6 Months already?!

Holy Cow! Has it really been six months since I've updated this blog? And is my baby really six months old already? *tear* I have a lot to catch up on, so this will be a chunky blog post! *Sorry for the blurry pics. They're off of our phones*

Let's start at the beginning! I went in on October 22nd for a routine check up. I was having contractions for the past few days, but it wasn't leading into labor. I was 5 days past my due date when we had my appointment so my doctor stripped my membranes, which was supposed to help provoke labor. I was only dilated at a 1 when she did this and it put me to 2cm. Well, when she did that she thought she may have broke my water. She told Mitch and I that she would like us to go to L&D just so they can check. We ended up stopping at home and then went to In N Out for lunch since we thought we might be waiting forever. When we got there, they strapped me to the monitors that track the babies heartbeat as well as my contractions. They told us we could either go home and wait to see if I went into labor or stay at the hospital and be induced. We asked if we could have a second to discuss this option and so they left the room. While they were gone Mitch and I decided we would go home and wait. Well, when the doctor came back she said they were monitoring the baby and found that every time I had a contraction, the babies heartbeat would drop. So she told us that she wasn't going to allow us to go home and that we would need to stay. I looked at Mitch and we both were pretty surprised. WE WERE GOING TO HAVE OUR BABY!! I'll spare the details of my labor here, but after 24 hours we had our son! I always heard how much women hate their husbands during labor and how they yell cuss words and how it's hard to control their emotions, but I didn't experience that. Maybe because Mitch was so hands on and did everything he could to help me. But I have never loved him more than that day. He stayed up with me for a good portion of the night and towards the end when the contractions got worse on my back he would squeeze my hips during the contractions which helped so much! He was the best coach I could have asked for! And when Lucas was born, we both looked at each other and just cried! It was one of the most special, spiritual moments of my life! Here are some highlights of that day:

Lucas Mitchell Moss

Born October 23, 2014

12:02pm

8lbs 12oz

22 inches

His First Bath!

Going home!! We went home the following day around 5pm. He was so tiny in his big car seat!

Our First Family Photo

Now here are some highlights over the first 6 months of Lucas' life. We just love him so much!!

Milestones

Sleeping Patters:

He wakes up every 3 hours for a diaper change and to eat. He has peed on mommy more times than I would like to admit. Thank goodness we have a washer and dryer. We have definitely slept in soiled linens haha

Eating Habits:

I feed on demand, and he eats ALL the time!

New Discoveries:

He is focusing on things a lot more. He LOVES mommy's zebra print blanket so we hang it over the couch so he can look at it.

Accomplishments:

His accomplishments so far? Peeing all over mommy because I take too long to change him! haha

Special Memories:

We love seeing him smile while he is sleeping. I take it as a sign that I am doing something right.

Milestones

Sleeping Patters:

He is sleeping through the night now! He will wake up some times for a diaper change and some milk but we are getting some much needed sleep now!

Eating Habits:

He has been eating about every 2- 2 1/2 hours during the day. Doctor says that is why he is sleeping through the night. I'll take it!

New Discoveries:

Lucas has discovered his hands and his tongue. He likes sucking on his hands and sticking his tongue out. It's so cute!

Accomplishments:

He is spending more and more time on his tummy now. (He's not a fan of tummy time). And he can almost roll over!

December 13th: Lucas' first night sleeping through the night. He slept for 7 straight hours!

Special Memories:

He smiles at Mitch and I now when we talk to him. It's the best! And he LOVES when we read him stories!

Milestones

Sleeping Patters:

Lucas is still sleeping through the night! Hooray! We finally transitioned him to his crib since he was outgrowing the Rock N Play. It has been a bittersweet transition for Mitch and I. (Transitioned him to his crib on Feb. 9th) Mommy slept on the floor of his room for almost a week! haha

Eating Habits:

He nurses when he wakes up in the morning, ad before naps and bedtime. 

New Discoveries:

He is starting to discover his feet now, but doesn't quite pull them up to his face yet. And he still loves sticking out his tongue.

Accomplishments:

He can hold up his head now!

February 3rd: Lucas rolled over from his tummy to his back for the first time!

January 30th: Lucas laughed for the first time!

Special Memories:

I tickled Lucas' neck one night while getting ready for bath time and he started to laugh for the first time! We got it on video and were so excited! I have also been really focusing on tummy time so he can learn how to roll over. One day I pulled my phone out to record him and he rolled over for the first time while I was recording! I got really lucky to have that on video!

Milestones

Sleeping Patters:

Lucas continues to sleep through the night completely swaddled. We are starting to transition him out of his swaddles since he can roll over.

Eating Habits:

He still nurses when he wakes up in the morning and when he goes down for a nap and bed time.

New Discoveries:

He is still in awe with his hands, but he's discovering his mouth more. He likes to make chomping motions, especially while we eat!

Accomplishments:

We are starting to help Lucas practice sitting up. He definitely needs our help, but is doing a great job!

March 7th: Lucas rolled over from his back to his tummy while visiting family in Fresno!

Special Memories:

Lucas gets really fussy while we get him ready for bed after bath time. We have found that singing to him usually helps him calm down. His favorite songs are "Let's Go Fly a Kite" from Mary Poppins and "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree". 

Milestones

Sleeping Patters:

We had a bit of regression. Lucas has been waking up all through the night. He likes to sleep with us, which I love but don't want to become a habit! We started putting Lucas in a sleep sack, but we keep his hands inside since he still startles himself awake.

Eating Habits:

Lucas continues to eat really well! We have recently started to give Lucas some solids to practice when he turns 6 months!

New Discoveries:

He loves grabbing his feet and sucking on his toes during bath time! He also enjoys watching Valentino run down the hall and play with Daddy!

Accomplishments:

Lucas can sit up now! He does really well but we still keep the boppy behind him because he will still fall back, and occasionally fall forward while playing.

Special Memories:

He is getting more and more fun! Mommy likes to lay in bed with him and play in the morning. We will stretch our legs (he will watch me, and then start to copy me!), I tickle him and we laugh and play. He has been a joy in our lives since he was born, but he is getting to be so much fun!

Week 39!

I don't have any pictures for this week. But I had a doctors appointment on Wednesday and wanted to put an update on here. So, last week, the doctor said I was a "little open". Meaning I was slightly dilated, but not by much. As of yesterday she says I am fully dilated to 1cm, and my cervix is thinning. Progress! A little, but progress nonetheless. She offered to do a membrane strip, which could potentially provoke labor. But since I wasn't even past my due date, I opted not to do that and told her we would try to do this as natural as possible. I have another appointment scheduled for next Wednesday, the 22nd where she will check how I am doing. If i have not progressed, we have decided to do the membrane strip then, as opposed to going straight to an induction. However she did say that if my fluids are low, then they will need to induce me then. So, I'm praying it doesn't come to that. Being induced increases the risk of a C-section and prolongs the length of labor. So, that wouldn't be ideal for us. She also stated that once we do the strip, we will also set up an induction date just in case labor does not happen.

Things have been well. It's not too hard to wait, although I have had my days where I just want him to come out already. But that's mostly on those painful days where even just sitting hurts. I have been feeling really well the last couple days. Minimal pain, I just am having a hard time sleeping. But I just try to consider it to be training for my days to come. :) It recently hit me that Autumn's favorite number is 22, and he could potentially be born on that day. If that happens, it would give a whole ton of extra sentiment and meaning to his birthday. Mitch and I are pretty excited to meet this little guy! Again, I just can't wait to see what he looks like, and watch as he develops into the person that he was sent here to be. My arms are waiting for you little guy!!

Week 38!

Baby sure is the size of a watermelon, and I can feel it! I always joke about how you have to be really uncomfortable towards the end of pregnancy in order to be okay with how a baby is born. Now having experienced this last bit, there is a lot of truth behind that! Otherwise, I think I'd be content with keeping him in my belly as long as possible. :)

Things are going really well. He is still healthy and doing well. He has a strong heartbeat and has developed well. We had a doctor's appointment this week, and she said that I am a little "open" but baby seems very comfy and content where he is at. So she doesn't anticipate him coming out any time soon. We have another appointment on Wednesday Oct. 15th so we will see how that goes, and if there has been any progress. 

Mitch and I have enjoyed our first week in our new house. Mitch has been wonderful at cleaning up the kitchen to get it ready for us to unpack all of our dishes and things. I try to help as much as I can, but we both don't want me touching or using any chemicals, so I have been trying to help with washing our dishes and putting them away. It's amazing how tired you get when pregnant. I didn't have too many dishes to do the other day, but I had to take 2 naps in between washing and putting them away. I've been very tired lately, which is good. I'm trying to take it easy and rest as much as I can to prepare for the big day when baby is born. I can't wait to see his little face and compare our features with his. I am so darn curious as to who he will take after, or if he will be a perfect mix of the two of us. So many exciting things to look forward to! I am so excited and so ready to be a mommy! I know it won't be easy, and it will be exhausting but it will be so worth it! 

Week 36!

BABY IS THE SIZE OF A LARGE CANTALOUPE!!

Oh my!! Time is really flying by. I can't believe my due date i less than a month away. I have felt in the last few months or so that he is going to be a bit earlier than the doctor's think. But we will see if it's mother's intuition, or just wishful thinking ;)

We received some really great news last Friday. WE GOT THE HOUSE!!! We are so excited to finally close escrow and start on this new chapter in our lives. Mitch and my dad are busy over there painting as I make this update. Here are pictures of the house from the listing:

We are painting the green bathroom a really pretty blue, and the living room and hall will be a super light grey-ish white with white trim. Our bedroom will be a light blue and then the baby's room is going to be a darker blue. LOTS of blues in our house! Here's kind of the theme we're trying to do for his room. I hope it turns out :)

And, no his name is not Henry! Haha I had to talk Mitch out of painting the living room a light powder blue as well. TOO MUCH BLUE! But I feel like the colors we have chosen will be really nice. We are also ripping out the carpet and replacing it. We're hoping that will get done this week and then we can start moving everything. We have already taken a few loads of boxes, but nothing we use on a daily basis. I am so excited to finally have everything coming together. It feels great to know and see all of our hard work paying off. I owe a lot of credit to Mitch. He helped me stay focused and dedicated to our goal. He is so disciplined. Once he has his mind set on something, he works so hard to achieve it. I really wouldn't have been able to do this without him.

Also, we took our own Maternity pictures. It was so much fun to do and bond together. I directed Mitch and told him which angles to use and we came out with these pictures. I'm so happy with them and grateful that we got some before he decided to make his debut. Although i would love to get some with Mitch as well. Hopefully we can squeeze that in somehow.

The baby has dropped and I am "opened a little" according to my doctor. She confirmed that the baby is head down still and that everything is looking great. I've had a few changes in my body lately (I'll spare you the details) that indicate I am getting ready for labor. It's all a bit scary and exciting at once. 

I continue to have a lot of pelvic pressure that it makes it hard for me to walk. My hands are also staying tight longer throughout the day. This week was a bit of a rough one so far, so Mitch and I decided that I would start my maternity leave this coming Monday. So 3 weeks instead of the two weeks prior to my due date that we originally planned. It's all so surreal. But it will be nice to stay home and rest and also get things done before the baby gets here. I've been looking at freezer meals to help get us prepared. I just wonder if I will actually have the time I think I do before his big arrival!

Week 34!

BABY IS THE SIZE OF A PINEAPPLE!!

Holy Canoli! 34 weeks already and we have so much to look forward to. We had our baby shower in Fresno and it was wonderful. I am so grateful for my sweet Aunts that hosted the shower and to all of my family that came. It meant so much to us and I feel like we're a lot more prepared for when our little guy gets here. Now all we need is our house to close and I can start nesting. I've felt a bit overwhelmed that I haven't been able to get anything ready for him yet. I know babies don't need much but it's mostly for my peace of mind. 

Baby has been doing really well. I'm measuring as my doctor calls it "Petite but normal". I'm right on track to where I should be and baby is growing and doing well. His heartbeat always sounds strong. I love hearing that sound. 

I still continue to swell, but it hasn't been very consistent, which I'm grateful for. I have some low pelvic pressure where baby likes to lay. That part hasn't been very fun, but it does mean he is sitting low which makes us one step closer to seeing him. :)

Week 32!

How Far Along?

32 Weeks!

 

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

22 lbs Gained

 

Maternity Clothes?

I’m still trying to keep it cheap and use the clothes I have already. My Maternity Jeans are too hot so I have been wearing out the only 2 maxi skirts I own!

 

Stretch Marks?

Just a few on my baby feeders :P

 

Sleep?

Sleep? What is that again? I have self diagnosed pregnancy carpal tunnel. I wake up with swollen achy hands that I can barely close. Mitch has been sweet and woke up with me a few times to rub my hands. I relieves a lot of the pressure.

Best Moment This Week?

Feeling the little guy while he has hiccups. It's so cute!

Have You Told Family and Friends?

Everyone knows by now that we are pregnant, however we are keeping his name a secret! We have his full name already picked out and we're both excited to have the confirmation that the name we have picked is what he should be called.

 

Movement?

He has made his way down to my pelvis. This is not a fun spot for me to feel him in. Sometimes he will kick and I feel like he's trying to kick his way out. Not very fun!

 

Food Cravings?

I haven't had too many cravings lately. Sometimes something will sound good to me, and then that's all I think about eating until I have it.

 

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick?

Nothing really anymore.

 

Have You Started to Show Yet?

Yup! I keep growing and growing. People can finally tell I'm pregnant and not just think I'm bloated! Haha

  

Happy or Moody Most of the Time?

I’m pretty happy! The heat makes me a little impatient sometimes but I try to keep it under control.

Just a little update on how this week went. I have been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions up until this point. It's just been my stomach getting tight, and then releasing and that's it. Well, This past Thursday (the last day of week 32) I woke up having a lot of contractions, with mild pain. I didn't think anything of it, until the afternoon while I was having lunch at work. I kept having contraction after contraction. I decided to call the advise nurse who then transferred me to Labor and Delivery. They asked me a few questions, and then wanted me to come in to be monitored. That made me a bit scared because I still have a few weeks to go, and worried that our little guy might be getting ready to come too soon. Mitch was amazing, and left work to be there with me. We had a great doctor and a young man that was there training with her (I wasn't too thrilled about that though). She put a monitor on me, did some tests and checked to see how my cervix was. The monitor did show that I was infact having contractions, but that they weren't labor contractions, so that was a good sign. My cervix is still right where it needs to be and is measuring right on target. They are going to do a follow up appointment with me this week to make sure these contractions aren't changing anything because they could potentially provoke labor. So, I have just been taking it easy and trying to relax as much as I can. Nothing to be worried about unless this weeks appointment show changes. Mitch has been wonderful as usual, helping me to stay off of my feet as much as possible. I noticed being on my feet too long provoke the contractions. 

On another note, we FINALLY found a house and the owners accepted our offer! It is so amazing how all of this just fell into our laps. We are hoping and praying that everything goes smooth and that it all goes through. We will finally be able to prepare for the baby in a way we have been hoping we could before he gets here. So many exciting changes are happening in the next few months. I have to share that we have been searching (not very long at all, but it's stressful when you're on a time crunch). We have just been doing our best to put the Lord first, and we are seeing the blessings that have come from that. We are so grateful to Him for allowing us to potentially do everything we planned in the time frame we were hoping to. He is amazing and knows our needs!

Week 30!

Baby's Brain is Getting Bigger

Also growing at a quick pace these days? Baby's brain. Until now, the surface of your baby's brain was smooth- but now, your fetus is taking on those characteristic grooves and indentations. The reason for this change in appearance: Those wrinkles allow for an increased amount of brain tissue- a necessary change as your baby prepares to develop street smarts for life outside your womb.

Lanugo Is Disappearing

Now that baby’s brain and new fat cells are regulating his body temperature, the lanugo — the soft, downy hair covering your baby's body — is beginning to disappear (no need for that furry coat anymore). But you may see a few leftover strands of fur on your newborn's back and shoulders when he’s born.

Bone Marrow Is Making Red Blood Cells

Another big change at 30 weeks pregnant: Your baby's bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells (before, tissue groups and then the spleen took care of producing the blood cells). This is an important step for your baby, because it means he or she is better able to thrive on his or her own once born.

We had our 30 week appointment and everything went well. Baby is very healthy and has a great heartbeat. I have been having mild aches and pains that just come with pregnancy but nothing major. Sleep is becoming difficult, but I guess that it is just preparation for what is to come. We have a few more items for baby boy, including some toys that daddy just had to buy for him. We bought a few swaddlers because we figured we can never have too much. And we're also stocking up on all kinds of different brands of sample packs of diapers. We're not sure how baby will react to each brand, and want to be prepared. So far, so good. Now, we just need to find that house! 

Week 28!

How your baby's growing:

"By this week, your baby weighs 2 1/4 pounds (about the size of a large eggplant) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world."

Time sure is flying so fast! It is so exciting and scary all at the same time. Right now we are just preparing for him in any way we can. We've been looking for a house and actually placed our first offer. We didn't get it, but we knew it wouldn't be that easy. The whole process is a bit fun but a little stressful. We have our first baby shower on September 6th in Fresno thanks to my sweet Aunts! We're excited to be able to celebrate with everyone and can't wait to do some shopping of our own for this little guy :) I can't believe Mitch and I will officially be parents in 3 months.

Week 26!

How Far Along?

26 Weeks!

 

Total Weight Gain/Loss?

15 lbs

 

Maternity Clothes?

I’m still trying to keep it cheap and use the clothes I have already. My Meternity Jeans from Motherhood Maternity are a lifesaver!!

 

Stretch Marks?

Just a few on my baby feeders :P

 

Sleep?

Sleep has been good. I just wake up through the night to turn to my other side. My shoulders and hips started hurting and throbbing so we got a memory foam mattress to put on top of our bed and that has made a huge difference! So grateful it was on sale at Costco!

 

Best Moment This Week?

I LOVE the fact that Mitch can see and feel the baby moving now. He and I fell asleep one night with his hands on my belly feeling the baby move. He is such a sweet husband and father already!

 

Have You Told Family and Friends?

Yes we have told everyone in our circle of friends and family. It’s so exciting, and I’m showing too much for it to be a secret.

 

Movement?

He usually moves a ton after I eat, and late at night when I lay down for bed. It’s like he’s snuggling in his spot trying to get comfortable.

 

Food Cravings?

I wish I didn’t. It’s been so random though. If I see or hear about something that sounds good, I can’t get my mind off of it until I have it. And usually it’s just okay tasting haha. But I am having a harder time saying no to sweets! I have just been careful in my portions.

 

Anything Make You Queasy or Sick?

I think it stems from my first trimester sickness, but the thought or sight of hummus is disgusting. I’m not sure if that will ever go away! haha

 

Have You Started to Show Yet?

Oh yeah! Although a few weeks ago someone at work whom I don’t know well said I don’t even look pregnant that I just look bloated! So glad I’m not super sensitive!

 

Gender Prediction:

Oh it’s a boy J As of our 20 week ultrasound. But the shot was so clear that I will be so surprised if we end up having a girl.

 

Happy or Moody Most of the Time?

I’m pretty happy! I wouldn’t say that I get moody, but I am a lot more sensitive than normal. I enjoy cuddles from Mitch and sweet things like that.

 



Week 24!

BABY IS THE SIZE OF AN EAR OF CORN!!

Baby’s Face Is Formed
Your baby is about eight-and-a-half inches long (standard letter size!) and weighs one-and-a-half pounds, gaining steadily at a rate of about six ounces per week. Much of that weight comes from growing organs, bones, muscle and accumulating baby fat. Wondering what (and who) your baby will look like? If you had a baby cam at 24 weeks pregnant, you'd almost be able to tell by now. That beautiful face (though still tiny) is almost fully formed, complete with eyelashes, eyebrows and hair. Is your baby a brunette, a blonde or a redhead? Actually, right now her locks are white since there's no pigment yet. The fat that will be piled on under baby's skin is also missing from the picture right now. Until those fat deposits are made, that very tender skin is still very transparent, which means a close look would let you see clear through to all the organs, bones and blood vessels. Fortunately, that see-through look won't last much longer.

Fetal Hearing
What's been playing on your little rocker's stereo system these days? All kinds of sounds can be heard by your baby in your womb: air exhaling from your lungs (deep breath now), those gastric gurgles produced by your stomach and intestines, your voice and your partner's (which your baby will be able to recognize at birth), and even very loud sounds such as honking horns, barking dogs or a wailing fire truck.

It is so amazing to be able to feel him move more and more every day. I woke up to him kicking yesterday at 4:30am. I just layed there in bed wondering which way he was facing and which body part was poking me in the stomach and on my sides. At one point, I was laying on my side and he was pressed up so far against my stomach that I could feel him with my hand. So I just laid there and craddled our little guy. I didn't mind being up that early, this experience was all worth it!

Yesterday, I was reclining in our couch because it was so miserably hot outside. I had the fan on our end table blowing relief at my well insulated body and sipped on ice water. He loved it! He was moving around a ton! We actually got to see his movements. Mitch was in awe. I called my dad and Corey over to come check it out. When they each came to look, you could see him poking out on the left side of my stomach. It looked so weird and lopsided but really cool at the same time. My dad said, "Wow! It looks like something poking through a water balloon!" I just laughed and said thank you.

We had our follow up appointment this past Thurday with our doctor. She recommended pediatricians to us (is it really close enough to talk about that right now?! WOW!) and did our routine check up. She measured my belly and said I was measuring petite but normal. And she used the dopler to measure the baby's heart rate. She said his heart is extremely healthy and that when she looked over the anaotmay scan we had a few weeks back, that everything looks great! Baby boy is progressing very well! We are so excited about this little guy and Mitch and I are equally as anxious for him to come into our family. We still don't have a name for him yet. It's serious business naming a baby, and WAY harder than I ever thought it would be. Mitch and I just can't agree on any boy names. We have some time, but man I would love to know what we will be calling him for the rest of his life. But that's just me being imaptient. I like to have everything figured out ahead of time, but that's just not realistic right now. I think Mitch and I will have to come up with some sort of competition to try to "win" the right to name the baby haha. I'm just kidding, but seriously...

I still sit and think sometimes about the fact that I have a little human inside my body that is growing and developing, and is OUR son. A perfect blend of Mitch and I. And it amazes me so much to think that my little body can grow and sustain life for 40 weeks. Life is amazing, and the concept of conception and pregnancy just astounds me. I am so grateful that we are blessed to be able to have our own children, and that I get to experience this. My heart breaks for women who don't have the same opportunity, but I am amazed at those who overcome that trial and find the blessings that can come from infertility and adpotion. Being a mother, whether conceieved on your own, with the help of medicine or through adoption, is such a sacred honor and responsibility. I count my blessing every day for this little boy. My love for him is so strong already, I can't imagine how much more that will grow when he is finally here and we see him for the first time.