Slacker

I know I've been slacking a little when it comes to posting but we haven't really had a lot going on. I didn't post about our weekend because we did absolutely nothing but lounge in the pool at my mother in laws ALL weekend. :) I'm trying to soak up what little bit of time I have left with one child! In about 10 weeks or so, it's all going to change. I haven't even gotten out my camera in the past week to 2 weeks because it's been so low key. I did snap a picture of Tuff lounging in his chair yesterday watching cartoons.

This picture pretty much sums up just how low key we have been. Diaper'd bottom, tshirt, paci, blankie, laid back and complete with a little cartoon-age. :)

I wasn't feeling my best yesterday so I took the day off and spent it lounging with my baby boy. We should have both been well rested this morning when we got up. Let's just say Tuff was well rested. I know I've mentioned in previous posts that I don't sleep good but I have better nights. Now that I'm about to hit my 30 week mark, I think I'm about to start experiencing more of my worse nights. Boo. The good thing is we only have 10 weeks to go. And hoping for 8 or 9. Haha.

I have had a few things on my mind lately and the closer we get to seeing Gunner's sweet face, the more I am starting to worry. For those of you who don't know, my labor and delivery with Tuff wasn't the easiest. Tuff was "face up" which made for a very difficult and long delivery. Approximately 4 hours of pushing and the epidural wearing off twice in between those 4 hours. On my last push they already had the OR booked for a possible c-section. My doctor had to use the suction cup on his sweet little head and she told me "this is the last push, if he doesn't come out, we'll have to do a c-section!" Luckily with my determination to push his little butt out of there and the help of that suction cup, Lucas Tuff came right out into the world. I have never been SO relieved in my entire life! I thought it was finally over.... but I was wrong. We got to come home on a Thursday morning and a couple days later I was more swollen than I was when I left the hospital to come home. I was also having really bad headaches. My sister in law decided to check by blood pressure and it was 190/110. We immediately called my Dr.'s office and they told me to come right in. Once I got there, I was re-hospitalized and diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia. For any of you who don't know what this is, you can read up a little on it here. A couple hours after being there I was given a full explanation of this diagnosis and what I would have to do to get rid of it. Originally, I was supposed to be given some meds for 24 hours which would make my BP go down and after a little while of monitoring without the meds, I would get to go home. Well 24 hours turned into 3 days because my BP just wasn't wanting to go down. On the 4th day of being back in the hospital, I finally got to go back home to be with my baby boy! I've always said my Labor was hard but the postpartum preeclampsia was harder. Harder because I had a brand new baby at home that I was missing out on. He was there alot while I was re-hospitalized, but it just wasnt the same as being home with him........

Here's where my concerns come in with baby Gunner.... Since I had the postpartum preeclampsia with my first pregnancy my risks are high with this pregnancy. Also, since my BP never really regulated after having Tuff, I had to be on BP meds up until this pregnancy which puts me at an even HIGHER risk. I'm afraid of this disease caused by pregnancy only! I know my chances of not getting it, aren't great but I'm really praying GOD will let me slide this time! And if I do get it, I'm praying it comes BEFORE Gunner arrives so we can get him here safely and I can be at home with my 2 babies after the delivery.

My other concern is him being "face up" like Tuff was. I've been searching alot about this online and it seems alot of women who have one face up, have them all face up. I asked the doctor about the possibility last Friday and she said it just depended. She said alot of babies start out face up but they can turn them by the time they actually come out. Unfortunitely, they tried the whole 4 hours I was pushing with Tuff and he still came out face up. In alot of other cases, I have heard that they could rotate the baby in time. She also said some women's pelvic bones are positioned differently causing the baby to be face up because that's the only way the baby can lie in there. When she said that, I knew I was doomed. Years ago during my first annual pap smear, the doctor told me mine was positioned different than usually. (To be exact, she said "up and to the left" not sure why I've always remembered that, but I have) Soooo..... I'm most concerned about this. Only because I've heard horror stories about babies being stuck in the canal for so long and having to be pushed back up to get them out via c-section and then the babies not surviving or having issues. Every since I've heard this, I've been terrified. So what now you ask? I'm not sure. Jordan and I have talked about this alot and we have plans to talk everything through with my doctor next Friday. We are both wondering if scheduling a c-section might be best for baby Gunner. C-section is definitely not what I want. But, what I do want is what's best for baby Gunner and for me. So, if you all don't mind, please say a prayer for us as we try to decide what's best for baby Gunner. We'd really appreciate it!

As for now, baby Gunner is restling around in there wanting some lunch. So I'm headed to meet Aunt April for lunch!!!

Hope you're all having a wonderful Thursday!!!!

29 weeks

The weeks are just FLYING by.

I AM

29 weeks!

Only 11 more to go!!!

PREGNANCY HIGHLIGHTS:

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Size of baby: The website I googled said baby boy is currently the size of a butternut squash. He is also weighing in around 2 1/2 pounds and is a little over 15 inches long.

 

 Total Weight Gain/Loss: I was close last week. I have gained a total of 9 lbs. I'm still SO thankful for that. By this point with Tuff, I had gained around 30 lbs, if not more.

Maternity Clothes: Almost everything is maternity except a few things. But my "few things" are starting to dwindle and FAST. I was not very happy this morning trying to find something to wear. 11 more weeks of fighting the closet for something to wear!

Gender: It's a BOY!!! Gunner Blake.

Movement: All the time. I think he'll be ready when it's time for him to come out!

What I miss: What I miss the most? SLEEP! I am not sleeping at ALL. It's driving me crazy!

Cravings: I'm starting to get a little bit of a sweet tooth. Hopefully not enough to get me in too much trouble with my weight gaining process.

Symptoms: A few braxton hicks contractions here and there and pain down low if I'm on my feet too much. I talked to the Dr. about all of this on Friday and she said its more common in 2nd pregnancy.

Best Moment this week: Getting a good note at the Dr. on Friday and getting to relax by the pool ALL weekend with absolutely nothing else to do. :)

 

Happy Tuesday!

Another Round please

Of antibiotics, that is! Baby boy has been dealing with some pretty nasty sinus issues for the past 3 weeks. At first I thought it might just be the weather changing and then a few days in, it kept getting worse. Once I started using the saline spray and the nose sucker, we really started having some issues. Blood. Eeek. I couldn't suck the snot out because of all the blood that was coming out with it. SO, one Saturday morning we headed to the walk in clinic to get him checked out. We didn't get to see his regular Dr. because he wasn't working that weekend. The Dr. we did see didn't seem to think there was too much going on and said the blood was probably coming from busted blood vessels in his nose from having to do so much sucking. He wrote us a prescription... incase it got worse within the next few days but didn't "recommend" it unless it was needed. He also said he thought it'd be ok to suck his nose out but only every few days or so. So... we waited a few days and still a snotty nose. We also waited about 3 to do anymore sucking. Well the next sucking episode led to more blood. At this point I was thinking something had to be up. That much blood couldn't be normal. I was also still a little uneasy because I didn't get to see his regular doctor. I know that sounds crazy but for some reason I just feel the most comfortable talking with/seeing his doctor. So I called and spoke with Dr. C (which is Tuff's regluar doctor). He seemed to be way more concerned than the other doctor we saw. He gave me lots more tips and said he obviously NEEDED to be on an antibiotic because he had this for going on 2 weeks now. So, an antibiotic was called in. All was good until the 4th day, when he started getting severe diarrhea. Which anyone with a child in diapers knows what comes with severe diarrhea... Diaper rash. So after the 2nd day of diarrhea, I stopped the antibiotic. It was just too much. And too much on his bottom. The following Monday (it was the weekend) I called Dr. C back to let him know what happened and that I had stopped it. He said since he got 4 days of the antibiotic that he thought he'd be ok. So we decided not to start something different. 3 days later, the snot started to re-appear. UGH. By this past weekend, he was miserable and his nose was completely disgusting!!! I stopped our daily Clariton 2 nights ago and started him back on Benadryl to see if that would help dry it up. After 2 days of Benadryl and still a nasty greeny gunky nose (and a rash on his back that started yesterday), I decided to make yet again, another call to Dr. C's office. I knew he'd probably want to see him this time so I went ahead and scheduled an appointment. 40 minutes and $40 later, we were headed home with another round of antibiotics. This is a stronger one that is a 5 day dosage rather than a 10 day so I'm hoping we see some results by the end of the weekend. Poor baby boy has been dealing with this mess long enough. He also hasn't been able to breathe or sleep good in 3 weeks. Praying this antibiotic kicks it!

The rest of this week has been pretty quiet around the Alford house. I think we've been ready for the weekend every since the week started. :) And the good news is, we're not too far from it now. I think if I stand on my tippy toes, I can see it!!! The weather has took a dramatic change this week. It's been HOT but I haven't complained about it once! Everyone you see, everywhere you go is complaining. I've come to a conclusion that people just can't be made happy. Ha. One minute their complaining about all the snow and can't wait until summer... then when the summer gets here, they all complain about the heat. I will admit, I complained alot about the winter weater. Only because it's hard for me to make it to work in that snow and ice. And who can afford to miss work because of road conditions? Not me! That's why I haven't been complaining about the heat. Plus, heat means pool time. And pool time to me means relaxation! I love to lounge in the pool when its hot. I have plans to do so this weekend. ALL WEEKEND long! :)

I still don't have any pictures to post because well, like I said earlier, it's been pretty quiet/low key around our house this week.

But... I can't leave yall with no picture at all so I'll leave yall with a picture I took with my phone of baby boy sporting his "cool dudes" in the car the other day. (He calls his sunglasses "cool dudes")

Ignore them being upside down. I think he gets a little confused sometimes! :)

HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!!

28 weeks

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We had a great time yesterday spending it with family beside my mother in laws pool. Tuff has been feeling a little grimy this weekend with a nasty (green) snotty nose so he didn't spend much time outside before he was ready to go in. Luckily MeMe was there and offered to take him home with her so I could have a little time to myself. It was a SUPER nice day and I got PLENTY of sun to prove that. Ha. :) Anyways, through all the good food and fun, I didn't take one single picture over the weekend. So this post will mainly be pregnancy highlights. Time sure is flying by this pregnancy.... I'm already

 

28 weeks

 

 

PREGNANCY HIGHLIGHTS:

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Size of baby: The website I googled said baby boy is currently the size of a Chinese cabbage. He is also weighing in around 2 1/4 pounds and is 14.8 inches long.

 

 Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm thinking atleast 10 lbs by now. I will know for sure on Friday!

Maternity Clothes: Almost everything is maternity except a few things.

Gender: It's a BOY!!! Gunner Blake.

Movement: I can definitely tell he's getting bigger. The bigger he gets the less I feel him moving. It must mean he's running out of room in there.

What I miss: What I miss the most? SLEEP! I am not sleeping at ALL. It's driving me crazy!

Cravings: Still no cravings. Most days I have a hard time just trying to figure out what I want to eat. Nothing sounds good.

Symptoms: I'm starting to feel some braxton hicks contractions (I never had one with Tuff) and I've also been having some pains down low (low, low) if I'm on my feet and walking to much during the day. Not sure what all that's about. The 2nd time around definitely seems to be tougher on my body. I'm sure having a 2 year old to chase around isn't making it much easier. :)

Best Moment this week: This question is always hard since it's only Tuesday when I do these highlights but so far I'd have to say being able to cook out and lay by the pool yesterday. But I'm reeeally looking foward to my doctor's appointment this Friday. After this appointment, we start going every 2 weeks. This pregnancy is definitely moving right along. Can't wait to see his sweet little face!!!

Gearing UP!!!

For a 3 day weekend! (Keeping my fingers crossed for a 3 and half day weekend....hoping we get sent home early today.) Woooo Hoooo!!!! I'm looking foward to spending all weekend with this SWEET face!

[sharing popcorn with mommy]

We have another pretty busy agenda this weekend. Which is a-ok with me. :) Tomorrow morning we have plans to go out to my Aunt Melissa's new house! She's bought a new house and is pretty stoked about it. I'm excited to see it! Most of all, I'm excited for her!

Sunday we have a birthday party to attend. I mentioned Easton's first birthday in my last post. I'm excited we get to see Easton Sunday and share such a special celebration with him. Tuff and I haven't seen him since Christmas. Lana just posted a blog about Easton starting to walk. Check it out here.... He seems to be SO proud! And he's such a sweetie. Always smiling, no matter what! His official birthday is TODAY so I'd like to wish a big ole HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, Easton!!!!! :) Enjoy your day sweet boy!!!

Monday we plan to get together with family and celebrate Memorial Day!!! Hopefully with some tasty hamburgers/hot dogs/pot salad/and baked beans!!! YUM! We've been trying to talk my mother in law into opening her pool in this weekend so we're all keeping our fingers crossed(xxx) that we have some water to swim in before/after our tasty meal. Especially since their calling for 90+ degrees on Monday!!!

I know everyone is just as excited about their 3 day weekend too! What are your plans???

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!!

WILW

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!!!

I decided to link up with Jamie today for a "What I'm Loving Wednesday" post! If you'd like to link up too, just click here.

So what am I loving this Wednesday???

I'm loving that we're half way to the weekend!!! Best of all, a 3 day weekend! Thank goodness for a little holiday time off.

MostEST of all, Praise God for any and all of our fallen soldiers who who have fought for our Freedom!!!

They mean so much to us and MORE :)

I'm also loving this sweeeeet boy.

[who had to wear his boots to MeMe's this morning]

And... if you're wondering why he's looking a little drained, it's probably because he was up running around the house at 4:45 this morning. Thanks to his MeMe who let him have a 4 hour nap yesterday afternoon. The nap ending at 5 o'clock in the afternoon!!! :)

I'm also loving the birthday planning I've been working on for the big boy above. I know a posted a few weeks ago about a Blue's Clue's theme. Well, plans have changed. I'll give ya'll a hint who's included in the new theme...

Any guesses?

I'm glad that our sweet boys mind changed before it was too late. One because I didn't want it to be too late. (I plan on making some of my first purchases this week) And two because I like this theme mucho better. :)

I'm also loving that Tuff and I get to see this sweet face on Sunday for his very first birthday!!!

Time sure does fly!!! Happy 1st Birthday Easton!

And of course, I'm especially loving the reassuring kicks/punches I'm getting from this little one...

SOOO..... What are ya'll loving on this beautiful Wednesday?

27 weeks & Ada's big Day

I AM

27 weeks

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Size of baby: The website I googled said baby boy is currently the size of a head of cauliflower. He is also weighing in around 2 pounds and is 14 1/2 inches long.

 Total Weight Gain/Loss: My scale at home shows +7. We will follow up with my doctor next Friday to find out for sure.

Maternity Clothes: Almost everything is maternity except a few things.

Gender: It's a BOY!!!

Movement: Moving, Moving, Moving. Thats all this sweet boy wants to do.

What I miss: Sleep & energy and being able to bend over without dreading it. Haha.

Cravings: Half sweet/half unsweet tea!

Symptoms: Physical exhaustion and no sleep.

Best Moment this week: Being able to feel Gunner more and more. This past weekend we got to feel his sweet little foot or hand pushing out the side of my belly.

 And here are a few pictures from Ada's first Birthday party!!!

MeMe and PaPa interrupting her cake time.

mmmm... Yum!

PRESENTS... Tuff was a helper ;)

Ridind her new lion.

Tuff's favorite part, the balloons!

I'd say it was a successful first for Ada! :)