BENJAMIN EVERETT: MONTH TWO

Easily following toys now

Was constipated for over 48 hours but karo syrup and a warm bath helped that

Went over 12 hours with only nursing!

Starting to coo and smile at everyone

Loves looking at our ceiling fan and lights

Still pulling his hair with his right hand. (Stopped around 6 weeks)

Watches tv.

Can breast-feed without a Boppy now.

Smiles and gives smirks with giggles. W

ent on his first picnic with Rory and aunt Nikki at larriland farm. Has had 4 picnics, 3 trips to restaurants with momma, 2 pumpkin patch visits and 1 leaf-tastic afternoon photoshoot.

Visits Grammy d on lunchtime walks

Momma takes me on morning outings during my morning nap.

Love to snuggle in bed with mom and dad when I wake up around 7. I'll sleep an extra two hours on mommas chest.

Gets extra happy and smiley at night when dad gets home from work, in the morning and at night. Loves giving smiles!

Officially outgrown all of my newborn clothes and outgrowing his 0-3 month onesies and some shirts.

Weighing a little over 10 pounds at 6 weeks and a little over 12 pounds at 8 weeks.

Made Halloween cards for all of my grand and great grand parents.

Loves to eat and having his diaper changed.

Started sleeping in his crib at 7 weeks but momma still lets me sleep in the Rock and play if I have gas.

Starting to sleep on my tummy during naps at 8 weeks.

Figured out our nanny situation.

Drinking over 30 ounces a day.

Went to a Halloween party at papa duke and Grammy pammys house for my first Halloween.

Took his infant insert out of the car seat.

Visited Annapolis with Grammy d and great gramma Schaub.

Still loving tummy time (especially on the boppy) and playing on my play mat, but my favorite thing to do is be perched on someone's shoulder or sitting so I can look around.

Loves being outside!

BENJAMIN EVERETT: MONTH FOUR

12/14 you officially rolled from back to your side! We've been practicing rolling for a week or so and we are so proud!

 On your third month birthday 12/10 I weighed you and you were 15 and a half pounds! Y

ou smile all the time!! Still! So happy all of the time!

About to bump your bottles up to 5-6 ounces for each feeding :)

 On 12/29 I weighed you and you were 17 and a half pounds!

You have rolled from your back to your tummy now a few times!

You love love standing! It's your new favorite thing. We hold onto your little hands and say up and you will go from laying to standing in a second flat! You're so strong!

You had your first Christmas where you were spoiled with love and presents! Some things you got were: an embroidered leather chair, a push car for you to sit in, a plush car and toy car for you to sit and play in, lots of toys and clothes!

Your aunt Lauren came to visit and she instantly loved you. The way she takes care of you makes mommy cry because I know she loves you so much and she was such a natural.

We asked aunt Ali and aunt Lauren to be your godmother - they said yes!

You were asked by aunt Kiki and uncle Albert to be their ring bearer and you said yes! You play with a ton of your toys now and grab the ones you want if they are next to you.

You are so close to sitting up by yourself!

Going to bed around 9pm every night that we don't ruin your schedule

Went to Terris for the first time and you had so much fun. You were wiped out and went to bed early!

Mom started working 4 days a week

BENJAMIN EVERETT: MONTH 6

Oh Benjamin! You are changing so so much every day. From the moment you turned five months I feel like we've been saying you are a man on a mission!

I shed a few tears after you decided to start going to bed between 7-7:30PM. You did this right at the five month mark. I knew this day was coming and you need the sleep so you can grow big and strong, but I miss you so very much when I'm not with you. Sometimes I will sit in your rocking chair after putting you down to sleep and listen to your sounds. We started a bedtime routine with you and we never miss a night! We start by giving you dinner (solid foods) a little after 6PM, followed by bath time, then we wrap up the night with a bottle. You've recently decided that you are a big guy and want to sit up in the bath tub, rather than relax and recline in the baby bath. We know you will be a big boy sitting in the bath tub in no time, but no rush!

Rolling from back to tummy is a given if you are on a flat surface - even when sitting in your black chair, you can't help but to lean forward to grab at something or trying to flip over to get out and explore. The only time you sit still now is when watching Mickey Mouse after your morning bottle - which allows mama and dad to get ready for the day! Diaper changes are a challenge and I've found if I give you something to grab onto or sing really loudly I can grab your attention for a few moments so you won't flip half way through. The week you turned 6 months old you rolled from your tummy to your back!

You love playing peek a boo and belly laugh at so many things - which is the best sound in the entire world. You are still the sweetest ever and smile constantly throughout the day. You've started to smile and interact with strangers when we are out in public and you even babble now while out! Your personality is growing so much week-by-week. You really love watching other kids and love hanging out with Jax and Rory.

You are still an awesome eater and love helping me feed you. You still love to put the spoon in your mouth all by yourself! This month you started becoming interested in watching mama drink her coffee. I let you reach out for an empty mug and you immediately grabbed it and brought it to your mouth - you're so smart! I know that in a few weeks you'll be sipping water out of your very own cup!

This month we have had some nice weather! We took you to the zoo and bought a membership so we can go back all throughout the year. You loved the monkeys! We saw a mama lion, penguins, giraffes, monkeys and farm animals (plus more). You experienced your first trip to the park and you went on the slide and swings. I was afraid to push you very high, but Dad wasn't worried - you loved it! You would smile and kick your little chubby legs. The week you turned 6 months you started sitting all by yourself for long periods of time! Working those abs out - you only tumbled over after 10 minutes the first couple of days and then you decided it was time to sit all by yourself one day we were at the park with Aunt Nikki and Rory.

We found out that you have eczema and you broke out in hives when I washed your clothes in our laundry detergent, rather than your baby detergent. After taking some Benadyrl the hives cleared up the next day. We now do a mini massage after your baths with eczema lotion.

WELCOME BENJAMIN EVERETT LUCAS: OUR BIRTH STORY

On Thursday, September 10th I woke up after having a sinus infection for two days deciding to stay home from work and go to the doctors to get a prescription for antibiotics. I didn't want to ignore the cold and, in turn, not be able to kiss our sweet Ben when he made his arrival.

Chris left early that morning to play in a golf tournament with his dad up past Frederick. We both knew it didn't make sense for him to stay home waiting for something to happen - especially since we weren't even at his due date yet. At this point, I was sure he was going to come after due date since he didn't make his arrival on my birthday. The midwives had all told me the same thing - that he would be making his arrival early, but as each day came and went I found myself more impatient and more discouraged.

I made an appointment to go to Urgent Care after calling my OB/GYN office and was prescribed Amoxicillin. Around lunch time I drove to CVS to drop off my prescription and came back home to continue working. Around 3PM I decided since my prescription still wasn't ready and having only two more hours in the work day, I would try a trick to stimulate my nipples that Tammy told me could help start contractions. I walked upstairs into Ben's room and grabbed the breast pump out of the closet. I came back downstairs, saw a text that my medicine was ready to be picked up and plugged in the machine. As soon as I sat down on the family room couch I felt a "pop" of water - I had a feeling that I didn't pee my pants... I remember thinking that I may be pregnant, but I should still know the difference between peeing my pants and my water breaking. Half nervous and half excited I waddled to the bathroom. As soon as I sat down I felt liquid instantly gush out of me. I couldn't believe this was it!

They tell you that once your water breaks you have about 24 hours before they want the baby to come since after your water breaks, it leaves you open to infection. Since it was only 3:30PM at the time my water broke, I knew my doctors office would be open. I called the office and asked if they wanted me to come in to be checked. Instead, they told me to go straight to the hospital. I called Chris almost in a panic. I needed him to head home. I called my mom and asked her to come over and called Tammy letting her know I was 99% sure that my water broke. She was already at the hospital working and told me she would stay until we came and were checked in .

Once my mom got to the house, I jumped in the shower. At this point I wasn't experiencing any contractions. I knew they could take their time and it could be hours before they progressed. I remember feeling like I was constantly leaking, even after getting out of the shower. By the time I started to blow dry my hair I could feel the contractions starting. They weren't too strong and about 5-7 minutes apart. I decided to wait to time the contractions until we were in the car on the way to the hospital. Trying to track them and get ready would be too much. I got dressed and made sure our bags were packed as the contractions started getting more intense and closer together. I called Chris asking where he was. By the time he got home I had my mom start and put all of our bags and the car seat in the car so we would be ready to go. The contractions were getting stronger and I just wanted to get to the hospital.

Chris got home, sweaty from playing golf all day, and by that time I was afraid to wait any longer. Without showering we were off to the hospital. I started timing my contractions in the car on an app I had downloaded months ago. They were consistently about 3-4 minutes apart by the time we got to the hospital. We grabbed our bag and headed up to the labor and delivery unit - around 5PM.

As soon as we got to the nurses station we saw Tammy. I was breathing through my contractions, waiting to be checked into a room while a girl was crying in a wheelchair because of her contractions. In the room across from the nurses station the door was cracked and you could hear screaming. She was pushing and Tammy told us she waited too long to come to the hospital and wasn't able to get an epidural. Needless to say, I was terrified of what was to come. I was able to walk and breathe through the contractions at this point and seeing/hearing these two women made me panic that the worst was still to come.

After about 20-30 minutes we were headed to our room. I changed into my gown and our nurse hooked me up to a fetal heart rate monitor and a monitor to track my contractions. She asked if I wanted an epidural (which I said yes) and explained that I needed a full bag of IV in me before they could administer it. I called my mom and told her to head to the hospital since we were checked in!

I continued to breathe through the contractions which were about 1-2 minutes apart at this point. We had a nurse change at 7PM and I was given the epidural at 7:30. Everything the nurses told me about what to expect (feeling wise) with the epidural happened and I remember it not being as bad as I had anticipated. I just kept trying to focus on my breathing. I remember Chris trying to comfort me by telling jokes and rubbing me, but until the epidural kicked in I just needed my space and to focus on the waves of contractions! They best way to explain how the contractions felt is the feeling of having to hold your pee really badly, the cramps you get in your stomach would also wrap to your back.

Once the epidural was given they monitored Ben's heart rate. It was spiking after each contraction, but the midwives were amazing and made us feel that this was common. We tried to help Ben by rolling to my left side and finally they put me on oxygen so he would receive extra as well. Thankfully it worked! The midwives told Chris and our family to go get some dinner, that since this was our first labor, it could go on for hours before he arrived. I remember this was about 8:30. Everyone left the room and the midwives fluffed my pillows and told me to rest. We could potentially have a 9/11 baby.

Shortly after 9, the midwife came in to check my progress and saw I was fully effaced and dilated. In fact, she told me that Ben had hair on his head - that's how far down he was! I was anxious and excited to start the process - I remember texting Chris to come up since we were ready to start pushing as soon as they were finished eating. He came up while everyone else finished and I remember looking at him asking him if we were actually ready to do this - to become parents - and more importantly, was I actually ready to push out a baby.

My mom met us in the room and we started pushing! After pushing normally for 15-20 minutes, I turned to my left side and pushed him out after an additional 10 minutes. While pushing I kept thinking what will be the first thing I say to him? How will I act and then all of a sudden he was here! He was perfect.

Born September 10,  2015 at 10:12PM. Weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces and 18 3/4 inches long. 

I remember saying "Hi Baby!" and looking around the room at everyone's faces. His hair was dark and so curly, I was for sure he would have Lauren's curls.

He started to latch and the midwives and nurses said because of the large bruise on the left side of his head, they wouldn't be shocked if he wouldn't nurse right away. He probably had a huge headache - it was from how he was positioned and came out through the canal. They weighed and measured him - which I was in disbelief of how short they measured him to be. We later found out it was a mistake since he wasn't fully stretched, but forever he will have his tiny length on the birth certificate.

The rest of the family came in before they stitched me back up for the night and I remember all of their proud faces. We're so lucky to have them all right outside cheering us on.

We were finally transfer to our room around midnight/1AM and went to bed that night as a family of three. I remember waking up with the sunrise, holding Benjamin and crying the happiest tears. I've never felt more joy than every day he has been in our lives.

We're so very lucky and blessed.

BENJAMIN EVERETT: THREE MONTHS

Got his first shots. Two in his left thigh and one in his right thigh. He was fussy that evening from his thighs being sore. We gave him Tylenol but he spit most of it up.

Weighed 12 pounds 10 ounces and was 23 inches long at his doctors appointment. Doesn't have another appointment until 4 months. Drinks 32-33 ounces a day. Mom produces about 20-21 ounces a day.

 Mom ordered and got our Christmas pajamas in the mail. All of us and aunt Lauren will match.

Beginning to talk to mom and dad with my cooing.

Mom and dad made me giggle at week 9. I would imitate their giggles. I especially love when they put the burp cloth on me because it means I get my bottle.

Smiling a lot now! Confirming he is a happy happy baby.

Loves the song the ants go marching - gets excited when we say hoorah!

 Grammy took care of me one night because mom was sick with a sore throat. Gigi watched me one day so mom could clean the house. Mom and dad went on a movie date and to the Ravens game.

Rarely gets fussy over gas now. Holds onto blankets a lot now. Loves kicking his feet and kicking toys

 Clasps his hands and open and closes his hands more often now Loves sitting up on his changing pad and looking in the mirror with you. He will giggle and smile at himself.

Visited moms work for a work thanksgiving.

Met his Reid cousins who love him so much. Every time they would walk by him they would put their hand on his head like they were blessing him.

 Watched mom and dad put up the Christmas tree and decorate it with lights and ornaments!

Went to lunch with mom and aunt Alex to aunt Mandy's job.

Had his first thanksgiving / went to Grammy d and great aunt Kim's house.

Sleeping in his crib!!

Sleeps through the night on his belly. Mom was nervous at first, but she's been using the monitor Terri gave her to make sure he was ok.

Tried taking Christmas photos at the tree farm but I had a blowout in my skinny jeans. We came home and set something up at the house and the photos turned out great.

Went for a nice long walk the day after thanksgiving at freedom park. It was in the 60s!

I am starting to talk a lot more now! Maybe I'll be a talker like my mama.

Loves kicking the water in his bath tub

Had your first belly laugh one day shy of your three month mark.

We didn't catch it on tape but mama cried happy tears!

Wants to sit up all. The. Time! You try to do crunches to sit up because you want to see what's going on.

Mama put you in your high chair for the first time and you played with toys - speaking of toys you grab your toys now! Your favorite is the wrinkle rattle and the links!

Mom went back to work :(

Exclusively pump now - which has helped increase my milk supply! we typically only need to give you 8-10 ounces max rather than 14!

Loves looking in the mirror!

He smiles immediately when he catches your eye!

 Size 2 diapers and just about outgrown your 0-3 month clothes!

Saw Santa and the Christmas tree lighting in downtown sykesville. Decorated the Christmas tree and hung your stocking! Your hands are in your mouth constantly and you no longer take a pacifier. we think we have a thumb sucker on our hands and it's adorable when I hear you sucking on your hands in the morning in your crib.

Blows spit bubbles all the time! Lower lips kill me! I'll pick you up and snuggle you at any sight of the lower lip.

BENJAMIN EVERETT: MONTH FIVE

This past month you have become SO FUN! You love looking around and responding to sounds and people talking to you. I remember the first time you were sitting on my lap and twisted your body around to look up at me to see me talking to you.

You started eating real foods this month! Your first taste wasn't what I expected AT ALL. You pushed out the sweet potatoes and made the cutest faces. Since that first experience, you have started looking forward to eating solids. You are so smart and even grab the spoon from my hand to help me feed you. You'll put the spoon in your mouth all by yourself! So far you have tried: sweet potatoes, green beans, apples, pears, prunes, oatmeal and bananas. Your favorites seem to change on a daily basis, but if I had to pick a favorite so far, it would be a tie between sweet potatoes and green beans.

Another huge change this month is you never want to lay on your back now! It only takes you 2 seconds to roll from your back to belly and we can't get you to play any other way on the floor now. You twist your little body around when we change your diaper and most of the time I'll let you flip to your belly naked to hang out before putting a new one on. You're SO proud of yourself and we are so very proud of you also!

Your hair is coming in so much now that by your 5th month mark, your birth mark is becoming less and less visible. Your eyes are still a deep blue, but they are lightening just slightly.

You are still in size 3 diapers and are transitioning to 6-9 month and 6-12 month clothing now. We have no clue how much you weight, but you are thinning out slightly and definitely getting longer!

Your favorite toys this month include your bouncer - you LOVE to bounce up and down non-stop in that thing. You enjoy hanging out on your tummy on the boppy playing with your activity table and making the music and lights play. This month I have also noticed a big increase in your love for your blankies - you love holding onto your swaddle blankets and it's just about the cutest thing ever.

You've started to condense your naps and take a solid morning and afternoon nap on most days. We started swaddling you for naps at the beginning of the month, and by the last week you've decided you are a big boy and can nap with one arm out of the swaddle or on your tummy in your crib.

We've packed up your baby swing, your baby bathtub and the rock n play. You are such a big boy now!

You continue to be a great baby out in public! I just stick you in the wrap if we are going to Costco or you hang with us at a restaurant without fussing. You did grab for Mama's iced tea one night at dinner and spilled it all over us and the diaper bag. We've learned our lesson!

You survived your first blizzard! We got over two feet of snow and enjoyed being "snowed in" together. We blew bubbles, set up different play activities and took lots of photos. You were only out in the snow for about five minutes - long enough to snap some photos.

This month you had your ear appointment at Hopkins. You slept the entire car ride there and were such a good patient. You failed the left ear test where it measured how you respond the sound by the vibrations in your ear (I believe) but passed the test where the doctor placed head phones on you and went into the other room and called you by your name in each ear. You responded (and even looked each direction for her) at the same sound level in both ears. Because it is a state mandated exam we are going back on February 11th for the sleep deprived test. It will be a hard morning keeping you awake so you eat and fall asleep at the appointment, but we don't want you to have to be put under for the test.

You went through a growth spurt this month and were up every 3-4 hours for a solid 4-5 days. Mama's immune system crashed on the last day and she got sick, but we both got through it! I missed snuggling with you in bed in the mornings after you started sleeping through the night again.

We purchased an air purifier for your room so you can breathe easier at night! With the air purifier running, you don't seem to inch your way across the crib now so we think you are sleeping more and tossing/turning around less.

Social events this month included: Rory's first birthday, Grandpa Pete's birthday and the Superbowl! 

Benjamin, you continue to amaze me. Your smile is contagious and you are the sweetest thing I've ever known. You are growing to be such a fun, smart and active little guy and I hope you feel how much we love you every day. I look forward to snuggling you when you wake up in the morning and smelling your hair after you take a bath. You have such a wonder when you are in new environments - you are observant and study your surroundings. You feed yourself with your left hand (with a spoon), but like to hold onto toys with your right... totally confusing my opinion of you being a lefty! I wish I could stay home and play with you every day, but I am so looking forward to the next couple of weeks as the temperature warms up enough so I can take you on walks again. You are the favorite part of my days. I love you!

BENJAMIN EVERETT: MONTH ONE

Nicknames: Ben, Benny, Benny Bear, Benny Boo

About Me/Milestones/Measurements:

•  Has dark blue eyes with a grey ring around the iris. Mama thinks he may end up with hazel eyes
• Has lots and lots of sleep smiles. Mama and daddy are waiting to see his first real smile!
• Will roll onto his side when on a flat surface
•  Went through a couple growth spurts! Can drink from a bottle and we started supplementing him with formula after 2 weeks
• Becoming so much more alert!
• Is the sweetest baby ever who captures everyone's heart he meets
• Makes the most adorable cooing noises when nursing on mama. He made them since coming home from the hospital and it melts my heart
• Sleeps at least 5 hours at night
• Snores and grunts!
• Looks for mama and daddy when he hears their voice
• Newborn fits perfectly and will probably only fit for another week
• Just about outgrown newborn size diapers
• Weighed 8 pounds 3.5 ounces and measured 21.5 inches at his one month appointment
• Mama and daddy left him with Grammy D for the first time at one month
• Still sleeping in the rock and play
•  Has a strong neck! Can turn side to side and loves lifting his head. Since coming out, he has always wanted to be looking around
• Finally starting to latch onto my breasts without the nipple shield. A huge accomplishment!

Oh, no!

• Had only one colic night when mama ate chipotle and chicken fajitas. Gripe water helped!
• Both ears have passed the hearing test, but not at the same time
• Was scared by a loud fart (his) while nursing 

 Loves:

• Loves his activity mat and doing tummy time in his crib
• Loves his dragon toy - the noise of the wings flapping always catches his attention
• Loves his hands and hates being swaddled and not being able to have his hands by his face
• At just about one month discovered his tongue and loves kicking his feet
• Has some serious mean mugs with his daddy's eyebrows! But loves having his head rubbed since mama rubs his head and plays with his hair while nursing
• Loves his newborn Avent pacifier and sleeping on mama and daddy's chest. We are guessing he may be a tummy sleeper!
• Loves looking in the mirror
• Loves car rides and walks with his mama, daddy and friends

Dislikes:

• Hates wet diapers and being cold
• Cries when he is taken out of the warm bath water

-------

Dear Benjamin,

You are hands down the best thing that has ever happened to me. Every time I look at you, my heart warms and I feel so at peace with the world. You've been the best gift I have ever received in this life and I can only hope that I can show you love, the way you've effortlessly have shown me. I love all of the little noises you make and playing with your baby duckling hair while you nurse. There is nothing else in this life that I want more than to be your mother. Every day your dad and I are in awe of how sweet you are.

Mom Life:

The first two weeks after delivering Ben were the hardest days of my life. I had an easy pregnancy and delivery, but the worries and sleep-deprived nights are something I wasn't fully prepared for. When we came home we initially tried to place Ben in the bassinet, swaddled. After a few failed attempts we finally brought up the rock and play, which Ben took to instantly. I remember Chris and I asking the nurses to swaddle Ben in the hospital because our attempts weren't working.

Breastfeeding has been such a love-hate experience for me. I tried not to go into motherhood with any expectations about how breastfeeding would be for me. I knew it was different for every woman. Worrying about how to position Ben, if he was getting enough to eat, what things should I stay away from, can I pump - how much should I pump, how to store and heat and use the pumped milk... it all was so overwhelming. I would just cry and make new milestones for myself because I knew that my goal was to provide my son with as much breast milk as I could produce. I feel like I stayed in bed for the first two weeks of Ben's life for the most part because it was truly one of the only places in the house that I felt comfortable nursing. I would stack a few pillows next to me and nurse him in the football hold position. I was too nervous to try the Boppy - I wanted to stick with what had worked rather than rocking the boat. Ben had issues latching and staying latched so I was given a nipple shield and it was a life saver. We bought a few extra pairs because it became annoying having to wash it over and over and would get lost in the bed sheets.

BABY LUCAS: WEEK 33

33 weeks and Ben is the size of a pineapple! Weighing a little over 4 pounds and measuring over 17 inches long. The end of this week is August - our last baby-free month of the year!

Ben has been consistently having lots of little hiccups while living in there!

My pelvic bone is still sore this week and my back is sore here and there. I'm becoming a tad more uncomfortable which is par for the course. Nothing I can't handle :) My feet (especially my left foot) get pretty swollen now. I'm looking forward to our couples massages this weekend - a gift from Aunt Kiki and Uncle Albert (thank you!!) A mid-week pedicure also felt amazing! I am drinking a TON of water now. I am so thirsty all of the time... so lots of bathroom breaks :)

New purchases include:

I just received the solly baby wrap in the mail in the above color and love it. It's so easy to pre-wrap on yourself and pop the baby in and out of so if you are running errands you don't have to worry about wrapping once you get to your destination. I can also use this the second we come home from the hospital, which was the main reason I purchased it. I love my woven wrap, but I felt like I would have to wait until he was at least 2-3 months old to start using it and I really want to wear him as soon as possible (walks, doing laundry, running errands) and this allows me to do that! I have already practiced with Chance - that dog loves to be wrapped!

I purchased this little bear knit hat for Ben to wear in the hospital. I plan to sew a little "b" or "ben" onto the bottom before packing it in our hospital bag and will have my mom add his birth date once he is here. I think it'll be a sweet keepsake for him - and me.

I also purchased these onsies in the newborn size because we don't have a ton of newborn clothes (you never know if your baby will need them!) and I wanted something more simple for his coming home outfit. There definitely aren't as many options out there for boys as there are girls!

He will probably come on the hottest day of the year now since I just ordered sweater onesies. At least the top option is lighter! Nikki recommended I keep the tags on the newborn sweater onesies and if they look like they fit, I can send them home with her or my mom to be washed and brought back for our "going home" outfit. So glad I have her brain cells!

I started packing my hospital bag (is this real life?) and will need to grab some extra items before it's fully done. I also need to make a post-it for things to grab as we are walking out the door (i.e. cell phone, ipad, camera, hair dryer).

Items for Chris and I:

1. Nursing bras and tanks/nightgowns
2. Comfy pants - wide band leggings
3. Dark underwear - the hospital provides disposable mesh underwear that I'll most likely use the first day, but it may feel nice to have my own underwear on when I go home. Dark underwear is a must so it won't show stains
4. Robe 
5. Flip flops/socks
6. Chris' Number 1 Dad shirt for the delivery/sleeping and gym shorts/sweatpants
7. Coming home outfit for me - I'm thinking an easy maxi dress will be the best bet. That way I look put together, but will still be comfy for a quick photo
8. Coming home outfit for Chris - this way he can shower and feel good before leaving the hospital
9. Camera, iPad, cell phones with list of people to text (in notes) and all chargers
10. Pillow cases - the hospital has plenty of pillows, but I prefer my own cases
11.  Chapstick and mascara
12. Hair ties
13. Prenatal vitamins
14. Brush, hair dryer, toiletries (shampoo, body wash, conditioner, deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste, face wipes, etc.)
15. Tucks pads 
16. XL overnight maxi pads with wings - the hospital has ones they provide, but they don't have wings. I want to make sure those things stay in place
17. Refillable water bottle with straw
18. Nipple cream
19. Nipple Pads
20. Lavender essential oil

Items for Ben:

1. Boppy to help with breastfeeding
2. Going home outfits for Ben (newborn and 0-3 month sizes)
3. Bear hat (perfect for our little bear)
4. Swaddle blankets - I know the hospital provides, but I have a few I want for photos and this can be used as a lightweight blanket for the car seat
5. Baby book for footprints and to have guests sign
6. Baby wipes - they have cloth wipes, but mentioned to bring some regular ones on our tour if we want to use those
7. Hand sanitizer - for all of our guests to use before holding him  
8. Car seat - we have the base installed and if we leave from home we will grab the carrier then or have my mom bring it to the hospital (I get nervous about getting in an accident before he comes and the car seat being unusable!)

I am starting to get more and more nervous/anxious/excited the closer we get to September. There are so many things for me to think about and the unknown aspect of labor is the worst part, for me. I know I have absolutely no control over how it will happen, when it will happen ... so it's just a waiting game and I'm trying to be as prepared as I possibly can.

I'm in shock that our infant care class starts next Monday... Ready or not, here we go!

Not the most flattering booty photo haha but I love the chalkboard Chris drew for me.

 Deodorant arm pit and 33 weeks and 5 days!

BABY LUCAS: WEEK 34

Week 34! 

Ben is officially the size of a cantaloupe... weighing 4 - 3/4 pounds and measuring almost 18 inches. I'm sure he is at least that long because he has been moving around like crazy this week!

Hiccups are still a favorite past time of this little babe. Chance was laying on top of my belly this week while I was on the couch and Ben started kicking him as hard as he could. It took a little more than five minutes for Chance to finally get up and move right next to me. Any time Chance is laying up against my belly now, Ben starts to move and kick. 

Saturday (last day of week 33) we had our massage appointment. I had to climb into the above contraption for my massage, which wasn't the most comfortable thing.

BABY LUCAS: WEEK 32

This pregnancy is flying by and I feel slightly guilty for not documenting it more during this final trimester. Chris is upset we haven't taken bump pics the last three weeks.

I know I will probably look back and wonder how my belly looked (don't worry, still taking random snap shots), but my favorite moments are the random belly hugs from our papa bear and our times when we are daydreaming about sweet Ben's personality together. Those are the things I wish I could bottle up and keep forever about this pregnancy... not my undone hair and makeup-less face ;-)

This week's workouts include walks, the elliptical and really lazy arm workouts. 

Instead of going to the beach last weekend, we decided to finish installing our kitchen island from Ikea (sans counter top). It felt SO GOOD to get that done and the extra storage has me happy dancing around the house. Ben's bottles and 986503497 extra "feeding" equipment now happily lives in one (shocking) drawer in the island instead of the corner of his room. Anything that involves organizing makes me so happy and I love that my husband tackled this before Ben came. He knows how to make a wife happy. We high-fived approximately 35 times during the project :)

Wednesday was our hospital tour at Howard County General Hospital, where I will be delivering. I feel like I made the appointment for this tour forever ago - and the fact that it is here makes things even more real and nerve-wracking.

We learned a few things:

1. We can have 4 visitors plus papa bear in the labor and delivery room and recovery room. (we plan to do the delivery solo - with the exception of possibly having Nikki coming in and snapping some photos). We really want to have this first birth be about Chris and I and our new family, so we will send out a text when things get moving, but ask for our family to come to the hospital once Ben is here.
2. They have 2 rooms that have tubs if we want to soothe the contractions by soaking in them. If you want this room, you have to request it when you check in.
3. You must be 4 cm dilated before they will admit you to the labor and delivery room.
4. Visitation hours once Ben is here is from 8-8.
5. They serve warm cookies and milk once you are in recovery. 
6. 2 hours (I believe) after delivering you are transferred to your recovery room.
7. They recommend not bringing extra pillows since each room has 7 - but I would want to bring my own pillow cover and blanket for Chris to sleep with.
8.  Typical stay is for 48 hours for vaginal delivery, but you can go home as early as 24 hours afterwards.
9. Babies sleep in a bassinet next to the mom in the recovery room, rather than staying in a nursery unless they have an issue that needs to be monitored by a nurse. 
10. Bring a hat! Some babies come out with funny shaped heads so bring a hat for them to wear to hide that if you prefer (I found this fact to be funny).
11. Moms eat for free - dad's need to go to the cafeteria. Luckily, the mall is down the street so a chipotle/Cheesecake Factory/PF Changs run can easily be made. 
12. You can't eat anything during delivery. Midwives are a little more forgiving with his policy. They have juice and popsicles available for you.

Thursday I had my 32 week appointment and have gained another 1.5 pounds - so a total of 19.5 pounds at 32 weeks and 4 days. I'm wondering if now that we are cutting out carbs from our diet if I will still gain about a pound a week or if that will lessen. The appointment went super fast - his heart beat was super strong and everyone is happy with how things are progressing! Still a really smooth pregnancy :) 

The only new thing symptom-wise is constipation is slowly coming back at this point - so I really should try walking more in the AM to help with that. Also, my pelvic bone has been feeling sore this week. The midwife said that's due to him getting bigger and his head is putting more pressure on it. Totally makes sense and was what I thought.

We had our car seat installed this week by our local fire department and Chris and I set up the stroller to have the car seat attachment. Chance loved going for a ride through our first floor in the stroller surprisingly!

As everything is getting checked off our list, the more excited I am for him to be here. I'm trying to soak up as much time with Chris as I can now since I know our lives are about to get a lot more hectic. Extra kisses and "I love yous" are daily because I really have the best life-partner and am grateful for him every day. I have a really strong feeling that Ben will be just as sweet as his papa bear - which is lucky for me.

See ya later, week 32! 

BABY LUCAS: WEEK 31

Holy moly - 31 weeks! The midwives and nurses weren't lying when they said it would fly by from here. I'm writing this at almost 31.5 weeks and realizing that this weekend I will be officially 8 months pregnant. This Monday we hit the 2 month mark from Ben's due date!

This week he weights 3 1/3 pounds and is 16.2 inches long. My app says this week he is going through a growth spurt and I believe it because I have been exhausted! Sleep has been so so good lately and almost every day I am sleeping in and super tired by the end of the day.

I'm considering going back to a Paleo diet for the remainder of my pregnancy to help keep me from snacking and eating too many un-needed carbs. I am going to try and start next week and allow myself one free day.

My biggest pregnancy brain fails have been within the last month. Both times I got up early and prepped dinner in the crock pot only to come home to an uncooked meal. The first time I forgot to turn the dial to low and the second time I forgot to plug the slow cooker into the outlet. Both equally disappointing and frustrating.

Workouts have been slim this week. I've been pretty tired in the mornings and have been sleeping in (missing my morning walks) and exhausted by the time I get home. I did squeeze in 2 walks this week.

Friday we are headed to the beach! I'm looking forward to being away for a long weekend with our little fam and finally breaking in my maternity bathing suit.

This week we purchased some of the final items we needed with our gift cards. I grabbed a forehead/ear thermometer, humidifier, baby bath tub and washcloths, some health essentials and car seat/stroller strap pads that were left on our registry. The only other must-have items we have on our registry are the travel crib and high chair. My plan as of now is to start Ben off in the crib once we get home and see how that goes. If he has trouble right away we will order the travel crib to keep in our room since we will need it eventually when going on vacations. The high chair we won't need until he is about 4 months so I am hoping to snag that on sale during black friday/cyber monday.

We are also going to test out only having the jogging stroller since I think one stroller is plenty and I plan to wrap/wear him a bunch. 

Once we figure out a firm plan for daycare we can decide if an extra car base is needed for Chris' vehicle. For now, we will install it in my car since I'll be home with him for 12 weeks and Chris will be back at work after 3 weeks.

I can't believe we are less than 60 days away from meeting baby Ben! So surreal!

BABY LUCAS: WEEK 30

30 weeks and Ben is the size of a head of cabbage - weighing almost 3 pounds and measuring about 15.7 inches. 

Monday I called and found out my glucose tests were normal which is a HUGE relief! I had our 30 week doctors appointment on Wednesday and have gained 18 pounds so far and my blood pressure has been really great. 

I asked our midwife about the belly bands you receive after a c-section and inquired if they were available to vaginal deliveries as well. She told me she orders them for each of her patients and believes it really helps your tummy to get back to normal and helps to regulate your hormones - so I will definitely be requesting one after Ben is born. 

This week I was super proactive. I made a list of what to pack in our hospital bag after doing some online research, called and made meet-and-greet appointments with the two pediatrician offices we are interested in and called the insurance company to get some questions answered. After the insurance call I was drained - I felt rushed and like all of my questions weren't completely answered so Chris and I are going to call back together in the next couple of weeks. I did find out that:

1. Circumcision is included at no out-of-pocket cost
2. The maximum out-of-pocket cost for our hospital stay is $300
3. I cannot order a breast pump until the baby is born and only from 2 vendors - which will ship the pump out within 24 hours. Note to self: include those vendors and the contact info in my hospital bag
4. We need to inform Chris' HR department once Ben is born so they can add him to our insurance since his hospital bills are separate - we have 31 days to do this. I think it's smart to have Chris talk to his HR department to see if they can set up the paperwork in advance

There are other things I want to know, such as - what are some unexpected costs we could incur? If I have to have a c-section, is that an additional cost since it's a surgery? Are NICU costs covered? What costs for Ben aren't covered - is the newborn screening included? I'm the type of person that the unknown scares me more than the known, so having some of these answers makes me feel more prepared.

This week we also had our Lucas-side co-ed baby shower at the Mussel Bar in Harbor East. Pam and the girls did a great job setting it up and it was so nice to just come and relax at this shower. Next weekend while we are at the beach I am hoping to knock out those thank you cards. We now have most of the items we need - and anything we don't have, we have gift cards we can use. Chris and I came home and organized all of our gifts and Ben's clothes.

I'll upload some photos from the shower and my bump later this week or next!

BABY LUCAS: WEEK 29

The last week in my 20's... I've been saying once I hit the 30 weeks things will start to feel super real! In all honesty this week I am feeling super pregnant. I don't even want to complain because I know next week I could feel differently.

If I get extremely tired or hungry it isn't out of the ordinary for me to have a mental breakdown. Just keeping it real. Maybe it is supposed to teach me how to have empathy for Ben once he is here and has the same emotions. 

I'm starting to wake up in the middle of the night more to go to the bathroom and I think from becoming uncomfortable. It's not hard for me to fall back asleep so it isn't bothering me much!

I am beaming with excitement for Ben to get here and to have our newborn photos done by April Stites. The photos are so precious! We booked her this past week :)

I'm continuing to walk every morning with Chris and Chance - which has become a nice routine. My hands are becoming pretty swollen on our walks, but that isn't too out-of-the-ordinary for me. I have noticed that my feet and back are starting to hurt more and I'm considering asking our midwife about those belly support bands that help lift your belly. I don't really want to purchase something new with only 10 weeks to go (at our next appointment), but if things get worse I will definitely grab one from Amazon.

My 3 hour long glucose test was Thursday and I have to wait until Monday to find out the results. Fingers crossed everything goes well!

BABY LUCAS: WEEK 28

Week 28 - Ben is the size of an eggplant, about 2 1/4 pounds and almost 14.5 inches long. I think his nickname should be my sweet Benny bear because this baby is just so good to me! He lets me sleep through the night, when I worry about the last time he kicked he gives me a little tap, he's given me a nice "glow" and I have had a really smooth pregnancy so far.

He has been wiggling around like crazy this week! On 6/23 I felt the first case of hiccups :)

On Wednesday, 6/24 we had our doctor's appointment. Total weight gain so far is 15 pounds. I received the Tdap shot and also found out I failed my glucose test - insert dramatic cry face. :( I was shocked to hear that I failed the test. I didn't receive a call to inform me, I have been exercising and gaining weight at a steady pace. Disappointed is an understatement because everything has been going so smoothly and I know it isn't uncommon to fail the 1 hour test. I am going to think positively and schedule the 3 hour test within the next week so we can know the results before our 30 week appointment.

My belly is measuring 29 weeks, which doesn't surprise me since I was 28.5 weeks at the appointment. It's funny that our midwife mentioned he had the stereotypical boy heartbeat, because up until our 20 week appointment she would comment that based on the heartbeat, she could have swore he was a girl! Looks like he is acting 100% boy now. :) He also kicked the midwife again while searching for his heartbeat.

We also asked/talked about a few things:

• Tammy and our midwife both agreed that they would recommend taking the infant care course over the childbirth course. We signed up for our class today - 8/3 and 8/10 at HCGH
•  Kay informed us that they advocate several birthing positions and have oil they massage on your bottom to help with the birthing process
• There is never a cut off time for an epidural, they only don't recommend it if you are about to start crowning
• They ensure the baby comes out slowly, to prevent tearing
• Once the baby is out, he is placed immediately on my stomach. They will deliver the placenta, do all of his vitals with him on me to ensure there is plenty of skin to skin
• They cut the umbilical cord once the cord stop pulsing to ensure all nutrients and benefits of the cord are with the baby
• We need to call our insurance to discuss if circumcision is included, but she feels it shouldn't be a large expense
• I can continue sleeping on my back for as long as it is comfortable for me. She says the fact that I am tilting my pelvis with a pillow wedged behind my back actually helps - my body would tell me if it wasn't comfortable

  New nursery items include a B hook for me to hang in his room and a knitted pouf to rest my feet on. I also purchased some things off our registry after returning some baby shower duplicates (the mesh crib bumper, changing pad liners, baby lotion and diaper pail refills).

The first day of week 28 fell on Father's Day! Ben is extremely lucky to have this handsome man as his papa bear. He is going to be such a natural and SO patient. I'm super appreciative to have Chris as my partner in this new journey. I think we make a pretty great team.

I designed a "baseball" style tee with LUCAS 01 DAD on the back for him to wear to the hospital. It's already been washed in dreft and is ready to be packed in our hospital bag!

The way the photos are cropped I look bigger than in person - I'll post some iPhone photos this week.

BABY LUCAS: WEEK 27 + BABY SHOWER RECAP

We kicked off week 27 with our baby shower - and hello, third trimester!

Ben is nearly 14.5 inches long and 1.9 pounds - the size of an acorn squash. This week's post is a long one, so hang in there with me!

Workouts this week have been walking and the elliptical. I would love to be able to jump in the pool this weekend, but we are busy-busy!

Nothing new in terms of symptoms. Our little cub is as sweet as can be in there and makes things easy for me. I have felt more pressure down below, so I'm wondering if he is settling in. I've been waking up an hour earlier than I normally do, but still sleeping well. Most times when I wake up he takes about 15 minutes to start rumbling.

OK - onto the shower... I always knew I wanted a garden themed baby shower and the theme didn't bother me when we found out we were having a little man. We've spent months planning out the shower and our family and friends made it so perfect!

We had about 50 guests at my mom's house and it was overwhelming seeing everyone in the same room! I'm super thankful our friend Brittany was there to help snap photos.

I found a few invitations I loved on Etsy and let Aunt Kiki pick her favorite for the shower. Gigi printed and sent them out for us! We decided mint would be a great start to the color palate :)

We asked everyone to bring a book to start Ben's library collection and these ladies did not disappoint! We only had 2 duplicates in the entire stack and those will find a nice home at my mom's house for Ben to have.

I cut 45 feet of paper flag banners that my mom helped string and hang in her living room. I wanted it to feel whimsical and these were a show stopper! The different shades of blue helped tie in all of the decorations!

Aunt Nikki created all of the flower arrangements throughout the house to tie in the garden theme. They were gorgeous and I would walk around from room to room just staring at them :)

A family photo after I opened gifts!

Our amazing Aunt Kiki who was always there for me helping to make this a shower I would never forget.

Aunt Nikki drew on our chalkboard to welcome guests.

Aunt Kiki got me a "mamma" sign for my chair and I'm so glad I have a close-up photo of this!

Gigi made our favors! Custom cookies with handmade bookmarks and wildflower seeds in mini pots. :)

The cake was from Baltimore Cakery - the same place and flavor as our wedding cake. Everyone raved over this cake so fighting traffic to pick it up the Friday before was well worth it!

I made a "Baby Ben" cake topper with string, paper straws, washi tape and stickers.

Cupcakes from Wegmans (Aunt Kiki) were amazing! Uncle Chris and Aunt Panda did an amazing job creating the food labels. I asked for watercolor and these turned out so great!!

My two little sweet gals - Jayden and Harper were all-stars helping me open gifts.

This sweet Lucy was so great at helping me open gifts and she sewed Ben and I the sweetest minky pillow that is currently sitting in his crib waiting for him!

The bump photos were strung in the kitchen for our guests to see.

Beautiful Aunt Britt! I am so thankful for the photos she captured of the day!

My sweet Sammy!

My little Rory Bear - waiting for her bear cub friend to come :)

24 years, marriage and babies!

It was a perfect day! We really are SO lucky to have so many people who care about us and about our Benny Bear. I'm still in shock by the amount of work that everyone put into this shower. Our Grammy D was the woman behind the scenes who worked tirelessly cleaning her home, preparing food and setting up decorations for 48 hours straight before the party. We love you!

This little piggy loved the cupcakes! haha

Monday (the day after the shower) I had my glucose test in the morning. I haven't heard anything all week so I am assuming I am in the clear! I'll know for sure at our 28 week appointment.

We have a mattress in the crib! After unpacking our gifts, I really loved the look of adding a pop of red in his nursery like this swaddle blanket. 

Instant tears were shed when I opened Rory's gift to Ben. I can't wait to see them wear these together! 

I started organizing his top dresser drawers. I've got newborn diapers with diaper items in the first drawer and burp cloths, bath/medical items in the second. Once everything is where I want it I'll add a note to the washi tape so Chris can easily navigate :)

I found the PERFECT mirror for his room at HomeGoods this week. It's grey with weathered wood and the tiniest streaks of blue. It really ties in the grey in the room and makes it so sophisticated. I can't stop sitting in the room and staring! 

I also snagged this pillow that has different shades of blue in the diamond patterns. I thought it was a nice touch and makes the room feel more masculine. I'm currently deciding between photos and books for the bottom ledge. Maybe it'll be a combination!

Week 27 has been so good to me. I can't believe we are in the third trimester and after our appointment next week we will be visiting the doctor's office every two weeks. Someone pinch me - I can't believe Ben will be in our arms in 3 short months!