A Big Change for my Little Grace!

This weekend my husband and I spent some time making progress... My "baby" girl is officially finished with the crib, and while there were some bittersweet emotions that emerged during the change, I was mostly consumed with excitement over her excitement over her new bed. Pink sheets with white polka dots and the most convenient underbed storage drawers brought many smiles. The most exciting part of all may have been watching piece by piece come together in front of her, and the fact that she was able to help bring it all together.

I enjoyed hanging out on the bedroom floor, helping as I could, but mostly watching Gracie organize screws into little piles in preparation for the moment her daddy would request one. She was also a fan of the allen wrench and worked right alongside her daddy making sure everything was tight and secure. In the end, after adding the final touches (her mattress set and new bedding), we stood back to inspect the completed project and decided it was perfect for our growing girl. We were relieved to have the switch behind us, but realized the true test would come at bedtime...

And she did great! She snuggled up under her comforter, closed her eyes, and we didn't hear a peep from her until the next morning when she called for us. Her second night went as well as the first, and her first nap in her big girl bed (which was today) went without any issues. She'll be three in three months and I sometimes feel like we're throwing so much at her at one time (new bed, potty training, preschool, baby brother...), but she seems both ready for and excited about these changes.

We also made progress in Ethan's room. Gracie was more than happy to lend a helping hand as we reassembled the crib in his room and started adding the bedding. She thinks his sheet with the little boats on it is "so cute". :) Lots of things were crossed off of my "things-that-must-be-done-before-June" list, so that is a great thing. I'll add pictures soon!

Reassurance.

This morning I made a phone call to my doctor concerning uncomfortable menstrual-like cramping that I've been having for the past three days. It hasn't gone much over a 3 on a pain scale of 1-10, but I made sure to compare this discomfort to my last moments before an epidural, at 8 centimeters dilated. It's been more frustrating than anything, because it's different, and therefore, it makes me nervous.

The nurse I spoke with went through her check-list of questions and decided I should come in as a precaution, since some of my symptoms can be signs of pre-term labor. I have been so relaxed during this whole pregnancy, but today was a reminder that there aren't any silly questions and you should always take the "better safe than sorry" approach when dealing with the health of your growing baby. Luckily, my cervix is nice and closed, as it should be, the Fetal Fibronectin test results came back negative, indicating that my chances for pre-term labor are low, and I was able to hear a strong heartbeat to further reassure myself that everything is fine. I was advised to up the water intake and try to take it easy, as I may be over doing it slightly. So, that's what I plan to do!

Other thoughts of the day:

1. I will never, ever perfect the art of collecting a urine sample, ever. Out of the 62 weeks that I've been pregnant in my life, I've provided numerous "samples" and have now discovered that practice does not make perfect in this case, at least not for me.

2. I am thankful for my husband. When I called him to let him know they wanted to see me, I didn't even have to ask if meeting me was a possibility, he just told me he was on his way. Not only was his presence a comfort, but he was able to make sure Gracie made it to her music class on time while I finished up at the doctor's office.

3. My daughter is adorable. I was there to pick Gracie up after her class and as we were walking to the car she said, "How was your doctor's appointment, Mommy?" I thought it was so sweet that she thought to ask! I love, love, love having little conversations with my girl.

(Finger-painting yesterday!)

4. It's Friday and I'm looking forward to the weekend! I have two photo sessions with two special babies that I'm excited about, and aside from that, I plan to relax and enjoy the time with Gracie and Sean.

Happy Friday!

A Nice Reminder...

My mom emailed this to me this afternoon, along with a couple other poems that brought tears to my eyes. When I get overwhelmed with the household responsibilities, and I most certainly do, I will try to remember that as long as she is my number one priority and focus, I'm doing everything right.

Come in, but don’t expect to find

All dishes done and floors that shine.

Observe the crumbs, cereal, and toys galore.

The smudgy prints upon the windows and doors.

The little ones we shelter here

Don’t thrive on a spotless atmosphere.

They’re more inclined to disarray

And carefree messy play.

Their needs are great and their patience small.

All day I’m at their beck and call.

It’s Mommy come! Mommy see!

Mommy change the channel on TV.

Wiggly worms and scraped knees.

Painted pictures and blocks piled high.
My floors and house a mess, the days go by.
Some future day they’ll flee this nest,
And I at last will have a rest!
Now you tell me which matters more,
A happy child or a polished floor?

Lovely Monday.

Highs of 73 in February call for outdoor activities that take advantage of the unusually warm temperatures that I'm afraid will fade back to the cold averages better known for this time of year... We spent Monday outside, like the whole entire day. I met my sister and girlfriend Monday morning, lunch bags packed, and we took our little sweeties to the zoo.

They are a nice mix of ages, Gracie almost 3, Austin 18 months, and Baby P one year old (in just days!). I love watching the smaller ones watch Gracie, as she runs, jumps, and verbalizes her thoughts about the experience. I love watching the smaller ones take in the experience for themselves. It was Baby P's first trip, and she pointed and observed and grinned at the seals as they zipped by, just like I remember Gracie doing on her first trip. In the same way that the little ones make a nice mix, so do the mommas. Maybe it's that we're all mommas, and therefore, we have a huge thing in common, but I feel pretty certain that the three of us would mesh well either way. I guess Ashley and I have been given no choice in the matter, but still. ;)

We were able to fully enjoy the beautiful weather. I left feeling like I'd had a total body workout (and after all the walking, lifting of children, and pushing of strollers uphill, I'm sure that it was quite the workout!) and we all left with totally exhausted kids. It was a great day. :)

Happy Friday, and Happy Birthday to my husband!

Today is my husband's 27th birthday, so Happy, Happy Birthday to him! :) Gracie presented him with a card she picked out and his favorite candy this morning. The poor child started feeling badly last night and has a fever this morning, so I'm not sure what will happen with our dinner plans this evening. Either way, we will celebrate him and his special day soon!

We had a playdate/picnic planned with Miss P and her mommy yesterday. As I ran my errands yesterday morning , I worried over the cloudy skies and occasional sprinkles. Our get-together started off cool and breezy, but the sun quickly made its appearance and the girls spent two hours playing and exploring the park! Once they were tired out, we plopped them in their strollers for a snack and took a walk to further enjoy the beautiful day!

My 22 week appointment also went well yesterday. My blood pressure is great, I'm measuring right at 22 weeks, and my weight gain is apparently right on track. I try not to get hung up on what the scale says, because I know the weight serves an important purpose. I'm up 14 pounds total so far. The doctor thinks I'll probably gain around the same amount that I did with Gracie, since from now on I can expect to gain a pound per week. I do have a much bigger appetite with Ethan, so I'm not going to be surprised or disappointed if I gain a little more. I have to remind myself that I'm just now 5 pounds over the weight I was before I got pregnant with Gracie!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! The weather has really warmed up and we're hoping to get out and enjoy it!

I'm ready.

I have 18 weeks to go, and I'm encouraging Ethan to cozy up and spend each day of these remaining weeks getting prepared for his big birth day, but I'm also feeling ready. I'm not ready in the way that I will be when my feet are likely swollen, sleep is a thing of the past, and the extra large basketball-looking belly of mine is creating all kinds of aches and pains. Instead, my heart and soul have teamed up and leave me with this feeling of readiness and peace over what's to come.

I'm ready to hold my baby boy in my arms. I look forward to finding quiet moments just to stare and soak up the newness and beauty that is a newborn. I'm ready to watch my husband soothe a crying baby again, using his gentle voice and fatherly instincts, the ones that made me fall a little farther for him the first time around. I'm anxious to share this brother with his sister and witness the beginning of a bond that will always be. I'm ready to relish these last few months with one child to love on the outside, and one to love on the inside of my growing belly. There's so much to look forward to and dream of, yet so much to treasure right now.

I'm 22 weeks pregnant today. Ethan is now almost 1 pound and around 11 inches. The belly is growing and the restless nights have begun! I'm lucky to have my new "husband" (body pillow), he's great to snuggle with and helps me find comfortable sleeping positions. I feel bad for my real husband, because there's now a person-sized pillow that gets flipped around all night!

As for cravings, my milk craving (the same one I had with Gracie) has kicked in and I drink milk more than any other beverage. Cereal is also a favorite (with milk of course! ha!) and I'll often have a bowl as a snack before bed, as my lunch, for breakfast, and for a snack during the day... Frosted Mini Wheats with fresh strawberries on top has totally hit the spot and I wonder if anything could taste better!

Ethan is an active little guy. I love feeling him throughout the day. He seems to be most active around 11:30pm, this is usually when Sean and I can sit back and watch my tummy jump while he kicks and rolls around in there! Watching Ethan move is a new thing for us, I was 21 weeks when I saw his kick on the outside for the first time. Gracie still hasn't felt him move, she's much too busy to wait around with her hand on my belly, but I know that the time will come, and I can't wait to see her expression. :) I have an appointment on Thursday and will share the latest at that point!

My Valentine.

Happy Valentine's Day!
I am so blessed to be spending this gorgeous day with my little Valentine...