Henry Morris
After nearly 42 weeks of pregnancy and over 2 days of laboring, the little man arrived via repeat c-section this morning at 10:22am.
Wait for it… The “mini” guy was 10 POUNDS, 5 OUNCES and 22.25″ long! Can you even believe that? (Remember… I’m 5′ even)
How did two shorties make another giant kid?
Henry is perfectly healthy and squishy and squeaky! We are over the moon.💙
How far along: 41 Weeks, 4 Days – So, I survived the worst sinus infection to date in my 31 years and I’m feeling good. Baby and I are still hanging out in this ginormous bod of mine. Somehow, I’m still feeling pretty good (mentally and physically). Babes and I are sitting comfortably… well, bouncing comfortably.
Total weight gain: As of my last weigh-in on Friday (4 days ago), I had lost a pound or so. With that, I’m at a total weight gain of 32 lbs even. Like most 41.5 week pregnant mommas, I’m feeling SO SKINNY. haha But really, I don’t feel too bad!
Maternity clothes: I’m over maternity clothes… but still rocking nothing but.
Stretch marks: F this question. As of 41 weeks, I have stretch marks. Asshole stretch marks. My doc said they might go away post-birth. I’m not overly confident, but I will say, they look better than when I first discovered them. I’m scared for my post-birth stomach, but trying to stay optimistic. There’s always really fancy and expensive lasers to zap that shit off once I have tons of excess money just slapping me in the face… right?
Sleep: Since being sick and being totally unable to sleep for more than 1 hour at a time, I’m 1000% grateful for my “only woke up three times to pee last night” sleep. It’s so luxurious.
Best moment of this week: I had an amazing time this weekend. The weather was perfect and our little family of three really enjoyed every available minute. I’m very thankful we had the time together.
Miss anything: I could go for some oysters.
Movement: Yes, yes. Little bugger likes to try to widen my stomach with his tiny feet. I’m guessing my ritzy womb is getting a bit tight these days.
Food cravings: Oysters and champagne.
Anything making you queasy or sick: My sinuses were trying to murder me via facial explosion. But that since has passed.
Have you started to show yet: BOOM, BOOM, BOOM… that’s the sound I make crossing the room.
Gender: Comfy, cozy little dude.
Labor signs: Well, I am definitely not in labor… so I don’t know how to answer this question. But am I having contractions? Yes. I had a very friendly (and by friendly I mean breath-stealing, reached-my nostrils) membrane sweep on Friday. It didn’t kick me into labor, but I’m hoping it has at least helped me to progress. Fingers crossed that my doc can fit me in this afternoon for round two of Operation Torture Mommy to Get Baby Out.
Belly button in or out: Ihave the weirdest belly button. It’s outward, but still very inny. Anytime Charlotte sees it, she does a double take.
Wedding rings on or off: Still rocking the wedding band and can definitely still get my engagement ring on… but it’s off.
Happy or moody most of the time: Ihave somehow been in a great mood (post-sinus hell).
Looking forward to: Baby, baby, baby!
My last post was pretty doom and gloom, so I figured it might be nice to share an update.
I have officially survived the worst of the most awful and painful sinus infection in my 31 years (hopefully). I’m three days into my antibiotic (not happy to be on antibiotics, but there was no denying that it was inescapable this time) and already feeling such improvements.
For two days, I was totally unable to sleep or lie down or do much of anything besides take steam showers, smash my face between ice packs and whimper.
But, things are better. I can almost open my mouth all the way and didn’t have to smoosh my face in ice packs at all today. My sense of smell and taste are still pretty lost, but it can’t be long now!
I am also still very pregnant. 41 weeks, 1 day to be exact.
But, it’s Memorial Day weekend and we’re off to a good start. Hubs and I went for our ramen noodle obsession last night (thanks, Milly!) and today had a nice day with the tot and evening with my parents.
Here are a few pics…
I’m sure some of you have been wondering if my recent disappearance is because I’m deep in those first few days of new mommyhood (again). Let me clarify… I am not. Instead, I am taking walks, having induction massages (talk about a dousy), eating dates, drinking red raspberry leaf tea, and bouncing incessantly on my birthing ball.
Photos taken on 5/20/16
How far along: 40 Weeks, 3 Days – Once again, it’s super weird to have this pretty arbitrary (at least in my case) date that you’re counting down to and then have it arrive and pass just like that. I’m not totally sure how it makes me feel. This morning as I was taking a nice long walk, I thought, this is it! I’m here. We did it. But then at moments, I get a little negative or at minimum, skeptical, and start thinking… uh oh… is this happening again?
Meaning, is this baby going to refuse to come on his own like his stubborn big sis?
Honestly, I don’t feel like that’s the case. This pregnancy feels different. But, only time will tell… and until then, I’ll be on my birthing ball bouncing away the days.
Total weight gain: I gained about 1.3 lbs this past week, taking my total weight gain to 33.4 lbs. Woot, woot! Go me! Also, my swelling is almost non existent. It’s crazy. Last pregnancy, I was in a puffy, swollen suit. This time, I still have arches AND bone structure in my feet.
Maternity clothes: IMaybe it was a bit premature, but I’ve started pulling some of my maternity clothes out of my drawers. I’m over it. Ready to wear real clothes again… and by real clothes, I mean yoga pants (that don’t tuck into my bra) and nursing tanks.
Stretch marks: I had SUCH a scare last Thursday. I’m not sure what I bumped into, but I had a nice thick line of broken blood vessels across my belly. I stared in the mirror for about 5 minutes before asking the hubs what the f*** I was looking at. There was no way that my body managed a 43-week pregnancy and 40 weeks of a second without a single stretch mark and than BAM… one right across the center of my belly.
Thankfully, it’s fading. I must have run into something and broke some blood vessels.
Sleep: Sleep still isn’t amazing. It’s not terrible, but not amazing. However, I’ve gotten REALLY good at napping. The past 4-5 days, I’ve taken a solid 2-3 hour nap every day. How great is that?
Although, the toddler was CRAZY last night. Oy. She woke up at 1 or so and was whimpering, then crying… Mark went in, then she was bawling. I talked to her over the monitor, then more tears. I went in… even more sobs.
Finally, we just let her whine it out, but she literally kept waking up randomly with the loudest shrieks. Oy. As a result, she’s got her spice on today.
Best moment of this week: I had such a great weekend with the family. The weather was beautiful, we didn’t have much we had to do… it was just nice. And Charlotte was a little doll.
Miss anything: I’m not really in “missing mode”… although, I’d be really happy if little man would arrive. This momma is ready to meet her man.
Movement: Yes! He’s still poking around in there. And hopefully making his way down the rabbit hole.
Food cravings: I don’t know… I’m getting pretty full pretty quickly these days.
Anything making you queasy or sick: My toddler and husband? Sorry to throw you two under the bus, but I’m over this cold! Thankfully, the worst seems to be behind me (knock on wood). I’m still VERY congested, but the exhaustion and sinus pressure/pain isn’t even a tiny fraction of what it was. I’ll call that a win.
Have you started to show yet: I’m at the point where everyone gives me a weird smile. I haven’t quite defined it, but I think it’s a cross between, “please don’t break them waters in my presence” and “aww, look at the wobbling weeble.”
Gender: Mister man.
Labor signs: I don’t know. I mean… baby’s still in there, so no?
Belly button in or out: I’ve gotta hand it to my belly button… it’s really doing some crazy things these days. Who knew it could manage such shapes and SUCH pressure. Do your thing, belly button.
Wedding rings on or off: So, I am still wearing my wedding band, but have taken off my engagement ring. It just became too much at night.
Happy or moody most of the time: I think I’ve been happy! Maybe a little crabby and “woes me” during the height of my cold, but generally happy. Shit… I’m about to have another baby! That’s happy stuff. Plus, I really can’t complain about my physical comfort. I’m really feeling good. My weekly chiropractor visits are paying off!
Looking forward to: I wanna meet my baby!!!!
OB CHECK UPDATE
Weight Gain: 1.3 lbs from last visit, 33.4 total
Heart Rate: 96 bpm
BP: 106/64
Baby’s Heart Rate: Ranged between 138 (where it sat most of the time) to 154 when he got excited
Baby Bump: About 39-40 cm
Other: I had a nonstress test on Friday, too. After nearly 2 hours, baby is not stressed. I’m sure you can imagine how excited I am to do ANOTHER one tomorrow… oh yay.
“This is 31…” That was the theme of this year’s birthday celebration. Don’t worry… I’m not being a negative nelly. It was said (many times) in laughter (and sometimes maybe with tears).
Unfortunately, Miss Charlotte has been sick for the past week. We were supposed to have a kid-free day/evening on Saturday to celebrate my 31st, but things changed. Because C was sick and didn’t end up napping on Saturday, we ended up picking her up around 6:15 on Saturday night so we could get her in bed at home.
Despite not being a very sexy birthday celebration (I mean, what was I expecting at 39+ weeks pregnant), I really did have a great time.
After Charlotte tortured us on Saturday morning with her evil “I’m sick” antics, we brought her over to my parents’ house. We had a delish lunch (from my favorite restaurant) WITH an ice cream cake and then headed out to go see Money Monster. The movie was great, the popcorn was tasty and it was just nice to get out.
When we got out of the movie, we went to my new obsession, Tochi Ramen, for takeout. We picked up the yummiest of ramen, picked up Charlotte from my parents’ house, put the crankster to bed and then enjoyed. It wasn’t a fancy dinner, but it was great. We curled up on the couch, ate excessively, and watched iZombie (currently my favorite show).
The next morning, we were ZOO BOUND! Now, anyone who knows us knows that my husband is Mr. Anti Zoo. Luckily for me, he was feeling guilty for his lame lack of “special” on Mother’s Day, so he bit the bullet and took us to the zoo (something I’ve been asking for forever). Despite Charlotte still being decently under the weather, we had a blast! We saw the monkeys and the elephants! We fed goats and got to ride on the train.
All in all, it was a blast!
Then, during C’s nap, Mark and I relaxed, packed our hospital bag and enjoyed our Sunday. Dinner was nice and low-key at home.
And now, here I am… nearly 40 weeks pregnant with my second baby… 31 years old… feeling good and feeling grateful.
As some of you may know, we are not co-sleeping people and are actually quite strict about sleep. This translates to C sleeping in her bed about 99% of the time (with the occassional car nap thrown in).
This also translates to zero cuddly nappy moments… until this morning!
Little Charlie woke up around 6 (which is early) and was crying, but still face down in bed. We tried our normal tactics (talking to her through the monitor, playing lullabys through the monitor, waiting it out, praying she falls back to sleep)…nothing worked.
So, I decided I’d go into her room and rub her back in hopes that she’d go back to sleep or at least settle down. Mark’s been sick, so I was worried she wasn’t feeling well.
With that, I crept into her room and plopped down in bed next to her (have I mentioned how much I LOVE that she’s in a full-size bed??). This began the best two hours ever. My little sweet pie wrapped her arm around my neck, climbed up on top of my belly and we cuddled – going in and out of sleep – for the next couple of hours.
It was amazingly perfect. Definitely much needed, as the guilt of new baby and the upcoming demands he will bring are setting in.
Mark took some pictures of us through the video monitor…
Best. Morning. Ever.
I’ve definitely been MIA from the blog-front. Things have been so incredibly busy this month. I can’t believe we’re only 1.5 weeks from the big due date and just how fast time is flying by. Which reminds me… I’m in my final days as a 30 year old lady… woof. 31 with two kids. My younger self would definitely call me old.
Anyway, I digress. In attempts to get all caught up, this will be a post filled with pictures of all our many activities lately.
Enjoy!
Passover Sedar & More Visiting with Mark’s Fam
Passover Sedar with My Fam
Charlie spent a lot of time with me at work while on Spring Break…
All dressed up for C’s BFF’s Baby Naming
Charlie loves laying on her brother.
Finally, I did a little freezer meal cooking for post-baby time. 36 breakfast sammies!
Dinner with friends (and enjoying the amazing weather)
Munchkin eating her challah on a stick.
Flowers for her favorite teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week
Charlotte got to hold her bestie, Charlie, at school.
Sun shine makes for two happy gals.
This cutie pie lovie keeping me company while I make dinner.
More baseball (my parents’ friend took some great pics!)
Rain or shine, she loves to be outside!
Naked baby!
Afternoon bubbles with Nana.
Despite being 38+ weeks preg, we still managed to host Mother’s Day Brunch!
Nature walking in the backyard with Grampie.
This weekend, we took C to her first baseball game. These two short videos pretty much sum up her love and excitement for the game…
She lasted 5.5 innings, which amounted to nearly 3 hours! And really, to say she “lasted” isn’t fair… She enjoyed 5.5 innings.
When we got home (at 430 – yikes!), we put her directly in bed, where she proceeded to pass out until we woke her around 615. The girl was tired and worn out, but all in all, it was a great day.
She loved the fireworks and would literally hand us her food so she could clap. She got so excited every time the crowd roared. It was great!
Somehow I never got around to posting C’s 20 month update and now she’s 21 months old! I cannot believe our baby is now considered, “almost 2.” When did that happen? Once they turn 2, do you officially stop counting months and they just become “2”???? Oy.
The past two months have been filled with increased skills and SO MUCH PERSONALITY. Charlotte is most definitely her own person and has such character. She absolutely LOVES to laugh. She’s sweet and loving, but also spirited and goofy. She adores babies. That feels understated. She has a severe obsession with babies (can’t wait to see how that translates when new baby moves in for good). She really enjoys coloring… especially with markers.
Being outside and everything nature just tickles the girl. She literally screams with glee when she sees a bird. She loves to take walks (she walks and holds our hand).She gets a huge kick out of carrying or pushing things that are bigger than her.
She LOVES music. She loves to sing and dance and play (piano, harmonica… with her nose, etc), and listen.
New Words: Charlotte’s vocabulary continues to grow and she now strings together 2- and 3-word sentences. I’m constantly surprised. Here’s a list of what I can remember; although, I’m sure I’m missing many.
New Tricks:
She helps check out at the grocery store
She can put her hat on by herself 
She STILL LOVES to carry items that are entirely too big for her to carry (little person chairs, push toys, her baby stroller, etc)
She’s working hard on patience! We’re making progress 🙂
She gives the sweetest hugs and kisses
She loves to twirl and dance
She’s actually making great progress in the quality of her teeth brushing
She can jump
Favorites
Book: Corduroy (the girl loves anything teddy)
Toy: Still Teddy & Baby (both of her babies)… and probably her stroller.
Food: Berries, Cheese… hmm. Milk? She’s definitely gotten way better with food, but these are her faves.
Size
Clothes: In the process of transitioning to 24 months / 2T – they’re definitely a bit big, but her 18 month stuff is getting small
Diapers: 5
Shoes: Moving onto Size 5
Daily Schedule: Ugh! Lately her schedule has been totally off. I feel like she’s been going through a developmental growth spurt, but who knows. She literally gets in bed around 7 and for the past couple weeks, will stay up playing in her crib until 9 or later! It’s so frustrating.
Schedule: Charlotte goes to school from 9-12:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (on these days, she eats a snack and lunch at school and does not nap in the morning). Charlie is with Nana (at our house) on Monday morning, Wednesday all day, Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon.
I love oranges!
What do you mean, “no more oranges??”
But I want da morrrre…
I heard you… but I want mooooorrre??
Oh! That looks tasty!
Did you know I’m cute?
Ooo, ooo, ooo!
BIRDIE!!
Did you see the birdie??
I love birdies.
Whaaaat??
Maybe I’m all done… maybe not.
Okay, Momma… Photo shoot over.
Playing House 