8 weeks

Today Bixby is 8 weeks old. We went to her well check and she's a perfect and so happy. Here are her stats:

• she's a squishy 11 lbs that's in the 50%
• her length is 22 inches so 25% for height
• then her head is 15 1/2 so 81%. I'm guessing that means she'll be smart.

Bixby smiles all the time. She loves it when I say Boo to her. She even started to giggle at the sound. She coos and squeaks all the time. Her favorite activity is chewing/ sucking her hand. She's been a champion sleeping giving us a good 5-6 hour stretches every night. I attribute that to the kiddopotamus swaddle wraps. She loves being wrapped up tight and those thing keep her that way all night. I'm not that good with the blanket swaddle. She always breaks free. Although I love co sleeping with her, she's been sleeping in the crib too but it's in our room next to the bed. So I can always keep her close.

Since the girls look so much alike I love comparing their two pictures. I took this one today at the doctors and they are looking so different now. Bixby is becoming her own little person. I love how chunky she is.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the past few weeks.

Sweet baby hands

Seriously the happiest baby ever!

Baines used to make this face too.  Its one of my favorites.  I love the lips.

35 weeks

Saturday night around 1 am I was awoken by the weirdest pain ever.  I felt this popping/ripping/burning feeling at the top of my belly on the left hand side.  In my head, I was envisioning my skin ripping open!  It was so scary.   As I tried to wake up and fill my stomach to see if I had a gaping wound I was yelling for Nicholas to get up.  Once I realized I wasn’t ripped up, the next thing that I thought was a bug bit me.   Nicholas was awake and up at that point.  He was looking over my stomach and the bed to see if there was a bug.   His eyes were trying to adjust to the light but didn’t see anything.  I then tried to stand up and the burning/tearing sensation was so painful.   We had no idea what was going on. 

I tried to look it up on Google and that only freaked us out more.  Nicholas suggested that I should call the doctor’s office.  I did and spoke with the on call doctor.  He didn’t have any real advice to give me and couldn’t figure out what it could be.   His suggestion, to take some Tylenol and see if the pain subsides.   If not I should go to Labor & Delivery.   I followed the orders and the pain did lessen.  I was able to fall back asleep.  The next morning, my whole top left side of my belly was tender and sore to the touch.  I decided to wait until the next day as I had a scheduled appointment with my doctor anyways. 

Yesterday, Nicholas and I went to my appointment and I explained what happened to my doctor.  She knew instantly what is was.  She said more than likely the pressure from Bixby cracked my rib.  Yeah you read that right, my growing little girl broke my rib.  The doctor said your ribs are held together mostly by cartilage so under the pressure it can get pushed out of place.    It made so much sense because the feeling I felt was a popping and burning. 

When Bixby is 15 and we get into a huge fight, I’m going to say “you know you already broke my rib”.  Because that’s what moms do they hold that kind of stuff over their children’s head right?

27 Weeks

Today marks my 27^th week of pregnancy.  I am really excited for this milestone because it means I’ve entered my Third Trimester.  If I were to delivery today the infant survival rate increases to 78%.    The past few weeks have been very difficult as has this whole pregnancy.  I’ve had some pre-term labor issues so every week is a milestone.

At 24 weeks I was attending the Project trade show in Las Vegas for work.   I was working in our booth for Karen London Jewelry.  Around 2:00 pm I started experiencing extremely painful contractions.   I’ve never had a real full contractions since I had Baines via C-Section.  The contractions were intense, lasting about a minute every four minutes.  I called my doctor and they recommended that I lay down and drink tons of water.   It was difficult to find a place at the trade show but I found a chair that I could recline in but it didn’t help.  The contractions continued for about 2 hours on and off.  That’s when my doctor’s office suggested I go to the nearest Labor & Delivery.  My coworker Kelli took me and by the time I was admitted the contractions had slow down.  While getting set up on the monitors I threw up and that made me feel so much better.   I initially thought it was because of the contraction pains but  I came to realize that I might have gotten food poisoning from the trade show food.  At the L&D I only had a few small contractions and they released me after about an hour.   Bixby was fine so I was relieved.

I had an appointment scheduled for the following Monday so my doctor didn’t make me come in any earlier once I returned home.   I had still been having contractions all weekend but nothing like Vegas.  When I got to my appointment Monday we went over all the details from the prior week’s events.   She checked my cervix and was worried it was too thin.  Plus I was still having too many contractions so she sent me to Labor & Delivery for monitoring and to run several tests to determine whether I was already in per term labor or just at risk.    From my urine sample they found out I did have a bladder infection that could have been aggravating my uterus and causing contractions.  I was monitored for about 2 hours and was having too many contractions.

They wanted to stop the contractions right away because once they start and get in a rhythm that’s when the pre-term labor can begin.   I was given a shot and a pill both aimed to stop the contractions.  The shot contains steroids just like inhaler for asthma.  It made me really shaky but it only lasted for about an hour.  That’s when the pill kicked in which would last for 6 hours.  Both worked to stop the contractions.   Once they were gone they had me stay for another hour just in case. 

The only good part to the day was getting another ultrasound to check my cervix length.   The tech was really nice and did a full ultrasound.   We checked to make sure she was still a girl (which she is).   It was so cute because she was folded in half and her hands were playing with her toes.   She is a very active girl so it was fun to see her moving around.   Here are a couple images the tech printed me.  (PS my cervix was 4 cm long which they said was really good)

Bixby at 25 weeks

Bixby's Leg's

I had another appointment today and my doctor was happy that I made it to 27 weeks and how I am feeling.  She wants me to continue with the restrictions they put me on at L&D, no standing, bending, stretching, lifting, excessive walking, and over activity.   My belly is measuring about 2 weeks ahead which I guess is normal for a second baby.   She said it means I’m having a healthy baby.   Also I was surprised that I’ve only gained 19 lbs.  I could swear I’ve gained 35.  Haha    She said the weight gain was great considering they want you to gain at least 30.  But I’m sure I’ll make it there in these remaining 13 weeks.

Baines is 1

Dear Baines,

Today you’re a year old. I can’t believe it! Watching you walk and talk is so weird because I feel like you’re still so little. It seems like just yesterday that I was holding my newborn Bubbies. That was the best day of my life.

We found 4 days before you were born that we needed to delivery you via C-section. I remember thinking all weekend that I would probably go into labor or make myself because I was so nervous for the procedure. The night before your dad and I spend our last remaining moments together alone (it wasn’t as fun as having you there). I thought I would be up all night with butterflies in my stomach but I slept better than I ever have (no offence but you wake me up a lot).

The next morning we woke up ready to meet you. We checking into the hospital at 5:30 am and by 7:00 we were in the surgery room. It took about 15 minutes for them to get you out and when I saw your face my world changed forever.

You were and still are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The sound of your soft sweet cry melted my heart. You were so tiny. I’ve never really held or taken care of a newborn. I was afraid I would break you. Lucky for both of us I didn’t. Motherhood came so natural to me.

I have loved like I never thought I could. You make me a better person, a more patient, compassionate, and loving person. You have brought your dad and me closer together. I love him so much for helping make you.

You are amazing and I hope you always know how loved you are. We are so lucky to have you. I can’t wait to celebrate many more birthdays.

I love your guts,
Mommy

11 Months

We are leaving tomorrow on our summer vacation to Lake Powell. I wanted to do a quick 11 month update on our Baby girl.


-She has 2 bottom teeth and a top one almost poking through.

-Her favorite toy is a baby doll that she has to take everywhere. She holds on to it with a death grip so you wont take it away. Its really cute.

-She hasn't started walking yet but she does try to walk on her knees. She sits up and moves her legs like she's walking just kneeling and usually waving a toy around.

- Her favorite food and word is cheese. I ask if she wants a snack she yells "CHHHEEESE".

- and of course she is still making us laugh everyday. This baby is crazy weird! And we love it!


The invitations for her first birthday party just went out. We wish all our family and friends could be there to celebrate with us but since Utah is so far away, I'll make sure to post tons of pictures. Love you all so much and here's some pictures from our 4th of July.

10 Months- Delayed...

Yeah, I know I’m really behind not just on the blog but life in general. We’ve had a very eventful June so far with no slowing down. Baines 10 months just zoomed past without recognition. I was in Texas for 7 days (Yeah that’s right 7 whole days) and it sucked but I made A LOT of money. I still hate leaving my little Bubbies!

When I returned Baines grew up so much in a week. She is talking so much more. She says Dog Dog, OH NO, Bubbas (butterflies) and lots of other. She loves to point at everything, It’s so cute! When you take her outside she points at the trees and says “Ta Ta Ta”. We also loves playing the game Where’s. We say where’s Daddy, and she’ll point to Nicholas and laugh. She knows Mama, Macie, Bugita, Papa, Nana & her nose too.

While I was gone she got her first tooth. I was hoping she would wait till I returned, 1. because I wanted to see it first and 2. because Nicholas would have to deal with cutting a tooth by himself. He had a couple rough nights but they both survived. He did an awesome job while I was gone even with a broken arm. He had his cast taken off and got a brace so he could better manage the baby. I think that really helped.





I mentioned Nicholas’ cast but I neglected to mention how he got it… well over a month ago he was riding his bike home from work and was hit by a car. Super scary for him but extra scary for me because my baby needs a daddy! His adrenaline was running after it happened and initially thought he was fine. 5 hours of waiting in the ER later he discovered his wrist was broken with possible ligament damage. Last week he went for an MRI and he did in fact break his scaphoid and tore the ligament so he needs to see a hand specialist for surgery. So he's back in a cast, again!



Aside from the medical issues we’re still waiting for the Drivers insurance to resolve the cost for a bike replacement. His super nice, super expensive road bike is toast! Please cross your fingers that they’ll cover the damages!

On the plus side the house is looking BAD ASS!!!!!! Nicholas and his dad have been working super hard on the house. I’ll let Nicholas do the house update since that his area of expertise.

8 Months

On Sunday Baines turned 8 months old and to celebrate we had our first long scary night followed by a Doctors visit. Sunday night Baines started crying inconsolably. We tried all the usually methods to calm her down but it only made her mad. When Nicholas would hold her she would get super pissed. She would only let me hold and cuddle her. I didn’t mind because I love baby hugs but I felt so helpless. She is teething and her bottom two teeth are getting close to cutting. She didn’t have a fever but was rubbing her ear till it was red. So we assumed it was an ear infection. We gave her some baby Tylenol hoping it would help. She lay next to me all night whimpering and tossing & turning. She has never acted like that so we were nervous something serious was wrong. First thing in the morning, I took her to the doctor’s office. After a detailed examination the diagnoses is… She’s just being dramatic about her teeth. Seriously, he couldn’t find anything wrong. The next 18 year are going to be really fun.

On a lighter note, we have started experimenting with finger foods. Last night she had a blast eating (squishing around) little pieces of banana. I’ve tried a few foods before and she refused to swallow them and would start gagging. Last night was the first time she actually chewed the pieces and loved it.

This is Baines at her first Kings Hockey game, We were in the Wells Fargo suite. It was Awesome!

Here is my favorite picture of the month. She loves her baths. (and chewing on stuff)

Her evolution of crawling or scooching around whatever you would call it. She leans on her right arm and pulls herself along.

I forgot to mention that they weighed her at the doctors office. She's now a whooping 16.7 lbs.

7 Months

My Bubbies turned 7 Months on Thursday. This marks a huge accomplishment for me. When I was pregnant, I set a goal for myself to breastfeed until she was 7 months old. I knew it was going to be hard but didn't know all the obstacles I would have to overcome. For me it was the most unnatural, natural thing I had ever done. She had a hard time latching on in the beginning so it was frustrating and emotional. I was lucky enough to get a great Lactation Consultant that really helped. Once we passed over the first hurdles it was easy.

When I went back to work I almost lost my milk and had to pump like crazy and take herbs that made me smell like maple syrup. Even though the past few months have been interesting with all my travels, I still kept going. I had to pump while driving down the freeway on my way to an appointment in Houston. In Vegas, during the Trade Show I had to duck behind a pillar. I've had to overnight milk home because our milk supply has depleted since I've been gone so much.

I am so proud to say that I am a FULL TIME working mom that is still nursing. Now that I made it this far I'm going to keep going.

16 Weeks

Yesterday Baines had her check up doctor’s appt. She is now 12 pounds 8 ounces and 24 3/4 inches tall. She gained 2 pounds and grew 2 inches since our last visit. Percentiles are the same, 50% for weight and 75% for height. Again the Dr said she looked perfect. She’s growing and developing right on schedule. She got to show off all her tricks, tummy time, standing, and sitting up. When he put the stethoscope on her chest to listen to her heart, she let out this huge laugh. I think because it was cold or she just thought it was funny. The Dr couldn’t get over how cute she is. I agree!!!

He also said we can start feeding her solid foods in 2 weeks. So now I have to do some research to find out what are the best things to start with. She always stares at us when we’re eating so I’m excited to see her reaction when she tries food for the first time.

Here is my little B hanging out waiting for the Dr
















Eating her blanket

12 Weeks

Our little B is 12 weeks old. She has become as Nicholas calls her Drool Monster and she's not even teething yet. You hold her over your shoulder for 2 seconds and your shirt is soaked. Its actually pretty cute because she licks everything. Last night Nicholas was holding her and bouncing on the yoga ball. She was staring at me and licking his shoulder. He would pull her away and her tongue would stop. Once he layed her back down her tongue would start moving again. She did it for about 30 minutes.
















She has really found her voice too. She is always screaming and squawking, trying out different tones and pitches. Sometimes she'll scream so loud she scares herself. Its really funny. Nicholas got a new guitar because we wanted him to play music for B. Its been really cute to see her face when he plays. The other night he was playing and B was singing. So freakin cute!!!! I love these two!!!!

10 Weeks

My little baby is 10 weeks old today and this is my last week home with her. Monday I have to go back to work and on Wednesday I leave to Dallas for 4 days. Next week is going to be really really hard on me. Whenever I think about not seeing her smile all day it makes me cry. Also Nicholas is in North Carolina again so I'm an emotional single mom this week!
















I've been trying to make the best out of my last week with B. She is so fun right now. She just smiles and laughs all the time. Except for her car seat. She hates being in it. Most babies like riding in the car but all she does is scream. We can calm her down with a pacifier and sometime she sleep but for the most part she hates it. It makes shopping or taking her anywhere difficult. Last week I decided to take her out of the seat and carry her in the Bjorn. Its working really well. She likes to be able to look around. she moves her head side to side looking at everything. I was actually able to get grocery shopping done without her screaming to be let out of the car seat.

She loves it when I sing her songs. Right now her favorite is Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. She gets excited because she knows I will be touching her face. whenever you touch her face or just cheeks she smiles and laugh. She a ticklish girl!



Please don't judge my terrible singing!!!

8 Weeks

We just got home from Baines' check up with the doctor. We couldn't wait to find out her stats and make sure she's growing properly. She is now 10 lbs and 5 oz. which puts her in 50% for her age. She is also 23 inches long. That is 75% for her age. I was worried that she was gaining too much weight especially in those adorable chubby checks! Everything else looked good, he checked her out and said she is grow just right. He said she had a really sweet disposition. She was acting so sweet while we were there. She was smiling like crazy and having good time. That is until she had to get 4 shots. Poor little thing scream bloody murder. It broke my heart! Being a mom is so hard. I never want anything to happen to this sweet little face.

















Its so strange how being a mother can be so wonderful even with all the stress. Everything seems to be a blur since I had her. The things that I thought really mattered no longer make any sense. I never really wanted to be a mother and honestly never thought I could. I didn't think I was capable of loving someone so unconditionally and I was surprised how naturally it came to me. Just like that I would give up anything for her. She makes every day amazing.

















She makes the funniest faces and I love them all!

6 Weeks

Last week I decided that I had enough of my party animal baby. I'm not 18 years old, I cant stay up all night and sleep all day. I had to explain to Baines that I need to be a responsible adult and make some use of myself during the day. Otherwise this next month will fly by and I'll be back at work and more exhausted than ever.

We have been working with B to get on a schedule and thank God it has worked! (knock on wood). We've been trying hard to keep her awake during the day as much as possible and setting nap times. Its been really hard at times because she just passes out. This baby really LOVES to sleep. I could bang a pan next to her and it wouldn't wake her up, which is a good and bad thing. But all our hard work has been paying off. she's going to sleep at 10 and waking up at 2:30 or 3 to eat then right back to sleep till around 6. After that we usually get out of bed at 9:00 for a daily activity. Its nice to get out of the house with her and she's usually a good baby because of all her sleep. I am going to try and keep this schedule up and hopefully we can get her sleeping through the night. Because that would be AWESOME!

Also one of the best changes is B is smiling, it makes it all worth it! She has the cutest fat kid smile. She gets so excited she starts laughing too. Nicholas can always get her laughing but as soon as I pull out the camera she stops, of course. Here is a video of her smiling. She loves it when you touch her face. She thinks its really funny.

4 Weeks old

Today Baines is 4 Weeks old and I can't believe how fast its flown by. It seems like just yesterday she was born. Her face has already matured and she has lost about half of her hair. Which breaks my heart because I LOVE her baby hair. Nicholas keeps reminding me that she will grow new hair and I should be looking forward to what color it will be. I still can't help feeling sad.

We took a nap together today. Before I feel asleep, I looked at her in my arm and tried to take a mental picture of this moment. I don't ever want to forget the way she looks and how happy she makes me. From the moment I saw her I knew I would love her forever.

I took this video our first night in the hospital. I've been watching it over and over today. She just makes my heart melt!

Tomorrow Nicholas goes back to work. Its been amazing having him home. He is such a great, attentive, helpful and loving father. I couldn't ask for a better partner.

3 Weeks old

On Tuesday Baines was 3 weeks old. The time has flown by so fast and next week Nicholas goes back to work. Its going to be hard without him to help and hang out with during the day. I've been trying to establish some kind of schedule before he goes back to work but Baines disagrees. She thinks that 1:30 or 2:00am is an acceptable bed time. Honestly I don't understand her, last night I wanted her to sleep by 10 so I tried all the tricks that put her to sleep and nothing worked. She was wide awake and wanted attention. Not that I don't love this face but mommy needs her sleep.

We had her pictures taken last Sunday and I cant wait to see them. She was a little crabby and wasn't making her usual cute faces (of course, because we paid for them). I'm hoping they turn out okay. I want to have as many pictures of her when she's this tiny.







She's already growing up so fast and has out grown her newborn onsies. It was so sad because I had to pack them up. They are only for 5-8 lbs. We think she's a little over 8 lbs now.

Her motor skills are getting better too. She can almost hold her head up. She still doesn't have control but she's very strong. Nicholas taught her how to look side to side. She sleep in between us so now she keeps looking back and forth, from me to Nicholas. She also is grabbing her toys better. She loves the crochet monkey rattle that my parents gave her. She grabs its arm and holds on tight.

2 Weeks Old

Yesterday Baines was 2 weeks old. Its such a short time length but it seems like forever ago when she was born. She is already growing and making big changes from when we were in the hospital. At her doctors appointment they weighed her and she has already gain and surpassed her birth weight. She is now 7lbs 11oz and 21 inches. She was born 7lbs 6oz and 19 inches. She acts less like a newborn everyday. The doctor said she is doing extremely well and looks perfect. Of course we couldn't agree more!

Although she sleeps in 4 hour increments most nights we have had some ruff ones too. The other night she refused to sleep and wanted to eat every hour. It made mommy very very cranky!!! It made me wish I started pumping already so Nicholas could have taken over a feeding shift.

Nicholas and I were also discussing how we think she'll be taking in no time. Already this kid is soooooo vocal. She grunts, coos, and yells all the time. She loves to make noises, we assume she'll be loud once she starts talking as well. I wish I could blame that trait on Nicholas but I think we both contributed our share to that one. Just ask our parents.








She is also just like me that she doesn't like to cuddle. Sometimes I can get her to lay on my chest but she defiantly prefers to sprawl out as you can see.










When you do hold her, she puts herself in to the weirdest positions to fall asleep. I now understand why my belly was so lopsided. she would do the same thing until my skin was stretched to capacity and I had a huge bulge sticking out my side. I think this is the position she used to tortured me for 9 months.