Codyisms

I thought it would be fun to share some "Codyisms".  This kid talks non-stop whenever he is awake.  At his 18 month appointment, he was saying about 10 words.  His vocabulary has really taken off and he says the cutest things.  So here goes...some of his favorite words and Codyisms...

• Trator (tractor)  Probably his favorite word...and his first word.  Pretty sure this kid was born to be on the farm!!
• Bondine (combine) 
• Shake Booty (he says this when I'm shaking up my protein drink in the morning because I would sing "shake your booty"...then we both shake our booties together...so fun!)
• Peas (please)  A word we hear often because he thinks if he says it, he will automatically get whatever it is he wants.
• Nilch (milk)  I'm not sure why he calls milk "nilch" but he does.  It's one of those words that mommy, daddy, and the grandparents know what he is wanting.
• Wud ooo (love you)  He just started saying this recently.  Now I'll tell him I love him, and he will say "wud ooo, mommy".  Melts my heart every time.
• Otay (Okay)  probably my favorite word he says.  It is just too cute to hear.
• lo (hello)
• Mouse (for Mickey Mouse)  He does say Mickey Mouse, but when he wants to watch it, he just says mouse.  He also loves Pete on the show, and will yell out his name whenever he sees him.
• Oh Toodles  This is from Mickey Mouse.  We have a stuffed Mickey and whenever he picks it up to bring it over to play with it, he says "Oh Toodles".  Something that Mickey says.
• Boob  Yep, that's what it is.  He says it often too...
• Potty, Poop, Pee Pee and Toot  He is learning these words thanks to potty training.  He also says them often...especially poop and toot!  (He's such a boy!)
• Hi Mommy, Hi Daddy, Hi Tody, Hi Baby  Every morning when he wakes up, he says "Hi Mommy"...yep, that makes my day!  He also loves to go up to Gabe and say hi to him...but he refuses to call him by his name.  He will either say baby or brother.
• Miles (fruit smiles)  His favorite candy.  And when he wants some, he'll go point to the cabinet that they are in and say "Miles mommy, peas".
• Bass (Bath)
• Eaties (Eat)  He adds an "S" to the end of a lot of words...not sure why, but it is cute.
• Tody, Tode (Cody, Code)
• Sone (Phone)
• Mornting (Morning)

He says so much more than just that, so I will be doing a part two soon.  But right now I gotta go feed his brother :)

the difference of two boys

I'm almost three months in to being a mom of 2 boys.  Two boys who look quite a bit alike, but have very different personalities and very different body builds.

From the start, Cody was Mr. Personality.  That boy smiles at everything, and just a second later can be frowning, then turns around to being completely happy once more.  He was such a happy baby, but I have to say he was a very difficult baby.  As soon as we came home from the hospital, Cody wouldn't ever let me put him down.  He was (and is) just as stubborn as his mommy.  He didn't like any of the big baby items we had for him, such as the swing, jumperoo, pack n play, etc.  He would go in the bouncy seat for maybe 10-15 minutes at a time (long enough for me to take a super fast shower and put on a bit of makeup).  We got no use out of his crib.  Cody slept with us (and still sleeps on the couch).  I got A LOT of use out of my baby carriers his first year.  In fact, it didn't get easier for Doug and myself until he got about 8-9 months old when he started crawling and pulling up and could explore. 

Gabe is the complete opposite.  He is a very happy and content baby.  He will nap on his own, and he has slept through the night (I'm talking 9 hrs or more) since he was about a month old.  He slept through the night before that with one feeding, but we have now dropped that.  Gabe loves being in the swing and bouncy seat.  He enjoys laying under the play gym mat.  He doesn't hate tummy time like Cody (who started rolling at 15 days old because he despised tummy time so much).  Gabe actually naps on his belly.  He does pretty good in the car.  Sure he has his moments, but for the most part he does a lot better in the carseat than Cody ever did.

The only thing that I wish Gabe was better about was going to other people.  He cries quite a bit when others hold him...he is already a momma's boy.  Cody wasn't this way.  He would usually go to whoever wanted him no problems.

Code was a very small boy his first year.  He wasn't even on the charts for weight until his first birthday, even then it was just barely there.  Now, the kid is 30 lbs and is 50-75 % for both height and weight.  He really started growing in his second year.  G on the other hand, is a big boy!!  He is wearing 6 month clothing and he's not quite 3 months old yet.  He also wore an outfit that Cody wore when he was 9 months old and it fit perfectly.  The kid is really long and he is my Mr. Chubbs. 

It continues to amaze me how different they are.  Not that I expected them to be alike, but it was hard to imagine a baby different from Cody.  I guess God knew exactly what I needed.  Cody keeps me going almost 24/7, and He Blessed me with a very laid back boy who is happy to just come along for the ride.  One thing is for sure, though, God gave us two beautiful, loving boys who I wouldn't trade for anything!!

I'm Back

Once again, it seems I've fallen off the face of the earth when it comes to writing here.  I have been busy being mommy to my wonderful boys, and napping and doing things for myself (like working out) while they nap, and I just haven't put this as a prioritiy.  I've missed typing out things that they boys are doing that I want to remember, and I hate having to think back to when they did what...so, I'm back!

thankful

warning...this is a mushy post about my hubby...

I am so thankful for such a wonderful husband who would tell me everyday during my pregnancy how beautiful I was.  Even at 9 months, he would make sure to tell me.  He tells me now, everyday, that I am looking good.  That I am sexy even 1.5 weeks postpartum.

Doug always knows what to say to make me laugh and feel better when I'm having a down day.  He is an amazing daddy, who comes home after working 10-12 hr. days and gets excited to play with his son and takes him out to ride in the tractor before he ever sits to relax. 

The boys and I are so blessed to have him as a husband and father.  We love you, daddy!

just call me Buttercup...

I've been given a couple of new nicknames by my husband...Buttercup or Jersey.  Of course, those are in reference to a cow.  Now, not because I'm fat or big - but because I have an abundance of milk this time around and I feel like I should "Moo" everytime I pump after I feed Gabe.

Gabe took to breastfeeding better than Cody did.  It took Cody and myself a good two-three weeks to get the hang of it.  Gabe was nursing like a champ in the hospital.  I'm sure it's a mix of me being more comfortable this time around and not stressing about it, and so Gabe is more comfortable also.  He is more efficient too.  Cody took about 40 minutes or more to nurse and would want both sides.  Gabe is done in 10-15 minutes and I'm able to pump the other side to save.

Twelve days postpartum and I have already pumped and frozen about 100 oz. of breastmilk.  I'm pretty sure I didn't pump that much the whole 15 months that I breastfed Cody! 

Doug and I like to laugh about it, but I am so thankful that I have this good supply this time.  I'm able to just relax and enjoy the wonderful bonding experience that nursing my baby boy brings.

So, excuse this Jersey...I need to go feed my kid.

before and after

My last belly picture - taken at 38 weeks 5 days

Not the most flattering picture, but I like it because it shows how tired I was. 

It was exhausting carring around a 9 lb baby in my belly

And here I am, 2.5 weeks later at 11 days post partum. 
4 lbs to go before I'm pre pregnancy weight and a bit of a pooch to get rid of, but all in all, I can't complain!

the birth of Gabriel Lee (part 2)

It was 10 am when I looked at the clock after getting into the hospital bed.  The nurse, Cassie, started asking the long list of questions.  When she finished, I told her that I had discussed with Dr. Fogarty that I didn't want the IV, but that she wanted me to have the block in my arm just in case we needed it in a hurry later (I'm glad we did). 

Cassie mentioned that I could labor on the birth ball, in the tub, walk the halls, basically however I needed to to feel comfortable.  I chose to start out on the birth ball.  She brought that in and I sat on that for about an hour.  At around 11:30 my parents showed up.  I was doing well on the birth ball, but contractions started getting quite a bit stronger.  I was breathing deep and exhaling with low moans to help.  Doug and my dad left at noon to go eat when Cassie came in and wanted to check me.  The monitor was showing that Gabe's heartbeat was dropping pretty low everytime I was having a contraction and it was making them nervous.  We decided I needed to move off the birth ball and change positions.  I got back in bed and moved to my hands and knees everytime a contraction started. 

It's at this point that it all starts to run together for me.  Another nurse came in and they decided that I should have the IV put in to see if that would help.  They got fluids started, and pumped them in me pretty fast (which led to lots of bloating, especially in my face).  Dr. Fogarty came in sometime around 12:45-1:00 pm, I think.  She finished breaking my water which made my contractions come fast and hard.  I was pretty much not getting a break between them.  I was dilated to a 4, and started getting sick.  I couldn't get any relief, no matter how I moved and the vomiting made it that much worse.

Dr. Fogarty discussed with me that my body was wanting to proceed fast, but I was basically holding myself back.  So, we decided that if I got the epidural I would progress pretty quickly.  I got the epi shortly after she left (which was good, because I couldn't handle the pain any longer).  When I layed down after getting it, I was checked at was 100% and 7 cm (it was about 1:15pm, I believe). 

The nurses kept having me switch sides that I was laying on because they were having a hard time finding the baby's heartbeat.  I was also put on oxygen.  They finally decided that they would put an internal monitor on Gabe to get a better reading.  After that, everyone seemed to calm down a little.  Sometime after 2 I told them I was feeling the need to push, so they checked me and I was fully dilated.  They called Dr. Fogarty to come over (I think even called her twice to make sure she hurried!).  When she arrived she did a quick check to make sure, and saw that I was indeed ready to push (could see baby's head) and got her gown on.  I asked for the mirror, so I could see my sweet baby being born (like I did with Cody).  I was ready to push, and I gave it my all, a big push, stopped to take a breath, gave another big push and out came Gabriel.  I literally pushed for only a couple of minutes (and I thought the 25 minutes I pushed with Cody was fast!). 

Gabe came out crying, and Dr. Fogarty placed him on my chest while they wiped him down a bit and we waited for the after birth.  Doug cut the cord, and they took him to weigh him.  Dr. Fogarty guessed that he was 8lbs 4oz.  Boy, you should have heard all the gasps when everyone looked at the scale and it said 9lbs 1oz!  Surprised me, that's for sure...an almost 2 lb difference from Cody! 

They brought him back over to me, and I asked the Dr. what the damage was.  A 2nd degree tear pretty much where my episiotomy was.  She stitched me up and I was able to breastfeed Gabe, who took to it like a champ.  He nursed for about 30 minutes while Doug and I sat in awe of our new little man. 

After Gabe finished, Doug went out to get our family.  Mom & Dad, Paul & Deb and Cody came back to meet the new addition.  Cody ran over to the bed and climbed up with me and met his brother for the first time...that is a moment I will never forget.  He was so sweet. 

I had to stay in the labor room for 2 hours, and then was moved to our regular room.  We were released 24 hours later and got to head home to start our lives as a family of four.

From the time my water broke until the time Gabe was born was 10 hrs.  But, basically labor only lasted for 4.5 hrs.  It was so fast, and nothing like I had planned (once again, glad I'm just a go with the flow kind of person), but it was perfect, and I wouldn't change it in any way.  I'm not sad that I didn't have him completely natural (no drugs).  I did what was best for my body and I am proud of that.  I have been recovering well, and am pretty much back to my normal self (aside from 4 lbs).  And, I look forward to being pregnant again and giving birth again.  Even though it is painful, it is such a rush to birth a baby.  It is amazing what our body's do, and I am excited to (hopefully) do it again!

the birth of Gabriel Lee (part 1)

I had my 39 week appointment on Thursday, May 10.  I was 39+2 days and was anxious to get checked and see if everything I had been doing was helping me along.  My Dr. basically told me that I was 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced.  Good news to hear, and my Dr. said she thought I would go into labor soon.

I ran a couple of errands then headed home to pick up my boy and spend some last minute "only child" time with him.  That afternoon we headed to the park in Lamar.  My mom went with us and we had fun chasing Code around.  We picked up some dinner and went back to my parents to eat.  Doug was working late, so we visited for a bit and decided to head home a little after 6.

When we got home, I made myself a glass of licorice tea and gave Cody a bath.  We snuggled on the couch together until daddy got home.  After Cody went to bed, I sat around on my birth ball for a while, hoping to get things going.  I went to use the restroom at 9:45 and made the discovery that I lost my mucus plug.  I came out and told Doug.  I mentioned that it wasn't really any indication that labor would start soon, but it is a start.  Doug went to bed, and I stayed up and took a nice relaxing bath.  I didn't sleep well that night.  I was having quite a bit of pressure and just didn't feel like myself, so I got up around 4:15 and paid our electric bill.  As I was writing the check, I felt uncomfortable pressure and then had fluid running down my leg and into a puddle on the floor.  Well, I knew I hadn't peed myself...it was my water breaking! (funny thing...I was standing in almost the same place I was when my water broke with Cody). 

I decided early on not to rush to the hospital this time.  So, I started some laundry and packed most of the bags in the car (I didn't wake Doug up to let him know, he needed some sleep!).  I started having contractions around 5:15 am, but they were about 10 minutes apart and nothing strong.  Around 6 am, I took a warm shower...I just took my time, shaved my legs and let the warm water relax me.  

As I headed to our bedroom to get ready (yes, I fixed my hair and put makeup on) Doug woke up and I explained to him what was going on.  I told him that I was going to call my Dr. when they opened at 8 am and see what they wanted me to do from there.  So Doug headed to work.  I got Cody up and fixed him breakfast and then called the Dr.  She wanted me to come in, the sooner the better.  I called Doug to tell him to come home and called my mom to let her know what was going on as well. 

We dropped Cody off at Doug's parents house, and he gave me hugs and kisses (making me almost start crying).  We made it to Joplin and were in the Dr.'s office by 9:30 am.  At this time, my contractions were starting to get stronger and were 5-7 minutes apart.  Dr. Fogarty checked me and said I was 3 cm and 80% effaced.  And also checked to make sure my water did break.  She confirmed that it had, but there was still a "pocket" of water that baby's head was blocking.  She wasn't sure if it would end up breaking on its own, or if she would have to break it in the hospital.  I got dressed and she told us that this was indeed it, and she had called ahead to let the hospital know. 

We got to the hospital and I was wheeled to labor and delivery, met my labor nurse, got my clothes changed and hopped into bed.

The fun was just beginning...

pregnancy stats

total weeks pregnant:  39 weeks 3 days
total weight gain:  30 lbs even
body changes:  I got some stretch marks this time...they started showing up around 35 weeks.  There's not many of them, but I guess carrying around a 9 lb baby gives 'em to ya!  I think they will fade pretty well.  They aren't too dark or deep.  I was a bit sad when I noticed them, but I wouldn't trade them.  If I didn't have them, I wouldn't have G.
My feet and ankles didn't swell this time.  Until about 38/39 weeks when it got really humid here for a couple of days.  That did it!  But, it didn't last.
total weight loss 1 week postpartum:  25 lbs (yay for breastfeeding)
crazy cravings:  I never really had any cravings past the first trimester.  I mean, there were things that I wanted, and wanted them NOW, but that didn't happen often, and it wasn't for anything weird.  Same thing with my last pregnancy.

I will be adding a couple pictures to this post this evening of my last belly shot and my 1 week post body.

Gabriel Lee

He's here! 

Gabriel Lee Stefan made his grand entrance into our lives on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 2:29 p.m. weighing in at 9 lbs 1.3 oz and 22 inches long!

He is beautiful and perfect and I couldn't ask for more!

Meeting my sweet Gabe for the first time

complete love

Cody meeting Gabe for the first time.  The loves of my life!

There is nothing sexier than my husband holding our newborn son

(except if he was holding both of our boys) :)

With Dr. Fogarty...the most amazing Dr. I could ask for!

Our Family of Four!

I will post our Gabe's birth story soon...It went nothing like I had planned, but it was fast and perfect! 

progress

First off...I am more pregnant at this moment than I have ever been. 

Second, I have made progress!  I am now dilated to a 2 and 50% effaced.  I am quite pleased by this since last week I was, as the midwife put it, "hard as a walnut".  My Dr. is back and said that I could really go any time.  So, I am preparing myself mentally/emotionally for this to happen at any time. 

I'm ready! 

39 weeks 1 day

If I don't go into labor today, I will officially be the most pregnant I've ever been.  39 weeks 1 day was when my water broke with Cody, and he was born the next morning. I'm having a weird, anxious feeling today wondering if it'll happen like it did last time or if I will wake up tomorrow still pregnant and waiting. 

It doesn't matter either way, but trying to guess what my body is going to do is driving me nuts!  Lord, help me be more patient! :)

i have a feeling...

...that this baby is going to come soon.  My house is spotless, there is no laundry left to do, and I am bored out of my mind while Cody is napping and I have all this energy but can't find anything that "needs" to be done.

I finished packing everything in our bags (camera, chargers, etc.) except the last minute important things like hair dryer, hair straightner and makeup :)  I finally packed Cody's things as well. 

I know I should really just be enjoying this down time because I am going to be very tired, very soon.  But I am just so anxious!  And as much as I say I want to be relaxed and patient and just enjoy these final days of being pregnant (which I am) I would be lying if I said that I'm not anxious and ready to get this show on the road! 

Thankfully, I have been sleeping very well at night, so I have been getting lots of rest (besides the many bathroom trips).  But I just can't shake this feeling that baby boy is going to come very soon. 

I guess we shall see!

preparing

At my appointment Wednesday, the midwife checked me and once again told me my cervix was "hard as a walnut".  Not really what I wanted to hear.  She said that she would be pushing it to call me 1 cm dilated, but that I wasn't completely closed (a bit of good news I guess).  I asked her what I could be doing to help things along and she told me to start taking evening primrose oil which will help soften my cervix.

I am also drinking red raspberry leaf tea twice a day to help strengthen and tone my uterus (should also help it recover faster after delivery) and sitting on a birthing ball pretty much any time I sit down.  It should help open my pelvis as much as 25-30% and help baby Oscar to engage lower in the birth canal.  I am trying to help my body along so that when I go into labor, everything is favorable for a shorter labor than I had last time. 

And, of course, walking!  Cody and I have started walking each evening to help move things along.

38 weeks:
Total weight gain of 26 lbs.  No real contractions, just braxton hicks.  I am feeling more pressure in my pelvis but I don't think I will have little Oscar too soon...so I am trying to enjoy every single movement that I feel inside my belly while he is still "all mine".

compliments

Man, some people really know how to make a 38 week pregnant lady feel beautiful!  When I went to my Dr. appointment on Wednesday, the midwife saw me in the waiting room and told me how cute I looked.  Then when I went back to see her, she kept telling me that I was a beautiful pregnant woman, and I should be a pregnancy model :)  She also said that she doesn't see many women as far along as I am in such good spirits still.  Well, I LOVE being pregnant...even this pregnant!

At church this past Sunday, someone told me how much they could tell that I enjoy being pregnant and that I just glow.  She worked in an OB office for quite a while and said she has seen lots of pregnant women, but that I am one of the most beautiful she has seen. 
She was in the office while I was at work yesterday telling that I should be a pregnancy model.  Oh my, twice in one week!  Those two ladies don't know how great they made me feel!  I am glad that people can see how much I enjoy this time in my life and how I love being not only an expectant mom, but mom and wife. 

38 week pictures

I'm not sure my belly can get much bigger than this! 

But, baby Oscar is not ready to come out yet, so I guess it will :)

37 week pictures

still in regular jeans!!  Well, I can't button them, but I can use the hair tie trick ;)

May is HERE!

May is finally here! 

Sweet baby boy, we are so excited and ready to meet you!  Feel free to join us whenever you are ready!  Mommy and Daddy are quite anxious to see what you look like.  Will you look like a carbon copy of your brother (and daddy) or will you look completely different?  We will soon find out!

We love you brother :)

a little sad

Well, it looks like my dream of having sweet Oscar on my granddad's birthday will not come true.  My Dr. is out of town until May 5 on a Mission Trip and apparently, I am Fort Knox (I've made no progress at all, which means these darn Braxton Hicks contractions that I've been having are just teasing me). 

I knew it was a long shot to have him on a special day, but knowing that it most likely will not happen has made me sad.  Please, don't get me wrong.  I want this boy to bake as long as he needs to and I want him to come when he is good and ready (I'm not one of those women that wants to try everything to get the baby out since I'm considered "full term"...I know the longer he stays in, the better), but that doesn't take away the emotion I feel about him not sharing a birthday with one of the most amazing men I have ever known.

It's up to God, and I need to remember that. 

had to share

Just a few pictures that I have to share:

The BEAUTIFUL blanket that my mom made baby brother

and his CAT onesie and hat for hospital pictures

Another CAT onesie and hat.  They turned out SO GOOD!

Big Bro/Little Bro shirts for my boys.  This will be Oscar's coming home outfit from the hospital, and Cody will be wearing his big bro shirt to match :)

Where's the baby?

When Cody was about 18 months old, he finally started (somewhat) understanding that there is a baby in my belly.  He knows that it is in my belly, and in no one elses.  Anyway, I would ask him where the baby was, and he would come over to my belly, lift my shirt, point and say "the baby!".  Then I would ask him to love the baby, and he would lay his head down on my stomach and "love" baby brother.  I know I'm biased, but it has been the absolute cutest thing I've ever seen!  He is such a sweetheart, and I know he'll be an awesome big brother!

"The Baby!"

Loving baby brother :)

These pictures melt my heart.  Oh how I love pictures. 

They capture the moment and let it live a lifetime!

37 weeks = full term

I'm here!  Full Term!  If baby Oscar were to be born right now, he would be considered full term and well (hopefully).  I can't hardly believe it! 

Although, dear Oscar, please stay in a bit longer.  The longer you stay, the better off you will be :)

I think I have everything as ready as its gonna be.  We don't have Cody's big boy room finished, so Oscar will sleep in the pack n play by me for a while.  I have to get that out, but it takes up so much room that it will wait until we come home from the hosptial.  I need to get out our baby bathtub.  But it is right in Cody's closet, so no big deal.  I have all clothes washed and ready, bottles clean and steralized (they won't be used often, but they are ready for when that time comes).  And that's pretty much all I need.  The swing and bouncy seat are set up and ready (but definitely not something that I 'need').

Honestly, it is so funny how everything had to be ready and 'perfect' for Cody.  And I'm not even an "anal" person.  This time, I'm even more "go with the flow" than before!  I was very laid back with Cody, and I assume I will be just as much if not more this time around. 

Remember little Oscar, if you feel you are ready to join us, please do!  BUT, if you would like to wait another 10 days, that would be perfect :)

Love you little guy!

36 week pictures

My poor belly button is stretched to its limit!  I'm not sure it'll ever be the same...haha, but so worth it!

35 week pictures

I've missed a few weeks.  Oops. 

Here are my 35 week pictures

maternity pictures

We had maternity pictures taken at 34 weeks.  I am so happy with them, and wanted to share some of them here.

 Love this family pic :)

 Cody was not too excited to take pictures, so that is why his feet are not in this picture as well.

 My sweet little boy...aka Mini Doug

Megan McCullough did an amazing job!  I can't wait until she is taking newborn pics in a few weeks!

emotional

As my days being a mom of only 1 child quickly come to an end, I am having some emotional times.  I look at Cody and can't believe how big he is...19 months!  Where has the time gone??  I feel as if I have not taken nearly enough pictures and video of him.  It seems like every day just slips by and I'm one day closer to him being grown.  I look at him and my heart melts, and I want to just stop time and enjoy every little thing about him being 19 months.  Even as I'm typing this, I have tears streaming dowm my face (gotta love these hormones!) 

So, I am trying my best to spend each day with Cody doing a little something special...a snuggled up nap together, a special sweet treat, or even just a ride on the lawn mower (tractor as he calls it).  Little things, yes, but things that won't be happening by ourselves for a while after little brother arrives. 

My hope is that even though Cody will probably never remember being the only child, I will know that I did everything I could to make his time as our only baby very special.  And I will continue to make his time as the "Big Brother" special as well. 

I love you, Code Man! 

this and that

I had my 36 week appointment this past Friday.  I've gained a total of 24 pounds so far, which I'm quite happy with.  Got my group B strep test done (should have results back Monday or Tuesday).  Dr. Fogarty checked me, and my body has not made any changes to move toward labor yet.  I go back in a week.

I'm really excited about working with my cousin (well, she is my mom's cousin) who is a doula.  She, unfortunately doesn't live around here, but we are talking back and forth about ways to help me naturally induce labor to hopefully (if baby thinks it is time and God believes it is as well) have little Oscar on May 4.  If it doesn't happen, then it doesn't...but it's worth a shot!  She is also giving me advice as to things I can do now to help prevent tearing while I deliver.

I have already talked to my Dr. about wanting the most natural birthing experience possible.  We have discussed me not having an IV (unless I come back positive for the GBS test, even then she said we can take it out from time to time).  I will be using the jet tub again, because it was a huge help to me last time.  I will probably spend more time in it this time around.  Dr. Fogarty has also given me the ok to only have a portable monitor on so that I can get up and move around as needed, since I explained to her that I felt very "tied down" last time.  She is more than happy to help me achieve the birth that I want.  I am so thankful for that.  We also discussed delayed cord cutting, which she already practices. 

To be honest, I am just a 'go with the flow' kind of person.  I have not made a birth plan, and don't plan to.  I will state my wishes as we arrive and go from there.  The only thing we know that we want is for baby Oscar to remain intact.  Doug and I both feel very strongly about not circumcising our boys.  We did our research before we had Cody, and our decision is to not have it done.  So, that is about the only thing that we will tell them that will not be done. 

I am starting to get some contractions, not anything serious, probably 2 an hour.  But, this morning they were starting to get a bit uncomfortable.  Not like normal BH contractions.  They make me a bit excited.  Sounds silly, I know.  Who really likes having them...but it just means that my body is preparing for what is to come very soon!  I was telling my mom the other day that I think I'm even less patient this time around with wanting my baby boy to be here, because I already know the intense amount of love I will feel for him the moment I meet him.  I already know that he will change my life forever for the better.  But, I need to be patient.  I still would like for him to 'bake' a bit longer.

bags are packed!

Not that I'm in too big of a hurry...I mean, I still have about 4 weeks until my due date (3 weeks until the day I'm praying I have Oscar on).  But, I'm prepared!  I have the diaper bag ready (amazing how quickly I forgot how much stuff you need to pack for a newborn!), my bag is mostly packed, just waiting on the last minute things that need to be put in.  All that is left to do is pack a bag for Cody, which will most likely be done after I go into labor before we head to the hospital, since he will be staying with his grandparents so Doug can stay with me.

It is hard to believe that this pregnancy is coming to a close!  It really just seems like yesterday that I was telling Doug the good news!  Looking back over the past 36 weeks, I'm a little sad that I didn't get to really sit and enjoy everything about this pregnancy.  I guess that's how it is, though.  First time around you don't have a toddler to look after!  It's not that I haven't gotten to sit and just enjoy some quiet moments with this little man growing inside of me...but it has not been the same as with Cody.  But I am soooo looking forward to meeting you, little Oscar!  I'm ready to stop dreaming of what you are going to look like and actually see you!

newborn cloth

I took the plunge...I am going to cloth diaper Oscar from the start this time.  I started around 3-4 weeks with Cody, and really doing it full time when he was about 2 months old and fit into the one size diapers I had purchased. 

I ordered the good 'ol old fashioned prefolds and a couple newborn covers.  I used prefolds with Code Man too, and I really like them!  They are so easy to use, and they are really very inexpensive!  I am looking forward getting them and prepping them!  I still plan on using disposable while we are out, especially with a newborn because that it just less that I have to carry around with me. 

Now, I just have to find a re-arrange the changing table so I can fit both boys' diapers in it. 

Oh little Oscar, mommy is so looking forward to seeing your sweet little face!  And putting cloth on your cute little bum :)

na-na-na-nesting!

Oh my, nesting has started full force in this house!  It started this past weekend with me feeling the 'need' to get my newborn diaper bag packed, get started on my hospital bag, buy some new bottles and parts for my old ones, new pump parts, newborn diapers (both cloth and dipsosable) and I had to get the infant car seat base installed!

Monday morning, I woke up early and started cleaning out kitchen cabinets and washing and steralizing bottles, pump parts, etc.  Yesterday I was exhausted, so I took a break.  Today though, I really got with it!  I cleaned out two closets (wanted to get 3 done, but I got sick this afternoon, so the third will have to wait), I also got the one item that I've purchased for this little guy put together (rock & play sleeper).  I did some laundry, and feel like I've really accomplished something.  There is so much that I still want to do (nothing that has to be done, because really, we are ready for little Oscar), but it's just that nesting instinct that keeps pulling me to want to get my house super clean and ready!

I wish this nesting bug would hit me every spring cleaning time (without always being pregnant) :)

32 week pictures

31 week pictures

chubba bubba

Cody turned 18 months on March 14 and went for his well-baby check up the next day.  He hadn't been to the Dr. since his one year well-baby.  I knew he had grown a lot in the last six months, but I was excited to see just how much.

Cody's Stats at 1 year:
Weight - 18 lbs. 3 oz. (not even on the charts for weight)
Height - 29.5 in. (50% on the charts)

Chubba Bubba's 18 Month Stats:
Weight - 26 lbs. 8 oz. (50% on the charts)
Height - 33 in. (75% on the charts)

I can't believe how much my little man has grown!  He looks more and more like a little boy every day, and not like a baby.  Bittersweet moments for a mom.  It is so fun to watch him grow and learn, but I do miss so many things about his baby stage. 

The Dr. is having us switch from whole milk to 2%...we don't want him gaining another 8 lbs in six months.  But, Code Man is very healthy and right on track.

Some current favorite words:
Momma
Dad(dy)
Tra-tor (Tractor) (his favorite word)
kitty
doggie
thank you
I stinky
Trigger (my parents dogs name)
cheese
choose (shoes)
I like that (he says this the entire time we are in walmart while pointing everything that he sees)
(I know there are more, but my pregnancy brain is kicking in)

Also, we have found the phrase "Monkey see, Monkey do" to be very, very true!

May 4

May 4:  The date that I'm hoping and praying that I give birth on. 

It might seem like just a date...and in reality, it is.  But it is a special date to me.  May 4 was my granddad's birthday.  And it would be his 91st birthday this year. 

I was very close with my granddad, and sadly, he passed away in 1999.  I still think about him often.  He has been on my mind a lot this pregnancy...I think it's because I am due in May. 

May 4 is also the day that we found out that we were expecting a boy in 2010.  How fun would it be to meet our second son exactly two years to the day we found out we were having a son the first time.

I'm not sure how much of a possibility this will be.  I will be a little over 38 weeks on this date.  So, I guess we will just have to wait and see. 

Me with my Granddad.  I love and miss you! 

 How I wish that you were here to meet Cody and this sweet baby boy. 

Pregnancy Update

I am so sad that I have not kept a more personal journal of this pregnancy like I did with Cody.  Unfortunately, that's life.  I don't really have the time or energy to be on here sharing my thoughts.  But, in an effort to try and keep it a little more up-to-date, I will start with a pregnancy update.

31 weeks 6 days:

• I have gained a total of 20 lbs so far, which is a little less than I had gained at this point last time.  I gained a total of 30 lbs by the time Cody was born, and I'm guessing that's about where I'll end up this time, maybe a bit less.  I'm completely happy with that. 
• Cravings:  Thankfully, I don't have very many cravings.  I haven't with either pregnancy.  I do want sweets, but that's pretty normal.
• *knock on wood* I have not had the problem with heartburn this time that I did last.  Oh, I do have my moments, and I keep mylanta in my car as well as here at home, but I have only had to use it a few times.
• Name:  We have a first name picked out.  And I am struggling between two middle names.  I know when we see him that we'll know what one 'fits' him.  So no worries.
• Nursery:  Since baby Oscar is getting Cody's nursery, there's not much that needs to be done there except add personal touches with his name.  But that won't be done until after he arrives...just in case we decide that the name we have picked out doesn't fit him.
• No swelling this time (as of now).  I can still wear my rings (which I was able to last time) and Doug has not had to rub my "pig feet" as we called them last time.  I know that makes him happy :)

Overall, this pregnancy has been even easier than my last one (which I didn't think was possible).  I have been very blessed with no morning sickness, good blood pressure, and just a healthy pregnancy.  Other than Oscar putting his little tush up in my ribs, all the wonderful movement I feel, and of course the big ol belly, I wouldn't even know I was pregnant. 

30 week pictures

10 or so weeks to go!  Can't believe it :)

29 week pictures

And, my belly button has popped out!  haha, you can even see it sticking out in this picture :)

28 week pictures

27 week pictures

So, this picture is not the best of me, but Code Man decided he needed to sneak in the photo, so I had to choose this one.  He's just too cute :)

26 week pictures

25 week pictures

25 Weeks!  Growing like a weed :)  Oh, and my new hair!  I love it...I know that your not "supposed" to do anything drastic to your hair while pregnant, but I couldn't take it anymore!  This pregnancy has not been kind to my hair.  It is dry and I still have new growth from after I had Code Man, so I decided it was time to get rid of it!  And I am so glad I did :)

24 week pictures