Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

6 months!...a month late!

Okay...I have fallen off the blogging wagon...I guess that's what having 3 kids will do to a mom! WHEW!

But I DO want to catch you up...so without further hesitation....

Gibson is (was) 6 months old...


 
He weighed 20 pounds even and was 28 inches tall...90% for both height and weight!
 
Size 3 diapers
 
Celebrated his first Halloween as a bag of popcorn!
 
Size 9-12 months clothes already!
 
Rolling over, laughing and army man crawling!
 
He has such a sweet personality, and is happy even when he's tired!
 
He eats solids 2 times a day..mostly cereal...
 
Still doesn't sleep through the night...maybe 1 or 2 times a week, but not on a consistent basis
 

 
He loves his puppy, and his puupy loves him!!! ;-)


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Guest Post: Katie from Coupon Cravings

Recently, I was contacted by Coupon Cravings, a site with over 30,000 followers.

Katie Sorensen, the founder, gives great tips on where to find the best deals, freebies and coupons.

You can find her site by clicking HERE

After documenting my pregnancy week by week, Katie asked if she could be a guest on my blog!! Of course she can!

Check out what Katie has to say about tips for a Stress Free Pregnancy:


Pregnant Pause: Savings Tips For a Stress-Free Pregnancy

Saving money isn’t on many new moms’ list of what to expect when they’re expecting. But there are ways to keep from overspending.  Here are a few hints to help you save a bundle before your bundle of joy arrives:

·         Don’t Panic – You’re not the first mom to worry about finances.  Check around online and ask other moms for how they handled the extra costs, and start saving everywhere you can.
o        Experienced parent Kate Sorenson of Coupon Cravings understands how expensive a family can be and offers discounts and deals to help curb costs in daily life.
o        Savingtools.com’s Ten Ways to Save Money During Pregnancy, addresses the stress of being a first time parent and addresses the most important aspect to saving money while pregnant: planning.
The bottom line: You’re not the first person, and there’s lots of help out there, whether it’s from friends, family, or online. The key is to plan ahead and utilize every opportunity to save.

·         For Mom – Maternity clothes can be extremely expensive, especially considering how much they wear (or don’t) in the relatively short time most women use them. 
o        This can make maternity items an especially good find at consignment shops, thrift stores, and garage sales.  “Because the clothes can only be worn for a certain period of time, they are often in good condition,” says Savingtools.com. 
o        Another simple trick for saving money on clothing for the mom-to-be comes from 6 Tips to Save Money During Pregnancy at EverydayFamily.com, which suggests buying “empire-waist shirts that can be worn after pregnancy instead of maternity tops.” 
The bottom line:  The most important thing to remember here is moderation.  Writes Savingtools.com:  “Don’t go overboard…you are only pregnant for nine months.  Don’t overstock your wardrobe, and stick to the basics.” 

·         For Baby – It’s very easy with all the safety regulations and advertisements to go overboard and buy the most expensive of everything for your baby. As stated above, keep moderation in mind. 
o        “You don’t have to buy the most expensive crib or mittens for your baby unless you’re Jennifer Lopez,” cautions How to Save Money During Pregnancy on FemaleCare.net.  “There are plenty of affordable yet durable brands that will last you for years, you just have to figure out where you can find them.”  .
o        FemaleCare.net also has a unique suggestion for stocking up on diapers:  “Buy one pack of diapers every payday while you’re still pregnant so you will have less to worry about once the baby finally arrives.”  Not only will this help you be prepared for diaper changes once you bring your little one home, you will also know a good deal on diapers when you see one (before you are too sleep-deprived to do math).
The bottom line:  There is plenty of shopping for baby that can be done before the big arrival.  Start early, research deals on-line, and shop sales to save money without feeling like you’re cutting corners.

So, expectant mothers--do your homework, stay on track, and enjoy your nesting time. If you take these experts’ advice, you can use the time while you’re waiting for your little miracle to achieve some truly miraculous savings!


Thanks so much, Katie, for your post!!!  

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Happy 3 Months!!!

Gibson, you are 3 months old today!!!


What are you up to now?????


*You are up to roughly 16 pounds and over 25 inches long!! Such a big boy!!



* You still aren't sleeping through the night, but you are only up once a night.  You are still a little cat-napper during the day, most of the time.

* You are still in 3-6 month clothing, but you are getting really close to needing 6-9 months already....you are really long!! A basketball player, perhaps?!?


*You aren't rolling over yet, but I know that milestone is not far away....

*You don't mind your bath as much now...you still cry sometimes, but you are getting used to it.


*You hate your car seat....you last about 5 minutes in it before you start screaming. Our family trip to Florida (8 hour ride) should be very interesting in a few weeks!

*You don't like a pacifier, and you're getting close to finding your thumb...you love to suck on your hand. When you are tired you grab the back of your head....so cute!


*You went swimming for the first time this month at the lake...you lasted about 20 minutes, and then slept for 3 hours afterwards....the lake may be the trick to getting rid of your catnaps!


* You're a little "talker"...babbling all day long! I love it....it makes everyone smile!



*You laugh out loud now...and it's one of the best sounds I have ever heard!



*You have big beautiful blue eyes, just like your Daddy. I hope they stay that way!


*You really love your sisters...you light up with a huge smile every time they walk in a room!


*You are still suffering from extreme reflux...see below pic...you go through at least 2-3 outfits a day and 2-3 bibs and burp cloths. You're on Baby Zantac to help with the burning but it's not helping the spit up factor!


*You love to "stand" and when not standing you're constantly kicking your feet....this is no surprise since you were always kicking me when you were in my belly!


*You are growing so fast, and getting cuter and cuter every day!!!! We are so blessed to have you...you are the perfect fit for our family!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Looking back...a bit....

Hope you had a great 4th of July!! We had a nice, quiet 4th here....

Took the kids to the beach for the first part of the day....

The girls enjoyed some waves...




While Baby G ad I spent our time in the pop-up cabana....



Since Baby Gibson was a week old, I started putting his pictures on Facebook each week to document his age...

every Tuesday he turns another week older...

This week he is 12 weeks old...and I think it's starting to sound silly to say how old he is in "weeks"...

Or is it??



I figure now that I have started documenting his weeks...why should I stop?!? 

Even though I won't call him "X weeks old" from here on out, I am still going to document his week by week in photos...

I thought it would be neat to take a picture of him every Tuesday for 52 weeks. Sounds fun right? First I had a list of 100 home projects....then almost 39 weeks of pregnancy photos...and now I'll have 52 photos of Gibson's first year. Why not?!? ;-)
 
I mean, I know you ALL want to see a photo of my child every week, right?!? ;-)

So, for the fun of it, let's do it...and let's get started now with a little recap...

April 10, 2012
all 9 pounds 12 ounces of pure perfection...
Day 1

Just looking at these pictures, it's amazing to see how much he has changed from just one week to the next!! 

I'm excited to take on this fun 52 week picture project...

hope will join me every week to see a new photo!!!

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Let's Recap....

It took me a while, but I made a chart of my pregnancy week by week...I can't figure out how to get the photos to show up bigger....anyone else out there use a specific program to do this?? (as you can tell, I am not exactly computer savy) 

 But, here it is...my pregnancy week by week! 



Monday, June 11, 2012

2 Months!!!

Can you believe it's been 2 months since this little dude joined our family?? 


 What are you up to at 2 months, Gibson???
* You are now up to about 14 pounds (not sure about your length)...you're obviously a good eater. 100% percentile for height and weight! BIG boy!!
* You are in 3-6 months clothes now...and at the rate you are growing, you will be out of those shortly!!!
*You are getting a little better about your baths....you still aren't crazy about them, but you have gone from screaming bloody murder, to waiting until you are getting dried off to scream! haha.
*You are still a little night owl but s-l-o-w-l-y you are settling into a routine...
*You sleep anywhere from 4-6 hours at a time at night, but still not sleeping through the night.

*You have a reflux issue going on right now...and it causes you to wake up in the middle of your sleep...spitting up in the middle of your sleep makes for a cranky baby sometimes. Doctor's appointment Wednesday to see if we can take care of that.
*You starting smiling at about 5 weeks old...and oh my, you are one smiley little boy...and you have started babbling...your favorite word is "Ah-goo"  ;-)
*You are happiest in the morning....and an excellent cat-napper....hoping we can work on getting in longer naps!!
*You still have no interest in pacifiers....I've bought every type they make and you gag when I try to get you to take one....you are trying to find your thumb, and I think once you do find it, you will sleep better and longer!
*You love to be held and rocked...and when you are put down in your swing or bouncy seat, you cry for someone to pick you up and hold you. And how do you know whether we are sitting or standing when we hold you?? If we stand up you are happy...we sit down, you cry!!! Silly baby! ;-)
*You are a pretty laid back kid. Only fussy when you are hungry or sleepy....no crying uncontrollably for hours on end. (Thank you, Lord)
We have had such a FUN 2 months with you...your sisters are over the moon in love with you (and so are Mom and Dad). What a wonderful addition you have been to our family!! I didn't think I had enough room in my heart for a third baby, but you are proof that you can love the third baby as much as the first and second ones. My cup runneth over! ;-)
We love you, sweet Gibson!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Happy ONE Month!!




Happy ONE Month, Gibson!!

It's hard to believe this little guy is already a month old!! 

Just last month I looked like this.....


...and then Gibson was born....all 9lbs. 12oz. of him...

...and now he's already changed 10 times and looks like this...

 What are you up to now, Gibson???

* You are now up to about 12 pounds (not sure about your length)...you're obviously a good eater. 100% percentile for height and weight! BIG boy!!

*You HATE baths with a passion...you sound like we are killing you when we bathe you.

*You are a little night owl. You sleep great until about 8pm..then want to stay up until 1am

*You sleep anywhere from 4-6 hours at a time at night.

*You smile here and there, but I am not sure if you do it on your own, or just as a reflex.

*You have sweet little coos that makes us laugh out loud...already a performer, making us all laugh!!

*You don't like pacifiers...instead you try to suck the back of your hand. I think you will eventually find your thumb, just like your big sisters did!
*You love to be held and rocked...and when you are put down in your swing or bouncy seat, you cry for someone to pick you up and hold you.

*You are a pretty laid back kid. Only fussy when you are hungry or sleepy....no crying uncontrollably for hours on end. (Thank you, Lord)

*We already don't know what we did without you in our family....you are such a joy to be around. We love you, Gibson!

GOD IS GOOD!!!
 


Saturday, April 21, 2012

After Baby Update: 1 Week Post-Partum

After Baby Update:
1 Week PostPartum

Wow, a week has flown by already!! (Actually, it's been 11 days, but I am just getting around to writing this post)

Baby Gibson is over a week old, and doing great! 

I made it through a miserable pregnancy, and the moment I laid eyes on Gibson, I knew I'd do it all over again if I had to!

He's the best baby....just over a week old, and already seems to be on (somewhat) of a schedule. He's got his days and nights RIGHT, and has predictable sleeping and waking times. He's showing us he's got a great temperament....laid back....only fussy when he's hungry. I couldn't have dreamed of a better fit for our family...he fits right in and totally completes our family!

One week after delivery, here is our sweet little guy....


My sweet friend, Kristen, is a photographer and came over this past week and did his first photo shoot.  He was such a little trooper throughout the whole thing...he only pooped on the props twice! ha!

Here are 2 more sneak peeks of our session...



I'm on a journey to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and get back into exercising. Oh, how I have missed it these last 9 months. The last time I went for a run was when I was 8 weeks pregnant. I ran a wonderful 4 miles...the next day the morning sickness hit me like a ton of bricks and the start of a very rough pregnancy began. 

I'm on a mission to get back into running and working out....so I want to document my journey....

So, here I am at 1 week postpartum...about 17 pounds lost....about 13 to go...


Overall, I gained about 31-32 pounds while pregnant. As of today, I have about 13 pounds to go....and it's all in my belly. I am in that awkward stage right now, where maternity clothes are too big, but my regular clothes are too small...

We ordered my BOB Stroller this week, though, and as soon as it's in I can start walking. I can't run for 6 weeks, but I have been told I can walk.....so that's what I will do until the dr. gives me the okay to exercise.

Thank you all for your sweet comments you have recently sent! It means alot to me to have your support and kind words. We are in heaven with this little guy!!! Can't wait to show you more pictures of this new little man in our lives!


Sunday, April 15, 2012

HE'S HERE!!!!!



From God's Hands to Ours.....

Gibson Ryan
April 10, 2012
8:47 A.M.
9lbs. 12oz.
21 and 1/4 in.

We are all in love with this little fella!! He's perfect in every way!!

More details to come, later!!!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Baby Bump Update: 39 Weeks....How on Earth Am I Still Here??!?

39 Weeks!! Last Bump Update



*How far along?: 39 weeks when this photo was taken

*Total weight gain: I am at 31 pounds...I DID IT!!! After a 77 pound and a 50 pound weight gain with my first 2 pregnancies, I actually gained the recommended amount....I kept it under 35 pounds like I wanted to!!!!!!!!!! So excited about that!!!!  ......Now, where's the ice cream?!?!?!?

*How big is baby?: I am about 15 hours away from delivery right now as I type this, and the doctors said weeks ago if I made it to my delivery this baby would weigh 10 pounds, easily...sooooo, we are looking at a BIIIIGGGG baby boy!!!!

*Sleep?: Up until Saturday night I was sleeping great...now the nerves, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed are here.....looks like my sleepless night have begun!

*Best moment this week?: Having my family come in town...with more on the way...has been a great feeling. My brother is here all the way from Tokyo, Japan, my dad and step mom are coming in from Tennessee, and my in laws have been here helping me get everything ready for Tuesday's big delivery. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support system...I even have sweet friends who want to be at the hospital when this little guy is born. Such an amazing feeling!  

 This is also the first time I have made it to my scheduled delivery date....with both girls I went into labor. But I have been able to plan down to the exact day now with this one. Tomorrow, April 10th, will be the 14th anniversary of my first date with my husband. We get to mark the anniversary of our first date with the arrival of our son!! How neat is that?!?!?

*Movement?:  Constant....you would think a 10 pound baby wouldn't have any room to move, but this kid is a kung foo machine....always moving and grooving.

*Food cravings?: Water, Ice and fruit.....the same as it's always been. 

*Labor signs?:  I've had some contractions here and there...sporadically...but nothing to get excited about. Booo!

*Belly button in or out?: It's out, and has been out...and sometimes the baby will stick his heel right in my belly button, which makes it stick out even further! ha!
 *What I miss: I miss it all.....feeling normal....eating without getting sick....sleeping on my stomach....being comfortable....you name it, and I miss it. BUT, on Tuesday morning it will all be over and I will be on my way to feeling normal again. I'll take the sleepless nights over having my body as my own again!!!

*What I’m looking forward to:  Obviously looking forward to getting this little guy here....praying it all goes well....also looking forward to getting recovered from the c-section, which I know will take a while. Anxious to get this delivery behind me and look ahead to the next chapter of my life with my family of 5!!!!!!

Prayers for a safe delivery are appreciated....I've discussed how I am blood thinners and am a little nervous about how my surgery will go....so prayers are welcome!! ;-)

My next update will be pictures of our sweet baby boy! Can't wait for you to meet him!


Monday, April 2, 2012

Baby Bump Update: 38 Weeks

38 Week Bump Update

Why am I still here?!?!?!?




*How far along?: 38 weeks when this photo was taken

*Total weight gain: I am at 30 lbs right now....lost a pound at the dr this past week because of the returning queasiness at night....just days away from hitting my goal of less than 35 pounds!!! YEAH!.

*How big is baby?: Well, we will find out REALLY soon, but the are estimating him to be 9-10 pounds next week when he is born!!!!! YIKES! I have already made it farther this pregnancy than last time....and my last baby was 7.13lbs...so this one will definitely be bigger than that!

*Sleep?: This week has probably been the worst for sleep but hasn't been too terribly bad. I was up 4 nights in a row...all around 3-4am for an hour or two.....this pregnancy has given me some good sleep, so I can't complain.

*Best moment this week?: There was no ONE moment that was great...had a good week, but am enjoying this time with my girls before the baby gets here. I know I will have a tough recovery, so I am trying to soak up these last few days.

*Movement?:  Constant.He has no room left in there, but that doesn't stop him from wiggling like a worm!! The movements are painful and can bring me to my knees in pain at times.

*Food cravings?: Water and Fruit still....made it through this pregnancy with no big cravings...isn't that strange?? I will say, I NEVER EVER drink soft drinks, but in the last week I have had a craving for Coke....I did give in and have a few....but the first Coke sent the baby into lots of wild dancing, so I switched to Caffeine free Cokes after that....but that craving seems to have passed....I'm back to water now! ha

*Labor signs?:  I've had some contractions here and there...sporadically...but nothing to get excited about. Booo!

*Belly button in or out?: It's out, and has been out...and sometimes the baby will stick his heel right in my belly button, which makes it stick out even further! ha!
 *What I miss: 38 weeks pregnant....I miss it ALL!!!!!! I miss being able to stand up for longer than a few minutes at this point.....grocery shopping is  a challenge....I know, that's sad....but this pregnancy has just knocked me out for the count! Can't wait to get back into exercising!!!!!

*What I’m looking forward to:  Well, I am 38 weeks now and today just 8 days away from my scheduled c section. This is my last full week as the mother of 2....next week will be a while new ballgame! But I am looking forward to getting this little guy here and starting the next chapter of our lives as a family of 5. Can't believe I am almost there!


Check out this picture I dug up...it's me at 37-38 weeks pregnant with my first. And the other picture is me now. Remember I told you I gained 77 pounds with her. This was taken on Christmas morning, 3 weeks before I delivered her....I'd have to gain almost 50 pounds this time to be in that position again!! Thank goodness I didn't!!




 I'd say there is a slight difference!!!!

I'm working on a pregnancy chart with all of my pictures....doing lots of sitting this week, so hopefully I can show it to you soon! 

Maybe I will see you back next week for a 39 weeks update....maybe I will have already had the little guy....stay tuned!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Baby Bump Update: 37 Weeks...Almost there!

I made it to FULL TERM!!

As miserable as this pregnancy has been, I really didn't think I would make it this far....but I have...Yippee....and sadly, the misery continues, but will be over shortly.

My c-section is scheduled just 15 days from today...April 10th...

I can't believe I am so close to having this sweet little boy!

37 Weeks



*How far along?:    37 weeks 2days when this photo was taken...I need a fork life to hold up my belly!!!!! ;-)

*Total weight gain:   around 30-31 pounds now....still doing great to keep it at or below 35 pounds....just 15 days to go and 5 pounds to spare.....but the water weight is packing on. Hoping it's not more than 4lbs of water!

*How big is baby?:    The OB/GYN has already told me she thought this baby is going to be 10lbs at birth....so if that's the case, this little guy is already about 20in in length and 8-9 lbs.....I grow them big, remember!!! NO little babies in our family!

*Sleep?:   Amazingly, I am sleeping great....I remember with my other 2 pregnancies being up all night all of the time....that happens here and there with this pregnancy. But I can't complain about my sleep...

*Best moment this week?:  Making it to 37 weeks, knowing I am full term now! I have been miserable this entire pregnancy, but I was willing to do what it took to make it to full term in hopes of having a healthy baby. Even though there are a lot of unknowns right now with his birth, I am happy to have made it to the point where I know he is "cooked" and ready to bless us with his arrival!

*Movement?:  SOOOOOO much movement...he even stuck a FOOT up yesterday, and my husband and kids got to see the outline of his foot....I, on the other hand, screamed in pain when he did that and immediately started crying. His movements are so strong and painful. (I rev'ed up the blender to make a smoothie this weekend and he jumped!!! ha!)

*Food cravings?:  Water and fruit...and this weekend, I had a HUGE craving for a Coke!!! What?!?!? I haven't had a soft drink is years, and I was dying for a Coke!

*Labor signs?:  No....but lots of pressure and pain in my pelvis. Sometimes it hurts to walk. At the doctor on Thursday I was dilated to 2cm....I could walk around like this for the next 2 weeks, or it cold be the beginning of labor. We will find out, for sure!!!

*Belly button in or out?:   It's out, and has been out...and sometimes the baby will stick his heel right in my belly button, which makes it stick out even further! ha!
 
 *What I miss:  My energy!!! I also miss being able to eat....for 9 months now I have had to watch every bite I put in my mouth for fear of it making me sick. I told my husband once this baby is born we are headed to a buffet where I can eat myself sick!!!!!!

*What I’m looking forward to:   We are just 15 days away from delivery....or maybe even sooner....I am really getting excited, yet overwhelmed with a bunch of emotions,  about seeing this baby. I can't wait to see him and hold him for the first time, and see what features he inherited from my husband and me, and see if he resembles the girls.....I'm eager to see my husband hold his son for the first time, and eager for everyone else to see him. Can't wait to complete our family with this new addition.....so many exciting things coming up for us. But I am very nervous about going back into baby mode, and praying my girls adjust to the "new norm".....