Where has time gone?!

Wow, it's been awhile since I've been on here. I'm sure my 2 readers missed me. ; ) lol

Since my last post I've: had a baby, learned that there really is no instruction manual for how to take care of a baby, celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary, and learned just how expensive babies really are! I finally get the baby-making bills paid off and now I get to pay the baby-having bills. Money well spent, though.

It's amazing how much your life really changes when you add a baby to the mix. I really can't remember what life was like before her and what I used to do with all my time! Now my time consists of nursing, changing diapers, pumping, cuddling, nursing, watching her every possible second so I don't miss a thing, nursing, trying to nap while she's napping, pumping, nursing, throwing things in the extra room when company is coming over because I don't have time to clean, and, well, nursing. I am so glad I have stuck with breastfeeding, but my goodness it takes a lot of time and effort! Now that Sophie is almost 2 months old (*gasp* 2 months?! really?!) it's getting easier and quicker, but breastfeeding and pumping take a lot of time, effort, energy, and dedication. I love the bond it has given us and it really is a special time. I'm so glad we chose to breastfeed. (Not to mention the health benefits, money saved, and extra calories burned ; )

I'll try to put her birth story sometime soon. I want this to be a memory blog so that I can look back on her growing up. Time really does fly by so fast and I want to record as much as I can.

In 7.5 weeks Sophia has:
*been to Chuck E. Cheese, the mall, El Zarape (twice), TGIFridays, the ballpark, swimming, and I'm sure others that I've forgotten
*shown a LOVE for bath time...especially having her hair washed. She absolutely adores it.
* had her frenulum clipped. She was severely tongue-tied. It is fixed now and she is a much better eater because of it. She's gaining weight like a champ now!
*been smiling since 4 weeks old. I wake up to see big smiles every morning. Melt.my.heart
*began cooing and "talking" at 5 weeks. She loves to coo at the flower on her play mat
*alternates between sleeping in her pack n play and her crib. Just depends on what time she falls asleep
*Sleeps for 5-6 hour stretches at night. She usually sleeps from about 9:30-3:30, nurses, and then goes back to sleep til about 6 or 7. This momma couldn't ask for more!

I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of them right now. I'll get this better organized later. Now for the most important part...pictures!

~Just born! June 23, 2010 2:38 pm 7 lb 15 oz 21 in


1 day old



~ 2 days old...leaving the hospital



~First bath

Preview

39 Weeks

<~~~39 weeks I could have sworn she's dropped, but the doc says she's still too high


How far along: 39 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: up 30 from pre-pregnancy

Maternity clothes: not many left that fit

Stretch marks: yuck

Sleep: I sleep from about 9-4 and then take a nap from 6:30-9:00 am....weird

Best moment this week: Hearing that I am actually making a little progress....1 cm dilated and 50% effaced

Movement: It hurts a little but I'm sure going to miss it

Food cravings: sweets

Gender: Miss Sophia
Labor signs: Dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced...but she's still sitting too high for an induction so he said "see you next week" She's not really due until next week but I'm just so anxious to meet her! He did say that if she's not here by Tuesday we will schedule something for next Thursday. So she should be here in at least a week! yay!

Belly button in or out: in

What I miss: Nothing too much....I miss softball at times, but I know I can play again someday, so it's alright. I wouldn't trade being pregnant for the world!

What I am looking forward to: Her arrival

Weekly wisdom: She will come when she is ready

Milestone: Finally progressing a bit

38 Weeks

How far along: 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: up 29 from pre-pregnancy...Didn't gain anything last week woo~hoo!

Maternity clothes: Dresses are about the only things that cover my whole belly...it's tshirts and Jeff's shorts most of the time

Stretch marks: My old stretchies on my sides are beginning to expand...they are turning pink on the ends where they are stretching more grrrr!

Sleep: Getting used to not getting much sleep at night. Luckily I can take naps now that school's out

Best moment this week: Hearing Dr. Laws say "Your life will be changing drastically in the next 7 to 10 days" even though we had 14 days left at the time....I think he's hinting at inducing?!? Holy cow, she's a-comin!

Movement: It's beginning to become a little painful because she's so big and my stomach is stretched so tight. It is still the most amazing feeling ever. I love it when she gets the hiccups (at least 3 times a day =)) the only problem is her head is on my cervix and the hiccups kinda hurt me at times lol

Food cravings: Sonic chicken strip sandwich and tator tots with ranch. Breakfast foods...any and every kind

Gender: Miss Priss
Labor signs: I'm beginning to think I will never have any! She's pretty content in there. I haven't even dilated any yet

Belly button in or out: not gonna be an outie

What I miss: NOTHING. I'm already getting sad that I won't be pregnant for much longer. I'm so going to miss being pregnant. But I know I'm going to LOVE holding her in my arms

What I am looking forward to: Besides holding her in my arms?! I am looking forward to Tuesday's appointment to see when we can get this party started!

Weekly wisdom: Smile and nod at all the "helpful" advice you get from everybody. They mean well. Right?!

Milestone: Packing the hospital bag and installing the car seat this weekend! wowza!

37 Weeks

<~~~My smooshed up girly at our 34 week ultrasound...love those cheeks!

<~~~35 weeks

<~~~~36 weeks


<~~~37 weeks...lookin a bit tired

How far along: 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: up 29 from pre-pregnancy

Maternity clothes: I hardly have anything that fits! My shirts are too short and my capris don't cover much of my belly. Since I'm off for the summer (yay!) I've been hanging out in Jeff's shorts and a rotation of tank tops that sorta fit. Thank goodness I don't have to work anymore or else I'd be wearing the same 3 things all week!

Stretch marks: No new ones, but the ones I've gotten are u.g.l.y

Sleep: I think my body is preparing for being up with a wee one....I wake up constantly for no reason and then have a hard time falling back asleep

Best moment this week: Hitting 37 weeks...which is usually considered "full term"! Now if we could just let Sophie know it's safe to come out now...

Movement: She never gets still! She is constantly stretching and pushing. It feels so cool! I like to watch her little knee or foot or whatever it is roll across my belly = )

Food cravings: Sonic chicken strip sandwich and tator tots with ranch. I've had that at least 3 times per week these last few weeks....which might explain the sudden explosion of weight gain oops!

Gender: 34 week ultrasound confirmed she's still a girl! (and proud of it! haha)
Labor signs: Patiently waiting for some

Belly button in or out: still in...not gonna be an outie

What I miss: NOTHING. I'm already getting sad that I won't be pregnant for much longer. I'm so going to miss being pregnant. But I know I'm going to LOVE holding her in my arms

What I am looking forward to: my appt this afternoon to see if I'm making any progress yet *fingers crossed*

Weekly wisdom: What was good for one pregnant woman isn't necessarily good for all pregnant women. Do what feels right for YOU

Milestone: Full Term!

34 Weeks

Oops! I haven't updated in quite a while! Partly because I've been lazy/busy and partly because
I've been exhausted!

<~~~ 31 Weeks

<~~~32 Weeks

<~~~ 33 weeks My only picture from this week! Oops!

<~~~~ 34 weeks!!


How far along: 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 23 pounds total

Maternity clothes: I wear them to work and then come straight home and put on Jeff's shorts & t-shirts = )

Stretch marks: They are ugly BUT will always be a reminder of this time in my life so I am beginning to treasure them (well, as much as one can treasure something so ugly!)

Sleep: Haven't had a good night's sleep in a loOoOng time

Best moment this week: Mother's Day!

Movement: I feel it more often, but it isn't as jolting. It seems like she stretches more than anything...less kicking and flipping nowadays. She's gotten the hiccups several times this week and that feels kinda neat

Food cravings: I still haven't had a big craving....bummed about that

Gender: Sophia Faith
Pregnancy Symptoms: Lots of those! Big belly, peeing a LOT, backache, and I'm beginning to have crazy dreams like I did in the first trimester

Labor signs: no ma'am

Belly button in or out: still in

What I miss: sleeping through the night and being able to roll over in bed/stand up from a sitting position without so much effort

What I am looking forward to: ultrasound on Friday

Weekly wisdom: Accept help from those who offer it.

Milestone: getting a week off from seeing the doctor! We went straight from monthly visits to weekly visits due to blood pressure problems....BUT, I've been good and he gave us a week off and no bed-rest! woo~hoo!