41 Week Checkup: Induction Set

Alrighty then… Friday evening and we are almost 41 weeks! I feel like writing it all down this time, maybe so I remember all these crazy details…I don't know, but here we go.  I had my appointment today and the Dr was shocked to see me; I told her I was surprised to be here still!

Stats:

I haven't gained any weight in like 2-3 weeks!

2cm Dilated
80% effaced

Induction is scheduled.

I will go in Monday 1/19 and have him by Tuesday 1/20.  That is, if he doesn't come on his own!


I am still fighting off this cold, but oh my gosh, am I having some pretty gnarly braxton hicks!! Maybe they're a bit more like pre-labor contractions, but there is no rhyme or reason.  They're reminding me of the ones I had with Brooke Tues-Thurs before I went in for morphine and my water broke!  So, this could make for an interesting night.  They were so intense I'd say they woke me up 4-5 times last night every few hours.  Today they've come a few times I put the contraction timer on my phone, but nothing specific. Some every 20 mins and then nothing for an hour or two.  If they continue all day tomorrow while Joe is at work and I'm with Brooke by myself that could be awesome too… yikes!  On one hand having a toddler makes me try to not focus on them because she needs me.  She needs to eat, diapers changed, nose wiped, etc. etc.  Every time I sit, I get right back up to take care of something, so on one hand that is good because I know last time when I was pregnant with her, it just consumed me! Now I just breathe through them, they're pretty intense! It's so weird how every person goes through such different labors.  My kids just like to take their time and sort of torture me haha.

I've been living on soup (finally made my homemade chicken stock/soup) and bagels.  Kind of just all I want right now…lots of tea and liquids.

I made my final solo venture out (after my appointment that is) to go grab Joe's meds.  I decided to stock up on my postpartum essentials, ya know those super sexy things like hemroid/numbing spray, witch hazel Tucks pads, prep H wipes, huge maxi pads, epsom salt to bathe in, some new mascara, a Glamour magazine and eye shadow because I and to balance out the stool softeners.  #keepinitreal  I am being very optimistic that I will indeed need all of these items like last time and will not have a C section.  I am really trying to stay calm about all of it.

So I have, at the very most, all of Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  I can do this! Joe is taking off Monday to help get us ready, take care of Brooke while I go to the Non-stress test and check on baby once again.  We will then drop her off and head to the hospital to bring baby boy into the world!!

Kinda weird to have a plan in place, but I am so relieved to know this is the deal.  If I deliver Tuesday my favorite Dr will be on call too.  My practice usually has me see all the doctors all throughout the pregnancy, but this time I mostly saw one, until these last few weeks…but Dr Thomas is from Jamaica and I really get along well with him.  Although last time I had Dr Piquain from France and she was pretty cool too.  I had never met her, as she works at another office, but she was great. Anyway, I am very confident with knowing he'll be there.

This also means by Wednesday I can have sushi!!!!!! Wahoo! I'm drooling thinking about it haha.

My ring sling came today so I've been braiding it, playing with Brooke in it and really trying to break it in.  I put her doll in it and I really think I'm going to love it!  It will be perfect to tuck him in and carry him/nurse him around in.

It's kind of fun to see my husband's reactions to all of this.  It is crazy because we've been talking about this baby since May and now we KNOW he will be home by next weekend.  I can't wait to see him hold his son!!    All these emotions are a lot and I have a reel of memories constantly playing in my head.  From my sister's birthday where I kept saying, "It's the perfect storm!" to St. Martin, the first few nauseated months, and the last uncomfortable weeks…I walked by pregnancy tests at CVS today and I was like wow, never again!! So surreal and yet I am ready.

As for all of our colds, Brooke seems to be doing a lot better today!! She still has a runny nose and a cough, but she was running around and dancing and acting a lot better today.  Joe has the same dry cough that kept me up last time I was trying to sleep before having Brooke, and I felt the worst today.  So I am hoping tomorrow I am on the mend.  Seriously, don't have January babies in New York if you can help it haha! So many germs.  Oy.

I am going to rest and try to sleep as much as I can before "it happens" whenever that may be!  Again, keep up with me on instagram and twitter!  We appreciate any positive vibes and prayers. Thanks friends!!

40 Weeks 5 Days Pregnant

Still here, still pregnant!! I am actually hoping he stays put just a bit longer, not because I'm not dying to meet him, but because I have a bad cold!! Not surprising since I've been caring for Brooke and she has just been a hot mess these last few days.  There is no way I wanna give birth not feeling 100%,  I mean obviously I will if he decides to make his debut…but I have laid off any of the "inducing" methods that seem to work for some people. 

Last time around, I did have my acupuncturist hit me up with some work on my feet; if I am still prego next week, I will try that before induction.  Otherwise, I am just resting, eating chicken noodle soup, and enjoying the time with Brooke.  As anxious as I was a few days ago, I am really at peace with his late arrival.  I think part of it is that I know how much strength labor takes, along with the ability to care for him once he gets here.  I know that is what threw me the most with Brooke.  I wasn't expecting labor to be so hard (I don't know why) and I wasn't expecting to be so exhausted. (again, why?!) Now that I have gone through it and the whole breastfeeding process, I know what is expected of me and I would much rather have all my energy and strength to endure that.  So, maybe baby boy does know best and he is waiting until everyone is better!  

I'm definitely still 'nesting' OCD style.  I want my counters cleaned off and all of Brooke's toys picked up.  It's as if in my mind I'm like, OK, if we are to rush out of here, I don't want to come home to a mess!!  

I must say this living day to day thing is quite freeing.  I am so type A and normally schedule and plan everything (because it is easier to live that way!) but not knowing what each day/night brings, I am learning to be patient, let go, and to trust the process.  I also just ordered Jesus Calling, a daily devotional that I am trying to read a few times over each day.  I feel like the one passage a day is really meaningful and I have to let it sink in a few times to speak to me….pretty cool stuff! 

So while this post is kind of all over the place, I guess that I just wanted to document I'm doing well, sick, but emotionally/mentally I'm strong.  I've got this!! I just need to kick this darn cold to the curb!  I do have a hard time sleeping at night.  I am pretty much up every 2 hours to pee.  When he moves it sometimes really really hurts, but my goodness, he has got to be running out of room!! I do take comfort in feeling him wiggle around, and if I'm sitting up (like right now) my whole upper body sways if he moves----pretty weird!! 

Tomorrow I have my 41 week checkup and hopefully we can schedule an induction date that I am comfortable with.  My mom comes into town January 24th, and so ideally Joe would have a week off to be with me/baby/Brooke and then go back to work and she will be here…but who knows. Maybe everyone will be here now haha!

I will admit that the longer he bakes, the more I want to online shop.  I was going back and forth between the rock and play sleeper or a sakura bloom ring sling.  I have the bouncy seat and swing from Brooke, so I think the ring sling will be better. We already have some plans to take Brooke to Disney on Ice in Feb. so I know this little man will be worn A LOT!!   I also am interested in the Freshly Picked Moccasins, which are SO adorable.  But I have no clue how big his feet will be so I should probably just wait and measure when he is here. 

For now I will do a little more Essential Oil research, as I just got one more new on in the mail: Helichrysum.  I guess it can be used for labor, I really want to try it on my ear ringing/tinnitus that I have going on as well. 

So yeah, that's my scoop!! Follow me on Instagram/Twitter. I'll be posting any and all updates as they happen.  We are so excited to meet him and look forward to sharing our stories along the way. 

Baby Boy Nursery Reveal

Baby Boy's room is ready…we are only missing one thing: baby boy!!  I am 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant.  Brooke's cold is still pretty bad and I fear my throat is indeed getting even more scratchy.  I cannot fathom giving birth/taking care of a newborn while being sick, so waking up today, I thought to myself, today is not the day!! We will see.

I didn't do a specific theme for his room, but we did do woodland accents, with animals and his sheets have little arrows on them!  The color scheme was blue and orange, with neutral tones.

Mama's hospital bag has been packed and ready for weeks now.  I keep it in here because it's never been used and it's got some snacks in it and I don't want Holly eating them. 

Lion friend is from Grandma Maria, little lovie fox is from Grandma Shari, and the little fox is from mommy.   Daddy and I got that blanket in Mexico on a vacation years ago.

Sheets & Bedskirt are from Land of Nod.

We are using the same glider from Brooke as well as the little "nursing station" cabinet which I've had for years.  The sound machine did wonders for your sister and I hope it will work as well on you too!

Great Grandma Tornatola made your blue blanket and Great Grandma Owl made your burp cloth.

Daddy picked out your lamp at Home Depot I think.  Both Boppy covers were handmade and purchased on etsy.

Sign is from Hobby Lobby.

The changing station.  The hamper was mine I bought years ago, I just bought a net bag for easy transport off of Amazon.

We are using the same changing pad and dresser we used for Brooke.  I purchased the cover off of Amazon.

I grabbed these baskets at Marshall's to organize with.

Your little onesie from Great Grandma Owl...



All of your toys!! I bought this blue basket at Marshalls for our living room awhile back, I think even before I was pregnant.  I love that it is blue and matches for all your toys!  Some are sister's old toys she doesn't really play with and some are brand new, just waiting for you!

Nana and Papa made your sign.

Your closet is full of blankets: some were mommy's, daddy's, sister's, and some are brand new for you! Lots of clothes from newborn-6 month are hung and ready to wear.

We have plenty of diapers too.

The "hole in the wall."  I suppose it's a cool architectural detail, since you can see it from our living room.  However, it was not safe nor sound proof until Daddy and Grandpa installed the plexiglass piece.

I found both the rod and the curtain on overstock.com.  I just wanted something sort of neutral and light, since the room can get dark. I also wanted thermo/blackout curtains, and these are perfect! I can tie it back too, which will be nice.

I love the arrow detail!

Your hospital bag is all packed!! I have some newborn sized clothing we were gifted, but I'm not sure you'll fit considering it's 5-8 lbs and you are already overdue.  Lots of soft and cuddle blankets to cuddle you with, and to take adorable photos of you in!

40 Weeks + 2 Days Preggo

Well, well, well.  Here we are on the 12th of January.  Brooke's party was a success (I'll blog about that separately!) and baby brother is still baking away!  I of course want to meet him, but I'm doing okay, other than being super uncomfortable at night.  My Pelvic Girdle Pain/SPD is horrendous right now on my left side.  I wince in pain turning over at night and am now using not only the snoogle to sleep but also an extra pillow.

Today has been low key; I am legit sitting in my fuzzy red robe at 3pm, no lie.  Brooke's cold seems to be coming to a head, lots of runny nose, coughing a bit more and definitely just has the sickies.  Not good!! I really don't want her sick while I go into labor, because then I'll worry about her…so hopefully she gets better and that is why baby bro is waiting.  We got to play with her new toys all morning and snuggle to some shows.  She is down for a nap, thank goodness, and we will play some more when she gets up.  She refused a nap yesterday, but then fell asleep on Daddy around 6 pm, and I don't think she's done that since she was like 6 months old!! He said he felt like it was his birthday, it was so sweet.

It's been snowing all day, but it's not a ton, just enough to be pretty and keep me from wanting to leave!  I keep checking the weather for a warm up, thinking that will be when baby Bradley makes his arrival, but no such luck.  It appears to be in the highs of 30 at most.  Good thing we have tons of warm blankets and clothes for him!

I've taken a bath in lavender essential oil, while sipping on my pineapple juice and am (sort of) watching The Bachelor from last Monday.  I kind of just don't know what else to do, haha!  I try to read but my mind wanders so I need silly distractions at this rate.  Still not a single labor sign and I was really up and about all day yesterday, so today I took the lazy road, maybe that will do something, maybe not.

I'm super excited to try out Blue Apron meals tonight; my friend Jamie said they sent her extra meals of the same variety, so she had her hubby hand them off to my hubby=score! Once again, I get out of dinner.  I hate getting too excited, but really I am just not feelin the whole menu plan/cook dinner thing.  I keep thinking, well any day baby boy will be here and I don't want to waste food!  But, we do need to eat. So, yay, thanks Jamie!!

I just keep trying to drink in these moments because I know that soon my world is going to be rocked by such an incredible baby boy!! It's funny because people keep asking me when he's going to be here---I have no clue?!  I do know my labor with Brooke started 4 days after her due date, and I didn't have her until a week after.  I really look forward to whatever day he decides!! And if he doesn't decide to come on his own, I am mentally preparing myself for an induction.  On one hand, that will be rather convenient for us to "schedule" it.  My body seemed to do okay with pitocin with Brooke; it wasn't perfect but I still and her vaginally and that was fine by me.

So that's the scoop!! Just trying to keep people updated as I know I have a lot of support and people thinking of us, so I appreciate it!! I will post on FB/Insta/Twitter if and when things get started!! I promise.  I also hope to take more videos this time around.  Ahhh! I can't wait to hold my baby boy.

Happy Due Date!! {40 weeks}

I was half tempted to title this "Updates" again, since clearly that is about as creative as I have been feeling these last few posts.  Oops!  It's all good though, I mean really.   I am literally due with baby #2 today.  I have been waiting for this day since I peed on those positive sticks back in May.  I was just hoping he'd actually be here by now.  Oh well!  He'll be here when he's ready.  So while the week started out kinda funky and me not feeling so hot, and thinking "any minute" I can assure you, I've stepped outta my comfort zone (of my home) and have thrown my hands in the air, and am just going with the flow.  I just couldn't stay inside any more.  I had wanted to be all hermit like the last few weeks, but then Friday came and I was like GET. ME. OUT.  

So out we went, in this chilly and cold Winter. Again, Brooke is super stoked about the weather.

I told her to say cheeeeeese-

We ran some errands with Daddy; the typical pick up rent checks at the P.O. box, bank to deposit, and then Kobe for lunch.  Ya know, that super amazing sushi restaurant I thought I'd be chowing down on fresh sushi salmon by now?!  Ya.  I sipped some Miso soup, edamame and some of Brookie's noodles. That's all I'm really feeling lately. So weird.

I really wanted to do something special with baby girl because her birthday is TOMORROW omg, and she's not going to be the only one soon.  So we went to the Museum of Play!!   I think Daddy had more fun than she did haha.

While he was mesmerized by the comic book/superhero section, I was trying to teach her how to whack a hero, or whatever it was.

We made a crown in the Reading adventure land and she danced around in the lego area.

Not a great shot, but she even got Daddy to ride the choo choo with her!

Last night I somehow managed to get a foot/leg massage. It never gets old. #besthubbythankyou And then, to make my night even better?!  My mother in law called and said they wanted to watch Brooke on Saturday….umm…OK!!

So what's a mama to do with a day to herself, ON her due date with baby #2?   Mani/Pedi of course!  I even had to ask my insta peeps what color…at first I picked on color and the lady started it and it was really ugly--like a green, even though the sample looked grey.  Luckily she didn't like it either and I had a re-do.  Yup. I was that girl.  Oh well, I think the whole "it's my due date" and me being out and about freaks people out.  Everyone is being so nice to me! Not that they're ever mean, but ya know. I definitely feel like I'm getting a little bit of special treatment right now.  #dontmindifido

All said and done I went with an onyx gel of sorts.  I totally burned my finger on my chi the other day too, ow!

Hubs texted me and said we were actually going out to dinner, which means I don't have to cook tonight. SCORE!  Even though I'm living on cereal and fruit, he still has an appetite. His parents wanted to keep Brooke a wee longer so we could have one final meal out.  Thank you!!!  This is my, "I love you.  Kissy face. Mwwwaaa" selfie.

My Stitch Fix came the other day too!!

I am so big I didn't really try on everything, but it is all super cute!! I just wasn't digging the dress or the lace detail cardi this time.  I love the distress sweater, but it was a little too distressed in the one shoulder and I worried that with two little ones, and a dog, it will not just be distressed, it will be destroyed.  SO I am only keeping two things.

I held it up and it appears that it will fit my frame perfectly, but I am not stretching out this pretty thing with my big old basketball belly.  It will give me something kinda loose (forgiving) yet pretty and feminine for when I am starting to get back into my normal shape.

And not the best pic, but this gorgeous cardi!! I love it! It is going to dress up any nursing tank/top and add a bit of fashion to my boring style of "mom" wardrobe.  My girl Maranda hooked me up and I can't wait to see what she styles for me next month!  Thanks so much!!

If you are interested in trying it out, seriously do so! It's so fun.  If you can get a few friends in on it with you, it's totally worth it because you can earn $25 for each person you refer!

Stitch Fix Referral Link

So yeah, here we are, 40 weeks to the day.  It's kinda hard because I really wanted to be at the Albany AdvoCare regional success school, but it's not like I can travel that far on my due date.  I know there will be more, but the timing is just awful!!

Plus? Not a single labor sign.  He's moving and grooving and boooooooy do I feel that or what!?!  I have to clean up a bit, as we are having family over for Brooke's birthday tomorrow.  Not stressing about anything, just taking life moment by moment.   Do you know how weird it is for your belly to sit on your lap?!




Every pic, OK how about everything I do, I'm always like, 'Maybe this will be the last time before baby!" ahahaha.  Oy.  I should just get it in my head he won't be here until  next Saturday.

Happy Weekend you lovely people!! 

Updates {Brooke etc}

Hey all!! I am still here and still prego!  [39 Weeks and 5 days!]  I must say that these last few days/weeks are the hardest!  Not only do you become super uncomfortable and down right in pain, but you just so badly want to meet your little one and have no idea when that will be!!  I am trying to stay busy, enjoy the "quiet time" but in reality, mama wants to meet you little man!



Tuesday we had Brooke's Two Year Appointment.

Brooke Update:



She is 32 pounds and 10 oz

36.3 inches tall

97% for both her height and weight!  Her head is in the 94%

Size 4T

I have a hard time with pants fitting correctly, so I usually keep her in leggings/jeggings.  She is starting to want to pick out her outfits, oh my word.  If girlfriend wants to wear Minnie or Elsa, that's what she is wearing. It's a bit dramatic otherwise!

Dr. had no concerns and said she is doing great.  She received two shots and didn't too bad at all.  She really loved the fact that she got a sticker for being a big girl.   I was so proud of her!

She is seriously turning into more and more of a little girl each day.  Joe and I just laugh at some of the things that she does.  My favorites lately are that she will just go up and down the stairs freely.  Like, if she wants a drink or a snack she will just come down ask/help herself if it's on the table or counter, then say "Bye bye Mommy. See you later."  And then go back upstairs while Joe finishes getting ready for the day and they come back down together.

She also does this adorable, "Um…." while tapping her finger to her chin.  Along with, if she really doesn't want something, she will say, "No no no no no no" and wave her hands in front of her face.  She reminds me of a little old Italian lady!!   That and when she says, "Eat, eat eat!"

She can count to 20 (with my help past 14; I was shocked she knew these numbers!)

Goes to bed between 8-9.  On Joe's late nights I will keep her up so she can see him.  He isn't in the door for two seconds and she is dragging him to the living room for a dance party.

Naps for 1-3 hours daily.  It really depends on how much sleep she got, what we've been doing activity wise, etc.

Favorites:  Minnie--she has a few toys she is loving to play with.  Kitchen set: She is starting to really bang around with the pots and pans; I can't wait until she gets more "food" and I think her imagination will really take off!  Baby in a stroller-she walks her around the house.

Baby Bradley Update:

I had my "40 Week" checkup yesterday---NOT fun to go out and about in this freezing cold weather! I know that most of the country is rather frozen, but to watch the temperature continue to drop on my dashboard (down to 4 degrees!) and then the windchill made it like -18…it was rough!




She was not in a mood to sit around and wait for an hour either…



Baby boy has dropped, which I thought he had!  His heart rate was a 160, which was a little on the high side for him. Dr said it's totally normal for babies, plus she had checked me first, so she said that could have got him going a bit {good sign!}  I am about 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced.   Any. Minute. Now. Hahaha!

Me:



Well, we know I'm ready for baby, but I just wanted to jot down a few more things.  I have reverted back to first trimester eating habits somewhat---like chicken/meat just really turns my stomach.  I have been eating very lightly and really find it strange because I didn't have this with Brooke at all.  After my Mexican meal Sunday night, I tried eating a chicken dish I prepared Tuesday night and just felt sick all night--like a sour stomach.  So, I am trying to eat easily digestible proteins and listen to my body.  Fruits and carbs…is what it is.  Some nights I get great sleep and others I'm tossing/turning and up every other hour using the bathroom it seems.  I have napped a few times when Brooke goes down and that seems to help.

At the present moment I am eerily calm and okay with where things are at.  I am obsessed with trying to keep the house clean, so that when we do leave/come home it won't be a disaster.  #nesting  I am trying not to feel too guilty about not cooking lavish meals, but I must say not messing up the kitchen is a glorious thing!! I just feel bad because Brooke and Joe still need to eat, but I have no desire to cook…I am definitely looking into that Blue Apron cooking service so at the very least, Joe could help whip up a meal when he's home when baby does come!!

SO that is the scoop! Thanks for those of you who keep checking in on me.  I will keep everyone updated on Instagram, FB, and eventually here, I promise!

So yeah this sums it up….although this chick looks way less prego than her last month and I am the size of a house. Haha!

Happy Thursday!

Updates & 39 1/2 weeks Prego

Hello Tuesday, hello friends.

Just checking in to say, I am still here and I am still prego!! We had a low key weekend, and to be honest I still haven't left the house since NYE.  What?! I just have had no place I have felt the need to go and if you're experiencing this polar vortex, well, it is DARN cold, so that's another reason to stay inside.

We do have Brooke's, brace yourself, TWO YEAR checkup.  That still blows my mind, especially since we are *patiently waiting the arrival of our second babe any day!  His due date is Saturday, Brooke officially turns two on Sunday and well, who knows when baby Bradley will make his debut!

Baby Update: (tmi warning)

Maybe he's waiting for daddy to hang his curtains or install his carseat…haha.  Or he is like, 'aww heck no with that 10 degree weather crap!'  Either way, I feel like things are starting to progress.  Sunday night we did have Mexican, so I am not sure if that is the only reason or if it actually kick started something, but without giving too much prego TMI I got up at 5am and let's say, by 3 pm I was cleaned out.  I am so happy I didn't have to go anywhere because the bathroom was where you'd find me.  So with that, my appetite hasn't been the greatest, but I am grateful for Gingerbread bars and light foods.  I felt kind of off and crampy all day, but nothing drastic happened…

Around my belly button has an itchy rash so that's rather annoying. I'm trying to keep it moisturized but it is still SO itchy sometimes.

I soaked up lots of cuddles and snuggles with this one, when she'd let me. She is a bit nutty and runs around the room more than snuggles in my bed, but I'll take what I can get!



I actually slept REALLY well last night, which freaked me out haha.  I had been waking up a lot the last few nights and so to really sleep, was something else! It reminded me of when I had Brooke and she finally slept through the night for the first time, I was in a panic like OH MY GOSH what is wrong!? Nothing. Nothing is wrong haha.

I feel a bit dehydrated today, so my goal is to amp up the fluids and continue eating lightly, but making sure I get my protein.  I really feel more in control this time around and am taking the whole "labor is a marathon" notion to heart.  

We did get a surprise package from my grandma!  Thank you Grandma Owl! I will call you soon!

How cute are these she made?!

And a few cozy sweatshirts for Brooke

On a random note: Someone shoved a fake chicken leg into this.  Daddy is not happy.

I am super excited for all of my teammates who are ready to be #allin I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little sad I can't be challenging along side with everyone, but it is helping me stay focused and keep my mind off of these last few days of being pregnant (which can be very hard!) and I am rooting everyone on, and still trying to eat clean, and very light.



My go to breakfast is two eggs and spinach. I added tomatoes today.  

SO yeah.  I'm alternating between resting and nesting and just trying to fuel my body as best as I can.  I think Joe has some plans to hang with Brooke tonight, not sure what that entails!