Week 8

Today as I curled up into bed for a much-needed nap, I struggled to get comfortable--stretching out makes my stomach feel icky, curling up too tight doesn't feel great, either--and I thought, "Week six is sick. Oh wait. I'm at week eight. Well, week eight ain't great. Hm...I think I've heard that before...."

Until now it's been hard to tell I'm pregnant. I'm still not showing, no real weight gain, and only a slight bit of gagginess. But this week has been harder. My stomach has hurt more, foods have seemed less appealing to me (though I've been more hungry), and the fatigue I've felt for several weeks has not let up. Add in a fussy, teething son and a husband trying to get his bearings at a new job and it's made for a hard week. Oh, yeah, and being pregnant makes me crabby. Bah humbug.

But, apart from that, I'd say this pregnancy is going well. I kind of expected to be showing a little by this time, but not yet! I have gained 2.5 pounds, but I'm thinking that might be more attributed to moving to a new town and going out to eat, going to potlucks, receiving food from friends, etc. There's a lot of eating that goes on around here!

We've decided on an insurance plan finally! We thought we were going to have to go with a plan that required we pay 20% of all costs. No copays, instead we pay 20% of each dr. visit, 20% of each sonogram, 20% of the hospital bills, anesthesiologist, any NICU drs who might need to be present at the birth (as they were with Caleb). Yeah, we saw all those bills that Caleb accrued. Twenty percent is not just ugly; it's impossible!

Last week we found a company who would accept my pre-existing pregnancy. The policy is a little more expensive, but not as much as we'd have to pay in bills with the first policy. So I think we've made a good decision. Now I'm just hoping we get approved quickly so we can find a doctor here. I don't think I need to go to another appointment for at least two weeks, so there's time. If all else fails, there's a nurse at our church who does sonograms, and we might ask her if we could at least get a sonogram and check the basics out. Make sure Newbie2 is still happy in his little floaty world!

This week the little guy has fingers and toes and is about the size of a kidney bean. And we love him!

14 Months

Caleb is just about 14 months old, and has been an Arkansan for a little over a week. Many people have asked about his adjustment, and it's really hard to say. The doctor had told me that he wouldn't really notice much, but I think he knows something is different.

The separation anxiety that seemed to last so long--and he finally grew out of a couple months ago--has returned in full force. Caleb's blood-curdling screams can be heard throughout the church nursery and beyond. I'm told he quiets down within a few minutes and wants to be held most of the rest of the time, perhaps finally venturing to play. It's sad to hear that my little boy is having such trouble, but I know that the workers are loving and caring to him, and I'm thankful for the small number of children so I know he gets the attention he needs. When he's with me--at home or out--he's very clingy, and I've held him more in the last week than I have in a long time.

Caleb has also been very resistant to naptime. I'm a fan of leaving him in his crib to fall asleep on his own--which has worked fine in the past--but lately a successful naptime has required lots of wrestling a wiggly boy, lots of screams, lots of rocking and shushing, and eventually a peaceful babe in my arms. Jon has had better luck, and he's in charge of naptime whenever available.

To top it off, Caleb is teething big-time. His fourth bottom tooth is s-l-o-w-l-y coming in. What I thought would arrive by Christmas might actually make an appearance in the next week. Maybe. And what are those big bumps in the back of his mouth? Is my boy getting molars? And based on his crabbiness, I'd say he might be getting them all at once. I can't get a good look at the top set, but he's definitely got two coming in on the bottom. For Caleb that means waking up in the night and some short-tempered-ness. One night we had him on both Tylenol and Motrin at once, a first for us.

However, despite the dismal picture I've painted in the previous paragraphs, most of the time Caleb is his happy self, talking up a storm and ready to face any challenge. He loves the puppy that lives in the yard behind us. The minute we go outside he starts calling out, "Puppy! Puppy!" and makes a bee-line for the fence. "Outside" is now becoming familiar to him, and he also has the patience (and understanding) to wait for me to get his shoes and jacket before leaving the house. He's a pro walker now, though he doesn't navigate steps very well. When he comes to a step (even just a slight one) he turns to me, holds up his hand, and waits until I've got a good grip on him. When he's past the obstacle, he slips his hand out of mine and is off on his own. I'm trying to teach him to hold my hand as we walk, but he's just so excited!

Caleb has shifted from "Mama" and "Dada" to "Mommy" and "Daddy." I personally had wanted to be called "Mama," but can't resist the little voice behind me in the van.

"Mommy"
"Yes, Caleb?"
"Mommy!"
"Yes?"
"Mommy"
"Caleb!"
"Mommy!"
"Caleb!"
"Bo wheega ba bbbbbbb peesh dat."

It's a highly intelligent conversation. And it makes me happy.

Speaking of names, though, I'm not quite sure Caleb has figured out exactly which one of his parents is Mommy and which is Daddy. For the most part he gets it right (like our conversations in the car), but at other times it's fairly interchangeable.

He has enjoyed all the boxes to unpack here in our new house. He's also enjoying finding new places to stash things. His large magnets on the fridge are rarely on the fridge; sometimes they move to the dishwasher, but most times they are in the bottom of a trash can (along with other treasures found throughout the day) or spread out through the house. I could account for 5 of the 8 earlier today. I just hope I haven't thrown any away!

So all in all Caleb is definitely dealing with some adjustments, whether from the move or teething or both, but he is also still a happy and healthy boy. When you drop your kids off in the nursery on Sunday, I'd appreciate it if you'd say a little prayer for Caleb and the workers with him.

Newbie2's First Appointment

We got to see our first glimpse of little Newbie2 today! And "little" is an understatement! We thought we were almost 8 weeks along, and come to find out we're not quite 6 weeks! Newbie2 is only 2mm long. That's teeny tiny! But it was still big enough to see a heartbeat. Gosh, what an amazing sight. A HEART in a 2mm baby!! For whatever reason, the sono was done internally this time--a first for me, and really not that pleasant. No, I would not choose that if I had the choice next time.

But everything looks good. The nurse was a little concerned and wanted to test my progesterone levels, but it was just because she doesn't usually see patients so early in pregnancy and it made her nervous.

We're moving in two days, so I really wanted to see Dr. K and tell her bye. I was disappointed to find out I was only going to see the nurse, but when I explained, she hunted down the doctor. Dr. K came in and gave me a hug and said she would miss seeing the next baby. She commented on how big Caleb was now, and I tried unsuccessfully to express my appreciation for her. Seriously, it's strange the connection I feel to her, and probably every woman feels toward the doctor who brought their child into the world. Yeah, I had a lot to do with it, and it wouldn't have happened at all without a God in control, but the day after Caleb was born, I felt like Dr. K was my sister who had brought about a miracle.

Yeah, I'm sure she feels the same way about me.

Poor OBs with moms fawning all over them. What a weird field. Science + pregnancy hormones = mom fans for life. It explains why every OB office has a bulletin board with photos of kids plastering it. I've always wondered if the OB ever cared that much (and kind of think they don't), but moms feel such a connection that they're sure their doctor would want to see the progress of the child they brought into the world. Just like I felt it was important to bring Caleb to this appointment. Ridiculous? Yes.

Moment of Weakness and general update

Well yesterday I caved. It had been a week since weaning Caleb. I was in some serious pain, and Caleb had been out of sorts all day. He wouldn't go to sleep, and I was planning on trying to get some milk out somehow that afternoon, so after a bit of deliberation, I decided to let Caleb nurse. He didn't get upset (like he sometimes does when he knows he's about to eat), and when I "closed up shop" after only a couple minutes, he didn't seem to mind. I was feeling a lot more comfortable and he seemed a little calmer. So...hopefully no harm done!

Whether weaning is related or not, Caleb has been acting differently this weekend. Very short naps and refusal to eat some foods that he normally likes. The poor guy has been going on not much sleep, and then he's kind of a mess by the end of the day!

But, in other news, he's still such a joy. He makes me smile all the time, and is certainly working on his sense of humor. He does things now because he knows I think they're funny. He's also doing his best to master the spoon, get on and off of his tractor, climb, and even run. He loves to put things in and take things out, which is most unhelpful while packing moving boxes! I've found a carrot in the toaster, the monitor gets hidden in all sorts of nooks and crannies, cheerios in my guitar, and yet none of Caleb's books are back in their book box. Hm...

And that's about as much update as I've got for tonight! Be praying for our little boy as he's shuffled around this week, and then as he transitions to a new home on Friday.

Nursing, Weaning, and smelling slightly of Cabbage...

When Caleb turned 1 year, it was assumed that I would wean (or had already weaned) him. However, I had not. I was pretty content with the way things were, and wanted Caleb to instigate the weaning process.

However, I realized two things:
1) Caleb is an easy-going fella. If I offered, he nursed. If I didn't offer, he was fine. I could see this "letting him decide" method taking a long time.
2) Jon has been expressing a desire for the two of us to go away overnight sometime, something we can't do until Caleb is weaned.

It was really #2 that decided it for me. Caleb has had a whole year of good-for-you breast milk, and it would be okay if he didn't have it any more. And if my husband (who has more say in our relationship that our child) gives a reasonable request, then I'm happy to honor it.

So, we began the process of weaning. I chose to drop a feeding a week, replacing it with whole milk. Caleb did great through it all! He has transitioned very well. Jon has been getting to spend some of those special moments with Caleb, which both have really enjoyed. And I've enjoyed getting to stay in bed a little longer in the mornings...or at least getting in the shower while Jon gave Caleb his milk.

I have to admit, though, that the first few days I was glued to the monitor, listening to the quiet coos of my baby just waking up. We're on day five now, so I think it's safe for me to start going in and enjoying the morning routine again.

So, day five. It's not just Caleb who has to adjust. I've had some milk machines pumpin' out the good stuff for over a year now. Four to three feedings was painful for a day or two. The others were really not bad. Except this last one. Day five of no feedings and I've finally succumbed to the cabbage leaves remedy. Evidently cold cabbage leaves relieve pain not just because they're cool, but also because they have a chemical element that helps dry milk up. What a wonderful world. It's too soon to report if it works, yet.

So, there we are. Caleb is weaned. I'm learning to let my little boy grow up. I smell slightly of cabbage. And Jon and I are working on that weekend getaway. :)

The big news dampened by life

Today Jon and I have been making phonecalls about insurance and doulas (because I've decided I really want a doula this time around). It turns out that insurance companies aren't too keen on insuring pregnant women. Though in a way we're in luck, because the company we'd decided on pre-pregnancy doesn't offer maternity coverage the whole first year of having a policy, so we would have been stuck if we'd gotten pregnant sometime next year. (And considering that the baby bug bit me about 6 months after Caleb was born, the likelihood was pretty high that we'd get pregnant this next year.) As for doulas, well, good luck finding one south of I-30. The closest one I can find is almost 3 hours away. I called an OB office in town and they didn't even know what a doula was! The nurse asked if I had a good friend in town that I could ask to help out. So let's hope I make some really good friends in the next eight months.

That, plus another look at the budget--which for some reason is not adding up--and I just don't feel real excited about my news. We haven't told anyone but close family (and those are good stories I'll be sure to tell eventually). I know I need to call a few friends, but just don't feel chipper enough to muster an excited announcement.

Dave and Karen are coming over tonight to celebrate, and I know they will be encouraging and happy. Sounds like just what we need!

State Fair of Texas

Jon and I have been married for seven years, and we have gone to the State Fair of Texas six of those seven years, so far as we can remember. Every year we go with a different couple or group. Last year I was pregnant, so we took it nice and slow and probably spent a little too much time resting in the latest and greatest Toyota Tundra, as evidenced by the people waiting for their turn when we finally got out.

This year we decided to take Caleb. It's been a special tradition for us, and I wanted to share it with Caleb even though he won't remember it. Since we'd been so many times, it wasn't as important to us to see the shows or ride the rides. We found out that the State Fair offers lots of discounts during the week, so we went on a Wednesday for two Dr Pepper cans and a few dollars!

The morning dawned grey and rainy. I had Bible study that morning, and Jon was working, so I hoped for the sun to come out before we left. As the day progressed, I realized we were in for a wet time, so I ran out and bought a rain cover for the stroller, hoping we wouldn't have to use it. Caleb and I picked Jon up downtown at 2pm and headed to Dallas.

This was our first view of the State Fair.

Not very promising, I know. But by the time we got our tickets and made it inside, the rain had stopped! It wasn't even drizzling! Everything was wet, but it wasn't raining, and for that I was happy.

Jon and I really go to the fair for the food. Here's Caleb trying fair foods:

Okay, so maybe he didn't try the nacho with the jalapeno....

A nice lady in the exhibit section gave Caleb a ball.

We listened to the Vita Mix guy...who gave us a hard time because we've been six times and still haven't bought one. Okay, so maybe we're just there for the samples...if anyone has $300 to drop on us, we'd love a VitaMix. :)

We saw Elsie the cow...

Got a caricature of ourselves by this guy! That was so much fun!

And Caleb and I went into the petting zoo to see these guys.

The camel with his pet donkey really made me laugh.

When the sun went down and the Midway started picking up, the fair gets kind of creepy. So we finished up for the evening and headed home. It was a great day.

Roomie Reunion, To the Zoo!

Besides going out on the town, my roomies and I headed to the zoo during Roomie Reunion 2009. We loaded up the boys and headed out. The boys...well, they sacked out before we even got there!

But they managed to wake up when we arrived.

See mom? I'm ready to see the animals, I promise.

And animals they saw! Here are their reactions to the gorillas.

Aunt Leanna showing Caleb the white tiger.

Ian pushing his stroller...such a helper!

Caleb checking out another animal.

Our group: Karen, Leanna, Ian and Caleb.

Ian using a "walking stick."

I think Caleb enjoyed the zoo.

Roomie Reunion, Cousin-Style

When I still worked, Caleb got to spend one day a week with his cousin. It was good bonding time for the boys, but Caleb was so tiny, and Ian so active, that it wasn't until the end (when Caleb could sit up) that they really started interacting with each other. So it was so much fun for Caleb and Ian to spend some quality time together during Roomie Reunion 2009.

First, there was the puppy that visited us. Ian absolutely fell in love with him, and who wouldn't? Look at him!

We were all pretty smitten, and tried several times to take him to a shelter, but each time he disappeared. I guess he liked his life of freedom.

Then there was bathtime fun. The boys got on a roll with the splashing! The mamas had to protect themselves with a towel!

Caleb is now big enough to really enjoy playtime with Ian, though Ian still got the best of him sometimes.

Caleb didn't seem to mind.

Little Elf

Eight Days 'Til Christmas!

And a little elf is making up a vacuum cleaner for someone special!

Who is this Stranger in my house??

And whose grand idea was it to give him a big boy haircut??








Other big boy things: Eating an apple...or trying!


And eating with a spoon...or trying!

Tidbits

I got my nose wiped today with a baby wipe. Quite refreshing. Sadly, it was the last wipe in my diaper bag, and now I have to go buy a new package. It was fun to watch Caleb explore the package, figure out how to open it (and get the sticker part stuck on his bum), and finally pull the wipe out and proceed to wipe his hair...and then my nose.

Caleb tried hot chocolate this morning. He didn't mind it, but he LOVED the empty coffee cup and spoon. He's been playing with those all day! Stirring imaginary food, banging, and pretending to sip from the cup...so much fun!

He's added "dog" to his list of words. So "dog" and "puppy" but no "cat" or "kitty??" I'm confused about that one!

*Cross my fingers* Caleb seems to be growing out of his separation anxiety. I know--about time! But just in the last few weeks has he done really well when we drop him off in nursery--even in an unfamiliar nursery in Arkansas! Of course, the nursery worker there was tempting him with sausage biscuit....

Caleb tried eggs today for the first time. He wasn't really a fan. He ate a couple of pieces, but after that took it out of his mouth. But I understand. Eggs aren't for everyone.

It's so fun to see Caleb walking! He doesn't get very far, and he still has to pull up on something to get started, but it's just neat. What a day it will be when seeing him walking will be normal.

Caleb is silly. He likes to laugh and thinks things are funny (like Mama burping at lunch...not that I DID that). He has a good disposition for the most part, though he definitely likes things his way. He's starting to play more by himself which is really neat to watch.

And he will be ONE next week.

Words Words Words

Caleb is getting quite a few words under his belt!
Here are the words he's saying, and how he says them:
Mama: Mama
Daddy: Dada
Ball: Bah
Uh-oh: uh-oh
Puppy: Bah-bah
All done!: Dah-dah (As in "done, done")
Mouth: Mah

He can also point to my mouth when I ask where Mama's mouth is.

I know that some of those aren't really words in the English language, but they are sounds that Caleb is attributing to those objects, so they're words in his book. Most of this has happened in the last week, plus the whole walking thing...this is one proud mama!

Caleb's Walking!

Today Caleb just up and walked! It had been a couple steps here, a few steps there for the last few days, but boom! Today he just waltzed across the room--several times, and without anyone coaxing him! It was so much fun.

I got a little clip on my phone. My friend Emily is the one holding Caleb. The quality is pretty bad, but what an awesome accomplishment!

Fall Fest Fun

More pictures in my Picasa Album!