I Heart Lansinoh

I would like to put in a quick plug for Lansinoh products. For those of you not familiar with the company, they provide products for breastfeeding mothers - their lanolin ointment is recognized as the best on the market, but they also have nursing pads, breastmilk storage bags, and diaper rash ointment. As a breastfeeding mom who is now pumping three times a day at work, I am a frequent user of their breast milk storage bags. Here's a recent exchange I had with the Lansinoh company:

To Whom It May Concern:

First, let me say that I am a huge fan of Lansinoh products. Your lanolin ointment got me through the difficult early days of breastfeeding all three of my children, your nursing pads are by far the best on the market and your breast milk storage bags have played a role in allowing me to continue breastfeeding while working full time.

It is the latter product, however, with which I have had recent disappointment. After pumping for the second time today, I went to grab a fresh storage bag from the “tissue box” dispenser bag. There was a strange mark on the bottom of the bag in what looked like black permanent marker. After ensuring that the mark was on the outside of the bag, and the bag was still sealed, I went ahead and began to fill it. To my dismay, my precious pumped milk started to leak right out of the bottom corner of the bag! Luckily, I quickly put the storage bottle underneath the bag and caught most of it back in the bottle.

There was a small slip of paper in the dispenser bag when I first opened it saying that it had passed inspection, but my impression is that this bag was to have been removed and it was overlooked.

I am certain this is a very rare instance in a company that has had, with me anyway, a long history of stellar products. For that reason, I thought you would want to know about my experience and take the opportunity to secure a long-time and loyal customer. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ashlie Hand
Mom of three
Thomas – breastfed for 10 months
Andrew – breastfed for 12.5 months
Madeline – born 6.6.08 and exclusively breastfed

Ashlie,
First I would like to extend my sincerest apology to you for the unpleasant experience you are having with our Milk Storage Bags. Thank you very much
for notifying us of this problem. I can only imagine how frustrating and disappointing this must have been for you. This company was founded over 20 years ago by a breastfeeding mothers for the sole purpose of supporting breastfeeding and I am so sorry that one of our products has not only failed to make things easier for you but has created quite the opposite. It takes an enormous commitment to breastfeed, even more of a commitment to provide breastmilk in your absence. To know that a product of ours has challenged you even further is a terrible thing for you and for all of us here at Lansinoh.

Do you by chance still have the inspection code that would have been included inside the white pouch? It looks very much like a fortune that you would find in a fortune cookie. Also, do you still have the defective bags? If so, I would like to send you a self-addressed stamped envelope to return the defective bags so that we may forward them to our manufacturer. This problem surely occurred during manufacturing and the bag should not have been placed in the package.

I would like to send you an additional supply of bags to use going forward, or if you prefer, a refund. Please forward your mailing address and phone number for shipping purposes.

Again, I am sorry for the trouble this has caused and if you have any questions or if I could be of any further assistance please feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Danielle B.
Lansinoh Laboratories
Consumer Relations Department

Danielle,
Thank you for your prompt response. It only reinforces what I already know about what a great company Lansinoh is. I do still have the defective bag, but since it was several bags into the package, and I opened the package several days ago, I think I have already thrown away the inspection slip you mentioned (and I know exactly what you’re talking about). I will search my trash at home to make sure it isn’t still floating around somewhere, but can definitely send you the defective bag.

This particular package was part of a 50 count box which I’m sure you know includes two white pouches…would the inspection slip for both pouches be the same? I haven’t opened the second pouch yet so could send you that inspection slip. Just let me know if that would be helpful.

Your response was all I was really looking for, but I would appreciate and definitely use an additional supply of bags. I still have faith in the product and would love to continue using them.

Thank you Ashlie. I will process a shipment for you to receive the additional bags. No need to worry about looking through your garbage for the inspection tag, if we can get the defective bag back that will be better. I will send the SASE along with the bags so you can just place the defective bag in there and send it back to us. Thanks again for being patient and understanding. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist you.

Take care,

Danielle B.
Lansinoh Laboratories
Consumer Relations Department

I wish more companies had this kind of stellar customer service. Thanks again, Danielle!

Childhood Memories

I've been told that I have a pretty good memory. And honestly, I have vivid memories that go back as far as age 2. Since becoming a parent, I really try to draw on those memories to help myself relate to and better understand my kids. I've been drawing on those memories a lot lately...

I try to remember what I can about being 4: This is the first birthday party I vividly remember - I got my first bike, had my first "real" birthday party with friends from my preschool (it was a clown theme) and we played a game where we had to sit on a balloon to pop it and get a message hidden inside. I used to sleep at the top of the stairs with my blanket and pillow, eating saltine crackers - I can remember just wanting to be closer to my parents and not miss out on anything that went on after I went to bed. I remember riding my bike all over the townhome complex where we lived (Gateway Gardens in CR) - shocking to me when I think of Andrew riding a bike all over our neighborhood without me knowing EXACTLY where he is at all times! I was scared of the older kids at the complex. I remember "mean Sue" and "nice Sue," my two babysitters that year. I remember the "oily road" we had to drive on to get to my preschool (Kindercare). I remember how embarrassed I was when I'd have an accident during nap time at preschool. I remember my first Christmas recital at the preschool when we sang for our parents at a local mall.

Ah, the list could really go on. I think age 4 was when I really started to realize that I was my own person and that I was growing up. I try to think about what it would have been like if my little brother had come along that year, rather than nearly two years later.

I read some great advice recently from a woman that taught third grade for a long time and has a book out about "behavior charts." I haven't downloaded the book yet, but just in her intro alone, I found a great idea. Create a "gratitude journal" in which at the end of each day, you make a list of five things you appreciate about your child, or that you liked about how your child behaved that day. Here's an example from my day yesterday:

Andrew
I loved when you laughed like Sponge Bob and sounded JUST like him!
I loved when you calmed down and just want in the playroom to play.
I loved it when you spooned tuna noodles onto your plate even though you thought you wouldn’t like it.
I loved it when you got yourself dressed this morning.
I loved it when you leaned down and talked to Madeline in her carseat and made her smile.

Thomas
I loved it when you answered the phone and asked me how my day was at work.
I loved it that you said the corn and broccoli was your favorite vegetables then served yourself.
I loved it when you told me all of the things you did in gym class – especially the “crab walk”
I loved it when you gave me a huge kiss on the lips at bedtime
I loved it when you said “Hi Maddy!” and made her smile.

Fun stuff...

Letting Go

The events of the past week have brought me to the realization that a significant part of parenting is made up of a series of moments of letting go. Letting that rope out a tiny bit more with each major milestone.

Our first major milestone this week was Thomas' first day of kindergarten. All week everyone who hears that we had this big moment this week first asks how I'm doing. The truth is, I'm great! Thomas was so excited and so ready for this major transition that it wiped away any anxiety or sadness I might have had. He has been counting down until this day since August 1st, could hardly get to sleep the night before, was up at 5:30 a.m. and had his backpack on and was ready to walk out the door a good 45 minutes before the bus was even scheduled to arrive. Given the incredible build up from kindergarten round up, summer school and back to school night, there was no holding this kid back! It made for such an exciting, happy morning - no tears, no anxiety, no bittersweet feelings - all was rosy! I can't wait for all of his school firsts - first skating party, classroom parties, PTA events, and even those first tests and school projects.

The only tears of the morning actually came from little brother Andrew who was devastated that he couldn't ride the bus with Thomas or stay with him at his new school. "Thomas is leaving without us!!" he wailed as we walked back to our house from the bus stop. I guess this is the sentiment most parents of kindergartners would be feeling, Andrew was just vocalizing it for me. "He's growing up, buddy," I said and tried to explain that when he turned 6, he would get to go to kindergarten, too. I also explained that Madeline will be going to his school in just a couple of weeks and he would get to be the big brother and watch out for her. Even though he didn't respond to that, he was in a much better mood by the time he got to his preschool.

And the report after the first day? "That was awesome!" as he climbed down from the bus. He got to make play-doh that "smelled like jelly," made a new friend, Brooke, saw his buddy from t-ball on the playground and won a race around the track (though someone he said cheated because they ran on the grass), and learned that the monkey bars were off-limits to the kindergartners (though he is already an expert at them).

This is also the point in my maternity leave that becomes very bittersweet. Madeline has just started to become more animated, playful and interactive but I know that in just a couple of weeks, I'm going to have to leave her at the daycare for the majority of the day and go back to work. That's the bitter.

The sweet part is that I'm actually looking forward to being back at the office, the excitement that comes with being part of a team, thinking strategically about how to best communicate with everyone that needs to know what we're doing. I attended a planning meeting for an upcoming event last week and it felt so empowering and energizing to be there, solving problems and thinking about something besides feeding schedules, diapers and entertaining a 5 year-old.

There is some added anxiety this time around, too, being that I'm taking Madeline to a daycare center, rather than an in-home daycare provider. It was easier, I think, to take the boys to someone's home where the environment wasn't all that different from where they had spent the first few months of their lives. Going from home to a place with bright lights, other babies, new smells, on top of strangers now feeding, diapering, holding and caring for you has to be a major shock to a 3-month-old. It's heartbreaking to think about, but it brings me back to my first thought - it's all part of the letting go process. Working moms just have to face it a little sooner than those who choose to, or are fortunate enought to, stay home full time.

From the time I gave birth to Madeline, our relationship has been a series of moments of separation. From having her inside of me to now being a separate person, whisked away for her first bath in the nursery just moments after birth, to putting her in her crib for the first time and sleeping outside of our room. Even letting Christopher feed her from a bottle required me to let go of my role as the sole provider of food for her, even if it was for just one feeding. And I know that there will be even more of these little moments to come.

My good friend Jill told me a story yesterday about missing the first time her daughter rolled over. She's a stay-at-home mom and is with her daughter nearly 24-7. She took her to a friend's house and after putting her down on the floor to play, ran to use the bathroom. When she came back, her daughter (just four weeks older than Madeline) was on her stomach. I laughed when she told me this, and said that she needed to share that with every working mom she meets. She agreed saying, "That's right, you can miss those little milestones whether you're at work, or just in the bathroom." Luckily, she witnessed her daughter's new trick several more times that night and knows that another milestone will soon replace it as our little babies are growing up right before our eyes.

Happy Birthday Andrew!

I have now been officially blogging for one year! Andrew rang in his fourth birthday yesterday with lots of fanfare. After a pretty low-key celebration last year, we made sure his fourth birthday would definitely be one to remember. He had a party with several of his friends from school and a few family friends at AirZone, an indoor inflatable playground - what a hoot! Everyone was sweaty and full of sugar by the time they left! He requested a Speed Racer theme and got some very nice gifts to match - it's amazing how many different toys can result from one movie/show!

On his actual birthday, he got to stay home from preschool and hang out with Mommy and Thomas all day - a real treat! We played outside in the morning before the intense heat hit, then made our way to the library to pick out some books and enjoy the AC. Later, it was lunch at McDonald's, burning calories in the indoor playground then a very entertaining Ronald McDonald magician. He watched his favorite movie, "Cars," in the afternoon, then we took him to dinner at his favorite restaurant, Red Robin. He opened gifts (more Speed Racer gear!) and hit the sack. Given his rare over sleeping this morning, I think I sufficiently wore him out! We had a blast, though, and it was so great to get to spend his special day with him.

Other news this week, Madeline is officially two months old! She had her check up with the pediatrician and is now 12 lbs. 2 oz. and 22 1/2 inches long. She's in the 90th and 75th percentiles and growing! She got her first big round of shots and has been fussy and obviously sore this afternoon. It breaks my heart to hear her cry and know she's uncomfortable, but keeping her healthy is worth it.

More later!

Maddy's Pink Party

We had a wonderful visit to Rockford last week and got to introduce the first girl to come from the Brian and Missy Hand family to lots of people. Maddy met her uncles Matthew, Reis and Blake for the first time, as well as Aunt Elizabeth, soon-to-be-Aunt Courtney and Uncle Blake's friend, Ann. She also met her great Uncle Buck (Mark) and Aunt Anne and second cousin Madeline (the first!).

On Friday, there was a fabulous "welcome baby" shower for Missy, Madeline and me. It was such a blast to meet many of Missy's friends, all of whom know intimately what a big deal this is for the family. They outfitted Missy with toys, movies, dress up clothes, and everything else she would need for future overnight visits from Madeline. There was a wonderful brunch and Madeline was loved on enough to last her at least until our next visit!

I dressed Maddy in her very best dress - a special one picked out by her Papa on a recent visit to California - and she wore Nanna's good pearls (I feel like I'm giving color commentary on the red carpet!). It was such a treat and a very special day.

Dream Come True

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this amazing gift we've been given. Ever since I was old enough to play with dolls, I dreamt of having a little girl that I could dress up, and share all my secrets of womanhood with. I had such an amazing and strong relationship with my mom as I grew up, that I could hardly wait to pass that on to my own daughter.

Each time I learned I was pregnant, I immediately started to anticipate finally getting my little girl. With the genetic history in Christopher's family, I knew not to hold my breath when we learned we were pregnant for a third time. I thought about what a long shot it was to actually get a girl and kept reminding myself how much I've enjoyed my little boys. When Thomas was born, I knew that he was exactly what I wanted, and what we really needed at that time. Both he and Andrew have taught me so much about myself and about how fun and precious little boys are. The awesome responsibility of raising two men was more exciting than I had ever expected.

When we learned that we were in fact having a girl, it was the most exhillerating feeling I think I've ever experienced. I truly felt like we had just climbed Mount Everest. We broke the chain and gave hope to all current and future wives of the Hand boys! I also knew that we'd be giving Christopher's mom the long-dreamt-of and seriously deserved little girl she'd always hoped for. And of course, my mind was flooded with all of the hopes, wishes and dreams I'd lived with for so long. Wow, I don't think anything could have brought me down at that point.

I look at Maddy and still can't believe that I have all of those wonderful moments ahead of me. It seems surreal and exciting and sometimes a little scary, too. Today's world can be a tough place for little girls. Body image, social acceptance, balancing life and career if she so chooses - it's so overwhealming. And to think that Christopher and I will have to prepare her for that!

I wonder how her older brothers will influence and protect her and remember the days when I used to wish for an older brother to protect me. I'm convinced that she'll always try to keep up with them, and may be a bit of a tomboy for that, but I hope she still enjoys some girly things, too.

I can't wait to see how her relationship develops with Christopher - the father/daughter bond is such a special one. I have an amazing relationship with my dad, and hope for all of that and more for Maddy. Mostly I just can't wait to see the little person she becomes!

Happy Birthday, America!

Our first attempt at a long distance car ride coincided with Madeline's one month birthday! Once I learned what a great, content baby Madeline is and especially that she lets us get some sleep at night, I decided that we should head down to the lake for the 4th of July. I had originally thought we'd never make it, but was ready to take on the challenge.

We had a wonderful weekend and I'm so glad we went. Maddy beats Thomas' record first visit to the lake at 4 months old by three whole months! The boys had a great time fishing and both caught their very first fish -thanks Uncle Butch! They also did a little swimming and got a boat ride in before we had to leave on Sunday. We had lots of great family time and saw several friends as well.

Maddy continues to be a great baby and in the last two weeks has started going longer stretches at night. Usually one 4 hour stretch, then every two to three hours after that. It has definitely given me more energy during the day! She still eating very well and by the first of the month is weighing in at 9 lbs. 4 oz.! I just can't believe how fast she's growing and filling out - it's so rewarding!

The boys also started swimming lessons this week and the added distraction seems to be helping. Andrew is getting some much-needed extra attention and it will provide me with at least one reason to get Thomas out and active while he's home with me for the next six weeks.

Getting Stronger!

Things have continued to improve this week and I am so enjoying my little girl! My recovery is going amazingly well and I've had the energy to get out and go to lunch with Mom, walk around a local shopping district and by the end of the week am back to driving and doing a lot of my usual activity. I'm still under certain restrictions this week and definitely pay for it when I over do it, so am really trying to force myself to take it as easy as possible.

Madeline continues to be a wonderful baby. She's so alert, and we were even able to do some tummy time this week which she really seemed to enjoy. The boys are adjusting to having her home pretty well, too. Andrew has regressed in several areas, which we expected, but I don't know that I expected that it would be so frustrating. He's wonderful with Madeline and checks in on her every day when he gets home from preschool - it's Daddy and me that he likes to test every chance he gets. Thomas is at summer school most of the day and usually plays with our next door neighbor in the afternoon until dinner. He's completely in love with Maddy, though, and loves to hold her and help me burp her.

Maddy had a great final newborn check up with the pediatrician this week and was up to 8 lbs. 1 oz.! She's also already grown a 1/2 an inch!

We sent Mom to the day spa on Thursday then she and I had a nice lunch together. Dad showed up Thursday night and he and Mom headed for the lake Friday morning. We were sad to see her go - the extra set of hands has been so wonderful - but we're ready I think. It's now or never, I guess!

Uncle Joe got to meet his first neice this weekend, too, on his way through to Hawaii! Other visitors this week included my friend Tasha and a few of our neighbors.

Sunday was our first full day on our own and it was certainly full of trials and tribulations. We have a whole new balance to figure out with an infant and two active boys under our care. It's going to require a mountain of patience for awhile while we figure it all out but I'm hopeful that we won't go insane, or do any permanent damage to our children in the process!

Welcome Home, Little One!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............ (that's a sigh of relief, not distress!)

It feels so amazing to finally be home. We have had such a great first week and Madeline is a total dream baby. When awake, she's alert and so content. She's nursing well and I'm tolerating everything so much better this time around. My recovery is going very smoothly now that I'm home and I feel like I'm bouncing back very quickly.

Mom has been here and has been a complete god-send as always. Luckily, Madeline is pretty content and has been sleeping well enough at night that I've been able to handle it with a little relief from Christopher. I think that's made this visit a little more relaxing and enjoyable for Mom, and means she has more energy to help out during the day.

Our first weekend home, Dad came back and brought Grandma Cox to visit and meet Maddy. Jackie T also came for a visit and was totally enamored with Maddy. We had a great Father's Day weekend including Thomas' baseball game and a yummy dinner of steak and potatoes for Christopher Sunday night. Maddy got lots of attention and cuddles, and we made it to Mass on Sunday morning for the first time.

I've had so much fun introducing Maddy to her new home, dressing her in the millions of adorable dresses, onesies and outfits I've been staring at for months. We have had an amazing first week and I can't wait to see how she grows and develops.

Maddy visited the pediatrician on her one week birthday and weighed in at 7 lbs. 4 oz. She is very healthy and our doctor is thrilled with her weight gain. We go back one more time next week to make sure she doesn't have any big losses then we're home free!

Going Home!

Well, after a fairly long 72 hours in the hospital, I am beyond relieved to be going home. I've had a mysterious, but intense headache that started on Saturday and has made coping with all of my other aches and pains almost impossible. Luckily, we were checked out by both Dr. Saunders and the pediatrician in the morning so were on way by lunch time.

We did have lots of visitors during our stay, including our good friends Nikki and Jeremy Toon and my Aunt Carol and Uncle Butch. The nurses were all wonderful, as well. The boys visited us every day but my absence from home was definitely wearing on them.

When we finally got the ok, I got Maddy dressed in her homecoming outfit, strapped into her carseat and we left as quickly as was humanly possible! She had done so well feeding that my milk was already in Saturday night and she left the hospital four ounces above her birth weight - WOW!

I can't wait to sleep in my own bed...

Welcome to the World Madeline Reis!

She's here! She's here!

Madeline Reis was born via c-section at 8:02 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2008. She's a very healthy 6 lbs. 15 oz. and 20 1/4 inches long. She has a head full of dark hair and is already starting to sprout dark eyelashes. She has long fingers and toes, Mommy's lips and Daddy's eyes and nose. She's perfect in every way and we feel beyond blessed!

Both sets of grandparents arrived on Thursday. Christopher and I had a nice lunch with Boss and Nanna Thursday afternoon, followed by a little bit of shopping on the square in Liberty. Grammy and Papa arrived just in time for dinner, which we enjoyed at the Olive Garden in Liberty. We had a nice, festive meal and everyone was definitely charged and excited about what was coming the next day. I ran around most of the evening of course, making sure everything was in order since I'd be gone for the next four days.

We woke up around 4 a.m. Friday morning and were on our way to the hospital by 5. After a very quick check in, we were led to our room and the nurses began prepping me for the surgery. I felt pretty calm and relaxed right up until the moment they were ready to take me down to the OR. Grammy and Papa arrived around 7 a.m. and Dr. Saunders stopped in to greet us as well. When I put on the hairnet and saw Christopher suited up in his paper scrubs, the adrenaline rush began. By the time I was in the OR, I was shaking uncontrollably but the anesthesioligists were amazingly calming and understanding. I was able to do some deep breathing and stop the shaking long enough for them to get the spinal block in and felt an immediate warming and numbing in my legs.

The surgery was quick and amazingly uneventful with no side effects or discomfort whatsoever. Soon, we heard Madeline's first screams (which I understand happened as soon as her head was out!). I was immediately overcome with emotion, so happy that she was healthy and strong and so excited to see her. They finished the delivery and held her up over the curtain so I could get my first glimpse of my little girl. I immdiately noticed the dark hair and how much she reminded me of Andrew. They quickly moved her to the warmer for her first Apgar tests. She pinked up right away and scored a 9 then a 10. The nurses were amazed at how quickly she pinked up and how strong her lungs were!

She continued to scream the entire time she was in the OR with us which was surprisingly reassuring! I saw her one more time after she was wrapped up, then she and Daddy went to the nursery for her first bath.

I was only in recovery for 10 minutes or so (it seemed) before they brought Maddy to me for her first feeding. She was a pro right from the start and everything came back to me immediately so we were off to a great start! Nanna and Boss arrived soon after with Thomas and his face absolutely lit up when he saw Madeline. We finally were transferred to our extended stay room and the rest of the family had their chance to hold Maddy for the first time.

We had a few more guests throughout the day, including several friends of mine from work and Andrew came in later in the afternoon with Christopher. He was initially interested in seeing Madeline, but once he got his first look, kept his distance. He would wave hello and goodbye to her, but from at least several feet away.

I was up and out of bed for the first time before Andrew arrived and gave Madeline a feeding from the chair in my room. The nurses were amazed at how quickly I was ready for that, but my motivation was primarily to get rid of the nasty cathedar!

We had a great first day, and Christopher and I finally settled in to get some much needed rest around 9 or 10 p.m. Maddy went to the nursery between feedings and continued to nurse well through the night.

We feel so incredibly blessed and thankful for a healthy, strong baby girl. That was my only prayer throughout my entire pregnancy and I'm so thankful that God had the same thing in mind!

38 Weeks

This is it, my last week being pregnant. Up until about Monday, I was pretty content to continue being pregnant for awhile. Then, Monday night the baby was so far up in my ribs that I barely slept all night and I am now more than ready to have her join us on the "outside!" I still have occasional thoughts that I will miss this belly and not being ready to let her go, but mostly I'm looking so forward to finally seeing her face, holding her in my arms, kissing her cheeks and nursing her. I just can't wait to meet her!

We had a great final appointment and we're all set for the c-section on Friday! We'll be up bright and early as we're scheduled at 7:30 a.m. and have to be at the hospital two hours before. I'm not really sure when it will hit me that I'm a Mommy of three, Mommy to a little girl and that we are now a family of five! I'm trying not to get too anxious about the surgery or worry about any possible complications. I just want to enjoy the moment as much as possible and be ready to meet our little girl!

37 Weeks

Everything is still going smoothly and uneventfully with the baby and me this week. Her heartrate is consistent and I'm still measuring behind. We will see Dr. Saunders one more time next week before we have the c-section. I can't believe she's almost here!!

Thomas had his pre-K graduation from Spectrum Station this week, too. He looked so cute and grown up! They did the whole "Pomp and Circumstance" and procession to the stage then his class performed a few songs. We got some great pictures of him with his best friend, Drew, and the rest of the family. He is so excited about starting summer school and kindergarten in the fall. Makes it much easier on Mommy that he's excited and emotionally ready. Summer school will be a great distraction for him, too, after the baby arrives. He'll be home with me starting in early July and I'm hoping he'll be a big helper!

36 Weeks

We had another great check up with Dr. Saunders this week and all is going well. The baby is measuring in the 26-27th percentile (definitely on the small side) but Dr. Saunders isn't concerned at this point based on my smaller stature. It's nice that this is my third because we have my history to go by, which is that I have little babies, but they more than make up for it once they are born.

I am pretty tired this week and it's definitely getting more difficult to put in a full day at work. My feet and ankles are consistently puffy and sore every afternoon. We broke down and turned on the AC this week as it's been in the high 70s and 80s every day now. The baby has actually been MORE active this week. She must be training for some marathon birth!

35 Weeks

Note: I am FINALLY updating my blog and will try to bring you all up to date as much as my journals (thank goodness for those) and my foggy memory will allow. Sorry for the delay!

We had a great time with the boys last weekend and I know they really enjoyed their special days with us. We definitely will be doing that more often as our family grows and we have less opportunities for one-on-one time.

The baby and I are doing great. I saw Dr. Saunders this week and we agreed that we should have an initial sonogram to check my fluid levels, but as long as they were good, we wouldn't do another one before I deliver. I explained how anxious it made me with Andrew and felt like we'd scheduled the delivery at an appropriate time anyway even if my fluid levels did drop. Luckily she listened and agreed which was hugely empowering!

We did the sonogram on May 14th and my fluid levels were a 14 (normal is 5-25. Andrew and Thomas were both delivered when my levels were at 6 and 8). We're home free!

We had a great Mother's Day weekend in Des Moines and got to see a lot of family. Everyone had lots to say about how big I'd gotten and Great-grandma Cox was even speculating that the baby had dropped and I'd go early! We got some very nice gifts from Papa Bill and Nana Karla and from Grammy and Papa. Everyone is so excited to meet the baby!

I'm definitely getting uncomfortable now and am very ready for Sweet Pea to arrive. Our friends the Kimbrels had their baby girl this weekend - Grace Ann. She and Sweet Pea will have so much fun growing up together!

34 Weeks

Irritability...check. Insomnia...check. Breathlessness...check. Fatigue...check. Baby, we have arrived. I can't believe our little sweetpea will be here in just five weeks, but I'm also ready to be done with this little nine month journey!

I worked on all of her laundry last weekend and really just have a few things left to do, mostly things she won't need until she's a little bigger. It was so fun to fold all of her little sleepers, onesies and dresses. I can't believe we're having a little girl!!!

I'm glad we've had a lot of distractions this weekend, and will be out of town next. I'm really looking forward to seeing my family over Mother's Day weekend.

This weekend, we're taking each of the boys out for some "2-on-1" time with Mommy and Daddy. We took Thomas to Applebee's (his favorite restaurant) for lunch, then bowling. We had a blast, but I have a feeling I'll be a little sore tomorrow! The boys have their final Sunday school class tomorrow, then we're taking Andrew to Chuck E. Cheese's. Should be fun!

The next three weekends or so after that will be all about getting ready for baby.

I'll write more later when I'm not about to pass out from exhaustion!

TGIF

Welll, I'm just sitting here fighting through my post-lunch coma and came across my favorite "Mommy blog" of all time: Because I Said So. This mom of six got famous from one E-bay posting about some Pokemon cards her kids picked up in the check out aisle of the grocery store. Now she has a book deal, and one of the funniest blogs I've read in a long time. Besides that, every time I read HER blog, it inspires me to do something more creative with mine.

I obviously don't have as many funny stories as she does since I only have two kids, but we had an episode while trying to get out the door last Friday that I had thought would make for a great blog entry, but then by the time I actually got to work, all inspiration had left my body (funny how that happens). So, I thought I'd try to resurrect it now...

So, our worst days are Mondays and Fridays, especially for Andrew. On Monday, we're coming off of a weekend of no schedules, no routines and lots of free play time. The last thing he wants to do is go back to the structure and routine of school (however much he really needs it). On Fridays, he's just plain had it with getting up and going to school and is ready for the weekend (who isn't!) and being 3 1/2, he can exhibit that frustration to his little hearts content. The scenario goes something like this,
Me: "Andrew, time to get your shoes on, buddy, we have to go..."
AJ: "Where are we going?" (as if he has no idea)
Me: "We're going to schoo-"
AJ: (cutting me off) "I don't want to go to school!!!!!"
This actually takes place pretty much every morning, but it's Mondays and Fridays that I have the biggest struggle actually getting him to come around and do what I've asked him to.

Me: (on Friday) "Andrew, just one more day of school, buddy, then tomorrow is stay home day." On this particular Friday, Thomas was also helping me encourage him, which he happens to be doing instead of getting his own shoes on.
Me: "Thank you, Thomas. Can you get your shoes on, please?"
Me: "Andrew, c'mon buddy, we need to get your shoes on now." More protesting. Finally I get him to come over to me and with one sniff realize why he was so resistant.
Me: "Andrew, do you have poopies?"
Andrew: "No."
Me: "Andrew, I can smell you. I have to go upstairs to get a new Pull-Up. Stay right here and do NOT move."
I lug my pregnant belly back upstairs and bring down a clean Pull-Up and wipes. Andrew is lying obediently on the floor waiting to be changed, while Thomas practices writing out the months of the year (and still does not have his shoes on).
Me: "Thomas, get your shoes on now."
Thomas: "Okayyyy..." (in his best snotty big-girl voice)
Andrew is now cleaned up, Thomas has one shoe on and I have to take the dirty diaper back upstairs to deposit in the Diaper Genie.
Me: "Andrew, please put your shoes on, Mommy will be right back." No response.
I come downstairs and Thomas is STILL putting his second shoe on, while Andrew is standing next to where I've left his shoes on the floor and staring up at the refrigerator.
Andrew: "Mommy, what's that?" he asks pointing to the top of the refrigerator. Boiling point reached.
Me: "Andrew - SHOES!!!!!!" Ah, now I finally have his attention. He puts on his best pouty face and grabs one of the shoes from my hands. He sits down and proceeds to start putting it on the wrong foot.
Thomas now has both of his shoes on, but is back at the table with his marker and piece of paper.
"Mommy, how do you spell Sunday?"
My head is now spinning and I feel pea soup creeping up my throat.
Me: (in my best controlled voice) "Thomas we're going to have to work on that later, we need to leave."
Finally, I have both boys ready to go and we're out the door. I get them buckled into their booster seats and climb into the driver's seat.
"Where are my sunglasses?" as I visualize them sitting up on my vanity. TGIF!!!

Batter Up!

Well, there actually are other things going on in our lives aside from growing this baby girl! Thomas started t-ball a couple of weeks ago and so far is having a blast (that's him in the green hat and orange sleeve t-shirt).

At his first practice, he learned how to field a ground ball, throw, and hit off the tee. We have been practicing with him hitting right off of an underhand pitch so he wasn't as familiar with the tee. He got one or two good hits during his turn, though. His coach also had him batting right-handed, which I think was a little awkward for him. He takes after his daddy and actually prefers to bat left-handed. We'll try that at the next practice and see if he does a little better.

They have about six coaches which gives the kids lots of one-on-one time. The kids are all 5 and 6 years old so there are some bigger boys on the team, as well as two girls. I've even already picked out "that mom," who is sure to drive everyone nuts with her constant shouting and critiquing of her son from the sidelines (rolls eyes).

His team name is the Mariners, and games start May 10th. He's learning a lot about teamwork and taking turns which has been really good for him (he's just a little competitive like his daddy, too!). Can't wait to see how he does in a game situation!

Go Mariners!

Nesting!

Maddy and I are now 33 weeks along in this 9 month journey. Just six weeks until our scheduled delivery on June 6th! The nesting has kicked in full gear this weekend.

I had planned to just wash blankets, bibs, burp cloths, and a few other small bedding items and am now sorting all of her newborn and 3 month clothes. I had planned to wait and wash those items next month to give myself something to work towards, but alas, the nesting has taken over!

I also set up the basinette in our room (clearly well ahead of the necessary time) and am starting to fill it with receiving blankets, extra jammies/sleepers, diapers and wipes. You'd think she was coming home tomorrow!

I vascillate between wanting to hit the fast forward button and get to the day when I can hold her in my arms, and feeling perfectly content to have six more weeks. Since this may very well be my last pregnancy, I don't want to rush things. Honestly, this is the first time I've really felt like I would make it to our scheduled delivery date. I think that has something to do with the fact that it's scheduled a full week before my due date, where Andrew was scheduled just two days before my due date (and ended up being delivered 10 days early).

My OB appointments have become pretty routine and honestly, pretty lame. I get weighed (22 lbs. gained so far - not bad!), they check my BP and the baby's heartrate then send us on our way. I should feel fortunate that I'm not experiencing any complications, I guess. My OB hasn't even mentioned sonograms once we hit 36 weeks to start monitoring my fluid levels, probably since so far I'm measuring withing the normal range (less than 2 weeks behind). At our 3D ultrasound, the tech felt like we had plenty of fluid at that point so I haven't been concerned enough to even ask.

The nursery is basically done, except for the glider slip cover, valance and pillow that Blaugh is sewing for us. I really can't wait to see how those turn out. I got a few more things hung up on the walls and some accessories I really wanted in her bathroom. It's all turned out so cute!

Stay tuned...more to come!

Our Amazing Baby Girl

We had our 4D sonogram on Saturday and I am still in complete awe of the miracle of life. She is beautiful, healthy and was so active!

She is head down, but practically bent in half with her feet right in front of her face. We watched her open and close her mouth, put her toes and wrist in her mouth and turn away from us to bury her face into Mommy. At times it was like watching a full-term infant grasping at her limbs and opening her mouth to yawn or latch on. It was so amazing!

The boys were about as interested as could be expected. I'd scheduled us for an hour and a half session to make sure we got some good photos. That was about an hour and 25 minutes too long for Andrew, and about an hour too long for Thomas. Christopher ended up playing interference and trying to entertain them while we tried to pay attention to what we were seeing.

We did get a very graphic and reassuring shot between Sweetpea's legs and there is truly no doubt in my mind that we are having a little girl (not that there was before, either!). She reminds us most of Andrew - the nose, lips, chin, eyes, everything. I'm praying that she also has his amazing eyelashes!

We're so in love already. Is it June yet??

Less Than 12 Weeks to Go!

We are now officially in the third trimester - 28 weeks! Luckily I'm only uncomfortable every once in a while. I feel like I'm carrying this little girl pretty low. I haven't had too much of the rib/side pain it seems like I had with the boys for much longer. It only bothers me every so often so I'm hoping she stays down there as long as she can!

We had a great visit to Florida for Easter with Christopher's mom and dad. We had two great days on the beach, and just one rainy day when we were pretty much stuck inside. The boys got to visit the Easter Bunny and had a blast hunting for eggs and their baskets in Nanna and Boss's beachfront condo! We got some great pictures on the beach Easter morning, too. The boys LOVED playing in the sand, building race tracks and tunnels for their Hotwheels cars, and building hills for them to jump over. They both got brave enough to briefly put their feet in the ocean, but definitely preferred the pool for swimming. They were little fish with the water wings on!

Everything continues to go smoothly with the pregnancy, too. She moves around quite a bit and I'm feeling more dinstinct body parts - knees, elbows, feet, etc. I'm still not craving anything too wierd...still salty foods and carbs for the most part. I took advantage of the warm weather to indulge in ice cream almost every day we were in Florida, but it just doesn't sound as good when it's only 50 degrees outside! I'm still getting heartburn quite a bit, and continuing the Benadryl every night. My OB did say that Zyrtec and probably even Allegra, which I was on before, should be okay to take. I'm thinking I'll start on one or the other here pretty soon. I definitely don't want to be in a Benadryl fog once the baby gets here and wants to nurse all through the night.

As you can see, we're definitely both growing! I'm still measuring about a week behind but that is right on track with how I grew with Andrew. He ended up being a few ounces bigger than Thomas even, so I'm not the slightest bit worried.

We'll be getting a 4D ultrasound a week from Saturday so I'll be sure to post a good face shot. I can't wait to see her again!

Nursery Update

I am so excited with how Sweetpea's nursery is coming together! Christopher (with a little help from me) spent most of the weekend painting and it turned out even better than I'd envisioned it. We got a lot of the wall decor up, and I put the bookcase together. Everything just looks so stinkin' cute!

We still have to hang the chandelier and put some other finishing touches on the room, but we're at least 80% there! I'll post new pictures when it's all done!

The outfit you see hanging on the right is Sweetpea's homecoming outfit...so cute!

The Beginning of the End!!

As you can tell, I'm finally getting my blog caught up. Sorry to those of you that have given up waiting for any new news from me!

We are now six months, and I know this is the beginning of the end (so to speak) of being comfortable, content, relaxed, etc. Once we hit the third trimester the nesting will kick in hard core and the pressure will be on to get everything "ready" for little Sweetpea's arrival!

Our house was hit with the nasty flu bug that has crippled much of the country this year. The boys had it first, then Christopher, then I picked it up. I never ran a fever, but it quickly turned into a sinus infection and bronchitis. Fun! We were all pretty much down the entire month of February. There is nothing that will make you look forward to spring more than being forced to be cooped up in your home for three weeks!

I've definitely had my first feelings of discomfort this month. Bending over is becoming increasingly difficult, and Sweetpea is just starting to venture into my ribs which is probably one of my most dreaded symptoms. I'm still having pretty significant heartburn, though it's manageable with Tums - my very best friend.

We had another appointment this month and all is looking great. Her heartrate was in the 150s and my measurements are staying consistent. After my 8 lb. (!!) gain last month, I didn't gain a single solitary ounce this month! Whew! I don't really expect that to continue, but it was a nice surprise nonetheless.

The boys continue to be so excited about the baby and Thomas is getting more anxious for her to arrive. They insist on kissing her goodnight each night at bedtime and it's become a pretty integral part of our routine. How fun it will be when they can actually kiss her little cheek!

Five Months Now!

We went in for our five month check up this morning and all is looking fantastic! The baby's heartrate is in the 140s/150s and I'm still measuring a little behind (about a week and a half to two weeks). Dr. Saunders wasn't concerned by that at all because she can see that I'm getting bigger, just wide, not tall which is how fundal height is measured. That's sort of how I grew with Andrew, too. Funny.

I got to show Dr. Saunders our sonogram photos and she was really impressed wtih the quality. She said the shot between her legs was really good and that she is definitely a girl!!! Yay! She actually pointed out all of the details to me, and I have to admit, it's pretty clear!

Sweetpea is VERY strong...I am starting to actually see her kicks, and have been able to feel them much stronger. She's getting big enough now that I can pretty much see them even with my clothes on, if it's a tight fitting sweater or t-shirt. If she shifts her entire body, my entire belly shifts. Pretty amazing, really. I love it!

I also have almost everything we need for her room already. I've ordered her bedding, window shade, baskets and liners, rug, lighting and the letters to spell her name on the wall. There are still a few small decorative items I want to get but am trying to pace myself . Her closet is almost completely full already, and she's set with onesies, receiving blankets and sleepers for her first three months or so. I'm not going to buy anything else (if I can help myself!) until after she's born. I have found some of the cutest shoes, hats and outfits and just can't wait to see her in them!

After my appointment today I stopped upstairs to see Barb, my all time favorite Lactation Consultant. I told her to reserve some time for me in June (of course I won't turn the others away, but Barb knows me the best) and she was soooo excited! It's all becoming so much more real! I love it!

ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are so very blessed! We went in for our 16-20 week check up last Friday and my doctor asked if we'd had our sonogram yet. I said "Nooo..." and gave her a look that said "I REALLY want one!" She asked if she could get us in that afternoon, would we be available? ABSOLUTELY!

Her amazing nurse, Angie, finagled us an appointment at 1:30 that afternoon.

That would be just the first of several surreal experiences that day. We waited almost an hour to finally get in to see the sonogram tech, then she got started. Everything checked out perfect...baby's lungs, heart, brain, spine, kidneys, arms, legs, belly, hands, feet, face, nose and lips were all just as they should be.

Finally, the tech asked us what we already have at home (child-wise) and we said, "Two boys." Her response was, "Well, I think you might be getting your girl!" I looked at Christopher with tears in my eyes and sobs caught in my throat. I could not believe what she was telling us. It was such a tremendous relief for me to finally have my intuition confirmed and I think Christopher was in shock!

It took her a few more minutes to get the baby to move into a position where she could prove it to us. Finally, money shot! There was the little line from her bottom to the classic white lines and nothing else in between the legs! YAY!!!!

The tech was only allowed to give us an 85% assurance rate that she was right, but also told us that in 12 years of doing ultrasounds she hasn't been wrong yet (that she knows of!). I've gone back and looked at it so many times, compared it to other "girl" ultrasound photos, compared it to the photos I have from the boys and from other boys and it seems pretty certifiable .

I was on such an adrenaline high when we left the ultrasound that literally nothing could have brought me down. I decided to take the rest of the afternoon and start the weekend a little early so we could celebrate. That meant heading to my favorite maternity/baby boutique - Marshmallow Kisses. I bought a t-shirt that said "It's finally a girl!", an adorable homecoming outfit for the baby and a baby book I'd had my eyes on for a while. It was so exhilerating! We then went upstairs to the Marshall's superstore and I found a little Polo dress and gift set with a hat, bib, onesie, gown and sleeper...so cute! Everything was pink of course!

The next day, I got to drive up to Des Moines where my cousin Kim was visiting from Colorado with her baby girl, as well as to see my ailing grandfather. Most of my extended family was at my grandparents' house and everyone was so ecstatic to hear our news! It took my parents and brother the longest of everyone to notice what it said on my shirt, but my mom about broke my back she hugged me so hard when she figured it out.

I finally started to come down a bit on the drive home Sunday, but I continue to pinch myself in disbelief. Christopher's family is thrilled for us and his mom in particular is on cloud nine. I really didn't believe it was possible, even as strong as my feelings were.

I can't wait to start decorating the nursery and filling her room with sweet little girl things!

The boys are thrilled, too. Thomas was so excited that he'd guessed right, though I'm not sure Andrew really understands what it's going to mean to have a little girl joining the family!
My co-workers have been so sweet...I had a pair of tiny pink ballet slippers and a pink sleeper waiting for me when I got in on Monday from two of the girls on my team. It's been so fun!

In other news...my belly is truly impossible to miss at this point. I am feeling Sweetpea moving more and more every day. She'll have a busy moment, then rest for what feels like forever. As much as she was moving during the sonogram, though, I'm really only feeling a fraction of her movements...mostly just the kicks, twitches and punches. She's doing full sommersaults, twists and flips that I'm not even feeling!

Our appointment also went well. Her heartrate was in the 150s and in the upper 140s during the sonogram (just like the boys! Take that old wives!).

We are over the moon we're so happy and I can't wait to hold my little girl!!!!

Hello Second Trimester!

"The fruit of the spirit is patience..."

Happy New Year! The big milestone this month of course, is finally crossing that threshold into the "golden age of pregnancy" - the second trimester. My little belly popped out the day before I was officially 16 weeks (see photo above) and I've been feeling fairly regular kicks, punches and taps ever since.

At our last appointment, the baby's heart rate was still around 160. We ended up seeing the nurse practitioner because my OB was running late. The second she put the doppler on my belly she picked up the baby's heartbeat. She joked that we had a very cooperative baby, and that she hoped it stayed that way through adolescence. Fat chance, I'm sure!

I finally remember why I love being pregnant so much, despite a much rougher first trimester with this little one. I'm so excited and impatient to have our ultrasound and finally find out if we're going to be blessed with a little girl or a little boy. As much as I would absolutely love a little girl, I am really trying not to get my hopes up. I know it will be hard to avoid being a little disappointed at the initial news that we're having another boy, but I don't want to be so committed to bringing a little girl into our family that I'm devasted by the opposite. Just trying to keep my mind open to either, and especially thinking of how much I LOVE my little boys.

Speaking of the boys, as I've begun to become more visibly pregnant, they have been so adorable as they bond with the pregnancy and the baby. Thomas is adamant that I have a little girl, and a baby sister, in my tummy. Andrew is quick to say that it's a boy. They've both been very consistent in their guesses, so we'll see which of them is more intuitive. They love to kiss and hug the baby good night after I give them their hugs and kisses.

Thomas has been the most intrigued by the whole thing. He regularly asks me how big the baby is now and gets giddy with excitement when I show him with my hands. He tells me he's so excited for the baby to come and also regularly asks me how much longer until the baby gets here. He's all about timeframes and dates these days, and can't believe it when I tell him that the baby will be here in about 150 days. He also loves to talk about when my tummy will "get fat."

Christopher is still being pretty quiet about what his predictions might be. He thinks I'm crazy thinking this baby is a girl, though he was right on board with me in the hormonal early days. I think the idea of a daughter scares the bejeezes out of him!

So far, my cravings involve anything salty, high in carbs and Asian food. The type doesn't really matter, I've been happy with Chinese, Japanese and Thai - all are equally satisfying. If it's deep fried with sweet/salty flavor I'm all over it. I definitely am not interested in spicy stuff, though, which is a major difference from the boys. I couldn't get enough hot wings when I was pregnant with Thomas and ate them on occasion with Andrew, but they don't appeal to me in any way this time. I'm still dealing with heartburn, and had it pretty severely the other night. I had to take four Tums before I could even relax enough to go to sleep. This will be one hairy little baby!

So far, sleeping hasn't been to much of an issue. I'm up usually just once to go to the bathroom which is typical for me, but feel like it takes me longer to get back to sleep and I don't feel like I sleep as soundly this time. I've been more anxious with this pregnancy, which could definitely be contributing to that. I'm still just using one extra pillow at this point, but as my belly grows, I know that will quickly change.

The next big milestone will definitely be the ultrasound which I'm guessing we'll schedule either the week of Jan. 21st or 28th. I will be pushing HARD at my next appointment for the week of the 21st and I just hope my OB's not a total stickler for waiting until I've hit 20 weeks. Once we have that, I want to scheduled a "fun" ultrasound for a 4D that the boys can attend, too. The 2D we'll get as our diagnostic might be a little scary for them (the baby looks more like an alien than a human baby) and the 4D will be a little more lifelike. We can reconfirm the sex at that point, too, which will be fun.

Now that I'm feeling good, I'm so ready to start planning a nursery, shop for a homecoming outfit, baby book, etc. We're calling the baby Sweet Pea for now, but I would love to get a name picked out and really start bonding with him/her. That day can not come soon enough!