Which is worse... No Sleep or Sore Cracked Nipples??

I'll take both please!! Boy, the last few days have really begun to be a nightmare for me as a mommy of 2. I as so spoiled with Finnegan, who was a good sleeper and a fairly good eater from the beginning. Yeah, we had trouble with breast feeding, but who doesn't in the beginning. But my sweet darling little girl is proving to be more troublesome on my body as a whole.

Two nights ago, she started cluster feeding, which is fairly normal for babies to do around the time of growth spurts. Most do it in the early evening time and feed nonstop for 2 or 3 hours. My little princess likes to do this in the early MORNING hours - between the hours of 1am and 5am... sometimes it starts earlier (last night it started at midnight). And she will feed (and want to nurse) non-stop for those hours. She'll fall asleep for a few minutes, but as soon as i wake her to burp or put her in her bed, she wakes up and wants to nurse again. Nothing else will pacify her. Oh, man, is this rough. I calculated the hours of sleep that I got on Saturday, and they totaled 3 (2 at night, and 1 hour nap during the day). And then the same was true for Sunday. I slept 3 hours at night (2 hours straight, and one hour during the feeding frenzy), and another 1.5 hour for a nap. And no one can run on 4 hours of sleep, I am convinced... especially a new mom, recovering from major surgery and looking after a toddler. Oh, and my darling husband was suppose to return to work today. It was a little more than overwhelming. So, in the wee hours of the morning, I've been researching how to help my daughter get past these cluster feeds in the early morning hours (if they were in the late evening - or literally any other time of day, I think I'd be coping a whole lot better). And to my suprise, I've found little to NO information about how to get our loved ones through this time. All I've found is in regards to how long it lasts. Some say it lasts just a week or so (to help get them through a growth spurt), and other record that it can happen for weeks and even months. Oh, MY! I certainly can't go on like this for MONTHS, let alone the rest of the week!! After two days, i feel like I'm at wits end. So, for experienced moms out there (especially those who are schedulers with their infants) do you have any suggestions to help us regulate this time? I have a couple of ideas that we're gonna start today, but thought I'd ask those who have experience... (I was also blessed when my husband told me that he wasn't going into work today that he'd work from home. Oh, the best words I could have heard today... so I was able to get a nice nap this morning and feel better about the outcome, rather than my world is crashing all around me as I felt like this morning).

And not only is she not sleeping, but somewhere along the line during our marathon feedings, we've gotten off track with the proper breastfeeding technique and I am beyond sore. To even think of putting her to one side makes me cringe in pain. So, I've resorted to pumping and bottle feeding on and off to give the breasts a bit of a break. We'll see how it goes. In the mean time, I'm nursing sore and cracked nipples and contemplating calling a LC for an in-home consultation.

In other news, we go for her one week appt tomorrow, and we'll learn what doctor our pediatrician will be sending us too about her skin tag on her eye.

Penelope Jean Has Arrived!!

Well, if you haven't heard (and haven't visited Facebook since Wednesday), Penelope Jean Morgan was born on Sept 23rd at 8:40am. She was born via c-section and we are so pleased to have her as part of our family. She weighed in at 6lbs, 7oz and was 19.25 inches long. She has just as much hair as her brother had at birth, is more vocal than her brother, but less observant. She keeps her eyes closed much more than he did. She is a great eater and sleeper, so far, and we are blessed by her each moment!! Here are a few photos from the day!!


The first two were take by a friend of mine who came and took our birth photos. What a blessing to have these photos.








Coming home... She was so small, that the outfit I brought to bring her home in and all the other ones that I took to the hospital were too big. Our friend dropped this onsie off for us and it just happened to be the right size :)


Getting ready to go home with her big brother!!
On our way out the door of the hospital...

Less than 12 hours...

In less than 12 hours I will meet my second child... isnt that crazy to fathom? I've always wanted to go into labor on my own and really thought that perhaps this time I would. But so far, nothing. I was sure my water would just break. But, that hasn't happened either. Never the less, tomorrow is the day!!

All the details are taken care of... at least everything that is within my control and responsibility. It is so weird to think that at this time tomorrow I will have nursed a new baby probably 5 times already (if not more) and I will have a new scar to prove it!!

So, So Crazy, I tell you!! Keep checking the blog for photos and stories, I'm sure there will be plenty to be had...

Love

The Last of the Shots... For a few days!

So, I just took my last shot of blood thinner before the baby's deliver tomorrow morning. And while I'm in the hospital, they'll give it to me through my IV. Pretty exciting!! No more pokes... well, at least until I return home and then I'll only have 6 more weeks of the poking and then I'll be done until next time :)

Finnegan and I have had a rough morning... our Dr. Appt went well, but since then, he's been cranky and unhappy and just not having a good day. Perhaps after his nap, he'll do a bit better.

Two days...

Ok, so here goes... Two days to go!! This photo was taken on Friday (38wks, 4 days). The belly continues to rock and roll every day!! And boy, does she like to move!! I hope this isn't a telling sign that she's gonna be a climber and give me a daily heart attack!! :)

The weekend was pretty relaxing. Friday was Ken's birthday and we celebrated with a dinner outing to Red Robin! We had a great dinner and dessert afterwards, and then some presents. Saturday was Finnegan's birthday, and it was even more low key. I made sandwiches for dinner, and Finnegan took his time throughout the day to open his presents. I went for a pre-natal massage on Saturday before the birthday excitement began, and a pedi. Both were wonderful, although the massage therapist said to me "You haven't had a massage at all during your pregnancy, have you?" Big Fat Nope!! "I can tell!" she said!! And my back could tell too. It was pretty sore the rest of the night, but feels great now. And I am proud to announce that the massage did allow me to STOP waddling. I walk upright and straight, even though I'm 39 weeks pregnant!! It's pretty freeing!! I'll probably go back in a couple of months for a second massage. :) I also had a pedi!! I was going through the photos from Finn's birth and loved to see my pretty toes sticking out of those compression deals that I have to wear during the surgery and for 24 hours after wards.

Sunday was relaxing with a nap and a trip to Costco after church. Just nice to be with the family and have some quiet time before our sweet daughter arrives.

Finnegan and I have been counting down the days with our paperchain. We tear off one ring each day to mark the days until sister arrives. He gets excited each day when we do it!!

Finnegan had his 2nd year doctor's appt today, and it was a rough one. He didn't want to take off his shoes to be weighed. He didn't want to take his clothes off. He didn't want to sit on the table. Just super fussy today. And then we continued with the shots!! He got 3 of them!! He had to sit on my lap (or what is left of it) and had to hold his arms, while the nurse held his feet between hers!! Oh, poor baby! It just breaks your heart each time. So we retreated home for a movie and some chocolate milk!! It makes everything better :)

6 days and counting...

Oh, Man!! The days are ticking away!!

So, I did sleep on the air mattress the other night. And unfortunately it didn't make either of us sleep any better. And this time, I wasn't just awake when I rolled over, but every time Ken rolled over in the bed above me! And I went back to my regular bed at about 5:30am because I missed my husband... it's hard to sleep in a different bed when he's right there and ready for the snuggling!! So, needless to say, I haven't attempted it again. However, the bed is still set up in our room, just in case. :)

Today was the first day of MOPS at our church. I'd never joined before and wasn't really sure what to expect. A new friend that I've made at our church encouraged me to come and I know that this year I'm gonna REALLY need to extra support of other moms and a connection time. So I decided to join. I am so glad that I did. The head coordinator spoke this morning and God really has preparing her and teaching her so much. Things that are practicle and applicable to my own life. I found myself crying at one point, just realizing that I feel the same way she feels and she's just a few steps ahead of me, giving a good example of the actions I should take to make myself a better mom!! She talked about being a Born Mom or a Made Mom. And I know for sure that I am a Made Mom. Being a good mommy doesn't come easy to me, and I never really wanted children. But it's a fight I'm willing to make. I just have to make my choices each day. What a great reminder that God wants me to fight that fight with me and stands right with me helping me to make controlled and loving decisions with my children in mind.

Also, another bit of exciting news. My friend, that I mentioned above, does some photography on the side and has agreed and is willing to accompany Ken and I to our c-section and be our 'paparazzi' when the baby is born. And because she is there, she will capture those first moments together of the baby and us and we won't have to take the photos ourselves, but enjoy our sweet girl!! And since we won't have family there this time to take those photos, Mandy will be doing it for us, and I couldn't be more happy!!

The last of the chores have begun. I started washing the cushions of the couch today, while Finnegan is continuing his "trial run" nap at our friends' home (the M's). We did trial run #1 yesterday and he had a rough time at first but then took a great nap. Today, he did even better. I think he'll be all set for next week!! He adjusts so well so it makes it easier, but I did still cry yesterday when I left him as he was crying!! I've begun to pack Finnegan's bag for his big adventure at the M's house, as well as my bag. We've coordinated the dogs care, and most of the other details. So, unless the baby come early and surprises EVERYONE, we're on schedule!! :)

I have been having real contractions here and there. I had a few on Sunday and a couple yesterday. I had one this afternoon after standing for about 45 minutes, but none since then.

Well, it's off to finish one more chore before I go and get Finnegan. I'll keep you posted on all the other happenings soon!!

Oh... Wait... One more thing... Can I just say how HAPPY I am that the new seasons have started for prime time television??? Ok, so yes, my life is ruled by TV during the fall and winter seasons. I write the premires in my planner in hopes of not missing any show that I want to watch!! I know it's completely pathetic, but hey, that's me!! Survivor is on tonight as well as the office, and Grey's is on next week!! Yippee!!

8 days and counting....

We are now officially, in the home stretch before the baby will be born. To be honest, there are days, I'm ready and days I could hold this all off for a few more weeks.

We've been blessed by some of our close friends here in town, as they have offered (and we've accepted) for them to watch Finnegan for the full amount of time that I'm in the hospital. And they've even offered to watch him more than we asked (we were planning to pay a babysitter to come and have him sleep in his own bed - but he'll be sleeping at one of their homes instead). This will save Ken from having to run back and forth between their homes and our home and the hospital switching him between friends and family. We've truly been blessed by this gift of love!!

I'm pretty sore today... walking tonight has been pretty painful. I think what I'm feeling is what other women feel when they say "I think the baby will fall out". My muscles are just so sore to walk, or bend. Sitting is the only thing that I think makes it even feel better. And it doesn't even take it away. Grrr...

It's official, I've blown up the air mattress to sleep on tonight, although I don't think my husband will allow me to sleep on it. I keep him up all night with my tossing and turning and pulling on him and bathroom breaks. Oh, I feel so bad. When I sleep good, he sleeps good. Until last night... when I slept good, and he didn't. He said I was still moving a lot. Granted it's only a week, but I just feel so bad for him to not be getting any quality sleep.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!!

So, although our son's birthday is officially next weekend, I decided to celebrate a week early, so we could have one last quiet weekend at home before Sweet Pea arrives. So, we invited about 20 people to the house to help us celebrate Finnegan's birthday. Little did we know, that this small gathering of just a few friends and WA family, would just turn into a WA family party with only two other families joining us. Never the less, we enjoyed the play time with our close friends and enjoyed a relaxing evening together celebrating Finnegan.

We also didn't know that Finnegan's pesky teeth would wake him up early from his nap, and make him super cranky at the beginning of the party. But he was able to find his groove and get over the funky attitude to enjoy his party too! Here are a few photos from the party!

Our Dining room table is transformed into the Cake Central. We had cake, cookies, ice cream and milk to drink (white and chocolate).
With Special Straws for our Chocolate Milk!!
This is me and my birthday boy!!


Here's Finn and Liam Playing together with the toys. Finnegan was getting sleepy, but still found the energy to play!Here we are as the official birthday photo together!! Mommy was trying to make the baby smile, and got a silly look on her face :)
Here are the kids checking out the dogs. Liam and Rylee don't have dogs, so it's a treat for them to see our dogs when they come over. Rylee loves Tootsie!!
Yummy Birthday Cake!!

What a friendly chid...

Today, we walked into doctor's office for my weekly check up. When we arrived, there was another family in the waiting room as well as an older gentleman. Finnegan walked in the door and walked right up to the little girl who was waiting with her mom and dad and said, "Hi, Friend!" She didn't respond, so he said it again! Oh, he is so friendly!! I just love it!!

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In other news, the full gallery of our maternity photos has been completed. If you're interested in seeing them, shoot me an email, or leave a comment with your email address and I'll send you the password to view them!!

A photo and Video for you!

It's been raining here in WA most of the day, and I just heard a report that there was tornado sighted... and of course it's now getting dark :) Anywho - here are a few photos from this past week. Finnegan and Daddy work in the back yard pulling the weeds, and fixing the mess that is our grass. This is Finnegan helping!!

Finnegan's learned that he can ask for a piggie back ride, and loves to trot around the yard with daddy!!

Here's a photo that I took Friday. Finn and I had no idea that the rainbow had appeared, but Daddy took us out to show us the beauty when he got home.

Here is a video of Finnegan singing. He loves this Bible Song Lullaby CD that we have and sings the songs. His new favorite is Climb Climb up Sunshine Mountain, and he sings it each time I tell him to "climb" up into his seat at the table. It is very cute.

2.5 Weeks and Counting (18 days)

So, today is Sept 5th, and I have 18 days to go before my baby is to be born. Can we just say, that although her room is completely finished, her clothes are washed, my bag is mostly packed and there are meals frozen in the fridge, I really just can't believe that it will only be a matter of days until she arrives. I can't tell if I'm just in denial, or warding off an anxious spirit. However, since moving so far from our families and friends, I've learned to "guard myself" against getting too excited about people who say they're coming to visit. Because it is normally said in passing and I get my hopes up and then it never happens, and it's just a sad day. So I've learned to not get "excited" about visitors until they actually arrive, in hopes that I don't get my heartbroken. I explain all of this to say that I'm not sure if I'm just guarding my heart because I don't think that she'll come... or because I'm a bit nervous about her coming. I don't know.

In the mean time, I'm feeling pretty good. I actually am enjoying these last days of being pregnant, and am convinced that she is not nearly as big as Finn was. I am enjoying (for the most part) the way my body is handling this pregnancy, although I do have moments where I just hate being pregnant... The "going-pee-all-day-long" is no fun. Especially with a toddler... I feel like I'm going 3 times an hour - and sometimes I do! But days like today, I'm enjoying being pregnant, without much of the lower belly pressure and discomfort. And there are some days that I really forget that I'm that pregnant. I just don't feel as huge as I did with Finnegan, although I have begun to waddle.

I've begun to plan a few last minute activities for just Finnegan and mommy to do before sister arrives. I think we'll go to the zoo at least one day together. We baked cookies the other day, a first for the two of us together. I'd also like to do one other thing before the baby comes. I also plan on making some home made playdoh for him to play with after she arrives. Have any other ideas, mommies??

Thanks to all of you who posted comments about our photos! I am absolutely in love with them and continue to view them on the blog and can't wait to see the rest when she's done editing them. If you're interested in seeing the whole set, shoot me a message or email, so I can send you the codes to view them.

The Sneak Peek's are IN!!!

Hey Guys -
Check out the sneak peeks of our maternity photo shoot!!

www.ambersheree.com/blog

When you visit - leave a message on the post (at Amber's site) and we'll get a fre 5x7!!

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!

Sept 1st Update

Hello Friends!! It's Sept, can you believe it?? Only 3 weeks before the baby will be born and the count down is on. Below are some photos to enjoy from the last week...

Here I am at 35 weeks and 5days. Not as flattering as I'd like, but I'm in MUCH better shape than I was with Finnegan. :)


Here's my little Cowboy at Mattie's Birthday Party!! We had a really great time at her party, and enjoyed the mini cupcakes!!

And I came home from my Dr.'s appt on Monday to find Daddy teaching Finnegan how to fly an airplane on the Wii. Finnegan will say to Daddy, "Game, Game!" He loves to watch Ken play the Wii, so Daddy thought it would be fun for them to do it together!! :)

Also, wanted to give you an update... Tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 9pm on TLC network, there is a program on called "Truth be Told: I have OCD". The program showcases the disorder and how effects the lives of those who have it. My roommate from college, Wendy, is one of the people showcased in this particular program. And although I'm unsure of how they will portray her, I'm excited to see the awareness that the program will bring to the disorder, and how real it is for so many people. Wendy's had it for so many years, and since I've known her, and understood her experience with the disorder, I've met MANY others who have it as well. It is simply fascinating, and I encourage you to watch it!!

Today, we had our maternity photos taken. I'm really excited to see them when they're edited, and ready to be viewed. When the sneak peak is available (within the next day) I'll post a note and you can visit www.ambersheree.com (her blog) to see the sneak peak. And I'll also post the full ones when they're ready in a week or so!!

Have a great week, all!!
xoxo