A Day in Cole's Life @ 2 Months

One of my favorite bloggers Katie Bower (I don't know her personally) did a "Day in the Life" post the other day and I loved the idea of doing one each month for Cole's first year to show how our days changed with his development.  If only this bright idea popped up a month ago... oh well!  At least we'll have months 2-12 :)

Cole this is what your beautiful life looked like when you were 2 months old on Tuesday, June 4, 2013...

5:00 am- You start fussing in your sleep so we check the video monitor.  As usual you have rotated 90 degrees and the top of your head is ramming into the bars of your crib.  Dad gets up to move you and you instantly go back to sleep.

6:00 am- Mom's alarm goes off for the first time in months... I haven't set one in a really long time but today we have your 2 month doctor appointment at 7:30. I end up rolling out of bed at 6:06 and start getting ready.

6:15 am- Dad gets a phone call at 6:15 and I come out of the bathroom to see who was calling that early.  Stupid number he didn't know hung up on him.  Who does that?!

6:22 am- I'm finished getting ready so I head in to wake you up. We put you down a little before 10 last night and you never woke up... I'm so thankful that you can sleep through the night you precious boy :)  I know they say "never wake a sleeping baby" and I really don't want to but I know you need to eat.

6:25 am- I bring you back to our bed to eat. I set you down for one minute to get situated to nurse and you instantly start crying with your "give me a boob sandwich!!" cry. Once you latch on you're as happy as can be.  The whole family hangs out while you eat- both Dad and I are checking emails on our phone while your fur brother Bentley is giving Harlee a bath.  It's kinda their morning ritual.

6:40 am- Dad gets up to get ready and I try to burp you.  Instead I get spit up all over my pillow.  Thanks.  I take off the pillowcase, you laugh at the ceiling fan and then latch on the other side.

6:55 am- I change your diaper, get you dressed for the day and Dad lets the dogs out.

7:00 am- Dad grabs a breakfast of the chocolate peanut butter bars I made this weekend. I grab some yogurt and chocolate covered strawberries and put the furbabies in their kennel.

7:05 am- Dad puts you in the truck with me and he gets in the Edge.  We have to drive separate since he's going to work after the appointment.

7:25 am- we check in at the dr appointment and they send us to the back for the infant area.  I love that they do this to keep you out of the germy waiting room.

7:40 am- We don't have a long wait at all- they do your well child check up with all the usuals.  Then the part I was dreading... your shots. Dad helped hold your arms down since you're so grabby and 2 nurses had your legs- so that each nurse could give you a shot. So far you're not upset and I'm stroking your hair talking to you.  Once they jab you though you instantly start wailing and get all red in the face, which makes me start tearing up.  Nurse Kim jabs you one more time and they stick the band-aids on you.  As soon as that's done I grab you up and cuddle you and you stop crying right away.  Dad says I didn't waste anytime snatching you back... why would I?! You look at the nurses with a look of "What the heck did you people just do to me?!" I'm proud of both of us- minimal tears from both baby and mom.

8:35 am- Dad loads you up, gives kisses, and heads to work.  You and I head on home.

8:55 am- Since the rain hasn't moved in yet I decide to go on a walk right away.  You don't seem to mind- you've been sleeping ever since we left the doctor's office.

9:05 am- While walking by our neighborhood pool I noticed that the pine trees have piles of pinecones underneath.  I remember a craft idea I saw on pinterest for Christmas time so I grab some until you start fussing in the stroller.  I'm sure your Dad will be thrilled for the paint/glitter vision I have in mind :)

9:20 am- I make it a short walk since the clouds are moving in and I don't want us getting wet.  We unload the truck and head inside.  I put you in your swing since you're still drowsy and let your fur siblings out.

9:30 am- I go outside with Bentley and Harlee to check on our flowers to see the newest blooms.  I take some pictures that Dad requested.

 

9:40 am- Just like clockwork you start getting hungry.  I grab myself a snack of some Wheat Thins and start nursing you.  I play on my phone while you eat checking facebook, pinterest, instagram, etc.  I can tell it's going to be a longer nursing session cause you're sleepy so I turn on the DVR and watch the first episode of this season's Real Housewives of New Jersey. If you ever bring a girl home like the ones on my shows you are going to be majorly grounded mister!  It's great entertainment... but it's not meant for real life!

10:30 am- You seem full and happy so I take you upstairs and put you on a blanket in the living room to stare at the fan- your favorite activity. At first you seem uninterested, but 30 seconds later and you're talking/laughing with delight.

10:35 am- Since you're happy as a clam I head to the kitchen to do the dishes and then finish using the rest of our strawberries.  We went out to the strawberry patch on Sunday and picked a couple pounds of strawberries.  We already made and devoured the chocolate covered strawberries so I decided to finish the rest with white chocolate this time.

11:00 You're starting to fuss and your babysitting siblings come check on you for me.  They sure love you! 

11:05 am- We go upstairs to change your diaper and you decide to pee on us right as I get the fresh diaper under your booty.  And I was JUST bragging to the doctor how you usually pee on Dad!  Guess you wanted to put me back in my place, huh? You peed on your shirt and the changing pad so we put on shirt #2, change the pad cover, and head downstairs for some cuddle time before your mid day nap.  I finish watching the crazy housewives show and you fall asleep in my arms- makes me so happy :)

 11:35 am- A noise wakes you up and I can tell you're in the "I'm tired and just want to sleep" crying stage. I take you upstairs, swaddle you, rock you for a minute, and you're asleep in your crib by 11:43. Such a champ!

11:45 am- I grab the video monitor and make myself lunch- a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, peach fruit cup, and the white chocolate covered strawberries from earlier.  Easy and yummy.

12:00 pm- I head upstairs to the office for my computer time.  I read my favorite house blogs and craft blogs for 20ish minutes.  Then I download pictures off the camera and my phone for the last week, sort through and delete the bad ones, then organize them all into the appropriate picture folders.

1:00 pm- I check on you and you're still out like a light. I start writing this post and uploading all the pics I've taken so far.

2:00 I finish this blog post as far as I can and you're still sleeping.  I miss you and want you to wake up but I let you sleep :)  I think about finding pics/writing your 2 month blog post but I'm kinda blogged out so I decide to do that later or tomorrow. Instead, I replace our printer ink cartridges and work on something for Father's Day... but I can't put what it is since Daddy is such a loyal blog reader!

2:20 pm- You wake up and I don't know if it's my imagination or what but I swear you're crying is sadder than usual and I get worried it's because of the shots.  Your face is beet red and you're crying your head off.  I try to take your temperature with the nifty temporal thermometer but each reading is different cause you're shaking your head too much.  I decide to give up, change your diaper, and feed you.  As usual, eating instantly calms you down and you seem so much better.  You little piggy :)

 

3:00 pm- As you finish eating, I get a phone call from my fellow teacher friend, Amanda.  She is calling about some changes with next year's schedules and my thoughts.  You quietly eat until I hang up.

3:10 pm- You are full so I prop you on your Boppy and send out some letters/cards/thank yous I needed to get in the mail for tomorrow.

3:25 pm- You help me finish something for Father's Day and are in dire need of a booty change.  You are so giggly and talkative on the changing pad... when I take off your diaper I know why you are laughing.  Thanks for the present handsome boy!

3:35 pm- We go downstairs while you are in such a good mood and do tummy time and rolling over practice.  You roll over within the first 5 seconds of me putting you tummy side down.  Can you say show off? Mommy keeps trying to get some cute videos of you talking and rolling to put on youtube to send to our families but as soon as the video starts you get quiet.  I even have the video camera set on silent behind you so you wouldn't know you were being taped but even that doesn't work. Do you have a sixth sense or something?

3:50 pm- We wrap up all of Daddy's birthday and Father's Day presents.  With turning 30 on the 10th and his first Father's Day on the 16th we want to make sure they are both extra special :) 

4:05 pm- You are starting to fuss on the floor so I put you in your swing as I finish wrapping.  You instantly get heavy eyed and fall asleep in a couple minutes.

4:10 pm- I come upstairs and do some more on this blog post.

4:20 pm- Since you are out I take advantage of this hands free time to go a quick pedicure and watch the first 15 minutes of another Mad Men episode.  Grandma Lora let us borrow all her seasons and we are almost done with season 3.

4:55pm- You start waking up in your swing and just in time cause Daddy gets home right at 5:00!

5:00 pm- Dad takes off his polo (always one of the first things he does), picks you up to say hi, then quickly runs across the street to water our neighbor lady's inside plants.  She's in California for a month with her kids and grandkids.  She LOVES your Dad. I have some stiff 75 year old competition!  You and I take all our strawberries to the back patio and Dad meets us out there.  It is a gorgeous evening and we all just hang out and catch up on each other's days.

5:30 pm- I feed you on the back patio.

5:40 pm- Dad turns on the grill to start warming up for dinner and goes inside to put on work clothes.

5:45 pm- Dad starts staining the pallet table he made for me for the patio and puts the chicken on the grill.

6:00 pm- You're finished eating so we go inside and you play on a blanket while I do my portion of dinner- cheddar biscuits, green beans, and the beer.  Coors Light for your Dad, Corona for me.

6:10 pm- I change into work clothes to help do the staining and start a load of laundry.  We go back outside and the staining is basically done so Dad doesn't need my help afterall.  So much for changing my clothes!  You swing for awhile with me, then sit in your bouncy seat and watch Dad stain.

6:45 pm- The BBQ chicken is ready and we eat dinner on the patio.

7:00 pm- You start getting fussy so Dad cuddles you and you fall asleep in his arms outside.  You are such an outside baby, we love that about you!

7:15 pm- I clean up all the dinner mess and do the dishes.

7:25 pm- I go to switch laundry and change back into my clothes from today when Dad brings you in bawling.  

7:30 pm- He decides you're acting hungry so he gives you a small bottle from the fridge- you down those 2 oz. in no time so he gets you a bigger 7 oz. bottle and you eat 2 more oz. from it.

7:45 pm- I put you into your pj's for the night and you are cracking yourself up.  We have a long 5 minute conversation making noises at each other.  You are trying to imitate some of my sounds and faces.  I keep hollering for Dad to come watch but he's picking up the staining stuff outside.

8:00 pm- Load you up for our Sonic run.  Sonic has 25 shakes for summer and they are 1/2 price after 8 o'clock.  It's our goal to try all 25 this summer.  We have a checklist and everything to mark which ones we've tried- tonight will be #8.  Hopefully you'll have a sweet tooth like us :)  You fall asleep instantly in the car and don't make a peep.

8:10 pm- We leave with our shakes and drive around with the windows down since it is so pretty out.  Cruising Gardner isn't that exciting but we like it and you seem to as well.

8:30 pm- Get home and you wake up as we get into the house with a look of, "Where am I?"

8:40 pm- I start our last nursing session- your long one before bedtime where you are swaddled and cuddly.  Dad puts in the Netflix movie "Contraband" with Mark Wahlberg. 

9:30 pm- Your belly is full and you have fallen asleep eating.  Dad kisses you goodnight and I take you upstairs for bed.

9:40 pm- Dad and I do a quick ab workout together in the living room and turn the movie back on.

10:00 pm- I decide to do a manicure since I'll just be sitting around watching the movie.

10:45 pm- The movie is over and we lock up the house and head upstairs for showers and getting ready for bed.

11:20 pm- We check on you one last time and kiss you goodnight then hang out in bed and look at stuff on our phones. I check the video monitor periodically when you make little noises.

11:35 pm- Phones are off, Dad sets his alarm, and we kiss and say goodnight.  Dad cuddles up with me, Harlee cuddles up on Dad's legs, and Bentley is curled up on my pillow. Our day is done!  

So Cole today was just another ordinary day... nothing too exciting or crazy but a million times better because of you. These last 2 months have been so full of love thanks to you joining our family.  We can't imagine life without you in it and thank God everyday for giving us such a blessing!

Cole 1 Month

Height: 22.2 inches, 74%
Weight: 10 lb 13 oz, 90%
Head: 14.9 inches, 42%

Diapers: We are finishing off the last newborn box and then it's onto the size 1 diapers.  Why did you have to grow so fast?!?  The size ones look really big and mama doesn't like it.

Clothes: It's officially time to move out of newborn stuff.  All of your pj's are extremely tight and short.  And all of your pants are starting to look more like capris.  I just don't want to admit it and put you into the 0-3 month clothes cause it makes me so sad.  Dad says I'm one of those moms that's gonna get emotional about you growing up. Duh Dad!

Food: Your absolute favorite- boob sandwich.  The lactation consultant that helped out when you were born called the hold a "boob sandwich" and it kinda stuck with me and Dad.  Anytime you're hungry we say you're ready for a boob sandwich.  You are SUCH a good eater little mister.  We got into the swing of nursing quickly and easily cause man you like to eat!  And you'll eat any way... whether it's from me, a warm bottle, or a cold bottle.  When you're hungry, you're hungry!

Sleep: You're doing about 4-5 hour stretches at night right now and 2 hour naps during the day.  2 weeks ago there was one night where you slept 9 hours straight and shocked us.  But I paid for it the next day because you refused to sleep at all and just wanted to cry and eat all day long.  It was the one hard day we've had so far.  At nighttime you're pretty easy.  We swaddle you nice and tight (just how you like it), you have one last feeding, eating makes you drowsy, then we put you in your crib and you talk to yourself before crashing. 

Milestones: You have been holding up your head since your birthday, you strong little man!  Shocked everyone with that neat trick, so you like tummy time on us and on your playmat. You talk, grunt, coo, and squeal to yourself and to us during playtime.  You are tracking objects and movement, and startle at loud noises in the room now.  You also roll onto your side when you're swaddled up- which scared mom half to death the first time you did it- at 4 days old!

Likes:
-#1 would definitely be a boob sandwich... you're such a boy ;)
-Ceiling fans- you can't get enough of watching them.  You don't care if they are turned on or not.  It's so funny to watch you talk, laugh, and smile to them. 
 -Being outside- anytime you start to get fussy we'll take you outside and you instantly calm and quiet down.  Which is good because we're both outside people.  You especially like the new swing that Dad installed on the patio.  I know we're gonna log some time out there now that it's finally warming up outside.
-Sleeping on our chests- this is mom's favorite way to hold you and basically what we do all day :) We can tell you're gonna be a tummy sleeper someday because you love laying on us and love to cuddle up.
-Riding in the car- you are out the second we start moving.

Dislikes:
-Diaper changes- you're not a big fan of the cold air hitting your goods.
-Waiting to eat- when you are hungry there is no waiting, you want to eat NOW!  I actually think it's funny to watch you meltdown as I'm getting everything ready for us to nurse.  Cause once you get your boob sandwich you instantly change and the look of relief on your face is so cute.
-Sunlight- sun in your eyes automatically makes you scrunch your face up and shake your head back and forth.  We got you some sunglasses (that are so stinking adorable on you!) and you LOVE them.  Anytime we are outside or are in the car I put them on you and you just lay back and chill.
-Carseat- you are not happy being in your carseat if it's not moving.

Mom's Favorite Moments:
Our nursing time is easily my favorite part of the last month we've had with you.  I underestimated how strong of an impact that bonding time would have on us.  I actually look forward to nursing you- even in the middle of the night- because it's our time together.  You are such a noisy eater - you coo, sigh, grunt, pant, smack, hiccup, and even make a dolphin type noise as you eat. When I nurse you in bed it keeps Dad awake too because you cause such a commotion.  You grasp onto my finger as you eat and make such sweet sighs of contentment that I have literally cried I've been so happy.  Shhh... don't tell Dad that cause he'll think I'm a weirdo ;)  You've also started locking eyes with me while you eat and it melts my heart.  Can't wait for that to occur more as you become more alert and attentive.

Dad's Favorite Moments (in Dad's words):
Getting up in the middle of the night when you wake up to feed, I have the pleasure of changing your stinky butt.  But the best part is watching you wake up when I turn on your lamp. You look exactly like your mom when she wakes up, you and her make some crazy faces and I love it. However, my favorite moment of the first month would be on your second week birthday when I acquired a 1966 Mustang Coupe- it is going to be a great father son project.

However, don't get any ideas this won't be your first car!  I'm looking forward to getting you strapped in the back seat and going for a cruise as well as teaching your how to work on cars. 

Cole's Birth Day

I've been wanting to write this post for over a week now but there's this little man I'd much rather be cuddling with instead!  But, I figured I better put the baby down and get this post done while everything is fresh on my mind.  Cole, here's the story of your day of birth...

The night before your birth we finally went to bed around 1 a.m. since we knew we had an early morning wake up call of 5 a.m.  Your dad instantly fell asleep after doing yard work all day but I only slept from about 1:30-4.  I was just too excited/anxious of the day ahead of us.  Knowing that we'd be meeting/holding you at some point in the next day prevented me from settling into a good sleep.  I was up before our 5 a.m. alarm went off and finished putting all our last minute things into the hospital bag- phone chargers, daily toiletries, pillows, etc. Your dad got up right on time, got ready, and then loaded up all our stuff into the car.  At 5:30 when it came time to say goodbye to your fur siblings, I instantly started crying.  I swear Bentley knew what was happening with the look he gave me as he sat at the top of the stairs. I felt so guilty for leaving them for some reason.  I was still crying when we backed out of the driveway and your dad made the comment of "The next time we pull up here we'll have someone else with us!"  I blame the last of the pregnancy hormones for all the tears.  It was a dark and quiet 15 minute drive to the hospital.  I'm pretty sure your dad and I were both realizing that this was really happening.  We got to Olathe Medical Center, checked in quickly since I'd already pre-registered us, and they sent us on our way up to the 5th floor for the Birthing Center.

They immediately took us to our room, #531, and had us settle right in.  We were in our room by 6:10 and they got started on us right away.  I put on the gown, got blood taken, and had the IV put in.  After that, we watched the news as the sun came up while waiting on Dr. Rita. 

During our wait, I had Dad open up some pre-baby presents I had bought for him to make it through labor and delivery.  Then we took the last pre-Cole selfie we'd ever take.  Dr. Rita then came in to examine us at 7:10- you stubborn boy still hadn't dilated past 2 cm.  But, we were 80-90% effaced and you were dropped as far as you needed to.  Dr. Rita decided to break my water and see how things progressed naturally on their own.  If nothing had changed by 11-noon then she would put us on pitocin to speed things along.

Your dad got a breakfast of french toast and eggs delivered at 8 a.m. and he snuck me a bite since all I had for breakfast was a banana.  I started having contractions at some point between 8-9 a.m. They were about 3-5 minutes apart and weren't bad at all. I was able to comfortably hang out with your dad and Grammy Brenda during this time.  Abuela Lora and Aunt Ashley arrived around 9:30 and we all enjoyed watching the monitors to see/hear your heartbeat and watch the strength of my contractions continue to increase.  I remember holding my belly a couple times thinking, "These are the last kicks I'll ever feel from him."  It actually made me kind of sad because I LOVED being pregnant with you.  Even with back pain, awful swelling, and terrible heartburn- carrying you for 9 months was so much fun and I loved every second of it.

We had our first check at 10:30 a.m. and had already dilated to 3.5 cm.  By this time contractions were no longer that fun and were 1-2 minutes apart with each one lasting a good length of time.  The next half hour was probably the worst part of the day because contractions hurt so bad, were back to back, and I didn't know if it was too early or not for the epidural.  I kept asking your dad and grandma if I should go ahead and get it, but they knew they couldn't make that call for me.

Having your dad and grammy there helped out so much.  They were able to keep me calm, remind me to breathe deeply, and rub my back.  I finally asked for the epidural and our amazing nurse, Kristi, promised that she'd get them up to us as fast as she could so I didn't have to wait an hour.  They administered the epidural to us at 11:30 and what sweet relief it was!  I've heard such horrible things about epidurals but mine went wonderfully- hurt no worse than a normal shot.  

Your dad however, had to have his own special episode after the epidural was over :) Your dad had been amazing for us during this- they had me lean on him and he held me so they could put the epidural in my back.  He was whispering in my ear the whole time to keep me calm and it really helped.  Once they were finished and were taping it on, your dad suddenly let go of me and said he needed to sit down.  I looked up and he was white as a ghost.  All of the attention suddenly turned to your dad and we worried about making sure he wasn't going to pass out on us and take out our nurse standing behind him.  Luckily, sitting down helped and he got his color back.  He figured that all the worry for me, adrenaline, and locking his knees made him a little woozy.  But once he sat down he was good to go.  I told him he was just wanting to have his own moment in the spotlight since everyone was focused on me and you ;)

The epidural kicked in pretty fast and I was back to myself in no time. Thank you God for that glorious invention! When they checked us at 12:30 we had dilated to a 5 and they decided we wouldn't need the pitocin since you were progressing perfectly fine on your own.   Your cousin Jeryn came to visit us shortly after this and she brought you, "Scooter," some balloons.  The hospital room and monitors fascinated her and she really liked hearing your heartbeat.

Jeryn was really curious about everything going on and thought that I was there to get shots so she held my hand. The rest of the afternoon was spent being entertained by Jeryn, hanging out with our families, and me even catching a couple naps.  Your dad would watch the monitors and would see huge off the chart contractions... and I didn't feel a thing :)  He just couldn't believe that I was able to sleep through them and not notice them at all.  However, one downfall of the epidural was the side effects.  Soon after I got it, I got the chills and the shakes.  I couldn't even cap my chapstick I was shaking so bad.  Then I got nauseous and threw up a few times.  We aren't sure if it was the epidural or the shot of anti-nausea medicine they made me take earlier... but whatever it was... you and me didn't agree with it and it came right back up... like 4 times.  They checked us at 2:35 and we were almost to a 7, but they still called it a 6.  Then they came back at 3:30 and we had gone up to 7.5 and were 100% effaced.

They checked us at 4:05 and we had dilated to 8.5. All day I wasn't allowed to eat and was surviving off of tic tacs and ice chips.  Nurse Kristi asked if I wanted an Italian Ice and I emphatically said YES!  I chose the orange flavor and I'm pretty sure it was the most delicious thing we'd ever had.  The next check was at 5:15 and we had dilated to a 9.5... we were almost there kiddo!  They had us say goodbye to our families and started preparing for your arrival!

Nurse Kristi had me switch positions and lay on my right side to encourage you along that last .5 cm.  It was just me and Dad in the room at this point and we were so excited it was almost time!!  Dad was in total coach mode and was waiting on me hand and foot to make sure I was comfortable and relaxed.  He set up the video camera on a shelf behind my head so we could record your delivery.  Then we just waited.

At 6:15, the nurses wanted me to start doing practice pushes.  Soon after that, practice pushes turned into real pushes and your delivery began.  They called Dr. Rita (who had to cancel her hair appointment for you) to head this way and gave me an oxygen mask to use between pushes for you.  Pretty sure I needed it more than you though, I'm glad they gave it to me!  A whole army was assembled in our room- me and you, your dad, 4-6 nurses at a time since it was during a shift change, plus Dr. Rita later on.  I wasn't aware that so many people would be in the room.  Your dad said I heard the door open again and remarked, "Someone else joining the party?"

I remember hearing them whisper about paging Dr. Rita again cause she still wasn't there and we were close.  At this point I would've let anyone deliver you. Pushing was tiring- there were hardly any breathing breaks between contractions cause they were one after another.  I told your dad I was pushing so hard I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head. Don't worry, they didn't ;)

I was really getting tired and was giving your dad the "is-this-over-yet-I'm-so-exhausted" look.  He was so loving and supportive and told me that we were so close and he could see your head.  Hearing that he saw you gave me the last adrenaline I needed.  He asked if I wanted to do another one, I said "sure" and one push later out you came at 7:26 p.m. on April 4th, 2013.

 Happy birthday Cole Michael Olivier!

 The instant they laid you on my chest changed our lives forever.  I couldn't believe you were really here and all I could do was laugh, cry, and touch you all over.  You were ours and we were yours. Forever.  My first words to you were, "Oh look at him!"

Dad's first words were, "He's here!" Seeing you with your Dad was emotional for me- I knew how bad he had wanted a son and couldn't wait to meet you.  Watching him hold you for the first time was incredible.  He already has big plans for you and all you'll do together.  I pray everyday that you grow up to be a man just like your father- he's the best guy I know!

When it was time for Dad to cut the umbilical cord he caused quite a mess!  They said you had a thick, healthy cord and Dad struggled to cut through it with the tiny space they gave him to cut.  He ended up nicking it just right on the first cut so that blood sprayed out and hit the side of my bed, our nurse, the computers and monitors, the floor, the wall, and the picture hanging on the wall.  Dad felt so bad about it cause it was a mess for them to clean!

Weight: 8 pounds 9.6 ounces
Height: 20 inches
Head: 13.5 inches
Chest: 13.75 inches
Hair: Sandy blonde/brown
Eyes: Blue
Eyebrows/Eyelashes: Blonde

When we heard your weight, all of us were completely shocked.  My response was, "Wait... what was that?!" and Dr. Rita said, "Say that weight again?"  You were bigger than we expected sweet boy.  Dr. Rita told me she didn't know where I had put all of you because no one expected you to be over 8 pounds.  Guess all the Sunny D and Snickers I ate really helped you out.  I clearly fed you well.

They told our families you were here and allowed them to stand outside our door to hear your first cries.  But your rule following Grammy actually broke the rules and cracked the door to hear you better.  So Jeryn took that as an opportunity to allow herself in.  I remember lying there and hearing her small little voice say, "What are they doing to Tia?" I looked over my shoulder and there she was, innocently standing in the doorway.  The nurses asked Dad if she was with us.  We laughed and said that was your cousin.  You were her baby after all, she couldn't wait any longer to meet you!

Welcome to our family Cole Michael!

God picked you out especially for us, he knew you were the perfect fit for us.  One big happy family!

Pretty sure I said a thousand times, "He's so cute!" that night to our families.  And it's true.  You came out absolutely perfect!  I could stare at you all day and it would never get old.

Cole, you made April 4th easily the best day of our lives so far.  You are truly the best gift we have ever received and we love you far more than you'll ever know. You have a wonderful life ahead of you and we can't wait to start this adventure with you!  I love you handsome boy!

Love,
Mom

40 Weeks

40 Weeks: Baby O is the size of a small pumpkin.

He weighs about 7.5 pounds and is about 20 inches long.  This week he is ready to meet and take on the world!

How far along? 40 Weeks

Total weight gain?  31 pounds- pretty sure 5 pounds of that are just in my feet/cankles.

Maternity clothes? Still the same- mixing maternity and non-maternity.

Stretch marks? None!  But Trent did tell me this weekend that if I were to get stretch marks anywhere it would be in my poor little sausage toes.  He isn't lying either...

Sleep? Still sleeping fantastic!  I was a very lucky preggo gal since I never got that uncomfortable at the end.
Best moment this week? Celebrating Easter and the excitement of waiting for him!  Also saying adios to work this last Friday until next August.  I'm officially on maternity/summer break :) 
Miss anything? Gorgeous weather has me ready for a nice cold beer!

Movement? Most of his movement is in my lower stomach and on my bladder.  No more high, painful kicks in the last couple weeks.

Food cravings? Love all that Easter candy- but that's not a preggo craving cause it's pretty normal for me.  There's nothing better than a Snickers egg!!

Anything making you queasy/sick? Nada

Gender? Little man :)
Labor Signs? We had inconsistent contractions yesterday all late afternoon/evening.  And we took a nice long walk with the dogs during the contractions to help push things along.  But then.... nothing.  Come on kid... you have a wonderful life waiting for you... come out already!
Symptoms? Holy swollen feet/cankles.  See the picture below if you're prepared to be terrified.

Belly button in or out? Out 99% of the time.

Wedding rings on or off? Off :( My hands are swelling just like my feet... but not as bad.

Happy or moody? Beyond overjoyed that we get to meet our son any day now... tonight at our doctor's appointment it was decided that if he doesn't come on his own before Thursday that we'll be inducing!  He's got until 6 a.m. on Thursday...

Looking forward to? The day our baby boy joins our family!!!!!
Daddy moment?   Today after waiting at our doctor's office for 2.5 hours (ahhhhhh!) I was super antsy/frustrated and jokingly told Trent to tell me a story to distract me.  He came up with a story about how there were two pigs waiting to have a piglet.  But the mama pig was getting impatient and overheated and she was in danger of turning into bacon.  Then her piglet would turn into a bacon bit.  I laughed so hard/loud I thought I was going to pee on the examination table right there in the office.  Probably one of those "funny if you were there" stories.  There is nothing better than seeing how excited Trenton is to become a father.  Can't wait to see him hold his son for the first time :)

One last glance at the "office" before leaving for good :) until next school year anyway!  Trent, myself, and my administration decided on Friday that it would probably be best for my students to have a clean break from me and start with my long term sub on Monday.  With the group of kiddos that I have this year, they can be a bit high maintenance and have high anxiety with change.  We knew that if I had to leave mid-day or even mid-week, it would cause a major ruckus to my kids' routine and learning.  My sub took over today and I've been thinking of her and my kiddos all day long!  I know they are surviving without me just fine :)  Plus... not teaching is a good thing on my ankles.

 Saturday we went with all the family to my school for a local church's Easter egg hunt.  This is Jeryn's last year in the youngest age group- so sad :(  I had better pictures of her smiling and looking so cute... but chose this one because she looks like she's about to show some eggs what's up. The girl is fierce, I tell ya!

That night we had dinner at Ashley and Jerad's and dyed all the Easter eggs.  This picture cracks me up because she was hollering at "Scooter" to come out already.  She was even loud enough for Tio to tear his eyes away from basketball and everything- see left hand side of picture.

Ashley bought the cutest egg kits this year- monster eggs and baby chickadee eggs.

 This is Baby O's egg we made for him encouraging him to "hatch" in time for Easter... but it didn't work.

Last Easter as the four of us!

Thinking it might be my last belly pic since I had small contractions the whole rest of the day.  I was wrong.

Of all the Jeryn pics Ashley took this one's my favorite cause it's just so J-Fe.  Love that little (crazy) lady!

 Celebrating Abuela's birthday- even though a certain 3 year old ruined the surprise ;)

With the gorgeous Easter weather it was the perfect day for Jeryn to get out her Christmas present from Santa- complete with helmet, doll basket, gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, tall socks, and her soccer shoes.  I think it took a good five minutes just for her to put on all her gear.

 She did a dang good job for her first time and we can't wait to see her improve over this spring/summer!

***Viewer discretion advised*** These are the swollen things I used to call my feet and ankles.  I only had my flip flops on for 10 minutes too!  This was the second pair of sandals that my feet ate that day- the other pair of sandals got ate in the HOT church service that morning.  Can I just say how thankful I am that I'm not going through a pregnancy during the summer months?!  Props go out to those gals cause I'm not sure my feet would make it through.

It's for certain... the next post I write on here will be for our baby boy!  Aaaahhhh.... so exciting!!!