Sisterly Love

Big sis packin' on the PDA:

The Girls - February 2013

I thought it would be fun to jot down what's been going on each month with the girls. At least for Ashlynne's first year. So many changes going on! Since there is no 29th of February this year, I'm posting this monthly update a little early.

Ashlynne:  Our little peanut has turned into quite a hungry hippo in the last week. She's still tiny (finally at 3 weeks she was back up to her birth weight of 6 lbs, 12 oz), but may be having a growth spurt right now. She wants to nurse every 1-2 hours and cluster feeds at night. And boy is she a grump if she doesn't get her way!  Luckily she is a pretty good night-time sleeper. At 2 weeks, she started going down in her pack and play thanks to her Woombie swaddle and a heating pad to warm up those cold sheets (after days of just sleeping on Mama and Daddy's chest at night). We usually put her down around 8 or 8:30, and the last few nights she's slept 6 or 7 hours the first stretch, waking around 3 to eat and again between 5 and 6.  Some mornings she'll even go back to sleep after her second feeding until 8 or 8:30.  Then she's up for 2-3 hours before two big afternoon naps with a feed in between, followed by awake/play/fuss time for the rest of the evening. She is not a fan of tummy time, but often lifts her head on her own when we're holding her. She will hang out on her back awhile though on a blanket or on her activity mat and stare at her toys and kick her feet.  Her big sis loves to play with her during this time. She's also started tracking objects and loves to stare at lights. Her belly button was slow to heal, so she hasn't had her first bath yet...but the big event is planned for this weekend. Yahoo! In other big news, Ashlynne has started smiling (yay) and tears are starting to form in the corners of her eyes when she cries (boo!). Tears are the worst, man. Thank the heavens for baby smiles!

Harlie: The best big sister, EVER! She loves her little sis with a serious passion. Loves to kiss and hug and pet Ash. Loves to sing to her and tell her she's wonderful and how much she loves her. Is already the big protector, scolding me if I don't attend to her crying in time, and vigilantly watching over her in her swing or carseat. She also loves to play with her baby doll and Raggedy Anne dolls, dressing them up, changing diapers and strolling them around the house. I'm so proud of Harlie for pouring her love into this new little miracle and it makes my heart sing. At the same time, Harlie is vying for more attention of her own and so her days are filled with big emotions, dramatic gestures and strong will. She recently decided to quit gymnastics because she wants to take ballet classes and you can find her spinning around the house at any given moment practicing her dance moves and putting on shows for company, while singing at the top of her lungs. Her songs are usually original material although she often does a mean rendition of Firework which is her favorite song of the planet! At the playground she is always looking to make friends which simultaneously paralyzes my heart and makes it swell with pride for putting herself out there (coming from her shy Mama). When recently rejected by some boys at the park, she declared to them that they were hurting her feelings and that she has a friend named Max that plays with her all the time. After getting home and heating up the apple cider I promised her, I told her I was proud if her for trying to make friends. She said "I'm proud of me too Mom, and I'm proud of you...for making me apple cider."

Ashlynne Marie

Here's our brand new baby girl who arrived 4 weeks ago, on January 29th at 8:58 am. She was 6 lbs, 12 oz, 20 inches long with a full head of light brown hair.

So in love....

Birth story details to come later. But I thought I should announce her birth on here before posting her 1 month photo! :-)

39 Weeks

How far along are you?: 39 Weeks

Total weight gain: 29 pounds. Well, I think this week on maternity leave actually reduced my water retention (no more swollen ankles!), so that probably accounts for the 1 lb. drop.  Interesting that I gained exactly 29 pounds when I was pregnant with Harlie too. Hmmm, we'll see if I make it another week to weigh myself again....uh, I HOPE NOT!

How big is the baby?: 7 pounds and 20 inches. Aye aye aye!!! Already bigger than H was!

Maternity clothes: I have been in yoga pants for a week straight now and it's been awesome.

Stretch marks?: They better not come now!

Sleep: I pee every hour now...the awesomeness abounds!

Best moment this week: Being able to relax at home while Harlie has been at daycare or napping has been a huge luxury....it's been so fun! I feel like I'm playing hooky, but I don't feel guilty about it, because I'm still in nesting mode. This basically means my house isn't a complete disaster and that makes me feel productive, because normally I hate to clean. I totally wish I had a cook though.....that part I could do without right now!

Movement: Much more active this week, so my fears are gone about that.

Food cravings: Coke, salmon, chocolate

Food aversions: None

Labor signs: I have been crazy with anticipation since the 38 week mark and it means I'm over-analyzing every little sensation.  This week I've had quite a bit of tightening (Braxton Hicks), cramping and lower back pain. I also keep losing bits of my MP (I'll use an acronym, so as not to gross all  5 of you out), and have been nauseous the last couple of days.  Signs point to early labor but as everyone knows these symptoms could last for weeks still!

Belly button in or out: Still in.

What I'm looking forward to: The sign that it's time to to GO!!!! I just want to be sitting in my hospital bed ready for Ashlynne's arrival. Pain-free please!

Again

Yesterday, I watched Harlie's 1st Year slideshow (twice) and bawled my eyes out. For this slideshow I had included video clips ( I should do this more!) and it really helped bring back those memories, those precious moments. Becoming a mother to a teeny tiny newborn was an awe inspiring, joyful and humbling experience. One I didn't think I'd get to live through again, which made me sad. I thought Harlie was truly the last one because it just wasn't possible to have another baby-- not at this time, not in my world, not now after everything that had happened. And yet.  And YET. Here we are, awaiting little Ashlynne Marie.

  

I was bawling yesterday because I get to do it all over again and they were tears of joy and anticipation. Scott and I and the miracle maker made it happen somehow and everything is gonna be ok. We're ready. The time is right. We just didn't know it before.

Harlie Shavonne, my heart feels like it might burst with how much love I have for you.

But little Ashlynne Marie, it's managed to grow twice as big now that you are in our lives and I can't wait to fill it up...all over again.

38 Weeks

How far along are you?: 38 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain: 30 pounds

How big is the baby?: Almost 6.8 lbs and 19.5 inches long.

Maternity clothes: I've started to grow out of some of them!

Stretch marks?: They better not come now!

Sleep: All I do is have baby dreams all night long.....

Best moment this week: On my last day of work before maternity leave, I was let off early, so I scooped Harlie up from daycare and headed to Faith Nails for a pedicure. It was Harlie's first time getting her nails done and she was super excited. I was in desperate need of a pedicure (my feet were frightening) and was even more in need of some pampering. I thought it would be fun to have a little Mommy and Me date with H before Ashlynne came and I'm so glad we did. The pedicure felt soooooooo good and Harlie was loving every moment getting her nails and toes painted.

Movement: Oh Boy! Well I had a little freakout on Saturday because Ashlynne hadn't been very active and I was afraid something was wrong.  So I drank some juice, laid on my side, and 15 minutes and a pep talk (text) from Melanie later I started to feel her kick. After downloading a kick count app (iPhones are awesome), I was reassured that she was ok and calmed down. But then I had my OB appt on Monday and just mentioned to her that she had been a little less active lately. Not trying to make a big deal out of of it, but wanting to let her know. Being cautious Dr. Juhn suggested I head over to Mercy on my way home to have the baby monitored, just to make sure. She was pretty confident everything was fine and that I'd be in and out in 30 minutes. Better safe than sorry!  I head over there around noon (starving) with Keri at home with 3 kids expecting me soon so she can help me put some baby stuff put away. Well, 5 hours later after pulling Scott away from his golf game --I've been monitored for 3 hours, then a false alarm sends me to have an ultrasound done to check amniotic fluid levels and all kinds of other stuff--we find out everything is just fine and I get to finally go home.  The bright side is that we'll know our way to Labor and Delivery now, since they've had a renovation since Harlie was born and I got totally lost on my way in yesterday (that would be no good if I was in actual labor) AND we got another confirmation that our little peanut is still a girl!!!  Yay, since I took the tags off all the clothes already. :-) Also, another funny thing.... I've been avoided and craving deli meat my entire pregnancy, being super cautious about BACTERIA, OH NO! And then yesterday, after mentioning that I should have stopped for lunch had I known I'd be at the hospital so long, the nice nurse brings me a sandwich, a turkey sandwich!  I just had to laugh, and it was GOOD!

Food cravings: Sushi and OJ

Food aversions: None

Labor signs: I'm still 3 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Doctor Juhn says that is normal for a second pregnancy and says my body is ready whenever baby decides to come.  She actually told me she thinks my labor will last about 4 hours. 4 HOURS?! Holy crap. I'm legitimately freaked about getting my epidural in time.  But she did say as soon as my contraction are 10 minutes apart to come right in and if my water breaks first, to head to the hospital within an hour at the latest. So we'll see. It'll be interesting to see if her prediction holds true.

Belly button in or out: It wants to pop out, but it's pretty flat.

What I'm looking forward to: Enjoying maternity leave but also I can't to hold my new baby girl.  It's not a bad place to be in right now....filled with anticipation and being able to focus 100% on her arrival.  Baby is on the brain 24/7 now and I like it.

It was cute, Scott actually suggested that we take another progress picture given that she might come any day. AND he told me to wear this sweater because it makes my belly pop. :-)

Also, here are some photos of baby Ashlynne's space in our bedroom. Thanks to Melanie and Keri, we were able to make it special with their custom-made shower decorations. I love it.

37 weeks

Gosh I just looked back at my 36 week update from when I was pregnant with Harlie and I really am carrying so similarly. It's kinda trippy looking back.  Seems so long ago, but the memories are so clear. 

How far along are you?: 37 weeks, 3 days

Total weight gain: 30 pounds

How big is the baby?: Almost 6 1/3 lbs and 19 inches long.

Maternity clothes: Glad to almost be out of them!!!

Stretch marks?: No, but super itchy belly!

Sleep: I've noticed a pattern the last few nights. I'll wake up to go pee about 4 times before 1:00am and then twice again before I magically wake-up 2 minutes before my alarm goes off at 6.

Best moment this week: My super intimate and totally awesome baby shower that Autumn threw for me with the help of Melanie and Keri.  So much love and laughter in that room...All of these women are the best friends and mamas a girl could ask for. I'm so so lucky to have them in my life.

Movement: Way active today!!! She had slowed down a little earlier this week, but has been goin' gangbusters all day.

Food cravings: Fruit and cake

Food aversions: None

Labor signs: Well....at my 37 week appointment I measured 2-3 cm dilated and 50% effaced. For comparison's sake, at 37 weeks with Harlie I was 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced, and had her one week later. My Braxton Hicks contractions have been off the hook today and I've been having some cramping.  My body feels like it's getting ready, but I'd still like more time!

Belly button in or out: Innie for life.

What I'm looking forward to: Tomorrow, which is my last day of work before maternity leave...will be so nice not to have work on my mind as well as everything else!

This girl is my lifesaver...always there for me with a solution and a "snacky" when I need them most. She is the yin to my yang, and I love her so.

Autumn's beautiful home showcases Mel's thoughtful and absolutely perfect decorations, which made me freakin' cry.

Mel, the third twin sister or "thwista". She just gets me...the good the bad and everything in between. That we get to have baby girls together is one of the biggest blessings in my life.

My big sis who's been my protector and my advocate, my playmate and confidante, my accomplice and sounding board, really just my everything...I think I'm the luckiest girl in the world to be able to walk through life with her...womb to tomb, baby!

The best Mama's ever!  I seriously struck gold in this department. And both are the most caring grandmothers to my children which makes my heart sing. I know what it's like to have an amazing grandmother, and I'm so happy that Austin and my girls will be just as fortunate.

Da girls!

36 Weeks

How far along are you?: 36 weeks, 2 days

Total weight gain: 29 pounds

How big is the baby?: Almost 6 lbs and 18.5 inches long - wow

Maternity clothes: I wish I could live in yoga pants and tank tops.

Stretch marks?: Nope

Sleep: I want to say I'm sleeping a teensy bit better...still up a gazillion times a night to pee but the insomnia has subsided a bit the last few days.

Best moment this week: Scott and I took Harlie to Target so she could pick out a toy and outfit for her little sister. That was pretty fun. Here's a look at what she picked:

Movement: Still very active...super alien belly.

Food cravings: Grapefruit Juice

Food aversions: None

Labor signs: I think she's dropped because I can feel the weight of her down really low and my belly looks different. It's not as high and sticks out more. This has helped my heartburn too.  Also at my 36 weeks appointment my doc did a cervical check and I'm dilated to a "wiggly 1 cm" or 1.5cms.  My cervix is still nice and long though so I think I still have at least a couple weeks to go, but hoping for 3!  We have made progress on our baby to do list (rearranged furniture in bedroom to make room for pack and play, cleaned car seat cover, bought snacks, gas up truck...) but this weekend we need to pack our bags, get carseat in truck, clean the house, wash 0-3 month clothes, buy baby toiletries/medicine, and make a plan for Harlie and Austin.

Belly button in or out: In

What I'm looking forward to: Being ready!!!! So I can relax and enjoy the last few days with Harlie before little sister comes and let the excitement take over. I cannot wait to see what Ashlynne looks like, just cant wait to meet her!

Looking down...

 

35 Weeks

How far along are you?: 35 Weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain: 27 pounds

How big is the baby?: 5 1/4 lbs and 18 inches long - just about baby size...OMG!

Maternity clothes: Over them already.

Stretch marks?: Not yeeeeeet. Fingers crossed.

Sleep: I am officially couch bound now as it's the only place that I can get comfortable and sleep for any period of time.

Best moment this week: Aside from all the Christmas festivities which were fun, meeting baby Everleigh was a pretty awesome moment. Can't believe Scott and I will have our own little one very soon.  I'm a leetle freaked because H was 2 weeks early and the thought of A coming in 3 weeks is freaking me out. I hope she wants to stay put just a little bit longer so we can get everything ready!

Movement: The doc confirmed that our Peanut is head down, with her back primarily positioned on my right side, making my belly lopsided.  But she still moves a lot and will swing over to the left side sometimes, but not for very long. She feels very low.

Food cravings: Orange Juice again.

Food aversions: None

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks contractions have increased this past month. Usually when I stand up from a seated position and start walking.

Belly button in or out: In

What I'm looking forward to: My mini shower in a couple weeks. Love my friends.
 

2012 Recap

1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?

• Worked in Facilities
• Experienced a surprise pregnancy
• Paired Mint tea with Oreo cookies
• Sat in a car while Austin was driving

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?


• Resolutions for 2012:
• Explore ways to cope with stress that are effective and healthy. Picking fights with your husband and losing patience with your children are not these ways.  FAIL
• Find a way to include exercise into my week on a regular basis. This goal is more to improve overall health...I mean let's be real...I don't like to exercise, so anything I do isn't going to make my legs and butt stop jiggling, but if I can get my blood pumping faster and more often, that can only be good for me. FAIL
• Engage in more physical play with Harlie. I did do this, until I got pregnant.
• Read more books (aside from book club selections).  FAIL
• Make more mix CD's. I have songs suggestions for CD's in my phone, Do I get 1/2 a point for this?
• Find ways to spend more quality time with Scott. Romance on the cheap!  Any ideas? FAIL.
• Bake with YEAST!  I bought the yeast, but I have not baked with it. FAIL.
• Let go and let God.  Sounds cheesy...but dude do I need to loosen my grip and chill the eff out.  HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! God thinks he's funny.
• Resolutions for 2013:
• Basically see above (let's try this again, shall we?), but throw in, DON'T BECOME AN EVEN CRAZIER CRAZY PERSON.  

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?


• Yes! Melanie! Little E was born on December 28th and is so so precious and absolutely beautiful!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.


6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?

• More financial stability
• A new home
• A growing savings account (repeat from last year)
• A vacation...a real one. (repeat from last year)

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

• June 10th, Ali's birthday brunch, book club and the day I found out I was pregnant.
• September 25th. the day I started my new position as SSA.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


• My promotion to SSA, for sure, because of the significant income boost we so desperately needed.

9. What was your biggest failure?

• Not working to improve all aspects of my life. There was NO balance.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

• Does morning sickness count?

11. What was the best thing you bought?

• My iPhone could be the best and worst thing I bought.

12. Where did most of your money go?

• Food
• Daycare
• Insurance

13. What did you get really excited about?

• Ashlynne and Harlie having a little sister.
• My new job
• Summertime trip to the Tahoe House.
• Mark and Melanie's baby girl
• Christmas Festivities, and Harlie's shared enthusiasm for the holiday.

14. What song will always remind you of 2012?

• I Won't Give Up -  Jason Mraz

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? This is a complicated question because I'm an emotional wreck. Happier one moment, but sad the next.  In general I have much more to be happy about looking toward the future.
– thinner or fatter? Ha. FATTER!  I think I'll take this question off next year though, I mean who really cares?
– richer or poorer? Richer, income wise. Poorer, savings wise.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?


Focusing on the positive and gaining perspective.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?


• Worrying
• Nagging

18. How did you spend Christmas?

Two days before Christmas we celebrated up the hill then spent Christmas morning at home and Christmas Day at Florence's.

19. What was your favorite TV program?

Nashville

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

Cookbooks. Nigella's and Ree's.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?


Probably the songs Harlie sings/make up. They crack me up.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

MI 4. Ha.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 34. I can't really remember what I did...but maybe take-out and a movie???

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If we would have been able to buy a house....DITTO! I feel like this year is so boring because it's almost exactly like last year. Next year will be different fo sho'!

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012?

Maternity chic, I mean maternity CHEAP!

26. What kept you sane?

Having Mel to commiserate with regarding all things pregnancy was a life-saver. I remember having that with Autumn, Shawna, Kaelin, Keri and Ali when I was pregnant with Harlie, and thankfully for the O'Connor miracle, I didn't have to go through it alone this time either.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.


Here are 3: You might think you know, but you have no idea. God thinks he's funny. The Universe just may have other plans for you.