.An Introduction.

Jace Turner Teancum made his appearance Monday August 6th at 12:39pm weighing in at 8lb 1oz (the same as his mama) with a length of 20inches and a head circumference of 36 1/2cm (the same as big brother Cade).

He came out crying and looking loving and pink, getting 9 and 9 on apgar and 20 minutes later he turned dusty and was trying a little too hard to breath so an xray was done and he had cried so hard he gave himself a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) in both lungs.  I found out while in recovery and they were able to wheel me in my bed to see him, I am forever grateful for wonderful nurses who break rules!  I was a bit of a mess, trying to process, but seeing my little man struggle was by far the hardest thing, it was a great motivation for me to recover quickly in order to get in to see him at every opportunity while he was in level 2.  There were a million blessings that also came during this time and something I will never take for granted, and I know that some I haven't even been able to recognize but I am grateful none the less.  Jace never got worse from that first day, he just kept having to be poked because of his veins blowing out. The poor little man.

Here are some photos of those first 3 days for Jace.  I will have to do the 'labor and birth' rundown in the next post.

.Day Before.

Loads to catch up on, but here is my 'day before' photo and the last taken before our little man made his appearance. I am 39 weeks exactly and less than 24 hours after this photo was taken I was in recovery.

.38 weeks.

Here I am in my 38th week of my 3rd pregnancy and feeling pretty good actually.

I had my regular scheduled ob appointment on Monday 23rd for an ultrasound to check fluid levels and cervical change etc to see if there was any indication this baby boy might come while my doctor is on vacation.  Fluid levels were great, baby was great (with a big Anderson head again of 33cm already!) , I was thinned out but barely a fingertip dilated, so no indications anything should happen.  I was more relieved than bummed.


We had a few little dramas that same week that were a bit of a stress.  I had some really painful pulling on my internal incision that took my breath away right away and I could barely make it to the bathroom during storytime at the library to make the call to my doctors office to see what was going on.  Make it I did, and I ended up at the hospital that night being monitored for a couple of hours.  I was contracting but I honestly couldn't feel them so 2 vicoden later and off home again.  I was sobbing to have to go to labor and delivery as I was NOT ready to have this little boy that night!  I am just glad Cory's meetings 6 1/2 hours out of town ended a day early and he was home to take me to the hospital and organize someone to watch the boys so late at night.

On Friday I had another ob appointment, and I was still about 50% thinned out but still very high and only a possible fingertip dilated.  My doctor suggested that we get an amniocentisis and check if this boy was ready and we could have a baby!  This was a HUGE answer to a prayer as I had not known what to do, I wanted to hold out until my due date if I could but with the dramas of the week I was concerned I wouldn't make it and they DO NOT want me contracting or dilating when I am having a third csection.  I have had this underlying worry about babies lungs if I was to have him earlier than my liking as my doctor had push my dates forward at that very first appointment and I had thought I was pretty spot on. Once we got the boys organized with a sitter, (thank you for wonderful friends) we went back to labor and delivery and had our amnio at about 11:30am and waited for the results.  We got those at about 2ish and they came back that he wasn't ready.  We were all really surprised as my ob nurse actually had her 4th csection 3 months prior at the same gestational age and her baby was perfect. I was 37 weeks 5 days on Friday. I am glad we knew that he wasn't ready.  My doctor then said although his lungs tested not ready, I was contracting every 4-5 mintues and needed to stay and be monitored to see if it progressed into anything.  I then wanted to know the ins and outs of what about his lungs, will he be in NICU etc, etc. I bawled. Just so overwhelmed and hormonal. We got that all sorted and 4 hours later I stopped contracting.  It was then my doctor told me I would most likely not make it to my due date.  I bawled again. My doctor was leaving on Sunday for 2 weeks vacation and I would be needing another doctor deliver me if I went into spontaneous labor within the next 2 weeks.  I was so upset.  Stupid as it may seem,  I just put so much stock in my doctors, I rely on them as I would a family member considering I have never had family members close when having my babies.  He felt awful and so did I.  I understand more than anyone how important time with family is and I hated him to feel that pull.  It was just an overwhelming day to say the least. 

I came home, rested up and saw things much clearer and logically the next day.  I am just set that this baby will stay and grow until he gets back and if not, I have faith all will be well.  The doctor he lined me up with is booked solid so I have to see one of her partners for the my next 2 ob visits and then my regular doctor wants me to call him the night he gets home to let him know if baby is here and if not, we will have him no later than the 14th.  We shall see.  So much for the only perk of a csection - knowing WHEN you will have your baby and with YOUR doctor, but such is my pregnant life, if ever I feel in control, it is taken, that has happened each time. Faith Kathryn, faith.

This week has been much smoother than last (lets hope it stays that way), I have been able to do fun things with the boys each day and rest when we are home which has been a saving grace I think.  I am still contracting at night but I figure if I can fall asleep I am ok. 

I really have no complaints physically.  My pelvis has been much better since baby has dropped and is now low in my pelvis.  I have had pretty bad heartburn but it seems to be ok if I stay on top of it with tums.  I have been getting charlie horses in my calf muscles which are killer but they are few and far between.  I haven't gained a lot of weight this pregnancy, 14lbs at last weigh in, granted I was 20lbs heavier pre-pregnancy.  I gained exactly 30lbs with both boys but don't think I will get to that this time round. 

This little man moves constantly when I lay down at night and his movements almost hurt as the placenta is behind him and so you can see his feet and leg movements, very alien but pretty neat at the same time. He is still very nameless, we like to think we have narrowed it down to 5 top names, but I know there will be a wild card thrown in there as always.  We definitely have to wait and see this little guy to be sure.

I think that is the run down.  Here's to the next 2 weeks being very kind to me and little man!

.Life.

Sad state of affairs when it's been 2 months since I posted...

We have just been enjoying the weather and getting out and about when/while we can.  I have promised myself and the boys that this will be a good summer as life is going to get really busy with another little boy come August.

I have been home a lot as I have been watching a friends little boy, who is 7 months old and I have been trying to keep him on somewhat of a schedule but we have been trying to get out and about a few times each week.  I am still working part time and enjoy that, I usually work 2 evenings and half days most Saturdays.  It works out awesome as Cory just gets to have fun time with the boys while I work. 

We just bought ourselves a brand spanking new car and oh how I love the space!  It is amazing and I feel a little prideful in enjoying such a 'luxury' but it was time to bite the bullet and buy, just not the greatest of timing, as I planned on hanging on to my loved and trusty Camry until the new year, but it's a done deal.

Cory starts a new position at work tomorrow, which is great in the long run but means a hit in the pocket with no overtime.  Yes, timing, not so great, with a new baby, a new car etc, but we'll plug along and like I said it is good for the long run.  We were spoilt and now need to get back to reality I guess. 

Newest little man is growing, growing.  He is a mover and a shaker and loves to move his hands and prop his feet next to belly button.  In doing so he did something to my nerve in my stomach and it hurt like no other for a few days, but seems to be fine now.... I hope!  My pelvis is not near as bad as it was as I have been seeing a great chiropractor.  I do get a flare of ache and pain and then I go see him and all is well in the world again.  This pregnancy seems to be flying by now that I no longer feel ill with morning sickness and he will be here in no time.  I am now 31 weeks and getting big, well I feel like I am but am happy to be mobile and healthy none the less.

He is still very nameless, the list is getting longer not shorter but we usually go with a list and choose from that regardless, just more to choose from this time round. 

My doctor is out of town until my appointment in July so I have to see a fill in for my next appointment and then hopefully at the July appointment, we will know a c-section date.  Initially he told us the 5th, but that falls on a weekend and I doubt he would want to do that.  He keeps indicating that he doesn't think we'll make it to that date,  hasn't said it in so many words, but Cory agreed that we get a vibe he thinks I'll go on my own, my water will break (which he has said actually) or something.  He is a tease though so I take it all as jest as I haven't had any such happenings in previous pregnancies.  I would be happy to go clear to my due date, or the Friday prior, being the 10th, but I know my doctor doesn't want me to go that far. At this stage we are thinking July 31st - 6th.  I know that the 31st has been thrown around but I think that is too early for mine and the doctors liking, although I will be 38 weeks 2 days....we'll see.  Cade was 2 days early, Ethan was 8 days early so we shall wait and see. 

The boys are doing well, being great helpers and loving my growing belly.  They have had giggles at watching it move with all the tumbling and kicking their brother is doing.  They are excited for a new little one to love as both enjoy children and babies so much.  I don't have any concerns about jealousy at all.

 

Our yard is going to have to wait another year to get done, we have had a landscaper come and give us a quote but I swear everyone in our neighborhood is doing some sort of landscaping so we can't get in this year.  Cory is contemplating doing it himself and I would gladly help next year when I am not uncomfortable with a large belly.  Cooper, our dog, is enjoying the jungle of weeds out there and loves the backyard and chasing the birds that tease him.

I think that is the run down for you,  I need to stay up to date so my pregnant brain doesn't forget the details I guess!

.Happy 3rd.

Last month Ethan celebrated his 3rd birthday!  We didn't get to have any family come for the occasion, but were able to enjoy the company of good friends.

At 3 years old Ethan is still a sweetheart.  He can be a total handful at times and LOVES to get into mischief.  He is constantly in the kitchen and has to be told repeatedly to stop climbing and looking for goodies to eat. 

He loves to snuggle and will come into our room atleast twice a night for some cuddles with Daddy.  He has been a hard one to break of this as he if often cold, kicking off his sheets and blankets in his bed and coming to us when he wakes cold.

I think I can seriously count on 2 hands how many times this little boy has slept through the night.

He loves fruit, brocolli, pizza, yogurt and ANYTHING sweet.  He is a sugar lover. 

His favorite shows are Curious George, Calliou and anything with Snoopy.

He thinks he loves Mario, even though he has never really played any Mario games to speak of.

Ethan is an animal lover adores Cooper, our dog and will chase birds, kiss our friends dogs, has no fear in going to the pet shop and asking to hold the kittens etc.  He is a lover for sure and it melts my heart.

He really enjoys other children (Cade is the initiator in this as he is so confident with younger children), and just yesterday he and Cade were tending our neighbors little girl and walking her everywhere holding her hand, it was darling!  He is SOOOOO excited for a baby brother and asks daily when he will 'pop' out.

He loves nursery and his teachers.

Hates loud noises and freaks out if the smoke alarm sounds in our kitchen.  (I know what you're thinking...no, I don't burn things.... when we bought the house it was really touchy and would sound for no reason at all and wake us at all hours and would sound as soon as the oven preheated)

Is awfully shy at times even to things he really enjoys, like story time.  He will insist on sitting with me while stories are read but will get up and dance with the other children when they do that.

Will cry when you tell him no.  It gets old really quick and he gets in trouble for it.  I swear, as soon as they turn 3....

Plays great with Cade and buys into his imaginary games.  They are fun to watch and listen to and are such great brothers.

Rides his bike and scooter like a champ.  He is fast and has no fear.  Makes me happy that he enjoys it so much.

Will not keep undies on for the most part.  If he goes potty through out the day I have to remind him to get his pants back on.  It is just a bit of laziness on his part and I think he struggles to get them on so just chooses to leave them off.

LOVES the bath or shower.  If he hears his dad or me in there you can hear him run to the bathroom and say ever so sweetly, "Can I have a shower with you?" even if he just finished getting ready for the day or showering himself.  He loves water this one.

Ethan is trying to learn all his letters and count as high as Cade can count, and Cade loves to play school teacher and help him along.  He is a smarty and catches on quick.

He still has his little lisp and it's pretty stinking cute.  I asked the speech therapist from Cades Kindergarten screening if it was just age appropriate or if I should be doing anything and she said it was totally normal, not to be concerned but just have him doing silly saying like, "The silly snake slides sideways" to get that tongue hidden behind his teeth.

Favorite song by far is 5 Little Monkeys and he can sing the whole thing. It is to.die.for cute!!  He also really likes, "Shortenin' Bread" but we only know and do the chorus.

I could go on and on about my bubba Ethan that is now my 'Big Bruffa' as he calls himself.  We are so lucky to have him and count him as a blessing each and every day.

Lovin' that fake smile!

And just for good measure....

 Minutes old

 1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

.Lost Tooth.

Cade lost his first tooth 2 weeks ago. Funny story to go with that. His tooth had been wiggly for about 10 days and the morning it came out he came in to me and said with blood in his mouth, "Mommy, my tooth came out! Is that ok?" I got all excited for him as I could see the stress on his face, "Woohoo, Cade you are a big boy losing a tooth!" He then smiled and got a little excited telling me how it happened, "Well,  I was trying to get the knot out of my rope that was tied to my door, and it just popped out. You know, some people tie a rope to their tooth and have to pull it out with the door knob. Not me!" It was pretty funny that he saw the similarity in it and I laughed hard. 

The stressed (covered with breakfast) face....

 Today

.Number 3.

source

Yes indeedy!  It's a BLUE one!  We are very happy and Ethan is ECSTATIC, big smiles and states, "see mommy, I was right, I told you all along!"

And he sure did!

Cade decided today that it was indeed a 'he' when he was a constant flip flopper previously. 

At my last 2 ultrasounds I 'felt' like it may be a girl, but for the last week or so (since I have not felt sick), I have felt like it was another boy.  Seriously though it could have gone either way.  I have blown every old wives tale out of the water on this one and could not be happier to have another boy.

Trust me when I tell you this will save us A LOT of money :)

.Half Way.

How far along: 21 weeks

Total weight gain thus far:  2 lbs

Maternity Clothes:  Not as yet really, just some of my Sunday clothes are maternity.  I am at that ackward in between stage but am in desperate need of some items as I am carrying differently and old maternity clothes are not fitting so nicely.

Stretch marks:  Just existing ones

Sleep: It changes almost daily.  I am tired A LOT.  For the most part I sleep well, but I have been having vivid dreams that freak me out and have me talking (or yelling) in my sleep

Best moment this week: Has yet to happen, but we are eagerly anticipating seeing our little one on Wednesday

Miss anything:  Having way more energy.  I miss that.

Movement:  Feeling really good movement.  I can also tell what is what for the most part, this side is the head, this is a knee or a foot etc.  Cory has also felt the kicks.  Yesterday I was holding a friends baby and my baby was kicking him constantly while he slept on my belly.


Food cravings:  Nothing in particular throughout, I like alot of chicken as I have had aversions to red meat.  Salad, coke (my vice), sour patch candy at times, snapple juice, nothing really that I can't live without.


Queasy or sick:  I felt super sick until about the end of my 19th week.  I feel pretty good now for the most part.


Gender:  Still unknown, a private, modest baby this time round, perhaps we will find out on Wednesday...


Labor signs:  None. Thank goodness. I don't want any!


Inny or outty belly button:  Outty already! And personally I don't think I am that big, like I said, just carrying a little higher I guess.


Looking forward to:  Oh lots!  Scan on Wednesday, possible baby item shopping later this month, Summer and the weather with it!  Having a little more energy, getting the yard done this summer (hopefully)

.Buddha Baby.

Well, just had our ob appointment and the doctor took a look at bub to check for good movement etc and had a general look around and asked us if he could get a good look at 'the bits' would we be keen to find out...but this baby was tight legged and had it's legs folded buddha style at times and closed legged at others so there was no good way to see at all.  To be totally honest, I think it was for my benefit.  I am so undecided on whether to find out the gender this time round.  I play a constant mind game with myself.  I do know the gender is already decided, I know I will not be disappointed either way, but feel some sort of indirect pressure as I think others will be disappointed depending on the outcome.  Stupid? ...Possibly.
How I feel? Yes....somedays :) 
Valid? ....Probably not.

Bebe once again was all arms, hands and arms up by the face and good movement with them.  Head was measuring that I was not as far along, but within the week so all is well.  Heartbeat 156bpm strong and clear, nothing better than that sound, with the exception of hearing that first cry of course!

Ultrasounds never get old to me, I would take one any given day just to see that little one. Well, that is the rundown, I guess keep the votes coming, we have another 4 weeks until decision day!

.Polls.

I need to get a decent update done, but would like to include photos so need to get to doing some exciting things to get some photos I guess :)

I have another ob appointment tomorrow, and don't really plan on having 'the ultrasound', but have been told by others who happen to go to my same doctor, that it may happen. Not holding my breath as I am still not positive I want to find out said gender, but the man of the house wants to know, so he will for sure find out.

I have 2 polls on the side bar, just for a bit off fun, (no really I need to know whether I should cave and find out the flavor, hehehe :) Go ahead, vote, you know you want to! - well maybe that is just me :)