Christmas at Grandma Louise's

This is you with Grandma Louise. You are best buds.
In daddy's arms

First Christmas

We had a special first Christmas with you, Zachary. Having you in my life is all I could have asked for.

Although you are a bit too young to understand presents and Christmas, you received several nice gifts. From Santa, you got wrist rattles, foot rattles, and a board book. From us, you got Eric Carle's Hungry Caterpillar toy and the matching butterfly toy. It has bright colors, crinkles, little mirrors, pockets, chewing parts, and the caterpillar plays music. I think they are so adorable and they go with your Hungry Caterpillar sleep sack.

Grandma Louise got you a soft fleece sleeper and a musical mobile.

Grandma Rae got you several board books, a rubber ducky, and a stuffed toy.

We haven't had Christmas with Aunt Rhonda yet so I am not sure what you received from her. Grandma Carole and Grandpa Mike got the family SuperMario. Although you are too young to play it, someday I'm sure you will!

sleeping babe

He looked so peaceful in his sleep, almost smiling.

giggled

Zachary gave a full-fledged chortle tonight. I was sliding my hand up his side to take his arm out of his shirt and he gave me an unexpected chortle. A ticklish laugh!

looking nautical

My favorite

I bought Zachary this outfit when I was still pregnant. I couldn't wait for him to grow into it, and then he grew so fast that it was nearly too small before I realized he was big enough to wear it. So, this is the only time he got to wear this outfit that I love so much.

Two month baby visit

Zachary had his two month well baby visit today. He weighs 12.6 lbs and is 24 inches long. That makes him 25th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height. He's doing great. He coo's, goo's and babbles. He swats objects with his hands. He tracks with his eyes. He pushes up on his arms when on his chest and looks around. He's getting into an eat -sleep - play routine. Usually, he sleeps 4-5 hours at a stretch at night, getting up around 3 but taking awhile to go back down. Our routine may change a bit now though since I'm going back to work tomorrow and he will be getting up earlier.

8 weeks

8 weeks - Zachary can push up on his hands and look around. He doesn't enjoy being on his belly very long.

One month old

Some of you might remember Jeff the Giraffe. He took lots of photos with Ashlyn when she was a baby.

This monkey quilt was a gift from his soon-to-be childcare provider.

Zachary is still sleeping a lot of the day. When he's not sleeping, he likes to nurse. When he's awake, he sits contently like this and bats around and kicks his feet. He has a lot of reflux now and so when he's awake like this, he'll squirm in discomfort and spit up. He also has a lot of baby acne. I'm looking up information about food sensitivities, but the symptoms they list don't generally suit him.

Oh Zachary, why are you crying? Mommy tried to do tummy time with you but it made you angry. You saw your fist and when you started to suck on it, it reminded you of how much you'd rather nurse. Sorry about that.

How about a paci in the meantime? You are the first of my babies to take a pacifier. It is helpful until you spit it out or it falls out and I have to replace it, over and over and over again ;-) It does seem to help you calm down.

You are a chilly baby. You like to be wrapped up in a blanket at all times and get cold easily. When I change your diaper, your little bottom jaw chatters. I keep the house at 75 and you are still cold. Unfortunately, it's Fall now and soon it will be cold.

Nighttime- last night you were doing many cluster feedings and still acting hungry. I gave you 2 oz of formula and then you still acted uncomfortable with your belly. We do lots of burping and use Mylicon. I nursed you yet again and you fell asleep and slept for 4.5 hours. When you got up, it was 5 and we nursed again and you went back to sleep. You usually sleep in the co-sleeper and at times sleep next to me in bed, snuggled right against me. You seem to really like that. It's hard for me though b/c I like to toss and turn so I have to stay in one position for you to sleep next to me. Then I end up with aches and pains and a stiff shoulder. It's so snuggly though, and you are toasty warm with me, how you like to be.

You also like to sleep on our chests, on your belly, and covered up. I tried you in the sling a few times and you like that as well. I have a Maya wrap I use with you.

Activity - you swing your arms when it seems you want to touch something. I have been hit in the nose many times ;-) You haven't really coo'd or ahh'd yet. You're mostly quiet unless your tummy bothers you. You seem to be easy going and content. Since you were born you've had a strong neck and upper body. The first time I tried to burp you, you threw yourself backwards in my arms, so I can't do anything one handed when you are up on my shoulder ;-) You like to push up with your arms and did a full push up on me the other day. You really want to look around when you are on my shoulder. Sometimes you fold your hands under your chin so that your head is more upright. You can also hold your pacifier with your hand. One day you didn't let go and the pacifier went flying across the room, lol.

You've only been here for a month and I can't imagine life without you.

My friend got this cute Bath Luve for Zachary. Who knew all the times I put a wash cloth on my babies, I was holding a million dollar idea! You just dip the Bath Luve in warm water, lay it on your baby, and it keeps him nice and warm during the bath.

bouncer time

First Bath

Zachary had his first bath in which was actually sitting in water. I couldn't find the baby bath tub I used for Ashlyn but KNOW it is in the garage so we used the sink.

He really didn't mind the bath

Time to dry off

Nice and cozy

Zachary is here!

Welcome Zachary!

Zachary made it into the world September 18, 2009 @ 2:46 P.M. weighing 8 lbs. 3.6oz and 19.75 inches.

The birth story begins the day before where I had contractions that night and took off work. The contractions stopped but I slept most of the day. They began again that night when I was in the bath. Over the night, they were really hurting in my back. I would wake up for some of them and dream through others that I was in labor. I had some other symptoms and finally at 5, I got up and told Justin I was in labor and let's start our day. Of course he began to rush around and I told him that labor took time and there was no need to rush. We started cleaning and doing laundry and he went off to take Alyssa to school and Ashlyn to the daycare. We called his grandma to let her know to pick them up and then she was to stay here at my house to care for Ashlyn.

Right before we left for the hospital - 39 week, 1 day

We called the doctor about 8:30 A.M. and he said to come in. He told me not to wait when I was in labor b/c I was already effaced and once dilation happened, the baby would come quickly. I still didn't want to leave too early though so I finished up the laundry and then we left. Walking through the contractions seemed to help the most. When I got in the car, they reduced to 6-10 mins apart. I told Justin that the nurse told me during my first labor that if I could still smile, I wasn't in hard enough labor. Well, Justin and I joked and laughed all the way to the doctor's office and I was sure the doctor would tell me I was only 2 cm. He saw me right away and told me I was a good 7 cm and to go on to the hospital.

Ashlyn saying good-bye to the baby belly

They put me on an IV and Justin went downstairs to check me in. The doctor wanted me on a very low dose of Pitocin b/c the baby was up high and he didn't want the cord to drop below the head. He wanted to hurry along the baby dropping. At this point, I was in question about whether or not to get an epidural b/c I made it to 7 cm with manageable pain. A few contractions later I was trying to rip Justin's arms out of his body, so at that point I decided to go for the epidural. Justin said his favorite part was when I took two fingers in one hand and two in the other and pulled in opposite directions, lol. I wasn't trying to hurt him but it was my way of dealing with the pain. When I got my epidural, they made Justin leave the room, which was a first. It didn't take long at all to do and I was trying to be as still as I could b/c the anesthesiologist said that if I moved toward him I'd get a spinal headache or away from him and I'd pass out... or something.. he was telling me during a contraction but I knew enough to be freaked out about it, lol.


Enjoying a gourmet meal of ice chips after receiving an epidural

After the epidural, I watched the contractions on the monitor and they were coming every minute or two and were off the charts so I was very glad not to be feeling anything. I think the catheter they inserted was impeding the baby's head from falling down. Once the nurse moved it, he came right down with her hand right there touching his head. He came down so fast that when he was born, his face was bruised and swollen.

As soon as he dropped, I turned 10 cm dilated. The doctor was already waiting... outside of the room b/c he said something about him makes babies not come, lol. So the nurse was having me push and we had to adjust the epidural b/c I couldn't feel anything. When the doctor came in, I was pushing and he said something to me and I said, "really?" Of course, realizing I stopped pushing. Everyone started laughing and the nurse made him go stand back in the hallway, lol.

Finally, I pushed enough and had the epidural turned down enough that I could feel the head and shoulders and let me say that was another reason I was glad to have the epidural b/c it was quite uncomfortable. The doctor said Zachary had really big shoulders. And he was a good sized baby too, being my biggest so far. Justin got to deliver him and put him on my chest. He sounded really congested as he cried, which worried me (he ended up spitting up brown fluid all night which worried me some more but the pediatrician said it was okay). They put him in the warmer and then my legs proceeded to get muscle spasms so Justin was rubbing them and holding them at a certain angle to make them stop. At that point, we don't have many pictures b/c he was busy holding my legs.


The nurse took this photo - Zachary's face is bruised from "dropping down" too quickly


A moment between mama and baby

Ready to go home

Zachary got 9.9 on his APGAR but his face was blue from bruising. By the next day, a lot of the swelling went down and he looked more red.

A nice nap in the isolette

Welcome home, little brother

Zachary and mama, 24 hours after delivery back at home

He was a great nurser from the beginning and he slept a lot. My milk came in four days later and he's been eating like a pro since. He had his first well baby visit last week and was 7 lb 15 oz so he lost and gained quickly. The newborn sized clothing fits just perfectly so he won't be able to wear that size much longer!

He is also sleeping through the night. I don't want to jinx myself but he will go to bed around midnight, and get up at five-ish to nurse and go right back down for another two or three hours. He sleeps in his own bed too... amazing since my girl's had such sleeping problems. He also sleeps most of the day too. You can get quite a bit done with a sleeping baby.

Also, my recovery has been easy. I didn't feel like I had a baby at all except for I had a very tender back for a few days (I never got over my back injury, plus the epidural probably aggravated it). It's feeling better now. I would say I'm 100 percent now, but a bit tired. I did lose a lot of blood, and when they came in for more vials, I was convinced I wouldn't have any left by the time I went home, ha. The hospital stay was pretty good. There was always someone coming in for one reason or another so I couldn't get much sleep. When I was about to push, some lady came in to give us a newspaper, lol. In the middle of the night, they took my blood, checked my vitals, and then I called them a couple of times to help me to the bathroom. I wanted to get the IV out of my wrist.. it was really hurting. That was interesting b/c I started to pour blood everywhere from my wrist and we had to run to the sink. And then it stopped as fast as it started. Overall, everyone was helpful and friendly and was glad to be there while I was recouperating because I needed help.

I knew the story would end up being long which is why I procrastinated on writing it, lol.

Baby shower

Today was our baby shower. My sister threw it for me along with my mother. Our guests were my mom, sister, Rae, Melissa, Marianne, Juanita, Michelle, Kristina, Angel, Amber, and Alyssa. One of my friends stopped by earlier in the day because she was going out of town.

We got lots of cute things for the baby.
Most of all, it was nice sitting and celebrating with everyone the impending arrival of our little one.

I didn't get pictures of the food because I forgot but we had a platter of fruit which included purple grapes, plums, strawberries, and banans. The grapes were so sweet! I made a punch with berry blue Kool-aid, lemon-lime soda, white cranberry-strawberry juice, sugar, and ice cream. It was baby blue and very tasty. We had chips and dip, and cheese puffs. We also had party mints, mixed nuts, and M&M's. My sister made some pigs in a blanket too and brought 2 liters of soda.

We had a really nice time just sitting and chatting and munching on food. I have other pictures that include us and the guests that I won't post online but will have as momentos.

38 week OB visit

38 week belly

Everything looked good. I weighed 164, up 2 lbs from last week (last week I didn't get to see the doc b/c as I got there, he had to deliver a baby, but I did get my weight and blood pressure checked, plus the heartbeat). The doctor said he's guessing the baby will be upwards of 7 1/2 pounds. He also guessed I'd go in a week and a half but he said the mom was the best guesser. Me, I have no idea. I don't feel like I'm going today or even tomorrow for sure. The other two were born right around their due date. Alyssa was the day before and Ashlyn was the day of.

See the shorts I have on? I'm busting the seams of them, lol. I won't be fitting in my clothes much longer!

The doctor also said I was really effaced but not dilated. We discussed birthing options in the hospital - positions, bath, walking halls, etc... He said he's putting a note on my file to allow me to walk around and have intermittent monitoring.

Some of my symptoms/ailments (lol) - heartburn. The doc gave me a once a day heart burn medicine that is safe. The heartburn was keeping me up literally all night even in a sitting up position. So, the medicine has helped me and let me say, while it doesn't hurt or burn, stuff is still coming up. My ankles are swollen. Of course it's hard to walk. I walk slow. Sometimes my pelvis hurts. I can't bend over. I've had problems with hemorrhoids this pregnancy too. I had a blood clot a few weeks ago.

But the pregnancy has been healthy itself and the baby has been healthy and that's a blessing. He wiggles up a storm. We watch my entire belly undulate or flop around as he moves. I feel completely full with baby in that belly.

35 week appt.

I weighed 157, my blood pressure is better than 90 percent of the population, lol.

The heartbeat was 135 and I had to get the group B strep test. It was a short visit.

I picked up two pairs of maternity pants and a top at a thrift store in town. The one pair of pants I got are so comfortable, I decided I just might wear them everyday! lol

33 weeks

Can he still fit in there for another 7 weeks??

We waited 2 hours this time to get in. They stuck my finger and checked my iron and glucose. Both were good. I asked the doctor if he thought this baby was big and he said he thought he was, not 10 pounds big but big. We talked about my starting work in the 8th month of pregnancy and he was telling me that my feet would really swell and to put them up when I got home. He mentioned I could get certain stockings to help and a belly cradle for my back and some other problems I'm having. Heartbeat was 152. The doctor chuckled b/c the baby was being wiggly again. He's a wiggly one for sure!

We hit a big thunderstorm leaving. The sky was filled with dark, ominous clouds. There were zig zag lightening bolts hitting everywhere and the rain was coming like bullets. I was glad to drive out of that storm!

25 weeks

I'm 25 weeks pregnant. This little guy feels pretty big in my belly. He moves a lot! So much that I actually never worry if he's okay in there. I can feel feet pushing, elbows, knees, rolling... he doesn't like when I set the computer on my belly. He will push on it with his feet, lol. Justin says he thinks that's b/c the computer gives off heat. I don't know...

I've been feeling pretty good in the mornings. I get tired easier. I don't bend over or down anymore. Don't ask me to get on the floor! lol My belly feels really big for just being 25 weeks. No new stretch marks yet though.
As far as cravings.. not so much. I like to eat more fruit than normal. I was craving chocolate cake last week. And I'm having heartburn at night. Two nights ago I was up until 2 a.m. with heartburn. It hurt in my back, chest, and throat and I tried to sleep sitting upright on the couch. Even that didn't work. Finally, after 4 Tums, a glass of milk, and time, it went away.

I'm debating cloth diapering or disposables. Cloth diapers are just so expensive! People say you save money by cloth, but I don't see how that is when you pay twenty dollars for one diaper. I can get 72 disposables for less than that.. plus, you have to buy new sizes in cloth diapers so that's at least three investments.

I've been considering the sleeping situation too. I can give him Ashlyn's crib and put her in a bed. Or I can keep her in the crib and put him in something else. I have the co-sleeper but it's pink. I wonder if there is a way to cover it and make it another color?

I will need clothes for him and diapers. There's a few odds and ends I will need also. I'd like to get a new boppy. We saved the bouncers, toys, etc... from Ashlyn though so we have all of that. Also, a friend gave me some of her son's clothes. Those are already washed and put away in drawers :)

My next OB appt. is June 22nd.

23 weeks

OB appt. 22 weeks

I had an OB appt. on Tuesday. The nurse came out and said that a 34 week along lady was in labor so that the doctor had to leave to go check on her and then he might have to leave to deliver. We weren't sure if we'd get to see him but we did. We got most of the ultrasound done when they called him and he flew out the door. We told him good luck! The nurse said the girl was 17 or 18 years old and this is her first and her water broke at 34 weeks. I asked if the hospital was prepared for that sort of thing and she said, "Yes and no" Usually they have a helicopter waiting to transport to Children's.
OH and as far as my baby. Still a boy! We got several views of the boy parts. Everything looked great. Healthy. Heartbeat 151.

First 12 weeks

I felt very off for the first 12 weeks. I was tired - exhausted and I had morning sickness but not as bad as with Ashlyn. I had queasy moments during the day but I felt sick mostly at night. I got sick a few times. I felt like I was in a mental fog too. I didn't have much interest in anything. After the first trimester ended, I began to lift out of the nausea, and I gained motivation and mental clarity again.

finding out

Finding out I was pregnant with this little guy. I was late for my period but felt PMSy. I thought maybe I was a little off because I had gotten sick with a stomach bug. I thought I was three or four days late but I was actually more, I think. This is where the story gets interesting for me, lol. It was January and dark at about 7. We went to Wal Mart for the pregnancy test. I bought a single Equate brand b/c I was sure it would be negative. Although, in my gut I felt I was. As we were leaving the store, I was having a little chat with God in my head about the timing, money, logisitcs of being pregnant. A thought came to my head that later I would see a shooting star and that would mean everything would work out fine. That it was all ok. I imagined going home and sitting on the porch and seeing a shooting star. One the way home, right in front of us, a FIREBALL streaked through the sky very slowly. God didn't just send a shooting star, he sent a fireball! It was that moment I was sure I was pregnant. I took the test that night and it was VOID, lol. I had to laugh b/c I felt here God told me I was pregnant but I needed that test to tell me and it was void. The next day I got a different brand and it was so immediately positive that I was confused at first. lol I ran into the kitchen waving the test yelling, "I'm pregnant!"