We have been quite busy the past month!

Ben started the summer program at preschool. Jeff headed back to work. Avery and I are busy keeping up the house and working on his feeding and sleeping schedules.

I finally managed to get some photos uploaded to Picasa. Link is located on the side of the blog.

We are all healthy and settling into our new routine of being a family of 4.

Avery has arrived

He's here! This update is a little late as he is now 12 days old, but Avery John arrived on Tuesday 14 June, 2011 at 12:16 a.m. He weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. at birth and was 19 inches long.

We are all healthy and happy and enjoying time together at home. Pictures and updates will follow soon.

It's June!!!

We have made it to June! Within the next 3 weeks I will have a baby in my arms instead of my belly!

I'm not sure how many people are reading this lately, but here's the current update:

OB appt. set for this Friday and next Friday.
I've been having minor cramping/contractions since Monday. Nothing that has developed or gotten stronger, so really not anything worth getting too excited over, but hopefully it means things are preparing for labor soon. Usually starts in the late afternoon/evening and peters out when I head to bed.
People who see me regularly (those at B's school) commented yesterday that my belly looks lower. Hopefully this is a good sign that cupcake is either engaged or getting close.

So, still here, still pregnant. Not sure if we'll go early or late again. The OB says previous labor is the best indication of what to expect, which means we will probably go over 40 weeks again (B was born at 40w 5 d). Whatever this little one need, but I am ready any time he decides to make his entrance!

Oops!

I've been delinquent in finding the time and energy to post updates, since my last post was for my 35 week appt. and I've been to the OB twice since then.

We are now at 38 weeks. OB visits have been pretty standard. Nothing huge to report. Cupcake is still hanging out somewhat high, not yet engaged. OB has agreed to let me go into labor on my own and if we find we need to switch plans to a cesarean section at that point, we can. I am finally feeling like I have gotten some of the information as to why they prefer a scheduled section, but the statistics are different enough, once antibiotics are on board (which is now standard in a c-section).

So, here we are, just waiting for this little one to decide he is ready to make his arrival. I am having irregular contractions most days. He continues to be active, pushing against my sides and ribcage. I am much more exhausted than I remember being at this point with B.

As far as everything else, we are pretty much ready for his arrival. Bags are packed, diapers are here and in drawers ready to be used, co-sleeper is set up in the bedroom and today a friend brought me her infant car seat. All that needs to happen now is to install it into the car and truck.

As far as B, we continue to have good and bad days as far as behavior and mood. He is quite tired lately, so even when naps happen they seem to do little to get him rested. He may also be coming down with a cold, which never helps. Poor guy is likely bored. We are trying to find things to keep him busy, but he often says "no" to anything suggested and we just don't have the energy to constantly be out and about with him. We did manage to get a couple of outings in the last few weeks though. May 22 we went with friends to Disneyland and we have been trying to get out and walk around the neighborhood regularly.

I must say, my biggest concern at this point is if Cupcake decides to be stubborn like his brother and hang out past his due date. B is done with his school year on June 8 and the school is closed except for full time kids the whole following week. Hopefully it isn't something we will have to deal with, otherwise B may be spending lots of time being bored at home and going with me at the OB office (beyond 40 weeks, the doc likes to do regular non-stress tests to make sure all is okay). No point in worrying though. We will cross that bridge if necessary.

35 week OB appt.

Another quick easy appointment. Not at all what I expected since OB is going on vacation tomorrow (my usual visit day) and so B was at the appointment with me. He did awesome! I brought his Leapster (thanks Aunt Elysha for an awesome B-day gift!) and he played it and sat nicely in the chair without getting into everything in the office. Much more relaxed then I expected.

The office scale showed an increase of 6 lbs. in the last 2 weeks, but I am pretty sure it has to do with the fact that I had drank about a liter and a half of water before the appt. I had my last personal training appointment before Junebug comes and was VERY thirsty! I weighed myself at the gym before I showered (after working out) and I had gained only 3 lbs.

The doctor is happy with our progress. He looked at me as then at the chart and said he was surprised I am almost at 35 weeks. He would guess 26 or 27 based on my belly size. I find this funny, since last visit based on my fundal measurement he commented that I was having a big baby.

The best part of the appointment is after the doctor listened to the Bug's heartbeat with the doppler, B put down his Leapster, lifted his shirt and said "Me next!" It was adorable! I asked if he had a baby in his belly so we could listen to it's heartbeat and he giggled. It was awesome! It was a really special appointment having him there with me especially since he did such a good job listening and following directions.

33 week appointment

Short and sweet. Apparently there were cancellations today, so by the time I was done in the bathroom I was weighed and vitals taken. Got to the room and drank some water and then the doc came in. Wish things could be that fast every time.

Growth is average for gestation at this point, which, the doc feels is a little big for my size. Gained back the pound I lost last visit, but no more. Doc isn't worried about it.

I go back in 2 weeks for my next visit. B will be with me as the doc is headed on vacation and so I will be going on Thurs.

June bug is still plenty active. My back is hurting more again along with my pelvis. Not unusual, just not the most pleasant. We have changed the crib back into a crib from the toddler bed and gotten a bunch of our baby clothes back from the friend we loaned them to. Now to wash them.

Not much left to do to really be ready. Need to pack our hospital bag, open our account for diapers again, get our co sleeper back from friends (not necessary until next month). Crazy how soon we will be meeting this little guy! 7 weeks left till the due date...Wow!

update

Well, my appt. on the 25th went fine with no problems. The doctor gave me one article to read, but it hasn't really answered any of my questions, so before my next appt. on the 22 I'll be writing up a list of questions to be discussed sometime in the following month.

We got a couple of books that I am relatively happy with to help B understand all the changes happening. I think he gets it to a point, but we have seen a pretty dramatic increase of behaviors...screaming, daily potty accidents, hitting/pinching/headbutting me. He is starting to talk a bit about his baby brother beyond telling me there is a dinosaur in my belly. We went to a sibling preparedness class and I'm not sure he got anything out of it as he preferred to walk around the room and sing for the majority of the class. I got some good ideas from the class, however, so hopefully it was worth it. We also had B's 3 year check up. He is doing just fine. I LOVE his pediatrician! He is now almost 36" (wouldn't stand still to get an accurate measurement) and 32#.

As far as Mr. Bug...he's plenty active and growing fine. I am exhausted and much more uncomfortable than I remember being at this point with B. My back has hurt on and off since 14 weeks and just over a month ago I decided to try a chiropractor. He has done wonders and will hopefully assist me in having closer to my ideal birth (not a Cesarean). Last week, after going camping for the weekend, my back/pelvis was quite sore and I was looking forward to my appt. Unfortunately, between my Chrio going on vacation and B being exhausted and sick and staying home from school I missed my appointment. I am looking forward to my next appt. tomorrow. Not in quite as much discomfort as when I started seeing him, but I can notice a difference constantly.

So, we have less than 9 weeks left until our due date. I can't believe we are that close! I also look forward to having my body back and not feeling constant pressure in my abdomen as Bug seems to like to push and flip and turn whenever he is awake.

Next appt. is on April 22 and then we start our biweekly appointments.

B's 3rd Birthday

Our little man is now 3 years old! We had a really nice (and small) party at home on Sunday. Only 2 of the 3 invited friends were able to make the party, but a great time was had by all! It was relaxing and enjoyable, something I often don't find birthday parties (even ones we attend) to be.

Wednesday we celebrated his actual birthday by singing happy birthday, talking to all the grandparents on the phone or computer, having dinner of B's choice (eggs with salsa), and eating a cupcake after dinner. B also got to open his last present we had saved from the party.

Hard to believe our little guy is already 3 and going to be a big brother before long.

Update

Just a few quick updates on how things are going:

I passed my 3 hour glucose tolerance test (yay). Big relief to not have to make major dietary changes and do the qid blood tests.

An amazing friend, who is also a doula, has offered her services as a gift. I am beyond grateful and looking forward to having her join our birthing team. Her knowledge has already helped calm me in countless ways!

I had my first chiropractor visit on Wednesday. I have several friends that swear by the relief they get from their chiropractors and from what I have read, it can help with a successful (and quicker) vaginal birth. I am happy with the chiropractor and feel a lesser amount of pain and discomfort (some of which I hadn't even realized I had until it was gone). I will see him once a week, unless things are going very well or it is necessary to increase the frequency. I was happily surprised to find out that our insurance covers 20 chiropractor visits annually. Hooray!

Now for a few busy/crazy weeks. B's birthday party is Sunday and his 3rd birthday is Wednesday (how did that happen?) Our next OB appt. is 3/25.

Rough few days

It's been a rough few days emotionally!

I've been trying to process the possibility that I it may not be in my best interest to attempt a VBAC. There is little to no information online regarding vaginal birth after a cesarean which occurred in the second stage of labor (pushing). Being the type who needs information to process and come to a decision, I have let the OB office staff know I would like whatever information the OB can give me. Hopefully he will provide me with information regarding the benefits and possible complications from a VBAC (specifically in cases such as mine), a repeat cesarean (RCS), and a Cesarean after failed VBAC in addition to studies and research regarding VBAC in cases such as mine.

In addition to that information request, I picked up the records the office had from B's birth (discharge summary and operative report). It has had some insight in it. I made more progress then I recalled. I don't have any of the "damning" diagnosis (ones that are contraindicated for VBAC). Both B and I were healthy and tolerated labor and the CS well.

It really appears to me that it was a case of my exhaustion more than anything else. From what I have been able to read and find, I hope that there are things I can do to improve my chance of being successful at a VBAC.

And, I think most comforting, Sandra is going to join us for labor to help me be strong and support me.

In addition to all of this processing/emotional thinking...I failed my 1 hour glucose test. Now I have to go in and do a 3 hour glucose test (actually takes 4 hours). I have scheduled for B to go into preschool early on Friday so I can make it to the lab early enough. Luckily, most women who fail the one hour test will pass the 3 hour. I'm hoping I am in that group! Fingers crossed!

24 week prenatal visit

Today was my 24 week visit at 25w1d. Both doctors were in the office today and both were running almost 45 minutes behind. Luckily, the nurse was on top of it. She brought me the glucose drink just shortly after my appointment time so I wouldn't have to remain for much longer after my doctor's appointment.

The drink tasted much worse then I remember from last time, however, I did not end up feeling sick or get heartburn from it (thankfully). By the time I was done with the doctor, I only had 10 minutes until the blood draw was needed, so the timing worked out well. I didn't even end up having to wait at the lab for more than 5 minutes.

Now to wait and hear the results...should know by the end of the week if we "passed" or if we need to go for the 3 hour test.

As far as the doctor's appt: I have finally put on some weight above pre-pregnancy weight. I gained about a pound a week this past month. If it continues at that rate, I will be satisfied. It puts some of my fears of gaining too much weight overall to rest!

The babe was in an active phase when the doc listened to the heart (of course since I just drank a bunch of sugar!). He did a quick ultrasound to see the baby's orientation. I guessed he would be transverse and the doctor dismissed it, saying it is a bit late for the baby to be lying that way. He went looking and sure enough, Cake's head is toward my left and feet/bottom are on my right. Exactly as I would have guessed. Funny how doctors dismiss a patient's body awareness. That is really my biggest complaint about my OB.

We had our first real discussion about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) vs. repeat Cesarean. The doctor is supportive of VBAC's and is happy to allow me to attempt if that is my wish, but would like me to keep an open mind. In cases where there is late lack of progress, as B's birth was, the success rate is lower then normal VBAC's. He said we would revisit and discuss it when we are closer to 34 or 36 weeks and we see if Cake is still sitting high in the pelvis or has descended some. I will be doing a bit more research and plan on talking to people who have been in similar situations. Keeping my fingers crossed that the babe and my body cooperate with my hopes and dreams.

Next visit on March 25th. Hoping a Friday is less crazy in the office then Monday was!

reflections

Things are continuing to go well with our little June bug! I am really feeling regular movements right now and getting to know his sleep/wake schedule. It's amazing how different his movements are from B's movements at this point. Much less kicking and more pushing/swiping movements. He's also a bit calmer in general. He does, however, manage to hit nerves in my back, my bladder and my cervix on a regular basis. I could do with out those.

Here's a little something I saw on one of the pregnancy boards I follow that I want to put down for posterity. It was so true with B. I imagine it will be 2 fold this time, as I fall more in love with our bug and as I watch B interact with him and fall more in love with him too!

"Nothing you hear or read anywhere can prepare you for how your life will change or how you will feel about your child. You and your partner will probably be sleep deprived; frustrated at times by inconsolable crying; your personal needs will take a backseat for a very long time. But when you see your baby smile, hear it coo for the first time or when he or she drifts off to sleep peacefully in your arms, the intense love and satisfaction you will feel are unmatched by anything on earth. Your child will be the most amazing, beautiful creature in the world. Your love for your child will give you the strength to slay dragons."

17 week ultrasound/OB visit

Saw the OB today for our anatomical scan. Baby is growing well and active. Everything looks good!

It looks like our expanding family will be adding a little boy! Here's the ultrasound pictures. One of the face and one showing the goods :P

A year later...

Wow...

Where has the time gone?

We've moved, B has had his second birthday, gone to 3 day a week preschool, started counting to 10 in 4 languages, learned to use the toilet, moved to a bed, and many other amazing milestones have come and gone (not necessarily in this order).

And now...We are going to be having a new baby!

Our newest addition is due to arrive around June 11th.

We are very excited!

We're moving!!!

This is more a request for suggestions than an informative post but...

We are moving into a house on December 1st. It's a rental, but it has a yard and garage and washer/dryer hook ups. Needless to say we are quite excited.

Now the request. For all you out there with little ones who have moved, how have you dealt with the packing progress with a munchkin underfoot? Any and all advice is welcome!

Thanks all!

19 Months old

Well, I seem to get around to posting once every 2 months lately.

Benjamin started a preschool program at our local JCC in September and is loving it. It is called Moving-On and is set as a transitional program two days a week. The first hour is parent participation where we spend most of the time playing on the playground. We then come in for snack (or music then snack on Thursday). Once snack is served, parents head out for the next 2 hours. Benji sometimes cries when I leave, but is usually happy within 5 minutes. He eats his lunch there and then I pick him up. It is great for both of us. He gets to experience new things and new people, and I get time to go run errands, work out, or do whatever without my shadow :)

We have been struggling with bath time lately. Benjamin had gotten to the point where he would not sit in the bathtub and screamed/cried the entire time. We got in the habit of often taking showers and he was fine there until his hair needed to be rinsed. The last 2 bath times have been better. Benji stood through most of the 1st one, but allowed me to wash him and rinse his hair with a washcloth. The last one he stood initially but eventually sat down and enjoyed splashing and having fun. He was even quite upset when he got out of the tub and tried to get back in. I still washed his hair with a washcloth, but we will hopefully slowly get better in the water.

Benji now has 12 teeth. He is communicating mostly through signs and gestures, but it seems like we are starting to get a new word or two daily. He runs around saying "da-bay". We haven't yet figured out if this has any meaning, but it is quite cute none the less.

One other struggle we have been having is whining and tantrums. Benjamin has quite a temper. When things don't go as he would like he screams, throws things, and generally flails. For a bit, we were seeing this 5 to 6 times a day, both at home and preschool. Luckily, the duration and frequency has decreased quite a bit, however we still see a tantrum occur at least once or twice a day.

We had a great time last week camping at an SCA "war". Benji loves being outside and enjoyed being so close to so many people, including our friend N who is 2 months older than Benji. The boys played very well together and we all enjoyed watching them play side by side and interact.

17 months old

When we last left our explorer, he was just starting to show his climbing skills. My, how things have progressed. Today Benjamin decided to show us that he can climb into his highchair, on top of the coffee table, and on to his diaper pail. He has also mastered going up and down the stairs and would like to do this EVERY time we leave the apartment. He still uses things to step up onto so he can climb or I'm sure he would be out of his crib by now.

In other updates, Benjamin continues to eat nearly any food we put in front of him. He loves to be social as long as Mom or Dad are around. I've been going to the gym regularly for the last month or so and Benjamin is in babysitting while I am working out. The first 2 times he was just fine. No tears, he just went on his way and played. After that, for about a week and a half, Benji would cry the entire hour I was gone. We have slowly decreased the amount of tears and usually only cry when mom leaves and comes back.

We have also had the opportunity to take Benjamin to the pool 3 times in the last month and a half. He does NOT like the pool. He cries when any friends or family are in the pool and nearly the entire time he is in the pool. He doesn't even want to be anywhere near a pool. It doesn't matter if it's child size blow-up pool or Olympic size pool. They all are evil in his eyes.

We are really enjoying this age. Both Jeff and I love to watch him explore his surroundings and figure out toys and other objects. We are amazed daily by the things he does and figures out. He makes us smile and laugh and marvel at how amazing and cute he is every day.

15 months old

Benjamin is now 15 months old.

We had our latest visit to the pediatrician. Benji is a healthy growing 15 month old. He now weighs 22 lbs. 3 oz. and is 30 inches long. He's in the 10th to 25th percentile for both.

While at our visit, Benji decided to try out some climbing skills. He started out climbing up on a small child's chair. He then pushed it up against a larger chair, climbed from the small one onto the seat of the adult chair, and then up onto the back. He did get a bit frustrated that he couldn't manage to climb up onto the window sill. Ah, more fun and games.

He has also been trying to climb over the gate to the kitchen (after crawling under it didn't work). We'll see how long until he is crawling out of his crib. I hope it is a while yet.

Since we last left you...

Benji:

• has gotten a haircut at a salon
  
• had his 8th tooth brake through (today) molars are expected soon
  
• has begun signing consistently, mostly more and food
• is really into eating paper right now
• has started talking instead of crying when he wakes and throws everything out of his bed and the shelves next to his bed
• enjoys emptying his toy bucket and putting things into it (he helps clean up)
  
• has started to figure out how many of his toys work and how to make the electric ones go on his own
  
• has started crying when one of us walks away...nearly always.
• has connected with our close friend Cat, cries when she walks away, calls her SCA name (Eilidh; pronounced AY-lee) and chases after her
• likes eating with utensils, or at least trying. doesn't quite have the logistics of stabbing and scooping food down yet. He is still a pretty good eater, willing to try anything and eat most things.
  
• may be progressing to one nap a day
• started pressing the buttons on the front of our TV, we figured out how to lock them (a sure sanity saver)
• thinks everything he picks up is a sword. He loves to pick up sticks, hairbrushes, and anything long and stick like. He will hand you a toy and want to hit the toys together with you.
• has adopted a "lovey". He looks for the blanket his Grandma Wendy knit for him whenever he is put into bed. He has also pulled it out a few times and walked around the house with it.
  

In short, Benji keeping us busy. The bathroom has to be kept closed because he throws everything in the tub, tries to flush the toilet, empties the trash can and pulls things off the top of the toilet and counter. Our bedroom door must be kept shut as he goes in and opens and empties the drawers and goes into our bathroom. The kitchen is gated off or he goes in and brings out "snacks", opens cabinets or plays with the locks on the cabinets, throws things in the garbage or gets things out of the garbage and opens the drawers.

We had an unexpected doctor's visit the end of last month when Benji fell into the edge of the dresser and wouldn't walk without holding onto something for a bit after it happened. Of course, by the time the doctor saw him he was running around the room and acting normally. Doc still checked him out and said his falling is just part of being age.

In short, Benji is a healthy, happy, active, almost 15 month old boy!

A much delayed post

It has been quite awhile since my last post. I started a post on Benji's first birthday, but that never got finished. Ben is now 13 months old. Wow. He is running around like a crazy man. He LOVES to be outside, and often walks out onto the porch when we leave the door open. He now regularly walks from the apartment to the car independently (sometime with many reminders to keep moving and with holding hands when out near the cars). I managed to find him new shoes (a big feat as he has tall feet). He is wearing between size 5 1/2 and 6 shoes and size 12 mo. shirts, 18 mo. pants. He continues to be a wonderful eater, refusing only avocado and brussel sprouts so far. He hasn't shown any food sensitivities other than yeast, which he has now outgrown.

At his one year doctor's appointment B was 20 lbs. 14 oz and 28.5" long. He has just had a growth spurt and now is 29.5" long. We have a new pediatrician with whom we are very happy. I felt like he actually listened to me, asked questions about Ben's milestones and development, and did not seem like he was running out of the room, despite a VERY full office that day.

Our sleep issues have mostly been resolved, with Ben waking up often only when teething or feeling ill. Naps are regularly between 1.5 and 2 hours. Benji is babbling regularly and is sure to get his need communicated.

Benji's birthday party was wonderful, with many of our close friends who live in the area. Ben enjoyed his cake and socializing with all the guests. Ben was not at all interested in opening his presents, but has enjoyed them all.

Here are some of Benji's favorite things to do:

• Be outside, running around, or in his stroller, or being carried.
• Read books: Ben spends time each day alone in his room or in the living room paging through his books for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
• Play or listen to music: either on a drum, xylophone, maracas, or anything else. He stops when he hears music and smiles.
• Watch football: When Benji sees football on TV, he will sit down on the floor and watch for a while before moving onto something else.

Other than that, Benji continues to grow and change daily and be a typical one year old. He loves to be around other people and has great smiles and giggles.