8 months!

Happy December! I can't believe this month is already half over!

This month has been fun so far. My family came up to visit for Thanksgiving, and Brooke stayed with us for a few weeks before her trip to Europe. She'll be moving into her new Eugene house in early January, and we're so happy to have her here! 

Sean got to meet Santa, which was quite the adventure. He was amazing and of course such a ham once he saw the camera and that everyone was looking at him. Such a funny guy :)

We are so very excited to celebrate our first Christmas with our new addition! Erin's parents are coming up to spend the holiday with us, which will be so wonderful. He already got a taste of opening a present and BOY was that hilarious. He loved it! I'm sure he'll enjoy the paper and boxes more than anything, but the wonder in his face is all we want to see :)

This smiley boy is 8 months old!

Height/Weight: He is 23lbs 5oz as of last Wednesday. I have no idea where he's at now, but he feels heavier! I'm not sure of his length, but all 12mo clothes fit lengthwise.

Other growth/actions: MAN this boy is strong! He's getting stronger by the day. When I hold him on my hip he tries to launch himself, which is fun, ha ha. 

His hair is getting longer and thicker, but he's still mostly bald. Sometimes it looks red, and sometimes just a touch darker than blonde. Only time will tell!

Routine: He is usually up for the day at 7:30am, naps at 9:30am and 1pm. We stopped trying for the afternoon nap, because he just won't take it. He takes one nap that is around 1.5-2 hours and another one for 45mins-1 hour.  When he gets fussy around 5 (which happens every night :/ ) I'll take him on a walk or out for an errand. Then he's down for bed at 7pm.  

He's been sleeping either really great or really horribly. Every night is a crapshoot. I'm assuming it's all due to his milestones and teething. Overall he sleeps great until around 2am and then that's where it is either smooth sailing or he's up every 2 hours. If it's the latter, I just end up taking him to bed with me. That will usually guarantee less wakeups but it's harder to get him back to sleep. 

Eating/Feeding: Breastfeeding every 2 hours, but he's starting to stretch that out to around 2.5 hours between. I'm thinking it could be due to eating more solids. 

I offer solids at least twice a day, usually just small snacks. He has breakfast with me every morning. which is some sort of teething biscuit, yogurt drops and a fruit. He will only eat around 1/3 of what I offer, but he likes the spread!

Lunch only happens sometimes. So if he's napping or we just don't end up sitting down and eating around lunch, I'll offer him a teething biscuit or puffs throughout the day or while we're out and about. 

Dinner is whatever we're eating. If we're eating something not too healthy, I'll steam some veggies and quinoa, and he goes to town.

I gave him yogurt as his first dairy, and he loved it! Looks like he won't have the same tummy problems his mommy has (thank goodness!) so I've started introducing cheese as well. 

I think we'll do peanut butter this week, wish me luck! I might go park in front of the hospital, bust in case ;).

The last week or so he hasn't been too into dinner, and I think it's from teething, and being sleepy. But he enjoys the routine and spending time with us at the table. 

Sizes: Same, all 12 month stuff! He's not swimming in anything anymore though. It's so hard to force myself to look in the 'toddler' section of clothes, instead of the baby section  :(. But he's such a healthy big guy, so I'm grateful!

Milestones: So many, many milestones this month!

To start, he is officially crawling!! He is getting faster and learning his favorite route around the house. All the while he's helping me babyproof by showing me what he likes to go for. It's always our shoes and cords, so we're getting craftier about where we put them.

He is also getting really good at going from sitting to crawling or vice versa. It's a work in progress, so sometimes we have to give it a rest, due to some head 'bonks'!

Last night he woke me up trying to pull himself up in his crib. SO not ready for that! But I know it's coming soon. He did pull himself up onto his knees at the TV stand, so he's really working on it. 

He's saying lots of consonants, and is quite the 'talker' :)

Today he decided to wave 'hello' for the first time! I'm so proud of him! He's very good at getting down the physical milestones, so I'm always so excited when he reaches an emotional milestone. 

STILL no teeth. We will look, and they're getting really close, and then the next day they've disappeared. Some days are really hard, so I can tell they're coming up, and then he'll be okay for a few days. I've given up on them every coming through, which is obviously a coping mechanism :). 

We hope everyone has a very merry Christmas, and we'll come back in 2015!

Xo, Kelsey

7 months!

I want to start off by congratulating Erin for his promotion with Cabelas! He will be doing online gun sales and working in the gun vault. It's a fantastic job (perfect for him!) and I'm so proud of him for working his butt off to get it! You go, baby.

Sean is 7 months old! 

Height/Weight: At his 6 month check up (2 weeks ago), he was 23lbs and 27.5 inches long. Quite the chunk we have on our hands! :)

Other growth/actions: Actually this month he slowed down in comparison to the other months. He's getting much stronger now that he's building muscles, trying to crawl. If I pull him up, he can stand (with me holding his arms) for a few minutes. He isn't quite there yet, which is fine by me. 

Routine: We finally have some sort of routine! Wow it feels so great to say that. He's taking a 1-2 hour nap twice a day, around 9:30am and 1pm. We would really love it if he'd take a nap around 4pm too, but he really fights us on it, so we'll see where it goes. Bedtime has been pushed back to 7pm, as Erin's  new job has later hours and we want to be able to all have dinner and spend time together when he gets home. So far it's working, with just a little resistance the first few days. 

We had to do sleep training for bed time about 2 weeks ago. It was a really hard decision to make, but it has been one of the best parenting decisions we've made so far. He falls asleep on his own and stays asleep. He only wakes up around 5am to be fed and changed, and then wakes back up again at 7:30. It's been a huge improvement to our life and everyone is happier for it! 

Nap training has been rockier, but it's a bit easier now that he can self soothe. We just started training him a few days ago, so it's not perfect, but I'm optimistic he'll get it down just like he did bed time :). 

Eating/Feeding: Still eating every 2 hours during the day. We did start to introduce solids, and are taking the baby-led weaning route. This just means we're not doing purees or cereals, but giving him 'real' food instead. We hand it to him, and he chews/gnaws on it and figures out how to chew and swallow food on his own. It's been really fun to see him explore new flavors and textures. 

So far he loves green beans, avocado, banana, bell peppers, corn, apple and mum-mums. He's not a fan of broccoli, meats and strawberry (yet!).

Sizes: He's in all 12 month clothes now. I reluctantly put away the 6 and 9 month clothes, but with the weather being so cold, I would hate for his pants to not be long enough and his sleeves be too short. 

Milestones: 

He's really trying to crawl, but gets frustrated and ends up rolling and scooting around instead. He is so strong, so I'm sure it's just any day now. 

Sleeping through the night, eating solids, saying 'dadadadada' and 'mamamamama' (as well as lots of other 'words'!), sitting really well, and general exploration of his world. 

Still no teeth! Poor guy is just taunted by them. We have our really bad days and really great days. I don't think I've ever wanted a tooth to come through so bad. 

We're looking forward to hosting my family here again for Thanksgiving! It'll be so nice to spend the holiday in our new home. We'll probably do some Black Friday shopping again this year, which will be interested with Sean. But he's such a trooper, he'll probably do great. 

Until next time!

xo, Kelsey

6 months - Half Birthday!

My favorite time of year is here again, Fall! We have a plate shelf in our dining room, and I haven't been able to style it, because it's an awkward height and takes up the whole wall. But for holidays, I don't think I'll have a problem. Because we don't have a mantle (yet) on our fireplace, I decided to decorate it like a mantle. I love the way it turned out!

I can't believe it's been 6 months since our little man was born. 6 months ago today I was sitting in the hospital room deliriously happy with my new little family. I am so happy for the life that we have and am so blessed to have Sean in it!

And to show off how much he's grown, here's a little collage of his first 6 months!

Needless to say, he'll be much bigger than that elephant very soon :)

Height/Weight: We don't have his 6 month check up until 10/31, so I don't know exactly. But the other day we weighed him on our scale and he was around 22.5lbs! I have no clue about his length. I'll have to update when we have his check up. 

Other growth/actions: Always! I feel like his whole life is a growth spurt so far! Also, his teeth are sooooo close to coming out. He's been teething really bad the last 2 weeks. I just wish they would come through already. 

Routine: Our life is super random right now. He only has 2 or 3 30 minute naps a day, and it takes around 20 minutes to get him down. Apparently this is normal, but mommy needs some free time! Even his bed time is random. Some nights he wants to go down at 6:30, and some 7:30.  But his sleep is interrupted every hour or so until we finally bring him to bed at 10pm.

Eating/Feeding: Still eating every 2 hours during the day. With teething, he sometimes eats every hour. At night, he is going around 3 or 4 hours between feedings. 

Sizes: I'm going to be putting away some of his 6 month stuff this weekend. He's mostly in 9mo clothes though, and some 12mo sleepers. He's in an awkward phase where 12mo stuff is a little too long but 9mo is starting to get tight. 

Milestones: 

Sitting on our own like a big boy! He can't get there on his own, but once we sit him up, he can sit on his own with no help to stay up. He does sometimes fall to the side so we do need to be nearby just in case.

He is sooooooo close to crawling! I think once teething isn't taking up his entire life, he'll be able to focus on crawling. He's gotten his knees under him a few times and scooted himself, but no full hands and knees crawling yet.

Lots and lots of rolling and scooting all over the living room on his tummy.

He's also started saying consonants. His first 'word' is Dada! He loves to say it over and over again while not sleeping in his crib :). 

I hope to have an update soon with news of teeth and better sleep!

Here's to another 6 months little man!

Xo, Kelsey 

5 months old!

We are 5 months old today!

Can I just say how much Sean looks like Erin here?! So crazy. 

Height/Weight: Last Wednesday we went to mommies group, and Sean weighed in at 19lbs 12.5oz. I seriously didn't even think he'd be so big. I could feel it, but geez, almost 20lbs! The person weighing him said that normally after 4 months, babies gain around 3oz a week. Well, little man gained 9.5oz per week! 

I'm not sure about his length, but I would guess it's close to 28 inches. 

Other growth/actions: Lots of growing. He keeps on having growth spurts and is so long!

Routine: Sean's naps are short and sweet lately. He takes one about every 3 hours and it's a max of 45 minutes. Giving this momma little time to get stuff done. But it's okay, because I just love hanging out with my little guy!

Eating/Feeding: Still eating every 2 hours during the day. He does go longer stretches at night (up to 5 hours). We're still exclusively breastfeeding. He refuses a bottle, so that's been tough. I'd really like to go out with a friend for a glass of wine but apparently that's not going to happen for a while! 

We're waiting to do solids until he's 6 months. We still have problems with gas, and I want to wait until he's figured that out before introducing foods. 

Sizes: He's in all 6+ month clothing. I put away all 3-6 month clothes and some 6 month items. I'd say he's 50% in 9 month clothes. He's a big guy! :)

Milestones: Still teething! I wish those little buggers would just break through already! The last few days have been ultra rough, with short and broken naps. He's starting to come out of his 4 month sleep regression, and sleeping longer at night. 

He's figured out how to roll from back to front, and he won't stay on his belly any longer! It's almost immediate when we lay him on his back, that he flips right to his belly. At first he'd get really mad about being on his stomach, but he's actually enjoying it now! 

With the flipping, comes mobility. Sean put one of his legs under him and scooted across his mat. He's also gone up on his knees many times. I'm SO not ready for a mobile child! But I'm so glad he's healthy and happy. 

Xo, Kelsey

4 Months Old...getting SO big!

This 'little' guy is 4 months old! 

We've had a lot go on this month. We bought a house and moved! It's in the same neighborhood that we were in before, but only blocks away from one of the best elementary schools in Eugene. It's a sweet little ranch with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. It's somewhat updated, but we still have opportunity to make upgrades. 

This has been a very hot summer, and we've been just waiting it out. As lovers of overcast and rainy weather, this summer has been just miserable. Poor Sean is a little furnace, so he's always warm. We bought a portable air conditioner and put it in our bedroom, so he can at least nap.

And speaking of the little nugget...

Height/Weight: He had his 4 month appointment on the 12th, and he weighed in at a whopping 17lbs 5oz. WHAT?! Where did my little baby go?? He is also a very long 26 inches. 

My guess is he'll be 6'3" as an adult :)

Other growth/actions: More hair...it's coming in dark, so I'm happy he'll have my hair. Erin was a blondy until he was around 3. So I'm happy he'll look like my kid. 

He is also growing into his head, so it doesn't look so big compared to his body :)

He now has beautiful rolls growing on his legs and arms, as well as getting a double chin! Love it!

Routine: Naps are not so 'routine' anymore. He does nap well, it's just random.

Also we've implimented a bedtime routine. We play from 6:30-7pm, 7pm bathtime and then nursing/burping, reading and he passes out by 7:30pm. In fact, he's really set his bedtime to 7:30pm. It's nice, because it gives Erin and I grown up time for a few hours before we go to bed. He's now sleeping until around 1:30am and again until 5:30am. The last week or so, he's been getting up every hour or so to burp, fart, pee, whatever. I'm hoping the 4 month sleep regression doesn't last long!

Eating/Feeding: Still eating every 2 hours during the day. Sometimes he'll nap for 2+ hours, so that'll give us a 3 hour stretch once in awhile. We're still exclusively breastfeeding. 

Sizes: The 3-6 month onesies are really tight in length. So we have him in mostly 6 month clothes and some 9 month stuff! I'm excited for it to be cooler so he can wear some of his long sleeves and pants. We've pretty much had him in short sleeve onesies all summer.

Milestones: So much has happened in the last month, it's crazy! It explains why he's been so fussy :)

We've been rolling, blowing raspberries, laughing and TEETHING! He chews on everything. No buds have broken through, but I can tell the poor guy is in pain. His favorite relief is the frozen teething rings and frozen keys. Lots of drool and lots of nighttime fussing. I've heard once they break through it gets easier. 

We do still deal with gas daily. He just can't figure out how to fart. So we've experimented with some remedies and found 'Tummy Calm'. It's a homeopathic gas treatment that has helped. 

We're attempting to start crib training next week. Wish us luck! He's been sleeping in his pack and play since moving, and it's so loud and he's not sleeping too well. The noise from it wakes me up all night as well. So I am hoping we'll both sleep better once we make the move!

On to the fourth month of life for my love! He does get easier with age, so I'm so glad that friends and family keep reminding me of this!

Love love love,

Kelsey

3 months - the end of the 4th Trimester!

 Look mom, I'm 3 months old ALREADY!

Seriously, I know every time I'm going to say this, but where has the time gone?!

He is the light of my life and is becoming such a funny little guy. I live for the morning smiles and coos. 

On another note, I wanted to toot my own horn. I am now 5lbs below my pre pregnancy weight! I still have a little tummy but I suppose that's to be expected since I had an 8.5lb baby inside of me not too long ago. But I've never felt healthier and happy with my body. It's amazing how your body image is put into perspective once you've carried a baby. The little things no longer bother me. I just care how I feel.

Anywho, enough about me! This is supposed to be about Sean :) 

Height/Weight: I haven't had him weighed in a few weeks, but I would guess he's close to 15.5lbs.

Other growth/actions: He is starting to grow back all of the hair that he lost when he was born. It's actually a little dark, so he looks like he's actually my kid :) 

Routine: Our routine hasn't changed much since the 2 month mark. He is getting better at napping, so that has given me more time during the day to get work done. 

Eating/Feeding: He eats around every 2 hours during the day. He does sleep from around 8:30pm-1:30am, which is our longest stretch. *update: he did 8:30-3:30am last night! Crazy!

 It's nice to finally be getting some sleep! Then after that he eats around 5am, which is when I get up for the day. 

Sizes: He officially has grown out of the 0-3mo clothes. I will be putting them away this weekend :(. But it's good, because all of the 3-6mo clothes are really cute! 

Milestones: We are starting to get giggles here and there. It is seriously the most amazing noise on earth. He is grabbing toys and putting them in his mouth. Speaking of his mouth, he is obsessed with chewing on his hands! I am pretty sure we are starting teething, because he chews on anything and everything, and the drool is out of control. We are going to try out one of those amber necklaces to see if it helps at least with the drool. 

Also, we have always struggled with tummy time. As of this week, we don't hate it anymore! In fact, he's getting quite good. We still use a towel or blanket to go under his chest, but he has gotten the concept to put his arms under him and push himself up. This is probably something a 2 month old should have figured out, but he has a big ol' noggin and has always had great neck control. And he's smiling/cooing while doing it. It is a miracle! 

Always moving :)

I think rolling might be next. He keeps moving his legs side to side and allllmost rolling over. I know things will get very interesting once that starts happening!

He's such an amazing little guy. Erin and I are so blessed to have him!!

Xo, Kelsey

2 Months!

Sean is 2 months! Where is time going? 

He had his 2 month check up on Wednesday and he's doing well! 

Sean and I braved our first road trip to Napa at 7 weeks and we survived. If I had the choice to do it again or not, I would choose not. It was long and frustrating, and it really messed up Sean's schedule. Not to mention I got serious 'mommy guilt' over him being stuck in the car seat for so long. I'm thinking it'll be awhile before we drive the whole trip again. 

My big 2 month old!

Height/Weight: He is now 13lbs 1oz and 23 inches long. That means he's gained 5lbs in 6 weeks, and has grown over an inch since birth. That explains the fussiness we've been experiencing the last few weeks.

Other growth/actions: He started getting eyelashes! Also, all of the hair that fell out when he was born is starting to grow back darker. 

Routine: We are usually up around 5am, and he goes back to bed right away. That's what I call my 'mommy time' as he usually sleeps for 3 hours during this nap. Then we're on a 2 hour cycle for the rest of the day. He eats, lays on his activity mat/does some tummy time on mommy and then back down for a nap. 

The evenings have been rough lately. Usually around 5pm, he just can't be appeased. Doesn't want to eat, diaper is dry and doesn't need to burp. So, we've just been *attempting* to put him down for a nap. We usually get him to take a 30 minute nap (enough time to shove some food in our faces), and then he's up again. I feed him, and he's down for the night. Phew!

Then, he usually sleeps until 12 or 1, and then 3 and 5.

Eating/Feeding: He eats around every 2 hours during the day, and every 3-4 hours at night. I'm hoping the every 3 hours during the day schedule is coming soon.

Sizes: I had to pull out the 3-6 month clothes last night. Oh gosh, my sweet baby is growing so fast! I'm glad he's healthy and gaining well, but man! Slow down!

Milestones: Still smiling and cooing. He keeps acting like he wants to laugh, but it doesn't stick. Also, with all of the long naps, he hasn't had a ton of time for socializing. I'm thinking in the next week or so I'll get some laughs and less of the 'startle' reflex. 

Again, I'm sooooo happy he's healthy and growing quickly, but I am so sad he's not tiny anymore. Everyone was right when they said just to enjoy it while it lasts. I really can't wait until he starts sitting and playing, but I'm sure I'll miss this time then as well.

xoxo, Kelsey

6 weeks, back to work!

Today marks the last day of my maternity leave. It's so bittersweet to think that I have to go back to work on Monday, but I am so fortunate to be able to work from home and enjoy my sweet boy. It will take some time to adjust to my new life, but I can't wait to get back into a normal routine. 

I will normally only do a monthly photo and post of Sean, but I realized I didn't have anything that showed scale on Sean's 1 month photo, so I decided to do something to show his size at 6 weeks. This'll be the norm for the monthly photos from now on. This elephant was a gift from my mom, and I used it as the prop for his birth announcement photo at 2 weeks. He's super cute and makes Sean feel safe :).

Height/Weight: I haven't weighed him in a week or so, but I would guess he's closer to 11lbs now. Also, I'd say he's around 23 inches. He has his 2 month appointment on the 11th, so I'll have a correct ht/wt then. 

Routine: It's a little random the last few days, but this is how our days normally go:

6:30am first feeding. I bring Sean to the living room and nurse in the glider. He usually falls asleep after, so I pop him into his bouncy chair while I shower, etc

After this, I feed him about every two hours. I try to get out for a walk around the neighborhood or go to Target and walk while wearing him. 

His 'witching hour' has been around 6pm-8pm, and I get him to sleep around 8:30pm. 

I try to get to bed around 9pm, but it's normally closer to 10pm. 

He's been sleeping until around 1am, and then will wake again every 2 hours after that. So at least I'm getting 1 really good stretch of sleep from him for now. 

Eating/Feeding: Breastfeeding is going well! Less cluster feeding this week than last week, and he is a fast eater, around 15 minutes each time. 

Sizes: He has now grown out of his newborn stuff and is fitting into 0-3 months. Some of the 0-3 month things already don't fit him! :( 

He's been in the one size cloth diapers since around 2.5 weeks, but he's fitting in them much nicer now. 

Milestones: lots of smiling and cooing! He is overall a very happy and easy baby, so I'm really fortunate to be reminded of how sweet he can be whenever I get the gummy smiles and reaction from him. He's such a joy!

Xo,

Kelsey

1 Month and Pregnancy Timeline!

Today marks Sean turning 1 month old! I really can't believe how fast time has flown by. Everyone warns you of how fast it goes, but it's hard to believe until it's actually happening to you. I am overwhelmed by my love for this sweet boy, and can't believe how much he grows and develops each day. He has grown out of all of his teeny newborn clothes and wears 0-3months now. 

We got our first 'social smile' on Mother's Day and have gotten a few more since! He's such a clever and funny little guy. I can't believe how rewarding it is to be a mother!

I'll start doing these monthly photos of Sean, because I think they're so sweet! And it'll be a twist on the belly shots from my pregnancy.

My big boy, at 10lbs 2oz (up from his birth weight of 8lbs 8.5oz!):

SMILING!! :)

 And being a little cheeky :)

He is developing so fast, I can't blink or I'll miss something!

Speaking of the belly shots, I always love seeing a collage of the progression of pregnancy once baby has arrived, so I decided to put one together. It's SO crazy to see how quickly my body changed over 9 months! The first photo is at 5 weeks, the day I found out I was pregnant. Sooo tiny!

The last photo is me at the hospital, when I was about to be induced. I was so bloated, swollen and done that I just don't even look like myself. When I see that picture though, all I can think about is how excited I was to meet my baby!

Xoxo,

Kelsey 

2 weeks postpartum and my birth story!

Hello all! Please excuse my absence, I've been a little preoccupied with this little man ;)

I mean, can you blame me?! 

The last 2.5 weeks have been a blur of nursing, diaper changes and trying to sleep whenever I can. My mom was here to help for the first week that he was home with us, and the rest of my family came to meet him last weekend. He is a pretty easy baby overall, with all of the normal needs of a newborn. We're so smitten with his little nose and sweet eyes. 

I've been debating whether or not to post my birth story, as it's not exactly ideal. But, it's the truth, and it's what happened (no matter how gruesome!). And, in the end, it brought me my sweet son. 

I'll preface this story with what I wanted. I wanted a totally natural and low intervention labor. No meds, drugs, or C-section if possible. Also, I wanted to labor at home as much as possible, so I would avoid the intervention. But, that's not what was in the cards for me. 

Here goes...

I went into my 40 week appointment expecting to get my membranes stripped, and my initial blood pressure was really high. After getting them stripped, the BP was even higher. Doctor decided it was time to induce. I was so freaked out that I would have to be induced – the complete opposite of my all natural and low intervention birth plan. My mom was already staying with us so she came with me to the hospital while Erin was at work. He would get there around 3pm.

They started me really low on Pitocin at 1pm and then broke my water at 6pm when my doctor came to the hospital to check on me, since nothing really was happening. Started upping the Pitocin and it became obvious really fast that baby was posterior, from my horrible back contractions. I labored in all positions and had no relief.

By 8pm I was a 4, and at nearly max pitocin, so at least that was promising. I decided to get into the tub to see if it would help with the contractions and help me relax and dilate some more. After 20 minutes I realized the tub wasn’t helping (like I was really hoping it would) because baby’s head was against my tailbone and making it worse to be sitting in the hard tub. Got out, and I was still only a 4. I was devastated.

So back to bouncing on the ball and trying to get through the excruciating back labor. I should mention that Erin was so amazing and helpful through everything – always there to rub my back and help me relax.

Finally around 2am I was a 6. I felt defeated but the nurses were optimistic. They asked if I wanted any pain meds and I figured it was probably a good idea if I did, so I could relax and dilate some more. Before they could even call my doctor to do the order, I started going into transition. A baby turning specialist came in to get him to face anterior. Not sure why this was just now happening, but I guess they do it so he’s not likely to turn back around. That whole ordeal was awful and baby did not want to turn around. So I just moaned my way through the worst pain in my life like a wild animal. The rest is a blur. 

I then went to a 9 in an hour.

The last few contractions of transition I could tell were really forcing baby down. My doctor got in and they realized his cord was around his neck. They put a sensor on his scalp and his heart rate dropped with every contraction. C section was imminent and I was really upset but wanted what was best for baby. When they went to check his position, he was crowning and doctor said it would be safer to push than to wait and get a C section. So I bore down and pushed with all of my might. During the last few pushes, I could hear that his heart rate was stopping. It just motivated me more to get him out as soon as possible. 18 minutes later and my sweet son came out!

I wanted skin to skin but because of his cord being wrapped around him, they had to take him and pink him up/get him breathing well. I was so terrified but everyone said this is normal, just getting him healthy and ready for me. He gave us a few quiet cries, and after some oxygen, he belted out a very lustful cry. A couple of minutes later, I was holding my little man and our lives were complete!

Definitely NOT what I wanted in my birth plan but such is life, right?

The light of my life, Sean Patrick Stanton, 8lbs 8.5oz and 22 inches long!

Xoxo,

Kelsey

37 weeks - FULL TERM!

Have you started to show yet? Large and in charge!

Food cravings: Pineapples!!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No, feeling great! It seems like anything I eat is giving Sean hiccups though, poor guy.

Miss Anything? Mimosas with brunch. Now that it's getting nicer out, I'd just love to have a mimosa out in the sunshine. Soon!

Mood: Good, just impatient. Getting cranky because I've been sleeping really horribly.

Sleep: Not so great. I'm waking up about 4 times a night to pee, and another 2 or so times to re-adjust. 

Best moment this week: Brooke coming to visit! She's here for a few days so it's nice to spend some time with her before little man arrives.

Annoyances: Braxton hicks/practice contractions messing with my head. I've been getting them randomly and they're a pain in the butt. I just try to sit down and let them cool off before doing too much more activity.

Maternity clothes? Yep! I had to cave and get some t-shirts because it was so nice, and my skin needed the vitamin D :)

Symptoms: All of them! Mostly just SPD and extreme exhaustion. I am wishing I'd just taken the full 4 weeks before my due date, but I will muscle through!

Movement: Most of the day. He's getting really good at kicking against my kidneys and pushing his butt out. It's lovelyyy.

Belly button in or out? More out than in now!

Wedding rings on or off? Off now. I did get a small band to wear on my ring finger in a size up, because my poor finger felt so naked.

Looking forward to:  This baby coming out!! I am so done, and I can't wait to meet him!