21 Months Old - Big Sister Edition

Our sweet girl is 21 months old and this last month has brought more change to her life that any month before. She has become the ultimate big sister and we couldn't be more proud of her! She is showing us just how loving and caring she can be and of course is throwing her usual spirited burst in there for good measure. She is always wanted to check on the baby, hold the baby and touch him. It's absolutely adorable and even though her touches aren't always gentle she is learning and exploring this new role of hers with confidence and eagerness.

As far as the rest of her world goes, she is talking up a storm. Repeating everything, especially when we are reading books. Her current favorite is, "Hop on Pop." She can read that book over and over again. She loves listening to music and is starting to sing songs with us. "Jesus Loves Me," "The Wheels on the Bus," and "If You're Happy and You Know it," are in her current repeater. She is mastering skills at her swimming lessons and just started taking classes at The Little Gym. She is as active as the come and definitely likes to keep us moving, but who can blame her? There is so much out there for her to learn and explore and I love being there to see it through her eyes!

Happy 21 Months Sweet girl!
We love you so, so much!

Our Little Man

Introducing:

Sawyer William
9 pounds 8 ounces,  21.25 inches

One week ago today our little man burst into our lives. He came right on his due date, something that doesn't happen often, but he came when he was ready and in God's perfect timing. And now that all is said and done, as much as I hoped for an August baby, I am so happy to share a birth month with my little man.





















I feel like Bean's birth story started long before the night labor started. I had been itching to meet this little boy for about two weeks and since I was SURE that he was going to be born in August, you can imagine my disappoint as the end of August came and went with no little man. This was only intensified by the fact that I went to my OB the Friday before he was born and found out that I was 3-4 centimeters dilated and 80% effaced. After hearing that news I was sure I would have baby by the end of the weekend, but the Lord had a much better story planned for our birth and for Sawyer's first day in the world.

Holding him for the first time.

So as August turned to September I slowly began to let go of the control I never had. Trusting the Lord to bring us our sweet baby in his timing, whether it met up with mine or not. Shawn was so great during this time. Reminding me to cherish the time we had as a family of three and telling me that no matter how much I walked, and I walked a lot in that last week, there was nothing I could do to "make" myself go into labor, but trust in the Lord.

Biggest little guy in the NICU

On Wednesday morning, the day before my due date,  I had an OB appointment. With little change from the week before, I told myself that it was OK to go past my due date. That I was stubborn as they come, so why wouldn't my kiddos be. I left the OB and headed home to my sweet hubby and daughter, made Mac and Cheese and decided to sit on the couch and do nothing all day. And then as fate would have it, a little after 1pm, contractions started. They were spaced apart and not very intense, but they were regular, so in my mind there was a flicker of hope for not going past my EDD.

The afternoon went by with no real change in the intensity of my contractions. They came every 15-20 minutes and I was able to nap through most of them. Once Em woke from her nap we took her for walk, made dinner and put her to bed like normal. In my mind I thought that this could be it. The last night as a Mom of one. With contractions getting a bit closer, we put in a movie, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," and I timed contractions.





















By 9pm with some prying from my Husband and a dear friend I called my Mom to come and stay the night at the house. I knew that labor was progressing, but I didn't want to alarm the entire family. By the time she arrived I was having contractions every 8 minutes and they were starting to get increasingly painful. At midnight Shawn and I went outside to walk. We walked 2 miles and as contractions went from 8, to 6, to 3-4 minutes apart, I knew that it was time to head to the hospital. We walked inside, went up to our girl's room, kissed her and then started our drive to the hospital. Even now I can't think about that moment without it bringing tears to my eyes. I wanted to hold her all night long. My first baby, my first love at first sight. To let her know that she was so loved, but Sawyer was indeed coming.

At the hospital they checked us in. It was 1:40 in the morning,  I was 5 cm and contractions were coming every 3-5 minutes. After some initial monitoring, I was hooked to the portable monitors and my body started working our little man out. I spent my time in labor walking, listening to worship music, praying and at times literally calling out to the Lord for His mercy to ease the pain of childbirth. My sweet husband and Mom were with my the entire time, rubbing my back and applying pressure to my hips as we worked our little man out; Sawyer's labor was intense. The doctor came and broke my water and Sawyer quickly moved down the birth canal, so much so that Shawn sent my Mom to get the doctor and my nurse as I literally jumped in the bed, knowing that he was coming. One push and they too knew that delivery was near and as my doctor was trying to prepare for delivery I was being told not to push, which felt impossible, as he literally held Sawyer in place with his hand. After a few pushes, Sawyer came into the world and Shawn announced that we had a son.

At this point I wish I could say that he came out screaming, but he didn't. He came so quickly that he didn't have time to work out the fluid in his lungs and the cord was wrapped around his neck. So, after what seemed an eternity, he did finally make his presence known, but not enough for our delivery team to be satisfied. He was grunting and although his color was returning he just wasn't turning around as quickly as they had hoped and because of that he was taken to the NICU.

This about sums us up.

Mom of Two

Initially the NP returned, letting us know that they were going to start an IV because his blood sugar was low and that he needed a chest x-ray to try and discover the source behind his grunting and respiratory distress. At this point we sent my Mom, who I am so thankful was there with us during delivery, to tell the rest of our family what was going on. They, as well as me and Shawn in our hospital room, started to surround our little man in prayer. We were scared, but we knew that God was already and had been working in our little man's life to prepare him for this big day. Not 5 minutes later, the NP returned telling us the by the time she had gotten back to the NICU that his grunting had resolved. He was breathing fine. His color was normal. He was oxygenating his blood well and although he was going to have to stay in the NICU to monitor his blood sugar, that he looked perfectly healthy. The Lord worked a miracle and immediately healed and turned around our little man's condition. HE was already in the works of protecting and shattering my real Mom fears about sickness, showing me His strength in the life of my son. The Lord is good.





















Little man spent about 12 hours in the NICU and then was in a room with us by the evening. We were so thankful to have him back by our side and when Saturday morning came we couldn't sign the discharge papers quick enough to get back home and start our adventure as a family of four.

Sawyer's birth story wasn't what we thought that it would be, but that's why we're not the ones  writing the story for our little guy. God has big plans for our strong man and I know that he is going to continue to show us HIS goodness through the lives of our children.

39 Weeks

There was a moment in time that I was so positive that I was going to have the baby early, that I didn't think I was going to make it to write this post, but sure enough...here we are! Just over 39 weeks pregnant, 6 days until our due date and so, so ready to meet our little Miss or Mister. Shawn's Daddy leave starts this weekend and with the full moon on Saturday, who knows maybe Luda Bean will make the big debut a little earlier than big sister did. She came 1 day before her due date, so I guess all I can hope for is that we don't go over our due date.

With that being said, I had an appointment with my OB this morning and there has been some labor progression. Yay! We did schedule an indication date, just in case, so if Bean does decide to run over his/her EDD then we will be inducing on 9/8/15. I however, don't think we are going to get that far and am really praying that we go on our own. My heart rate, blood pressure and weight were all "great" this morning. Baby was measuring just as he/she should and our little one's heart rate was nice and strong.

As excited as I am, there is still a part of me that is more nervous about this labor than my first. I think it's the added worry of our sweet girl and making sure that she is being taken care of before we rush off to the hospital. We do however, have a list of people to call when labor does start and I know that she will be well taken care of while we are working to bring her brother or sister into the world. Everyone is so excited to meet our Luda Bean and we just can't wait to find out if we are having a daughter or son. 6 days and counting!

Along: 
39 Weeks, 2 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 
36/37 Pounds

Gender: 
????????????

Movement: 
Still quite the active one, but I'm definitely starting to notice more sleep/wake cycles.

Sleep: 
Has been pretty great...and I'm heading for a nap as soon I finish this post.

Ever since I can remember I've been popping those buttons! Haha. Evidence of the growing belly.

Cravings: 
Sweet, tart and salty. Basically anything. Today's specialty....a spicy chicken sandwich and frosty!

Symptoms: 
My muscles are just sore. Legs, abdominal. The extra weight is definitely starting to take it's toll.

Best Moment of the Week:
We have had a lot of fun day dates with our girl, but the Air and Space Museum has been the best! She even got to go again today with her Granny and Papa!

Hopefully the next time I am writing it will be about our Luda Bean's BIRTHday! 

Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Ash

38 Weeks - Any Day Now Bean

As much as I'd like to think I am completely in tune with my body, I'm just not. Baby's have minds of their own and I know that this little one is going to make the big debut when he or she decides, or more like the Lord decides, the time is right. Today is our 9 year Dating-versary, so tomorrow would be cool. The 23rd is my parents wedding anniversary. If I had the baby on the 24th, then we'd have birthdays exactly a month a part. And if the baby stays in there until September, we'd share a birth month! Basically any day now is just fine by me!

Along: 38 Weeks
I'm blessed to say that I had another great appointment with my OB. Everything seems to be looking great and I am so happy to be a healthy Mommy, with a healthy baby growing inside. My blood pressure and heart beat were perfect, baby was measuring right at 38 weeks and had a heart rate in the 130s, and even though I was having mild contractions while in the office there is still little going on in terms of labor progression. Which is OK...for now!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Up 36 pounds, but I'm sure my weight is fluctuating quite a bit from day to day because I have started to retain fluid and notice that I have sausage fingers and swollen ankles at the end of most days. Anyways, weight has actually been a sore subject for me this go around, so maybe I won't make it to my next appointment, so I won't have to see that number rise anymore! 

**Disclaimer: I am still in love with pregnancy. There is something so special about this time and with just 14 days, give or take, of this pregnancy left, I plan on cherishing it to the fullest. I love my round belly, although I hate when people call it big or huge (those words don't sit well with me), and I love the way that Shawn looks at me while I'm pregnant. Like I'm the prettiest things in the world, even with the swollen ankles and stretched out belly, which is still free of stretch marks, so far!

Gender: I'm starting to get a little anxious to find out, but we have a boy's name fully picked out and a first name for a girl, so I'm feeling good. For a while I was afraid that if we had a girl we'd be leaving there with a daughter named Baby Girl. 

Movement: Still having tons a movement. It's kind of a myth that babies stop moving around as much as you get later into pregnancy. The movements may not be has frequent, but getting in 2 hours of 10 kicks an hour is still a requirement and I am happy to say that this baby is an active little one. He/She has been being super still later into the morning, so maybe Bean will sleep in while I get time with the early rising Big Sister in the mornings. We shall see!

Sleep: Sleeping has been a little rough, I'm just more uncomfortable these days and I have been waking up in the middle of the night, sometimes for more than a hour and am unable to fall back to sleep. With that being said, Em spent some time with her Granny this week, since I was working my last shifts in the ER and I slept solid until 8:40! I can't remember the last time I went to sleep and woke up not once until 8:40. It was pretty awesome. 

Cravings: No new cravings. I try to make smart choices with my diet, but at this point I am pretty much eating what I want because I know that I won't be able to do that for much longer. Don't worry, Bean is still getting fruits, veggies and protein, but he or she is also having a slice of cake, or two, if the desire is there!

Symptoms: After working Monday I came home having a bit of pain in the left leg from the baby sitting my sciatic nerve. Those shooting pains are no joke. I've continued to have some contractions here and there, but nothing consistent and I'm still having heartburn. I remember when Em was born it was like the acid in my stomach just turned off and I am hoping that the same thing happens this go around. This Mommy is tired of constantly having a stomach acid taste in her mouth and a burn in her throat.

Best Moment of the Week: This week has been pretty great for getting things done. I was able to make some freezer meals for when the Bean arrives, pack a hospital bag for me and Shawn and finish up another book that was on my reading list. I'm currently working through "Strong Father's, Strong Daughters" as well as the the last book in the Divergent series. We'll see if I get those finished before the Bean arrives!

Sorry for all the iPhone selfies, that is all I had energy for this week!

37 Weeks w/ Miss or Mister #2

Along: 37 Weeks

My view from above. 

We are down to weekly appointments now and everything is continuing to look great. My heart rate and blood pressure were right on track. Baby's heart rate was 126, measuring 37 weeks and head down. And as far a labor progression, I haven't had any true signs of early labor yet, so I'm thinking we are going to be holding tight with this baby until our due date. Although there are a couple special days in August that I wouldn't mind bringing another life into the world on!

Size: This week baby is the size of a bunch of swiss chard, coming in at roughly 6 1/3 pounds and measuring just above 19 inches. Although some people consider 37 weeks full term, keeping the baby on the inside for the next 2 weeks or so allows baby's brain and lungs to fully mature.  So as excited as I am to meet this sweet baby, we need him or her to stay put for just a little longer. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Down from last week, but up 33 pounds total.

Gender: Miss or Mister, we'll find out soon!

Movement: Yes! Still have huge movements, so much so that I have been waking up in the middle of the night. Bean definitely likes to let Mommy know that he or she is in there. 

Sleep: I'm waking up at least once a night and having a hard time falling asleep afterwards. Looks like insomnia is in full swing. If I didn't have a toddler to take care of the next morning, I'd make better use of that time, but instead I lay there trying to fall asleep again. I guess this is just my body's way of preparing me for when Luda Bean arrives!

Cravings: Eating has never been a problem for me and I have to admit, I sometimes wish I was that pregnant person who was running out of room, but lets face it, I love food. I love to eat and I don't think that is going to change anytime soon...although I probably should eat a littler healthier at times...ice cream or chocolate anyone?! Even Em has developed a liking for the ever delicious, dark chocolate pomegranate by Brookside. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, heartburn, heartburn. Every time Shawn catches me popping a tums he thinks he needs to remind me that they aren't candy. Yes dear, I know, that is what the chocolate in my purse next to the tums is for. 

Best Moment of the Week(s): We have had such a good week! We didn't do anything major, but just the normal every day things have been great to sit back, relax and enjoy. From shopping with Granny on Saturday, to flower picking, splash pad playing and swim class; we have had so much fun just doing the every day. With all that is about to change in our lives, it is nice to not have anything major planned and to be able to be as spontaneous as possible, knowing that any day now our lives are going to be changed, for the good, when our new Miss or Mister debuts into the world. 

I mean seriously. These two melt my heart.

20 Months Old

My sweet girl, you're twenty months old! I can hardly believe it. I honestly feel like every month you grow you get sweeter and sweeter and I love how your personality is sprouting before our very eyes. You make us laugh, you make us cry, but mostly, you make us proud. Proud to be your Mom and Dad and blessed to have been given the duty to raise you. You are absolutely the most perfect daughter for us and I love getting to live life through your eyes.

20 months old and still the best snuggle buddy.

In just a few short weeks, before your next "month" birthday, you're going to be a BIG SISTER. This is a whole new role for you, but I know that you are going to be amazing. You are going to love having a sweet baby to care for and give kisses to. To hug, hold and rock and I can't wait to see the two of you grow up together, hand in hand, partners in crime, the ultimate friends.

So full of life! <3

Always, remember that Mommy loves you. She loves you just the way you are. She loves you because you are you. And even though things are going to be different, I want you to know that I will never stop loving you. You are my first blessing, my first reason to be called Mommy, my first love at first sight and even though my time with you is going to be different, my love for you will only grow stronger.

I love you little lady,
Mommy