Thursday, December 29, 2011

32 week appointment

With so much going on, it's hard to believe that it's only been 2 weeks since my last appointment and I'll be back in 2 more weeks for another check up! Everything is going well. My blood pressure is good and Alex's heart rate is good. The nurse said that Alex's heart rate is 136, which surprised me because it has been in the 150s. She said that their heart rate can be anywhere between 130 - 180 and there are many factors that can affect the heart rate. I imagine that it's lower because he was sleeping. He didn't move around and made it easy for the nurse to find his heartbeat and not have to search for it. I know he was up late last night because I could feel him moving. I thought he was going to karate kick his way out last night!! A couple of kicks really hurt. I told the nurse that at my last 2 appointments they had a hard time getting a clear sound of the heartbeat and she said that it's because my placenta is toward the front, so that is why the sound of the blood going through the placenta is so much louder than the sound of Alex's heartbeat. It's nothing to be concerned about, it just explains it.

It's a long video, but you can really hear his heartbeat.



The doctor measured me at 35 cm, so that is much bigger than I should be at this point. He isn't concerned and said that it could just be Alex's position. In 2 weeks I get to have an ultrasound to check his weight and position. That will be a fun appointment!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas! We had a fun day today! Robbie was up on the earlier side of normal (6:15), but I figure that's sleeping in on Christmas. After Robbie had breakfast we opened presents. I love that Robbie was more into opening his presents compared to just a couple of months ago when we opened his birthday presents. We weren't in a hurry, but Robbie went through the gifts pretty quickly. He has enjoyed playing with them today (as well as gifts that he has already opened from Grandma and Abuelo and Grandpa and GiGi). Matthew and I gave Robbie a ride on fire truck and Robbie has had fun pushing it around.

We went to church this morning. There wasn't any child care, so Robbie sat with us. We sat in the back and several other families with young kids had the same idea. We brought plenty of Puffs and Cheerios to keep Robbie's mouth full. :) I like to say that he agreed with the pastor a couple of times. Toward the end of the service a few of the kids started talking to each other. It was really cute. I'd say that Robbie did well overall, but next week he'll be back in the nursery!

We had a light lunch because we had a big dinner planned. Matthew cooked a ham, made REAL mashed potatoes (that's a big deal considering our mashed potatoes usually come from a box), corn and rolls. We also had a bottle of sparkling grape juice. It was all very good.

Robbie Skyped with Patrick, Mariruth, Caitlin and Will, and with Nana later. We let him play a little while longer before getting him ready for bed. He was so tired he could hardly keep his eyes open while we put his pj's on him. Robbie gave both Matthew and me good night kisses! It was my first kiss from him, though I think Matt has already gotten a few. Best Christmas present ever!!

Circling his first Christmas present



Found a good place to start



What is is?



Getting off the rest of the wrapping paper



Pushing the buttons



Taking off!



Playing with his cell phone from Uncle Nick and Aunt Robyn



Showing off his new forks and spoons from Uncle Patrick and Aunt Ruthie



Is Simba my gift, too?



Checking out his new car from Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Chat



Our Christmas present from Robbie



Footprint snowman



Footprint Christmas tree



Footprint Santa



Robbie and his new truck

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Visit with Grandpa, GiGi and Aunt Brittany

Jim, Jean and Brittany came up for a visit yesterday. They got in town around lunch time, so we met them at a restaurant for lunch. Robbie tried to include the entire restaurant in our conversation. Luckily there weren't too many people there, so hopefully they thought it was cute, not annoying!

Robbie fell asleep on the way home, so we had a chance to visit while he was napping. Later that afternoon we drove down to St. Augustine. It was fun walking around, and our "guests" hadn't been there in a long time. The city decorates with a lot of lights. I was sad that I forgot to bring the camera. After dinner we walked to the Lightner Museum because the gardens and building looked nice with all of the lights. We saw a bride, though we couldn't figure out if the man she was with was the groom (he looked a lot older), and a couple get engaged. It was a beautiful place for both a wedding and an engagement!

Whether everyone was ready or not, Robbie was up before 7 this morning. I thought I'd let Jim and Jean have grandparent time with him while I slept in. :) Jim has taken it upon himself to go to Panera to pick up bagels for breakfast whenever they come visit. He's done it so often he knows what bagels we all like! Since Robbie didn't want to nap we headed out to Babies R Us. Jim and Jean bought Alex his bedding and sheets. I'll take pictures when it's all set up. We also found a toddler swing set that we bought for Robbie. Then we drove to the west side of town and had lunch at a restaurant that Jean's friend suggested. There are some cute stores that we browsed and Robbie got to pet some stuffed dogs. You would have thought they were real dogs, but it's so cute!

We came home and opened presents. Robbie got some new books, a cute monkey bath towel (I'll have to get a picture of him in it!) and a toy car garage. It's fun watching Robbie playing with the garage, though he also thought it was a new seat for him. I said he was acting like Godzilla, because he was stepping on it and if there were little people in the cars you would probably hear them screaming.

We had a good visit and look forward to seeing them again when Alex arrives!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Visit with Grandma and Abuelo

Since we aren't traveling for Christmas this year my parents came up last weekend to celebrate with us. It was warm to be celebrating Christmas, but I don't think it's going to be any different on Sunday.

My parents drove up Friday. The only bad thing is that they missed seeing Robbie before he went to bed, but they were ready to play Saturday morning! After breakfast we drove up to Amelia Island. Matthew took the scenic route so Robbie could get in a good nap. It didn't quite work as we planned because Robbie didn't sleep the whole time, but we got to see a part of Florida that my parents hadn't seen before (and I think I've only driven through one other time). There was a very small farmer's market that we walked through and mom and Robbie each got a banana. We walked around the city for a while before deciding on a place for lunch.

After lunch we stopped and I bought some fudge. My dad found out that the owner (I think he was the owner) was going to make some fudge, so we stayed for the show. The fudge was poured on a marble table and he moved it around to help it harden. He would also toss ribbons of fudge in the air. My dad asked him why he did that and he said because it's fun!

Grandma, Robbie and Abuelo



Taking a stroll



The fudge on the table



Fudge ribbon



Can you see fudge on the ceiling?




After dinner Robbie (ok, Matt and I) opened his gifts from my parents. He kept trying to play with the toys before they came out of the box, so I know they were good gifts!

Mom made French toast before church Sunday. Afterward we filled up on free samples at Costco before coming home to tortilla soup that had been cooking in the crock pot. They didn't stay too much longer, but some people had to work Monday.

We pretty much have the furniture in place in Alex's room. There's still plenty to do, but it's getting closer to being done!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

More furniture for Alex!

Matt and I went to a consignment store tonight to look for a Christmas gift for Robbie. After going to a couple of consignment stores and seeing the toys they have and the good condition they are in I figure it's better to get them there and pay less for them. We ended up not finding what we were looking for, but as soon as we walked in we were greeted with a changing table that matches the furniture we bought for Alex. It's not in perfect condition, but it's pretty close! There were two identical changing tables, so we even had our pick. (We chose the one with the drawer that actually opened.) After walking around a little bit I saw a glider and ottoman. The wood is darker than the furniture, but I'm not complaining. We saved $90 on the changing table and anywhere from $125 - $225 on the glider depending on what brand it is. (There isn't a tag for me to tell for sure, but it's a great deal either way!!)

The glider, ottoman and changing table (that Matt didn't have to put together!)



The glider and ottoman



The changing table next to Alex's dresser



The glider may end up in Robbie's room if we switch it with the recliner that is in his room. I remember when Robbie was first born that I slept many nights in the recliner and that may happen again when Alex is born.

Robbie is 14 months old!!

Robbie turned 14 months yesterday. (I kept saying he was turning 19 months since the date was the 19th.) He is starting to walk a lot more. We have decided that we need to put shoes on him whenever we go out so we can let him walk more. Turning is still difficult for him, so he usually walks to a wall or piece of furniture and then turn. While he talks a lot more, almost everything is "da da" or "ba ba". He will say "no" when he doesn't want something (usually food). He definitely lets you know his opinion, especially when he's tired and cranky. He has been sleeping great, though! I almost hate to say that and jinx it!

Robbie at 2 months



Robbie at 14 months



Not a good picture, but look how long he is!



Big smile and dimples



A short video of Robbie.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Single Digit Weeks!

I am 31 weeks pregnant today. That means only 9 weeks left! I'm so ready to meet Alex, but we still have plenty to do before he arrives. I'm not too worried about getting it all done before he arrives, though. We have what we need for the first few weeks, so if we're not ready we still have time to get things done.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

30 week appointment

Today I went in for my 30 week appointment. I can't believe we are 75% of the way to Alex's due date! I am trying hard not to think about him coming early like Robbie did, but it is always in the back of my mind. I am more likely to have an early delivery since Robbie came early, but, of course, every baby is different. So I just keep thinking "February 20" and not "January".

The doctor's office is right next to the hospital, so I got there early to pre-register for the delivery. I picked up the paperwork at the hospital 3 weeks ago after my last appointment. I thought all I had to do was drop it back off, but there were other consent forms that I had to fill out. Good thing I got there early!

I forgot to bring my camera to video the heartbeat, but it was pretty much like the last visit. You could hear the heartbeat, but it wasn't very clear. Alex's heart rate is in the 150's, which is good. He did move around a couple of times and made the nurse work to get a good reading.

I was surprised when, after a short wait, the nurse came back in to tell me that the doctor I was supposed to see was called to do a surgery. She said it would only take 20 minutes and I could wait for her or see another doctor. I opted to see another doctor since Matthew was at home with Robbie, so I couldn't spend all morning waiting for the doctor to get out of surgery. (Maybe it did only take her 20 minutes, but I wasn't going to bet on it!) Dr. B measured me at 31 cm, just a little big (I should be 30 cm because it's supposed to be 1 cm per week of pregnancy). She also mentioned that my glucose level was 114 and anything below 135 is good. (I didn't ask at my last appointment and apparently that disappointed a lot of people!) While the doctor isn't concerned, she still had me schedule an ultrasound in 4 weeks to make sure Alex isn't too big since I don't want to have a C-section this time. I'm excited about seeing Alex one more time before the delivery.

I will go back for another check up in 2 weeks and then 2 weeks after that (4 weeks from today) will be the ultrasound and a check up with the doctor. The usual prenatal plan is to go in again 2 weeks after that and then once a week until the delivery. I never made it to my 36 week appointment with Robbie, so we'll see how far I get this time! :)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Alex's dresser

Matt attempted to put Alex's dresser together last night, but we had other things that needed to get done, so it got put together tonight. We haven't figured out exactly how we want Alex's room arranged, so the dresser and crib probably aren't in their final place, but at least they are ready to be used!

Are all of the pieces in here?



Checking out the hardware.



Are the instructions here, too?



The frame is done.



The back is on.



The finished product.



It might seem like Matthew did all of the work, but I did do the last screw in the crib and dresser! :)

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Alex's crib and silly Robbie

We have been slowly moving stuff out of the guest bedroom/office to get it ready for Alex. We bought the crib and furniture when my parents were here a few weeks ago and picked it up after Thanksgiving. Matt put the crib together this evening. He had a little helper, too! It seemed to go much quicker than when we put Robbie's crib together, but they are a little different and this time we had practice!

Testing the strength of the wood.



What part do we need first?



We don't need this.



The screw goes here, Daddy.


Never enough supervisors!



Half way done!



Mattress springs in place.



It's finished!



Robbie testing it out.



What do you mean this isn't my new bed?



Yesterday at lunch, Robbie was banging on his tray with a pen so I decided to give him a fork. He stabbed a few pieces of avocado, but still needed help getting them into his mouth.

This isn't how you do it?



Got it!



Let's try again.



I got another one!!



Robbie drank a lot of milk today (not complaining!) and figured out a way to get around with his sippy cup.

Look, no hands!



I can crawl with it, too.





He was also doing laps in the family room with his walking toy. Unfortunately whenever he would see the camera he would get distracted.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Thanksgiving and Robbie walking

I realize that it's December and Thanksgiving was a week and a half ago, but I didn't know where the camera was and pictures make the blogs so much better! :)

We headed down Wednesday morning a little later than we had planned, and made it to Mimi and Gramps' house after lunch. Unfortunately we couldn't join everyone for lunch because Robbie's stomach doesn't last as long as ours. Mariruth (Matt's sister-in-law) and Will (nephew) flew down Tuesday night, so they and Barbara met us at Mimi and Gramps'. We visited with them for a couple of hours and then headed to Barbara's. We hoped Robbie would take a nap, but I guess he had too much energy from being in the car all morning. Later we met up with Mark for dinner. Monett and Gary were going to come, but Gary had to work late, so they didn't make it. After dinner we went to my parents' house because we were sleeping there the whole trip.

Thanksgiving was a big day for us. We had lunch at Mimi and Gramps' house with all of that side of the family. There were 19 adults and 3 kids. (Patrick and Caitlin, Matt's brother and niece, drove in Wednesday night.) I think Mimi and Gramps are going to have to build a bigger house if we are all going to fit in there much longer! :) Lunch was late for Robbie's schedule, so he had a sweet potato appetizer before the main course. He really liked the turkey.

Mimi and Gramps have a place on their wall for pictures of their great grandkids. Alex's spot is ready and waiting!



Robbie eating sweet potatoes with his make-shift bib because we left his at my parents' house.



Robbie and Caitlin "wrestling".



It's hard to get a good picture when youngins are involved!



After lunch we went to my parents' house. Mom was just leaving to pick up my grandma when we pulled in. Grandma got to spend some time with us and Robbie before my brother and his family arrived. I know my mom feels bad that we have the same thing for lunch and dinner, but I don't. It's one of the few times a year I get turkey, so I have to get my fill of it!! They also had a Honey Baked Ham, so Robbie had that for dinner. My niece, Mia, is so good with Robbie. They played a lot together. Robbie is getting more fun now that he can do more, too. :)

The cousins playing together.



Reading with Abuelo.



Sitting in the rocking chair.



We spent Friday with Matt's dad and family. Patrick, Mariruth and the kids spent the night at their house, so they were there, too. After breakfast we went to the kids museum. I think I would have had fun there even if we didn't have kids! They had a lot to do and I don't think we saw everything. I know I didn't anyway.

Shooting water with Daddy.



Putting the ball in the track with Aunt Brittany.



The different buttons would make the animal sound.



Of course he's not happy, someone's taking his picture and there's a fire to fight!!



We had lunch at the museum and then went to the playground outside. It was a different playground that didn't have the traditional equipment (swings, slides, etc), but it had a lot of fun other options. There was a 3-way see-saw that Matt, Jean and I got on. Someone there brought his pig, so we went over to check her out. From there we went to another playground that had swings and slides.

Checking out the pig.



Happy to be swinging.



Checking on Will.



After the park it was just a short walk to where there was a Christmas tree lighting and festival. We walked around for a while and took our picture in front of the Christmas tree.

All of us.



Grandpa, GiGi and the grandkids.



Jim and Jean wanted to take us to a Chick-fil-a that goes all out decorating for Christmas. It was pretty amazing. They had lights that were synced to music, a "snow" machine and Santa was there. Will did the best with Santa, but probably because he had no idea what was going on. Caitlin wouldn't even go near him and Robbie cried when I tried to put him on Santa's lap.







The best picture with Santa.



Saturday morning my mom and I headed up to visit my grandma. We walked down to one of the lounges that has 3 big fish tanks. Robbie liked to look at the fish, but he really liked playing with the decorative sea shells that were on a plate on a table. Most of them ended up on the floor, but he also shared them with me, mom and grandma. Grandma gave him some crackers when we were leaving and gave him a ride on her walker. He gets so spoiled! :)

Catching a ride with Nana.



A mouth full of crackers.



For lunch, Matt, Robbie and I headed over to Mimi and Gramps. We did a Christmas gift exchange with Caitlin and Will since we won't see them at Christmas. Caitlin pretty much got to open everyone's gifts since Robbie and Will are too young to do it themselves. Sometimes it's good to be the oldest one!

Caitlin and Robbie playing the piano.



Caitlin opening a gift while Robbie plays with the ribbon.



Mom and dad had Jonathan and the family over for dinner. Chat was in charge of dessert both times. Thursday night we had apple upside down cake. Saturday we had a chocolate-covered Saltine dessert that I don't know the name of, but I know I love it!

Sunday we just hung out at my parents' house and watched football. Dad tried out a new recipe on us. I don't know if it was a keeper recipe or not, though. I liked it.

Dad and Robbie in the kitchen.



Robbie took his first steps on his birthday, but usually only takes a couple of steps at a time and not very often. He's been doing it more lately and really likes to walk around holding your hand. Today he started taking more steps more often. These aren't his first steps, but the video is the first one we have of him walking. Matt is taking the video, but Robbie is walking toward me.