8 month update

I can't believe Isaac is 8 months already. Where has the time gone. Very soon little man will be a big brother and that's even harder yet to believe. In the past few weeks he's really changed a lot. He is now rolling both directions all over the living room, he turns himself around, he scoots backwards. He sits by himself with the occasional tip backwards. He is babbling more and more. He is now starting to say "ba ba" and "ma ma" on a regular basis. He loves playing on the floor with his toys, especially his farm and drum set as they make the most noise. He is sleeping about 10- 10 1/2 hours at night which is wonderful. We think he might be starting to get his 2 bottom front teeth but they haven't popped through yet. He'll be crawling very soon though we are pretty sure of that. I took a few pictures the other day, enjoy!

BATH TIME!!!

Daddy gave Isaac a bath last night and had fun trying to spike his hair. I thought it was a cute picture. We also got a couple pictures of Isaac asleep in his stroller. I've been walking every single night trying to get this baby to come and tonight Isaac fell asleep. I don't know how he could sleep with as bumpy of a ride as it was but he did. Today we're going to the Heritage Days parade and to walk around. Hopefully I get some other good pictures. It will be Isaac's 1st parade!!!

Getting closer to delivery!

But not close enough for Mommy!!!!! Last night I started having some intense menstrual type cramping and I soon figured it was contractions. I had them all night long. I honestly did not get 1 consecutive hour of sleep. I timed them when I could and they ranged from 5 to 15 minutes apart with each one lasting over a minute. They weren't strong enough so I never called the hospital. Well I still felt icky this morning at 7:30 after I was awoken by a bird flying over my head this morning (that's a whole another story). Anyway I called the doctor and he thought I should come into the clinic and see if labor was beginning. I did not see my normal doctor but another one I've seen a couple times. He measured me and did the heart rate as usual. I am still measuring ahead and heart rate was perfect at 155. He then checked for dilation (did I say how uncomfortable this is). Anyway he said I am now 2 centimeters dilated. 2 weeks ago I was completely closed so this was an improvement. He then decided to see if I was contracting and how the baby was handling it. So he sent me down to the hospital to be monitored. I was monitored about a half hour and I was indeed having contractions about every 6 to 7 minutes and baby was perfectly fine. The doctor said the contractions were not strong enough to keep me there so he sent me on my way. He said if my water breaks or if the contractions become a lot more intense or even if I'm not sure, to come back and they will hook me up again. I really wanted a baby today but I really want a baby before next week. I'm ready and I think he is too. I just hope I'm not stuck at this position for days to come!!!!! If you are reading this please say a few extra prayers that baby boy makes his appearance very soon!!!!

37 weeks!

Well today marks 37 weeks according to the doctor. Hopefully only 3 weeks or less to go!!!! These last couple weeks have been tough and if I have to go a full 3 more weeks I know it's going to feel like a lifetime. I am just hoping and praying I don't go past my due date. I want to eliminate the need for induction at all costs.
Today I started having a lot of cramping which was pretty consistent for a while but it did stop. I'm hoping this means baby is getting closer to his birth date!!!! I know I've heard of women having braxton hicks and/or menstrual type cramps for weeks prior to birth but I sure hope and pray it doesn't mean more waiting. If my due date is right I would be 39 weeks today instead of 37, so it's all in Gods hands now!!!!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

Isaac is ours forever!!!! Of course we never had any doubts, but Iowa law says the baby has to live with you for 180 days before finalization can take place. We wanted to do this prior to the baby being born so it could be "all about Isaac" and it was. Isaac still isn't feeling like himself quite yet and I think he might be going through a little bit of separation anxiety, but he did quite well. The Hearing itself only lasted about 15 minutes. Our Attorney (the attorney I work for) did our case and asked us a few questions. The Judge asked us a few questions and that was that. Isaac even got very vocal towards the end and the Judge said Isaac was agreeing to the adoption too!!!! Isaac wore his special t shirt for the day too. Afterwards we went out for pizza with my parents and Ross' parents and they brought a cake from Hy-Vee with his picture on it. It was a great day. Here are some pictures. Sorry but I had to edit the shirt Isaac was wearing to protect our last name.

Sick Boy !

Monday after my doctor appointment I went and picked Isaac up from daycare. They told me he had some drainage from his left ear. That night he acted perfectly fine, no fever, not fussy, etc. Tuesday I took him to daycare and about 2:00 they called to say he was running a fever of 102.3. So I picked him up and brought him home. It was a long afternoon and night. Isaac was up about every 2 hours. I finally brought him to bed with us at 2:00. At 3:30 I was so stiff and sore so I left Isaac in bed with Ross and slept on the couch. Not a whole lot better.

Wednesday I took Isaac to the doctor and it was a different doctor who has never seen him before. She prescribed him some amoxicillan. Not sure if it will work or not since it didn't the last time he had it. Isaac's Grandma watched him because he couldn't go to daycare with a fever. He just didn't feel good all day long. The night went better and he was up a few times but not nearly as much as the night before. I'm hoping he's on the mend.

35 week update

According to my ultrasound, I am 35 weeks today, but I'm still saying 37 weeks. I saw a different doctor today because mine was out. I am measuring at 37 weeks. Hmmm, ironic??? The doctor checked for dilation and I am not dilated at all. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. The only thing I wasn't real happy about is that if I go into labor soon, they would try and stop labor because 35 weeks is too early, but if I was 37 weeks it would be okay to have the baby. I guess it doesn't matter if I think I really am 37 weeks and am measuring at 37 weeks. I'm just hoping I don't even have to worry about that. With my luck baby will be late and will even surpass the July 7th due date. Other than that things are good with baby. Head is down and where it should be and the doctor doesn't think he'll change position now.

Isaac's adoption finalization hearing is set for Monday and we will be very happy to get that taken care of. We're getting a special cake for him and had a special t shirt made just for the special day.

Take some time to smell the flowers...

Isaac enjoyed smelling the flowers outside. I caught a cute picture of him and Daddy. It was sunny so I couldn't even see them so the angle is off but it's still cute!!!



Isaac also got his 1st ride on the 4 wheeler and he giggled and laughed the whole time. I can't wait until I can take Isaac for a ride after the baby is here.

Family Photos

Today we all ended up wearing blue so we figured it was a good day for pictures so we had Ross' Mom come over and take some pictures of us sitting on the bench Ross made me for Valentine's Day. Isaac's blue eyes really show up with his blue shirt. Sam really wanted in the pictures too as well as our Mama kitty Lucy. This is about as good as it gets when I'm nearing 8 months pregnant!!! Enjoy!

Few pictures

Last weekend my brother, sister in law and niece Norah were home for the weekend. Isaac and I went to my parents so we could see them. We didn't see a whole lot of them but Norah sure has grown up. She is so cute and loves her cousin who she refers to as "Ike".

Today was nice out temperature wise but it was so windy we weren't able to get outside for a stroller ride or a swing ride. I got a couple cute pictures of Isaac in his highchair with his hat on. He thought it was pretty funny putting that big hat on his head. I can't believe he'll be 7 months next week.

Do large babies run in your family?

Yep that's what the chiropractor asked me yesterday. She was quite shocked that I am only 31 weeks. She says I look more like 33 or 34 weeks. She's not the first person to think that either. So far the doctor is keeping my due date at July 7th because that's what the first ultrasound said. I'm just really hoping the baby comes before July 7th. So I'm either further along then the doctor thinks or I'm carrying a large baby, or both!! Either way I'm getting closer to delivery. I'm getting very anxious to meet this little one. We have everything ready for baby. Basically the only thing we need is an infant car seat.
Isaac has no idea what is happening, boy will he be surprised to have to share everything! Isaac is doing great though! He's 6 1/2 months and growing like crazy. He's been sleeping through the night for over a month. He sleeps from about 9 pm to 7 am. This past week he started giving up some of his naps during the day and he's not taking his formula very well at daycare. I'm really beginning to wonder if there is a tooth ready to come through.

Isaac's adoption finalization is underway. If all goes as planned we will have our court hearing on June 9th and he'll officially become Isaac Avery. We're hoping to have a small gathering to celebrate his adoption within a week or so after the hearing. Don't want to wait too long because baby #2 will be here soon.

Nice sunny day

Today it reached the 70's so Ross and I decided to take a short walk around the farm and get out for a while. We hung up Isaac's Little Tike swing on the clothes line pole for now until we find a permanent location. Isaac loved the swing. Then we walked around a bit and Ross and Isaac sat in the tractor for a while. Isaac seemed to enjoy it and was fascinated by the steering wheel.

Isaac/pregnancy update

Yesterday I took Isaac back to the doctor. He's had a cold for over a week and he can't seem to shake the cough and congestion. This is what he had back in January and February. His chest really rattles and he wakes up at night coughing. The doctor let me listen to his chest. It sounded like a little squeaky mouse in there and the doctor said that indicates wheezing. He said Isaac is too young for them to be able to tell, but he could be developing asthma. If he continues to get this cough and congestion every few months, they will want us to do nebulizer breathing treatments on him at home. So he put Isaac back on zythromax for 5 days and prednisone for 10 days. I hope he gets better and I don't need to take him back again. Poor guy.

I hit the 30 week mark yesterday which is pretty cool. That means only 10 weeks until my due date. I am hoping I either deliver before July 7th or on July 7th. While I had Isaac at the doctor I had the doctor check the heart beat and everything because I hadn't felt the baby move in about 10 hours unless he did it in the night and I never felt it. The heart beat was at 157 right where it should be. He told me to go home and have some sugar or orange juice and the baby should start moving again. Well that did the trick, within about 10 minutes baby boy was moving all over the place. I think I'm just to the point where every little thing makes me a little paranoid. I guess that's the Mommy in me. We're getting closer now!!!!!

Great Grandma W

Sunday we went over to Ross' Grandma and Grandpa's house to celebrate Ross' Grandma's birthday. We had a good meal and good time with family. Lots of kids there. We tried to get a picture of all the Great Grandchildren together. Isaac and Drew are the youngest. Drew is about 9 weeks younger than Isaac but they are close to the same weight. Isaac is "chubby" and Drew is just "long". They are cute though aren't they?

Happy Half Birthday Isaac!

Today Isaac is 6 months old. Yesterday I was going to get his 6 month pictures taken but he woke up with a bad cold so I decided to try and rig something up myself and get his pictures taken when he's 9 months. I think some of them turned out okay. Even though he's not feeling the best, he sure is a happy baby. Wednesday will mark 180 days since Isaac has been in our home with us. We will be able to start the adoption finalization process. Hopefully we'll get a court date within a month or so. Here's our beautiful boy!!!!

Isaac's 6 month update/28 week update

Well both Isaac and I had check ups today. Isaac measured in at 16 lbs 10 ounces and is 26 1/2 inches long. What a growing boy he is!!! No wonder he was too long for all of his sleepers. Ha!!!! Isaac started sweet potatoes last weekend and he absolutely loves them. I think we'll keep him on them a couple more days and then try squash or carrots. Isaac is also officially rolling over as of this past weekend. Now everytime we lay him on his back and we come back, he's on his tummy. What a silly boy!!! Isaac has been having some diarehea off and on for a couple weeks but the doctor said just to watch it for now. Not sure if he is getting teeth or what his deal is.

I am 28 weeks today but measured in at 29 weeks so I am hoping this little bugger will come a week early. I had my glucose test today which came back negative so I do not have diabetes, thankfully. My iron levels were normal too which is a good thing. He is a little concerned about the pelvic pain and wants to make sure there's nothing wrong so I have another ultrasound tomorrow. I will be anxious for that and it will be nice to confirm once again that he is indeed a boy!!!

Look what Isaac is doing

Isaac is learning to roll over. He started this on Wednesday and gets so close. He just has to figure out how to get his other arm out from under him. He gave up on the tummy to back rolling and seems to like back to tummy better. It's amazing how much he has grown this past month. He's been wearing blanket sleepers to bed. I went up to get a thin sleeper for him the other night as his room is getting warmer but would you believe he is too big for all of the 3-6 month sleepers??? So I guess we need to shop for some more bigger sleepers.

Here are some pictures in his cute Tony Stewart outfit from Grandma and Grandpa B.

26 week update

Well today I am 26 weeks, only 14 more weeks to go. It has gone by pretty fast I must say. Although, once I hit 24 weeks things sort of started going downhill. In the past couple weeks I have found out I am borderline anemic, exhausted, suffering from upper back pain, bladder infection and now I am having serious pelvic pain when I walk. I'm not really sure if baby is just positioned in a spot that is not feeling so great or what is going on. I just know I am utterly exhausted and not feeling so great lately. But I guess things could be worse. I do believe baby boy is growing nicely. At my appointment last week we listened to the heartbeat and it was 160 so that seems to be right on target.

A few pictures

Last night Isaac and Ross were playing on the floor so I tried to get a few pictures. Of course whenever the camera comes out, Isaac quits smiling. It was too cute!!! Today was a nice day outside and after we got home, I decided to put Isaac's coat and hat on and just walk outside. It was a little windy but it was nice just to be outside for a few minutes with him. He is so cute in his camo pants, Pooh coat and John Deere hat!!! See for yourself!!! And I must say he is doing great at sitting, I bet he'll be sitting before he ever gets rolling mastered.

Easter

Isaac had a good 1st Easter. We went to Sunrise Service at 8:00 followed by breakfast at 9:00 and then Worship Service at 10:00. We made it to my parents a little after 12:00. It was a small gathering this year as everyone else had plans, but it was nice. We had a good time with my parents and my brother Chad. We had a lot of good food too, ham, potatoes, rolls, strawberry pretzel salad, snicker salad. Then for dessert we had homemade icecream and brownies topped with hot fudge. Yum!!!!!

Isaac got a couple new toys too so he was happy. Grandma and Grandma Johnson came over in the afternoon to see us since they hadn't seen Isaac in quite a while. They were amazed at how much he has grown. We got Isaac's Easter pictures back from Walmart and they turned out great. I also got a couple Easter snapshots. I'll call them Easter snapshots anyway, we won't tell Isaac that we forgot the camera and took them tonight!!!!

Growing up too fast

Isaac is sure growing up too fast. I can't believe he will be 5 months in a little over a week. Where has the time gone. He still won't roll over. He did it once before he turned 4 months and now he has no interest in doing it. Oh well, hopefully he'll decide to do it soon. He's right on track with everything else. He's chattering all the time and loves his toys and really gets excited when he sees Sam. He can hold his own bottle for a little bit and takes his pacifier in and out of his mouth. He absolutely loves bath time and listening to his nursery rhymes.
We bought him an exersaucer last weekend and he loves it.

We started Isaac on rice cereal the other night. He absolutely loved it. It was so cute. He kept pulling my hand towards his mouth. I tried to make it a little thicker tonight but he didn't like that so I had to add more formula to it. It didn't help him sleep any longer last night. He was still up at 2:30 for a 4 ounce bottle. Hopefully he'll sleep through the night again soon. We know he can do it!!!!

23 week/24 week update

It will be interesting to see when baby decides to make HIS arrival. When we first found out we were expecting they put my due date at June 24th. Then at what I thought was 12 weeks they couldn't find the heartbeat with the doppler, so they sent me down for an ultrasound which then determined I was only 10.5 weeks along so my due date was reset to July 7th or 9th (I can't remember). Last week at my ultrasound we figured I was 22 weeks 1 day and the ultrasound showed me to be further along with a due date of June 29th.
Today I had a check up and the doctor wants to keep my original due date of July 7th (maybe we'll have a firecracker baby). He said the earlier you have an ultrasound the more accurate the due date is. He measured me and I am measuring a little over 23 weeks. Everything is looking great and baby is really active. Doctor had to chase the baby around to get a heartbeat because he kept moving. The heartbeat today was a little slower at 153 but still great!!! Next check up is April 7th and I have the gestational diabetes test with the yummy sugary drink (yeah right it's lemon lime).

Ultrasound photos (Baby boy #2)

I am not sure if you will be able to see these well or not. I think the one of his face is the best. We've started thinking of names so hopefully we'll have a name this month, but of course we're keeping that a secret until he makes his arrival.

The verdict is in....

What a great ultra sound. Baby was moving around like crazy. Baby is doing wonderful. The tech took many measurements and according to ultrasound my predicted due date is June 29th instead of July 7th. I won't know if they are going to change my due date until I see the doctor in 2 weeks. I just loved looking at the baby. The tech said she hopes the baby slows down soon or I will be a punching bag soon!!!! Heart rate was 155 and everything looks great!!!!
So now onto the even better news.............

We are having........................

A..........................



BABY BOY!!!!!!