8 Weeks!

So, yeah, about the 6 weeks that have passed sine I last blogged...my bad!  But, I have just been soaking up each and every minute I possibly can with my sweet little boo boo.
Weeks 3-4 were hard.  B went to Michigan to train for his new job.  This consisted of him tasting beers and booze.  Tough stuff.  You know what's not fun for a new mom of a baby who's only a few weeks old?  Getting texts of your hubby drinking all day for 2 weeks.  I wanted to stab him in the eyeball.  In the most loving way possible, of course.  But, all in all, we made it through.  And B loves the new job, so it was all worth it.  During that time, we made the decision to quit breastfeeding.  Once I started pumping exclusively and bottle feeding, things got rough.  My plan was to feed, then pump for the next feeding while el bambino chilled in his swing.  Well, he had others plans. Those mostly consisted of spitting up profusely and crying his eyes out for a good hour or so.  Not fun for the momma.  After about a week of this, I called the peditrician.  She said to switch my nightly formula feedings to sensitive formula.  I did that and it was like a whole new kid.  So, we did that for a day.  The next day I switched back to breast milk.  The beast was back.  After a tearful conversation with B, we made the decision to just go to formula.  I had gotten him to his original due date on breast milk, it was something.  I still felt very bad and defeated and like a failure.  But, this decision was in the best interest of my kiddo and me, and that's the best I can do.
At week 3 and a half, my sister and her boyfriend came by to pick me and boo boo up and take us to Myrtle Beach for our brother's wedding.  It was amazing.  I had unlimited help, plus my family got to meet my sweet boy. And, I got to see my brother marry the love of his life.  It was amazing.

Aren't we adorable in our matching outfits!

The following weekend, B had a work thing in DC, so the nugget and I tagged along.  We spent Saturday walking the National Mall and changing diapers on any national point of interest we could.  We changed a diaper at the Capitol Building, along the reflecting pool, and at the Natural History Museum.  Good times my friends, good times. 

The next few weeks were spent snuggling as much as I could.  My maternity leave was ending soon and I was one sad momma.  No part of me was ready or wanted to go back to work. 

Lazy Sunday Snuggles

The first day was hard.  I sobbed as I left him.  But, we have a great in home daycare lady to watch him.  We are very confident that he is in great hands.  But, they're not my hands, so that makes me sad.  But, I know that going to work is for the betterment of my little family.  It allows us to do certain things like eat and pay the mortgage.  You know, the little things.  But, it's gotten progressively easier. 

Last weekend was my first Mother's Day.  I can't explain how excited I was to finally be able to celebrate this holiday.  Last year, the weekend Mother's Day fell on was the weekend we found out or first round of fertility meds failed.  It's amazing what a difference a year can make.  Thank you, my sweet Holt, for making me a mommy.  I know with every fiber of my being that you were meant to be my son and I was meant to be your mommy.

My Mother's Day gift

We spent the day relaxing and then went to B's aunt's house to celebrate with the other mothers in the family. It was a great day.

Can you stand the cuteness?

I certainly can't!

At 7 weeks, we discovered that the poor little nugget has chicken pox!  B had shingles a few weeks ago, and apparently passed it along to the boy.  Poor little baby!  Luckily he doesn't seem to be bothered by them too bad. He's just a little clingier than usual.  But, I can't say that I mind the extra snuggles!

Loving his oatmeal bath

And, now we're at week 8!  Well, tomorrow.  I can't believe my sweet boy is going to be 2 months old.  It has flown by!  Next week, we're attempting a road trip to TN to visit my family for Memorial Day.  I'll check back in to report how it went driving 9 hours with a 9 week old!

To my sweet boy:
I love you more and more each day.  I had no idea my heart could hold this much love.  You are getting quite the little personality.  You love to be read to before bed.  But, then, you just hang out in your bed wide awake!  You love your carseat and going for a car ride.  You look around with those big wide eyes taking in the world around you.  You know my voice and your daddy's and will look our direction when we talk to you.  You're a great eater, goig from perfectly fine to STARVING in about 2.5 seconds flat.  That's always fun!  You love for us to sing you songs and talk to you.  You amaze us every day.

2 weeks!

Sweet baby H is now 16 days old.  The past 2 weeks have been quite the learning experience.  We have had feeding issues since basically the beginning.  He wouldn't latch at the hospital despite countless meetings with the lactation consultants.  At his check up the day after we got home, he had lost too much weight.  He weighed 7 lbs 8 oz at birth and 3 days later was down to 6 lbs 10 oz.  The weight loss was concerning enough, but the doctor also noticed he was a bit yellow, so we had to go get blood drawn to check his bilirubin levels.  Those were elevated.  So, for the next 4 days we had to go get blood drawn every day.  By 6 days old, the levels went down enough to no longer be a concern.  The eating, however, still was.  Due to the weight loss, we had to supplient with formula while waiting for my milk to come in.  When it finally did come in, I began pumping and bottle feeding.  Then, in a last ditch effort to actually nurse, I called in a friend who is a lactation consultant and she introduced me to the nipple shield.  That thing was a game changer.  He latched on to that with no issue what so ever. He was eating every 3 hours during the day and every 4 at night.  It was glorious.  Or so I thought.  At his 2 week check up, we discovered he was only gaining the minimum amount of weight (half an ounce).  So, he was still not up to his birth weight, which is what they want by 2 weeks.  So, it was time yet again to reevaluate his eating/feeding habits.  I started back to the pumping and bottle feeding.  We were giving him 3 oz every 3 hours.  However, because he apparently wasn't eating enough at the breast, my supply must have slowed up a bit.  So, now we're having to supplement a bit with formula.  But, if it means my little guy is gaining weight, then I'll do what I have to do.  The good news is that he is now up to 7 lbs 10 oz!!!!  Past his birth weight!  So, we're going to keep doing exactly what we're doing.  And, if for some reason the boobie milk dries up, I've made my peace with formula.  In the end, all that matters is that he gets the nourishment he needs.

*Disclaimer - I'm doing things to help my milk supply.  Mothers milk tea daily.  A daily beer.  Pumping with every feeding during the day.

He's here!!!

He's here! He's really here!
At my 36 week appointment, Dr. T checked to see if I was dilated at all.  I wasn't.  It was decided that I would be admitted the following night to get the dilation process started.  Holy crap this is real.  Luckily having so much notice my mom was able to get into town, so we spent the next day getting last minute baby stuff.  And, of course, getting a pedicure.  Hahaha
Mom, B, and I met my aunt, uncle and cousin out for dinner.  Then, B and I headed to the hospital. It was officially go time.
Once we got in and settled, a nurse came in and put in my IV lock.  That hurt, let me tell you.  I normally have great veins and it's never an issue.  This chick had a hell of a time getting my vein.  No bueno.  Then, it was time for Dr. T to insert the pill to dilate me.  It was in a tube or something so it could be removed the next morning.  She couldn't use any jelly or anything, so that also hurt like a bitch.  Then, they didn't get enough blood, so they had to draw more blood and for some reason it stopped flowing.  Needless to say, it was a rough start.  I was offered an Ambien to sleep and stupidly declined.  Word to the wise, if you're being induced and are offered and Ambien - TAKE IT!!!!!!  I was wide awake at around 2 am.  This was not good.  I knew the next day would be a loooong day and I'd need my energy.  Then, around 3:30, the lady in the room next to me had her baby, with no meds.  And we heard the whole darn thing.  That is NOT what you want to hear the night before you have a baby!!!
The next morning, Dr. T arrived around 9:20ish.  She checked me and I was dilated to 2.  I was already having some inconsistent contractions.  She went ahead and broke my water at 9:40 am.  It shockingly did not hurt.  I was pleasantly surprised.  However, I had just taken a shower so I could have done without the ick factor.  They started my pitocin shortly there after.  Mom arrived along with my contractions.  They hurt, but I was able to breathe through them.  I had made it perfectly clear that I wanted an epidural as soon as humanly possible.  They had to make sure I had a litre of fluid in me before they could order it, but they were really on top of it and made sure that I got it as soon as I could.  Around noon or so, the anesthesiologist came in.  Bless him, he tried really hard to put that bad boy in the first try.  Let me tell you, leaning over my huge belly, having contractions, and squishing my already squished lungs makes it pretty darn hard to bend over the right way.  So, after about 6 attempts, he had me lay on my side.  He got it the first try.  I will say this, it didn't hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would.  I was terrified of the epi.  They numb it up with lidocaine first.  The actual epi just feels like a pop.  I was not a fan, however, of the catheter they put in.  It kept making me feel like I had to pee sooooo bad!
Once that was in, I was able to relax.  Mom and B were in there with me all day.  B's parents alternated between the two coming in.  I was only allowed 2 people other than B in the room.  My contracts slowed down after the epi, which can happen.  The upped the pitocin and we waited.  Dr. T is amazing and said I was able to have light snacks.  So, at one point I had some Italian ice.  It was delish.  I napped off and on for the afternoon.  Then, around 3:30 or 4 I woke up in a blind panic.  I couldn't feel my legs (duh, I had an epi!), and it was completely freaking me out.  I'm super claustrophobic and not being able to move them was awful in the moment.  My mom realized that there was a good chance that I was in transition.  She called the nurse in who said they hadn't planned on checking me again till 5 (the last check I was only at a 4).  I was a 9 and a half.  I was in transition.  She called in Dr. T.  Meanwhile, I was going on and on about how the baby was coming out of my butt.  That's exactly what it felt like!  Dr. T got there and checked me.  She just had to look and could already see the head! She threw on some scrubs and it was go time!  My mom and MIL left and it was time to push!
B held a leg and the nurse held the other.  I pushed for about an hour and 20 minutes.  Again, I was surprised at how much less it hurt than I thought it would.  Dr. T watched my contractions on the monitor and told me when to push.  She said I was a champion pusher.  Having her give me positive feedback was what I needed to keep going.
At 5:57 Hold Fairfield Watts II made his debut.  He weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and was 20.5 inches long with a head full of dark brown hair.  We are completely and totally head over heels in love with this little guy.

Catch up!

So I know I've been majorly slacking. And I really have no excuse. Especially since I've been at home for the last week and a half!
Lets back up shall we? About a month or so ago, I went in for my bi-weekly appointment. Dr. T did my fundal measurement and asked if I was a big baby. I immediately knew where this was headed! I said I was about 6ish lbs but I was also 4 weeks early. Then she asked if B was big. I said I didn't think so. Apparently the little nugget was measuring a good 3 weeks ahead of schedule. So, she wanted to do a growth scan for my next appt 2 weeks later just to see how big he really was.
Fast forward 2 weeks to our appt. The tech took my blood pressure and it was 140/76. She mentioned it was a bit elevated but then sent us into the ultrasound room. The ultrasound lady looked around and measured him. He was about 2.5 weeks ahead of schedule and estimated weight of around 5 lbs 15 oz! Yikes! Lol. Then, the best part - we got to see his sweet little face! It was so unbelievable. It was a regular 2D ultrasound so I was so shocked to see all his features. He has his daddy's eyelashes and these adorable chubby cheeks. We even saw he has hair, which explains the crazy heartburn!  So then we go back to the exam room to meet with the doctor. She said that last visit my bp was rising and this one was her cut off for high. So she was concerned. She sent me home with a jug to collect my urine for 24 hours (pregnancy is soooo glamorous!) to test for protein. So I did that and awaited the results. They were not good. Apparently my protein levels were elevated so between that and the high bp, I have preeclampsia. So I was told I could finish out my day at work and would officially be on modified bed rest until the baby makes his debut. Yikes! Let me tell you, trying to fit 12 weeks worth of work into less than a day did not help the high blood pressure!
Due to the preeclampsia my visits were now weekly and I had to do the lovely pee collection weekly. So nice. At my appointment last week, my bp was still the same. And the nugget was measuring at 37 weeks (at 34.5), so still big. I did not expect the next words to come out of Dr.T's mouth - do you mind if we induce at 37 weeks? Cue record scratching sound. Do what now? You want me to have this baby in two and a half weeks?! Um holy shit! But, I knew she wouldn't recommend it if it weren't best for both me and my baby. We will be inducing at exactly 37 weeks on March 23. Meanwhile I'm still on bed rest, still doing weekly appointments, and added non stress tests.
I'm officially 35 weeks 2 days. Sore from laying around all day and bored silly. But, the end is on the horizon.

32 Weeks

Holy moly - only 8 weeks left - MAX.  How has this pregnancy flown by so much!?!

How far along? 32 Weeks 3 Days
Size of baby:  I went with a different source this week - so he is the size of a loaf of bread
Total weight gain/loss: I think I'm roughly 25 lbs.  That works for me!
Maternity clothes: YES!  Even non maternity sleep tee shirts are getting a bit snug
Gender:  Sweet little boy!  Holt Fairfield Watts II
Movement: All the darn time.  He's got a ton of energy in there.  He takes after his daddy
Sleep: Not so good.  I can't get comfortable and when I do, I can't stay that way.
What I miss:  A good night's sleep
Cravings: Comfort food.  Especially the kind that can be drown in ranch or honey mustard dressing.  MMMMM
Best moment this past week:  Watching B experience the baby moving.  It's so stinking adorable!  I like that he can now be more a part of things.
Symptoms: Heartburn like woah.  I had toast this morning and I'm dying.  And the puffy fingers and feet and cankles.  They're super cute.
What I'm looking forward to: Baby shower numero dos is this week.  Can't wait!  Oh, and I just noticed that I went all spanish with my verbage and my shower is at a Mexican restaurant!  And my ultrasound next week.  This little nugget is measuring a big large (3 weeks early!!!!!!) so we're going to check him out and see just how big he is getting and then formulate a game plan.  God bless my OB who said if he's going to be more than 10 lbs she won't make me birth him.  I love her.
Milestones: He is likely in the head down position now
Mood: The hormones are rearing up a bit more than they were...
Signs of labor? Nope, thank goodness.
Wedding rings on or off? Officially off.  I'm now wearing a ring that's part of a right hand set.  It's sparkly and it fits.  Winner!

31 Weeks

How do I only have 9 weeks left?!  Holy crap!

How far along? 31 Weeks 2 Days
Size of baby:  A Pineapple.  Mmmmmy pineapple sounds really good now. 
Total weight gain/loss: I'm hovering around 23 lbs.  I'm totally fine with that.
Maternity clothes: Yes and yes!
Gender:  Sweet little boy!  Holt Fairfield Watts II
Movement: All the time.  He's getting so big now that the movements are super noticeable.  And sometimes not so pleasant.  But really cool.  Any my belly now looks like there's an alien living inside it.
Sleep: Depends on the day.  Usually not great though
What I miss:  This weekend I really missed adult beverages for some reason
Cravings: Chips Ahoy chocolate chunk cookies. MMMMMMMM
Best moment this past week:  Laying on the couch yesterday watching my belly move.  Then, B laid is head on my belly and the baby kicked him in the head.  Seeing B's reaction was adorable.
Symptoms: Still the dry nose.  And the achiness.
What I'm looking forward to: Having maternity pics taken in a few weeks.  Hopefully I won't be as big as a house then.
Milestones: All 5 senses are now working and his temperature is partially regulated by the brain
Mood: Pretty good.  Although I've noticed I've had a shorter fuse lately.  And I'm a bit weepier
Signs of labor? Nope, thank goodness.
Wedding rings on or off? Still just down to one, which is usually my engagement ring.

29 Weeks

I know I have been seriously slacking.  I'm very sorry about that!  But, I'm back with the weekly preggo round up and I have pictures!  :)

How far along? 29 Weeks 3 Days
Size of baby:  A butternut squash.  I saw on this weekend, and holy cow it's big!
Total weight gain/loss: Last I weighed myself I think I was around 19 lbs or so.  I'm totally fine with that!  I am having some trouble coming to terms with the size of me.  But, I know it just means that me and baby are healthy.  We worked too long and hard for this for me to care about getting big.  Or massive.
Maternity clothes: Yes and yes!
Gender:  Sweet little boy!  Holt Fairfield Watts II
Movement: All the time.  He's quite the little mover and shaker in there.  His new thing is to chill out right beneath my rib cage.  That's real comfy for mommy.
Sleep: Not great.  I can't get comfortable, I wake up to pee or change positions.  I guess I'm just getting ready for those real sleepless nights.
What I miss:  Sleeping comfortably through the night!
Cravings: I realized last night that my craving has been fried chicken.  I eat fried chicken salads or chicken tenders or Chick Fil A a LOT more than I used to
Best moment this past week:  Making good progress on the nursery.  It's come a long way!
Symptoms: Dry sinuses.  And I'm sore all the time - my back, my hips.  I have a feeling my waddle isn't too far behind...

What I'm looking forward to: Going to the doctor tomorrow and hearing my little guy's heartbeat.
Milestones: Baby's brain is now getting wrinkles.  He's getting fatter, so between that and the wrinkles, he's beginning to be able to regulate his own body temperature
Mood: Pretty good most days
Signs of labor? No and no
Wedding rings on or off? Well, I'm down to one ring out of three (engagement ring and 2 wedding bands).  But as long as I can wear one I'm happy!

And here's a quick nursery sneak peek...