She Sleeps!

See this sweet girl? She is a baby who SLEEPS!!!

You may or may not remember (I sure do!), Arabelle and Bo weren't the greatest sleepers as young infants. By 6 mo. or so, they were okay, but as 2 mo. olds? No way.

Sometime along the way, I found Emily's blog, The Journey of Parenthood. She has 2 kids and is very pro-Babywise. Babywise is basically a plan that helps babies synchronize their feeding, waketime, and sleeping cycles. I had heard about Babywise, but always thought it was a super strict plan that involves leaving the baby to cry a lot. Then I saw Emily putting Babywise into practice with her daughter, and it was not what I thought it was AND her baby slept! 

She has had such great results and feels so strongly about Babywise, that she sent me the Babywise book when I was pregnant with Mae. I read and learned a long the way and started the plan when Mae came a long. It's pretty basic, especially with a new baby. Baby eats, plays (awake time), then sleeps. 

In the early weeks, I just focused on Mae getting full feeds (no snacking and sleeping at the breast), swaddling, and putting her down for naps. She wouldn't always sleep put down in the beginning, so I was sure that she got the sleep she needed, no matter how it happened (swing, baby carrier, arms). 

As the weeks went by, we stuck to the schedule, for the most part. She was still fussy in the evenings, so we did what we had to do to get through the evening. Some days, I wanted to quit Babywise....it was hard work!

A few days before she was 10 weeks, I knew it was time to let her cry it out (CIO) some. It was taking awhile to get her down for a nap and she'd wake at the 40 minute mark EVERY SINGLE TIME. She had to learn to self soothe because I couldn't spend the whole day helping her to sleep. That wasn't fair to Arabelle and Bo and it was exhausting me!

Much to my surprise, she cried less than 15 minutes that first day for each of her naps. Naps were still short (40 minutes), but she was putting herself to sleep! I'd help her back to sleep for the rest of the nap and feed when the next feeding time came along (3-3.5 hours apart right now). 

At 11 weeks old, Mae has learned to suck her thumb to self soothe, so now she may cry a minute or two, then goes to sleep. She does still stir at the 40 minute mark, but nearly every time, she will go back to sleep without a peep....I only know she wakes from looking at her on the monitor. :)

She has also slept through the night (STTN) almost every night since we started the CIO method. She goes to sleep around 8, usually with no crying at all (sometimes she will cry a few minutes), and sleeps between 7 and 11 hours, nurses, and goes back to her crib for the rest of the night if it's not already morning. 

I NEVER would have thought one of my babies could sleep so well day and night! She wakes up SO happy and I'm so ready to get in there and see her smiling face. 

I am so thankful to have learned about Babywise through Emily's blog and for the help she's given me along the way. 

I'm sure we'll have some rough times when teething begins or when she's learning new tricks, but I'm so happy that I know she can self soothe and get the rest that she needs to be a happy, healthy, growing girl! 

Here's a video of a happy, well rested Mae and she's showing off her new skill...rolling! :)

Mae's Arrival, Part 2

If you missed it, here's Mae's arrival, part 1.

Once Mae was born and checked out, they handed her off to me. I was so excited to have my hands on my sweet girl! Jared went to get Arabelle and Bo from the waiting room, so we could tell them if they had a new brother or sister. They both walked in really quietly and stood right beside the bed. When I told Arabelle she had a baby sister, so was SO excited! She squealed a little and then looked at Bo and said "You were wrong!". haha! Bo just kept holding his arms out saying, "I want to hold it". 

Then Jared went to get the rest of the family and accidentally left me alone in the room with all 3 kids. Oops! Luckily, Bo only tried to climb on the bed and didn't jump right up on us.

Arabelle was pleased to tell everyone that it was a sister!

My 2 girls!!

Bo wasn't really interested in taking pictures. Notice he's wearing a swim suit....he is ALWAYS wanting to wear one these days and unless we're going to church or somewhere special, I let him.

Before going for a bath and some time in the warming area of the nursery.....she still looks a little grayish here.

After Mae nursed for about 30 minutes, the nurses took her to the nursery for her full assessment, bath, and to be warmed up. Bo and Arabelle enjoyed watching through the window. 

 I LOVE this one. :)

Daddy and his first girl.

Getting Bo excited about having a sister:

Mamaw and Papaw with their 8th grandchild (2nd granddaughter)

Arabelle and Bo had a t-ball game Monday evening, so they stopped by to see Mae one more time before going home. Do you think Arabelle is a proud big sister?

Leigh Leigh with her 6th grandchild and 4th granddaughter (Mae looks extra chubby here to me!).

Sambo:

Bo gave her some kisses too.

Mae and I spent Monday night in the hospital. I forgot how nice it is to have the nurses bring her in for feedings, then take her back to the nursery for her diaper changes, etc. I got a bunch of rest Monday night, especially considering I went to bed there at 8:30. 

Jared came back Tuesday morning and we finally chose her name, Eliza Mae. Mae is after my great-grandmother, Lora Mae Love. We just liked the name Eliza, which is a short form of Elizabeth, meaning God's Promise.

We were discharged Tuesday, around 11 and headed home! Mae wore a blue dress that was mine when I was a baby. Arabelle was sure to choose the blue one, which is her favorite color. 

And big sister was so happy to have her home! Not that Bo wasn't, he just didn't care a whole lot. ;)

Mae's Arrival, Part 1

I'm writing up Mae's birth story more for myself, so I can remember, but I know all of you want to see the pictures too. ;)

Sunday, May 19th, I hit 41 weeks. Needless to say, I wasn't too happy to be a week over due AGAIN! Bo was born at 41 weeks and 1 day and on the 20th of the month (August 2010), so I was hopeful there'd be something happening soon!

I was feeling fine and normal all day, no contractions or pain. We went to church like usual, which was exhausting, so I came home after and rested while Jared and the kids had lunch. We ended up getting the pool out for Arabelle and Bo Sunday afternoon, so most of the afternoon was spent outside in the yard. I started having the occasional crampy like feelings, but nothing painful or even uncomfortable.

Our last day as a family of 4!

Sunday evening, Arabelle and I went to church, while Jared and Bo stayed home. Jared had court Monday morning and figured he'd better be prepared in case we weren't at the hospital. ;)

When we were getting dressed for church and while we were at church, I started noticing some contractions instead of just the cramping. They didn't hurt badly enough that anyone noticed, but I figured things would be picking up into the night. 

We got home, had supper, and got the kids into bed, then I showered and started making sure I had everything together. I also did 2 loads of laundry and straightened up a bit. In hindsight, I should have tried to sleep a little at that point. By 9:00, I knew it was the real deal. The contractions weren't lasting all that long (under 30 seconds) and were still about 7 minutes apart, but they were picking up a bit. 

I crawled into bed at 11 and slept for maybe 15 minutes before I had to get up. I knew we'd be going soon, so I started timing them. Once they got to 4-5 minutes apart and lasting nearly a minute, I woke Jared up and let him know it was time to go! 

Sambo arrived to stay with Arabelle and Bo around midnight (?? I'm not exactly sure what time....). We got to the hospital, registered, and went up to Labor and Delivery. By then it was about 1:45, I think. Let's just say, when you arrive on the 20th of the month and tell them your due date was the 12th, they assume it is the real thing. ;)

I was at 5cm and fully effaced when we got there, which was good news! By the time the IV was in, labs were drawn, etc., it was about 4:00. The contractions were about 3 minutes apart and getting pretty intense, but they were easy to breathe through. I let them know I'd take the epidural any time because I really wanted to sleep some before it was time to deliver. 

I got the epidural at 4:30. I should have known it was't working right when my right leg went numb really quickly and it took a while for the left leg to catch up. I was numb for awhile and was able to sleep off and on for an hour or two, then I started feeling the contractions more and more. I couldn't move my right leg at all (not even to wiggle my toes!), but I could move my left leg decently well. The anesthesiologist gave me another dose of the epidural after 7 am, but it didn't help at all, despite position changes, etc. 

At 6:30, I was 7cm and at 9:25, I was 10 cm! Dr. G was in surgery, so the nurses started setting things up. Pushing started at 9:51 with the nurses and after 2 contractions, she told me to stop and Dr. G came in to deliver. He told me that the baby would be out in 1 more contraction, which really surprised me! It took about 20 minutes to deliver Bo and Arabelle, so I was counting on the same this time. When he said that, I figured the baby just had to be smaller than they were. 

One more contraction and she was out, at 9:56 am. Yep, started at 9:51 and she was here at 9:56! I couldn't see if it was a boy or girl at first because the umbilical cord was in the way, so Dr. G announced, "It's a girl!!!" for us! I cut the cord (Jared hates being in the Delivery room) and they took her to the side to get cleaned up and checked out. 

Even after I saw her, I didn't think she'd be as big as she was. I was thinking *maybe* 9 lbs, but probably 8 something? She measured 22 inches long, then they took her to the nursery to be weighed. I was really surprised when they came back and said 9lb 10oz!

I was SO relieved she was here and healthy and I can't even describe the relief I felt to have that big girl OUT!

Stay tuned for part 2 to hear about everyone's reaction to "It's a GIRL!". 

Meet Eliza Mae!

It's a GIRL!!! We were blessed with a healthy baby girl yesterday morning, May 20th!

Today, we named her Eliza Mae and will be calling her Mae, after my great-grandmother.

Eliza Mae

5/20/13, 9:56 am

9lb 10oz

22 inches

I haven't uploaded the pictures from my camera yet.....more to come! 

40 week update

Well, the due date of May 12th has come and gone and the baby is still baking! I was prepared to go overdue this time though, so it's a little easier, mentally at least. ;)

• How far along: 40 weeks 2 days
• Size of the baby: Um, huge?? Arabelle was 9lb 7oz and Bo was 9lb 10oz. I'm fully expecting another 9 pound baby. I didn't have an u/s today.....considering how inaccurate they can be at the end anyway, that's fine with me. 
• Latest Dr. Appt: The baby looked great on the monitor again today! Lots of movement and variation in the heart rate. I was 2cm and 70% effaced (last week was 1.5 and 70%, so not much progress) and the baby was still nice and high. 
• Weight Gain: 28 pounds! 
• Gender: Still a surprise! Hopefully we'll find out this week!
• Sleep: Sleep has been more difficult lately. I can fall asleep fast, but wake up a lot to roll over, which should be an Olympic sport at this point. I'm usually awake for the day by 6. I guess it's training for life with a newborn.
• Signs of Labor: Still nothing. Absolutely NOTHING! No contractions, low back pain, etc. At this point, I'm read for the pain!
• What's next: Ideally, labor will start on it's own in a few days. If not, I'll go back to the Dr. next Wednesday morning, the 22nd (41 weeks 3 days) and we'll make some decisions from there. My body knows what to do, it's just not time yet! 
• I'm thinking of making a list of things NOT to say to any pregnant woman and include those things not to say to an overdue lady. ;)

Getting Ready for Baby!

A few baby clothes are washed (some boy, some girl), the car seat is ready, my bags are packed.....Arabelle has enjoyed looking at all the baby things!

Arabelle hopped in the car seat yesterday and I instantly flashed back to when she did the same thing before Bo was born. I can't get over how much she's grown! It has been nearly 3 years, I guess. :)

She got to spend some time with Jacob over the weekend and again on Monday. She was SO sweet with him! I'm so looking forward to seeing her interact with her new baby brother or sister.

We've also been doing a lot of 'resting' and enjoying one another the last couple of weeks. One day last week we skipped rest and watched a movie in my bed (and I napped)!

We're ready as we'll ever be, whenever the baby decides to come!!

38 week update (a little late!)

It's MAY! I can't believe it! It seems like it's been so long since we discovered our little surprise and at the same time, it's flown by.

• How far along: 38 weeks 4 days
• Size of the baby: Yesterday, the baby measured 7lb 13oz in the ultrasound, which is the 70th percentile. He/she gained 11 oz in 2 weeks with 2 weeks to go. We've still got a chance to stay under 9 lbs! 
• Latest Dr. appt: Obviously the baby is growing well! The NST strip looked good. The baby was moving a lot and the heart rate varied from the 130s to 160s, depending on movement. I'll start getting checked next week at 39 weeks. 
• Weight gain: Shockingly, I'd dropped back down a pound, so I'm at 26 lbs.
• Gender: Still a surprise!!! I'm SO excited for that moment when we get to SEE if it's a boy or girl! Arabelle is really excited to find out too. She says she wants to tell everyone, so if the baby comes during the day, be prepared for us to let Arabelle & Bo in the room FIRST and to let them tell the rest of the family. :)
• Movement: Still a lot and OUCH!
• Sleep: Depends on the night. I usually sleep like a rock, besides getting up to use the bathroom, until early morning (5am?), then I doze off and on a lot. Sometimes I give up and just get up before the sun. Training for sleep with a newborn, I guess!
• Signs of labor: Nothing.at.all. Before I had Arabelle and Bo, I had a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions  (non painful "practice" contractions) and low back pain in the days-week before they were born, so I'm thinking nothing will be happening in the next several days. I actually still feel really good...just a few sharp pains at times from sciatica, but going to the chiropractor every 1-2 weeks has helped tremendously!
• What's next: NST and Dr. appt on Monday. I'm trying to enjoy every last moment of being a family of 4 before we make the big transition to a family of 5!

32 week update

Just 8 more weeks to go!

• How far along: 32 weeks 4 days
• Size of baby: The baby's weight was an estimated 4lb 8oz on u/s today! That's the 47th percentile, so he/she is hanging in there size wise, considering the single umbilical artery issue. 
• Latest Dr. Appt: I had a non-stress test (NST) today, which is basically sitting in a cozy recliner with the heart rate monitor on the baby. It should show a variation in the baby's heart rate, which occurs when the baby moves, etc. The baby was really active at that time and the heart rate looked great! 
• Total weight gain: 24 lbs so far....just a pound away from my max weight with Arabelle and Bo...ouch!
• Gender: still a surprise! I make sure to remind Dr. G before each u/s that it's a surprise. 
• Movement: TONS of movement! It's starting to get painful at times, especially in the evenings and at night. Sometimes it feels like a foot or knee is coming out the right side...so weird!
• Sleep: Still sleeping well. Waking once to go to the bathroom. I have to turn a lot to get comfortable after that, but I know it'll get worse!
• Cravings: Nothing really...I'm liking salads a lot lately, probably to make up for the aversions to vegetables early on. 
• Symptoms: I've been going to the chiropractor every few weeks, which has helped a lot. I'll have a bit of sciatica every now and then, but not much pain at all! 
• What's next: NST every week and the next u/s at 35 weeks

32 weeks at Disney World this week!

12 Weeks

Here's the latest addition at 12 weeks! It's amazing how developed the baby can be so quickly!

Close up--I love that you can see the nose and mouth so clearly!

Pregnancy Highlights:

• How far along: 12 weeks, 2 days, based on the ultrasound today. The Dr. moved the due date up to May 12th, but I told him I'd see him on the 15th or after. ;) With Bo, he moved my due date up at the 12 weeks appt., but I still went several days past what I thought and 8 days past the measured due date. 
• Size of baby: The size of a plum. The baby measured just under 2.5 inches. 
• Total weight gain/loss: -2 lbs. I've gained 3 back in the last couple of weeks, so I'm going in the right direction!
• Maternity clothes: Not yet. Still fitting into my regular pants just fine, but I'm sure it won't be long!
• Gender: We'll find out at delivery!!! 
• Movement: I could have sworn I felt a little jump in there the other day when I was laying in the bed. I think it's too early, but we'll see.....the kicks will be regular in another month or so!
• Sleep: The exhaustion has improved so much! Staying up until 9:30-10 and getting up around 7. I don't need a nap anymore in the afternoons. ;)
• What I miss: running, enjoying food and water.
• Cravings: Nothing really. There are a few things that I can enjoy and everything else is still repulsive. I've eaten at Huddle House a few times the last couple of weeks....scrambled eggs, grits, and toast! The ranch dip that I loved so much 2 weeks ago is totally repulsive now. 
• Symptoms: nausea all day long still, not vomiting nearly as much (so thankful for that!!!), still feeling really badly in the evenings.
• Best Moment of the Week: Seeing the baby on ultrasound! Arabelle went with me and loved it!

Hoping to be feeling better when I go back to the Dr. in a month!

One more picture of the baby.....he/she had flipped upwards and was facing the u/s wand. The 2 dark circles are the eyes. Looks like a baby monkey to me! ha!

After the appt., Arabelle and I grabbed some breakfast. Chocolate milk and a waffle for Arabelle. She was SO excited about the chocolate milk!!

We're Alive & 8 Week Update

We are still surviving over here. I have been napping a little when Bo and Arabelle nap/rest and then going to bed early, so blogging hasn't been on the top of the list!

I hit the 8 week mark yesterday (Wednesday), so here's a little update on the pregnancy:


Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 8 weeks
Size of baby: The size of a raspberry or approximately 0.63 inches. The baby is moving it's little arms and legs now!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: -3lbs at my check up last week. I lost 8 with Arabelle and Bo and made it back to the + side about half way through.
Maternity Clothes: Not for a couple more months. My sister, Lindsey, has them all! Her baby is due around Nov. 22, so I'll get them back after he's born.
Gender: I am *hoping* to talk Jared into letting this one be a surprise on delivery day. I always wanted to know ASAP with Arabelle and Bo, but since we have one of each and have everything blue and pink, I want a surprise!
Movement: Not yet.....a couple more months on that one too.
Sleep: I am SO sleepy. I don't remember being this sleepy with Arabelle and Bo, but I also wasn't taking care of 2 kids then either! I am napping about 30 minutes in the afternoon and going to bed around 9-9:30 at night and dragging out of bed around 7 each morning. It never seems like enough!
What I miss: Not being nauseated & vomiting, enjoying food and water, cooking, running
Cravings: None, but I have a TON of food aversions. The only thing I enjoy is soft drinks (and I never drink them otherwise!), but I limit the caffeinated drinks to one/day.
Symptoms: exhaustion, nausea & vomiting, some sharp pains on the right side from the ovarian cyst (found it on u/s last week...not too big and should go away on it's own), and serious food aversions.
Best Moment this week: Seeing and hearing the heartbeat last week!

I can't leave you without any photos!

We went to eat supper at DJs last Friday and I caught Arabelle and Bo holding hands on the way. :)

Arabelle's serious case of bed head: