Almost There

I turn 38 weeks tomorrow, and I have reached that magical time in pregnancy where I just want this baby OUT of my body.  My c-section is scheduled for August 8 (the very earliest they would let me schedule it...the day I turn 39 weeks).  Although I'm having lots of false contractions, I'm not having any that would make any sort of progress or changes.  I guess that's good since I don't really want to be in labor and then have to have a c-section anyway. My doctor is also on vacation and won't be back at work until the day before my c-section.  She and I have been through two c-sections together already, and I'd rather have her with me than whoever is on call.

We are all excited to meet Isaac! It's a little surreal, at the same time, that we are adding a baby to our family next week! We are ready. Or as ready as we'll ever be. ;-)

So, until next week we're going for sno cones several times a week, trying to get as much sleep as possible (difficult), anticipating Justin's mom arriving this Saturday (yay!), and trying to stay cool inside.

Quickly while they're both occupied...

Things are going better around here. Levi is sleeping better at night, which is a huge help. He still doesn't sleep longer than 3 hours (when he actually sleeps that long), but I keep him close to me so I don't stay awake for long when he does awake. He still is eating every 2-2 1/2 hours and usually throws everything up if I try and feed him too much. We're settling into a "routine" of sorts, though, and things are going well.

Caleb is definitely showing some jealousy, especially when it's just me and the two boys at home. Levi has started sleeping in the cradle some during the day (instead of only sleeping while being held), which lets me have some uninterrupted time with Caleb to make him feel special. We've been reading lots of books together, and yesterday I even ventured out and took the boys for a walk. It was good for all of us to get some fresh air!

My sister commented today that we don't know what I'd do if I hadn't discovered baby slings. It's sometimes the only way to get Levi settled and to sleep. He doesn't just fall asleep on his own easily; it takes quite a bit of work unless he's just eaten.

Thanks for all your advice and prayers. I think my hormones are starting to settle down as well because there have been far less tears the last few days (even yesterday when I was by myself for 14 hours with the two kids because Justin had to work late).

I "talk" to all of you a lot in my head, telling you of all the things that have been going on, how my Bible study is blessing me (when I have time and brain power to sit down and do it), and how much I miss catching up on your lives. Hopefully soon I'll have time to write some more. Time is precious!!

Can I get Starbucks piped into my veins?

I'm so tired.

Levi apparently has his days and nights mixed up. And he thinks he needs to eat every 1-2 hours around the clock. He's had some reflux issues, which prevents me from completely filling him up on milk to make him last longer. Unless I want that milk all over me.

And he wants to be held. All.The.Time. I definitely wanted a cuddly baby, and I got what I asked for! ;-) Thank goodness for baby slings!! Levi LOVES the sling.

Any ideas for straightening out his days and nights? Ideas that don't involve letting him cry for hours on end because I can't do that to a 2-week-old. And my nerves can't handle it.

Now you know why I haven't been posting. I'm either feeding a baby or trying to get Caleb to stop touching his brothers eyes, stop standing on the coffee table, or I'm trying to chase him down and wrestle him to the ground to change his diaper.

Justin's mom left today, so now I'm officially alone with both kids by myself. Thankfully Caleb still takes a good, long afternoon nap.

Gotta run. Maybe I can sneak in a nap on the couch before Levi thinks he's starving to death once again.

We're Home

Well, we're home now and trying to figure out what kind of schedule this little one is going to have. We got home from the hospital yesterday afternoon and last night was quite a night. Levi thought he needed to eat every 30 minutes to an hour until about 3:45 this morning, when he finally slept for almost 4 hours. He is a much better nurser than Caleb was (which is probably due to the fact that his mother has some clue what she's doing!), and he really likes to nurse! I wanted a cuddly baby this time because Caleb didn't care much about being held or rocked to sleep. Levi is quite the opposite and has pretty much only slept today when I'm holding him. Thankfully Justin is home this week! Caleb is adjusting pretty well so far. He loves Levi and is always trying to share his toys with him. He gets really excited when Levi opens his eyes. :-)

Here are some pictures of the last few days...

Aunt Kiki and Levi

Mommy and Levi, Day Two

Caleb was so excited for our arrival home

Levi in his coming home outfit

Caleb not understanding the point of a nursing COVER! ;-) He just wanted to say "hi" to Levi. Thankfully all of our visitors were on the other side of the room!

Thanks for all your prayers for us this last week. The second c-section has definitely been better. And thanks for saying I looked good for just having had a baby. I was SO nauseous after he was born, I guess from the anesthesia. When they brought him to me for the first time when I came out of the recovery room, I would hold him for a few minutes and have to quickly pass him to Justin and grab the little "tray" they give you. It wasn't fun or pretty, and it was quite the end to my pregnancy. Pretty par for the course for Levi and I! So, those pictures my sister posted were taken in my nausea medicine-induced state. :-)

Well, I'm off to get some rest before it's time to feed my precious baby again. We're doing well. It's so good to be home!

THE Name

We finally decided on the baby's name.

Levi

I was actually kind of surprised none of you suggested it when I asked for suggestions. It fits all the criteria (one that can't be shortened, means something significant, is not trendy, isn't the name of someone either of us has bad memories of, and it's a Biblical name).

And, no, we don't have a middle name yet. :-)

7 weeks, 5 days

That's how pregnant I am!!!!! :-)


We found out the day little Ava was born (how's that for drama!), but hubby wanted me to wait to make the announcement until our first prenatal appointment, which was today.

I'm due on September 26, which is one day after Caleb was due 2 years ago. I told Justin we're nothing if not consistent! We've decided to go the c-section route, so that will be done the week before the due date. As long as it's not on Caleb's actual birthday (September 19), I'll be happy.

So, there it is. I thought I might escape this pregnancy without the nausea, but about 5 days ago it showed up nice and strong. It's pretty constant, just enough to make me feel yucky and lose my appetite. Some weight loss program, huh?

My parents took Caleb for a few days to give me a break from running after a toddler while feeling nauseous, for which I'm very grateful! I do miss him dearly, though, and can't wait to see him again in a few days.

We're very excited about our new little munchkin growing inside me. When they did the ultrasound today, I was amazed again at how wonderful and creative our God is. Even at 7 weeks, the little heart was just beating like crazy. I don't know how people can say they aren't real live babies!

Well, it's late and I'm at my sister's house to help with holding little Ava and giving her bottles while her mommy gets some rest (I can handle sitting on the couch with a newborn...it's the running after a toddler who's stringing board game pieces all over the house that I'm having trouble with!), so I'm off to bed before it's time to get up and love on Ava again. Being an aunt is such a hard life! ;-)