Tomorrow is Delivery Day! It's so very strange to have it scheduled (and actually deliver as scheduled). However, barring any unforeseen circumstances, that's the plan. J & I are planning to enjoy a V-Day lunch today then have as normal of an evening as possible, probably not sleep much at all, and be to the hospital bright and early in the morning.
The planner in me really enjoys the scheduled thing. I can get things ready, prep the kids, try to envision how things will go. It occurred to me just the other day that if I don't actually go into labor first I get to avoid labor pains - that's a bonus. But there is certainly something I loved about the spontaneity and surprise of going into labor on my own. The adrenaline and joy is a rush. I'm thinking once we start the process tomorrow all of that will come back and it really won't matter.
Lots of people have asked if I'm "ready". Are you ever really ready to bring a new human into the world -- your world? I love being pregnant. So I am really trying to enjoy and savor these days. In some ways we're less well-prepared for this baby than we were for the other two. But we have the essentials in place. I think the biggest difference is that we (or at least I - I shouldn't probably speak for J) are more relaxed. I know it won't be perfect. I know there will be setbacks and challenges and that it will be really hard sometimes. But I know that this time around....and I'm at peace with it. I just feel so excited and joyful - both to be carrying this baby right now and to get to meet him tomorrow. All will work out just as it is supposed to. That said, extra prayers, good thoughts, positive energy etc. are appreciated :)
P.S. Will is so very excited to meet his baby brother. Yesterday he was talking to my belly asking "When are you going to come out?!" Then he was feeling as the baby was moving all over. There was one particular knobby part that he kept feeling as it moved. We discussed what body part this could be - hand, foot, elbow, knee. I told Will maybe his brother was fist-bumping him. He informed me that this was the first thing he wanted to ask the baby: "What was that knobby part we kept feeling?" I wonder what the reply will be...
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Baby predictions
Since we're still awaiting the arrival of our newest family member, I thought I'd ask for some predictions.
Will thinks he will be born tomorrow - Feb. 7.
Ellie Kate thinks he will have pink hair and pink eyes.
Will, more practically, thinks he'll have brown hair and eyes "like the rest of us!"
My doctor asked me today how big I think he'll be - I'm guessing upper 7 or lower 8 lb range - right in between the other two.
I have no idea on arrival date predictions. My instincts are pretty terrible when it comes to these things. He may just wait until our scheduled date of 2/15. Is that a sign that he'll be the rule follower, doing everything just as he's supposed to?? I can hope, right?!
Will thinks he will be born tomorrow - Feb. 7.
Ellie Kate thinks he will have pink hair and pink eyes.
Will, more practically, thinks he'll have brown hair and eyes "like the rest of us!"
My doctor asked me today how big I think he'll be - I'm guessing upper 7 or lower 8 lb range - right in between the other two.
I have no idea on arrival date predictions. My instincts are pretty terrible when it comes to these things. He may just wait until our scheduled date of 2/15. Is that a sign that he'll be the rule follower, doing everything just as he's supposed to?? I can hope, right?!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
February and still pregnant
Hooray! We've made it to February! I'm actually going to give birth in the month I'm due -- what a new concept for me!
We had our 37 wk check-up on Monday. All seems good. Baby is positioned a little funny (diagonal - with his head pushing into my hip) so all the contractions aren't resulting in much change. Late last week and over the weekend I was feeling like we could be close. Now, I'm not really sure. The doc says she thinks it could be double-digit February. Baby is still growing and I'm still measuring big, so we'll just see what happens. Since I'm technically full-term, I don't have to be on bed rest anymore. She still advised me not to travel to work (40 min away) or keep the kids home from school all day, but I can make little trips out of the house. So, yesterday, I took full advantage of the 65+ degree weather and did just that. I made a trip to Target, bought many, many organizational supplies and came home and tidied and organized. Nesting? Maybe.
Last night J&I went to the kindergarten information meeting for Will. So hard to believe that is just around the corner! Got good info, met the teachers, saw the classrooms, etc. Will is really, really excited. We've been talking a little bit about it and how it will be different from where he's at now.
Both Will & Elle are growing in anticipation for the arrival of their baby brother. Especially now that's it's February, they are quite excited. Will is predicting days that correspond with KU basketball games. I'm thinking maybe 2/5 (to go along with our 25th b-days). Justin has requested, if at all possible, to avoid 8-10:30 p.m. this Saturday so he can catch the KU-MU game. Priorities...
We had our 37 wk check-up on Monday. All seems good. Baby is positioned a little funny (diagonal - with his head pushing into my hip) so all the contractions aren't resulting in much change. Late last week and over the weekend I was feeling like we could be close. Now, I'm not really sure. The doc says she thinks it could be double-digit February. Baby is still growing and I'm still measuring big, so we'll just see what happens. Since I'm technically full-term, I don't have to be on bed rest anymore. She still advised me not to travel to work (40 min away) or keep the kids home from school all day, but I can make little trips out of the house. So, yesterday, I took full advantage of the 65+ degree weather and did just that. I made a trip to Target, bought many, many organizational supplies and came home and tidied and organized. Nesting? Maybe.
Last night J&I went to the kindergarten information meeting for Will. So hard to believe that is just around the corner! Got good info, met the teachers, saw the classrooms, etc. Will is really, really excited. We've been talking a little bit about it and how it will be different from where he's at now.
Both Will & Elle are growing in anticipation for the arrival of their baby brother. Especially now that's it's February, they are quite excited. Will is predicting days that correspond with KU basketball games. I'm thinking maybe 2/5 (to go along with our 25th b-days). Justin has requested, if at all possible, to avoid 8-10:30 p.m. this Saturday so he can catch the KU-MU game. Priorities...
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Still resting
I'm now over 36 weeks and still resting with baby boy happily (well, I assume so) growing inside. At my dr's appointment a couple days ago I was not much more dilated and starting to thin. Very normal. Glad to know that I was not rapidly progressing. I had a rough night Sunday night and was pretty sore after the dr's appointment Monday, but I felt great yesterday and so far today. We made it through the first milestone (J's birthday) with no baby. Today is the 25th, so we're hoping to make it through today. (The other two kids were both born on Wednesdays, the 25th of the month. Today is Wed., Jan. 25. We've had this date highlighted for awhile.) Next, will be 37 weeks - officially full-term - on Monday, Jan. 30. Then on to Feb. 1. After that, it's just gravy in my book. I'm still feeling fairly confident that we can make it to February. Of course, I really have very little control in these things and everything can change rather quickly.
Bed rest has been fine. I'm not really confined to my bed. In fact, I'm sitting up most of the time. I just limit my movement - particularly up and down the stairs. The introvert in me is really fine with all this alone time. It's good for me. It's given me more time to mentally prepare, which I appreciate. And, I've checked a few other things off my to-do list:
Bed rest has been fine. I'm not really confined to my bed. In fact, I'm sitting up most of the time. I just limit my movement - particularly up and down the stairs. The introvert in me is really fine with all this alone time. It's good for me. It's given me more time to mentally prepare, which I appreciate. And, I've checked a few other things off my to-do list:
- finished reading 2 books
- finished creating 2 full-year photo books (for 2010 and 2011)
- a little bit of work
- some minor cleaning and organization (thanks, mom!)
- a bit of nursery decor
- day care solidified
- all photos backed up to an external hard drive
- made my initial foray into online banking (I know, I know, I'm behind)
- and lots and lots of Pinterest
Monday, December 5, 2011
"Baby Brudder"
Ellie Kate is catching on a little more to this baby brother idea. She still thinks there is a baby brother in her tummy, too, but for the most part, I think she's catching on to some of what's going on. The other night I had her feeling my tummy while Baby was moving. She felt a good kick and immediately pulled her hand away in fear/shock. She looked at her palm then ran to J and said, "Daddy, Baby Brudder kicked me!" and showed him her palm. It was really cute.
Will loves feeling the baby move. Before bed the other night, Baby had the hiccups so I let the kids feel. Ellie thought it was "eww, gross!" Will said I needed to take a drink of water so his hiccups would go away. Will is very excited to be a big helper for this baby, and I really think he will be. Hopefully he won't get too disappointed in the non-interactive newborn phase.
We have the nursery all painted and the furniture moved in. I still need to clean some things out and get clothes washed and sorted. Hopefully we can get that in the next few weekends. We're about 10 weeks away now (at most). Everything is looking good. I take my 3 hour glucose test tomorrow. I was diabetic with Will, but not Elle. Maybe it's just boys. I've been having quite a few Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing regular and they quiet down when I do. I just have to keep reminding myself to stop trying to do so much (I just don't feel like it's really that much!!). Otherwise, I have a very active little guy. I love feeling him move around all the time.
Will loves feeling the baby move. Before bed the other night, Baby had the hiccups so I let the kids feel. Ellie thought it was "eww, gross!" Will said I needed to take a drink of water so his hiccups would go away. Will is very excited to be a big helper for this baby, and I really think he will be. Hopefully he won't get too disappointed in the non-interactive newborn phase.
We have the nursery all painted and the furniture moved in. I still need to clean some things out and get clothes washed and sorted. Hopefully we can get that in the next few weekends. We're about 10 weeks away now (at most). Everything is looking good. I take my 3 hour glucose test tomorrow. I was diabetic with Will, but not Elle. Maybe it's just boys. I've been having quite a few Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing regular and they quiet down when I do. I just have to keep reminding myself to stop trying to do so much (I just don't feel like it's really that much!!). Otherwise, I have a very active little guy. I love feeling him move around all the time.
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| Cuddling with Baby Brother |
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Boy oh boy!
Before I left for the conference, we had a sonogram to see how things were looking. We were surprised to learn that we were having a BOY! Actually, Justin thought it was a boy all along; I just thought it was a girl. Regardless, our baby and I both looked healthy - that's mostly what we were hoping to hear! Baby was measuring a week to ten days big based on our anticipated due date. I assured the sonographer that this would be fine - I'm not a 40-week kinda girl :) I've been feeling lots and lots of movement lately, which I LOVE! It's one of my favorite things about being pregnant.
Will has thought the baby would be a girl, but he seemed just as excited to learn he would have a baby brother. The other day at school he was telling his teacher that he thought we should name the baby Max. And that his "big name" would be Max Junior Nichols. On the way home, I let him know that Daddy & I had come up with a name for the baby and told him what it was. Will got very quiet in the backseat. I assumed he was processing this new information. Soon, I realized he was crying. This marked the beginning of about a 30-minute meltdown in which I finally got him to verbalize what was bothering him. "I just don't feel like I'm getting to help with the baby. You and Dad decided the name and didn't even let me help." Oh my. I walked right into that one and had no idea! Of course, I felt terrible. I love that he is so excited to help (we'll see how long it lasts after Baby arrives), but I just wasn't anticipating this. I gave J a heads up so he wouldn't bring it up when he got home. J's response: "Did you tell him this isn't a democracy?" Nice. We've moved past this hurdle, but still haven't talked much about the baby's name around Will. I tried to come up with other "big" things he could help with - choosing the paint color for the baby's room, helping get his clothes ready, etc. But Will has decided maybe he only wants to help when the baby is OUT of Mommy's tummy. Fair enough.
Will has thought the baby would be a girl, but he seemed just as excited to learn he would have a baby brother. The other day at school he was telling his teacher that he thought we should name the baby Max. And that his "big name" would be Max Junior Nichols. On the way home, I let him know that Daddy & I had come up with a name for the baby and told him what it was. Will got very quiet in the backseat. I assumed he was processing this new information. Soon, I realized he was crying. This marked the beginning of about a 30-minute meltdown in which I finally got him to verbalize what was bothering him. "I just don't feel like I'm getting to help with the baby. You and Dad decided the name and didn't even let me help." Oh my. I walked right into that one and had no idea! Of course, I felt terrible. I love that he is so excited to help (we'll see how long it lasts after Baby arrives), but I just wasn't anticipating this. I gave J a heads up so he wouldn't bring it up when he got home. J's response: "Did you tell him this isn't a democracy?" Nice. We've moved past this hurdle, but still haven't talked much about the baby's name around Will. I tried to come up with other "big" things he could help with - choosing the paint color for the baby's room, helping get his clothes ready, etc. But Will has decided maybe he only wants to help when the baby is OUT of Mommy's tummy. Fair enough.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Will is "so excited!!!"
We shared our exciting news with the kids last weekend. I so wish I'd had a recorder to capture all of Will's reactions. I'll do my best to record them here. In a nutshell, he's thrilled. His enthusiasm just brings us such joy.
First, Elle's reaction.
K: Elle, do you think it would be fun to have a new baby at our house?
E: Yeah
K: Will you be a big helper with the new baby?
E: Yep...I go play now.
Very age-appropriate response, I think.
Will's first reaction was literally jumping with his fists in the air and saying over and over "I'm so excited!"
Then the questions started. And they lasted a good 30-45 minutes. Probably would have lasted longer, but it was bedtime, at which point he asked, "Mom, can we skip reading a chapter tonight and just take turns asking questions about the baby? Me first, then you. We'll take turns." And so we did. :)
He initially indicated he wanted a brother, but that quickly faded and the baby has been "she" ever since.
W: Girl babies are so cute, mom! I bet she will be so cute. Can I hold her, mom? But what if I drop her? That would not be very good.
W: When will the baby's birthday be?
K: Sometime near Valentine's Day. We don't know for sure - it will be surprise.
W: But, mom, if we don't know when the baby's birthday will be, how do we get cake?
W: How do they get her out of your tummy? (I explained a c-section in 4-year-old terms)
W: Where will she sleep in the hospital? (after explaining there were baby beds at the hospital) I think the girl beds will have flowers and the boy beds will have polka dots.
W: Can we come see you when you're in the hospital?
I explained that in a few weeks, he might be able to feel the baby kicking in my tummy. It could be the baby kicking, or the baby's hand, or even the baby's head.
W: The baby's head?! That would be crazy.
The next day when I was picking him up from school he put his hand on my belly and said, "Mom, I think I feel her. I think it was her head."
W: Mom, what can I help with for the baby? (I gave him plenty of ideas).
W: Mom, can I tickle her toes?
W: Mom, where will the baby take a bath?
W: Mom, we need to get her some PJ's. And some baby food. We have a lot to do to get ready for the baby. I need to check Jason's list to get everything we need. (Glad to know the imaginary friend has a checklist for babies.)
Will's name suggestions:
For a boy - How about Pauly? Or maybe Sonny? (seriously - doesn't he know we're not Italian?!) Or how about Rock Star? (now, that's a winner)
For a girl - I like Anna. Or Madeline. (very sensible - what's the disconnect with boy names?)
He, of course, told everyone at school all about the baby in mommy's tummy. He has proceeded to ask me just about every day how big the baby is now. To which he replies, "oh, that's not very big".
We'll have months more filled with questions and a lifetime filled with entertainment from these three. Loving it already.
First, Elle's reaction.
K: Elle, do you think it would be fun to have a new baby at our house?
E: Yeah
K: Will you be a big helper with the new baby?
E: Yep...I go play now.
Very age-appropriate response, I think.
Will's first reaction was literally jumping with his fists in the air and saying over and over "I'm so excited!"
Then the questions started. And they lasted a good 30-45 minutes. Probably would have lasted longer, but it was bedtime, at which point he asked, "Mom, can we skip reading a chapter tonight and just take turns asking questions about the baby? Me first, then you. We'll take turns." And so we did. :)
He initially indicated he wanted a brother, but that quickly faded and the baby has been "she" ever since.
W: Girl babies are so cute, mom! I bet she will be so cute. Can I hold her, mom? But what if I drop her? That would not be very good.
W: When will the baby's birthday be?
K: Sometime near Valentine's Day. We don't know for sure - it will be surprise.
W: But, mom, if we don't know when the baby's birthday will be, how do we get cake?
W: How do they get her out of your tummy? (I explained a c-section in 4-year-old terms)
W: Where will she sleep in the hospital? (after explaining there were baby beds at the hospital) I think the girl beds will have flowers and the boy beds will have polka dots.
W: Can we come see you when you're in the hospital?
I explained that in a few weeks, he might be able to feel the baby kicking in my tummy. It could be the baby kicking, or the baby's hand, or even the baby's head.
W: The baby's head?! That would be crazy.
The next day when I was picking him up from school he put his hand on my belly and said, "Mom, I think I feel her. I think it was her head."
W: Mom, what can I help with for the baby? (I gave him plenty of ideas).
W: Mom, can I tickle her toes?
W: Mom, where will the baby take a bath?
W: Mom, we need to get her some PJ's. And some baby food. We have a lot to do to get ready for the baby. I need to check Jason's list to get everything we need. (Glad to know the imaginary friend has a checklist for babies.)
Will's name suggestions:
For a boy - How about Pauly? Or maybe Sonny? (seriously - doesn't he know we're not Italian?!) Or how about Rock Star? (now, that's a winner)
For a girl - I like Anna. Or Madeline. (very sensible - what's the disconnect with boy names?)
He, of course, told everyone at school all about the baby in mommy's tummy. He has proceeded to ask me just about every day how big the baby is now. To which he replies, "oh, that's not very big".
We'll have months more filled with questions and a lifetime filled with entertainment from these three. Loving it already.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Zone defense
I am pleased to announce that Team Nichols will be moving to a zone defense just in time for March Madness. That's right, no more man-to-man for this family. Soon, the kids will outnumber the parents. Are we prepared? Probably not. Are we excited? Over the moon. Our latest addition is set to arrive in February. After a summer of feeling yucky, I'm please to say I'm feeling better now and we are cautiously optimistic for a healthy pregnancy and baby. We're just past the 16 week mark and have taken a few peeks at our little one (via sonogram). So far so good. I still think hearing a baby's heartbeat over that doppler is one of the best sounds in the world.
We've not talked with Will & Ellie Kate about their new sibling, but will do so at some point soon. Remarkably, I think Will intuitively knows. He asked shortly after we found out when there would be another baby in my tummy. He thinks he'd like 100. Not happenin', buddy! The other night he suggested that if there was "a baby littler than Ellie Kate here" that I should stay home with that baby because I'm "a better teacher." Isn't that so sweet? Of course, you'll notice he didn't offer himself to stay home; he still wants to go to his school. But the baby could stay home with me :)
I'll post soon about our Labor Day trip to Minneapolis, but feeling ready to include this baby in my blog. More updates (though no belly pics) to come as we progress.
We've not talked with Will & Ellie Kate about their new sibling, but will do so at some point soon. Remarkably, I think Will intuitively knows. He asked shortly after we found out when there would be another baby in my tummy. He thinks he'd like 100. Not happenin', buddy! The other night he suggested that if there was "a baby littler than Ellie Kate here" that I should stay home with that baby because I'm "a better teacher." Isn't that so sweet? Of course, you'll notice he didn't offer himself to stay home; he still wants to go to his school. But the baby could stay home with me :)
I'll post soon about our Labor Day trip to Minneapolis, but feeling ready to include this baby in my blog. More updates (though no belly pics) to come as we progress.
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