16, 17, 18 weeks..

      Oh, wow, I am way way behind on my updates! Again, I have been busy prepping for travel, traveling, and you know... chasing a toddler. I can't believe I missed 2+ weeks though! Yikes. Nothing too exciting has been going on with me in my pregnancy, except that I'm expanding by the day. It's really hard trying to keep Connor off of my belly when we lay down/snuggle, and it's even harder trying to explain to him why he can't climb on mommy. I have noticed my belly feeling sore off and on from ligaments stretching. Austin is definitely kicking me more and more. It still isn't consistent to where I can "count" kicks and whatnot, but I feel him at least a few times a day. I really love that feeling. That is by far my favorite part of pregnancy. I have been on a pregnancy forum and read that in second and subsequent pregnancies, the ligament pains/stretching is more painful. Uhm, yes. I'd agree. I turned over in bed last night and seriously wanted to cry it hurt so bad. Then there is Austin, kicking away. I am enjoying the expansion of my tummy though. Not so much enjoying the expansion of my ass. Good grief :( Oh well! I've been much better about not "chowing down" this time around.. for the most part!
...continued Dec. 30, 2012
       Anyway, week 16 of pregnancy was spent preparing for vacation plus a doctor's appt that went great. Week 17 was spent in VA, and week 18 was spent over the toilet with the stomach bug! Oy! We got home Thursday night, and I started feeling sick in the middle of the night into Friday morning. Friday I was absolutely miserable. Adam had to go back to work, so I had to play Mommy while feeling like someone was punching me in the stomach. Finally, I called Adam and he was able to come home and help. He sent me to our room and took over :) He is great. Saturday Connor woke up vomiting. Ugh. I have to say that is the absolute worst part of being a parent. Not being able to take the pain/sickness away from your baby. Especially because I know I am the one who got him sick! He has a cough/runny  nose, but luckily, the bug only seemed to be a 24 hr thing. Adam woke up this morning feeling terrible, but he didn't seem to have it as bad. He usually skates away with minor symptoms.. punk! I really don't wish for anyone to feel how we felt though. It plain sucked, but we are good now! Gonna ring in 2013 with some sparkling grape juice and my boys! :) Here is my survey for week 18.. might as well skip weeks 16 and 17. I promise I'll get better.. if anyone cares.

How far along?: 18 weeks
Sleep: Eh. I have to be careful turning over. It hurts if I make sudden movements!
Best moment this week: Feeling sweet Austin kicking more and more!
Movement: Yes!
Symptoms: stretching pains!
Food cravings: nah.
Food aversions: Not so much anymore.
Gender: BOY!
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: Medicine besides Tylenol!
What I am looking forward to: My anatomy scan on the 7th!
Weekly Wisdom: I don't really have any "wisdom" to give ya this week. ;)
 Milestones: Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

God Speed

    Friday was such a stressful day for me. My husband broke his finger last weekend, and he ended up needing surgery on Friday. At 5 a.m. 45 minutes away. I knew sitting in the surgery center with a 20 month old was going to be impossible, and we don't have family here. One of the other Marine wives offered to help, but it was kind of just a "play by ear" situation. I ended up going in with Adam, and then Connor and I went home until the doctors called me. Adam was done, and I was back to pick him up by 8 a.m., and we were on our way home by 8:30. Once I got home, I had to turn around and go to the baby doctor, (All is perfect), and then I had to drop Connor off at home for a nap and run errands. Phew, I thought my day was rough. My mom called me when I was in Wal-mart and informed me of the CT shootings...
    I don't think I really understood what she was saying. I had obviously not been on facebook, and I was so confused. "What do you mean someone shot up an elementary school?!" She was misinformed for sure.. No. I came home and immediately put on the news. I was in complete and utter shock, and all I could do was just hold my baby tight. Friday night I went to bed with the tragedy on my mind, and woke up with a soaked pillow. I had a nightmare about the shooting and sobbed in my sleep, waking up with swollen eyes. Same thing on Saturday night. I had  a dream about someone dying, and I woke up to a wet pillow and swollen eyes. I have been going about my days with my family, but I cannot shake the sadness that is so overwhelming, and the tears are flowing at night. There is a poem I read online today, and as I was reading it to my husband I broke down. I couldn't read it without crying. My heart aches with sorrow and sympathy for those poor families. There is no greater love than that of a parent, and theirs was ripped away from them because of a selfish, horrible, tragic act. What do you say at a moment like this? I will never understand why people commit such horrific crimes, and I hope and pray to God that I never have to go through the pain and suffering that these parents are going through right now at this moment. Right before Christmas. Their Christmases will never ever be the same. Nor will any day of their lives. All I ask is that everyone prays. Pray for a these families who lost their babies. I know these sweet babies are cloaked in God's loving arms, but at this time, I know the parents of these children would rather be the ones holding their babies tight. I am so thankful for my sweet little boy that runs up to me so I can swoop him up in a hug, and I am so thankful for the kicks in my belly from baby boy number two. I will never forget what happened on December 14. 2012. May these precious angels rest in peace. God speed. <3

14 weeks 5 days and boy oh boy...

IT'S A BOY!

   Sweet Austin James Hill will make his appearance in May, and I am so excited that we found out already! I had to go see a Specialist/High Risk doctor today to discuss my previous pregnancy with Connor and delivery. They did the ultrasound first, and the first thing the sonographer said was, "do you want to know gender?" Adam wasn't there, but he told me if they could tell me to find out anyway. And, I knew it was a boy when it didn't even take her 2 second to ask the question. hahaha. It was clear as day. I got to see my baby boy kicking and squirming around for a while before the Doctor came in. I looove the doctor, but fortunately for me, I won't have to see her except for the anatomy scan at 20 weeks! She looked at Austin some more and said he was a perfect little 4 oz bundle. Then, we got down to business. She asked me about the blood clot in my lung, and I told her everything that happened. She said, "THEY GAVE YOU BLOOD THINNERS?!" I told her yes, and that after everything they couldn't find a clot. She said that if there was a clot that it would be visible even after the hemorrhaging because clots don't disappear, they shrink overtime. She also said that if I did have a clot, they would have sent me home on meds for weeks. Then, we discussed the gestational thrombocytopenia. She thought I had ITP, which is thrombocytopenia while not pregnant. I don't have ITP, I had GT. (I even brought in my blood lab work from June to show her my platelet count was normal then. I'm on top of these things, and she was impressed, lol). I may have GT again, but she said it was mild so it isn't a huge concern. So, clearing that up we moved on to the pre-eclampsia. She said my risk for getting the pre eclampsia is about 15%, but since it happened so late in the 3rd trimester that they will monitor me, but I don't need to come back and see her for anything other than the 20 week anatomy scan January 7th! I cannot tell you the range of emotions that are flowing through me right now. It is such a HUGE relief to hear that everything is great. I have prayed and prayed, and while I have been excited about the pregnancy, I couldn't help but worry too. Now, I feel like I can breathe, relax, and enjoy this pregnancy! :) But, seriously, what am I going to do with 2 boys??? 

13 and 14 weeks!!

     Tomorrow I will be 14 weeks, so I'm rolling it all into one post. I would have posted last week, but we were in the hospital with our sweet Connor. He has RSV, and let me tell ya, that is an awfully mean virus! My poor baby was so sick. He had diarrhea, fever, vomiting, cough, runny nose, trouble breathing. You name it, he had the symptom. We spent Monday through Wednesday in the hospital, and then we got to be home for Thanksgiving! :) However, I was miserable because I quickly got sick as well. It is impossible to avoid an illness when all you do is comfort and snuggle your sick baby. I wouldn't have it any other way though! It sucks being pregnant and sick. I can't take anything for it, and benadryl is out of the question because I have to keep up with my toddler who quickly went back to being busy busy busy! We had his follow up doctor's visit today, and she told me that RSV usually lasts 2 weeks. Ugh, but he is doing much better and back to his Connor ways :)
    I had my appt Nov. 16th, and all was great! My doctor pulled out the U/S machine incase we didn't hear the baby's heartbeat, but we didn't need it. Within about 30 seconds, we heard that sweet heartbeat at 147! Such a beautiful sound! I get an U/S next Monday when I go see the specialist for my consultation. At first, I was upset that I had to go see a specialist. I thought, "really?! I'm 24, and I'm healthy," but I quickly reminded myself that I want to take every precaution that I can take. :) Every pregnancy is different, but I'd rather the doctors be overly cautious than not at all. I'm excited to see my baby again! I wonder if they'd be able to determine the sex.. 14 almost 15 weeks? Hm, I may ask. Anyway, here is the survey for week 14. Can't believe I'm already 14 weeks tomorrow!

How far along?: 13 weeks 6 days
Sleep: I am struggling right now with the cold!
Best moment this week: Having my baby boy home for Thanksgiving!
Movement: Maybe! I think I feel something every now and then!
Symptoms: Just a big ol' belly already.
Food cravings: Tomatoes.
Food aversions: Not so much anymore.
Gender: Don't know yet.
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: wine.
What I am looking forward to: Next Monday's appt.
Weekly Wisdom: Rest rest rest. If you don't feel well, rest. The house can wait.
 Milestones:
This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.
In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

10 weeks Pregs.

How far along?: 10 weeks 1 day.
Total weight gain/loss: +1
Sleep: I am having a hard time sleeping on my side.
Best moment this week: Halloween with my family!
Movement: of course not.
Symptoms: The nausea has gotten better and the headaches have started..
Food cravings: Tomatoes.
Food aversions: Everything.
Gender: Don't know yet.
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: sleeping on my belly.
What I am looking forward to: Getting out of the 1st trimester.
Weekly Wisdom: Try not to feel guilty about your child's cabin fever. Connor has been so cooped up, but he's been a good sport, and I really beat myself up about everything.
Milestones:
Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.
He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.
If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.
In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

11 weeks...

How far along?: 11 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +1 or 2.
Sleep: I am having a hard time sleeping on my side, but I'm tired ALL.THE.TIME. My social media family doesn't know yet, so it's hard concealing the exhaustion and hormones, but I think I'm doing a pretty good job.
Best moment this week: We had family pics today, and we did an awesome pregnancy reveal photo! I can't wait to share it. It is hilarious. Con was having a major meltdown (Hello terrible 2s), and well, you will have to see for yourself, but it is very much REAL LIFE. Screaming child, laughing parents about to bring another screaming child into the world. hahaha... Lawd.
Symptoms: The nausea has let up, but the exhaustion has not.
Food cravings: Nothing really..
Food aversions: Depends on the day.
Gender: Don't know yet. I feel like it is a girl. The heartbeat Monday was 143, and I feel much different. Either way, I'm HAPPY! :):)
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: well last night I could have used a beer. (election night)
What I am looking forward to: Getting out of the 1st trimester.
Weekly Wisdom: Do in your heart what you feel is right. I was in the ER monday b/c I spotted a TINY bit sunday, which proved absolutely nothing, but the feeling I got when I heard my sweet baby's heartbeat and learning that all is perfect helped me realized I made the right decision.
Milestones:
Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden.
She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccupping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming.

12 weeks!!

   I can't believe I am already 12 weeks. 2nd trimester!!! Woooo. Feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I have an appointment Friday, and I will publicly announce the pregnancy when I get the pregnancy reveal photo back. Honestly, I am so excited, but I'm kind of hesitant to post it on facebook because, well, I saw a bunch of statuses today that said, "everyone is pregnant, blah blah." I duno.. I'm obviously going to post it, but I'm not in a hurry to blurt it out. Anyway, I feel much better these days. Those first 10 weeks were rough. Now, I can actually enjoy being pregnant... and this big ol' bump that seems to have appeared. Anyway, here is the survey for this week!

How far along?: 12 weeks :)
Total weight gain/loss: +3 wah.
Sleep: Still pretty tired.
Best moment this week: Today.. being in the 2nd tri!!
Symptoms: The nausea has let up, but the exhaustion has not.
Food cravings: tomatoes and mozzarella!
Food aversions: Depends on the day.
Gender: Don't know yet. I feel like it is a girl
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: picking up my baby without worrying about what I might strain..
What I am looking forward to: Getting our family photos back, so that I can announce this pregnancy already.
Weekly Wisdom: meh.
Milestones:
The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.
Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

We're growing by 2 feet! ...9 weeks...

     This post won't be public for a few more weeks, but yes!, we are expecting Baby #2!! We found out the morning I left for VA, wasn't even 4 weeks yet. I went to the doctor around 8 weeks, and everything looked great! Saw our sweet baby and the tiny heart beating away. I am still keeping it a secret until we go back to the Doctor Nov. 16th, and then I will publicly announce it. I went to this OB way back in June to discuss my issues I had when I was at the end of my pregnancy with Connor. I needed to be re-assured that what happened to me didn't NEED to happen. My OB was completely shocked at the way the hospital and my previous OB handled everything. He assured me that there was no reason that the same problem should occur, and that he and the new hospital I will deliver at will take care of me. I'm not sure if I'm considered "high risk" yet, but I am going to see a specialist Dec. 3 to go over everything, and to take pre-cautions. I feel great about this pregnancy, and we knew we wanted more than one baby. I prayed about it, and I am letting God take this one. We are very excited, although, I do have to say I am also very exhausted. :) It's hard chasing a toddler, being tired, and feeling like you are going to throw up all day. BUT, it's worth it, and you just kind of do it! I am almost out of the first trimester in a few weeks, so I just have to hang on until then. My nausea has gotten a tad better, but some days it's worse than others. For a few weeks, I constantly felt like I was going to hurl every 5 minutes. I don't want to eat anything with nutritional value, and I already look 15 weeks pregnant. Thanks to the second baby belly that apparently appears a lot faster. (It does, at least for me)! I've gained 1 lb. Not excited about it, but I'm not surprised, considering I have more aversions to the healthy food. I have been eating tomatoes like apples though! haha Yummm! I was going to wear a ball gown to the USMC ball that my bf let me borrow, but it doesn't zip, so I ended up ordering one from ASOS maternity, and I LOVE it! It isn't super fancy,but it is perfect for me! Anyway, there really isn't too much to say, considering nobody is going to see this for a few more weeks, so I will post a pic of my already baby belly.

How far along?: 9 weeks 3 days.
Total weight gain/loss: +1
Sleep: I am having a hard time sleeping on my side.
Best moment this week: The weekend with my boys!
Movement: of course not.
Symptoms: soooo nauseous!
Food cravings: Not really.
Food aversions: Everything.
Gender: Don't know yet.
Labor Signs: Oh no, no.
Belly Button in or out?: IN.
What I miss: a glass of wine :)
What I am looking forward to: Getting out of the 1st trimester.
Weekly Wisdom: I always wondered how I could possibly be pregnant with #2 with a toddler, but you just do it. Don't worry about that because your motherly instincts kick in :) I don't have time to think about it. However, the nausea doesn't let up!
Milestones: Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.

18 Months!!

     Wow, I've been really bad about updating, but in my defense, we've been without a computer charger for weeks. We finally got the computer charger, so I figured I would update since so much has changed. Connor is ginormous. 18 months Oct. 26th. and something about that just feels so weird. He is getting so smart, and he is pretty freaking hilarious. A few of my favorite developments are that I'll say "Hey, Con, where's paci? (something we're working to completely rid of)," and he'll say, "uhoh, where did it go?" Where did it go is all high pitched, like this is a serious problem, mom. He also does this with just about anything. We were watching the movie 'Monster House' tonight, and in the movie the boy says, "Where is my ball?," and Con said, "where is his ball?" and then he got up.. Adam and I just kind of looked at each other like, "okay..." and in walks Connor with his ball. It's kind of amazing how much kids pick up just by every day interaction. Not that I'm super proud of this, but Connor is actually interested in movies/t.v. He watches movies and laughs when something is funny to him. I think this is pretty huge b/c it means that he is understanding more and more. He LOVES the movie, 'Hop,' and I think I have seen it about 5789 times. He doesn't sit down and watch the whole thing, but he likes to watch bits and pieces. It's so hard to read to him though. He can't sit still, and he doesn't really enjoy being read to, so we'll sit and point out animals, people, and objects. Also, Connor counts with me. We can count to 10. I obviously count more than he does, but he will say two, three, five, seven, and so forth.  A big deal, is that Connor has pooped on the potty about 8 times. He hasn't done it in a while. He has refused since I bought the kid toilet seat, of course! I'm not really pushing the issue. I'm sure he will get interested soon, but for now, he's still pretty young. We went for his 18 month check up in the beginning of October. Not sure why they scheduled it so early, but he was on target for an 18 month old at 17 months, so they were fine with it. He is 27 lbs and 33 inches. Such a big boy. I am absolutely loving his age, and I'm so excited for the Holidays! He is a pirate for Halloween this year, and I know he's going to love seeing all of the kids and getting attention! haha Adam is super pumped for Christmas, as am I. We have started Christmas shopping for Con, and it's going to be so fun! Anywho.. I'll leave with some pics!! (:

Time doesn't wait.

     The days keep going by, and time doesn't slow down. Connor is getting so big and so smart, and I am trying to take in every minute that I can. We visited Adam's family in New York August 4-11, and have just been non-stop busy. We had a great time, but it's always nice to get back into the swing of things at home. We got home on a Saturday night at about 10 p.m, Sunday we rested, and then Monday I just went at the house in full force. Catching up on laundry and cleaning. I even steamed cleaned the carpets that week. This week I've been a little more lazy with the house work, but have fit in a work out every day. My neighbor and I have been getting up at 6 am and walking 4 miles, and the 2 days we couldn't do that, I was in the gym. I'm not trying to lose weight, I just want to get healthier and start better habits. Also, while we were in NY, I noticed how hard of a time Connor was having if Adam or I were not in sight. One of the disadvantages of living so far away from family, is that Connor doesn't really know anyone. He hears them on the phone and sees them every few months, but it takes time to warm up to people every time we visit. So, I am starting to take him to the kid zone in the gym. This way, I can work out and he can learn to be without me for a while and be around other people. He loves other kids and plays so well with them, but he just loves his mommy and daddy. Not that it bothers me ;), but I know it is good for him to see fresh faces as often as he can! He does better on his own turf, when family comes to visit us, but it's harder to travel and then be expected to be outgoing. I know it is a phase, so I'm not dwelling on it. Also, there is a terrible outbreak of the West Nile Virus, and I am freaking out. We don't leave the house without being sprayed down in deet, which just grosses me out. Connor HATES it, and it's frustrating because we finally got his skin looking SO much better and here we go having to spray him down with chemicals to prevent West Nile Virus. Terrifying! A week from today, a great friend of mine from Camp Lejeune is coming out to visit!! She is actually in Georgia right now, and is flying to TX to meet Connor and see me... or just for the mimosas ;) haha Love you Steph! I can't wait to see her. The military has a funny way of making you dread moving and then introducing you to amazing people you would have never met had it not been for the military. My best friend is in VA with her husband and is about to move to Hawaii where they will be stationed for THREE years with my god daughter. It is dreadful to think about, but when I really sit and think, I am so thankful that God brought me to her through the military. When Adam and I first moved to Texas, it was really hard for us. We literally knew noone, except for our friends Kelly and Eric who were stationed in Camp Lejeune with us, but they still live over an hour away here. Luckily, we are both SAHMs and we work it out so we visit each other a couple times a month :) Our boys are so close in age, and they play really well together. It's adorable. About 6 months after we moved to TX, a couple moved into the house that was up for rent. Morgan has been my saving grace. Blane, her husband, recently got a job in Louisville (Yes, Kentucky), and she is alone... with her 2 cats. hahaha, sorry Morgan. She comes over every day, and it is SO nice to have adult interaction. Connor calls her MoMo, and I love it. She's an amazing friend, and I know for a fact that there is no way we would have ever met had it not been for the Marine Corps. Adam's co-workers also have awesome wives. I love these girls, and it's great to have that connection that nobody can understand until they've walked in our shoes. We've been in TX for a year and a half, and have about a year and a half left before embarking on a new adventure. I'm sure the year and half will fly by, as time doesn't seem to wait for anyone. Here are a few pics of the end of our Summer 2012 in Texas....

(Jeans to protect his skin from mosquitos and such..)

15 MONTHS!

    Today, my sweet little angel is 15 months! We had his DR appt. with a new doctor, and I love the nurse practitioner. We didn't even meet the doctor. I liked his old ped. too, but the office closed down. Anyway, Connor is 32 inches long and 26 lbs :) They were very impressed with his development/verbal skills. I'm really not joking when I say he wakes up talking and doesn't stop until he falls asleep for naps and bedtime. I had a few questions about his skin, how much he poops, and a few other things. Connor poops 4-6 times A DAY! She wasn't concerned. She said that he is obviously gaining weight. We are getting a referral to a dermatologist for his confirmed keratosis pilaris AND eczema. He has 3 hemangiomas too that she measured but wasn't concerned about. Other than those little things, he is great! He did have to get 4 shots though because when he went for his one year appt, they failed to give him all of the shots. Really frustrating. He slept all afternoon and went to bed at 6:30. Poor baby, but he hasn't had a fever.  Well, here is my sweet baby at 15 months!! We took a quick trip to Galveston, TX Sunday-Monday. It was a BLAST! Connor LOVES the beach!

Sleeping like a Baby.

     I've had a few momma's ask me about Connor's sleep schedule, so I'm going to go through our daily routine, including nap schedules. It's really tough when you have a baby/toddler who doesn't sleep, and I've been there. Connor was a fussy newborn/infant, and I am grateful for the friend, Sarah Fahed:), who recommended that I read a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." I never wanted to listen to Connor "cry it out," and frankly, I'm not sure that he could self-soothe himself at all. When he was 8 months, I was at my wits end, so I bought that book, and it changed everything. Who knew sleep could change a baby's entire mood? I honestly did not know the importance of a schedule, and I wish that I had known sooner how well Connor thrives on one. This is what works for US. You may need to tweak things to fit your baby's habits and schedule. Connor sleeps at night from 7 am - 7 pm. (Sometimes, he even goes to bed before 7 pm.)
     Connor wakes up in the morning at 7 a.m., almost on the dot. Some days it is a little earlier, and some days it is a little later, but we still form our days around him waking up at 7 a.m. When he wakes up, we eat breakfast, he gets milk, and he plays. He is now on a 1 nap/day schedule, so he doesn't go down for a nap until 11 or 11:30. So, we run any errands or do anything that we need to do that morning. Most mornings he just plays until nap time. I feed him lunch before I lay him down, so that he doesn't wake up hungry an hour after he falls asleep. He will usually sleep from 11 - 12:30 or 1:00. Some days, he goes down for a nap around 11:30 and will sleep until 1 or 1:30. I'm not super anal about the time, whether it is 11 or 11:30, but I don't like to wait much longer than that. If I wait too long, Connor gets over-tired and then that is a nightmare. After he wakes up from his nap, he gets a snack, then we usually do something fun. We'll go to the park, pool, or anything that will help him burn off some of that energy! He gets dinner between 4:30 and 5:30, and then he gets a bath. Lately, I've been doing a bath every other night because of his skin, but he at least gets a wipe down and is changed into his pajamas. By the time, we are done with everything, it is usually close to 6. Around 6:30 he will get some milk, and then at 7 I lay him down for bedtime. Some days, he goes down at 6:30. It honestly depends on how tired he is acting. Since he is down to 1 nap a day, he is usually awake 6 hours before bedtime, so he's pretty tired. I discovered he was ready for 1 nap a day when he started protesting his 2nd nap, and when he wouldn't go to sleep at night.
    When he was on a 2 nap/day schedule, he would wake up at 7, nap from 9-10 and nap from 1-2. He woke up around 2 in the afternoon, and he was awake for 5 hours before bedtime. If Connor is acting really tired and fussy, I won't hesitate to put him to bed at 5:30. It sounds crazy, but sometimes babies just get tired. Some nights you go to bed earlier than normal, right? Same idea applies for your baby. Babies need a lot of sleep, and even if they aren't acting really tired, it's important to put them to bed anyway.
     It took a few weeks to get Connor on a great schedule, but my persistence paid off. He is much happier, he sleeps well, and I also get that time from 7 until I go to bed to myself and with my husband. You have to get used to the idea of your world revolving around theirs. If Connor's nap time is at 11, I make sure I get to the grocery store early in the morning, so we are back before his nap. (Same applied when he napped at 9, I got to the grocery store before 8am on many different occasions).

    When it comes to getting Connor to sleep, he will usually just roll over and go to sleep. Sometimes he protests, and he goes through phases from time to time where he really doesn't want to go to bed. I give him 5 minutes, go in his room and make sure he has his paci, lay him down, and walk out. I do it a few times before he just falls asleep. Before he turned 1, I rocked him. I never let him cry it out. I would let him cry for about 5 minutes, and then I would go get him and rock him until he fell asleep. I didn't let him "cry it out" and the week he turned 1, he wouldn't let me rock him anymore.

Traveling with a baby.

     It's travel season for the Hill folk, ya'll. In a few short weeks, my little family will be flying to upstate NY to visit my husband's family for a week. This includes my 14 month old son. Since Connor was born, I have flown with him over FIVE times ALONE, and that is only one way. So including trips back, we have suffered through security at least TEN times. We are quite the little professional flyers. I traveled with him for the first time when he was 2 months old, and the last time we flew, he was almost 1 year old and walking. So, I've experienced all stages of baby through toddler on a plane. Not something I recommend people trying out for fun :) Let me take a moment, however, to praise my sweet boy for his great flying efforts. He really does a magnificent job for the most part... he has let out a few squeals that  led to some deathly stares, but what can you do?! I thought, since I am obviously a professional at traveling with a baby, I would share a few tips that could save people from the stress, embarrassment, and emotional breakdowns that I wish someone could have saved me from!

     -When you travel with an infant, be sure that your flight itinerary shows that you are, in fact, traveling with an infant. If you have already purchased a ticket and forgot to add your baby, simply call the airline and they will add your baby for you. Simple. It takes about 5 minutes, and it saves you stress at the airport. (I've actually never forgotten to add him before arriving to the airport, but I have had to call the airline to have him added as a lap infant).
     - Car seats. I've had to check Connor's car seat twice, and the airline ticket counter provided the plastic bag to keep your car seat clean and checking the car seat is free. Now, both times I checked Connor's car seat, it got lost. IF and when your car seat gets lost, don't panic too much. It sucks, but the airline will provide you with a safe car seat for your child. They give you the car seat, take down your information, and they bring you the car seat to your home when it is found and you swap out the car seat that you borrowed. It's annoying, but you won't have to drive down the road with your baby in your lap (not that ANYONE would do that..)
    - Wrap or stroller. I have done both. When Connor was 2 months old and still in his travel system, I pushed him in that right up to the gate. It was also great to do that because I didn't have to check the car seat since it was attached to the stroller :) The travel system also held all my bags. When Connor got older, I used the moby wrap, and it was great for the non-stop flights. If you have a non-stop flight or a longer layover, the wrap will be great. One time I had a very quick layover, and I literally had to run from gate A to E. For those flights, I recommend the umbrella stroller (when your child is big enough). The umbrella strollers are quick to fold and unfold and they're very lightweight. Just make sure, whatever method you use to carry around your child, that you are comfortable. If you are uncomfortable, you are going to be absolutely miserable.
     - Formula, BM, food, etc. You can take however much formula, BM, food, etc. that you need for your baby through security. If your baby is on formula, I HIGHLY recommend that you buy the 6 pack of 8 oz ready to feed formula. It will make your life MUCH easier. I did carry empty dr. brown bottles because Connor had bad gas as a baby, but if your baby doesn't have those problems, you can screw a nipple right onto the ready to feed bottle. It's awesome. The first time I traveled, I took powder formula and water in his bottles. Disaster. The water spilled in my carry on, and I kept spilling the powder formula. If you breastfeed, you can take your breastmilk in the bottles through security. If it were me, I would just use a cover up and feed your baby on the plane (definitely during take off and landing)! For take off and landing, make sure you are either giving your baby a bottle or a pacifier. It helps keep their ears from popping.
    - TSA. When you get to the front of the line, just let them know you have formula, water, or BM in bottles. They have to "check" it but it isn't a big deal. (They will not open sealed ready to eat formula). Also, everything you have to take off of yourself, you also have to take off of baby. Save yourself the trouble and don't put shoes on your baby before you go through security. TSA will take your stroller and help you through. Take your time and don't stress about the people behind you. Especially if you are traveling alone.
    - Toys. I take a few toys, but Connor is never very interested in toys on the plane. But, do you know what he IS interested in? Everything else that nasty germ-y people touch. So, have PLENTY of anti-bacterial hand gel! If your baby does take a pacifier, use a shirt clip, so if your baby spits out their pacifier, it won't land on that nasty plane floor. I won't even tell you how I learned that one...
    - Diapers. I use cloth diapers, and I have used cloth diapers when I have traveled on an airplane. Honestly, it is do-able, but I have only done it once. When you are rushed to change your baby ON the airplane, right before you board, or on the floor of the airport because some lady let her CAT pee on the changing table, you will switch to disposables while traveling. :) I've changed Connor on the toilet lid of an airplane when he was 1 year old and obviously too big to be on the lid of that toilet seat... but you do what you have to do. Don't stress about it because it is beyond your control. When you gotta go, you gotta go, right?!
      - Don't forget a blanket. When Connor was really small, I even took his boppy to lay him on in my lap. It was great! :) I always, always take a blanket. Planes get cold, and it is more cozy for him.

Most of all, try not to stress. If your baby is cranky, that is just the way life goes. If you have any questions just leave a comment :) Happy travels!

Thoughts??

I have a few blog posts in mind, and before I go and type a freakin novel, I want to know what you think, and if ANYONE is actually even reading my blog. haha.

- I have had a few momma's ask me questions about flying/traveling with a baby. Lord knows, I've done it TOO many times, so I am considering a post giving tips to an easy (as easy as can be, anyway) trip with a baby?

-  I've also been battling Connor's keratosis pilaris lately. It is driving me bonkers trying to find something that works. I've tried a few different things, and found a routine that seems to work best, but doesn't get rid of it completely.

- Sleeping. A lot of mommas have asked me about Connor's sleep schedule. He sleeps 12+ hours at night, and I may type out our entire day to give some people an idea of how our schedule/routine works.

Thoughts?

Pain Relief and Plain Relief

       I've been really terrible about blogging. I constantly think about things I "need" to blog about, and then I just forget. Connor keeps me so busy. He's in to everything, and if I try to get on the computer while he is awake, he walks over to me and shuts the laptop.

Pain Relief
      Anyway... a couple of weeks ago Connor started to get really fussy. He still only has the 6 teeth that he has had since 10 months, so I assumed he was teething. I mean, when I say really fussy, we're talking crying all day long. When Connor first started teething, a friend of mine suggested I get him an Amber teething necklace. I forgot about it, and then a couple of weeks ago, I decided to research the Amber teething necklace. When a friend of mine recommended I get one for Connor, I thought it was like a "crystal" type thing. You know, that "promotes relief" or something. I had no idea that it actually contains succinic acid. The amber rubs against the childs skin (the necklace is short enough so Connor doesn't even notice it), and it releases a natural oil into their skin that enters their blood stream, and it relieves pain. I read reviews that raved about these necklaces, so I thought, "what the hell?! It can't hurt..." So, I ordered it for Connor, I got it in the mail in 2 days, and automatically put it on him. It's a miracle.. He is so happy and hardly whines at all. I highly recommend any mom who is pulling her hair out because of teething to look into it. It worked for us, and nothing was working for us! I tried ibuprofen, teething tablets, orajel, teethers, popsicles, etc. Look into it! Knowledge is power people!

Plain Relief
     Also, Adam and I have been discussing the future. We know we want more children but have avoided the topic since we had Connor because, obviously, he is still really little, and having Connor wasn't exactly easy on us. I decided to go ahead and research new OBs, and a friend recommended an OB to me. I went last Friday to have a consultation and talk to him about everything. I told him what happened with Connor, and he was not impressed with the hospital's/doctor's decisions. He told me that I am healthy, and there is no greater chance of me getting pre-eclampsia and developing the same problems. He checked my blood work, and everything came back completely normal. So, that is a HUGE relief. He is very confident that I won't have the same problems, but assured me he would take care of me. We are so relieved!! Don't expect any sort of announcement anytime soon. We were just seeing if the possibility is there.. and it is! =)

updated bumGenius review for a friend!

bumGenius 4.0 one size pocket review

Closures

   The diapers I ordered have snaps. I also have a few that are Velcro (hooks&loops). You can decide between snaps or hooks&loops. I prefer the snaps, but both work really well. The diapers are one size and will very much fit a newborn - toddler. The snaps adjust down and across, so that as your baby grows, your diaper grows too. The snaps are secure on the diaper and have not budged since I've had them for over 10 months. I read that the hooks&loops are easier for a squirmy baby, but Connor is very, very squirmy and the snaps are just as easy. Way easier than disposables. That was quite the challenge.

Colors

     There are plenty of colors to choose from, and they are adorable. The good thing about the bumGenius diapers is that you don't have to buy diaper covers. They are pocket diapers, so the shell is waterproof (PUL) fabric. Connor has every boy color they have, and the pictures online are pretty exact to what you see when you open your diapers. I was really impressed. I've also noticed that the colors have not faded at all after washing them A LOT and bleaching  them once a month!

Fit

    From the time we got the diapers until now, the diapers have fit Connor very well. We started cloth when he was 4 months old, and he is 14 months old and still in the same diapers with the same great fit. Obviously, the diapers have grown with him (snap setting) over time. They are a little “bulky” but not so much that I am bothered by it. The diaper is also elastic so that as your baby grows, the diaper stretches!

The inner layer

     The microfiber inserts are incredibly soft and absorbent. It's amazing to me how much these pieces of fabric can absorb. Each diaper comes with 2 inserts (one big insert and one newborn sized insert). Connor is 14 months and can usually use 1 big and 1 small during the day, and 1 big, 1 small, and 1big hemp insert at night. (He sleeps 12+ hours and doesn’t usually leak).

Durability

      The bumGenius diapers are very durable. I have about 25 bumGenius diapers, and I haven't seen a flaw in any of my diapers since I've had them. I was them about every other day and they are all very much intact. I plan on using these same diapers with the next baby, too. They recommend 24 or more diapers especially in the newborn stage. I would agree and recommend collecting that many or more just to save you the washes.

Leakage

    When I used disposables, we had a lot of trouble with leaks. I know the diapers were on securely, but Connor is a heavy wetter and he would pee through disposables. It is rare that Connor leaks in his cloth diapers, and if he does it is because I haven’t stuffed his diapers well, haven’t put enough inserts in his diaper, or I have gone too long without changing him. At night, it was an experiment until recently. I use 1 big, 1 small, and 1 big hemp insert, and he can go 12+ hours with no diaper change and no leaks.

Washing 

Go ahead and get a cloth diaper friendly detergent. If you don’t, you will regret it because your diapers will start to build up detergent and leak. I ordered the bumGenius detergent for $11.95, no tax, & free shipping on cottonbabies.com. 66 loads too! I advise to just buy the correct detergent. Saves you a lot of time & money! Besides, what is the difference if there is no tax, and shipping is free? Also, The Dreft has ingredients that can cause your diapers to break down. I would prefer my diapers to last me as long as possible. Washing is easy. I do a Cold Rinse, Hot Wash, and another Cold Rinse.(Sometimes I do 2 cold rinses if they still smell stingy afer 1 rinse) I, then, hang up the diapers and throw the inserts into the dryer, and the diapers dry really quickly.

Smell

If your diapers start to smell, it is time for a bleach treatment! You can wash your diapers like normal, and just throw in ¾ cup of bleach! It should take care of the smell. If you continue having problems, I would strip your diapers using 1tbsp of blue dawn dish soap or RLR. IF you strip your diaper MAKE SURE your diapers are CLEAN before stripping them. 

Price

    bumGenius 4.0 are $17.95 a diaper. It seems a little expensive, but to put in perspective, I have 25 diapers equaling out to about $450. I did get mine on sale and saved money, So look for a sale. Over the course of your child's diaper days, you spend at least $4,000. The average family with a baby spends about $2,000 a year in diapers. So, I'm saving at least over $3000. It seems like a lot because it is money up front, but in the long run, you are saving sooo much money. Besides, you are doing something wonderful for the environment. It's win-win.

Convenience

    Go ahead and say it, "ewww gross" you touch your baby's poop. All I have to say to that is, "Did you give birth? Because it doesn't get more ' eww gross ' than that." It is really NOT that bad. Poop rinses off the diaper very easily. These diapers do not inconvenience me at all. I am a stay at home mom, so I am the one who is usually dealing with the poop diapers, but my husband has cleaned one or two poop diapers and it does not bother him. I did order flushable diaper liners. They are so wonderful! The liners make going out in public so easy. You place them in your diaper and it catches the poop. So, when you are out in public, cleanup is not a hassle at all.. and they flush! Talk about easy. I do recommend the flushable liners for "outings." It was $12 for 200, and I only use them when I go out. I fully expect them to last me at least 6 months.

Rash

    Connor has sensitive skin, and he hasn't had a rash at all with these diapers. If he does get a rash, I put CJ’s butter on his butt. It is cloth diaper friendly. I order that from sweetbottomsbaby.com It's great!! He's happy, I'm happy, my husband's happy :) It's a beautiful thing.

I do have other brands of diapers that I do like, such as blueberry and several WAHM diapers. I suggest that you research what is best for you and have a “main stash” and then “wild cards” of different brands. I prefer the bumGenius 4.0s, but some people have other preferences. My  bumGenius  have definitely held up the best!