Caroline

There was a little girl

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

There was a little girl,

Who had a little curl,

Right in the middle of her forehead.

When she was good,

She was very good indeed,

But when she was bad she was horrid.

 
Dear Caroline,
 
Tonight while I was vacuuming, this poem popped into my head.  Maybe it was because you kept wrapping the cord around your neck every time I turned around.  It could be because you like to bring the stool into our living room and climb up onto the tv stand.  Maybe it's because the chairs can't be next to the table otherwise you will climb up onto the table.  Or because today I have caught you playing in the toilet five times.  Or the fact one of the toilets is very, very clogged right now and I am worried there is more than human waste down there.  Don't forget you like to get into the garbage can and eat what you find. 
 
You make us laugh, scratch our heads, and cover our eyes at times.  You are our little sweet mush.  You are our big trouble maker.  We love you.  You are giving your mom and dad grey hair in our early thirties. 
 
You like to give hugs and pat us on our back.  You like to cock your head when you smile.  I don't want to forget a moment of you right now.  But quit being such a trouble maker. 
 
You are 16 months old right now and you are my little personality clone.  You run everywhere, momma appreciates a fast walker.  You are stubborn and independent, just like me.  You look just like your dad, right now.  But there is a whole lot of me in that personality.  I know you are going to be trouble and I love you for it.
 
Love you my little baby,
Momma

15 month update

Mush became mush because she was this little butter ball of a baby.  We have called her short, fat & smart, but she is growing up.  Today she had her 15 month check up.  She is doing good.  No ear problems, tubes look good.  Lungs sound good.  She is an active one who loves to dance.  Not much into talking yet.  I am sure she will out pace the siblings one of these days.  Her stats came in at 90% for her head size, and I can believe it.  We sometimes have problems putting on shirts.  She weighs a whopping 22.6 lbs and that puts her at the 45% her height is now 31 inches and she has bumped up to the 75%.  My little baby is growing up.  The doctor also saw a molar cutting which I hadn't seen yet.  But I knew it was coming based on the attitude. 

How did this happen?

Caroline is 8 months old today. I am lost as to where the time went. Survival I guess. I am not doing to well at slowing time down so I can savor every last sweet baby moment of hers.

She is such a funny baby. The faces this one makes. Watch out. She cracks us up daily.

She is rolling everywhere. She can get to any place she wants. She rolls and pivots and gets into trouble. She eats really well. Haven't found a food she will turn away. You can tell by the rolls on her body.

Six Month Fun

Caroline

James

Hannah

Caroline Update

Caroline is almost 5 months old. Seriously where has the time gone. She is no longer resembling a little new baby. She rolls and moves and eats all the time. She is getting bigger by the second.

I am getting into that zone where she is going to learn a new trick every day. Scary.

Her stats for her 4 month check up were: Height 24" (25-50%), Weight 13.8 lbs (50%), & noggin 42 (75%). Short, fat, & smart.

Today we gave her some rice cereal for the first time. She took about 5 bites like a champ. She didn't spit too much out. She has been so interested in food and eating I thought I would give it a try.

Sorry Dairy Industry

I read an article in the newspaper about how the dairy industry is really struggling right now. As much as I wish I could support them, I have had to cut all dairy out of my diet. It also looks like onions and spicy foods are out. I am starting to suspect citrus as well.

Why cut all these good foods out? Some kind of weight loss plan? NO. It's a fussy baby. I have been trying to be a good sport and keep a positive attitude, but it's old already.

Oh well, moving on. It is just part of being a mom.

1 month old

Caroline is a month old today. That was a fast one. She is doing well. I won't have stats until next week.

She has gotten used to sitting on my lap at the computer and I am getting better at one handed typing.

Caroline 1 month
Hannah 1 month

Caroline

Hannah

I had to do it. Hopefully these two won't be compared their whole life. But now it's fun.

Manditory Update

It is hot! This doesn't make me too happy. I love summer time, but I need a couple more weeks with this newborn before this heat can be here.

I have cut back my Internet time so much I barely recognize my days anymore. I am back to thinking about things to write about while I am up during the night. But when the day comes I am at a loss for thoughts.

I haven't done too well keeping up with friends and family either. Sorry everyone!

Jerry has gone back to work. This is always a nervous day for me. I get used to him being home and I question if I can do it all by myself. It always goes fine. I remember wondering how I was going to do it with James. I had one tiny baby that slept all day, how hysterical. Today we have had dropped off James at preschool and then the store because the kids are snack helpers tomorrow at preschool. I also have to take him to the dentist today. You just jump back in and deal and it works out fine.

Caroline is doing well. Her brother and sister are doing well also. The general testing that I expected and busyness.

I can't wait to start working out again. I am trying to be patient and wait till the 6 week mark but sitting here 25 lbs overweight and stir crazy, a walk is becoming more and more appealing to me. I will just start out slow. That is if this heat will go away.

In the black hole of baby land

I have tried to think about things to post lately. I have tried to find time to post. But the baby wins. I have my work cut out for me, especially during the day when I have to try to keep her awake so she will sleep during the night. I also have been napping, which I didn't do with the first two and it makes a big difference feeling good, but it takes time away from this blog. At least I have my priorities right.

Because I couldn't find enough words to blog with here are some pictures.

First bath with the big helpers James & Hannah

She likes it so far

One week old & trying out the crib while mom checks her email

Fell asleep sunbathing, not really where we let the third one sleep

peacefully sunbathing her slight jaundice away

Three car seats!!! Whee!

Two weeks old

The Big News

So I finally had my Baby!

World please welcome Caroline Annette. She was a whopping 6lbs 8oz and 18.5 inches long. Born on 11:32 April 28th.

Her birth went very well. I decided to go drug free with number three and it was the best choice. I stayed at home till I was not willing to move around anymore. We got to the hospital just after 9pm and things progressed rather quickly. We went through the triage questions and then I was transitioning. They wheeled me into the delivery room, gave me an IV and then she was ready to come out. The nurse kept trying to get the Dr there because I was progressing so quickly. We were waiting on her and I had to try and not push. Actually the nurse pretty much delivered Caroline as the Dr was getting her whole outfit on.

Little Caroline was very alert and just amazing from the start. She has been a pretty good baby so far. I love little newborns. It is an amazing new world for them and I could just sit all day watching her squirm and squeak. The kids love her too. I really enjoy how much they are liking her so far. Mom and Dad are both being tested more than usual these days but that was expected.

I am actually taking naps with this baby. I am not the best napper. But this time around I am taking advantage of the time I have with Jerry home. He goes back to work on the 16th. I am sure he is going stir crazy but his help is very appreciated by me.

Things are good.

Miss Crabby Pants

I should have known. I tried really hard not to get my hopes up for another 37 week or even a 38 week baby. But it happens. You get tired, uncomfortable, and you get ready for this baby. What happens? Nothing.

I have had all kinds of contractions and a couple good false labor episodes. One even kept Jerry home from work.

I have come up with all kinds of theories why it doesn't progress to real labor. Stress, clenched jaw & other things I am doing are why I haven't gone into labor yet. It's my fault.

But actually, logically there is nothing I can do. The baby will come when it is ready and done baking. The question is why can't I just let go and let nature run its course?

Well if you need to know two things about me, know this, I am not patient and I am a control freak. Do you see how I am becoming Miss Crabby Pants?

This morning I joked about still being pregnant next weekend and I saw a look of horror creep up on poor Jerry's face. This wouldn't be good for anyone.

A watched pot

will never boil.

Yup, that's how I feel. I am in the 37 weeks and safe to go into labor anytime zone. I have to ask my body, "what's up with the false labor?"

It's really not fun to call people on the phone anymore. Everyone thinks this might be the call with some news. But so far, no news. The body is getting ready, I have 3 or so symptoms of early labor. If you do a little research on Google you can find out that these things can drag on for weeks.

Everyday, every moment I get nearer to being the mom of three. The hardest part is not putting pressure on myself. It's not in my control. I have to relax and just let nature run its course. I have to keep positive.

I have learned a few new pregnancy insights with in the last couple of weeks.
1. Don't eat asparagus. It's not fun when you have to pee every five minutes.
2. One good thing about a chubby pregnancy face is it fills out the wrinkles and you get carded again. Buying beer for the hubby, don't worry.
3. Make plans, live life, don't sit around waiting for labor to start. It will drive you crazy.

One final note, it is supposed to be 101 degrees here on Monday. Will I be pregnant for this crazy heat spell or not?

A mind is a terible thing to waste

And mine is a goner.

Here is what is on my mind. Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby. I can't wait till I have some other things to think and write about.

Like a Squirrel

Lately I have been very concerned with stockpiling. You know like a little squirrel getting ready for winter. Only I am getting ready for a baby.

I am trying to make sure that no one in the next month will run out of anything. I have shampoo and dog food ready to go. I don't quite know why I am obsessed with trying to collect things so I won't have to go to the store, but I think nesting has something to do with it.

Today I cleaned again. I say again, because every time I get something clean one of the 5 other living things at my house messes it up. I need to take a deep cleansing breath just thinking about it.

The other thing I did to day was to set up a couple of nursing stations, the baby's bed in our room, and another changing area in our bathroom for night time newborn diaper changes. I packed a bag for the hospital even though it will jinx me.

The only problem with being too ready is, time is going to drag on until the big day. Oh well.

Jelly beans keep the energy up.

Nursing station

Nursing station

Newborn bed

Packed bag

Night time changing station

baby update

I had my 35 week check up yesterday. After a rough Tuesday I was a ball of nerves. Tuesday was not good because I was so exhausted I couldn't function. I couldn't think, I didn't have any patience and my body was going haywire on me.

I have been having lots of practice contractions. They started around my seventh month and just keep progressing every day. Usually the afternoons and evenings are the worst. I have been trying to drink as much water as my poor bladder can handle because it is supposed to help. Also I have had some contractions in my hips and lower back. Those are the ones that made me a bit nervous.

I went to my appointment not sure what to expect, was there going to be an exam to see if I had been dilating etc. or not? I told the doctor how I was trying to be as patient as possible because I had driven my self crazy with Hannah. I think it is a curse to have your first born early. Because you then expect the rest of them to come early as well. The doctor was very sweet and said most third babies come a little early like 39 weeks or so. He said expect 38 weeks. He did do an exam and I have thinned a tiny bit and I have dilated to a 1cm. Which we all know I could walk around for months dilated to a 1.

It was funny though he said I would come back in 2 weeks and see the nurse practitioner (37 weeks). Then I would see him again at 38. As he was leaving he said see you at 38 weeks or maybe sooner. What a cruel man.

But I have relaxed a great deal today and I am feeling much better. Anytime after Easter and we are good. I don't want to have this baby any earlier than that. It would be too early. So I am going to sit tight and relax for the next couple of weeks and just let mother nature do her job. I really don't have much control anyways.

35 Weeks and counting

So I am trying my best not to do the whole could be two weeks thing. But seriously it could be two weeks. It also could be 5 weeks, and I have to keep grounded. I think I am ready. Most all of the things are ready. I just need to get some diapers, cotton balls and baby shampoo. Am I ready for a third child? I had better be. Baby "it" is coming soon.

Here are some pictures of how the nursery came together. My favorite nursing chair, I just need a place for water bottles, & burp cloths.

The crib, no dust ruffles this time.

The black snow white mirror frame will house a picture of the baby eventually.

Ready to go for lots of diaper changes.

Black & White, polka dots, flowers & zebra print.

What you can't see is the rest of the office stuff. I am glad the room could accommodate both baby and office.

Busy, Busy

Wow this week is booking right along. I can't believe how busy I have been. If the remainder of the 7 weeks goes this fast, I am in trouble.

Sunday Jerry was home, did the family thing.

Monday Jerry left for work. Jerry called at 6:30, an axle off of a trailer had fallen off on the 5 and he and about 10 other cars hit it. He had to come home and get his truck fixed. This prompted a last minute, all day fishing trip. It lasted all day because nobody caught anything. I got a nice sunburn to go with it.

Tuesday preschool as usual, however I stayed later for about 2 1/2 hours to steam clean the carpets for open house. I was exhausted.

Wednesday morning Lacie and I got up super early drove to LA to the flower mart to do a little planning for her wedding. We grabbed a bunch of flowers and brought them home to make practice bouquets and centerpieces. This allows me to plan out exactly what I need before our #3 arrives. We also stopped by Ikea for the desk that completes my nursery/office/sewing craft room plan. I am very excited to have a table for just my sewing machines. I might actually get more stuff done. I was triple exhausted.

Thursday preschool as usual. Drop off James and Hannah day and a quick run to Target. Came home helped hang some things on the walls. Picked up the kids had lunch then off to a Dr. appointment. Came home and hung out with the family some more.

Tomorrow? I will take the kids to their first swimming lesson. Yay! Hopefully somehow pick up Jerry's truck. Also I want to attempt to begin making the bumper for the crib.

As for the 33.5 week check up. Gained too much weight! Hello my name is Stephanie and I am an emotional eater. 10 lbs in one month. Oops. Oh well, I am sure it will make some fabulous breast milk for #3. The belly is another couple inches larger.

The weather has been wonderful and the kids have enjoyed playing outside non stop so we are hanging in there and having lots of fun being busy.

Diapers

Am I crazy? I am actually thinking very hard about using cloth diapers.

Well a combination of cloth and disposable liners. I am trying to wrap my head around what it would actually involve. Laundry, initial expense, night time, traveling, etc.

The reasons I would consider it, better for the earth, and overall savings.

I don't know...

I miss running

Today I am feeling sad. I miss running. We have had such nice weather I am craving a run. I had planned on running much further into this pregnancy than I did. Thank you never ending sinus infection.

Here is what I miss the most.

1. the running part
2. being outside
3. being alone
4. listening to music
5. exercising the dog
6. seeing what is new in the neighborhood
7. the endorphins
8. the feeling of accomplishment
9. sweating
10. the cute outfits ;)

Not long now and I will be back. I keep telling the dog that too.

Decorating with half a brain cell

"Don't take any advice you get from me." This should be my disclaimer. I have been working on organizing and decorating the office. The office/nursery I should say. As stated before in this blog, it will be black & white. So I found some cool wall stickers and the curtains I wanted. I ordered both and started moving forward with my plan. I sent my mom some black terry material to cover the changing pad.



So last week I got my wall art (stickers). I arranged them all fun and if I get bored I get to move them again. But I had been waiting forever for the curtains from Target.com. You see they said they shipped it on the 22 but they didn't, they started processing it. It still took 3 days to get here from Oakland once it finally made it into the truck.

So I eagerly opened my package tonight when it arrived and low and behold. One curtain panel is all you get in the package. Are you kidding me? How did I over look this and how long is it going to take to get another one? This just shows the diminished brain power of a pregnant woman.

The changing pad will be covered in a nice morbid black. Maybe it will hide stains.

I do love these animals.

The organized closet. By the way except for two of those compartments and the hanging yellow clothes, those are all baby blankets.

We still have to get the crib out of storage and sand the teethmarks from two previous teething babies out of it. I plan on some kind of bumper & sheet set in black and white as well. Hopefully I have the brain power to accomplish that task.