Our Christmas Gift- Welcome Lucas Jude!

Early in the wee morning on December 26, around 1 am I woke up with some sharp contractions. I got up from bed and walked around our bedroom, checking to see if they were at all consistent. They seemed to be, so I finished packing my bag, and tried to wait the suggested 1 hour before waking Steve up. 45 minutes into the contractions, I woke up Steve and told him, "I think we are going to have a baby!" When going into labor with Christian I didn't ever have false labor, or any prior-indicator that he was coming, and I thought that maybe this was true labor in this case too (although in the back of my mind I was a little worried that we would get to the hospital late in the night and my contractions would stop.) We arrived at the hospital a little after 2 am and I was already 6 cm dilated and 100% effaced. By 3 am I was 8-9 cm. By this point I felt like I just couldn't finish the labor naturally, so they gave me a little relief. The spinal block slowed down my labor and made that last cm take awhile longer, but by 5:13 am we welcomed our sweet, healthy baby boy! Lucas Jude was 7 lbs. 11 oz, and 20 1/4 inches long. My labor couldn't have been easier and I am so thankful for such a short delivery, and a full term baby! Praise God!!It was also a huge blessing that Steve's parents arrived the night before on Christmas Day. What perfect timing! Funny though, we didn't tell Steve's parents that we were going to the hospital because Steve didn't want to wake them late in the night. Unaware to us, they both had their cell phones charging in our kitchen and didn't receive our texts or phone calls in the night. So by 8 am we were becoming a little concerned that no one was answering- Steve returned to the house, Christian was happily playing in the family room and Grandpa and Grandma were sleeping in after a long day of traveling. :o) But it still all worked out. I wasn't released from the hospital until Wednesday and Christian, Daddy, Grandpa, and Grandma came to visit Lucas and I a couple times a day (so nice to be 15 minutes away from the hospital this time!) Although I don't feel like I have been able to spend much quality time with my in laws this visit, I am so thankful for the attention they have given Christian and help that they have provided this week. So glad that they could be here to share in this exciting time with the arrival of our sweet new arrival!

38 Weeks and Christmas Day 2011

Below are some photo highlights from Christmas Day (the top two are from Christmas Eve at our friend Leigh's home.). I am looking very full here, but we had a wonderful day with our little family of 3 and then Steve's parents arrived later in the evening from Colorado. Christian was all about opening his presents this year. It has been so fun to see him enjoy all the traditions and excitement that come with the holidays.

37 Weeks

Whew! This is the longest I've ever been pregnant. :o) Today's doctor's appointment was encouraging. Little man had a steady heartbeat of 158 beats per minute. I am also 2-3 cm dilated and 80% effaced! The doctor seems to think that I could have this baby anytime now.I am still feeling pretty well overall. Winded walking up the stairs, difficulty sleeping, heartburn, general pelvic pressure- check, check, check, and check. But really, how can I complain? Both pregnancies up to this point have been so easy compared to other women's stories I have heard. More importantly, I am so thankful that we have this opportunity to be parents once again. So often I take it for granted that we have been able to easily have children and I forget to thank God for the wonderful blessing that it is. So when those sleepless nights due to feeding and crankiness come along here again soon, I pray that I will remember how richly God has blessed us, and to truly treasure those 2 am "snuggles."

36 Weeks

It's hard to believe that I delivered Christian at 36 weeks and 4 days and here we are! I have been a little anxious about getting to this point without knowing whether or not baby #2 would come early as well, but so far we have made it. According to this morning's doctor appointment I am measuring at 37 weeks, the little guy is head down and is facing my left side, and he getting eager to stretch and see the world! I am guessing that we will have a December baby, but time will tell. Here's to 37 weeks and a healthy, full-term baby!

35 Weeks

Getting closer! My lung capacity is quickly dwindling these days and I find myself winded quite often. Other than the heartburn and expected discomforts I am still feeling well. Today's doctor appointment was fairly uneventful. I was hoping that she would check to see if I am dilated or effaced, but she said she won't begin checking until I am 38 weeks. Checkups will be every week now! We are becoming really eager to meet this sweet little boy, and to experience those newborn snuggles once again.

Our First "Stay at Home" Christmas

The tree is up, there are snowflake lights sparkling in the windows, Christmas music is playing, and the official Christmas cookie list is beginning to take shape. Steve has been ready to decorate for Christmas for a few weeks now...he said he needs to make up for missing the festivities last year. Fine with me...I love Christmas! Last year, if you recall I decided not to decorate much, with Steve deployed and Christian and I going home to Colorado for a month. This year is entirely different, and it is fun to begin getting our home ready for Christmas as we will be unable to go back home to Colorado to celebrate with our families this year (something to do with a baby arriving around that time.) This is my first time in 28 years to not be home for Christmas, Steve's second, but it is a good chance to begin some of our own holiday traditions, and it has been fun to bring out the holiday decor that we haven't seen since Christmas 2008 (in December 2009 we were moving from Edwards AFB.) Thankfully, we will be celebrating with some family here, as Steve's parents will be flying out Christmas day through New Years! (A perfect time for baby #2 to arrive at 38 weeks...hint, hint.) Anyway, it has been fun decorating with Christian...he loves that there is a tree in our home and it has been fun going to the stores to see the holiday decor. He especially enjoys all the inflatable snowmen, lights, and moving reindeer. Such a joyous time of year filled with excitement and anticipation, but I am hoping that as we prepare for our new addition and the Christmas season, that we will remember and begin a tradition of treasuring God and his ultimate gift.

33 Weeks

33 weeks, the time is still flyin'. I am trying to get the baby's room ready and organized, so that when he makes his surprise arrival I will be a little more prepared this time around. I may even try to pack our bags soon, since I packed our bags the day of when Christian was born at 36.5 weeks. Wouldn't it just be so much easier if we knew when he was going to make his appearance? :) In addition to baby preparations, I am trying to get our Christmas shopping done early, gifts wrapped, and shipped so that I can focus on everything else that may come in the busy month of December. At today's doctor appointment everything looked good (other than the 6 pounds I have gained in 3 weeks- Boo!) The baby's head is facing down, a huge blessing, and only 7 (give or take) more weeks of heartburn, pelvic pressure, cramps, and kickboxing. :o)Compare: 33 weeks with the first babe

Our Last Hurrah

...for a little while. This week we spent a few days at Disney World! It was kind of a spur of the moment trip. Steve had just finished a month-long conference and we had wanted to get one last little trip in before baby #2 arrives. Also, Monday was my birthday AND we got a great last-minute deal at Shades of Green, so it all worked out fabulously. :) This week in November is supposedly one of their least busiest times of the year, and really the wait times were pretty good. The weather was beautiful in the low-80's, however, we were totally unprepared and had packed winter-like clothing. We had even checked the weather throughout the week, but I guess we should have checked the weather the day of. Needless to say, we had to do a little summer clothing shopping. Wouldn't you know...they don't sell maternity clothes! Oh well, I managed to get by in the 3 days we were at the parks.

This was the 3rd time Christian has been to Disney World (he also went to Disneyland at 2 months!) It becomes more and more fun each time we bring him. This time he was walking more and we were able to do and see more things. He especially enjoyed the miniature trains and "the Seas with Nemo and Friends" at EPCOT, and "It's a Small World," "the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," and "the Buzz Lightyear" ride at the Magic Kingdom. He repeatedly said, "adain (again)" and "ride" and "go" on this trip. So fun to see the wonder through his eyes.

Overall, we had a great family time. Lots of walking as expected and somehow at 32 weeks I survived the heat and exhaustion. We are really glad that we took advantage of the opportunity since we are unsure of when the next time we will travel.

30 Weeks

Man, this little growing boy is active! I am beginning to experience some discomfort as he seems to enjoy delivering sharp jabs and kicks, especially in my ribs! I am not sure that I remember Christian doing that. I never recall actually saying, "Oww!"...at least not until I was in labor.

The baby's heartbeat was 145 at this week's appointment, and everything is looking right on track...just sailing along. I am so thankful to have healthy and relatively "easy" pregnancies with minimal discomfort. Praying that the labor and delivery will be smooth as well.

29 Weeks

Week 29! Entering the third trimester last week, the baby's heartbeat was strong and steady at 150 beats per minute. Everything is looking healthy and on track and I am feeling really well. Lord willing, baby boy #2 will arrive closer to his due date (January 8) instead of 3.5 weeks early like his big brother. Otherwise, we would have a baby in 7 weeks! Yikes!

We are beginning to make some transitions in our home, preparing for little guy's arrival. This weekend Christian made the switch to a big boy bed (post to come) freeing up the crib. I am also trying to prepare mentally for this little guy; trying to remember what I did with Christian as a newborn, and what things I would like to do differently this time around. We are excited, the time is going to fly by in these next weeks and before we know it, we will have a baby to hold.

Compare: Week 29 with the other "little pumpkin."

Rewind...26 Weeks and Another Picture

At this past week's appointment our baby boy had a heartbeat of 136, increasing to 153 when the doctor pressed the Doppler monitor against my belly. He even kicked at it a few times. Yes, I think we might just have another feisty little boy on our hands. Everything is looking good, and I will begin seeing the doctor every two weeks now.

Two days later I went in for another ultrasound so that the nurse could get a better image of the baby's right arm and face. This little guy decided to be stubborn even after walking around two times in attempt to get him to face forward. Once we finally got an image of both arms, he refused to remove his right hand from his face. I could tell the poor nurse was getting frustrated, but I think she was finally able to catch a good image of his nose and lips. Considering how active he normally is, I was surprised that he was sleeping so soundly despite the constant poking and prodding. It was post-lunch after all, so I suppose it was time for a nap. OR maybe baby #2 will just be a good sleeper? (Fingers crossed!)
Our little guy...it was fun watching him. Even in the 2D image, we could see him blink and stick out his tongue.

25 Weeks

25 weeks, 15ish to go. I am still feeling well, but am noticing the challenge of bending over and getting comfortable at night. Also, Christian has been especially clingy lately, only wanting Momma to hold him which is becoming increasingly more difficult. I am not sure if Christian understands all that is happening and that his world will change significantly at the beginning of the New Year. We are excited though, and pray that Christian and his little brother will have a special relationship in the years to come.
(Compare to weeks 24 and 26 with Christian)

Drum Roll Please....It's a...

Today we were thrilled to learn the exciting news that we will be having another BOY! When we were pregnant with Christian both Steve and I had the feeling that it was a boy, but this time we were very unsure. My guess was a boy, but I didn't expect it in the same way I did with C. It was very special to have Steve there this time for the ultrasound (Steve was at a 4 month training at Fort Bragg with Christian) not just to learn the baby's gender, but to see the awesome images on the screen and to see the sweet little mannerisms and movement of the baby.

The technician was very thorough and took lots of time with us. Because the baby was facing toward my back, she had a hard time getting a shot of his right arm and profile so we will get to have another ultrasound in a month- hooray for that! (Hopefully I will have some better pictures then.) The baby is looking very healthy, weighing in at a little over a pound and his measurements put him right on time for my due date of January 8. We are so thankful for this sweet little blessing!

21 Weeks

My belly shot for the week. (Compare to my 21 week belly with Christian.) I am still feeling really great and enjoying the very active little one growing inside. Steve returned from Alabama on Friday (hooray!) and next week we will find out what we are having, assuming that the baby will cooperate. :)