Martin II

Long story short: we've been going for a sibling for L since May.  A nasty case of endometriitis delayed a bit.  We traveled to San Diego Dec 5 - 12 to see Dr Rockstar.  Transferred a good expanded blast with assisted hatching on the 8th.   Christmas came early, it's a healthy positive!   Martin II coming in September!  😆😆🐣

Cutest thing ever:  I was nervous about test day so a few days beforehand I asked L what she thought.  The only baby she knows thus far are pictures in books and her dolls (ie she hasn't been coached in the least.)  So I ask...

L, is there a baby in my belly?
Her: yeah!
Is it a brother or sister?
Her: Byah-her!

She has answered consistently each of the 3 times I've asked since then..... We'll see, 'ol girl!  Blue might be in our future!

6 1/2 months

206 days old

15# 11oz

26.5"

Third tooth erupted today!

Sleep:
at night... 90% off the time she sleeps 2030 - 0600. 

Naps... 3 x per day usually 40-50 minutes.  In her crib, though, finally!  Becoming much easier to lay down & fall asleep.  Rock with paci & singing instead of only boob is now possible!

Medical: in pavlik at night.

Diapes: size 2, we started cloth diapers this month! 

Clothes size: 6-12m.  She's so long, we use 12m jammies.  Rompers are moms fav.

Favorite foods: zucchini, yellow squash, and peaches

Milestones: finally rolled back to tummy this week!  Sitting unassisted indefinitely.

Favorite toy:  stacking cups and blue chime elephant

Favorite book: all of them... we've been reading in español

Favorite activity: swinging & peek-a-boo!

Working on: belly scooting (in a circle) and transitioning from sitting to tummy (face plant at this point).  

What else: L has been recognizing different sounds. When she hears the door, she knows daddy's home!  Mom is attempting to teach sign language.  So far we know "bath, eat, swing, diaper, I love you"

Other life happenings: we pinned daddy to O5 this week.  Congrats, J!

6 months

My, how time flies!

There is a point in time when they say "the days are long but the weeks short."  Thank goodness THAT part is over ;). Now even the days are speeding by!  L and I spend our time going for walks, swinging in her tree swing, reading books (I'm even attempting to read in espanol), singing, and of course playing!!

... I think I'll have to start Baby-dates instead of bumpdates ;).

The difference a year makes

May 23rd, 2013; 0530

We saw that amazing 8 letter word in digi print... "PREGNANT"

Today, our beautiful Lilli is 14 weeks old, talking up a storm, and grabbing her toes!

Today, J is officially an O-5 select. 

My heart is bursting!

♥♥

12 days old

We've survived 12 days without breaking her!  :) :) :)

Breastfeeding has been interesting. .. I had to start with formula supplementation via SNS tube in the hospital on sunday.  Apparently my 2 drops of colostrum wasn't cutting it.  Thankfully I was healing fine and Lilly stayed within their ' normal ' weight loss threshold so we got to go home on Monday.  What an exciting day!  We were both soo nervous!  We got home, looked around, and were like "ok now what?!" Haha.  10 minutes later I realized we had no formula and nothing for Lilly to eat. J scrambled to the store quick. 

Tuesday early morning I had some milk come in!  Was able to stop the formula that afternoon because I was pinning enough to feed her finally.  Such a good feeling!! By Wednesday, I was getting enough to stockpile in the fridge.  2-4 oz at a pump. Woot!  We had a little drama trying to figure out how to get off the tube. After an office call, numerous Facebook posts for help, and some tears I scheduled a lactation consult.  Friday was great because Lilly had gained weight and the lactation specialist was so helpful.  Today is Tuesday and aside from her being a sleepy nurser, we are rocking the boob.  Lilly is up to 8lbs 1oz today; big fatty!  

Sleep had been another story... She is so mixed up.  She sleeps fine in her crib but doesn't sleep especially well in the cradle in our room.  No room for the crib in our bedroom so we decided to upgrade to the 2 bedroom in 2 weeks instead of waiting until October.  I'm exhausted.  J is halfway sleeping because at this point he can't really help me at night time.  Luckily this girl is super cute and smiles big gummy grins in her sleep when she finally sleeps at 5am. So adorable my heart melts. 

We had our newborn photo shoot on Saturday.  We got a couple proofs- I can not wait to see the rest! !!!

Yesterday,  at 11 days old, she lost her belly button!

Its still hard to believe she's here....and she's ours! ♥

She made it!

Our little gal!  Lillian Rae delivered by Cupid instead of via stork.   Feb 14 @ 4:05pm.  8lbs 2oz and a whopping 21.5"! 

Labor/delivery was a gauntlet, man.  Pitocin for 30 hours (1 small break) & AROM before I gave in to the epidural.  Made it to complete dilation, pushed for 2 hours only to have her get stuck at -2 station.  C- section for failure to descend.  That was a doozy due to my other 2 abdominal/ovarian surgeries.  Now having issues with milk coming in...uuuugh!   Baby girl is such a cutie, though.  The pain & struggle & craziness is worth it ♥

41+4

Holy hell, I'm still pregnant!  Been having cramps,  contractions, and pressure for 8 days now... we've tried every wives tale in the book.   Except castor oil,  that doesn't sound pleasant at all. Ew.

I'm all about baby gjrl coming when she's ready and its her time.  Only problem is induction will be Friday if she doesn't figure it out by then. :(

I don't know what this chick is waiting on but it better be good!

Bumpdate 41 (yes, 41!)

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: Today I am 41+2.  Craziness!  J thought there was no way I'd make it to term.  I thought she'd be here for sure by yesterday.  Lol.  Apparently my breakdown at 37 about going another whole month was pretty legit.

Size of baby: No idea.  I refuse to get a horribly inaccurate weight estimate u/s done!  I measured 40 weeks yesterday. Fruit wise, she's been 'a watermelon' for awhile now.  ;)  we'll find out real weight & height soon enough

Weight change: -2 this week.  I've been bouncing between 212-216 since week 34.  Breaking 200 was rough but I've stayed within my goal of not breaking 215.  Technically still under the 35lb "recommendation."

Movement: baby girl is a rockin'!  Kick counts are usz completed in under 15 minutes... catch me before bed or before breakfast when I'm starving and it'll be under 5.  This chick loves her food! 

I always feel her in the same spots: hiccups in low low right, punches & kicks on the left mostly upper.  During our u/s yesterday we saw both feet And both hands squished up in the left corner.  Trying to figure out all those karate chops and pokes & rubs now makes sense.

Sleep: Snoring.  Tossing & turning.  Getting up to pee. Leaking primrose oil.  Contractions (some worse than others) That about sums it up. Its lovely.

Symptoms: my back feels mucho better! I think it helped a LOT when she dropped & lowered my center of gravity back low.

What I miss: margaritaaaaa.  Cant wait for one!  And delicious soft cheese. 

Cravings/aversions: at this point, nothing really.

Innie or outie: the top is still hanging on; it's the bottom that has given way!  Hahaha.

Favorite Moment This Week: passed our NST and fluid ultrasound with flying colors!  Even though she's late, agrees still thriving in there. Thank goodness :)

Worst Moment This Week: everyone frkn bugging me wondering if she's here yet.  Trying to hurry me and her up.  I'm trying to stay calm, cool, and collected and its driving me batty!  Yes, they're excited.  We are too.  She'll come when she damn well pleases- I have no crystal ball!

Looking Forward To: seeing her cute little face.

Daddy update:  J is pretty anxious.  At night, every time I roll over or get up to pee, he wakes up to make sure everything is o.k. Poor guy is looking tired already between that, my snoring,  and entertaining his parents. 

SHE DROPPED!

I noticed yesterday morning (along with hubby & my entire yoga class) ... she dropped! ! Yahoo!  Hopefully this means birth day is coming soon :)

----------

Funny story to add:

My button is still technically innie but gosh, is it sore and tender!  The other day I banged it on the dresser and oof! Ouch! 
Later that day, we're watching football.  Hubby's on the couch, I'm on the ball hanging out.  Suddenly, he is frantic.  "Babe! Omg!  Your belly button just popped out!"

Cue heart attack for us both.  I grab around to try and hold it back.. or something. .. I don't know but I'm scared to look.  Groping around.... 

I don't feel anything strange so I look down.  All is normal??!!??  Turns my "popped belly button" was the drawstring on my pants.  *Huge sigh of relief*  We both had a good chuckle after our heart rates settled down. 

Ohhh J, always making life exciting ♥

Bumpdate 38!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 38 +1

Size of baby:  from the app, 6.8lbs and over 19 inches!  Based on the midwives palpitation, about 6lbs.

Weight change: up to 212 but still below the 215 threshold.  Phew!  Last week I had gained 4lbs (Christmas?! Swelling?) But lost 3 this week??

Movement: as she runs out of room, movement is supposed to slow down but I've experienced the opposite!  Now I can feel every kick & rub and man, is baby girl a mover!  I can feel her in all quadrants but her fave is to kick my liver & ribs.  Her back is to the outside right of my belly so it usz looks a little crooked, too.

Sleep:  aside from snoring, great!  I've resorted to breathing strips for poor J, but they seem to do the trick.  I've finally included a quick nap into my daily routine.  I'm so tired and it helps rest my aching back.

Symptoms:  my fingers & hands feel like arthritis they are so stiff.  My left hip/SI gets stiff & stuck.  My feet look more like flippers they are so fat and my toes get tingly from the swelling.  (Luckily my flip flops still -barely- fit!)  Most of all, my frkn back hurts so so SO much.  Its debilitating and draining to be hurting so much all the time.  Ice & heat help barely.  I broke down and tried Tylenol which unfortunately did not help.  This week my shoulder is so sore and tender it feels like a pulled muscle :(  I could hardly chop onions the other day! 

Cravings: strawberries & Reese's Trees ice cream bars! Not Klondike, noooo. Has to be the tree shape.

Aversions:  cleaning the bathroom.  Hahaha

Innie or outie: still an innie!  It is sooo sore though. 

Im still doing yoga twice a week and waddling up the stairs when I can, hooray!  Our 2 mile walks have become more like 30 minutes due to my poor back.  Some days I paddle around the pool which is very nice!

Favorite Moment This Week: washing all her clothes, getting car seat installed, and hearing from the midwife that she thinks we are very prepared!   I feel as prepared as we can be :)

Worst Moment This Week: hearing I cant be induced before 42 weeks (protocol) unless medically necessary.  Cue massive meltdown.  I'm not exactly looking forward to 4 more weeks of... everything. Especially the waiting and anticipation....

Looking Forward To: meeting our baby girl!   Laverne & Wayne get into town on Wednesday.... which means its go time!

Daddy update:  daddy is looking very forward to taking care of mommy & baby.  He drinks coffee every morning in the glider. So cute.

Shake, rattle & roll

Middle of the night peeing is inevitable while pregnant.  I did not realize said peeing would wake up bambina at crazy hours of the night.  I've been attempting stealthy pee ops (in the dark) to avoid her 2 am party sessions.

Last night I forgot.

'Ol girl partied so hard, she gave herself hiccups twice today already: 3am and 7am. Lol.  I am tired, but chuckle thinking of her cute lil butt hiccing away in there.  I keep wondering how she can kick me in 3 places at once... very intrigued to watch her as a newborn and check out her little ninja moves!

Week 28 bumpdate

Its the **~*THIRD TRIMESTER!!!!*~**

How Far Along: 28 weeks, baby!

Size of baby:  Almost 15 inches and just over 2 pounds.  In veggies: a cauliflower!

Weight change: + 26

Maternity Clothes:   I've been living in sweat pants & everything stretchy.  My 'long' shirts that I thought would work forever are becoming too short!

Movement: getting karate chopped all the time now!  Baby likes to 'ride dirty' (as daddy says) by sitting low but every now & then I get a good punch in the ribs or gallbladder.  I've noticed she likes to get real active when I'm trying to sleep or nap, especially when I get up during the wee hours ;)

Sleep: still depends on the day.  Some nights I'm out like a rock, others I lay awake for awhile.

Symptoms: ooooooo my aching back!  Lower back is usz ok unless I do too much walking or sitting wrong (like on a bench or stool.)  My thoracic is in rough shape.  Think the boobies are taking their toll!

Cravings:  I finally gave in to my pink animal cookie craving.  They were ohhh so tasty!

Innie or outie: Yesterday it became apparent my cute, deep innie will no longer be!  I ran around with cousin Lisa here squealing about it.  The thin part is getting thicker & the inside is tender... I say in 2 weeks or less it'll pop!

Favorite Moment This Week:  my belly def looks like a preggo belly!  No mistaking ;)  we finished up Bradley class and are on the search for a doula.

Worst Moment This Week: its getting real!   In 12 weeks or less bambina will be here! !!!  Think we are both starting to feel the pressure.

Looking Forward To: baby shower on Saturday! !

Daddy update: daddy's thinking about selling his beloved jeep to focus on the family.  Whaaat!!

32 week bumpdate

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 32 weeks, holy cow!  The weekly countdown is into single digits; 8 left! !

Size of baby:  a honey dew: almost 17" and about 3.75 lbs.  She has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz) !!

Weight change: somehow my count is different from the midwives... they say +23 so I'm going with that. ... sounds much better than reality.  ;)  I did officially break the 200 threshold last week. Oof.

Maternity Clothes: Unless I want my belly to hang out!  ;)

Movement: 2-3 weeks ago I waa getting karate chopped like mad!  Sometimes so hard it would wake me up or seriously scare the crap outta me.  I still get that, but this week ol girl's moving has turned more... graceful I guess.  I can tell she's wriggling and not just kicking a puncging bag.

Sleep:  apparently I snore!  Poor J... ;/

Symptoms: my ligaments have poor me in the hurt locker.  Some days it hurts to out my pants on or get in the car!  I also feel my SI joint clicking when i walk.  I got a yoga ball & that thing has saved my spine though.  I can sit for more than 15 mins at a time!

What I miss: laying on the couch.  Can't take it.   Matter  of fact, the couch in general is one big evil piece of furniture.  Sitting hurts, too.  Too squish.

Cravings: cinnamon rolls!

Aversions:  not food.... though I have been feeling more nauseated lately.

Innie or outie: Innie, barely.  I might get lucky with an innie the whole time because of the 'overflap'.  Though I feel it protrude when I cough.... haha.  J is afraid to touch my belly button. I think he thinks it might explode.

Favorite Moment This Week: nesting has kicked in!  I went shipping to stock up on household supplies.  Also spent the weekend making hair bows, then arranging them by color.  wow.

Worst Moment This Week: met with our doula. ... holy crap that birth thing is coming!

Looking Forward To: Have an appt tomorrow and maternity pics on Saturday!

Daddy update:  daddy's hanging in there:)  he's been super sweet and taking very good care of baby-mama!  ♥

Nursery

Slowly but surely the nursery corner is coming together! !!  Our super comfy glider is on order....  the decal will be going up soon!  Next on the list, my mega list of sewing projects. 

Some pics of J and me during our special bonding experience putting together nursery furniture :)

Getting soo excited! !~!

Crafting begins :)

32 yards of fabric waiting to be sewn into sheets, crib skirt, changing pad cover, and other cute nursery accessories.  And we're off!

Week 24 bumpdate

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 24 weeks, 6 months exactly!

Size of baby:  an ear of corn.  Or according to ultrasound, almost a foot long and weighing in at 1 1/2 pounds.  Ute is the size of a soccer ball.  Its officially above my belly button!

Weight change: +20

Maternity Clothes:   had to retire my pink Cali jeans today.  Yesterday I did the rubberband-on-the-button trick & the band snapped!  Lol.

Gender: still a girl, confirmed x3 :)

Movement: More pronounced.  I can feel her all the time now!  Got my first kick in the bladder today.  Ouch.  J can feel her when she's doing hardcore karate chops.

Sleep:  good, minus a few weird dreams and having to switch sides all the time.  My hips get so sore!

Symptoms: heartburn here & there.  Overall nothing too horrendous right now.

What I miss: sleeping on my back.  Being able to sit longer than an hour without hurting.   Last week's road trips & plane rides about killed me.

Cravings: sushi.  Mmmmm!  I put in a request to go for the fake (read: cooked) stuff this weekend.

Aversions:  none.

Innie or outie: innie! Yeah!

Favorite Moment This Week: had to go back for anatomy scan round two since they couldn't clear her face or heart 3 weeks ago.  Thank heavens everything checked out GOOD!! 

Worst Moment This Week: work is getting harder to do for 8 hours at a time.  I've cut down a Bunch but thinking I'm closer to the end.

Looking Forward To: sewing crib sheets this weekend! !  We got the dresser, bookshelf, crib, and ordered the rocking chair this week.  Cradle & mattress are ready to go.  Now the fun stuff can ensue! :)

Daddy update:  Daddy laid eyes on his first cloth diaper.....and was impressed! ! "That's the whole thing?  Oh cool!" Mommy, FTW!

20 week bumpdate

  Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 20 weeks

Size of baby:  13 oz (per ultrasound) and the size of a cantaloupe.  Wowza!

Weight change: im living on the edge and have no idea...

Gender: verified by two sources bambino is a bambina - its a GIRL!!!!!

Movement: I've determined this week, yes!  The past weeks every once in awhile (like every 3 days) I would feel a little something.  Almost like a soft flick but never regular or strong enough to be certain.  During my massage on Monday I figured the flicks MUST be her.  They are getting stronger!  I mostly feel them in my lower belly at night.  Hopefully it won't be long before baby daddy can feel her, too! :)

Sleep: depends on the day.  Some nights are fab!  Others I wake up to pee & can't get back to bed.  Last week i got up at 4 a.m. and did some sewing.

Symptoms:   My feet & ankles have been swelling like mad.

What I miss: margaritas..... mmmmmm

Cravings: hot dogs with yummy fixings!  So far haven't given in to the craving but Oktoberfest (brats!) Is next weekend. Yesss!

Aversions: mushrooms.

Innie or outie: innie. But def more shallow!  Also my "flab divide" is almost gone making my belly into one big bump!

Favorite Moment This Week: being able to definitively feel bambina moving. So frkn cool!  We got in the mail our family heirloom cradle.  I was the first grandbaby to use it & most of my cousins have been in it, too. I'm so excited to carry on the tradition with great grandbaby!

Worst Moment This Week: ugh, names!  I mean, dreaming is fun but it has also been quite torturous.  It is only FOREVER! ! Haha

Looking Forward To: Seeing family this week!  Everyone is so excited :)  also passing our anatomy scan round 2. Round 1 was last week. Lil lady was covering her face with hands and would not move them!  Going back for a redo to check everything off the a.o.k. list. 

Daddy update: daddys in nesting mode, too!  Its so cute to see him excited :)  he likes to pat my belly & talk silly to bambina.  "Did you just hear what you're mamma said??!" His new fav line is : 'this time next year....' <3

16 week bumpdate

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 16+2

Size of baby:  this week, an avocado. And no, not just the seed.

Weight change: +14

Maternity Clothes:  oh you betcha!  Bambam is making her appearance quite noticeable now.

Gender:  eeep we don't know but are eager to find out!!! We have an elective ultrasound sometime soon.... we'll see how long I can hold that secret.  Heading home in a few weeks and I want to tell the new grandparents in person.  :)

Movement: not yet.  A few times I've been all "is that it?" Nothing definitive thus far.

Sleep: muuuuch better. Thank gooness! This week we've slept in super soft & fluffy mattresses (at the in-laws places.) I have despised these for the longest.   Matter of fact, I hated J's old mattress so much that we gave it to his mom and got a new one.  We slept on said mattress for 3 nights this week. That sucker was COMFY!

Symptoms: heart burn& indigestion.  Waaaah.  Yesterday morning I resorted to a mouthful of baking soda with a chaser of water. Blech.

What I miss: not being tired all the d@mn time!

Cravings: burgers.  Banana pudding.  Both of which were fulfilled this week aplenty by southern family ;)

Aversions: hmm... nothing that I can think of now.  Eating was far from a problem this week.  Ha.

Innie or outie: innie, though J mentioned last night it didn't feel as deep as usual.  Ruhroh!

Favorite Moment This Week: We got showered with all sorts of Razorback baby gear. Sooooo cute!  Also the fam was real good at taking good care of me ;)

Worst Moment This Week: trying not to be a party pooper by staying up late & getting up super early (with no nap!) Exhausting.

Looking Forward To: that ultrasound, baby!

Anything else?:  blood sugar round 2 came back fine. Phrew.  Bp has been up & down but also mostly normal. Double phrew.

Daddy update: daddy's getting excited!  He's taking good care of baby mamma <3  getting to be a pro at making perfect breakfast eggs. He likes to rub my belly to say nighty night bambino! 

I'm a navel orange (tomorrow)

Thought this was cute.  Though a little weird to go from a cantaloupe to a banana?!

14 week Bumpdate!

Bumpdate: 14 Weeks

How Far Along: 14+2

Size of baby:  a peach! Whaaat!

Weight change: since transfer,14lbs. For heaven's sakes.  Unfortunately way worse from pre-ivf weight.  :/

Maternity Clothes:   oh yeah, so much mote comfy

Gender: ooooh funding out soon!  I keep having dreams it's a girl..... hmmmm.

Movement:  not yet but i examine every little blip.

Sleep: crappy!  It takes me forEVER to get comfy and fall asleep.  Ive taken over the bed with all my pillows to no avail.  Hopefully this will come back soon because i am cranky & tired!

Symptoms: not much anymore, woot!  I still get a little nauseous once in awhile.  Reflux/heart burn has caught up to me.  Even water does it.  Tums are my new bff!  My ankles are a tiny swelled and my feet are HUGE! I just upgraded my size 6 tennies to a 7 1/2. 

What I miss: wineeeeee

Cravings: depends on the day.  For a few weeks it was sandwiches & Subway.   Peaches, burgers, and anything with balsamic vinegar are high on the list now.

Aversions: chicken.  It is hard to stomach!

Innie or outie: innie. If mine turns to an outie, yikes! 

Favorite Moment This Week: making bambino Facebook official.  So fun! I feel so loved!

Worst Moment This Week: realizing I can't fit into regular pants at All!

Looking Forward To: seeing the bump pop this week! Yay!

Daddy update: getting serious ;) Daddy splurged on a new vehicle for me.  The Jeep wasn't gonna look cool with cheerios all over. Hehe.  Poor guy looked like a deer in headlights while car seat shopping!  He's very excited.  I think he wants to pick out a name, like, today!