All Is Well

Greetings blog fans, Jason here again to offer an update and a slew of new pictures. Kristin has been very touched by all the comments and emails, and might be blogging herself if it weren't for her new laptop, the one called Dalton. Speaking of, here is one of the latest pictures of him:


Again, mother and child are doing well and we are optimistic that we will be discharged tomorrow. Despite the occasional flirtation with things like newborn rash, mild jaundice, and elevated respirations (we're in low oxygen Colorado remember?) it looks like we are in the clear to get back home. Ok...on to the picture party.

The biggest reason to get home is that we really miss Easton, but we've been able to see him daily, thanks to Gramoo. Here are a few of big brother meeting little brother for the first time. They seem to be hitting it off great.




"Brother" wasn't the only one Easton was happy to see. Of course here he finds the IV tubing more interesting than a photo-op with mommy.


Another highlight of Easton's visit was when he got his gift from Dalton, a picture Bible. You know, the baby came from God and apparently God sent him down with a copy of His book, just for Easton. Well, when Easton opened it and recognized the pictures of Jesus (from other books we've read to him) he immediately clasped his hands and bowed his head, just like at dinner.


On Saturday, Easton got his own pair of flamed sunglasses, among other things, as a special surprise. Here Dad and Easton are having a cool contest. I think Easton won.


Well lil' Dalton and his mommy are getting along swimmingly. When not nursing or napping together, their favorite pastime has been posing for pictures.


As previously mentioned, this is Kristin's new laptop. It really is one of the very latest models.


Dalton Cole, along with his brother Easton are native Coloradans. Here are the boy and mountains to prove it. As spectacular as it is, I'm sure I will be billed separately by my insurance company for this view of the Boulder Flatirons.


Since Mr. D is the man of the hour, he has been making time for his public. Here he is with Gramoo, followed by Grammy.



Alright everyone, I have to wrap it up and go back to the family. I'm sure Kristin will be back blogging soon with more pictures and details. Here is one final parting shot.

It's no wonder they call them Bundles of Joy

A Second Son

Jason here, dropping in for a guest blog...

We welcomed our second child in to the world this morning. At 7:57AM Kristin gave birth to our new son Dalton Cole. He weighs in at a stout 8 pounds, 15 ounces, and is 20 inches long with a head measurement of 14.55 inches. Kristin and baby Dalton are both doing great and resting peacefully beside me as I type this.

Here is the first ever picture of our little man as he is being cleaned off and examined:


His initial assessment went great. Dalton received 9 & 9 Apgar scores (the health assessment method for newborns, for all the non-medical types like me). Children born in Colorado, or at altitude really, allegedly never score a full 10, due to the lower oxygen concentration. D-man had purpley feet and hands, a normal occurrence the staff assured me.

After delivery I carried Dalton back to our recovery suite, while the doctors finished up with Kristin. As soon as we got there he began opening his eyes for the first time. There is a profound feeling that goes along with being the first thing a new person sees in the world (not to mention it getting inexplicably dusty around my eyes). I had the same experience when Easton was born and those are both moments I will never forget. Here is our sweet baby one we got back to our recovery room:


His temperature was initially a little cold from being exposed, but he warmed up for good after a diaper, shirt, hat and swaddle. Dalton doesn't strike me as the spitting image of his brother appearance wise. He is thick like a little cannonball and even though he is a heavyweight baby, his legs are on the short side. (I don't know where on Kristin's side of the family that comes from??) His disposition, 6 hours into things anyway, is very sweet and pleasant. He doesn't cry a ton, and when he does- is easily soothed. He's a very pleasant little guy. If you can't tell that I'm proud, then check out this picture:


Kristin rejoined us from the O.R. after a short time, and all things considered, was feeling OK. Now that a few more hours have passed (not to mention waves of pain) she is doing even better. Dalton is doing very well nursing and has had a couple of long meals already. One of the most special things about today is seeing Mama and baby together. Kristin missed most of this when Easton was born, because first she, and then he, was sick. She didn't have any quality time with him until his third day, and if memory serves me right, didn't even get to hold him for just under a week! Can you imagine? This time was much more as it should be. Here they are about an hour or so after birth:


The thing that strikes me most about having your second child, is that the experience is almost exclusively about them. The first time around is great also, but in different ways. Half of that is about you becoming a parent too (at least it was for me). Well I'm already a father, so now I can be less philosophical and contemplative and just focus on Dalton.

Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts, prayers and well wishes. So far, so great...
Now, I think I'll just go look at him some more.

Loving Two

This "poem" is something I found online awhile ago. As baby #2's birth gets nearer I find it is really capturing what I feel my emotions will be.

Loving Two
I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship. Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you’ve never shared me before.

I hear you telling me in your own way, “Please love only me." And I hear myself telling you in mine, “I can’t," knowing, in fact, that I never can again.

You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I’m afraid to let you see me enjoying him—as though I am betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.

But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two. There are new times – only now, we are three. I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.

I watch how he adores you — as I have for so long. I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments. And I begin to realize that I haven’t taken something from you, I’ve given something to you. I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you. I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong. And my question is finally answered, to my amazement. Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you—only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you’ll never share my love. There’s enough of that for both of you – you each have your own supply.

I love you—-both. And I thank you both for blessing my life. —Author Unknown


The excited big brother to be:



A final shot of the "old" family, just after Easton and Mommy's shared bath last night...


And 3 shall become four...

Tomorrow...Can You Believe It?

It's sort of surreal knowing when your child will come. I mean, there was always that "Well, it could be sooner" thought in our heads but now...he's coming tomorrow and that's all there is to it. I was a little emotional over it this morning...just looking at my current "only" child and trying to savor our last hours together as just the two of us. It's going quite well too...with no nap yesterday he went right to sleep at 7:45 last night then woke up unusually cheery this morning (he's usually cranky at first--till he has his morning milk). We've had a good morning. We went on a special trip to Krispy Kremes where we ate inside and watched the doughnuts being made. Easton thought that was really fun. He'd laugh out loud at my sound effects and commentary as the dough made their way through the machines. He didn't want to leave...or eat (much). He wanted to watch the doughnuts. After that we went to Circle Time where he was sooooo good. Still no patting song. I'm going to have to write Miss Jenny an anonymous threatening note. Okay, maybe not threatening. Easton did the fingerplays and songs and then we moved up close again on the floor and he sat very quietly and still for the stories. Yay! One story was about snowballs so Miss Jenny made a bunch of "snowballs" (wadded up white paper--way to recycle Miss Jenny!) and the kids all got to throw it in this basket she had. Easton helped load and dump them over and over and over. He played really well with the other kiddos (as usual). We didn't get any new books today but that's okay...he's got 3 here at home. We came home, Easton gobbled up his yogurt and went right down for his nap. Thank you God for making our last day of just the 2 of us so happily memorable! Easton was asleep before I even left his room just now. Sooooo awesome.

Yesterday I had a mild breakdown. With no nap Easton was a bit of a terror. I was thinking, "What the hell am I going to do when there's another one here?" I could hardly handle E. Jason wisely pointed out, "I doubt it will always be like this." That was nice. And necessary. Easton just seems to be craving even more attention from me right now, even if it's negative which I don't understand. It's reminding me of all the "behavioral issues" we had when I was newly pregnant and suffering my extreme morning sicknesses.

He was in a time out yesterday and wouldn't stay sitting down again. Supernanny advises not to hover so I'd sit him down and walk away (where we couldn't see each other). Well, then I'd hear him tattle on himself calling, "Mama!" so I'd notice that he wasn't sitting. What the heck? He'd just laugh. I was not finding it the slightest bit amusing. He even told on himself to get into the timeout in the first place (standing on the back of the couch after he'd been told not to). I don't understand the toddler mind...you'd think it wouldn't be too hard to figure out but, alas, I am stumped at times.

Anyway, after our trying afternoon yesterday today is going just swimmingly. He woke up nicely (because I shoved his sippy cup in his face right away?) and then we cuddled on the bed and talked about how brother would be here tomorrow and all those things. Then he got up to play a little:


He loves getting "stuck" between our bed and the nightstands. Silly boy. I took a quick shower and then let him back in the bathroom with me because he likes to make TP towers whilst I ready myself:

Sometimes I forget to dismantle them so we walk into the bathroom in the evening to find little E towers. I love them.

Well, gosh, it's kind of sad to think this pregnancy will be over tomorrow. There are some things I'll miss (click here). There's other things I won't...last night (since it was my last night being allowed to drink water) I decided to keep track of my trips to el baño. This I will not miss:
10:28 last trip before falling asleep
12:33 up (2 hours, 5 minutes)
1:40 up (1 hour, 7 minutes)
2:23 up (43 minutes!!!)
4:02 up (1 hour, 39 minutes)
5:16 up (1 hour, 14 minutes)
6:56 up (1 hour, 40 minutes)
At 6:56 I was up for the day. Can you believe all those potty runs? I did not think it would be quite so severe. Many people complain about just 2 trips per night. Lucky thing I could always fall back asleep easily. Although I feel like I might have a hard time sleeping tonight. Wouldn't you if you were facing major surgery and meeting your son the next day?

Anyway, I think that's going to wrap it up for me for now. I'm not sure what our future blogging plans are (but there are some!) so stay tuned...

Bad boy, bad boy...whatcha gonna do?

Oh crap...he's now getting out of his bed during "sleep times". Nap time today was too frustrating for me. So I left. He's in his room having some not-too-quiet "quiet time" instead. I had hopes he'd fall asleep but he's just talking to himself and being a weirdo. I just went up to check on him (he's only 2 after all) and noticed he had opened his curtains--which means he got out of/off of the bed. Super. He was in (well, ON) his bed when I went in though. I'm getting tired of talking about his sleep issues. And I'm sure you're more than sick of hearing about them. It's just no fun for me right now. I want to keep things sweet and not get frustrated with him but he knows he can get to me. Yesterday he had to have a time out. Remember back when we first started them and he'd stay put in the corner and "think" about what he'd done? Not anymore. He gets up. Again and again...which starts the time over. During yesterday's time out which was for climbing on the gate to the kitchen (where I was cooking). I said, "Do not climb on the gate. If you climb on the gate again you'll get a time out in the naughty corner." Then I walked away. What did he do? Little stinky pot pie climbed up on the gate and then went "Mama!" to call my attention to his little naughty self. So, naughty corner time it was. But he wouldn't sit. Not for anything. My dinner was starting to overcook in the kitchen and my back and pelvis were friggin' killing me from having to stoop and put him back in the corner so many times. It wouldn't be so hard if I wasn't 38.5 weeks pregnant. Ugh! Daddy came home right then and Easton finally sat for his time out. He couldn't see Daddy until he was done. Sometimes that boy knows how to get to me and he thinks it's funny. He was laughing for most of the time out stuff. I try not to show any emotion but he must be more observant than I give him credit for.

Anyway, bedtime last night was miserable too and that's all I'll say about that because, like I said, I'm sick of talking about it. Or thinking about it.

We had our very last OB visit today. They went over the C-section consent forms and such with me (us) as well. I didn't even gain a whole pound since Friday (nice because of the swelling). My total pregnancy weight gain is now 24 pounds. I'll take it. My blood pressure was 114/70. Higher for me than it has been but the lame M.A. who took it was like, "Ohhhh...it's good this time." and I had to ask, "Well, what was it?" and she had to think for a second (it seemed) before she came up with "Oh, 114/70". The doctor listened to little Deuce's heartbeat and said it was 130s. She measured my fundal height and it was 39. Then she said (after palpating my belly), "You do have a big boy in there" and I made her tell me her guess and she said, "Eight". Not that big...about what I'm expecting, actually. I've never personally seen a doctor be good with guesstimating weight like that, though. Only midwives and a few experienced nurses have proven themselves to me with other people's kids. Anyway...I mentioned my swelling and the doctor didn't seem to care but my urine dip for protein was negative so no worries. Friday it is then!! Getting close.

After the appointment Jason went back to work and Easton and I headed out shopping. It is a gorgeous day here today. It's over 60 degrees and sunny. Easton and I were driving around with the windows down. Ahhhh. Beautiful. We did a bunch of shopping (mostly browsing) and then we went out to lunch, just me and him. I had a coupon for a free lunch at our ABC breakfast place. My coupon was quite valuable addressed to "new neighbor" (me) with my maiden name. Hmmm...but I'll take it. I got a free half sandwich and a free soup or salad. I chose the Greek salad and a California avocado sandwich. Plus I got a free drink--sweet tea. Mmmmm. Easton and I also picked out a cookie. So my whole lunch cost 51 cents. The cookie was $1.19 but somehow she rang it up funky and it was only 51 cents. Honest Abe that I am pointed it out but she said she it was right. Whatev. Yum. My lunch date:

He likes going there with me because I don't make him sit in a high chair if there's a booth available. He's fun. We had a nice time and Easton has been very good all day...up until naptime that is. As we were reading his pre-nap story he was all cuddly and snuggly and as soon as it was time to lay down he instead decided to laugh and jump up and down on his bed. Oops...I said I wasn't going to talk about that anymore.

Well, I guess I should go end his quiet time, eh? Or should I? Maybe I'll just check on him again. I'm not sure what we'll do this afternoon but it should be outside. Too bad the zoo would be a bad idea for me at this point. I'm just too pregnant to be waddling around there. Oy, and can you imagine what all that walking would do for my cankles? Egads! And actually, I don't waddle. Not usually. If I've been kneeling next to E's bed for awhile or when I'm all achy in the middle of the night I think I might waddle till things settle back into place. Anyway, I'm proud of how I've done with this pregnancy...mostly for staying healthy and pregnant but then there's little things like my weight gain, my diet, my lack of strech marks, my lack of waddling. Thanks for letting me share it all with you.

Okay, that's a wrap. Bye!

Happy Mardi Gras!

That picture is actually from last year...but I shoved the shirt on him again today. It was way tight last year and this year it was nearly impossible. Oy, that head hole. I stretched it out last night as best I could. Sometimes it's hard to be so festive. Here he is today trying to get some beads:


I can't believe we're so close to Deuce coming. We've got "out of the house" plans every morning and nap plans (ha!) every afternoon. Today was Gym, tomorrow my last OB/pre-op visit, Thursday at Circle Time, and hospital early early Friday morn. Eek! If you think about it that way then there really is no time for me to go into labor on my own anyway. And, it also makes it seem that much closer. Seriously. By Friday. Friday!!! We'll have met (and named!) our new son. I'm ready. We're all ready--as ready as we can be anyway. I'm sure I'll freak out more with each passing day or if I do somehow go into labor first I'll worry about unpainted toenails again. Maybe I should just slap some polish on to get that out of the way too. Yeah, that's what I think I'll do.

Last night I finally suffered my first real pregnant bout of insomnia. It must be several of my pregnant online friends telling me their tales of it (thanks Kristin & Cori) because I was up for nearly 2 hours. Yeouch. I might get up a ton for my potty runs (seriously 4-5 times a night) but I can always go back to sleep just fine. I really hope it was just a fluke. I really need my rest going into newborn days again.

What else? Easton was much nicer today. Actually he was an angel once he woke from yesterday's nap. We had a silly morning and then headed off to Gymsters. He did well up until separation time, of course. I just don't know what the deal is. Everyone wished me luck as they all heard that I was having the baby on Friday. Crazy. We came home and Easton had his usual yogurt and then it was time for his nap. He wasn't extreme like yesterday but a little hyper. He kept trying to get up out of bed. Normally if he did that I would leave and come back after a few minutes. When I'd leave he'd cry and would therefore be glad when I'd come back and he'd lay down. Well, lately when we leave he'll play with his curtains (a no no) or peel his wallies off the wall (another big no no). So, I just did my best "What would Supernanny do?" and kept my cool, didn't leave, but would lay him back in his bed without a word. Or I'd continue singing my lullaby as I'd lay him down acting like his silliness wasn't affecting me a bit. He "got" it before long and layed down to go to sleep. At one point in my singing/patting I warned him that I was almost done and would sing one more time (not that he was asking, I was just preparing him) before I left. He said, "Yeah" and went to sleep. Before I even left! It'll be really interesting to see/hear how his sleeps go with my mom here. I don't even know what to predict.

Today after nap we're heading out for a few groceries. Jason chose our meals for the next 2 nights and then said on Thursday (my last supper!) he'd bring something home so I could have something delicious that I don't have to cook myself before I'm not allowed to eat for awhile. Here's our silly beggar boys at dinner last night:

Starting at midnight Thursday night/Friday morning I can't put anything in my mouth. I'm going to have to write myself reminder notes for in the middle of the night as I always suck down a bunch of water from the sink like a cat when I get up to potty. I would hate to delay my surgery because of something stupid like drinking water. I wonder when I'll be able to eat again after my surgery. Last time it was about 36 hours later, but my recovery will be different this time as I won't be completely bedridden while they drug me hoping I won't start seizing. Actually that's just an assumption. Jason noticed my face is looking a little puffy. (He's allowed to say this.) However, my blood pressure is still fine and I haven't gained any weight (water retention). We'll see the doctor tomorrow and I'll mention the swelling. My cankles are still there too. I don't think it's preeclampsia, though. I still think I'll make it to Friday and won't need the extra drugs around delivery. Please God, that's what I pray for anyway. That drug sucks big time. Plus the pain killers. It's a wonder I remember anything at all from Easton's delivery and such.

Anyway, I think that's all for today, my friends. Stay tuned...and Happy Fat Tuesday!

Morning Monster

Oy...what a little stinker pie Easton has been today. He woke up just after 8 calling for his Daddy. Daddy wasn't here, though. Ugh. For 20 minutes he refused to let me be in his room. Well, not that he's the boss of me but he sure wasn't happy if I was there. Come to think about it he wasn't all that happy if I was gone either. He was just plain cranky. Eventually I got Jason on the phone and put it to E's ear but that didn't help. Once I got him to drink some milk he was better. But, geesh, what a crankster.

The rest of the morning was pretty whiney too. Not my favorite of days. And nap time? Grrrr. For the very first time, I think, he refused to even walk up the stairs to his room. We are very good about warning him that there will be an upcoming change in activity. Plus, he is totally used to having his yogurt while he watches Little Einsteins, then when it is over we go up for his nap. Not today. Well, he wouldn't walk up the stairs. So I carried him. Then he just screamed and thrashed in my arms once we were in his room readying it for his nap telling me, "All done! All done!" I just talked sweetly to him (somehow!) and began sort of rocking him as I stood holding him while singing some of his preferred lullabies. Goodness gracious...he has never refused sleep that way before. Jason likes to point out that eventually all kids start trying to get out of going to sleep. I'm becoming more and more convinced. Last night when he woke an hour and a half after going to bed and he was up for half an hour. Then, he cried out for me again at 4:30 or so this morning too, but he went back to sleep before I had to go in there. Whew. Hmmmm. I guess we need to make his room and sleep happy again somehow. He was soooo totally falling asleep as I knelt next to his bed and patted and sang but when I'd stop to leave he'd cry, "more song! more song!" Same with last night. Today I had him say "please" and told him "one more song and then we're all done. Easton needs to go night night". And it worked...this time. I'm not sure what we're going to do but I think we are really going to try to keep the naps going and go with a little later of a bedtime. For now. We'll see how it goes and we'll see what happens when my mom is here with him. I just don't know...

Anyway...my cankles are still mega-swollen today. Yuck. It makes my feet ache when I walk around and stuff too. However, I still feel like we'll make it to Friday. And, despite them saying he's 18 days ahead of dates and me going, "Eek! He's huge!" I really don't think he'll be that enormous. My current prediction is only 7 pounds, 15 ounces (that's still 4 pounds bigger than E). We'll see, though. I just don't feel like he's that gigantic in there but what do I know. I'd love to be pleasantly surprised with a chunker. I think.

After Cranky Pants wakes up we'll probably head out to make a Christmas return. Then who knows? That's all I've got. Adios!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy Chinese New Year, I guess. It's also Vietnamese New Year. How do I know this "fact"? My eyebrow waxer last night told me. The place is called "American Nails" but I don't think anyone there is actually American. But whatever. My eyebrows are fine but she asked me if I work and I told her I stay at home with the kid(s) and she said, "Oh...you lazy. Ha ha ha ha!" Huh?!?! I wasn't sure if she was truly joking. I hope so. Big poopie.

Anyway, this is the year of the pig. The Golden Pig actually, which occurs once every 60 years. I do not know what this means but Deuce will be a pig. Easton is a monkey. I don't know what that means either. Okaaaaay...that was random.


We had a good day. Easton was up early and we didn't even try to nap him today. Jason and I went on our fondue date. Mmmmmmmmmm. My mom and Lauren E-sat again and even though he hadn't napped he was apparently great for them. Yay! Since he didn't nap we did his 7:45 bedtime and he was asleep by 7:50. Nice. But back to yesterday...

Well, once Easton woke up from his nap (1 minute before I was going to wake him up) I intervened quickly to try to preempt any of his usual post-sleep crankies. I said, "Did you take your nap like a big boy?" which reminded him of his reward and he smiled and talked about the "wash". We all got ready and headed out for the car wash. Oh the excitement! Easton got to sit on Daddy's lap while we waited in line for our turn and during the wash itself. Very fun. After we buckled him back in his seat we headed to the grocery store where he got to drive a car cart, eat his free cookie AND ride the 1 cent horse. A blast for our special 2 year old. Gotta make the most of his "only child" status while we still can.

We kept him up that extra half hour for bedtime again last night and it went much better. He mumbled to himself for just a few minutes and then was quiet. Woo hoo!

Today we didn't do a heck of a lot before our date...I did some cleaning, Jason vaccuumed, and then E and J headed to the park on Easton's "cycle" while I showered and straightened my hair. As I was shaving my legs for this afternoon's hot date I noticed some major swelling in my cankles. Yikes! I hopped on the scale as a measure of how much water I was retaining and found I had actually lost weight. Hmmm. But, not too worried about the swelling then.

Actually last night I had some of my first major contractions. At about 1 am I woke up in pain. These contractions finally involved my whole uterus. I could feel it all through my belly and my back too. Ouchie! This was new for me. My normal Braxton Hicks are mostly on the right and middle of my belly. And only in front. But, last night I had 3 big strong contractions in about 10 minutes and then they went away. I woke up later having 1 more and had 1 at breakfast today so obviously they're still not labor. But, after having one on top of another in the middle of last night I was wondering if that was it. I was making plans in my head about calling my mom up and trying to clean the tubs and paint my toenails while we waited for her to get here. Huh!?!? I am so strange. However, I did clean the bathrooms today so they're ready when Deuce is. Here is me today:

38 weeks 1 day. 5 weeks past where I got with Easton. Awesome. Anyway, after last night I am fully aware that natural childbirth is not for me. I had always suspected this and even though my contractions last night weren't unbearable or even required breathing through I knew that if it was real labor it would get much much worse...and the pushing...ack! An epidural would be in order for me if I was to go about it the "normal" way. And I like to think I have a pretty high threshold for pain. At least I used to. I just would want to enjoy the experience as much as possible and for me, I think that would involve an epidural. And for Jason to enjoy the experience as much as possible it would definitely involve an epidural. :) No matter, though. It's not even an issue for us.

Okay, well, as I'm blogging here bedtime is not going as well as it did. He went to sleep an hour and a half ago (the length of a nap) and now he is up crying in his bed. I've already been in once for "more song". Shoot. Gotta deal with that some more. Bye!

Last Night's Trip to L&D

No worries...everything is fine and I'm still pregnant...you didn't miss anything. However after the slower heartrate yesterday at the doctor and the fact that I'm supposed to really be paying attention to fetal movement I totally noticed Deucie was out of sorts all day. I wasn't feeling much from him at all...there was some movement (and hiccups!), I knew he was still with us and all but I wasn't sure he was completely peachy in there either. Even after doing all the things I was supposed to do: eat, hydrate, lie on left side and count for movements, shaking my belly about to wake him up...still not much. After dinner is when he's usually his most crazy active self. Not last night. Eventually I called labor and delivery just for some thoughts and opinions. None of my old nurse friends were on last night so the advice I got was "call your doctor". So I did. Our favorite one was on-call and she called right back. She knows I know the basics so she was like, "I'm sure you're doing all the right things and obviously you're concerned since you called...what do you think about coming up for an NST (non-stress test)?" While I didn't love the idea, I agreed. We decided I'd go up myself since Easton was asleep. If Jason needed to come up later (if something was amiss) then he could.

Luckily everything was just fine. As soon as she put me on the monitor Deucilydoo had what they call an "accel" where his heart rate accelerated--it's a good thing--"reassuring" if you will. So, we knew he'd be fine right then. Although I had to be hooked up for at least 20 minutes...that's protocol. He continued to have accels as appropriate and my NST was "reactive" which is what we want. You can also say it was "reassuring". Anyway, after exactly 20 minutes on the monitors I got to head back home. While being montiored the little stinker was finally moving, showing off some of his best moves. Isn't that the way it goes? It was nice just sitting there and listening to his little heartbeat variability interspersed with sounds (and sights!) of him moving and kicking away in there. I'm glad to know he's okay and he's being plenty active today.

If the NST was non-reactive they would've likely done an ultrasound to further assess matters and then potentially my C-section (since I'm term) could've followed. Luckily we didn't have to deal with any of that.

My BP last night was high for me this pregnancy but normal for everyone else. It was 119/71...of course the nurse wouldn't think anything of that but I did find it interesting. Perhaps I was still holding on to some nervousness over whether or not Deuce was okay in there? Well, whatever...it was just something interesting to note.

Anyway...onto some other topics...last night we kept Easton up for an extra half hour, just to see if it would make any difference at bedtime. It might have. He still called for me after 15 minutes but it was kinda half-hearted again and we never had to go in. He was quiet for the night about 25-30 minutes after I left him at 8:15.

Today his nap was rough again. I dealt with the first couple rounds and then sent for reinforcements...Daddy! We have resorted to bribing our child with promises of going to the car wash and having a cookie if he takes a nap. I'm sure none of the sleep books recommend this technique but desperate times call for desperate measures, people. It'll just take me coming to terms with the fact that he's not a napper anymore before we can all give up altogether. I'd give up sooner if Decue wasn't less than a week away and if I was convinced E wouldn't be too cranky in the evenings. The thing is, when he does end up falling asleep he often stays asleep until I wake him. I've had to wake him from, like, his last 4-5 naps. At least. Maybe after we're home with Deuce and Jason is here to help deal with it all we might let E give up the naps. I just don't know though. Part of me wants to check out our favorite "No Cry Sleep Solution" book which has a toddler and older child edition. I would love for him to continue napping so I might at least flip through the book. My library has it. Anyhoo... The final time Jason had to go in for E's nap he asked Easton if he wanted to hear a story. Easton said yes so J told him he had to lay down and close his eyes. So, Easton got into position, eyes closed and all and listened to J's made-up tale of a little kid on a tricycle racing a big kid on a bike. The prize was a glass of lemonade and a cookie. The little kid wins but is nice and shares with the big kid. The End. But when Jason was done Easton said, "Amen" Ha ha ha!!! Oh well.

Wow, no pictures for 2 days straight now. Wonder what's up with me? Part of it was me being gone all morning...I had breakfast with my pal, remember? Maybe today we'll get around to taking some pics. Tomorow Jason and I are planning a sort of last minute date before becoming parents to 2. The only thing is my favorite restaurant fills up quick and the only reservation we could get is at 3 (or 9:30!). So we'll be heading for a very early dinner while Gramoo and Lauren come E-sit once again. At least Easton will be familiar and comfy with them. And they won't have to do bedtime. And I won't have an uncomfortably full belly when it's time for me to go to bed tomorrow night. Trade offs, I guess. Anyway...that's all (all?!?!) from me for today. Until next time...

Eek! Just a Week!

It'll be no more than a week now before baby boy #2 joins the fam. Wow. The beginning of the pregnancy seemed to fly by...now, not so much. Oh well. Although, I find it nearly impossible to believe I'll be 38 weeks tomorrow. Awesome. And soooo different from last time.

We had an appointment this morning. I gained another 2 pounds since last week putting me at a grand total of 23 (or is it 22?). Anyway, my blood pressure remains low at 90/64. We listened to the little dude's heartbeat and it was slow for him: 120s...you could just tell it was slower even though we don't always count. And because she (the doc) could tell it was slower, too, she did count. But seemed fine with it. And 120s is certainly normal for a baby. Jason said it started to speed up as we listened. I do admit I was nudging my belly on the way home just to make sure he was still okay in there. I think he's a little sleepy...maybe he's gearing up for something? I guess he's dropped a little more into the pelvis. My fundal height was 37cm. Remember last week it was 38? Anyway, she thinks maybe he's dropped a little so my fundal height went down a little.

I really think we might make it till next Friday. At first I didn't think I'd necessarily get to term, then I thought with how ahead of dates Deuce was and the number of contractions I've been having he'd come before my scheduled date. Now I realize these current contractions I experience never lead anywhere (which is fine, I guess). So...even though I, of course, don't know for sure what will happen between now and next Friday, chances seem good (to me) that Deuce'll hold out (in?) until they go in and get him. Whatever. Friday is certainly a convenient day as far as my mom and Jason getting off work and such. We'll just have to wait and see as usual.

Anyway, the doctor asked if we had any questions. I didn't have any real questions but I did have to ask what the reason was for "no lifting for 6 weeks". She told us that I shouldn't lift more than 15 pounds so as not to increase my intra-abdominal pressure too much. This will hopefully give the fascia time to heal properly and I won't pop a stitch. Good to know. And I suspected the "no driving for 2 weeks" rule was for reaction times and likely still being on pain meds. I was right. I asked that too. Jason's question was, "Do you consider your hair to be brown or black?" Ha!!! It was something we had discussed the other day and he thought black, I thought brown. She says brown. Just so you know. It is a very dark brown.

After the appointment Jason left and Easton and I headed over to the Mom/Baby unit. I wanted to show him a room. The rooms at this hospital are pretty posh as far as 'spitals go (queen size beds, fridge, fancy tile in fancy bath, fake hardwood floors, pretty wood cabinets "hiding" the medical stuff like oxygen and suction ports). I didn't want Easton thinking it was some new apartment we were moving into with the new baby (and without him). So we checked out a room and I showed him where Mommy and Daddy would sleep and the little bassinet where Brother woud be. He noted the sink in the room for "hands. wash." and the bathroom with the "potty" and "tub" and the big TV/DVD set up where we could "watch". We looked at where they keep a stash of toys and the crackers and juice for visitors. I think today's visit will maybe help him. I kept saying how Mommy and Daddy and Brother would stay there for a few nights and he'd stay with Gramoo but he could come visit. He'd nod along and such. Who knows, though?

Once we got home I put him down for his nap. He gave me some of the same nap crap as yesterday but it wasn't for nearly as long. Good grief, though. It can really grate on me. I'm really glad Jason will be off for those 2 weeks after Brother comes home. We'll have to figure out a plan if he keeps this up. Bedtime last night was the same as usual. I'm really terrified he's ready to be done with his naps. Just in time to have 2 of 'em. Great.

I'm excited for the weekend...we'll have to finish some things we didn't do last weekend and I'd like to do something special-ish as a family of 3 for the last time. No idea what, though. I'm having breakfast with my friend tomorrow which will be nice too. Hope you all enjoy your weekends as well...and stay tuned!

NOT a Happy Camper Right Now

The laptop is still broken AND Easton won't nap. Great. Just great. Yesterday I experimented with him not having a real nap. It was sort of convenient with the "meet Jason for lunch in Boulder" plans that interfered with normal naptimes. Easton did actually fall asleep in the car for about 20 minutes and that was all he slept yesterday. However, it made bedtime a breeze (he was a little crankier than normal during the day and especially in his bath). But, he went right to sleep last night at his regular ol' 7:45 and then he slept through until just after 8 this morning. Good enough.

Now, today, he won't nap. AND he's not staying in his bed like he normally does. He's staying ON his bed, but not in it. It has not been fun. Frustrating, actually. Even though last night for bed was good I really don't think I'm ready for him to give up his naps. Many times I have gone in there to lay him back down, to try again with the song and patting. One time he actually started doing a fake laugh and repeating, "Mama's funny. Mama's funny." which made me laugh which I did not want to do. What a little stinker. I have no idea why he won't go down at all today. He normally does. He's still in his room, I haven't given up...yet. We'll see...

Um, back to the other night. Here is a silly picture of Jason and Lauren before their concert. I had to share the "nice" one yesterday until I got approval from Jason to share this one:


Yesterday Easton also joined me in the bathroom for some light reading:

And we made Rice Krispie treats:

And ate them:

And put stickers on the paper airplanes that came in Gramoo's Valentine:


Once again with all the stupid snow and despite leaving work early it still took Jason forever to get home from work with the Olive Garden last night. We had it after Easton was in bed. I was surprised with a new Crock-Pot (I'd been begging for it so it's "okay" for a Valentine's gift--I'm a practical gal...I didn't even need a gift). Anyway, we use our slow cooker so much that we really wanted one that was dishwasher safe. This one is. And it's a little smaller than our other one which is kinda nice too. I was happy. I'm using it right now as a matter of fact to cook tonight's chicken. Anyhoo...it was a pretty good Valentine's day.

Today we went to Circle Time and it actually went really well. This is the 3rd week of no patting song and her CD player isn't broken...maybe the CD is? Or maybe she's done with the patting song? Whatever it is I feel bad for Eastie because that's always been his favorite part. But he did well with the songs and finger plays and such that she did today and for the stories we actually moved up to sit right in front of Miss Jenny on the floor (not on the steps like usual) and he sat quiet and still in my lap. Yay! Afterwards they each got a Dum Dum and then colored Valentine's. Ha! Miss Jenny glued a heart cut out of paper towel onto a piece of red paper. Hee hee! Oh well...E colored it (only on the paper towel part, mind you) and then ate his sucker. By some very strange coincidence we sat down at tables for these projects...the family with 3 girls sat at one table and we sat at another table with 2 other boys and their moms. We got to chatting and all 3 of our boys were preemies! When does that ever happen? One was a 29 weeker (who apparently spent just 2 weeks in the hospital....Hmmmmm, I don't know if I'm buying that) and the other was a 34 weeker. They asked when I was due with the next and I got to tell them, "I'm having a C-section next Friday!" They were all surprised. The librarian who checked our books out told me, "We didn't think we'd see you today." We??? Like you all talk about who you'll see each day while you're shelving books? Anyway, everyone wished me luck. If I make it to next week I can totally see going to Circle Time next Thursday too...why wouldn't we? Won't they be surprised then too?

I'm not sure if we'll be doing much this afternoon or not. No real plans but I can always find something if we're bored or antsy. We'll see. He has actually fallen asleep as I wrote this blog. I wonder if it had to do with his humidifier? I had it set on low for his nap when it's normally set on medium (a little louder). Perhaps he's just super-used to that decible of noise? The last time I went in to make him lay down I turned it up to medium and whaddya know..he's asleep now. Hmmmm. His new soccer ball humidifier from Gramoo is here now but I haven't gotten it set up yet. Hope the humidifier noise/no sleeping thing is just a coincidence.

Anyway, while he's down now I've got to get a couple things done. Thanks for listening. Bye!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

So...Valentine's...not much to say yet. Easton did his usual last night so he wasn't asleep till after 8:30. Then he woke up at 6:50 this morning. I stayed up chatting with my mom until Jason and Lauren got home.

Then Jason and I stayed up chatting some more about our evenings. I didn't get to sleep until at least 1 a.m. Then having to wake up when we did. Ick. I'm blogging now as E watches Nemo next to me because if/when he naps today I think I might have to lay down too.


For that last picture he laid on the pillows and wanted me to cover him with the blanket. Then, he said "Pat?" and then "Song?" and then "Kiss?" I obliged him for all of those and then he said, "Bye bye". Just like at sleep times. Silly.

My Valentine is treating us to 3 meals out today. Woo hoo! We just got home from my favorite breakfast at IHOP. Mmmmm. Before long we'll be heading up to Boulder for some lunch. I got to pick all the places too. Yum yum. I think the plan is for J to bring Olive Garden take-out home. I know it's not the fanciest place but somehow Olive Garden take-out has become a Valetine's Day tradtion for us the last 2 years. I like tradition soooo.....I think Olive Garden it is. 3 meals out is, like, the perfect way to make a day special for me. Way to go, J!

Anyway, Easton is asking for some "ah sauce" and milk so I'd better go. Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Valentine's Eve

Yesterday after I woke Easton up from his nap we decided to head out to Wal-Mart. I got to enjoy my new clean car for the first time. Easton saw the infant seat installed next to him and was like, "Oh, brother seat" again and I said, "Yeah, but brother isn't here yet...where is he?" and he said, "Mama tummy". I think he's as prepared as he's gonna be. And I think he senses it's going to happen soon.

Could be real soon. Last night I had a very vivid dream I was in labor and when I got up to answer nature's call I had visions of my water breaking on the way. Hmmm. I've never seen the future in a dream though. Usually just the opposite, actually, so maybe that means I will make it to next Friday? Who ever knows? But, just for fun we were goofing around with the camera the other night:

You see that lone red mark on my belly button? It's the only stretch mark I've gotten this pregnancy (so far!) and it's actually from my stupid belly ring. I had to take it out quite awhile ago because it was giving me that stretch mark. Lovely. Oh well. Then it got infected. That was fun. I do plan to put it back in once my belly deflates a little. Not that any of you really care.

Okay, so yesterday I had meal cooking all day in the Crock Pot. I had prepared the meal at one of those awesome meal assembly places (love those!). So, I threw it in and once it got near being done I took a peek. Blech. I sooooo did not want to eat it. It didn't even smell good and it looked even worse. It was called "Southwest Pork Roast". Now, Jason and I are very picky about our meats but we thought we could handle this. Turns out it was just a nasty pig butt a'brewing. Ick. Jason took a peek and a whiff and agreed, "We're not eating this." Easton and Jason had cereal instead and E got introduced to the fun sounds Rice Krispies make:


And we did some fun train stacking after our make-shift dinners:



Easton took forever to fall asleep last night. And he was just in his bed talking up a storm to himself. Never sad. I'm trying to figure out what to do but don't want to mess things up too much before Deuce gets here, ya know? Maybe he needs a later bedtime, maybe he needs to give up napping? But, I really want to keep his naps for at least a little longer if possible. If the trade off is that he talks to himself for over an hour in his bed each night so be it. He's not sad and he's not up playing or running around the house. Why do I care if he's awake in bed as long as he sleeps till around 7-ish the next day? (Because it's hard to hear the TV, that's why). I might experiment just a tiny bit over the next 10 days (or whatever) but we'll see. I think Jason might enjoy some extra time with E in the evenings if we push bedtime back a little. We shall see. It'll probably all get messed up once we've got two of 'em anyway.

Today Easton and I had breakfast with his festive pink hearts cup (from Gramoo last year). His juice with iron is in there for his sipping pleasure.


And then we were off for Gymsters. E had a good day at class and no separation time once again. I'm getting a little too pregnant for some of the activities but we're managing okay. It's after my C-section that I'm kind of dreading...I'm not supposed to lift him for 6 weeks! Even with other people here (for "help") it's hard to imagine not lifting my first-born at all. :( We'll see, though.

Tonight Jason and Auntie Lauren are heading to the Supernova concert and Gramoo will hang out here with me and The E to do bedtime with us. She hasn't been exposed to the routine since the room change. Since she'll be on her own with him for a few days while we're in the hospital we were all thinking she might want a refresher. And I think she's going to bring up some more activities/supplies for her E-sitting stay. That little guy is going to be so entertained while she's here he's not going to miss us at all. Okay, maybe he will a little. I'll certainly miss him but we have plans for him to visit us every single day. Whew!

Well, anyway...I might not get to post tomorrow as it's Valentine's Day and all. So, try not to worry if you don't hear from me. But, a happy V-day to everyone!