Look Who's 2 Months Old!

THIS GUY!!

Two months have flown by and we have a loved every minute of it. Owen is becoming so expressive and we love that he now interacts with us. Talking with his little baby sounds just lights up the room and his smile is contagious.

On Monday, we went for his two month appointment and is all reports are good. He braved three shots and came out like a champ. Now for the stats:

Weight: 12lbs, 14oz (63rd%)
Height: 24in (89th%)
Head: 15.5in (58th%)

Back on November 2nd, we celebrated Owen's Baptism. There were 13 total babies being baptized so the whole sacrament was a little chaotic, but he is officially part of God's family and we had a wonderful get together after at Godmother Kortney's house. Here are some pictures from the evening (thanks, Kerri!):

I can't believe how fast the time has gone by and in 2 1/2 short weeks I will be back working full time. It is weird as it is the first time I feel like my maternity leave is "ending" as the other two went into the summer so everyone was heading back. I don't think I am quite ready, but I have started to think about my classes and mentally making plans so I am getting there. Knowing I love what I do, I will be ready, and I am looking forward to seeing and catching up with my "school kids," having more interesting things to talk about other than eating and pooping habits (of my kids, not me), and reconnecting with the fabulous people I work with. 

6 Months

Wow! 6 months seems like a milestone and should be celebrated! We may not have had a big ole party, but Aubrey got her first tastes of nummies thanks to her nanas and papas. Nana B introduced her to ice cream, and she loved it; while celebrating Papa Mousel's birthday she got a taste of frosty, which she gobbled up as well.

When looking at her stats it might seem that all we feed her is nummies, but no she is just a healthy, growing little girl.

Height:  27 3/4 in. (97th%)
Weight: 18lbs (82nd%)
Head: 17 1/4in (82nd%)

Daddy got to bring Aubrey to her wellness check this time around, and he said she was a champ. Taking 4 shots including the flu shot, which we will have to go back in a month for the booster. Barbie said she did fabulously at daycare after the appointment as well. Other than a lingering, slight fever that night, Aubrey seemed to take her check-up in stride.

A couple developments this month include:

*Sitting up completely on her own for long periods of time. She will reach and play sitting up. If she falls over it is normally forward because she is reaching for something. Because she sits up so well, she very rarely is on her tummy so no crawling positions or moving of the like.

*She is now eating "num-nums," the wafer like food that dissolves easily. She can feed those to herself and really seems to like it.

*Aubrey is now sleeping in her crib without the swaddler. Most times we find her snuggled up at the top of her crib on her tummy.

*No teeth, but has shown signs that they are moving around in there. She battled a pretty bad diaper rash for most of the month. The only thing that seemed to alleviate some of the redness was the Dreft bath, even though she was slathered up with Desitin, Triple Paste, or Butte Paste the entire month!!

*Continues to love her excersaucer, the birdies that hang in her infant carrier, and the pacifier as her favorite things to play with.

*Lights up when anyone walks in the room, but she especially loves her big sissy!

Aubs and Izzy...BFFs!

A Lifetime of Catching Up...

Oh my goodness, where does the time go?! Aubrey is already 7 weeks old! It does not seem like yesterday we were in the hospital, but it is hard to believe how big she already is and how much she has changed our family. I have a lifetime of catching up to do...

Aubrey is a fabulous eater and sleeper. Almost instantly she was on a pretty predicable schedule of eat, play, sleep then repeat three hours later. She has slept through the night basically since the day we brought her home. Granted we have had a few nights when she wanted to eat every three hours or her tummy was bothering her, but no absolutely sleepness nights have happened, yet. Laid back and very much unlike her older sister, Aubrey rarely cries and when she does cry it is for one of four reasons: she is hungry, has a dirty pants, tired, or just wants to be picked up and cuddled. Crying is not Aubrey's only form of communication, though. She is a grunter. I never thought some grunting throughout the night would keep me up or wake me up, but her little grunts can do it.

Just like Isabel, Aubrey loves to smile especially in the morning. Smiles and giggles from my children have to be one my greatest joys as a parent. No matter how tired, exhausted, or frustrated I may be a smile and giggle can turn my mood or melt my heart...which is fabulous unless you are trying to discipline a certain two year old who refuses to listen and do what has been asked!

Aubrey definitely knows voices and has started to react to familiar sounds whether that is looking or smiling or scowling. She definitely favors looking to her left so I have been trying to turn her head when she is lying on her back...don't want a flat head baby! Speaking of flat head, I have to continue to build more and more tummy time in to our day; on the whole she does not mind being on her tummy and it is fun to watch her look up and try to roll over. She is getting stronger every day by holding her head up when she is on her tummy or being held, and she scoots with her legs if she is on her tummy on a smooth surface. Another little fun change: I am even starting to hear some quiet, little coos come from her every so often. Just today my mom stopped by and she asked Aubrey if she was going to talk to her then sure enough out came some coos...baby talk is so precious! 

Aubrey has been very busy in her first 7 weeks of life. Here are some highlights:

At 11 days, Aubrey had her first wellness check. I might have bit off more than I could chew on that day as I scheduled both Aubrey's newborn and Isabel's two year check at the same time. Almost an hour and half later, we emerged out of the exam room...luckily my mom was able to rearrange her schedule to come help out.

Aubrey's Stats:

Weight: 8lbs, 1oz (47%)

Length: 21in (80%)

Head: 14 1/4in (61%)

At two weeks, Aubrey made her first trip to the cabin. It was one of the ickiest weekends up there as far as I can remember so we hung out inside most of the time. She traveled up and back fabulously so hopefully that travel demeanor lasts.

At three weeks, Aubrey was Baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church after the 5:15pm Mass with Fr. Wittman presiding. Aubrey slept throughout the entire Mass, but when it came to the actual baptism she woke up and cried through most of it. It was very nice, though, as everyone was able to get close. Father invited everyone around so they did not just stand in the pews. Just like birthday parties, it was an exhausting day as everyone came over for dinner before mass and then again after for cake. But what a wonderful day it was to celebrate Aubrey's welcome into God's family.

At one month, we had her monthly photo shoot. However, we timed it horribly as the pictures below will show. She was was ready for her last feeding of the day so not just hungry, but tired too. Such an amateur parenting move on our part...we will try to do better!

At five weeks, Aubrey went on her first boat cruise. Our friends, Theresa and Scott, along with Theresa's parents hosted a fabulous gathering of our college friends on their boat. We cruised the St. Crouix all day and had an awesome time with amazing people. Aubrey loved being on the water and hardly made a peep...thanks to Theresa's mom for keeping Aubrey company so Butter and I could visit with our friends!

At seven weeks, Aubrey made her first trip down to Iowa to see where her daddy grew up. It is a little longer drive than up to the cabin, but Aubrey again traveled like a champ. I did have to pull out the bottle about 20 minutes out from Nana and Papa Mousel's as she was getting hungry, but it worked perfectly to feed her in the car seat then burp her when we got there. Aubrey got to meet Great Grandma and Grandpa Roder, Nana and Papa's friends, Jerry and Linda, and Uncle Tag and Aunt Joanie during her trip. Aubrey was her laid back self the whole trip and slept incredibly well as she enjoyed her time in Iowa.

Aubrey has also made a few trips to mommy's school (the first at 9 days old for Maddie's birthday Mass), and then to her first birthday party, which was Maddie's 10th birthday. She has been to Turtle's for lunch and dinner (a few times), many trips to Target and Sam's Club, visited Nana at her school twice, had two play dates with Simon, went on a walk with cousin Jojo, met Barbie (on the way home from the hospital) and many of the kids at daycare, and has received so many hugs and kisses from everyone (especially Isabel and cousin Ethan).

Aubrey has been very busy and she doesn't seem to be ready to slow down any time soon as the next trip to the cabin is this week and then we have to hit up Valleyfair soon...ah, summer is here and Aubrey is ready!!

Week 38, Baby 2

So here we are...still waiting to meet Baby Mousel even after being very far along last week. My doctor had not even walked into the room at my appointment yesterday and was already saying she was sure that she was not going to see me this week and thought I would have delivered last weekend! Everything continues to move in the right direction and baby is moving the best it can in its tight quarters. Luckily, I am feeling really good and sleeping wonderfully for the 3rd trimester. We are just so ready to meet our new little one and I am ready to be done with work.

Here are the stats from the appointment:

• Baby bpm: 135 (As she showed me the monitor, I noticed that the heart rate ranged from 122-145 in a matter of 20-30 seconds...I learned that the heart rate should fluctuate greatly, and if it doesn't they could worry about neurological issues. Amazing what you can learn, when you ask questions!) 
• Measurement: 40 weeks
• Weight: Steady (no gain/loss...which again is typical as the body readies for labor)
• Dilation: 5cm (half-way there!)
• Effacement: 80% 

My doctor also commented that she has another patient that basically parallels me right now...similar due dates, and we are both measuring and dilating at the same rate. And we have both proven her wrong about delivery. She said she is going to end up running between our two delivery rooms as we will end up delivering at the same time. The other funny part of the comment: I figured out who the other patient is!

In other BIG news...
Isabel pooped for the first time in the potty at Barbie's yesterday so she got to wear big girl panties! The rest of Friday she did awesome, so we will see how today goes...crossing our fingers!

Isabel cuddling and resting on Mama's bump (for the time being)

Week 37, Baby 2

Like I said last week, I didn't mind seeing a different OB, but there is something comforting about seeing my doctor who knows what this pregnancy has brought. My shortness of breath and heart palpitations have greatly subsided since the baby has dropped so that has brought relief leading us to believe everything will go back to normal after baby is born. I am not big on the "how much weight have you gained?" game in pregnancy, but I have to laugh as the doctor I saw last week said that I put on exactly what she would want me to be; whereas my doctor would have liked me to put on a little more weight. I truly believe having stomach bugs three different times during this pregnancy is the main culprit of lower weight gain...I would totally have put on more weight if I could have avoided the misery of being sick! 

Contractions are still random and mild. The most consistency I have had is three contractions each 20 minutes apart. Baby is growing and moving like a champ. He/she likes to move most at night when I crawl into bed, around about 4:00pm (when I am done with work), and in the early morning hours 4-5:00am. I am measuring at 40 weeks, dilated to 4cm, and 70% effaced...sounds good to me! She informed me of the on-call doctor this weekend and when she was on call next so maybe that was her telling me her prediction. Not that I want her to, but she said she cannot strip membranes until 39 weeks so really it just becomes a waiting game at this point until my body and baby say everything is ready...not just when mama, dada, Isabel, and the rest of us are ready!

Oh and by the way, the overwhelming prediction is Baby Mousel will be a boy probably by 95% to 5%...here is praying we will find out soon, very soon!

36 Weeks, Baby 2

So now that we are almost 37 weeks, I should catch you up on 36 weeks, but in order to do that we should probably quick discuss week 34. I started really feeling those early, low contractions right at 34 weeks so I knew things moving along, but much too early to meet the little one (however, I have been ready since then). For most of the pregnancy, I have been measuring two weeks ahead, which is in the normal range; however, when I went in for my 34 week check-up, I was measuring four weeks ahead so an ultrasound was scheduled to check measurements and fluid levels. It was fun to peek at baby and, of course, again, he/she was very active so it was hard to get good shots. Nevertheless, the tech got what she needed and told us everything was good. Actually, according to her measurements baby was at 33 weeks, 3 days (at the time I was 34 weeks, 4 days) and baby was 4lbs, 10oz. So she was saying, I am just BIG. I am a little skeptical of the mathematical formula used to decipher weight, but I am not the expert so we will just wait and see what the little one comes out at.


On to 36 weeks...

I saw a different doctor than usual, which I was a little nervous about as I had not heard great things about her. We were pleasantly surprised, and I am glad I had seen her because now between both pregnancies, I have seen all the OB doctors at the clinic. It is interesting how every doctor conducts the check-ups. She didn't tell me what I was measuring at, she just said that is looks it good; probably because I was measuring way big and it contradicted what she just went through with us from the ultrasound. Okay, no more sassy pants from me. The baby's heart rate was around 145bpm. She also didn't tell me if I was or what percentage effaced I was, but did make the comment that I "ripen early." The word ripening is often used to describe effacement, which refers to cervical lining thinning. Last, but not least, I am dilated to 3cm. So all in all, I am moving towards labor, which is a good thing as I feel that this pregnancy has been very difficult and uncomfortable. I do keep in mind, though, that it could be a lot worse, and I am very fortunate.

I think we are all ready for baby to come and have been gearing up in different ways. Isabel has been soaking up every little second she can with mama and dada...needing to be carried, big hugs, and many kisses. She also asks about baby all the time.

Butter got all the "just in case" stuff done at work; however, he still needs to get a few things ready for the big day (cameras, bag packed, and choose which 3 books he is going to bring this time because you know he had sooo much time time to read the first time). As for me, I have definitely been nesting...random loads of laundry, cleaning bathrooms at 9:00pm at night (mind you, I am normally crawling into bed at 8:00pm), and my bags as well as Isabel's are packed waiting by the front door. We are ready!  

32 Weeks, Baby 2

The journey between week 28 and week 32 has been an eventful one, which is not always good when it comes to pregnancy. In my case, though, I am hoping it is just another wonderful "side effect" of pregnancy rather than any long term condition.

So let's get to the heart of the matter: I had mentioned on my 28 week post that I was experiencing completely normal shortness of breath, but new to me for this pregnancy as I was having it when relaxed adn lounging around after work. Along with the shortness of breath, though, I was having heart palpitations. When I told my OB, she first suggested I go see a family practice doctor, but as I continued to describe it and that Butter was able to feel the difference in heartbeat, she referred me to the cardiologist. Since, you know, the heart is kind of a vital organ and it is a little stressed during labor and delivery. :)

The cardiologist didn't seem overly concerned, but heart conditions and pregnancy share many similar symptoms so it was hard for her to feel confident in a diagnosis without further tests. The heart palpitations were pretty isolated to the evening hours so she was not able to hear/feel those, but she did say I had a heart murmur, which I have never been told I had before. She said the murmur could be something brought on by pregnancy and correct itself similar to how a baby born with a murmur can correct itself. In the next few days, I had blood drawn for lab tests, an Echo cardiogram, and wore a heart monitor for 24-hours. All tests came back "normal."

Pregnancy can do some crazy things, but to say what I am experiencing is normal just doesn't seem right to me. However, I am not the doctor so I trust her expert opinion, and the symptoms and results are in my file so when the time comes to have this baby, the doctor and nurses will be aware of this lovely side effect.

There is comfort that this is happening to me and Baby Mousel is a growing, stretching, healthy little one, and all comfy-cozy in my tummy!

My 32 week appointment was an interesting one as I think my OB is still a little concerned with the heart symptoms along with the swelling that has started within the last week or so. She is not concerned with pre-eclempsia as my blood pressure was excellent, but she won't mind seeing this baby come at 37 or 38 weeks. There was no talk about induction or anything, but I think she just wanted to put out there that going early would not be a bad thing. She did say that we would re-evaluate my symptoms after Spring Break, and she might consider ordering a work hour reduction. I really do not want that happen so I need to start saying no to all the "extras" I seem to take on work.     

Like I said earlier, baby continues to grow and heart rate is staying consistent. Fundal measurement is at 34in and baby's heart rate was at 145bpm. I now go back every two weeks for my 34 week and 36 week appointments then we start weekly appointments for weeks 37-40. When you start looking at the rest of this pregnancy in doctor visits, I cannot believe Baby Mousel is almost here!

20 Weeks, Baby 2

So here we are over half way through this pregnancy, and our house is healthy again (at least for now). With the exception of the flu bug, I have been feeling pretty good, relatively speaking: energy level is up, getting enough rest, and eating well. I have been having some aches and pains related to my ever-growing tummy, but that is to be expected (hip pain and back soreness here and there). Something different that I am more aware of this time around is more acute pain in the lower abdominal which, according to doctor, could be ligament stretching or contractions...neither to be concerned about as it normal with second pregnancy to feel more as your body knows whats going on this time. I am not sure how much sense that makes, but as long as it is normal, I am fine with it.

Our ultrasound was last week on Tuesday, December 13, and we had a much better and experienced technician this time around. Even with the experienced tech, baby was not all that cooperative. No, we did not find the gender of the baby, and even if we wanted to the tech said it would have been very difficult as Baby Mousel decided to have some fun of his/her own: twisting, turning, and somersaulting all through the visit. When we were all done, the tech even said so she had no idea what we are having...so its a good thing we didn't plan on finding out anyway. One nice surprise was that I got to go to the bathroom during the ultrasound...when pregnant there is very little more uncomfortable than told to drink a lot of water, not go to the bathroom one hour prior to the exam,and then have someone press and jiggle into your stomach. The tech thought my distended bladder was irritating the little one, but obviously, that was bearing no weight on his/her decision to be a trapeze artist at that time.

On Thursday, we went in to see the doctor and find out results of the ultrasound. Everything is normal, normal, normal...yeah, yeah, yeah! Currently, baby is in the breech position (but lots of time for baby to move and change positions from now until due date), heart rate was at 141bpm (at the doctor visit it was at 145bpm), and my placenta is anterior, which means it attached in the front like last time (no big implications there other than people on 'the outside' don't get to feel baby as soon or as often). At this point, baby is measuring at the 57th% (as a comparison Isabel was measuring at the 44th%), which is perfect. My clinical due date and ultrasound due date are 4 days apart, which as we know makes no difference as babies come when they are ready. Just for reference, though, my clinical due date is May 2 and my ultrasound due date is April 28.

Okay, on to the good stuff: pictures! Since the baby was so active, some of the pics did not turn out as good as we would have hoped and she was not able to get a lot of different shots. We did get some cute profile pictures, one picture of both the legs (like he/she is sitting on top of the lens), and one mid-somersault. Enjoy!

 

Profile...such a cutie!

 

Legs...so muscular! A dancer or a cyclist?

Somersault (legs are at the top)...showing off, are we? No idea where that trait comes from!

Livin' in the Car Seat

It has been a while, so this is a long one. You might want to grab a snack!

Is it June 7, already?! I cannot believe how fast the last couple of weeks have gone by and our little Isabel is well over two months old. We are little behind in our postings...so bear with me as I try to catch up the last two weeks.

(Isabel was pretty tired and not very into her photo shoot)

Isabel showed what a strong little girl she was at her two month wellness check-up when she got not one, not two, but three immunization shots (not to mention the oral one as well)! She did so well as she was more mad at getting her legs pinned down than the shots themselves. She calmed down as soon as I picked her up (ahhhhhh) and a little comfort food later she was ready to head up to the cabin for her first visit and first big car ride. Before we get to the cabin here are her stats:

Weight = 11lbs 12oz (75th percentile)
Length = 23 1/2 in (90th percentile)
Head = 14 1/2 in (10th percentile)

Friday afternoon we left for Memorial Day weekend at the cabin with very little room to spare in the car. We had a little rough start as I think Isabel was starting to feel the affects of the shots. So a little Tylenol and a small bottle in Buffalo kept her content all the way up to Lake Miltona. The weekend was so fun and the weather was pretty awesome considering it was the end of May. Isabel sat out in the sun (nothing like some natural Vitamin D) due to the invasion of May Flies...I will not miss those the next time we head up. She went to her first wedding and met many new friends...it was an outdoor, farm wedding that was absolutely gorgeous, however, the only pictures dad took are of his little girl. Also, the debut of her "summer snowsuit" and a "big girl" bath courtesy of Maddie and Ava were some of the other highlights from the weekend.








Tuesday came with dark, windy thunderstorms, but it was brightened by the visit from Sara and baby Colin, and Alaskan friends, Jodi and Graham. What a fun visit! And the first time Isabel was awake when she and Colin were together.




On Wednesday we finally made it up to school to see some of my students! I had intended to make it up much sooner, but was waiting for a time when I could visit and wouldn't interrupt too much. Since summer vacation was coming up very quickly, we went up for the special prayer service for the president of my school. In Middle School as to be expected, the boys came to peak at her, but the girls just wanted to giggle and fawn over her. We also were able to visit Maddie's second grade class, as they very diligently prayed for us during my pregnancy. All the kids were super excited to see Isabel and had to be told to go back to their seats, the girls and the boys!

The week flew by as I fretted about the next big road trip: first trip to Grandma and Grandpa Mousel's in Iowa! No need to worry, though, Isabel slept all the way down. I actually had to wake her up three hours in to give her a bottle. She was a busy little girl as she met her Great Uncle Tag at his 50th birthday bash, Great Aunts Joanie and Suzie, and cousins Sarah and Megan. Sarah and Megan told her that every Mousel needs a moose so they gave her "Bruce the Moose"...and Isabel loves him. The weekend definitely wore little Miss Isabel out as she slept most of the day on Sunday including the entire ride home!








So there was the condensed version of a very eventful couple of weeks. We are excited to have many more friends available for day visits since school lets out this week for the summer. Again, is it really June 7, already?!