Since you've stopped napping, you've started sleeping much better at night. You usually go to bed between 7:30 (especially if you haven't napped) and 8 and get up anywhere between 630-8. We have even had a few times where you slept in as in like past 8 and once till 9!
You're wearing 4T clothes and size TEN shoes. You seriously hit a huge growth spurt this month and we had to go and buy you all new shoes and jammies! You still love milk. Oh, how you love it. You pretty much love anything but don't want to stop and play sometimes to eat! You love salad, sketti, noodles, salami, broccoli, chocolate milk and orange juice. Oh, candy too. I think you would live on suckers if I would you.
You still call Oatmeal, "eatmeal' say "Dump truck truck, I'll need to add to this list because there are so many things you say that are just so cute that I want to remember.
You are recently interested in the days of the week but you're favorite day is Sunday. It's ALWAYS Sunday. You talk about yesterday a lot too :)
You can count to 12 or 13 depending on the day but forget 2 and 4 and still call 11, eleventeen. You sing your ABC's and can id them, though you do forget some sometimes.
You love playing outside, swinging, going on walks, playing baseball, Thomas, trains, cars, trucks, TRAINS, Thomas, reading, playing kitchen, and watching Thomas. You have recently become more obsessed with Thomas but still love anything Trucks. You just love toys. Any toys.
You just had your first birthday party with your friends. You loved every second of it. The smile was almost glued to your face.
You continue to be a 'curious' kid. You're constantly getting into things you're not supposed to. Spices, coffee grounds, mommy's makeup, the list goes on. I've cleaned marker off the walls, crayon off the windows, I can't leave you alone for a second! You are a human version of Curious George and I laugh because people ask me how mad I got the time you (insert many of the messes you have made) but sometimes, I just have to laugh. You are a very curious and active little boy!
I am amazed at how much difference a year makes. Last year, last year, you were just a new two year old who was still a baby to me. You were just learning to talk more than a few phrases.
We played outside. A LOT.
You learned how to throw a tantrum! Luckily, we're out of the 'let's throw myself on the ground' stage but you sure know how to rock a tantrum.
Now? You're a big kid. There is not much, if any baby left on that face of yours. I really can't believe it. You are just a big kid all of a sudden.
It's been an amazing year. I'm more than excited to see how the next year goes but can you do me a favor? Let's make it a loooooooong year. I'm not sure I can handle if it goes by even faster!
We love you little man.
I can't wait to celebrate with you!
Happy Birthday!
I look back at the last year and I literally feel like I blinked and it had flown by. Here you are, a THREE year old, a big brother and an amazing little boy. I find myself wondering, 'Where has time gone?' but I look and find myself SO proud.
You are not the least bit shy. I love watching this part of your grow. You'll run up to any kid and ask if they want to play, like you have been friends for years. You have so many people that you love and have a special relationship with each one. It makes me happy to see you grow in this way but sad that you're growing up so fast.
I'm also amazed at how well you've grown into your new role as a big brother. You have adapted so well. I'm not going to lie and say you haven't licked him, thrown something at him or flicked a booger on him but most of the time, you are so sweet with him. You talk to him when he cries and he stops. You do that for him buddy. He looks up to you with this affection that only you two share and it makes my heart swell each and every time I see it. You're the best big brother and I'm lucky that I get to watch you both grow but your relationships as well. It's something I've wanted so much for you both so I'm blessed that you have loved him since the moment you set your eyes on his.
You're so very bright and sometimes you surprise me in how your mind works. You see things in such a way that I find myself looking at the world differently too. You probably ask 432 questions a day and I here you repeating things I've said. I forget sometimes how much you understand and we've had some amazing conversations. They always end every night with us both saying, "I love you!" 
You are all boy but you like some things done the 'right' way. You like pink and purple and don't mind playing with princesses. You think it's SO funny right now and like to talk about 'talking' things. Like talking fruit, talking hair or talking shoes.
You stopped napping right when Bennett was about 2 months old but have days where you still take one though, you really need one everyday. Since you've stopped napping, you've started sleeping much better at night. You usually go to bed between 7:30 (especially if you haven't napped) and 8 and get up anywhere between 630-8. We have even had a few times where you slept in as in like past 8 and once till 9!
You're wearing 4T clothes and size TEN shoes. You seriously hit a huge growth spurt this month and we had to go and buy you all new shoes and jammies! You still love milk. Oh, how you love it. You pretty much love anything but don't want to stop and play sometimes to eat! You love salad, sketti, noodles, salami, broccoli, chocolate milk and orange juice. Oh, candy too. I think you would live on suckers if I would you.
You still call Oatmeal, "eatmeal' say "Dump truck truck, I'll need to add to this list because there are so many things you say that are just so cute that I want to remember.
You are recently interested in the days of the week but you're favorite day is Sunday. It's ALWAYS Sunday. You talk about yesterday a lot too :)
You can count to 12 or 13 depending on the day but forget 2 and 4 and still call 11, eleventeen. You sing your ABC's and can id them, though you do forget some sometimes.
You love playing outside, swinging, going on walks, playing baseball, Thomas, trains, cars, trucks, TRAINS, Thomas, reading, playing kitchen, and watching Thomas. You have recently become more obsessed with Thomas but still love anything Trucks. You just love toys. Any toys.
You just had your first birthday party with your friends. You loved every second of it. The smile was almost glued to your face.
I am amazed at how much difference a year makes. Last year, last year, you were just a new two year old who was still a baby to me. You were just learning to talk more than a few phrases.
We had just found out you were going to be a big brother!
It's been an amazing year. I'm more than excited to see how the next year goes but can you do me a favor? Let's make it a loooooooong year. I'm not sure I can handle if it goes by even faster!
We love you little man.
I can't wait to celebrate with you!
Happy Birthday!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Bennett {3 months} finally
Likes: Mommy, milk, bright lights, chewing on his hands or toys, watching big brother, watching bright lights/movement, being upright looking around, toys, his activity gym, the bouncy seat and walking around in mommy's arms (or daddy's) or the boba. I know I mentioned this already but he loves watching Brady and watches him move around. It's so dang sweet.
Dislikes: Pacifiers, riding in the car, sometimes being given a bottle.
'
Sleep: Well, things went south as in let's use mommy as a pacifier all night long, then we had longer stretches, then back to the pacifier thing and now he's consistently going to bed at 8. He'll either sleep till 10 and then sleep til 4 or 5. If he doesn't get up at 10, he'll get up either between 1-2. Not bad. I'm waiting for it to go back to crap once I go back to work.
Yummies: He' still prefers nursing over anything else. He has started taking bottles but we go through days when he'll drink a ton and others where he'll flat out refuse. He's hard to figure out but it's a good thing my job is flexible. He also had to start taking meds this month and I swear they made a difference. His thyroid med and probiotics I feed to him on a spoon mixed with breastmilk and he gobbles it up. He surprisingly does really well with it but since we started both, he's been a way happier guy.
wow, we had a big month! Little peanut decided he wanted to shake things up when I most needed it. As I was worrying about him and the whole thyroid thing, he rolled over. Back to front. Then, about a week later, he rolled the other way. He is earlier in this area than Brady was so I was shocked!
He's looking not like a newborn anymore and the smiles. Can't help but love how often they come now and how his face lights up when he sees my face!
Sheesh, 3 months. Slow down, life. Slow down.
Monday, October 15, 2012
My pumpkins pick some pumpkins
I love Fall. More so, I love fall (Halloween and other holiday) so much more now that we have kids. Everything is just more fun. We made our first trip to the Pumpkin Patch as a family of four.
There were a lot of smiles that looked like this.
Bennett looked like this.
Brady grew up somehow while we were there. I mean he looks like a BIG kid. Sigh.
Brady was a ball of excitement the whole trip. Ok, well, not towards the end when we had finally coerced him out of placed and his trash blew away (yes, my child is probably the only one upset about his trash) but I didn't take any pictures of my overtired whiny kid. I have enough memories of those that can never be erased.
Bennett was a sweet little pumpkin and slept, then got up to people watch. He's turned into a nosey little fella. He used to pass right out when I wore him but now he likes to chew on the edges and look at all the peeps.
The rest of the pictures look a lot like this, closed eyes or two kids looking opposite ways.
Walking around, watching the smile that was permanently attached to Brady's face, I couldn't help but smile myself. I sure do love being a mom. Especially to those two!
I l
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