3 Months - Baby Girl

Sweet Dumpling,

Oh sweet baby girl, where is the time getting so fast.  You're already 3 months old.  It seems fitting that today, Valentine's Day, is your 3 month birthday because it's a day we celebrate those we love and baby girl I love you more than words.  You're growing and changing so quickly that some days I'm afraid I'll blink and miss this first year because I know how fast it goes.  While I would never say that I long to be a stay at home Momma I do sometimes wish that there was a way for me to have more time with you than just the few hours in the evening and on weekends but I'm trying to remember that the time we do get is about quality and not quantity.  You'll understand when you're a Momma one day.

This last month has been a month of new things for you.  You started daycare and are still adjusting.  You're not napping which means you're so tired when we get home.  You're taking a bottle better than you were before starting daycare and I think that's because you realize that if you want to eat you have no choice.  You're putting on weight like it's your job and really it kind of is.  I can't wait to see how much you weigh when we go for your 4 month appointment next month.  When I weighed you last, at about 2 1/2 months, you were already 14.7 pounds.  You're my little chunky monkey and I love it!  Your brother still adores you but I imagine it's only a matter of time before that changes, although I hope it never does.

Another month in the book that is your life sweet girl.  I can't believe it.  You keep growing and I'll keep loving you!

Forever & Always,
Momma

2 1/2 Months - Baby Girl

Oh sweet, sweet girl.  How are you already 2 1/2 months? I just don't understand where the time has gone.  I see how much you've changed just in the last month.  You've more than doubled your birth weight and you're trying so hard to coo.  Nana came and put your crib together for Momma, since daddy's been out of town, and now we're trying to get you transitioned over.  You can't sleep in our room forever. 

Next week is our last week together, just the two of us, before I go back to work.  I'm sad and happy at the same time.  Sad because I've cherished this time we've had but happy because quite honestly Momma isn't stay at home material.  I love and cherish you and your brother but spending every waking moment with you just isn't for me.  I like to think about our time as quality over quantity.  The first couple of weeks will be difficult as we find our stride but before we know we'll be old hats at it.

You've already changed so much in the last two and half months I can't imagine how much more you could change in the next couple of weeks but I know you will.  I love you sweet girl more than words can explain and I can't wait to see the person you become.

Forever & Always
Momma

Birth Announcement

My baby girl is 2 1/2 months, ALREADY!  This parenting two little ones is hard work but I have to believe that once I get back to work and I'm forced to really get a schedule going things will get easier.  Goodness at least that's what I'm hoping.

With only a week left on my maternity leave I FINALLY got baby girl's birth announcement done.  Once again I went with Shutterfly, just like with the Bean's, and I'm sure I won't be disappointed.  I'm sharing them because I love them and because Shutterfly will give me $10 off my next order, which should be in the next week when I order Baptism invites, so much to do and not enough hours in the day.

What do you think?

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

You guys I just LOVE her!

1 month - Baby Girl

This was supposed to be Dumpling's 1 month birthday letter but really she's 7.5 weeks now.  This two kids thing is exhausting but I'm slowly getting it together.

Dumpling
It'd hard to believe that you've been in our life for over  month already.  You came into this world a little earlier than expected and had an unexpected extended hospital stay but on your two week birthday we finally got to bring you home.  The Bean fell in love with you instantly and I think that two of you will be best friends growing up.  Your oldest brother isn't a fan of tiny babies but he loves you, he'll just like you more when you're a little bigger.   And Daddy, oh your daddy is wrapped around your finger already.  There's something so special about a girl and her Dad. 

These first few weeks have been blissful, with the holidays and family, and I know that there are challenging times to come because that's what being a parent is about ups and downs with their kids but I hope no matter what that you always remember I love you.  You're the little girl I wished for and prayed for and not only me but Granddad and Nana too. 

Forever & Always
Momma

35 Weeks, 3 Days

I started this post when Dumpling was 4 weeks and today she's 7 weeks.  To say things have gotten hectic with a new little would be an understatement, throw in the holidays and there just haven't been enough hours in the day.  However, without further delay, Dumpling's birth story.
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35 weeks, 3 days is how far along I was 2 days after my last post and the nite my water broke.  More than 2 weeks earlier than I had expected and definitely sooner than I would have liked.  I spent the entire day at work with out a single BH or contraction, of course the nite before I had tons of both but didn't think anything of it.  I got home from work and took care of some things around the house and right after I'd switched out the Beans 18 months clothes for 24/2T clothes I stood up and felt a trickle.  At first I thought nothing of it what with being 8.5 months pregnant and having a bladder the size of a pea then I got to the bathroom and sure enough my water broke, at 35 weeks & 3 days, I called Hubz then my Momma. I feel like I should have been a little scared, I mean 35 weeks that's pre-term, but the thought never crossed my mind.  Dumpling was coming and there was nothing I could do about it but embrace it and get myself and the boys together because bag packing wasn't supposed to take place until the following weekend.  Within about half an hour of talking to Hubz both our Moms were at the house, which was good because my contractions were making it hard for me to get things done, I was also a little overwhelmed since this was so unexpected.  By the time Hubz showed up everyone was packed and the Moms each took a boy and we headed to the hospital, after a stop at the gas station since neither the car or truck had gas ... sitting while having contractions is NO BUENO!  Luckily we missed rush hour and made it to the hospital in no time. 

I'll never understand the point of pre-registering since I had to stand and answer questions and "check-in" once at the hospital.  I also had to deal with a very well meaning volunteer constantly asking me if I was sure I didn't want a wheelchair, it was much easier for me to handle the contractions if I was standing.  After what seemed like an hour we headed to triage, where they had to make sure I was in labor ...REALLY!  We finally got to a L&D room and I finally got my epi, by that point I was 5 cm dilated, which had been my goal to reach before getting the epi.  Once I had the epi it was pretty much smooth sailing from there.  I progressed pretty steadily until I got to 8 cm at which point they gave me a little pitocin to help get things moving more steadily again. Finally, at about 530a on 14 November I was almost to 10 so the doctor had me start some practice pushes and apparently I was pretty good at it because when she returned to do some practice pushes with her in the room she said I was ready for the real thing.  I started pushing for really, really at 630 and my precious baby girl was born at 644a. Weighing in at 5.5 and 18.5 in long she was smaller than her brother weight wise but they measured the same length.  Of course as I expected she had some complications breathing and she would up in the NICU for what would become a 2 week stay. 

She finally came home on 28 November and other than some reflux has had no issues. We had a rough time establishing breastfeeding, since she'd been on the bottle for the two weeks while she was in the NICU but it was breast milk but now we're smooth sailing.  She's perfect, but I'm biased and the Bean is totally and completely in love with her.  My parents are besides themselves because this is the first girl in 28 years, since my sisters were born.  I'm still on maternity leave until February and now with the holidays over I'm going to enjoy these last few weeks just me and my girl. 

Dumpling Weeks 34/35

OMG it's been an uber long weekend.  My brother-in-law got married yesterday and the wedding was at 10am, who does that, so to say it was a long day is an understatement.  Then since there was so much family in town we got together again today oh and on Friday nite to.  I'm pooped.  But it's time for an update and I can do that from my bed so here ya go.  It's hard for me to believe that in about 3-5 weeks I could have a new little bundle.  Too bad it won't have anywhere to sleep, hoping we'll be there by the end of the week.

How far along? 35 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: After my appointment last Friday I'd lost another pound so that pound I had gained, yeah it meant nothing.  So I'm back to total loss of 10 pounds to the dr's and 15 by my count

Maternity clothes? ummm...heck yes and I have been since about 9 weeks, but I'm still also wearing a lot of non-maternity too, mostly in tops. Of course I'm not sure what I"m going to do now that it's starting to get cold but I do know that I'm not planning on buying anything new, if I can help it.

 

Stretch marks? no new ones.

Sleep: I wouldn't say I'm suffering from insomnia but I will say I'm sleep deprived.  I'm up multiple times either because I can't breath or too pee. It's exhausting but I just keep telling my self the end is near.

Best moment this week: The wedding just because the Bean had so much fun and I love a reason to celebrate with family.

Food cravings: Back to nothing being appetizing.  I eat because I have to most days not because I want to.

Gender: no idea and we won't know until December when Dumpling makes his or her appearance.  I feel like it might be a girl but what do I know really, it's just a feeling which means nothing really. We'll no in a few weeks.

 

Labor Signs: The Braxton Hicks are a little intense sometimes but other than that nothing although I did lose my mucus plug last week but that doesn't really mean anything in the big picture of things.

Belly Button in or out? flat, with a little flap.  it's kind of weird and I don't remember it being like that with the Bean.

 

What I miss: Wine or really any adult libations. I just need a good stiff drink. <~still this... oh and coffee and milk shakes.

What I am looking forward to: starting to get stuff out of storage and washed, okay not really the washing part but at least getting it out of storage.  Also, hopefully getting the nursery together by this weekend.  Oh and the Sprinkle my sisters-in-laws planned for me.

Weekly Wisdom: I got nothing.

Milestones: nada

3 weeks

Today as I was sitting at work it hit me that if Dumpling is like his/her big brother it's possible I could have a new baby in about 3 weeks.  The bean was born at exactly 38 weeks, I'll 35 weeks on Saturday!  Hubz thought it was funny that once again I was surprised at how close the impending arrivals arrival actually was.

3 weeks!  It that time we have a wedding, maternity pictures, birthday party and Thanksgiving.  Oh and let's not forget we're still working and Hubz has school and the step-son has his numerous things that he needs to be taken to or we need to attend, but well I'm not all that worried.  I've set a goal to accomplish one or two little things a day.  Today I took out the infant car seat and their bases and put the cover back on, of course it now looks like we're missing a piece to the car seat so we'll have to find the piece or get a new car seat, I'm hoping we can just find the piece but I'm not optimistic since Hubz didn't even know what I was talking about when I said it was missing.  I'm also FINALLY going to get our suitcase unpacked from our Anniversary trip back the beginning of October.  While really it should be Hubz doing this since it's mostly his crap if I wait on him the baby will be here and I have tons of mess on that side of the room that needs to be taken care of so we can bring in the bassinet and swing, which are both next on the list to come out of storage so their respective covers and stuff can be cleaned and they can be brought to our room.

3 weeks isn't a ton of time but it's enough to get done what needs to be done and continue with life as normal, or as normal as it can be when the Momma's 35 weeks pregnant and taking care of a lot of things solo.  I figure is something doesn't get done before Dumpling's arrival then it'll get done after.  As long as my breast pump has all it's necessary parts and pieces and the bassinet, swing and car seat are good to go we're golden and that'll all be taken care of in the next week or so.  Oh I should probably pack my hospital bag sometime during that 3 weeks too, just to be on the safe side, huh.  Although last time I didn't get a bag packed until the day my water broke and I went into labor so....

Dumpling Weeks 32/33

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Gained a pound last week! Still at a loss though with 9 according to the dr and 14 if you count the five I lost before I started appointments

Maternity clothes? ummm...heck yes and I have been since about 9 weeks, but I'm still also wearing a lot of non-maternity too, mostly in tops.  Of course I'm not sure what I"m going to do now that it's starting to get cold. 

Stretch marks? no new ones.

Sleep: I'm sleeping just not great, partially because I have to get up to pee multiple times a nite and partially because I'm almost 33 weeks pregnant

Best moment this week: Moving the Bean into his big boy room!  He did great.  We've had a rough week this week but I'm not sure if it's the new surroundings or teething/growth spurt. Either way it's exhausting and I'll be happy for it to be over.

Food cravings: This week it was the turkey cranberry panini from Panera, I had it for dinner last nite.  DELISH!  Overall though nothing that I just have to have every day.

Gender: no idea and we won't know until December when Dumpling makes his or her appearance. 

Labor Signs: The Braxton Hicks are a little intense sometimes but other than that nothing and I'd like it to stay that way at least through for at least 4-5 more weeks.  We still have to get the bassinet and car seat out and cleaned and then Dumpling's welcome to come.

 

Belly Button in or out? I just call it my gully now. Although I don't even think that's the best way to describe it either since it's really just completely flat and Bean still insists on trying to shove his finger in it...OUCH!

What I miss: Wine or really any adult libations. I just need a good stiff drink.  <~still this...

What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery set up, now that we've gotten the Bean moved into his big boy room it's time to get things set up for Dumpling and the Sprinkle that my sisters-in-law planned for me in a few weeks.  It's really just a reason for us to get together.

Weekly Wisdom: Things will fall into place when they need to and just like last time there's really nothing I can do about it.

Milestones: I got to sleep past 7am today...it's the little things.

Dumpling - 30/31 Weeks

How far along? 31 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: Gained a pound last week!  Still at a loss though with 10 according to the dr and 15 if you count the five I lost before I started appointments

Maternity clothes? ummm...heck yes and I have been since about 9 weeks, but I'm still also wearing a lot of non-maternity too, mostly in tops.

Stretch marks? no new ones.

Sleep: I'm sleeping just not great, partially because I have to get up to pee at least once a nite and partially because I'm almost 32 weeks pregnant

Best moment this week: It was actually last weekend when Hubz and I went away to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary in Atlantic City.  We slept and relaxed and just hung out and enjoyed each other's company.  We haven't had even a weekend away just the two of us since our Honeymoon.

Food cravings: nothing really, food still isn't my FAVORITE thing ever but at least I can eat now.  Although Melting Pot last weekend for our Anniversary was quite delicious.!

Gender: no idea and we won't know until December when Dumpling makes his/her appearance

Labor Signs: The Braxton Hicks are a little intense sometimes but other than that nothing and I'd like it to stay that way at least through Thanksgiving.

Belly Button in or out? I just call it my gully now.  Although I don't even think that's the best way to describe it either since it's really just completely flat.

What I miss: Wine or really any adult libations.  I just need a good stiff drink.

What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery set up, now that we've gotten the Bean moved into his big boy room it's time to get things set up for Dumpling.

Weekly Wisdom: Am at that point where I have to start reminding myself that everything that needs to get done will get done and before Dumpling gets here.

Milestones: Not really baby related but the Bean is in a toddler bed as of this weekend and doing great!

Dumpling - 29 Weeks (2 days)

Somewhere, along the way of this pregnancy, I lost control of my life. It's slowly starting to drive me insane, like REALLY crazy, so I'm working on gaining back some of that.  However, I think the out of control is still winning.  What's even worse is I know that it's not going to get any better, what with adding a new baby and all.

 

Le sigh.

 

So that's why it's taken me 5 weeks to write an update on Dumpling.  Although I was only doing every 4 weeks anyway since that's when my appointments were but now where at 2 week appointments.  SAY WHAT!?  Yup I'll be visiting with fantastic OB every two weeks now, starting next Monday when I'll be 30 weeks, 2 days.  I'm not sure how this happened, this being almost 10 weeks from my due date with barely anything accomplished but alas it did and now I feel like I'm in hyper drive to get things done while still working and maintaining a home (although not very well) and maintaining my sanity (again not very well). 

 

Oh well, ready or not Dumplings coming so I better get it together and soon because I think chances are good that this babe will be making an early appearance like big brother did 2 years ago.  Oh yeah that's right I have a two year and pictures to share from his birthday, ya know when I have time.

 

How far along? 29 weeks, 2 days

 

Total weight gain/loss: After my appointment a week and half ago I'm down two more pounds which brings  me down  11 pounds to the doctor but if I include the 5 pounds I'd lost before I started my appointments at 9 weeks it's really 16pounds. I now weigh less than I did when I got pregnant with the Bean.

 

Maternity clothes? ummm...heck yes and I have been since about 9 weeks, but I'm still also wearing a lot of non-maternity too. I'm only comfortable with the pants that have the secret belly so my clothing choices have started to dwindle so I've started looking at eBay and discovered that Motherhood Maternity sells leggings and petite pants so I've added a couple pairs of each to my wardrobe to get me through the next few months.

Stretch marks? no new ones.

Sleep: Some nites are better than others. I'm up at least once a nite to go to the bathroom and can only really sleep on my left side or sitting up so lots of rearranging but every once in a while I find the perfect position and can sleep through most of the nite.

Best moment this week: I haven't throw n up in a couple of weeks, and since some days I'm still uber nauseous I'll take it.

 

Food cravings: nothing really, I'm just happy to be able to eat most things.  Still can't do anything super sweet or soda or coffee or tea but I can eat most meat now without wanting to hurl so that's something

 

Gender: no idea and we won't know until December when Dumpling makes his/her appearance

Labor Signs: I started with Braxton Hicks  and some of them are a little intense but nothing sitting with my feet up and drinking some water can't take care of.  I didn't think I started with BH this early last time but Hubz says it was about the same time.  Other than that no real labor signs and it better stay like the for a least 8 more weeks.

Belly Button in or out? my poor belly button.  it looks like a little ledge it's so flat

 

What I miss: A good glass of red wine and some pasta with red sauce oh and sushi I REALLY miss sushi and wine.

What I am looking forward to: since our 5 year wedding anniversary is this weekend I'm looking forward to time for just me and the hubz, but when we get back it's nothing but baby prep. 

Weekly Wisdom: It's true that the second pregnancy seems to move faster, probably because you're chasing after a toddler and can't sit around thinking as much about the impending arrival.

Milestones: The Bean understanding Momma has a baby in her belly.  Now if he'd stop using me as a jungle gym.

Dumpling 24 Weeks

Well, I've been back from vacation for a week and missed 2 weeks of updates on Dumpling.  I'm okay with it though because first there was nothing new to report and second I was on vacation enjoying my family and relaxing.

I had an appointment yesterday and with only one more 4 week appointment before we move to every 2 weeks I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a little stressed, but I've started my to-do lists and I know I can count on Hubz to pick up the slack once he realizes how overwhelmed I'm feeling so I'm not gonna lose it...yet.

So without further ado, this week's stats.

How far along? 24 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: After my appointment yesterday I'm down yet another pound which brings  me down  9 pounds to the doctor but if I include the 5 pounds I'd lost before I started my appointments at 9 weeks it's really 14 pounds.

 

Maternity clothes? ummm...heck yes and I have been since about 9 weeks, but I'm still also wearing a lot of non-maternity too. I'm only comfortable with the pants that have the secret belly so my clothing choices have started to dwindle so I've started looking at eBay.

Stretch marks? no new ones.

Sleep: eh..it's not to bad but Hubz is out of town and I don't sleep well whenever he's gone so it'll be Labor Day before I start sleeping better...maybe.

Best moment this week: Dumpling kicking the Bean when he was laying on my stomach.  He was very confused.

Food cravings: nothing really, I'm just happy to be able to eat I'm about at the point I was with the Bean where I started being able to eat more so that's good.  Of course I still have days where food and I aren't friends but such is life.

Gender: no idea and we won't know until December when Dumpling makes his/her appearance

Labor Signs: I started with Braxton Hicks  and some of them are a little intense but nothing sitting with my feet up and drinking some water can't take care of.  I didn't think I started with BH this early last time but Hubz says it was about the same time.  Other than that no real labor signs and it better stay like the for a least 3 more months.

Belly Button in or out? getting flatter as the days progress

What I miss: A good glass of red wine and some pasta with red sauce

What I am looking forward to: starting to make progress on getting the Bean moved and getting the nursery ready for Dumpling's arrival. 

Weekly Wisdom: It's true that the second pregnancy seems to move faster, probably because you're chasing after a toddler and can't sit around thinking as much about the impending arrival.

Milestones: The Bean feeling Dumpling kick and The Bean kind of starting to understand Momma has a baby in her belly.  Now if he'd stop using me as a jungle gym.

Dumpling 21 weeks, 1 Day

We're cruising right along.  It was a quite week and not much to talk about so here's the survey.

 

How far along? 21 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: I'm still at appointments every 4 weeks so since my next appointment isn't until the end of the month I'll just assume I'm holding steady at 8 lbs (according to the dr) and 13 lbs by my count.

Maternity clothes? ummm...heck yes and I have been since about 9 weeks, but I'm still also wearing a lot of non-maternity too. I'm sure this will start change in the next couple of weeks.

Stretch marks? no new ones.

Sleep: eh..it's not to bad when Hubz isn't snoring or flipping around like a dead fish moaning because of the neck/back problems he's had for the last two weeks--STILL!

Best moment this week: The Bean reading Good Night Moon while I was cleaning his room and putting away laundry...CUTEST thing EVER!

Food cravings: nothing really, I'm just happy to be able to eat more than rice, although it's not much more and it's definitely not rice anymore.

Gender: no idea and we won't know until December when Dumpling makes his/her appearance

Labor Signs: goodness NO and it better stay that way for a while

Belly Button in or out? getting flatter as the days progress

What I miss: food and not having heart burn

What I am looking forward to: getting the Bean's big boy room painted and him moved over.  Right now that's what's weighing heaviest on my mind.  He generally does well with change so I'm hoping it'goes smoothly.

Weekly Wisdom: the new TUMS Smoothies are so much better than those originally chalky ones.

Milestones: more frequent movement and being able to see it on the outside.

Dumpling 20 weeks (1 day)

Holy heck we're halfway there!  And really if my dr's right more than halfway since I delivered the Bean two weeks early.  We're uber busy until October but after that it's on like Donkey Kong to get things ready for Dumpling's arrival.

Besides hitting the halfway point this week we also had out big ultrasound.  While normally it would be where we'd have also found out the sex  we didn't, ya know since we're Team Green and all. So without further delay my stats for this week.

How far along? 20 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: after my appointment this past Friday I'm down another 4, which brings my total loss to 8, according to the dr but really I'm at like 13 if I count what I weighed at home before I started seeing the dr.

Maternity clothes? ummm...heck yes and I have been since about 9 weeks, but I'm still also wearing a lot of non-maternity too.  I'm sure this will start change in the next couple of weeks.

Stretch marks? no new ones.

Sleep: eh..it's not to bad when Hubz isn't snoring or flipping around like a dead fish moaning because of the neck/back problems he's had for the last two weeks

Best moment this week: our big ultrasound....even though we didn't find out the sex it was still nice to see Dumpling and how big he/she's gotten since the last time.

Food cravings: nothing really, I'm just happy to be able to eat more than rice, although it's not much more and it's definitely not rice anymore.

Gender: no idea and we won't know until December when Dumpling makes his/her appearance

Labor Signs: goodness NO and it better stay that way for a while

Belly Button in or out? getting flatter as the days progress

What I miss: food and not having heart burn

What I am looking forward to: figuring out when and whose going to take my maternity pictures.  I know I want them to be fally, so it'll be sometime in October but that's all I got.  My normal photog moved 2 hours away so I'm not sure if she's even an option but I'm going to talk to her and see.

Weekly Wisdom: do whatever you have to in order to get sleep, even if it means moving to another room where your Hubz isn't trying to win a Gold medal for snoring.

Milestones: got to eat steak and cheese the other nite and it was sooooo delicious...did I mention how much I miss food?

Dumpling 19 Weeks (1 day)

Well, here I am another week closer to d-day and I tell ya some days are better than others.  Last week I was totally exhausted, thanks to Hubz taking up snoring as an Olympic sport, which in turn made my all day sickness rear its ugly head with a vengeance.  The past two days I've gotten a decent amount of sleep and feel human and can eat so I know it's sleep that makes all the difference.  Which is why I made it a point to get our sofa in the spare room/the Bean's big boy room cleaned off finally so I can go somewhere when the snoring is just unbearable.

So 19 weeks and the last week before I hit the halfway point...wait, WHAT?! I still have so much to do and I know these next 20 weeks are going to go by quick!  Guess I better get the to-do lists for my to-do lists started.

How far along? 19 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: after my appointment this past Friday I'm down another 4, which brings my total loss to 8.

Maternity clothes? ummm...heck yes and I have been since about 9 weeks, but I'm still also wearing a lot of non-maternity too.

Stretch marks? no new ones.
Sleep: eh

Best moment this week: getting to sleep in until 815 this morning.

Food cravings: seafood

Gender: no idea and we won't know until December when Dumpling makes his/her appearance

Labor Signs: goodness NO and it better stay that way for a while

Belly Button in or out? getting flatter as the days progress

What I miss: food and not having heart burn

What I am looking forward to: big u/s next Friday oh and a very good college friend is coming to visit from SC for the first time this weekend too!

Weekly Wisdom: do whatever you have to in order to get sleep, even if it means moving to another room where your Hubz isn't trying to win a Gold medal for snoring. 

Milestones: got an unexpected peek at Dumpling at my appointment on Friday because the dr couldn't find the HB.