Oh, this is love.

Friends, meet my sweet baby Kylie! She arrived yesterday via c-section at 1:15 in the afternoon, weighed 8lbs 4 oz, and is 20 inches long. I was a little surprised she weighed so much even though she was about a week early! She is so awesome and beautiful- and she looks just like Cameron did when he was born, only she has much more hair!
I am recovering pretty pretty well (just very tired), and it looks like we'll be heading home tomorrow. I've got tons of pictures and I'll post more when I get home and settled, but for now I'll leave you one of my favorites from my phone. :)
I love these babies with all my being!

A few pregnancy notes + a bump picture

I haven't really documented much on my 2nd pregnancy, so I figured I'd jot down a few notes before this baby is here!

I have a little less than 4 weeks left! I have a c-section scheduled for January 10th and I'm really excited. My doc actually gave me the choice between attempting a VBAC or another c-section, but given the 48-hour (can anyone beat that?) labor I had with Cameron, I chose the latter. After much discussion, we both agreed that I probably wasn't a good candidate for the VBAC route. I had a great and quick recovery with Cameron, and I hope that it will go as great the second time around too.
Last night we got dressed up and went to dinner and the Trans Siberian Orchestra. It felt good to get out of yoga pants!


I have gained significantly less weight this time around. I gained 48 lbs total with Cameron, and so far I've gained right under 30 lbs, with less than a month to go. I don't anticipate 20 more pounds in that time frame... though I have been consuming a lot of ice cream shakes lately. My husband seriously makes the best mint M&M shakes, ever. There are no words to describe them, and I often lick the inside of the cup completely clean to get every last drop.

In general, I 'feel' smaller with this pregnancy than the last one. I won't lie, I feel huge, and I'm definitely uncomfortable, but I feel much smaller this time. Maybe that means I'm not going to have a 10 lb baby! If I had to guess, I think she'll be right around 7 lbs, especially since she'll be about a week early.

I'm going to miss my skin after I give birth. I have had the smoothest, most perfect and acne free skin for the last 9 months. I haven't had skin like this since I was in, oh... 4th grade? It's been awesome. But I'm also not holding my breath that it will remain that way. Even in my late twenties, I still have skin like a teenager.

While I don't particularly love being pregnant, I'm in a bittersweet stage right now, knowing that this is the last time I'll feel a baby inside. I'm also very happy that our little family will be complete! I say this 50 times a day, but I am so incredibly ready to meet my daughter. I think I'm more anxious to meet her than I was with Cameron! Not too much longer!

Holiday hustle and bustle!

This year, much like last, is turning out to be a busy holiday season! And since 3 out of the 4 members of our family (me, Cameron and soon-to-arrive baby sister) have birthdays within 3 weeks of Christmas, I don't anticipate any lack of business or activity around the holidays for years to come!
This weekend, I'm co-hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law. This is her sixth baby, so we're having a diaper shower since she doesn't need much else. I decided that there was no better time to attempt my first diaper cake- and I think it turned out pretty cute! There are definitely things I'd do differently (construction wise) but I'm very happy with it seeing as how I didn't follow any sort of direction.
Eek- I didn't realize it was a little off-centered until I took a picture. Oh well! I love the bear up top. I got it at Hobby Lobby and thought it would compliment the cake nicely.

We've got a lot going on in the G household; I'm trying to finish up a few things in the kids shared room, the downstairs bathroom is coming along well, Cameron's birthday planning (3 weeks!), Christmas shopping (90% done!), and decorating (I started pulling out a few things today). I don't typically decorate until Thanksgiving, but I'm over my fall decor and anxious for a change. The Christmas tree won't go up until the first week of December though.
How about you- have you started Christmas shopping or decorating?

Tying up the score.

Well, we had our big ultrasound... and it looks like I won't be the only girl in the house! =) Cameron is getting a little SISTER (or, "titter" as he calls her)! We're so excited and I have the wicked urge to go out start buying all the girly stuff I've drooled over for the past few years. I think Jon felt a hole start to burn through his wallet the minute the ultrasound tech said there was "nothing between those legs". Everything looked good and she looks very healthy!
Everything is starting to feel real now, despite the pregnancy symptoms which have been non-existent thus far. I'm just ready for these next few months to fly by so we can meet the baby girl who will complete our little family! =)

Baby report.

This morning we had our first appointment with our new OB, and I'm so happy to report that everything looks GREAT! My new doc is really nice- but I had a great feeling about her anyway since I had 2 of my sister in laws who had her as an OB and loved her.

I'm feeling a little tired and worn after having so much blood drawn, but it was totally worth it because we had a sonogram and got to see our little one, moving and wiggling. =) The printed picture quality was pretty poor and wasn't worth sharing. Anyway, the baby measured at about 12 weeks 6 days, which puts the due date on January 16th! What a blessing and answer to prayer! We find out in about 6 weeks if we're having a girl or boy.

I've really been feeling the pressure to get moving on the room Cameron and his new brother or sister will be sharing. I mentioned awhile back that I want to build a tall bookshelf and a bed for Cameron, and I want to get that done before I get huge and uncomfortable. I think we're going to buy lumber this weekend so I can go ahead and start while I still feel great.
Anyway, I just want to thank everyone who has been praying and been so supportive through comments- I definitely feel the love!

Lately.

Oh, how I have left this blog on the curbside. I have gone from an every 5 days blogger to an every 2 weeks blogger- yikes! I've definitely been keeping up with all my favorite blogs, but when it comes to writing on mine, I can't seem to collect my thoughts enough to make interesting reading material. I'm sure many blogs and their authors go through periods of ebb and flow, and I really hope to have more posts flowing soon- and regularly.
In the meantime, I want to let you guys in on our (not so secret) secret. Many of you know already, but to those who do not, we are expecting a baby in January! I'm about 11 weeks along and so far time is flying.
I have to admit though, that I really struggled for several weeks in fear that something would go wrong. I have had the world's most symptomless pregnancy thus far, which most people would consider me lucky- but I have to say a symptom here and there would be nice for reassuring me that something was happening inside. I have my first appointment (with a new OB) next week, and it can't get here quick enough! I'd definitely appreciate some prayer that everything will look good and that the baby is healthy. It's crazy to think when I go to see the doc, I'll already be done with my first trimester.
Anyway, if you still check in from time to time, thank you! I promise to return on a regular basis shortly! I hope everyone has a fun & safe holiday weekend- it seems as if ours has already started as our neighbors have been shooting fireworks off for several days now. Take care!

"Sooner than later"

A few weeks ago I opened up to answer any questions that readers of this blog might have about me. One of the questions asked: "Any thoughts on baby #2?" It's actually a question we get pretty frequently (I'm sure most married couples can relate!) and I never mind answering. Anyway, my answer was "yes- and sooner than later." That was my plan. It's always been my plan to have children that are fairly close in age- I've never minded the idea of having 2 kids in diapers, 2 kids in braces, 2 kids in college.
The problem is, what if that's not God's plan? A few days after I typed "sooner than later" we found out I was pregnant. I was excited! Our kids would be exactly 2 years apart. Perfect! Only problem was it didn't seem to line up with God's plan for our family- and I miscarried a few days later. I'm totally at peace with our loss- and more than anything it really goes to show that you can't map out your plan in life without praying for God's direction. All to often I paint a pretty picture in my mind of how our life should look (anyone else do that?) but I forget that God has the upper hand here. So this week, I've been counting my blessings- I have SO many- and I know that in God's time we'll be blessed again. In the meantime, check out one of the greatest blessings I've ever received!He LOVES wagon rides!

He helps me out with the laundry by pulling everything out and then climbing in! =)

My future artist! I love his little scribbles (so long as they aren't on the furniture).
The weather has really been beautiful lately- I'm really hoping to get out and get some new photos of him soon!

A Cameron overload and a few thoughts on toddlerhood.

It's been a long time since I've posted anything about Cameron- and since I don't do the monthly updates anymore, I figure it's time to post some pictures! I also wanted to jot down a few of my thoughts about his little life after his first birthday. I know there are several of my blog friends who are new moms, and moms to be, so maybe you'll benefit from my note-taking. =)


A little about Cameron at 14 months:
It was so much easier to feed Cameron a few months ago. Purees were such a breeze. I took pride in the fact that he would eat anything and everything, including veggies- which now he will only eat if the veggie is disguised in cheese. Yes, his favorite foods these days are grilled cheese, mac n' cheese, cheese pizza, shredded cheese, broccoli and cheese... you get the trend. Definitely not lacking Calcium!He loves to read!

Cameron sleeps from 8pm- 7:30/8am, with about a 2.5-3 hour nap in the afternoons.


I don't know if I have mentioned it, but Cameron is quite a ladies man. At Panera the other day, he was flirting and laughing with some pretty girls at the table next to us the whole entire time we were there. I'm pretty sure they didn't even get a conversation in between themselves, because Cameron made sure he was he center of their attention. He also flirts with every waitress we have- including one the other day, whose skirt was a little too short- so he made sure to let her know that by glancing up it every time she returned to our table.

9 times out of 10, if Cameron is missing in action, he can be found playing in the toilet.

Cameron loves to walk around with a pen and pad of paper in hand, scribbling and drawing "pictures" (ha!). I hope he loves to color when he gets a bit older, because I still enjoy it and would love to color in books with him!
When Cameron was born, he looked a lot like me. His dark brown eyes and brown skin tone definitely proved he was my son! But as he gets older, one of the first things people say is how much he looks like his dad. Fine by me, I think his dad is the most handsome man I know!

Developmentally, he seems to be right on track. He "talks" up a storm, can answer a question with a "ya" or "no", can make a lot of animal sounds (thanks to our fridge farm!), can throw and kick a ball, and can climb pretty much anything- including our bar-height dining chairs! He's wearing mostly 18month-2T shirts, and 18 month pants.
A little about my thoughts on the toddler stage:
Each month I always say "this is the funnest age!" But really, this is such a fun age. I love that he understands most of what we say. He is full of energy and life, and is a constant source of entertainment. I feel like he is fairly obedient right now- we have been firm at establishing some boundaries, but I also feel like he's able to be a toddler too. I wish I could say that it would always be this easy!

There was a discussion on The Nest forums the other day about the changes you go through when you have a new baby; how hard things can be and how emotionally and physically exhausting it all is to adjust to your new life. My comment was a nod in agreement, but I also mentioned that it never really gets any easier per se- it just gets different. You get into a routine, so in that respect, things flow smoother, and you seem to get your life back when you can catch an amazing 6-7 hours of solid sleeping. Things got easier for awhile- but here recently I feel like I spend a majority of the day sweeping up food chunks and crushed crackers off the floor, picking up toys (again and again) wiping his nose (and wiping my jeans off because he wiped his nose on my them), putting tupperware back into the drawer, chasing after him... it's downright exhausting. And he's a great kid- we're not even into the terrible two's yet.
Despite that it's a tough job being a parent to a toddler parent in general, I cannot even put into words the joy and blessing he brings to us on a daily basis. Our lives have been enriched tenfold. It's difficult to hear about the things you will sacrifice when you do become a parent. 'Cause lets be honest- giving up your blissful sleep and all your free time for the next, oh, 18 years hardly sounds appealing- that is until you see firsthand all the joys that far outweigh it. There's nothing I wouldn't sacrifice to be my son's mom. Nothing.
I just love him, and think he is the cutest kid (obviously, like most parents think of their own children)!

My sweet little nephew.

You may remember this little guy when I posted his birth announcement a little while back. He is now about 4 weeks old an growing like a weed!
I went to take some pictures of him today, and although we didn't end up with many good shots (he was tired and fussy), I thought this one was pretty good. The lighting perfectly highlights his sweet little cheeks. He is just so adorable!

Introducing...

My newest nephew, Christian!
He was born this afternoon and he is so precious. He was born at the same hospital as Cameron- I even recognized a few of the same nurses! He weighed just over 7 lbs and was 19 inches long. I can't wait till he gets a little bigger; I'm sure him and Cameron will be good friends growing up.

Christian brings my niece/nephew count to 19 (but who's counting?). I also have 2 more nephews on the way- one due in a few weeks, and another due in February!

Weekend Baby Shower!

This weekend was the baby shower I hosted for my sister-in-law. Everything went really well! Baby Christian (making his arrival around Christmas) will certainly be well dressed for the first 6 months of his little life!





I was really honored to host the shower for my sister-in-law. I've known her for 10 years and she was the one who introduced me to my wonderful husband 6 years ago. I am blessed to know her!

Baby shower prep!

This weekend is my sister-in-law's baby shower- and I'm hosting! And since I'm the only host, I've decided to keep things simple, doing most of the prep in advance so that on Saturday, everything is smooth sailing.
I noticed while shopping for baby shower decor, that most of it is either tacky, overpriced, or both! So I settled on some "It's a boy!" confetti, some tea light candles, and a little banner I made for just 2 dollars. I'll probably set the food table with some fresh flowers too. I wanted to share the banner I made, because it was easy (I got it done during Cameron's nap!), and I only spent 2 dollars on the paper and ribbon.
I started by drawing letters on this awesome glitter paper I spotted at Hobby Lobby.

Cut them out!

I used cups around the house to cut out the circles for the back of the letters.

Hobby Lobby was out of white card stock- so I used the back of leftover wedding invitations I've had sitting around for over 2 years. I couldn't bear to throw them away- I knew I could find another purpose for them!

I stapled the blue circles to the ribbon.

And then glued the letters to the white circles, and then the white circles to the blue ones.

Done- and so easy!
I'll definitely be back to show pictures of the banner hung, and of the shower!

Moms: can you relate?

So the season premier of Desperate Housewives aired last night. I thought it was good and this is going to be a great season! I know that not everyone reading this watches Desperate Housewives, or is familiar with the characters, but there was a funny scene from last nights episode that I wanted to share with you all, especially since a lot of you guys are moms and moms to-be.

Lynette is in her 40's, and has four children already. Last season we found out that she is pregnant (surprise!) with another set of twins, and she isn't thrilled about it. This scene was at a prenatal appointment, where she has a little run in with a young, first time mom to be, explaining some of the "joys" of being a mom. Here's the minute long clip:

I Can't Imagine Anything Better Than Being a Mommy - MovieWeb


I laughed so hard, because I can totally relate with um, the "Spanish Stucco" comment. Then I cried, because I can totally relate to someone who is in their late 40's and has 4 children.

Thinking ahead!

December will be here before you know it (really, it will!), and I've already been thinking about what to get Cameron for his 1st birthday. I've had my eye on these Anywhere Hybrid Chairs from Pottery Barn Kids, but the price has always been pretty steep. The mailman delivered a lust-worthy catalogue to my mailbox this week, and I noticed that the chair cover I wanted for him was just $29.99 (originally $79 bucks) with free personalization! I didn't think that price would go much lower before they sold out, so I caved and ordered it! YAY! I've also spotted the actual chair form insert on ebay for much cheaper than they sell at PBK. 

 

How cool are these? I got the green rugby stripe with his name on it. I think it will be perfect as he grows (not just another "toy"), and I plan to incorporate it into the decor of his big boy room when I change it from his current nursery.  PS- most of the chair covers they offer are on sale if you are looking for a good kiddo gift!

DIY First Year Frame

Every time the mailman delivers a Pottery Barn kids catalogue to my mailbox, I lust over every page wishing I had a bazillion dollars to buy everything in it. Their furniture and decor is to die for, but unfortunately, it isn't very budget friendly. When I flipped through and saw this First Year Frame, I knew I had to have it; I just loved the idea of displaying a photo of each month of Cameron's first year! Dare I peek at the price tag? The old me would have bought it without even thinking twice (see "about me", top right). But the new me is trying a thing called willpower, and it's hard.

So, the price tag: $249. Yowza.

I looked at it again and again and thought, "Why couldn't I make this?" Seemed easy enough. Come to find out, it was. Even better is that I only spent $40 making it. Granted, my version isn't quite as fancy-shmancy, nor does it have a place to engrave Cam's name, but I think I did well, and my wallet has an extra $209 buckaroos in it. What do ya think? I'll also be filling the rest of the frames with pictures so they aren't empty until his first year is complete.

A few things I've learned in the last month...

Time flies! Cameron is one month old today, and that's hard to believe. I've had one of the most rewarding months to date- and I've learned a lot about babies- and myself. A few notes to share:

1. Any question I might have had about how to be a good parent or how to take care of an infant flew out the window the second he entered the world. Instinct kicked in when I realized that I am the lifeline to this kid, and pretty much everything from then on came pretty naturally.

2. Diaper Changes can leave you caught off guard. (This is especially true with a boy). I was peed on several times before we even brought the little guy home from the hospital. At home when we put him on the changing table for the first time, he peed ALL over the wall. I tried to clean it up as it trickled down the wall, and in the process learned that he also has explosive, projectile poop (hey, not trying to be graphic here, just spitting the truth). That's right. Poop all over the basket full of wipes and diapers, and the adjacent wall. Talk about a mess. All this while trying to console an infant with flailing legs and who hasn't quite gotten used to the idea of diaper changes yet. We've since outsmarted him by putting a washcloth over his peepee, but you gotta stay on top of your game when it comes to poop.

3. Speaking of the latter, when he does pee (or poop, or vomit, or sneeze...) all over me, it doesn't seem to phase me since it's my own kid, and he happens to be so darn cute.

Bath time!

4. Cameron can "pretend" sleep. This usually occurs when I'm holding him and he falls asleep in my arms, and just when I think it's OK to set him down.... WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!! He can be a little faker, and if he could talk, he'd probably say something like "haha, mom! You thought I was sleeping! Next time, you'll think twice about putting me down!"


5. Having a baby means eating soggy cereal most mornings. And sometimes it means not brushing your teeth until 3 o'clock in the afternoon. When I have 20 free minutes it often means deciding between taking a shower and going hungry, or eating and having to smell funky all day. Or, take a nap and be hungry and smelly.


6. In college, I thought I had sleep deprivation. HA! The new me would have laughed the old me in the face. I would often skip my 8 o'clock class because I had stayed up until midnight working on a project. I'd give my right arm to get that sleep schedule back.


7. And speaking of arms, it sure would be nice to have a third one. Specifically to reach things when I'm holding the baby with both hands and can't free one up. It would be even NICER if I had super powers like that of Mary Poppins. Remember she could just "snap" her fingers and things would go back into place? I could sit and feed Cameron while sitting on the couch, and snap my fingers and have a sparkling clean house and dinner on the table. Spit Spot!!


8. Cameron doesn't seem to mind morning breath. Every morning we greet Cameron with big, breathy smiles and kisses, and he just smiles back. If it were me I'd send Dad straight to the bathroom for a double dose of minty Listerine before a kiss!

Lots of pictures...

Here's some pictures we took during our super-fun extended hospital stay. Birth story still to come when I have an extra hand free up. Enjoy! =)

Ready to go... little did I know I still had 2 days before I'd meet my son! And yes, I'm completely aware that I have 3 chins.

Dad is ready to go too.

Just the two of us...

And he's out!

Look how big he is!

9 lbs. 8oz.

I love this little guy.

Just the three of us. I love Jon's facial expression in this picture.

You can tell he's just got the biggest smile under his mask!

Such a priceless picture.

I look completely exhausted, huh?

Cameron's first diaper change. I warned and prepared Jon about what newborn poops look like. I might have failed to mention how MUCH poop there would be. He thought he'd step up to the plate and attempt the first change; but his jaw dropped to the floor when he unveiled the contents. It definitely took both of us to change this one! He was the "leg holder."

My niece, Corinne
My sister, brother in law, and niece Audra (3 months). I think Cameron will catch up to her in no time at all!