Doctor Updates

On Tuesday, April 9th, Matthew went in for his 18 month check-up.  Here are the stats:

Weight: 26lbs., 14oz (50th percentile)
Height: 34in (90th %ile)
Head Circumference: 50cm (95th %ile)

We talked about how Matthew might handle a baby coming into the family and some strategies for how to help him including: buying him special toys for while I nurse the baby, making sure I intentionally spend time with him alone each day, and to be mindful of fun things to do with him because it is easy to just start disciplining him all the time.

And then Thea was born!  And we went to the doctor a week ago and she was 7lbs, 5oz, up a few oz from when she left the hospital.  We were told that she was doing great and to come back for another weight check in a week.  Thea slept so much that I need to wake her during the day and night to feed her and was told continue to do so until next week when we meet with the doctor again and re-evaluate.

And then we went to the doctor again this morning!  Thea is 7lbs., 15oz, which is fantastic.  We were given permission to stop waking her at night, so hopefully that means we all get even more sleep.  Two healthy, growing kids.  What more could you ask for?

A landlord who cares about his house when water is gushing through the vents.  But that's another story.

Feeding Jack

Right now, Matthew is totally into feeding others. 

During an afternoon with friends, Matthew saw that yogurt puffs were available for the taking and went right to them. And brought them to his friend Jack. Thankfully, Jack appreciated it. 

Easter...Well, the Egg Side of the Story

Trip to the Pet Store

A few weeks ago, Mike and I were feeling especially stir-crazy so Mike came up with a brilliant idea.   A trip to the pet store!   Big hit...

Thea's First Photo Shoot

We had pictures taken of Thea at the hospital today.  For those interested in seeing and/or ordering them:

-Go to www.bellababyphotography.com
-Click "view my photos"
-Password: 0411theoschwartz

If you are going to place an order, which obviously all of you will, you need to do so by 4/26/13.

Dilation, I Mean Doctor, Update

The whole family trooped off to my OB this morning.  Thankfully this time Mike was able to hold Matthew so that he didn't try to play peek-a-boo with my sheet cover.  While that was super fun for last week, we don't need to scar him anymore than we will do so naturally.  Anywho...

I am now 3cm dilated.  This definitely got us excited as it indicates that my body is progressing towards delivery and if nothing else it will make my labor shorter because I will have less centimeters to dilate while in actual labor.  We discussed plans for post-due date ultrasounds, for if my water breaks, and/or when to head to the hospital if I'm having contractions.  We learned that we need to head to the hospital if my contractions are occurring every 5-10 minutes for an hour with a second labor vs. every 4 min for 2 hours in a first time mama.

Here's to getting last weeks things done and maybe a baby!

Hello Unknown, Sometimes I Strongly Dislike You. Thought You Had the Right to Know.

I went to the OBGYN on Monday and found out I was 1cm dilated.  If you are keeping track, this actually means I un-dilated by a half centimeter.  This sounds too familiar (Matthew reascended after being engaged).  In truth, my doctor said "it's probably the same exam."  Nothing like hearing that there is no progress being made, especially when you have a strong desire to not be induced.  However, I went to playgroup on Tuesday and someone told me their sister-in-law sat at 6cm dilated for 2 weeks!  So, to conclude with what is already known to be, it doesn't matter how dilated you are--you will go into labor when you go into labor.  These exams are simply meant to be a reference for if I go to the hospital thinking I am in labor.

Back to Monday's exam.  My doctor brought up induction for the second time, asking if I was feeling the need/desire to get labor started.  On the one hand, I appreciate the offer given how I was just getting over my 4th episode of vomitus.  However, because I strongly believe in and desire a natural labor and delivery, this discussion of induction has created a large amount of (unnecessary) anxiety.  While I know that what will be is what will be it has been hard to lean into that and to let go of my worries.

And in the meantime, I am just treasuring every last day that it's just me and Matthew.  Today, like most shopping trips to Target, Matthew requested a long and wonderful hug from me multiple times.  Nothin' better.