Slowly But Surely.... We're Adapting.....

Ethan Alexander has forever changed my world. He is such a good baby. A very mild temperment, and personality. He rarely cries, and when he does, it is to let me know he is hungry, or dirty. He smiles in his sleep, which is about the only time he somewhat resembles me. He has high cheek bones, like me. Other than that, just like Zach, he is like a mirror of his Daddy. I knew from the moment I saw the ultrasound, he was going to resemble Zach very closely. Its amazing how much kids can resemble one another, or their parents very closely!

Zach is adapting. He likes having a brother, and being "big". He enjoys helping out, and bringing Momma diapers, creme, etc. He is involved. Today he put Ethan's pacifier in his mouth. It was not what he was expecting I don't think, cause he gave me a funny look and handed it to me immediately. Hahaha...
The pediatrician warned me of "regression" in him, saying that most only children, will regress when a baby comes into the home to try to "fit in". Hopefully if this continues any, it will not last long when he see's he doesn't like what it's like. Like a baby bottle -- he looks at them,....but KNOWS that he doesn't use them. But, he knows his brother does, and wouldn't hesitate putting it in his mouth.

Mom and Dad are in love. Ethan is an amazing baby. He has filled our life with more love and joy in the past 6 days of his birth. Daddy is in awe, with both of his boys. I don't think I have convinced Josh another boy added to the household in a few years, would be awesome. I do not want to have another one for atleast a year or two. That's if we can successfully get through all the changes coming our way. LOL.... and IF I can talk Josh into it. I really wanted to try for a girl -- but, I know darn well chances are high that it would be another boy again. And I am ok with that. My own little basketball team... or football... and my license plate would have to be changed to 4my3boys, instead of 4my2boys. :)

I am missing being pregnant already. Infact, I was thinking today, I wished I still had my 2 weeks left. I feel kinda jipped, even though I really felt like I was ready to be done. But, I think some calculation was off with Ethan, cause he was PERFECT size, and actually bigger than he should have been for how far along he was. 7 lbs. 4 oz was a perfect size. Today, I am not positive what he weighs, but when we left the hospital Sun. he checked out at 6lbs. 9 oz. He is SOOO strong already! His head has excellant strength, and his little arms and legs are so strong too. My gosh the way he can hold his head and turn it around. He still is very tiny and barely fits his carseat though. Obviously he still needs support, etc with his head, so we have found him with his head down sometimes. So sad... I need to find something that helps them keep it up more. I have monkeys which have since been put in his carseat and seem to help some.

Anyhow, things are good. We are enjoying our time. And if this is my last child, I am going to enjoy every moment of him being a baby!!!

Zach is doing so much better though since he has been born. He says new words, out of the blue, clear as day as well.

New Words:
Papa
Brother
Baby
Sissy <---what he calls the dog.

Anyhow... til next time....
Photos to come of Ethan "E"

Ethan Alexander Jones

Born on Sept. 24th, 2009 at 5:45pm
Weight: 7 lbs. 4 oz
Height: 20.5 Inch. Long

We are pleased to announce Mr. Ethan Alexander as the newest member of our family. He was so excited about making his debut, he decided to throw his Mom off, and come 3 weeks early! On Sept. 24th I woke up and felt "different" than I had in a LONG time. I got in the shower hoping to kick the feeling, but it didn't happen.

Grandpa and Polly came down to watch Zach while I had an 11:20am Dr's appt. to go to. I was having pain on and off all morning, but really didn't say anything to anyone about it. I just tried to understand that the "contractions" could last all the way up until I delivered. So, I was on my way to my appt. and all of the sudden I started having hard contractions while I was driving. I made it to the Dr. and was able to check in and be seen by my Dr.

I explained that I had felt wierd all day, and that I was having contractions that were 3-4 minutes apart I thought. Sometimes even feeling like they were one right after another. I didnt know how common that was, but they knew something was up because my Blood Pressure was 140/100. I was not showing signs of pre-eclampsia or anything at that time. I was checked into Banner Gateway at 12:30pm for monitoring of the BP, contractions, and just overall health of me and the baby. I was beginning to swell, which was totally not fun!!!

Here I am, in what was to be one of the only photos I allowed my husband to take of me, between contractions, and full on active labor. I was so HUGE!!! Gotta love the classy gowns, huh!?

My Doctor came to the hospital, saw me for about 5 minutes and said he would be back in a bit to make a decision what we were going to do. They hooked me up to an IV to see if they could slow the contractions down, however that didn't work. Every 3 minutes, like clockwork, I watched in amazement,......... and pain. LOL. Dr. L came back and said- "Well Maggie, lets get ya all ready, we are going to take you back and deliver him! " --- I started freakin out~~ I barely had packed a bag me that day, let along getting ready to go into surgery. So, wasn't expecting that.

I was taken back, the spinal was started, and I never had an expierence like this before. I felt the spinal with Ethan, where as I didn't with Zach. I guess I had more time to prepare with Ethan, and with Zach I had 15 minutes to prepare, and people didn't give me a chance to freak out that much. So, with Ethan I was waiting in anticipation for everything, which caused me to jump when the 1st need to numb my back was inserted. I was told I needed to hold VERY still, which after jumping the 1st time, I was scared to do so again and concentrated on doing just that.

So, Dr. Wong my anestisiologist <---Spelling---) was amazing at trying to keep me calm and laughing. He was just a funny guy. He knew when to talk to me, and ask me questions to keep me from passing out, etc. From the moment I was laid down, to the moment my body from my finger tips down went numb, I was in an almost automatic "panic mode." My heartrate was racing so badly that I could feel my pulse in my face at 130+. I was quickly told to close my eyes, and put myself "somewhere nice" and take nice long deep breaths. I tried, and was fighting back panic, when Josh entered and sat next to me. He gently squeezed my hand, and off we had already went at starting the surgery. The whole thing took 8 minutes,... which laying on the table, felt like a LIFETIME!!! I heard them say that my water had broken, and that we were going to have a birthday soon. I started getting excited with anticipation I was going to meet my little boy, I fought so hard for! Next thing i know, I hear him cry for the first time. I was so excited to hear " Here he is -- Born at 5:45pm!!!" I hear "Welcome Little One!!" and he is gently crying out his 1st breaths. It was amazing. I then had to worry about keeping calm as Dad left me to keep the video on our new boy, and his happenings. So, I was by myself, and had finally had enough of the sick feeling, and clausterphobia. My Anestisiologist gave me some versaid, or whatever that stuff is to calm me down. My heart rate had still not slowed down. I was stitched up quickly, Dad and Baby went to the recovery room before me, and I followed shortly after. I was never so relieved to get out of the O.R. --- In recovery, Ethan was given oxygen, because they believed he had swallowed amniotic fluid on his way out. He passed his Agpar score with a 9, which was awesome. It was the little info. I could get, in and out of conscience, and the beginning of the "shakes." My nurses kept telling me to "calm down" and to not fight the shaking. I started clattering my teeth, my jaw was going, and soon, my full body was in full convulsions. Josh was sitting at our feet, and I was barely able to lift my head, and open my eyes for only a few seconds in between shaking. He was very worried -- you could tell by the poor guys face. He told me it looked like i was having seizures. ( I felt like I was having seizures!!)

We got taken to our room after I was able to stop shaking awhile later. Ethan and I were united, and it has been true love ever since!! He is one amazing boy--- and I can't wait to take him home to introduce him to his big brother. I love my little family, and cant wait to show him the world. Even if these are the only 2 kids I get in my life, (which I am hoping for one more down the road) then I am so blessed and happy with what I have. That baby girl would complete even more of a part of me, and I would be truely thrilled if I got my blessing one day. If not, I am completely ok with my boys!!

Check out all the photos now, of our little peanut. I will post more info later....

THIS PHOTO I HAVE AT HOME WITH HIS BROTHER IN THIS POSITION, AND HE LOOKS IDENTICAL TO THE TEE TO ETHAN. I CAN NOT BELIEVE HOW CLOSE IN RESEMBLANCE THESE 2 ARE.

THIS IS US IN THE RECOVERY ROOM AFTER SURGERY BEFORE WE WERE MOVED TO OUR ROOM. I WAS IN VERY BAD SHAPE AT THIS TIME. I WAS FINALLY STARTING TO STOP SHAKE, AND THEY WERE GOING TO MOVE US TO OUR ROOM. DADDY WANTED TO GET ONE OF OUR 1ST PHOTOS TOGETHER. I WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOME SEDATIONS~!~

ONE OF MY 1ST TIMES HOLDING HIM-- I REALLY WAS THRILLED, I JUST WAS NOT IN THE MOOD FOR PHOTOS, AND I KNEW I LOOKED LIKE HECK. BUT WHO LOOKS FANTASTIC AFTER JUST GIVING BIRTH, AND GOING THROUGH MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY!?? I LOVE YOU ETHAN ALEXANDER!!

COMING OFF EVERYTHING, A MUCH HAPPIER MOMENT FOR ME-- MY 1ST TIME FEEDING HIM.

SOME RANDOM SHOTS OF HIS FACE:


AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST-- DADDY HOLDING HIS BOY!!

Oh when oh when will you make your debut??!!

Today has been busy!! Well, lets just say this week has been one hell of a week! I went to the dentist on Monday because my molar on my upper back had broken a piece off, and the remaining was poking me in the cheek. It was a sharp piece that was sticking out. Well, I had X-Rays done and it showed that the tooth was saveable, and I would need a root canal and a crown put on. All fine and dandy, but they couldn't do the work, until I wasn't pregnant any longer. I knew waiting atleast a month til I had the baby and was able to get in there was going to be difficult, but I really wanted to try. So, yesterday I ate, and another part of the tooth broke off. This time, I was in EXCRUCIATING pain! When the dentist looked, he told me the tooth was no longer saveable, and that the nerve was exposed. I would have no choice but to get it pulled. So, I saw the oral surgeon yesterday afternoon, and had like 5 shots in my mouth to get it numbed and they pulled it. An implant is the same cost for the most part as the crown and the root canal, it is just minus the pain right now. Focusing on healing from surgery would have posed as a bit of a challenge with my mouth killing me as well. So, thats what I have to look forward to after this baby is here.
So, on to Mr. Ethan.....
Today I had my 1st of my set of weekly appts. I had my group B strep test done. That was comfortable. HAHAHA... So, i will get those results in a week at my next appt. We had a chat about what has been happening, how I have been feeling, the fact I am having contractions pretty much daily now, and that I am suffering from back labor. Oh the JOYS of the end of the pregnancy. I am not dilated, and not effaced at all. Dr. L doesn't think that I am going to progress at all. He says that with me delivering Zach by C-Section most likely my body will not move. So, he says that I could have contractions pretty much on a regular basis now until the time when he is delivered in the O.R. The fact that there is back labor involved now, is concerning. He knows it is painful, and sometimes can not be relieved with a warm bath. So, he told me to drink as cold as a drink as I could, lay on my side, and not lift anything heavy to try to get them to stop, and the pain to stop.
He also said that on Sat. he was called and told them to stop the labor, because I was only 35 weeks and days. He didnt want him delivered before 36 weeks, if at all possible. He said that now if I was to start active contractions again that were timeable, he would make a decision at that time to take him or not. But, he said after 36 weeks, he might take him. So...... thats a big, who knows when this little boy is going to come!! I really need to buckle down and pack my darn bag. Why am I procrastinating so badly!?? I think I am having a hard time accepting the fact that this is going to be happening here VERY SOON!! I am just trying to get as much rest as possible, and take advantage of the final few days of being pregnant.
So, I wonder when this little guy is going to make his debut!?? Will it be BEFORE his scheduled C-Section date?? Or right on time!???
We shall see.....

~Maggie

Just thinking..... 3 weeks TODAY....

Thursday is my next appt. which begins my weekly check ups. I can't believe this time has come so quickly. Wow, it just seems like yesterday it was I found out about this little guy. I have had to go through so much to hold onto this pumpkin, and I hope that he is so healthy when he is born. I worry so much about alot of different things. Josh say's I get it from my Momma. :) But, I cant help but worry about what is ahead. It is so unknown to me, and I just feel so emotional, and overwhelmed often. Hopefully this round, I will not have the baby blues to go along with the recovery. With Zachary I had them often, and thank God after a couple weeks I finally felt like myself again. I worry about this, and having to take care of a toddler and a newborn on my own. I sure hope I am strong enough, cause after the 1st week, I am on my own.
I dont have a lot of family which can help. With my Mom working during the day, there doesn't leave much time for her. My in-laws live on the other side of town. So, we won't see them much. They won't even be up to see Ethan until he probably comes home from the hospital. We have Polly who is always interested in helping out wherever she can with Zach, so that will be a God send. I know he will be in good hands, while I am not available or still in the hospital. I am honestly hopeful to get out of the hospital ASAP. I don't know how surgery will go, or the recovery, but I will push myself to be able to see my son who I will miss very much.
Ethan still hasn't "dropped" persay, however I am still having continuous contractions every once and awhile. Wow, some are very painful, and last what seems like a while. I am just hopeful I will be able to last for the next 3 weeks. I wonder what it will be like to deliver a baby which is basically full term. How much difference in weight there will be from when Zach was born, to Ethan. I am sure some, since Zach was only in for 37 weeks. So, I guess we will have to wait and see. I am just trying to take it as easy as possible, and trying not to over do things. I still have so much to do on my "to-do list" before I go in on the 6th. The problem is, I have to start working on everything now, because I never know when it will be "the time." I need to make sure if the time came right now, I would have everything set and ready for Zach to be looked after and cared for, the house stocked with food, clothes washed up and set aside for him, etc. etc. etc.....
Ethan's bag is packed and ready to go for the hospital. Now to mine. Which will definately take alittle longer. The video camera is charged, and the regular camera is charged and ready to go. Now all we need is a baby!! Just not too soon.... :)

Til Next Time...
~Maggie

Long Day.... and a Long Night....

Yesterday was such a hard day on me. From the morning excitement with the dogs running away and being found since my 2 year old thought it was a good idea to open the front door and let them out, while I was grocery shopping. I came home to sit and eat breakfast with him, and quickly noticed I wasn't fighting dogs off, and it was bizarre activity and noticed the dogs were missing. I jumped in the car, frantically looking for them. (Molly wouldn't see it if she ran out into the street, someone would hit her) I found them blocks over, Molly injured. Which added more stress when I had to go get her pain medicine from the vet because she can't put weight on her front legs. Her pads to her feet are either missing, and there are craters there, or the pads are hanging down, and hanging on by a thread. The vet said it is equivalent of us having severe blisters on our feet, and the layers of skin being peeled back and exposed. He said we should start the healing process and it should be easier for her to move in a week. Oh what a mess....

So, that kicked off contractions. I was having them, but not able to time them as they were all over the place. Some of them were lighter, and some of them were big, and painful. What travelled to the front of my stomach, then hit my back, and I was suffering from "back labor." I tried the bath tub, to soak my back-- and when it didn't touch the contractions, I decided to call the Dr. at around 4 yesterday afternoon. The Dr. on call said that i needed to be checked to make sure I wasn't dilating, and I wasn't in labor. So, Off to the hospital I went. Josh stayed home with the baby, because as it was getting later in the afternoon, I didn't want him drug all over the place. He was having an issue as it was to even fall asleep lately. He doesn't want to miss a thing, or stop playing. If it was important, or I couldn't drive myself, my parents would have gone down to my house to sit with him while Josh came to the hospital.

So, I checked in at the hospital. It was a FULL HOUSE. Something must have been in the air lastnight!!! When I was sitting there, there was girl after girl checking in, having contractions, and in labor. My nurse said that there was 8 of us that checked in within an hour!!! So, I got hooked up to the monitor, and basically hung out. My nurse came in, and said that because I am 36 weeks, they would NOT stop labor, if I was having contractions. I told her that I am not meant to have this baby naturally, and that he will be born C-section. She said that the game plan kinda changes at that time, but that Ethan could be born, and would be fine if he was born lastnight. I was beginning to freak out, because this was not part of my plan. I didn't pack a bag, my husband was hanging at home with our son, and I am not 100% ready at home!!! I am sitting there going, "this can't be happening!!" I would have taken anything that I had to. If it was meant he was coming lastnight, alright then! However, my nurse paged my Dr. and he told her to STOP LABOR! When him and I chatted, he told me he wanted me to have a C-section, without being in ANY labor beforehand. He didn't want my body having contractions, as he said that the recovery is more severe after your body has been through labor contractions, on top of surgery. The nurse came in and checked me. She said that my cervix is hard as a rock, and I have no dilated, or progressed at all. Not a big surprise!! :)

It also didn't surprise me when the nurse came in with a bottle of Terbutaline, and needle. I asked her what it was for, and she said - " We just talked to your Dr. and he said it was too early for the baby, and that I needed to give you these shots to stop the labor." THANK GOD!!!

( check out the bottom row, it is very light, but all the way to the right, check out the contraction. It was a HUGE contraction!! I laughed after it was over, and said I had to get a photo of it! This one right here started it all!!! )

So, I got my shot, and called Josh to ask him to look up if there was any side effects that would go to the baby. He said it is a category B drug, which poses no threat to the baby. It made me VERY shakey, but the good thing was it wasn't long lasting. Maybe an hour. And contractions slowed down after about 15 minutes, and completely died off. As soon as the drug was in my system for an hour, my Dr. said I could go home. So, I was released after I showed them I might have been having some small contractions, but nothing significant, or painful. I am still in quite a bit of pain today. Not in my stomach area, but my back is absolutely sore.

Lucky back labor--- :) The baby was monitored, and looked awesome. His heart rate ran from the 150's to the 170's, and didnt go much below that the whole time I was there. Soo glad he looked amazing while being monitored.

So, I am just working on trying not to go back into labor again. I really don't want to go to the hospital. When there, I realized that It freaks me out alittle bit. I asked my nurse what is going to happen on Oct. 6th when I go in for my C-section. She said that I would go to the triage unit and I would get prepped there, and then they would walk me to the O.R. There is 1 room in the triage unit. The rest are beds with curtains. I happened to get the room lastnight, and felt so clausterphobic in there. It really did scare me for some reason!??? I think I am just alittle wierded out, I am not going to see a "Room" before I go to the O.R.

My stuff is just going to be floating somewhere, and I hope it gets to my recovery room. Maybe I will just have my Mom hang on to my bag, so I know it doesn't get lost!?? The nursing staff is AMAZING.... sooooo nice! Makes you feel so comfortable, and I felt very comfortable with them. I sat there getting and sending texts, and my phone was ringing and they didn't say a word. They told me to get comfy, which I don't know how that would happen on a hospital gurney. Seriously, those triage beds are soooo uncomfortable. :) But, when I was released it was off to the DQ for a snack, and a blizzard. :) So, the ending to my night was great!!

Stay tuned... I am sure these next 3 weeks are going to be a rollercoaster. :)

~Maggie

Getting Ready...

I have 3 weeks to get everything finalized, and I find that my days are JAM Packed with lots of things to do. With a 2 year old in tow, it takes a lot of time to accomplish the smallest of things, because he is always inquisitive, and wanting to know what each thing that I am either cleaning, or putting together is for.
Lastnight, the bassinest was brought in from the garage, and I had it all put together, and cleaned up from any dust. I washed up the bassinet sheet, and got it all put together and placed in my room. Zachary ofcourse was looking inside, and would look at me and laugh. He knows something is going on, and often we talk about his baby brother, and how he is such a big boy now. I think he will be ok, once I actually get home from the hospital. I worry so much about the days I will be gone. I know Josh is planning on taking that week off, which makes me feel better. It is just so emotionally hard on me, because I have never been seperated from my boy for more than an overnight visit to grandma's house. With a c-section, the shortest stay I can request is 2 days, and if recovery is difficult, then I will be kept for anywhere between 2-5 days.
Also, RSV season begins Nov. 1st-- which meant that the kids weren't allowed in the hospital after Nov. 1st- I really thought I was going to get to have Zach at the hospital in the waiting room while his brother was being born. However, with the Swine Flu breakout they are not allowing kids anywhere near the hospital. I just planned for things to be so different, but already God is showing me that my way may not always be the way things will go. I just need to learn to adapt. I am already getting emotional about the arrival pending of our new son. I am excited, but I am anxious. I only have Josh home for 1 week after Ethan is born, and then he has to go back to work. I then am home with 2 boys, one of them being brand new. I am sure that it is all the fear of the unknown, but I am pretty easy at figuring out how to make it work, and getting done what I need to. The hard part is, with a C-section, I will not able to climb stairs for 2 weeks. I can't put Zach in his bed, I cant lift anything heavy at all, because the stitches could rip open. So many thoughts going through my head, and just trying to put a plan together for what I am going to do. Thanks for our friends who have offered to come over after Ethan comes home to help. Thanks to my friends who are At Home Mom's themselves, and who have offered to come help. Thanks to Pilar who offered to make her AMAZING chicken enchiladas and come and visit. I am holding you to that one, and am looking forward to it.
I am getting huge. Not so much on the sides, but in the front. I woke up this morning and got dressed and freaked out how much it looks like I have a beachball under my shirt. From the back, you dont know I am pregnant for the most part, but if you see me from the side, or coming at you, there is no doubt!!!
Today, I am going to get to Target and pick up a couple last minute things that I need. I also need to get back home and start packing a bag, which I should have done a couple days ago when I had the chance. Also, I want to find the 1st outfit Ethan will come home in, as well as the outfit his hospital pictures will be taken in. Tonight I am hopeful to get my toes painted, since I can't do this myself any longer, and just take it easy. Oh, grocery shopping is on the list, and I need to make sure I have plenty of things incase something happens early. Which who knows -- you truely never know!! :) Even though I am still on point and holding out for Oct. 6th --

I will take and post some additional photos today of my ever expanding belly. For now, my boy is waking up, and I want to get him his breakfast and start doing what I need to. :)

Later Gator,
Maggie

30 Days From Today... My Life Changes Again...

I'am completely in awe at the fact that I am going to be a Mom to another special angel in 30 days from today. At 7:00am on Oct. 6, 2009 I am set to check in to Banner Gateway hospital for yet another C-section. It takes the 2 hours to get you settled in, paperwork signed, your IV put in, and then its time to walk to the O.R. to have the actual procedure. Surgery is set to begin at 9:00am which means about 8:30am I will be taken to the O.R. to get my spinal block, and where they actual get things ready for surgery.
I know what the expect now, and my Doctor's office does an amazing job giving paperwork handouts which spell out exactly what will happen to you while in there. My only request is that I don't have to drink the anti-acid stuff which burns everything in your stomach. I know I can't eat after 12 midnight the night before, and if it means I don't have to drink that stuff, I definately wont sneak a cookie or cupcake. :) That stuff is so gross. My Dr. said I wouldn't have to drink it, but he also isn't going to be present if the nurses MAKE ME. I will be so pissed... UH...
I have to have a catheter. REALLY!!!???? But, I guess I get it. Its not like I can get up and pee by myself once I have a spinal block. I won't be walking for atleast 4 hours after surgery. With all the IV fluids, it has to go somewhere, right!?? The great part about this is, I wont feel it being installed. It freakin hurts!! So, Dr. L said that I don't have to get it until after I have my spinal. It was the best news yet!! Hahaha.... Everything all in all seems to be running so much more smooth than with Zach.
Today my husband told me I looked like I have "ballooned" over the past 2 weeks. Baaahahaha, I said- Oh Really!?? Probably not the choice of words to use with a pregnant chick. He says, "Well, least you have a reason!!" I guess he is right, and they say this is the time in the last 2 months where you gain all your weight. I am really not that much bigger if any that I was 2 weeks ago. Trust me,.... I am paying close attention to the weight gain now. :) I am proud to announce I am still UNDER what I weighed when I had Zach, by like 15lbs. GOOO MEEE!!

Anyhow, will post more when I have a chance. I am off to make Brownies with a big ole' scoop of ice cream on it. Don't you wish you had a wife like me!??? :)

Til Next Time...

Ethan's Sprinkle Party

If you have been following my blog, whenever Shannon and Tiffanie and I are together we always took "belly shots" together. Since both of them have since "lost their belly's" and gained babies, I am the last one left. What was supose to be a Aug. Sept. Oct. birth from right to left, now turned into a Aug. Aug. Oct. birth with Momma still prego!! They thought it would be cute to have me down there with the babies to show the "natural progression" --- hahahaha



My family threw Ethan a party on Sept. 5th to welcome his arrival. With lots of food, and good friends and family around, it was sure to be a fun time!! We got a lot of nice things. We are so greatful for our families, and friends. They always give 110% and we are just greatful.


ETHAN'S CAKE-- HOW ADORABLE.... ITS BABY EINSTEINS....


Shannon with Carter- 19 days old (left) & Tiffanie with Jaxon - 5 days old. (Right)

At my parents house-- some of our friends mingling.

Zachary- 2 years old. What a freakin cutie. Hahaha... that was the only good photo he would pose for all afternoon.



Uncle Bryce and Aunt Rachel *** We love you guys!! ***




Here is Josh and I -- We can't wait to meet you Ethan!! ( Man is my face all swollen!! )


Girls-- I feel so behind. LOL... But, I am hopeful Ethan stays in for the remainder of his cooking time to get where he needs to be. Look at how amazing these girls look after just having babies. Hahaha... I already have a plan to lose the extra LBS. I have gained!! :)

My MIL is a Mickey Mouse Fanatic. Hahaha... :) So, she found me this GREAT Mickey diaper bag, which definately will have lots of room for both of the boys things.


We got lots of blankets. Flanel ones, soft ones, receiving ones to bundle him up. He is going to be very warm this winter! Especially born in Oct. when the seasons are changing it will be nice cause babies can't regulate their body temps.

This was the cutest thing ever Shannon. The red shirt says "Born in 2009" and there is a burp cloth behind it with flip flops on it. (I LOVEEEE Flip Flop Designs) So cute! Thanks again --

So, Josh wanted to try one of this things out. They look like it will come in real handy when traveling, or just being able to do basic things around the house and needing your hands free.

We got so much new stuff. Pacifiers, Blankets, Car seat, diaper Bag, Baby Sling Rider, Rattles, clothes, beanies, gift cards, diapers, wipes, and the list goes on and on.

My parents got us our new carseat that we wanted. We have been doing some additional research on carseats, and the double strollers, so we asked that they hold off on purchasing until we make up our minds on the actual one we want to get. The Phantom Black one will probably be what we go with, however, there was another one we were looking at, and wanted to make sure we were going to be 100% happy. After all, those double strollers are like 50lbs, and Momma needs to be able to lift it, and function with it without losing my mind. Hahaha...
So Thanks Mom & Dad.

All in All -- it was a great time. Got to see my brother and nephew which we haven't seen in awhile. Zach always likes playing with his cousin. Its so cute, them waving bye to each other.

Check back later-- I have one more blog going up today....

Baby Update Sept. 3rd

Today was my 34 week checkup. I was excited to find out how Ethan was doing. I was even MORE thrilled to find out that I had only gained 2 lbs. in the past 2 weeks, which is where they would like you to be gaining in the end. He actually told me good job for holding it down to 2 lbs! Hahahaha

Ethan is doing fantastic!!! He is still estimated measuring in at 4-4 1/2 lbs. which is a tiny guy to me. If we do the math which is what is normal for the end of the last month or so, it is common for the baby to gain 1/2 a pound a week. So, that would put him at 6 to 6 1/2 lbs. which is right where Zach was at 6 lbs 10 oz.

Also, he is head down, and in position at this time. His legs are half way up my stomach, and his head is laying up against the bottom of my stomach. The Dr. is going to do my Strep B test at my final 2 week appt. 2 weeks from now, just incase my water breaks. According to him, he would rather be safe than sorry if my water breaks, and even though I am having a C-section, if it breaks, and I do have Strep B- then it could be dangerous for Ethan. I didn't have Group B Strep with Zach, and I highly doubt I do with Ethan. But, I do not mind being safe.

I got my paperwork for my C Section today. It gives all the details of what is to come, and how things will work when I get in there. I feel so relieved, and prepared. It is such a different expierence already from the birth of Zach. Let's just cross our fingers a wrench doesn't get thrown into the mix. I guess the only thing I can do is be prepared for anything!! :)

Time to get my boy in bed... so, til next time---

A Gorgeous New Addition...

Lastnight, I went to the hospital to visit with Tiffanie and Josh. It was so amazing to see Tiffanie, so in love with this precious little guy who was born just a couple days ago. And he is a CUTIE!! Sooooo tiny.... but also was 25 days early. So, he had some more room to grow that he missed.
Jaxon David White was born on the 31st at 2:18am weighing 5 lbs 13 oz, and 18.5 in long.
I wish I would have taken some photos of how cute he is, but I didn't want to put a flash in his face, in the nursery. Don't worry -- his Mommy didn't have a problem doing so, so there are PLENTY of photos of him!!! Hahahaha I stole this photo off of her profile. :) It doesnt show how cute he is, but imagine--- he is a PERFECT mix of both of them I think....


Jaxon had some difficulty breathing when he was born. He was on oxygen for the past days, but when I got there lastnight, they said that they had taken him off the oxygen completely, and he was doing great!! Such wonderful news!! He is soooooo small, I can't get over it.... :)

So now we have this amazing boy Carter who made his entrance at home with Shannon and her husband, LATE & Jaxon who made his entrance 25 days early with T.T's water breaking. The boys were supose to be 5 weeks apart, and then Jaxon and Ethan were supose to be 2 weeks apart. Hahaha... well, now those boys are close in age, and Ethan is still due in 34 days!!! I hope Ethan holds out and cooks as long as possible. 34 days til he is born, is still taking him 1 week early. Should be interesting to see how this all plays out! But, for now, we have 2 amazing additions to our circle of friends, and the boys are going to be SOOO close!! I can't wait for them to play together and grow up together.

Til Next Time