Happy Birthday Judah!

Wow. The past few days have been a complete whirlwind. A few days ago, we welcomed our 2nd Baby Boy into this world. And while it has been crazy, and sleep deprived and chaotic, it was been some of the best few days of my life and our marriage. I imagine I'll say that with every child we have, but it really is true. I am so in love with this baby boy. It amazes me how much love I can have for both of my boys, one of God's mysteries.

It also amazes me how incredibly different this entire experience was from Curtis. 

Here's Judah's story:

Since last Sunday, I had been contracting pretty steadily, every day, every afternoon and most nights. When they would happen, I'd get my phone out and time them, but rarely were they very close together, usually 10 or 15 mins at the most. Even Saturday night, they weren't close enough that I was thinking it would happen. But I woke up about 2 Sunday morning with contractions. I began timing them and they were 5 to 10 mins apart, still not quite close enough for me to be worried, so I just continued timing them and waited for Isaac to come home about 4. We hung out and watched Scrubs, then I was gonna try and get a little sleep, but of course my pregnant bladder wanted to go to the bathroom first and when I got up, I thought my water broke. I came down stairs and told Isaac it was that time, we needed to go. So we called our friend several times to make sure we could drop Curtis off and we were on our way. As we drove, contractions seemed to come closer and they were stronger, I definitely knew I was in labor. I went to triage, they checked me. My water had not actually broken, but I was dilated at 4cm and during my contractions, Judah's heart rate was dipping some, so they admitted me instead of telling me to walk around because they wanted to make sure he was ok. Once they admitted me and monitored Judah for a little while, I was allowed to get up and move which was so different than with Curtis. I bounced on the birthing ball, walked around the room, sat on the edge of the bed, anything I could to not stay in the bed, cause I knew that once I got the epidural, I wouldn't be getting up. So I labored like that till about 12. As the contractions got closer, though, I was definitely ready for the epidural. Every one I was having to grab the bed or the IV pole or whatever was near. So they checked me again, I was 6cm dilated and then they anesthesiologist came. I was so incredibly thankful for that. It was nice to rest some and not have to feel those contractions. We watched Bat Dad and an episode of Chuck, then they came to check me and break my water. I was at 8 cm, they broke my water and within 2 contractions I was ready to push. For this reason, I pray my water never breaks at home because I'm pretty sure I'd also be delivering at home. My midwives came in and we got to work. I pushed for an hour and 15 mins. I went from one side to the other. I played tug of war with my midwife. I refused to rest because I was ready for it to be over. As he moved closer to being born, they determined that he was face up rather than down which is why the process was a little harder. They thought he was turning as I pushed. But this little boy probably was already showing his personality, he decided to turn back. He, like Curtis, was born sunny side up. They immediately put him on my belly then wiped him off. That part was pretty amazing since they immediately whisked Curtis away from me. They did have to take him away for a minute to clear his lungs, but then I got to have my skin to skin time with him and actually nurse him. I was so excited that he nursed right away. Again so different since Curtis didn't nurse for 5 weeks. So that is Judah's story. Through the whole thing, Isaac was a champ. He always is. He stayed calm going to the hospital, stayed calm as they told me about Judah's decels, snuck me part of a bagel because I was starving, held my leg and encouraged me the entire time. I pray I never have to do this without him because he's what makes it a doable process. I am so incredibly thankful for the man God has given me. We spent a little more than 24hrs in the hospital. Judah stopped nursing around midnight that night, I think because he was super tired and then he had a busy day with all the newborn stuff they had to do, but once we got home, he nursed before we went to bed. And has nursed ever since, again so different and I am so thankful.

Life at home has been crazy. I'm exhausted. Curtis is jealous so I'm thankful Isaac, mom and dad are here so he gets all the attention he needs while I'm nursing Curtis. But I did get to cuddle with him some this morning while Isaac and Judah slept, which was wonderful since we haven't really cuddled in a few months. I am loving having 2 little boys at home and am so thankful for all God has blessed us with. I am looking forward to seeing what He has in store for our little family.

Isaac doing Judah's syringe feeding when he wouldn't nurse. Thank goodness this will not be our life the next several weeks.

Such a serious sleeping face.

I love little baby feet.

Judah's going home outfit.

Cutis meeting Judah for the first time

36 Weeks

This week, I made it to the 36 week mark. I have officially been pregnant a week more than I was with Curtis and my body feels every bit of it. I talked to my midwife this week, concerned that I was growing another giant baby as I feel like Judah is much bigger and she assured me that it's just because I've never been this pregnant, but Judah is just fine. I have just a few more days to go till I am full term, 37 weeks. That has been my goal for the last few weeks. It was originally 35 weeks, but thankfully, God brought us through that.

We are looking so forward to meeting this baby. And I'll be honest, I am looking forward to not being pregnant anymore. I love my kids, and we plan on having more after this, but being pregnant with an 18 month old running around who doesn't understand that every time he crawls up on me and pushes on my belly, he's hurting me, or can't understand that when he tries to sit in my lap, but can't cuddle up to me because my belly is in the way, he gets upset. And when our child gets upset, he is really upset. He's a child that has to feel what he's feeling if that makes sense. He doesn't usually want to be comforted, he'd prefer to scream on the floor for a few minutes before being picked up or distracted with something else. That's something I've learned about him in the last few weeks, although it could be that he realizes he can't cuddle up to me easily, I don't know. But, needless to say, I am looking forward to being able to comfortably hold both my boys, comfortably cuddle with both my boys and be able to chase Curtis around and play with him again.

There are several things God is teaching me, though, with being pregnant and having a toddler. The biggest one is that I don't have to be Super Mom. Yes, there are things I prefer doing, ways I prefer doing things as a mom, but I've learned that sometimes, I have to give up my preferences out of necessity and my sanity. I've learned that it's ok to spend an afternoon watching Curious George, especially if I didn't sleep the night before, because by that time, I literally can't function to chase him from room to room. I've learned that at this point, it's ok if he eats a banana and peanut butter or apple and peanut butter or PB and J, or PB and crackers (sensing a theme here?) at every meal because at least he's eating something. I've learned that it's ok to let him cry sometimes, especially at nap time when I either feel like I'm going to pass out because I haven't eaten yet, or just can't hold my pregnant bladder anymore and I've learned that once I leave his room, he always gets over it, settles down and goes to sleep. I'm thankful God is showing me these things, helping me feel a little more prepared for when Judah comes and I just won't be able to worry about the same things anymore because life will just be too busy for that.

The other amazing thing God is teaching me is how amazing of a husband I have. I already knew that, but I'm seeing it on a much greater scale than what I once did. Pregnancy, and being much more dependent on someone can do that. Isaac insists, on a daily basis that I take a break, get some rests, take care of myself and of Judah. He knows that with his work schedule, that can almost be impossible some days, but when he's home, he makes every effort he can to help me with that. He entertains Curtis so I can sit and just enjoy. He lets me lay down and rest if I'm in a lot of pain or not feeling well. He understands that after a long day of taking care of Curtis, I need a break, and he takes Curtis upstairs to play so I can cook in peace. He often sacrifices his sleep to put Curtis back to sleep so that I can rest at night. There's so many other countless things he does that I am so thankful for and very grateful that God is using this pregnancy to remind me daily of the blessing he gave me in my husband.

So anyway, that's what's going on for 36weeks. I do have some really cute new pictures of Curtis, but I will put them up later and talk about the fun updates with him then because he is growing and changing so much, but for now, my 36 week belly in one of the 5 shirts that I have to fit me :)

(If I go much longer, that number may go down to 0)

Judah's Maternity Pictures

A few weeks ago, we had a very fun maternity shoot. We had to reschedule it once due to cold, wet, snowy weather and almost had to reschedule it again, but then we decided to just do it at our house, which I hadn't thought about, but it was fun, and I love the pictures we got!

Photo credit: Heather Kneisler

32 weeks

This week, I'm 32 weeks pregnant. When I was this far with Curtis, I just assumed I had another 2 months left. We went on our Babymoon at 32 weeks, not thinking anything could ever be wrong, assuming we still had quite a while of that pregnancy yet. We had no carseat, no stroller, no pack-n-play, no bassinet, his room was not even close to being finished. 

With Judah, things are different. I guess I just expect to be early. I''m hoping for 5 more weeks, in fact Isaac promised me a pedicure if I made it to 37 weeks, especially since by that point, I will not be able to bend over and trim my nails or do my nail polish :) But 3 more weeks would be great. Curtis was born at 35 weeks and 2 days. I had been contracting for at least a week, if not longer, although I didn't know it. There was no pain, just a feeling of being uncomfortable.  With this pregnancy, I'm more aware of things, especially anything possibly abnormal that could potentially indicate early labor. And we are preparing much earlier, just in case. We bought a van so I can fit 2 rear facing car seats, we bought a 2nd car seat, we're in the process of working on Curtis' knew room so Judah can have the nursery, although I know he'll sleep in our room for a few months. Thankfully, we have most of everything else we need, so we don't have to worry about sending someone on Judah's birthday to go buy everything for us. Next week, I'll pack a bag for myself and for Curtis so I won't have to think about that once the time comes to panic a little and I have several contingency plans in place just in case Isaac isn't here when I go in to labor. 

And the biggest thing I think I'm doing to prepare, although I know it will never really be enough, is enjoying as much time with Curtis as I can. I know things will never be the same once Judah comes, and I'm looking forward to that. But a part of me will miss when it was just Curtis and me during the day, so we're going to the park, and going to the play place at the mall and having play dates and reading lots of books, and I'm letting him watch a little more TV cause that means I get to snuggle with him some, which is pretty much the only time we snuggle, because he's just too busy other wise. I am cherishing the last few weeks, or last 2 months, whatever it is God gives me and I am looking so forward to meeting this new little one that's been growing inside me for 32 weeks, that I've felt kick me and hiccup inside me and flip and stretch and do all sorts of things that I'm just not sure what it is going on inside there.

I am definitely looking forward to the adventure of having 2 littles, and somewhat scared, I'll be honest. But I'm praying God will instill a new sense of independence in Curtis so that I can take care of Judah the way I need to. 

Whatever happens, though, I know it will be a fun ride, and I can't wait to watch my 2 boys grow up together and hopefully be best friends.

Curtis loves to stand in the window sill, especially if daddy is coming up the road, then run to the window and wait for him

Sadly, this ball got chewed up by Baxter, but it was one of Curtis' favorite

Eventually they'll be best friends

Curtis fed himself all his yogurt for the first time, all by himself. This was the result.

Curtis playing with his Uncle Keith, learning what a cow says. Now he walks around saying "Moo" all the time

Curtis' First Real Snow Day

Technically, today was not Curtis' first snow day. He had a few as a newborn, but he was so small, we didn't take him out at all and it did snow in Colorado where we got to take him out, but today was the first time he got to play in the snow. I wasn't sure how he would do because he woke up from his way too short nap screaming and then screamed for the next half hour so I figured I'd just get to take him out for a few minutes. But once we got out and he sat in the snow for a few minutes, he was ready to crawl and play around. He crawled to the little hill in our yard and since it was icy, he slid right down it and then proceeded to crawl right across the street. He had so much fun! Then our neighbor brought her sled out, put Curtis on it and pulled him around for a little while, and he just loved that as well!

26 Weeks and Some Curtis Pictures

I'm 26 weeks pregnant, almost to my 3rd trimester. I'm pretty excited about this because I am looking forward to meeting this new Little One. Judah has begun to kick and move, much like Curtis did. Last week was the first time I could look down at my stomach and see all the movement, like he was trying to get out. I know eventually it will get uncomfortable, but usually it's pretty entertaining to me. 

For the most part, pregnancy is going well, not really any changes. I'm still feeling pretty good, although I am starting to feel that 3rd trimester loss of energy and am having to really discipline myself not to drink too much coffee to wake up some. It is getting harder to move around, especially with taking care of a very active toddler. Luckily, Curtis has learned to walk in the last few weeks. He's becoming a champ at it, which I love because it means I'm not carrying him quite as much. He almost always does the stairs since a few weeks ago, I carried him up and then was in pain for the next hour or so. At church, he holds my hand and walks from the car to the stairs and then takes forever climbing them, but I think he thinks its a fun adventure. He is also doing well at playing by himself, and playing some in his pack and play or crib, which is awesome because it gives me just a little break when I need to sit and catch my breath, or shut my eyes for a minute or just need to stop moving for a minute. All these things have been such evidences of God's grace. I remember when I first found out I was pregnant and was really wondering how in the world I would ever be able to chase Curtis around and be huge in my last trimester, but God is showing me I should never have been worried, He's taking care of it, which I am so thankful for.

Curtis is just growing up so much and it's been really fun to see these past few weeks. Like I said, he is walking, which I love, although he's pretty fast and can get in to things much quicker now. He enjoys playing with Baxter now that he can be more on Baxter's level standing up. He climbs on to everything he can. Pretty soon, we're gonna have to make sure nothing is on the kitchen table or the counters because I know it won't be long before he's tall enough to climb onto a chair and then on the table or counters. He's eating more, enjoying more and different foods, although I guess like a normal toddler, what he likes one day, he very well may not eat it the next day. So meal time can be very frustrating and challenging, but I'm learning that if he's hungry he'll eat, but I'm not going to force him to eat, and for the most part, I'm not going to fix him anything special, unless he just eats absolutely nothing, then he may get yogurt.

The other big change lately with us is Isaac's work schedule. He began shift work last month, rotating 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift every week with a day or 2 off in between to change his body to the next time. It has been a huge challenge, getting adjusted to this new schedule. Most of the time he's working or sleeping while we are awake and up while we are asleep which was not been easy for Curtis and I but we are learning to enjoying every minute we can with him while he's up and with us. And Isaac has been wonderful to take Curtis on outings with him, or just upstairs to play so I can get a break or do some housework without Curtis down here. I have been very thankful for those times. I'm also very thankful that, for the most part, Curtis still goes to bed pretty early, so Isaac and I get some time together at night. It has been a challenge, but God is showing me to be thankful for little things, to praise Him even when life is hard and to cherish every minute he gives us with Isaac.

Here's a few pictures from the last month.

We had tissue paper from a gift of something that we forgot to throw away. This is what Curtis decided to do with it one morning

Curtis just loves his hand-me-down farm from his cousins Taylor and Reegan. He plays with him every day.

He also loves his blanket that Aunt Melissa made him.

This is very typical. He likes to put the blanket on his head, or behind his head like a cape and walk around

Ruhl's Maternity Pictures

This sweet little family is about to add one more, a little boy, who I cannot wait to meet! I've had the privileged of celebrating in this pregnancy with doing the first 2 ultrasounds, now maternity pictures, and in a few weeks celebrating the Little Man at Debbie's baby shower. I am so incredibly excited for them, and know they will make the very best parents!