Welcome Baby Boy!

Introducing our New Baby Boy!

Born July 29, 2011

9:33 AM

8 pounds and 1 ounce

20.5 inches

Last Friday we welcomed our new baby boy to the family!  He is such a sweet little thing, although not that little I guess since he was two pounds heavier and two inches longer than our first!  Born via Cesarean section, the operation itself went a lot smoother than five years ago.  I was really afraid that there would be issues while the spinal block took affect.  Last time it felt like spiders were crawling all over me and the doctors ended up bringing in Brad early to calm me down.  Eventually, I was put under for most of the first C-section and the next thing I remember is hearing a nurse call, "Look over here, it's your baby!"

We had the first appointment in the morning, because they like to do diabetics first thing to avoid complications with our blood sugars.  That must be one of the very few perks of being diabetic, because it's so nice to arrive to an empty prep room and have all your vitals and information entered in a calm, leisurely manner.   I felt very comfortable with my nurse by the time we went into the operating room and had unrushed conversations with the doctor and anesthesiologist.  This time I was alert for the entire procedure, and they actually got started before I realized they'd begun!  The only moments of discomfort was when they removed him. 

When they told me I might feel some pressure, they weren't kidding!  They pressed down several times, hard enough to kind of take my breath away, I commented to Brad that it felt like they might break a rib or something.  All that pressure led to a pretty sizable and nastly looking bruise around my incision.  The nurses have told me that it'll take longer for my bruising to go away than for the incision to close!

I am still glad I was able to be awake for the entire thing. This time instead of having the nurse and Brad take the baby out of the room for the well baby check, I could hold the baby after they cleaned him up while the doctor's finished working on me.  That's us together in the recovery room above.  Most of  last Friday went well, the issues didn't begin until that night.  That's when I began having complications with the incision. 

That however, is a story for another time, for now I'll leave you with this picture of the proud daddy, with both of his kiddos.  ER is so happy to be a big sister, and loves holding the baby.  I am going to continue with fairly lightp posting next week to continue to give my body time to recover.  As I mentioned previously, I've been dealing with some complications from the surgery and need some time off to deal with it.  Thank you for all your well wishes and congratulations.  Even though things are a little rough right now, just holding the baby and seeing ER's excitement over him makes it all worthwhile.  We're all very much in love with our new little one!

39 Weeks - Today's the BIG DAY!

At times, okay mainly within the last two weeks, it seemed like this pregnancy was never gonna end but now that it is, it's a little bittersweet.  We're not sure if this is going to be out last pregnancy or not but it certainly could be.  I always thought I'd have three kids but I also thought I'd be all done having them by 32!  That was oh gee, more than a couple birthdays ago! 

These may be my last few hours of feeling little baby kicks and seeing my stomach move.  The last time I'll have a baby belly to look down at and marvel on the wonders of the human body and all it can do.  It might be the last few hours of excited anticipation, nervous and happy all at once.  There is just something magical about expecting a new life, a specialness that one remembers long after the baby is walking and telling you she can do it, "All by myself!"

Today we will be welcoming a new little love and our lives will be forever changed, just as they were a little over five years ago when ER joined us.  I am thankful for all the time we've had to parent and enjoy her little personality.  I treasure all the moments of it being just "Mommy and Me" and am looking forward to discovering a new child's quirks and unique aspects to love.  I'm excited to watch him grow and note who he takes after and what features on his little face will mirror my own.  Mainly I am looking forward to holding him in my arms, gazing into those eyes, and the start of a new adventure!

I'd also like to say thank you to my mom, who's one reason I can feel relaxed going into my procedure tomorrow.  I won't be worrying how ER is doing, since Mom will be with her back at home.  She came over and spent the second half of her birthday with us, and will be helping me care for both ER and the baby the first couple of weeks.  She helped and supported us so much the first time around, by flying from MI to NM and moving in for about ten weeks, while I was on bed rest and after ER was born.  It wouldn't be quite the same without you mom, thanks for everything!  I love you!

Almost There: Our Last Week!

Hi Everyone!  Thank you for all your support during this pregnancy. Here's a quick up date. Last Tuesday I filled out all the forms and scheduled our repeat C-section.  We're officially scheduled for 29th, that's THIS Friday!  I'll be exactly 39 weeks; they are pretty sure about my dates because they've seen the baby so often and feel that by then he'll be developed enough and ready for his big debut. 

That means we'll have yet another July birthday - that makes Brad, ER, my Mom on the 28th, and the baby possibly on the 29th.  If I happen to go into labor or something happens that means I have to deliver before this Friday, I'll have a C section at that point. So any way you look at it, this baby is coming on or by the 29th.  My hospital bag is packed and we're all ready to go!

I'm happy the end is coming and wondering if we're actually going to make it to then because sometimes I feel like this baby is going to drop out of me.  I know, if only it were that easy, right?   I've been having a lot of Braxton Hicks and while not true contractions, because I can still talk during them, they are getting very intense and uncomfortable.  It's always an odd thing when you see your stomach moving all over the place!

I have been feeling fine, my blood pressure meds and insulin levels were both increased and those have helped stablize things so I'm not having to run to Triage - been three twice so far.  I was back again a week ago today, because over the weekend my blood pressure had spiked.  Wouldn't you know it, by the time I was hooked up to everything, it had lowered to normal rates, of course!  All the lab work came back normal and didn't indicate preelcampsia.  The one thing that's back with a vengence is the swelling, by the end of the day my feet and ankles are swollen and uncomfortable but I don't think there's any way around that! 

I was feeling really productive last Wednesday and full of energy - more than I have in quite awhile so that was nice.  My friend had her baby a week ago yesterday, on the 17th, so I went and grabbed the fixings for a meal for her and dropped that off with some flowers.  Do you also bring meals to the ones you love in times of trouble or changes?  My mom and her friends were always doing that when I was growing up.  I think it's such a lovely gesture and so helpful!

Thursday was busy too, as it was ER's fifth birthday.  We had wanted to take her to the lake but it was just too hot for me.  We went to Chuck E. Cheese instead, Noodles & Co. for dinner, and then to Barnes & Noble for a sweet treat with our Kid's Club coupon.  Friday I took her to my non stress test at the Perinatal Assessment Center and thank goodness the test went fine and we didn't have to go to triage.  We came home and then were off again to meet friends at our favorite indoor climbing place.  Saturday I had enough energy to take out all the baby fabric I've collected and ironed it all out.  Finished some projects too!  The weekend ended with meeting my family for lunch yesterday, to celebrate my mom's birthday early.  Now I am planning on taking it easy and doing some small projects around the house in preparation for Friday!

37 Weeks & 2 Days: Some Unwanted Excitement and a Decision

Today I have officially been pregnant longer than ever before.  With the heat wave and temperatures expected to be in the 90s all week, I'm so ready to be done!  In fact, we almost were already done.  Last Tuesday I was admitted to Triage and told to be prepared to have the baby.  What happened is, while hooked up for the first of my two weekly non stress tests, it was indicating I was having Braxton Hicks contractions, and the Baby's heart rate was decreasing with each one and not returning to normal fast enough. 

It happened a couple of times in the Perinatal Assessment Center and then again in Triage but eventually Baby got it together and then, in the words of my nurse, "Looked like a super star," so we were able to come home.  Being in Triage didn't get me that nervous, because by this time with ER I'd been there four or five times already and even with that many visits I still ended up having her at a scheduled appointment.  In fact, during that pregnancy it got so routine I almost didn't go one time.  By then I'd already been on bed rest for several weeks and my mom had already come to stay with us.  She was driving and made me go, of course, that was the one time I was admitted for the weekend.  I've never been allowed to forget that case of "Mother Know's Best".

Then on Friday we had another hiccup during my non stress test.  This time Baby wasn't in the mood to perform at all.  His heart rate stayed the same almost the whole time, when they are wanting to see some accelerations.  We had to do a short ultrasound and hope he got enough points - 8/10, for me to make it home.  They measure things like fluid levels and look for small movments, big body movements, and practice breathing to check on Baby's overall welfare. 

An 8/10 gets you home, a 6/10 means you have to return within 24 hours for more monitoring, 4/10 leads to extended monitoring at Triage, and 2/10 or less gets you a baby...and you don't want to score that low because that could mean something is really wrong.  All I could think about was that ER's Dance Party for her 5th Birthday was the next day and I didn't really have time for all this!  Baby you'd better wake up and move!  Luckily he did and we scored all the points we needed too, but he took his sweet time doing it.  We waited until the last three minutes to see him move.

VBAC versus Planned C Section: The Decision

I really appreciate everyone's input and shared personal experiences from last week's pregnancy update when I asked about having a VBAC versus a Repeat Planned C Section.  It was my intention to get back to each person after we had our meeting with the perinatologist last Tuesday, but since that's also the day we spent over six hours at the hospital our week kinda got thrown out of whack.

Brad came with me to my appointment and we talked at length with the supervising perinatologist who's overseen most of my pregnancy.  He's the doctor I've seen the most and who's been looking over my glucose levels each Friday so I feel confident he's familiar with my pregnancy.  He's also the doctor our pediatrician said she likes working with a lot and whose opinion she'd trust.

Compared to the residents, who have all been very proVBAC he was much more reserved in discussing whether or not we should try for one.  He backed up his opinion with a research article full of statistics and data that Brad, as my number's guy really, could relate too.  They inputed specifics about my high risk factors into a calculator for sucesss and got a 59% chance of success rate, which incidentally is lower than the success rate in general.

The doctor commented that it, "Wouldn't be unreasonable to try," italics mine, and pointed out that the difference in recovery between planned C section and an attempting the trials of labor followed by emergency C section are significant with the planned C being much better.  What he had to say combined with what the nurse in the Perinatology Assessment Center has really led us to feel a repeat planned C section is the best route for us.  We are pretty confident about it, and because no one can see into the future, feel that this is the best informed decision we can make at this time.  Please pray that regardless of how Baby #2 join us, it's the best and safest way with the end result being a happy, healthy Baby and Mom.

Baby Goodness on Etsy: Purchases and Wish Lists

My good friend Margaret, who I mention frequently on my blog, knows how crazy I am about handmade.  She acknowledges that she's not really into actually making stuff herself, but is such a good friend she tracked down an adorable Ball Sports Set on Etsy for our baby.  I love the primary colors and sports theme of the set she got from Pink Swan Boutique.  She also gave us a really cool baseball that you record the baby's birth details on, cause she knows what baseball fanatics we are!

I am patiently waiting for a pair of these Little Button Loafers, a special request for my mom.  I found the pattern on Etsy at Sylver Designs and I can't wait to see them!  My mom likes knitting over crocheting so I think that's partially the reason behind the delay in getting them finished for me.  When they're done I'll be sure to show them off on Baby's little feet!

Even though my mom knits and crochets, sometimes even she doesn't have time to fill all my orders!  I know, the nerve, LOL!  Last time I had it in my mind that I just HAD to have an apple hat.  This time around it's a bear hat.  I'm planning on ordering this Crochet Baby Bear Hat from Maybe Matilda. 

She lets you choose your colors (I'm thinking cream with brown trim and earflaps), is really nice and answers your questions, has a great blog, and her price are really reasonable.  I've been yarn shopping with my mom, $18 for the yarn plus more importantly the crocheting I couldn't do in my wildest imagination makes it well worth the price.  And when he's outgrown the bear hat, I'll be moving onto the Puppy Dog style.

Remember the Ultimate Blog Party back in April?  I had so much fun blog hopping, and one I found was Sewplicity.  Jennifer has some great sewing tutorials posted and makes really fun custom high chair covers.  I love the On the Road fabric she used for this cover example, to fancy up your Eddie Bauer chair.  She has covers for several different high chairs brands and fabric styles.  Now if you like a chair's features, you don't have to settle for the fabric the manufacter chooses.  You can be oh so much hipper!

I've also got my eye on one of Jennifer's custom wipes covers because her's are made to fit over oval wipe packages.  They are so attractive, I'd be able to slip one on the package I keep at home and actually leave it out and not have to hide it away in a drawer.  On the Road is also my favorite fabric for this one too, can you guess the theme I'm leaning toward for Baby's room?  Oh and if you sew yourself, you can buy a PDF pattern and make as many as you need.

Speaking of covers, have a Bumbo chair?  We do, it's purple so it could be passable as unisex but isn't this Blue Owl cover from Gumbo Baby so much cuter?  Darn it, if it didn't sell out while I was dilly dallying and trying to make up my mind about it.  

Well I guess it wouldn't be a round of baby goodness from yours truely if a diaper bag weren't included, you know me...the handbag queen.  If you're gonna get one custom made you might as well go for broke right?  I've looked at A LOT of diaper bags on Etsy and from what I can by the pictures, in my opinion the diaper bag sets from Watermelon Wishes are hands down the top of the line.  Many are made from fabric you provide so you get exactly what you want.  The photo above shows a 3 Piece Ultimate Diaper Bag Set example, but I'm a visual person and Andrea does a fabulous job of showing your stunning fabric combinations that just make me want, want, want!

I'll leave you with a little bling.  Now that we're adding a new baby to our family, I'm going to need a new "Pushing Present" so to speak.  Have you heard of those? It's a special gift the Daddy gives the Mommy to commorate the birth of a new child.  I didn't literally push, as ER was a planned C-section due to being breach but I sure did a lot of work to make sure she was born healthy so it was well deserved anyway!

Last time Brad gave me a beautiful pair of diamond and ruby studs, ruby being July's birth stone.  This time around I'm thinking a ring would be nice.  These personalized rings from Christina P Jewelry are so clean and classic looking.  They're interlocked so you won't ever lose one and well priced for a personalized item. 

I've discussed them before but while since I'm talking Etsy, I'll give a shout out to some of my personal favorites: my friend Stephanie at Sew Fierce, the delightful Sharon at Happy Hapa, and Francis at Bibeez Baby, the diaper clutch I won from her continues to impress me.  FYI she's got ruffled ones now!

Have you purchased some baby goodies from Etsy?  Tell me what and from whom, I love word of mouth recommendations!  If you're an Etsy seller with something you think I need, leave a link in the comments so I can come check you out!  There's so much goodness on Etsy it's hard to know where to start looking, point me in the direction of your favorites!

Disclaimer: Unless I specifically mention having purchased or getting an item as a gift I have not seen these products in person.  This is sharing some virtual window shopping.  Nor have I been compensated for sharing them on my blog.  Etsy sellers have been contacted for permission to use their photos, except for the top two, which are from my own personal collection.

36 Weeks: VBAC or Planned C Section?

Well we're down the last weeks of pregnancy!  We just had what will probably be our last full ultrasound, and the tech switched over to the 3D view for a bit so we could get a better view of his little face.  His hand and arm are over his mouth but you can see his nose and closed eyes.  I think he's going to end up getting my nose, just like ER. 

While my belly size doesn't look that different from 33 weeks, I sure feel a lot more uncomfortable...ALL the time!  I'm having a lot of Braxton Hicks and he's very active at night, making sleep difficult.  As I said last week, my blood pressure has gone up a bit and my medication was increased.  I'm a little disappointed that it hasn't come down as much as I'd like.  It's now slightly below borderline instead of slightly above, so hopefully it will at least maintain itself. 

Somehow, even though I am fitting in short periods of activity and watching what I eat, I still managed to gain two more pounds.  All this extra weight and the baby's growth is really making it hard for me to move about and just breathing is sometimes a challenge.  I feel like I'm panting all the time!  I'll be glad when he's born, but still trying to enjoy these last few weeks as a family of three.  I know we'll never have this time with ER back again.

Here's a 2D view of his side profile, which may look a lot more familiar to most of you.  His approximate weight is 5 lbs 14 oz and is at the 40% percentile.  We are still on track for a VBAC if we choose to go that route.  ER was born via scheduled C section because she was breach.  Knowing the risks of multiple C sections and the risk of tearing followed by emergency C section makes knowing what to do difficult.  At some point we might not really have a choice anyway.  If I do not start having contractions by 39 weeks, a C section will be scheduled as the doctor's won't let me go beyond 40 weeks because I'm diabetic. 

Have any of you had to decide between a VBAC and a C-section?  How did you come to your decision?

35 Weeks and Handmade for Baby: Gifts from our Family & Friends

We're 35 weeks pregnant today!  It's another important milestone for us, because I was hospitalized for the weekend when pregnant with ER at 35.  We almost had her, but the doctors were able to lower my blood pressure while I was admitted and I held on for another two weeks. Thankfully, my blood pressure hasn't been a concern for most of this pregnancy.  However, it has begun to creep up a bit so now it's being a little more closely monitored.  My medication has been adjusted for the first time this pregnancy and they're doing some more testing.  Please keep your finger's crossed that it stabilizes.

Our family and friends have been very busy preparing for our baby and I wanted to share some of their projects with you.  My mom made him two little sweaters, one with a matching hat.  Making baby hats and sweater is kind of being a tradition for her.  You can see some of the other things she's knitted in my previous post: A Hat Parade with some Sweaters Thrown In.

Here is the second one, it's a baby kimono style and she got the pattern from Kraemer Yarns, look in the third row.  It knitted with a cotton/acrylic blend so it could be worn early-on, even if the weather is not cold.  My favorite part are the cute car buttons, they are squealicious!

My Godmother Annemarie knitted him a warm blue and white blanket with a tight weave, good for keeping cold wind out.

We also got a sweet little baby set from my friend Margaret's mom Mary Kay with a blue and green blanket.  This one is a little lighter then the one from my Godmother, it's great to have different weights for fall and spring when it might, just might be a little warmer.  Those of you also in Michigan, know that it's entirely possible for there to be snow on the ground in spring!  Aren't the matching hat and booties so stinkin' cute! 

My bloggy friends are even joining in, Sharon from Mama's a Mess and Happy Hapa on Etsy sent me three burp cloths, using the coolest Kawaii fabric.  The other side is super soft too! 

Actually, baby will only get to enjoy two out of the three because as ER found out, the burp cloths are also the perfect size to use as a comforter on her Barbie bed and we haven't seen it since! 

Thank you to everyone, your talents are making the best baby layette ever!  We love all of you!

A Baby Celebration

Last week Brad's coworkers threw us a little baby party and I finally got my very first diaper cake!!!  I've seen these all over the web and even contemplated making one as a gift before.  I think they are such a fun idea!  It was made out of  full box of diapers, burp cloths, crinkle elephant, linky toys, and a soft blanket.  They also gave us a gift card, a big thank you to everyone at his office. 

We also enjoyed cake, which unfortunately I didn't think to take a picture of.  I was so impressed by the fondant baby decoration on it, that I think all rational thought left my mind.  Here's a picture of it on our leftovers:

33 Weeks

Last Friday we were official 33 weeks along and we had our first non stress test at the hospital.  I'll be going twice a week for them from now on.  I was worried about what I'd do with ER for all those appointments, but thought I'd try bringing her along to see how she was.  She was so good, that I'm planning on having her accompany me unless I also have an OB/Endocrinology appointment first because those can add another two hours. She sat and colored, snacked, and chatted with me while we listened to the heart beat; waiting for the 20-40 minutes pass and proof that baby is active inside to show on the tape roll.  It was actually kind of relaxing.

As you can see, I am now giant sized!  I thought that black and white dress looked cute until I saw the picture and saw a bovine connection!  My friends say I don't really look like a heifer but I certainly feel very unweildy and awkward.  I finally broke down and got some more support and was shocked to find out other areas have grown significantly as well.  Last time I didn't change sizes at all, but this time I went in and measured two sizes bigger!!!

That was our second trip to the hospital last week, on Tuesday I had my 32 week ultrasound.  Brad and I brought ER, and she got to see the baby for the second time.  Baby weighed in at 4 lbs 12 ounces and is in the 60th percentile so his growth is up a bit from last time.  We should have at least one more full measurement ultrasound before he's born, in about four weeks and will get to glimpse him at least once a week when they do a quick fluid level check before the non stress tests. 

Dinosaur Diaper Wipes Cover

Sadly, I haven't been crafting as much as I'd like lately.  It's such a bummer, cause I have tons of ideas floating around in my head!  By the end of the day I'm usually too tired or too sore to do much but sit with my feet up.  I did manage to pick up some fat quarters of really cute dinosaur fabric from Joann's to play around with and practice my sewing skills on.  First up was a no sew project, to cover a portable wipes case, something I've always wanted to try doing.   It turned out pretty cute, now to summon up the energy to make a coordinating onesie and burp cloth!

Shared At: The Inspiration Board at Homework,

30 Weeks

We're 30 weeks along today, an important milestone for us. When pregnant with ER this was when I went on bedrest; where I would remain for the rest of that pregnancy...seven long weeks.  I am doing a lot better this time around, being on medication from the start has really kept my blood pressure in check and within the normal ranges. 

It was quite high by now last time and the perinatologist were very concerned about blood flow back and forth and ER's growth rate.  It's so nice to have doctor visits this time and hear how normally everything is progressing; to not have to discuss what they're monitoring with concern.  I'm sure that has also helped with blood pressure, a mommy-to-be less stressed out about the developing baby is just better all around.

I now weight more than I have ever, in my entire life - including the end of the first pregnancy.  I have ten weeks left to go, yikes!  At least the cramping and leg pain has subsided a little bit and so has the ankle and foot swelling, in the past week.  I think that now I'll be able to exercise a little bit more and hopefully keep my weight in check.  The doctors aren't concerned about my weight gain, it's within normal ranges, but I'd like to keep up my energy and minimize what I have to loose afterward.  Plus being active will only continue to help with blood pressure monitoring.  I my belly has really popped out since the last belly shot at 26 weeks, I shared and can really feel the extra pounds when I try to sit up.

If you missed it, you can see our latest ultrasound pictures and find out how baby is progressing in last week's pregnancy update. 

29 Weeks

Side View of Baby's Head

We just got back from our ultrasound, and I can't get over how much bigger he looks from the 20 week one!  Baby is about 3 lbs., which puts him in the 50th percentile, so right on target size wise.  Being diabetic, the concern is always about a baby too small or too big so I'm really happy with his growth.  We got to see him practicing breathing and while he is still breach, he did do a full flip during his on screen time.  Good to know he's got plenty of room to move around.  Fluid levels and everything else looks really good so I don't have to go back for another four weeks.

Still haven't decided on a name, we have narrowed it down to two but I can't seem to make a final decision.  Brad is fine with either and really doesn't have much of an opinion other then when he exercises veto power.  I'm thinking that when our little love finally joins us, we'll hold him and just know.  At least that's what I'm hoping.  ER is still lobbying for "Bob Steve".

View of Baby Head from Above

Over all I am doing fine, I have the normal discomforts but have been able to do some exercising and be a little more active.  On the flipside I have begun to have some swelling in the feet and ankles so after I have to stop and have more periods of sitting with my legs up.  But at least I'm not in as much pain just standing, that was pretty stinky.  My sister-in-law gave me a prenatal yoga video to watch and I'm hoping that will help too, have any of you tried doing yoga to help with growing pains?