Overdue

I'm still pregnant. I'm also walking around 4 cm dilated. I'm pretty annoyed. I had an appointment this morning, and we tried to get in for an induction today or tomorrow, but we have to wait until Wednesday. Which is fine with me, maybe I will go on my own before then. I could have scheduled the induction for the new Maple Grove hospital, but since it's so new - if anything were to go wrong with myself or baby, we'd have to be transferred to the other hospital. So I don't want to worry about that on top of everything else - so I'm just sticking to the North Memorial in Robbinsdale. I had some bad cramping and contractions in the middle of the night last night, but nothing came of it. SOOO - if this kid still hasn't come out by Wednesday, I call the hospital at 6 AM and they will tell me what time to come in. I don't know if I'll make it until then though....we shall see.

2nd Birthday/Christmas/Due Date/Blizzard 2009

Jack's homemade birthday cake

Unsure about the whole singing thing


Getting bundled up to play outside in the blizzard of 2009

Opening Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve

Jack turned TWO yesterday, can you believe it? I can't. It's definitely going to be interesting as he gets older celebrating his birthday AND Christmas Eve on the same day. I don't think I will ever celebrate his half birthday instead of his real birthday either. So what we did yesterday was we had the morning all about Jack's birthday and him being two. We opened presents, made cinnamon roles for breakfast, had some homemade birthday cake after nap time and sang happy birthday. Then the rest of the evening was more presents, but for Christmas Eve instead of birthday. Like he knows the difference....it makes for a long day and a lot of sugar. Anyway, it was a great birthday for him and the best thing about it was he doesn't have to share his birthday with his sibling...hooray. Christmas Eve was a little different yesterday because we opted not to head to Wayzata to be with the whole Loney family. I was having a few signs yesterday that labor MIGHT be on it's way. With all of the snow and not knowing what we would do with Jack if I did go into labor, we decided it was best just to stay put in Grove. Of course, I did not go into labor - go figure. This morning, Santa had come to our house and left Jack a few things (hockey skates were one them). And then we had a fab time at Tom's parent's house the first part of the day and my parent's house the second part of the day. Jack's toys are taking over our entire house! I can't wait to add all of the baby gear/supplies on top of toddler toys. Anyone looking for a part time cleaning job - for free of course?!?!

So, unless some crazy thing happens and I have this baby in less than 5 hours - it won't be born on the Christmas holiday - HOORAY! The blizzard is winding down, let's get this kid outta me! The Maple Grove hospital is opening up this coming Wednesday and to be honest, I wouldn't mind waiting until then if I could deliver there. We shall see. I really can't believe I'm still pregnant - especially since I've been dilated so much the past few weeks. I knew dilation didn't mean labor was right around the corner, but COME ON! This kid might end up more stubborn than me and that might be an issue down the road.....:-)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Still Pregnant

Yep - still pregnant. I've been dilated 3 cm for over a week now, and I've been having false labor contractions for a week. Talk about annoying. My nurse swept my membranes this morning which has caused a lot of cramping and contractions today - but nothing is progressing the way it should be. There were about 2 hours where I was getting contractions every 8 min, but they weren't super strong and well then they stopped for about 45 min. Not cool. So basically if I don't have the baby tomorrow, I don't want to have it until next week. But with this storm coming in for Christmas, I'm bound to go into labor and have the baby on Christmas Eve, yet again. My poor children will not only have to share a birthday, but have it on Christmas Eve. No no no - I will go into labor tonight and be back home with my sweet baby just in time to celebrate Jack's birthday and Christmas.

Just in case this stubborn child of mine decides to stay in there as long as possible, I have another dr's appt scheduled for Monday and I'll schedule an induction date for next week sometime - hopefully sooner rather than later.

Dear Jack

To my sweet boy Jack,

Almost exactly two years ago, my entire life changed when you were placed in my arms. From the moment I saw you, I fell in love. Somehow, you were exactly what I imagined you’d be, yet so much more. You were a perfect baby. You were so handsome with your fuzzy blond hair, round face, your button nose, big mouth, and your blue eyes. You weren’t a fussy baby at all and you started sleeping through the night close to 3 months, what mom could ask for anything more?

In these past two years, I have learned so much from you. Patience is the first thing that comes to mind. I can’t force anything with you; you do things on your own time. You always seem to know what you want and how to go about getting it. It amazes me that even on the nights when you’ve been the naughtiest and I can’t wait to put you to bed, after you’ve been sleeping for a few hours – I actually miss you. You’ve taught me what it means to be a mother and being with you every day is the best full time job I could ever have. I’m proud to say that you are worth all of the sacrifices this family has made in order for me to continue staying at home with you.

The way that you and Bailey chase each other around the house each morning cracks me up. I love that when you say kiss it comes out peesh. I love that you think everything is yellow. I love that you are absolutely obsessed with cell phones. I love that you get excited when the school bus drives by our house each morning and afternoon. I love that you slide down the stairs on your stomach faster than the speed of light. But my favorite part of the day is when we hear daddy’s car in the garage and you wait for him by the door jumping up and down and laughing with excitement – trying not to let Bailey knock you over.

When I think about you becoming a big brother, my heart melts. I know you are going to be an amazing big brother – but it also means that you aren’t my baby anymore. I’m sure things are going to be difficult when you realize that this new baby isn’t going away, but we’ll get through it. I’m going to miss our one on one time and being able to be by your side anytime you need me, but I know you will adjust. I’m excited for you to show your little brother or sister the tricks of the trade and how things work around here. Your dad and I will always have a special bond with you, since we are both the oldest in our families too. I know you might not think this immediately, or even in the next 18 years – but I have a feeling that this sibling is the best gift that we can give you. I love you with all of my heart, Jack.

Love,
Mommy

Come on out!

I went to the doc this morning and found out I was 3 cm. Well she said it was like a 2.5, but she could stretch me to a 3. Head is very low, but not completely engaged in my pelvis and my cervix is super super soft. Come on out baby!!

New Bouncer

Today at Target, I bought maybe the 4th new thing for baby #2 - a new bouncer. I loved my bouncer I had with Jack, but it broke. We lost both of the screws that held the legs up and yesterday Jack was playing with it, and it collapsed. I really don't want it collapsing on my newborn. So here was my dilemma. I was determined to buy the cheapest bouncer at Target - but they only came in blue or pink. Come on!! You know if I bought the pink one, I'd have a boy - and if I bought the blue one, I'd have a girl. So - I spent the extra 5 dollars and got this one. ha ha. I think it will work just fine. I keep thinking of all these random things I still need to have on hand for the new baby. I'm good on diapers for probably a week, ha. We're stocked up on wipes. I've got a few sets of neutral pj's and onesies. I've got the boy and girl going home outfit. I've got diaper rash cream and nuks. I need more swaddle blankets, but I want to buy either blue or pink - so I'm waiting. We've got one or two yellow ones I can use in the meantime. I haven't packed my hospital bag yet. I feel like if I do, it will jinx me and I won't go into labor for 3 weeks. But then again, I don't want to go into labor in the middle of the night without anything packed. Last time, I totally over packed. All I really need are some comfy clothes, shampoo, glasses, lotion, and my cell phone charger. I'm getting super excited, but of course nervous too. Alright, that's all for now.

Almost 38 weeks

I had my weekly appointment this morning. I'm still sitting at 1 cm, but she said I was very thin. So at least I've progressed some in the last week. I'm starting to get very nervous that we will be in the hospital on Christmas again and I just really don't want that to happen. I know I don't have any control over it, but still. I was reading my old website that I had when I was pregnant with Jack and when I was 1 cm and thinned out with him - I gave birth the next week. I'm not getting my hopes up or anything, but I think next week sounds like a good week to have a baby (if not sooner). And now that we got the blizzard out of the way - let's go! My next appointment is on Monday morning.

37 weeks

Boy or Girl?

Ready to Go!

Progress

I had another appointment this morning along with yet another ultrasound. Baby's head is DOWN! She also said I'm about 1 cm, but baby is still pretty high. Let's get this baby out before Christmas!! I think I am going to start running up and down our stairs every day and vacuuming. I could do some squats while holding Jack too. ha ha. It will be the most I've worked out in 9 months. My next appointment is next Wednesday morning.

In other news - Jack has decided to stop napping. Yesterday was day number 5 of no nap. For the first 20 minutes you think he's sleeping, and then he starts talking to himself and then that turns into random screams just to scream not crying. Then he starts to get pissed. If I go in there I find everything in his crib on the floor, and when I leave he doesn't settle down. It's really frustrating. I'm not going to stop attempting, but I don't think I'm going to let it last as long. And I'm really dreading going to our ECFE class tomorrow, we've had two weeks off and I just don't have the energy or patience to deal with my kid embarrassing the crap out of me. These classes go until January 20th, and unfortunately I'm not going to sign us up for the Spring classes. But I am going to really try and make it to playtimes every week, starting in like February.

Alrighty, that's all for now. Oh for those of you who don't know - Tom is coaching the Wayzata High School JV hockey team. His team and the varsity just won their first tournament this past weekend. Their first home game is this Thursday and then they play in Duluth on Saturday - Go Trojans. ha.

Thankful

I didn't need Thanksgiving to come around this year to remind me how thankful I should be for everything in my life. I am so grateful that my family is home for the holidays. It's definitely going to be different this year, but I try not to focus on that and just focus on the part where we are all able to be together and celebrate. Here are just a few of the people who I am extremely grateful for in my life:

My husband, my rock, my everything.

My parents - the best any kids could have.

My brother - the inspiration to so many

My son - honestly I know he drives me crazy some days - but if it weren't for him, I don't think I would have made it through these past 4 months. Lets face it, you can't lay in bed and cry all day when you have to take care of a toddler.


This growing baby inside of me that I cannot WAIT to meet. Even though this pregnancy has kicked my butt, I know it will be worth it :-)

The best friends a girl could ask for (Elissa is missing in this picture, but don't worry - all 6 of us will be reunited this Christmas). Each and every one of you gives me strength in your own special way.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Update...kind of

I had my 35 week appointment this morning and saw a different doctor than I did last time. I told her about how the baby was breech last time, and she didn't seem too terribly concerned saying how the baby still has some time to flip. So we did the Group B Strep test and she checked to see if anything was "happening" - but no such luck. My cervix is still closed so she couldn't tell for certain, but she thought the baby was still breech. She said we could do an ultrasound right then, but we might as well wait until next week just in case. So next Tuesday I have yet another ultrasound and an appointment. So once again, I still know nothing. I haven't been too impressed with Oakdale OBGYN to be honest, but what are you going to do? If I do have a c-section, the date will most likely be Friday December 18th.

"New" House

I've been getting asked a lot to see pictures of my parent's newly remodeled house. So I took some the night before they came home. Thanks to all of the hard workers who did so much more than just move furniture into the house. The entire kitchen got stocked, the dishes got put away, the beds were made and the clothes were all hung. Not exactly something a huge pregnant daughter could do by herself! Enjoy the pics, the house is even more beautiful now with my parents and brother living in it!

This is the great room. For those of you who know my house, this used to be our deck walking outside from the sliding glass door.

This is the kitchen. Where the "island" thing is, is where that window seat used to be. The fridge is where that big pantry of food used to be.

This is my brother's awesome bathroom. This area used to be our porch.


And here is his sweet shower, again part of the old porch.

This is Bren's desk area, this room is connected to his bathroom and is an addition off of the porch.

This is a view from the front door

Here is our living room, pretty much the same size as before.

Here is the upstairs guest bathroom. We combined my brother and I's bedrooms. So this bathroom area is kind of my brothers old room which is connected to the sleeping area which was my old bedroom.

Here is my parents bedroom

Here is my parents walk in bathroom

And here is their walk in shower...

More of the walk in shower, it's HUGE

Almost 35 weeks

Almost 35 weeks this week, crazy huh? I think the baby has dropped a little bit. I am having to pee like a million times a day and that just started. My acid reflux has still been bothering me too, so that's a bummer. I go to the doctor next Monday for the Strep B test and also to see if baby is still breach. If it is, we schedule a c-section for around week 39 (that is in 4 weeks people!) - if it isn't, let the waiting game begin :-) I will then start to go to the doctor every week! Lots of exciting things to look forward to coming up here...

What I Know For Sure : Pregnancy Round Two

Do any of you read Oprah's O Magazine? I don't usually read the magazine, but every now and then I will venture over to her website and read about her magazine. This month Ellen is on the cover with Oprah and it was a huge deal (for those of you who don't keep up with daytime TV). Ellen also did one of Oprah's columns titled "What I Know For Sure" check it out HERE

It got me thinking that this might be a fun blog topic to continue on with weekly or monthly or whenever I have a topic that fits. So I thought my first What I Know For Sure entry could be about being pregnant for the second time. So here goes nothing.

1. Taking care of a child all day long while growing a child inside of you is not an easy task. I thought it would get easier after the morning (all day) sickness subsided, but it definitely did not! And by no means is it going to get easier once it is growing outside of my belly!

2. Running after a toddler who decides to take off in the middle of the parking lot while 8 months pregnant can cause your groin muscles to stretch in ways you never thought possible. But what are you going to do – stop running after your child? Um no. The only way to feel better is scold your child, buckle them in their car seat and sob your eyes out on your entire drive home.

3. Cutting out caffeine was never an option this time around

4. Neither was the alcohol – just kidding. But I enjoy more small glasses of wine on really rough days and I NEVER did that with Jack’s pregnancy.

5. I think I've napped more during Jack’s nap time while I've been pregnant than when I did when he was first born.

6. We hardly ever talk about names for this baby. Scratch that, we hardly ever talk about this baby! Well up until now because it’s getting so close!

7. I swear I didn’t get THIS big with Jack.

8. Birthing classes? Waste of time and money, even for first time moms.

9. The first time you feel that second baby move in your tummy is just as magical as it was with your first child.

10. No matter how awful things in your pregnancy get – your mind somehow blocks out all of those memories. I’m at that point right now, like seriously – I forgot how miserable it feels to get out of bed, oh the pressure. But there is a reason your mind plays tricks on you – it’s so someday you will do it all over again. I’m scared to find out what my mind blocked out of the newborn stage….haha.

Party in the USA - HILARIOUS

What's YOUR favorite part???

Shake Your Booty

This is kind of a long video - but it's too cute not to share. Did he get these moves from mom or dad?

Jack's NEW Room!

We have finally moved Jack into his new room. On Thursday, for whatever reason, I decided I would move all of Jack's furniture into his new room - since all of the painting was done. I had to disassemble his entire crib to get it through the doorway. I'm not gonna lie, I thought I might go into labor when it was all over. We still have some decorating to do on the walls - but that's fine. I also put together the new baby's changing table and we are borrowing a friend's white crib for the new baby too. The baby's room is going to stay pretty plain until it arrives - I'm not a fan of gender neutral rooms like we had with Jack. I thought the bright green color of these baskets would look nice with some pinks or blues, and I also like the brownish accents too. I still need to organize the baby's closet and get those odds and ends put together. First here are two pictures of the baby's new furniture. Then you can see the before and after pictures of Jack's room.


New Baby's Crib - boring, I know

Changing Table

BEFORE - walking into Jack's room


AFTER - walking into Jack's room

BEFORE - closet area

AFTER - closet area (yes even the inside is now organized)

BEFORE - window area

AFTER - window area

Baby Pool - enter your guess now!

Ok people - it's that time! Enter your guesses of our 2nd baby. You can either click the link on the upper right side of this blog - or you can click HERE

Since I don't know for sure whether I'm having a c-section or not - we are just going to pretend that I'm not. If it turns out I have to, then the dates will be taken out of the pool. I will leave it open for you to make changes though, so don't worry!

Here are some facts about my pregnancy with Jack

• I was due on December 22 and he was born on December 24
• Other than a little spotting at the beginning - Jack's pregnancy was a breeze
• No morning sickness, I can remember a few days at work thinking about food and getting grossed out but that's it
• I first started getting contractions in the afternoon, then they really hit around 4. Got to the hospital at 6 and he was born at 9:04 PM.
• Jack weighed 8 lbs 1 oz and was 21 inches long
• His heart rate ranged from 130 - 150. Although it was in the 130s at the end.
• We didn't find out the sex and Tom and I both had no gut feelings. Although about 2 hours before Jack popped out - Tom told me he knew it was going to be a boy. Sure enough - it was!

Here are some facts about this pregnancy:

• My due date is 12/25/09
• The heart rate was consistantly in the 150s, now it's more common for it to be in the 140s.
• This pregnancy has been the opposite of a breeze - from the placenta issues, to it being breech, to multiple ultrasounds, acid reflux, the list goes on
• I definitely experienced morning sickness. I never actually puked, but I wanted to. This went on until I was probably 15 weeks along.
• We ask Jack if it's a boy or girl and he has no idea what we are saying and never even repeats the word boy or girl. In his world we are having a "yellow baby'
• Tom and I don't have any gut feelings on the sex. Most days I think it's a girl, but every time I'm at the doctor's office I think it's a boy.

Click HERE to see the 31 week comparison picture of my belly

If you have any other questions you'd like to ask before you place your bets, just leave a comment and I will get back to you! And we are doing this out of fun, sorry there won't be any huge prize - although maybe I will dedicate a blog posting to the winner. What do you think?

A "Surprise" of a Day

You are NOT going to believe the morning I've had. I had my ultrasound at 8 AM. Placenta has moved up enough where it's not a concern anymore - hip hip hooray! However, the baby is breech. Not good - considering how far along I am. So after the ultrasound - I waited for my dr. She comes in and says well the good news is that your placenta is no longer an issue. The bad news is that HE is breech. I heard this word he and about crapped my pants. I didn't say anything to her, because I didn't know if she just refers to every baby as a boy, or if she actually knew it was a boy - I didn't want to make her feel bad that I didn't know. So anyway - we'll check the baby's position again in 3 weeks along with my Strep B test and if it's still breech, we will schedule the c-section at that point in time. So I STILL don't know whether I'm having a section or not. That aside, I come home and tell Tom I am 98% sure we are having a boy. I told him what the doctor said and he's like oh my gosh. So then we are just debating on whether we should call the clinic to find out 100%. My whole point was - the surprise is already ruined if it is a boy. I don't want to spend the next month in a half thinking it's probably a boy - when I could just know for sure. So on Tom's way to work, he calls my clinic. They have to call him back and this is what we found out: The sex is not documented anywhere in my file. Since I told them I didn't want to know, they didn't write it down so there wouldn't be any slip ups. The nurse even asked the ultrasound tech if she knew the sex and she said no. So really, there is no way the dr this morning knew the sex - because if that would have been the case, we would be able to know right now too. HA. Can you believe this? So now we are back to not knowing. I'm so glad that we tried to find out though, because now even if it is a boy - I will still be surprised. I just like that the surprise element is back on the table. Now it's REALLY fun not knowing. What a day though, I tell you! I swear, by the rate this pregnancy is going - this baby is bound to give me a run for my money. This is the reason part of me thinks it's a girl. ha.

So I go back in 3 weeks - the week of Thanksgiving and I'll know FOR SURE whether a c-section is needed. I feel like I've been saying that for the past 4 months. ha. Ok I am going to start a baby pool now and I will post that later on.

A White Trash Halloween and a Doctor

Jack will be so proud of his dad when he's older.

Our neurosurgeon Dr. Jack Starkey

This was taken at a white trash halloween party thrown by our friends last weekend. All I have to say is Not Hot.

Hope everyone has a very Happy Halloween!!!!!

New Shoes

Jack got some new kicks today! From who else but his uncle Brendan! He refuses to take them off ever since we tried them on. They are a tiny bit too big, but they will be just fine. When I pulled them out of the box, I thought they looked huge, but they actually fit and don't look too huge. He's getting way too big.

Today was our 6th ECFE class and we've had zero progress with me leaving. It's so bizarre because he is not clingy at all when we get there. He runs around and plays with toys and other kids all by himself. Then there is circle time and we sing songs - Jack loves this. And then snack time - which Jack is a pro at. Then the kid's teacher usually pulls out some bubbles while the parents begin to separate. We decided today I would be one of the first parents to leave (last week I was one of the last ones and that didn't seem to do anything). So right when I gave Jack a kiss and gave him his pooh blanket, the waterworks started and there was no calming him down. I was gone for probably 5-8 minutes before I was called back in. And of course, right when I walked in the room and gave him a hug - he ran away and started playing with the toys by himself. GRRRRR. I spoke with the teachers after class and they reassured me this is normal and it's just Jack's personality, and this strong willed characteristic will actually end up being a wonderful trait for him in the future, it's just frustrating right now. umm yeah it is. I didn't pay good money to sit at playtime with my child - I want my adult interaction. So we decided that next week and maybe the week after, I will just stay in the play area and do my own thing in the corner just so Jack knows it's a safe place. Gee, I wonder where Jack gets this stubbornnes from - Tom and I aren't stubborn at all....oh wait.

Anyway - that's been our exciting day today. I've been more uncomfortable than ever, it doesn't help that I have to constantly run after Jack when we are outside. So I think our outside time is coming to an end. That's fine with me. I have my 32 week appointment on Monday morning, I'm hoping I can come to a conclusion with this doctor whether I need a c-section or if I'm getting induced and just have a plan - even if the plan is letting the baby come when it's ready. I just need to know! Everyone seems to think I'm having a girl. I feel like I've had more feelings that it's a girl than a boy - but lately I've been thinking all boy! I am still planning on doing a baby pool - hopefully I can get that together next week after my appointment. I get to start going every 2 weeks from then on too. That makes me happy. OK, enough for today - thanks again for the shoes Bren, can't wait for you to see them in person! We miss you!

31 week comparison

Ok, I know I just posted a 31 week picture - but I found a picture of me pregnant with Jack at this exact time. So I pulled out the same outfit and took a picture. The first picture is me pregnant with Jack and the 2nd picture is me now. Thoughts?

31 weeks preggo with Jack

31 weeks preggo baby #2

31 Weeks

Here is my belly at 31 weeks. Getting bigger by the second (and more uncomfortable).

Small Successes

1. The guest room closet is almost all cleaned out. I dropped off about 6 bags of clothes and shoes to Goodwill the other day. Now I just need to figure out where to put the remaining 50 pairs of shoes I own (suggestions welcome, just don't tell me to get rid of them).
2. I finally got around to baking an apple pie with our apples from the orchard. I've never made an apple pie before, and it was delish!
3. Tom and I got to go to the Wild game last night and it was one of the best games I've been to - shoot out and all. Despite the baby kicking my ribs and moving like crazy throughout the whole game, we had a fab time and we really enjoy the nights when we can get out together!

Apple Orchard Time!

Today we went to the apple orchard/pumpkin patch. We had so much fun. Jack enjoyed running around and picking apples. We went with Eric, Teri, and Ari!

Tom got the first coat of paint done in Jack's new room last night and is finishing it up tonight. I can't wait to decorate his room, even though I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do. I'll post pictures of the color when we are done. For now, enjoy the pictures from today - there are a ton!

Family Picture

The other Starkey family!

Sister -in-laws

Jack and daddy -this cow is one of about 10 being pulled by a tractor. Tom decided to let Jack ride alone - I freaked out, but Jack did fine.

Look at how tall I am

Ari and Jack

Jack checking out how Ari is sitting up.

Cousins

Picking apples

More picking

Putting them in the bag

I want to go in the corn maze, but my parents wouldn't let me

This looks like a good place to eat my apple

ChillinStill content

Now I will eat my apple

Close up

Jack loves slides

Mommy and Jack

Laughing at mommy eating the apple