Christmas at 2 weeks

We enjoyed a really special first Christmas as a family of four.  We enjoyed lots of good family time with both sides of the family and of course, Santa came to see our sweet kids.  It was a perfect, relaxing holiday.

Our Benjamin is now 2 weeks old and growing like a weed.  We had our 2 week doctor's appointment this week, too.  Here is a little BMB update:

• Lost umbilical cord on 12/23
• Due to some little boy pee pee issues (by issues I mean that boy pees like a maniac), we have moved up to size 1 diapers already - and they are working great!
• Though he still fits in some of his newborn clothes, he's already filling out some 0-3 month clothes, as well
• He's going through a growth spurt and is starting to be more alert...this, however, means that he is confusing his days and nights...mom is working on this - must. have. sleep.
• He's eating every 2-3 hours
• He had a little reaction to regular wipes, but this has cleared up with the use of some Aquafor and sensitive wipes, only
• He had his first bath, sans umbilical cord, on 12/26 (thanks for the help, VieVie!)
• We're back to our birth weight (yeah Benjamin!) 
• He's now 20 1/4" long
• Head measures 14 1/2"
• Dr. Johnson was really pleased with his progress at his 2 week appointment and said he was right where we wanted him to be!

We're (very sadly) saying goodbye to Papa and VieVie today.  They have been a huge help around here as I've been healing from the section and as we adjust to having two children. Thanks for everything, y'all.  Your help over the past 2 weeks has been priceless and wonderful.  Come back soon!!

Week 1 with sweet Benjamin

What a week - a great week!  We have enjoyed every single minute of our Benjamin.  He is such a sweet, snuggly baby, and he's so alert!  Sure, we have had some adjustments to make (Madeline adjusting to a new baby, mom and dad adjusting to a new baby - and sleep schedule again), but for the most part, it's been really nice.

We took Benjamin to his first doctor's appointment last Saturday to make sure all was well.  He looked great and had already gained a nice amount of weight in only 24 hours.  The doctor was really pleased and said he was good to go until his 2 week appointment.

Benjamin is a little piggy and loves to eat - and then snuggle.  Who would turn that down!?  He is also starting to stretch out his sleeping at night, thank goodness.  He went about 3.5 hours last night before we woke him up to feed him.  And then every 2.5 or so after that.  We've noticed, too, that if we swaddle him after he eats during the night, we can put him right back in his bassinet and he goes right to sleep. Not too shabby for a week old baby.  During the day, I'm trying to make sure he eats every 2 hours, so that we can try and get some kind of longer sleep routine in place at night...or so I am hoping.  Fingers crossed!  

Benjamin only seems to cry when he's being changed because he hates to be cold.  That said, he screamed bloody murder when I gave him a little sponge bath last night.  He loves having his hair washed, but the bath is for the birds.  Poor guy.  Needless to say, he won't be getting another bath until he can be in the warm water, post umbilical cord.  Otherwise, he's happy and very alert - looking all around, making eye contact (or attempting to) and cooing at his admirers.  

Another wonderful thing for mom is to see her babies love each other.  When Benjamin hears Madeline, he opens his eyes and cranes his head over to where she is.  Almost like he's looking for her.  Madeline, in turn, likes to talk sweet to her baby brother, rub his little head and back and give him sweet kisses on his forehead.  Be still my beating heart.

Happy birthday, Benjamin!

He's here!!  Our sweet angel was born on December 10, 2013, as planned.  

Our morning started early with a quick shower and some final packing before heading off to Wake Med to meet our little guy.  

Madeline was still fast asleep when we left, so we peeked in on her and left her a note and some yummy celebratory cupcakes to take to Bozenna's with her for the day!  And I cried.  Big shock, I know.

We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 and got checked in and settled in our pre-op room.  I was nervous about the surgery, excited about finally meeting Benjamin and overwhelmed at the blessing and miracle, really, of what I was about to experience. The nurses were beyond kind and calming and before I knew it, it was 8:30....and my surgery, which was supposed to occur at 9:30, was about to happen at 9 instead due to a slow OR morning.  Dr. Maydew was on her way!  My next visitor was the anesthesiologist.  I cannot express enough how important it was for me to meet with her ahead of time.  I explained to her what I experienced with Madeline's birth (violent shaking, vomiting - you name it) and we talked about options to make this c-section more comfortable.  She was an angel, I'm convinced, because she listened to my concerns and heard every word I said.  So, on to the OR we went.  I prayed and I took deep breaths and all at once, felt a sudden calm.  I was ready and no longer afraid.  I got my spinal and they laid me down on the table.  Dr. Maydew, the nurses, and Lashonda, my anesthesiologist, were all so excited and comforting throughout. And, not only did I feel absolutely nothing (except pressure when they pulled him out), I didn't shake and I didn't feel sick as a dog.  My chest was a little heavy feeling from the numbness, but it was nothing like I had built it up to be in my head.  Of course, it helps to have my sweet Derek by my side.  What a support.  He was so positive and sweet throughout the entire procedure.

Within minutes, I feel the pressure in my abdomen and hear the most glorious (and extremely loud) cry come from my son.  Derek peeked over the curtain and ran over to take pictures as he was being weighed and checked out.  He was healthy and ready for the world, thanks be to God.

Benjamin Mills, our blessing, was born at 9:49 a.m.  7 lbs., 13 oz.  19 3/4" long.

He has a head full of hair, much like his sister, but it's lighter like mine.  And, he is the sweetest, most cuddly little guy I know.  He loves to be held and snuggled and unlike his sister, adores being swaddled!  We're so in love, and so smitten with him.  I had a moment in the hospital when I was sitting on the bed with my two kids and my husband where I just felt whole.  I felt complete and so content.  I have been blessed beyond measure.

I'm breast feeding him for now and that has been going really, really well.  He's putting on weight, latches like a pro and eats like a little piggy.  And, my recovery this time around has been SO much better.  Walking, and moving in general, are a lot easier this time and I feel really good.  Are we seeing a pattern here?  Everything has seemed so much smoother this time.  Makes the transition a little easier for all of us.

Madeline has done really well so far, too.   We've had a couple of moments ("my daddy!!" 
"no mama!!" - this is where I cry some more - and some whining), but that is to be expected and for the most part, she's been amazing with him.  She loves to hold her baby brother and give him kisses.  So, joining his big precious sister, here he is!  I look forward to my future as "mom" to these two amazing people.  

Christmas celebrations in Apex

We've enjoyed some fun Christmas celebrations with Miss Madeline this weekend.  Friday night, we ventured out to see the lit Christmas tree, saw the horse and sleigh rides (we didn't have tickets unfortunately) - M loved the horses - and took a train ride.  Madeline LOVES the Christmas lights and music, very much like her mama.

This evening, we hit Salem Street again for the Christmas parade.  Madeline's first!  She absolutely loved it and was a real trouper.  She kept talking about seeing a penguin, Santa and a reindeer.  I think we have a new tradition in our house :)

38 week check-up

All still looks good.  Benjamin's heart rate was in the 140s and blood pressure/sugar was good.

I haven't gained any weight since last week, so I'm still at 32 lbs. total.  I saw Dr. Wykoff today and she said she wasn't even going to check me because at this point it didn't really matter.  She does think he'll stay put until next Tuesday though.  We'll see!

I'm still feeling...weird.  My abdomen aches down low and I have been having more Braxton Hicks contractions throughout the day.  Not to mention, little mister is resting his pretty head on my bladder, so bathroom trips are frequent.  I'm in full nesting mode - all of Benjamin's clothes are washed, folded and put away and all of the baby gear is up and ready for his arrival.  SO, now we wait.  And count down.  6 days!

One week from today...

One week.  7 days.  That's it.  This time, a week from now, our son will be here. Where has the time gone?  As we count down the final days, I'm feeling so many things - happy and excited to meet our amazing son and hold him in our arms, thrilled to rid of these aches and pains, anxious about the aches and pains that are to come, nervous about the anticipation of surgery and recovery, curious to see how much hair Mr. Benjamin has (and how much he weighs), wanting confirmation that all is well and that Benjamin is healthy, excited to introduce Madeline to her brother, leery of how she might react (though I think she'll do great)....the list goes on.  So, we go into the coming week, with the following resting on our hearts - 

I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. 
Psalm 43:4

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 
Philippians 4:19

With childbirth (and in life in general) there is a lot of uncertainty.  But, one thing I know is certain. Derek and I have been blessed with two magnificent children.  And we are so looking forward to watching them grow up together and bask in the glory of our growing family.

Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead!
I Peter 1:6

Kicking off Christmas time with our best gal

We enjoyed a special morning building a gingerbread house with sweet Madeline over the weekend.  She LOVED it!  She was very interested in all the details...and in pulling the candy off, licking off the icing and putting the candy back. :)  Hey, her house..her rules.

She is so proud of her gingerbread house (or Benjamin house, as she called it a couple of times), which is now on display in our kitchen.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We enjoyed a fun, family-filled Thanksgiving in Greensboro.  All of the Sutton siblings and nieces and nephews, Nannie, Sally's parents & Minnie were all there.  We had a blast and enjoyed delicious food and even better company.  Madeline, of course, enjoyed herself and had a good time seeing these folks - and even enjoyed giving aunt Sara and uncle Ben "facials" with aunt Sara's lotion. :)

A sprinkle for Benjamin

Our sweet friends, the Cable's and the Gurganus', hosted a fun couples sprinkle for Derek, Benjamin and me on 11/23.  We enjoyed delicious food, caught up with sweet friends and took home some special gifts for our little boy.  So grateful for these blessings in our life.

37 week check-up

Aside from high sugar count (probably the doughnuts and Hibachi Express I ate today...oops!), all looks good.  

• Benjamin's heart rate went back and forth between 139-142 today, which is great
• Weight gain is at 32
• 50% effaced
• Measuring closer to 38 weeks, instead of 37 
• Negative for Strep B (wahoo!)
• Benjamin is no longer breech - somewhere down the line, he flipped and is head down, which Dr. Maydew said is typically easier to deliver (via c-section)
• Signed the c-section consent form...basically stating everything that could happen...but likely won't (nothing calms your nerves like reading that form)

Two weeks from today!!!

35/36 Weeks

So, two weeks from tomorrow...our boy will be here!  Eeeek!  I'm starting to feel the...pressures, shall we say...of impending child birth.  And by pressures, I mean it hurts to walk, sit, stand and lie down.  My hips and pelvis just ache.  I don't recall this kind of pain with Madeline.  But, at the end of the day, it's truly the only thing I have to complain about. No swelling, I'm actually sleeping pretty well and still feel pretty decent overall.  And it's all worth it in the end...I believe in my heart of hearts that this is an answered prayer.  God's way of easing my anxiety about the approaching surgery and getting me ready!

We're still enjoying watching Benjamin stretch and push limbs of all sorts out of my tummy.  I went to the doctor this week and all still looks great.  I'm up 30 lbs. and still measuring right on track.  

Derek and I have started really getting things ready.  We've brought down the bouncy seat and set up the crib and bassinet.  We've washed clothes and put them away.  And this weekend, we tackle Christmas.  Full nesting mode!  

The Benjamin countdown is in full effect!  

Dora Live! and Madeline update

Mimi and Grandbuddy treated us to Madeline's very first theater experience.  Dora Live, no less. Madeline had a ball!  She sat still the entire time and was really enthralled with the show.  A theater buff in the making, maybe?  She'd come by it honestly!  We all had a wonderful afternoon together.  Such a special day!

Our little bitty girl isn't much of a little bitty anymore.  She has given up her paci, officially, and is losing interest in her lovey, too.  She's just not a baby.  So bittersweet for her mom and dad.  She's still entertaining us to pieces with what she says and does - here are my favorites these days:

• She's saying her ABCs
• She says "I can't like it" (I don't like it)
• She hugs your neck tight and says, "squeeze, squeeeeeze"
• She is very protective over my belly...when Derek (or anyone for that matter) talks to my belly, Madeline runs over and says "Nooo, that's MY baby brother!"
• She'll ask you a question, or you tell her something, and she responds with "Oh ____?  Okay." (i.e.: Oh, we're going to the store?  Okay).

She's a joy and a blessing.  Love this amazing girl.  

33/34 weeks

Nothing too new to report this week.  My hips are still killing me - it's literally hard to walk when I get out of bed in the morning and sometimes into the day a bit.  Lots of pelvic pressure on top of that - but I know it's my body doing what it's supposed to do.  Truly, if this is all I have to complain about, it's not that bad.  I'm still sleeping pretty well and have a good appetite.  Can't believe in 5 weeks, we'll have our little boy here with us!

I went to the doctor this week and have gained...wait for it...4 more lbs. over the last 2 weeks.  Oops.  Guess I went a little overboard with the Halloween candy.  All looks great though.  Benjamin's heart is beating strong in there and he is stretching. me. out! Literally - loves to push his feet directly out at my belly button...which adds to the torpedo look I've got going on.  I can't wait to see how much he weighs :)  Which will be soon...only 3 more doctor's appointments before he's here!  Already so in love with our son.  Can't wait to hold him in our arms!

My work friends threw a baby shower for my co-worker, Karen, and me this week, too.  Yummy food and lots of goodies for baby Benjamin and baby Manganillo (name TBD).  I'm so grateful!  Lots of love for our little guy already.

Happy Halloween!

I wish I could put into words just how much fun the Beavers family had last night on Halloween.  It was Madeline's first time trick-or-treating and the kid is a pro.  Our little Snow White loved going door to door, saying "trick-or-treat" and even following with a "thank you" when she got candy.  So proud!  Too, Madeline enjoyed her first bite of Snickers, which she loved...just like her mama (who inhaled about 14 mini-Snickers yesterday...oops...weigh-in next week at the doctor will be glorious).

Of course, the night wouldn't have been the same had we not ventured out with sweet Avery Boo, who also rocked the trick-or-treating festivities.  Who knew two little 2 year olds could take on a neighborhood like that!?

Great night, great fun.  Excited for next year already!!

Mom's Halloween costume...a Magic 8 Ball :)