Due Date and....

Hey Everyone,

Today is my due date. Today is supposed to be the day that Stella graces us with her presence. It doesn't appear to be happening today though. I went to the doctor and sure enough, I'm still only 1 cm. dilated and 50% effaced. Still have some work to do.

I can't really complain as I have two other good friends who are past their due date. Like 9 days I'm taking castor oil overdue. She's a tough cookie. I don't know that I could do Castor Oil. I have gone through different nesting stages. Last week, our house was really clean...all the time. This week, I have been keeping up on laundry, but things like Ruby's toys all over the place. That's difficult and involves a lot of up and down movements that just aren't as easy anymore. Ruby has also salvaged through the snacks that I have packed for Ben for when we are in the hospital. She knows right where they are and so I should maybe go through the inventory to make sure Ben doesn't go hungry.

Ruby has been extra sweet and lovely lately. She has been so much more cuddly than ever before. I have been soaking up Ruby has my only girl. We laugh, we play outside, we go to the park. We do as much as a 1 year old and her very pregnant mom can do in a single day can. I know that when Stella comes along, these things won't be as easy to do.

Well, that is all I really have to report. I'm 40 weeks pregnant today and so now we just wait. Hopefully the next post will be the birth announcement!

He really is the best daddy. I LOVE weekend mornings when I just sit and drink my coffee and watch him love on Ruby. Ruby equally loves her Daddy! 

Waddling our way through Maple Lake. I'm sure there are people who watch us out their window every day to check and see if I've had the baby yet. 

38 Weeks and......

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I remember these blog posts from Ruby all to well. Going to the doc and finding out that I've made no progress from week to week. It's ok though. I really want a healthy baby and that is all it comes down to. I didn't dilate with Ruby until I started having contractions, so I don't put much thought into the dreadful cervical checks. I have some really funny dialog between my OB and myself that I wish I could share here, but I fear that it is TMI. Just know that it's good. Real good. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy my OB? Is that weird? She is down to earth and makes me feel so comfortable in the most awkward situations.

I have felt so different this pregnancy and especially this late in the game. I feel like Stella is so much lower as I have so much more hip and pelvic pain. Night's really stink because I turn so often and well, it's not the easiest and it is not comfortable to do so. When I need to turn though there is no telling my body otherwise. So stubborn! I feel like this baby is bigger even though my doctor says I'm measuring normal and don't seem to be bigger. My blood pressure and vitals have all been normal which is good. I was telling Ben that I think it was easier teaching 23 Kindergartners while this pregnant than being this pregnant with Ruby. My sweet sweet child is all. over. the. place. She doesn't stop. Even if she does stop, she keeps moving something. She is in the process of cutting two big teeth in the back of her mouth and that is causing her quite a bit of pain. Add a cold to that and she can be a real treat at times. I used to think that when kids got sick they were more mellow and would cuddle with you. I was wrong, she just walks around being miss sass a frass.

Ben continues to be super busy and super wonderful. He teaches drivers ed on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-5:30. He leaves for work around 6:00 A.M. I know I have been so blessed being married to a teacher who could potentially be home everyday around 4. I commend those mamas who have husbands who work 12 hour days or even don't get home until 5, 6, or later. I had a meeting at church the other night and had to bring Ruby with for about 10 minutes to do a swap with Ben because he had drivers ed stuff until 6:30. After my meeting I got home and made some egg bake and cheesy potatoes for MOPS the next morning (which we didn't go to because Ruby was sick) Thankfully the mentor mom at our table also lives in Maple Lake and was able to take the food. Anyways, I was just kinda stressed because I didn't get started making those things until about 9:30. Anyway, I was so frazzled and busy that I didn't notice the big bouquet of flowers on the table. Now, Ben will be the first to admit that he is not very romantic and doesn't do things like this often. When he does though, man is it a treat. It was so sweet and even though it was something material, it was just what I needed. So yeah...he is great.

That's all I got. :) Life lately continues to be fun and exciting with Ruby and another little girl who should be coming anytime now. Preferably after Saturday when my mom gets home from Florida. Thanks for reading and we continue to welcome prayers for our family!

Won't be long before there are two girls to love on. 

Stella's Room is completed

Well, as soon as I remove the junk in her crib...and get an area rug. 

36 Weeks

Today I'm 36 weeks pregnant. That means that I go to the Doc every week. That means that in 4 weeks give or take, we will have a brand new baby. Ahhhh! I remember doing this last year. Well, I guess a little over a year ago. Today I went in and found out that I'm a finger tip dilated (sound familiar?) and head is definitely down. I could have told you that as I'm able to breather a little easier. With Ruby, I was a finger tip dilated on the day that I started having my first contractions. So, this time around I'm not going to put any thought into it really. I have had a few friends lately who have lost their precious babies and so I don't ever want to sound like I'm not thankful for this pregnancy and the temporary discomforts of pregnancy. I also know many who have tried to conceive and have not been able. It pains me knowing this. So, if you're reading this...please say a prayer right now for the people who are struggling with this.

Today I had a brunch for moms who are new to MOPS. The gal that was sitting next to me is 34 weeks pregnant. She has a two year at home as well. Anyway, she was mentioning that she is in nesting mode and just kinda sounded like she had it together. I turned to my friend and said I'm so behind. Although, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I'm not. We're not. I think we are just not mentally prepared and I don't know that we will be until we have this sweet new babe in our home. Then reality will hit and we will figure it out. Right? Am I right? Oh Lord, please tell me I'm right! ha!


My sister brought us a newborn swing over the weekend. Well, I set it up today and Ruby tried climbing in. I was almost in tears because I remember when she was little enough to fit in that exact swing. Now I caught myself saying, "Sorry sweetie you're too big." It made my heart just ache. Bittersweet I tell you. I'm not ready for Ruby to not be my only baby. I'm not ready for her to be climbing anything and everything. I'm not ready for her to be transitioning to one nap a day. I'm not ready for her to be the "big" sister. I'm soaking up these last days and weeks with my baby girl as much as I can!

So, that is where I'm at. 36 weeks pregnant. I feel kinda huge and getting house chores done are getting to be a drag and being down on the floor with Ruby is a lot more difficult. It will be fun when I can be more active with her because let me tell you...that is exactly what she is. Active. She's pretty awesome!

This is the week of Easter. I know that I should think this way all the time, but it is this time of the year that I feel the most blessed in life. Knowing that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, your sins, everyone's sins. I've been reading in the Old Testament lately and I'm just so thankful that we have the new covenant. Eternity is granted to those of us who place our trust in Him and believe in Him. Seriously. I pray that you are all able to get past the easter eggs, candy, and bunnies (not that stuff isn't all fun...it is) but I pray that we can focus on the meaning behind Easter and be thankful for all that God has done for  us.

Prepared?

Hey Everyone,

I hope if you're living in the midwest you have been out enjoying the spring like weather. I know Ruby and I sure have. In fact, I think Ruby threw her first "fit" because she wanted to go outside. I thought she was crazy because it was kinda chilly and windy. Out we went anyway. She absolutely loved it and loved being outside. Sometimes I call her my Alaskan baby because the elements never seem to phase her. It is raining out today though and that is where I draw the line. Although, I could get her a rain coat? Nah, we will stay in. If any of you know her dad and her dad's side of the family you will know that they love...no, let me change that they are obsessed with rock hunting. Yep, you read that right, rock hunting. Agate's specifically. We can't get through a road trip without scoping out different agate spots. Our vacations on his side usually revolve around agate hunting. I love them all, but they are obsessed. Well, I believe that Ben has passed this passion for rocks down to Ruby. Ben loves showing Ruby his collection and now when we are out on walks, Ruby LOVES finding rocks and bringing them with her in the stroller. She plays with them and puts them in the little compartments of her stroller the whole time. I think it is adorable and something that her and her dad will have to bond on. I don't mind tagging along, but a bit like doing a puzzle, I just start thinking of all of the other things I could be doing.

I'm amazed at all the things that Ruby understands. Now, I may have graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and so I've studied these things. But, experiencing them first hand with your own child is more than you could ever learn in your college classes. I sit and watch her figure out life around her. I watch her play and see her brain working and problem solving. It is the coolest thing! I'm SO amazed that Ruby pretty much understands everything I tell her. If I say lets go bye bye she will go get her shoes and I get her coat (and no longer have to fight her getting into it) If we hear a train she immediately goes to the window to see if she can see it. (We never can) When I say lets pray she folds her hands. When I start singing pat a cake she starts clapping. When I say we need to let Moose in she goes over to the baby gate. The list goes on. I just am so amazed. Now, if we could get her talking more. More specifically saying Mama! Ha, our Ped said that sometimes when one developmental skill happens early (like walking) some other skills can be delayed. Again, studying ECE this doesn't worry me. I know that talking happens at different times for everyone and I know that developmentally, the /d/ sound comes before the /m/ sound. Ha! So, right now, the words that Ruby say are: dada, nana, (banana) and,  ooshe (moose)

Apparently I'm going to be having a baby in a month or so. I feel so un-prepared. I just have flashbacks to where I was at when I was this pregnant with Ruby. I think the nursery was all set up, hospital bag was packed, and I think we even had the car seat installed. You may ask where I'm at now. Well, We have her crib set up. I do have clothes hanging in the closet from Ruby, but they need to be washed yet. I have not packed any bags. We have not installed the carseat. I think part of all this is the fact that I know that we have everything we need to bring a baby into our home. It's the perk of having a newborn only a year ago! I know that Stella will sleep in our room with us for the first 3 months or so. I think we have a few of every size diaper leftover from Ruby. Lord willing I have what it takes to feed Stella. I don't think it will truly hit any of us until there is a baby in our house. We have been trying to get Ruby fond of the dolls she has. She sometimes will take the baby and rock her so nicely. Other times she drops the baby on her head. You win some you lose some right?

So, that is life lately. Please continue to pray for our family. We have some big changes coming up in our lives and that requires a lot of love, patience, and most importantly, prayer.

Ruby and I watching the Iditarod.

Ruby had her first taste of mud. This picture was taken after I wiped everything out of her mouth. 

I can't seem to find my feet. My not so subtle reminder that the time is getting closer! 

Ruby and I on our walk. Pay close attention to the rocks she is holding. :) 

2 Months Until DDAY!

Hey Y'all,

My due date is in exactly 2 months. WHAT? When did that happen? I feel like that has been the theme of this pregnancy. I feel like this pregnancy has gone by SO fast. I do however remember Ruby's pregnancy going by fast and then feeling like the last month lasted 10+ more months. I'm wondering if that will happen this time around or if this 1 year old walking, climbing, slobbering, eating, pooping, machine, I mean daughter of mine will help pass the time. People always ask if we're ready and I can speak on behalf of Ben and myself that our answer is always absolutely not. We do have everything we need....somewhere in our house. :) We even have some newborn diapers left over from Ruby.

I feel like during your first pregnancy everything is so new and so exciting. Not to say that we aren't excited this time around, let me make that clear. We are so excited. It is different though. Honestly, I'm not able to sit around and day dream about what life will be like with a new baby. I don't have the time to look up info on my baby apps about pregnancy symptoms or baby development at this stage in the game. Stella's nursery is still in fact the office/play room/Moose's room when we leave the house. When I was pregnant with Ruby I think we had the nursery all set up with a few months to spare. The funny thing is that I don't think we even had Ruby sleeping in her crib for the first 3 or so months.

Ruby had her first birthday party last weekend. It was so much fun! I don't think Ruby fully understood that all of our friends and family were here for her. She enjoyed her time though, especially with all her cousins. I did however have my first episode of mommy guilt. It was the funniest/eye opening thing. After all of our guests were gone and Ruby had gone to sleep for the night, Ben and I were sitting on the couch relaxing with our feet up and Stella started moving up a storm. I was like oh my gosh, I almost forgot about you Stella. I was so busy that I hadn't remembered feeling her move at all during the day. I feel a little ridiculous saying that since Stella hasn't been born yet, but the truth is, you feel a bond with your baby before that happens. Every move, every kick, even the not so fun symptoms reminds you that you are pregnant. Honestly, it is a feeling that I wish everyone (even my husband) could feel at some point in their life.

There are things that I think to myself that I will do differently or the same with Stella. Now, I do know that some things you really just can't control. I also know that every baby is different. I can't wait to find out how Stella and Ruby are different and the same for that matter. Sometimes I think Ruby has been SUCH an easy baby. However, what if Stella is even easier. Or what if Stella is so much harder. What if she doesn't sleep well, what if she doesn't breast feed well, what if she is colicky, what if she wants to be held all of the time? These are some fears of mine. I wouldn't mind holding her all the time, but I don't think Ruby will let that happen. Something that I think I will try differently is to pump more once Stella is successful at breastfeeding. To be honest, Ruby stopped breastfeeding around 9 months. It made me sad, but at the same time, it was so nice to bottle feed. I wish I would have had breast milk stored up instead of buying formula. I know they call breast milk liquid gold. I have to say the same for formula. It's expensive!

Anyway, those are my thoughts at this stage in the game. It's looking very rainy out right now, but the weatherman told me it is supposed to be 40 and sunny after this. That calls for one thing. Getting outside! Ruby and I both need a break from being inside! I will put on my rain boots on to avoid the mud and Ruby and I will go for a stroll.

P.S. one more random thought. I despise being late. However, since having Ruby, I'm almost late for everything. I haven't figured out yet that it takes an extra 15 minutes to pack up her diaper bag, which I usually forget the essentials anyways, and load her up into the car. Not to mention putting her coat, shoes, and socks on. I'm fearful that once Stella comes along and it is just me at home that we will never make it out of the house. I'm absolutely amazed that anyone with multiples does this. I will take any pointers you may have!

She loved her cake! 

Thank God for rails. 

Love her! 

Random Thoughts

*As of yesterday, Ruby is officially off the bottle. While some kids have a hard time giving up the bottle, mine definitely has not. To be fair, Ruby was never really attached to the bottle. In fact, the last month or so, she didn't really have the desire or the "time" to drink a bottle. She would have one in the morning and maybe drink about 6 oz. of formula. Then, one at night of about the same amount. Ruby is not one to sit still unless she is in her high chair. The girl loves to eat. She now drinks whole milk from a sippy cup during meals and drinks water from a sippy cup when she is playing.

*There are days where I realize I only need one ingredient from the grocery store. This pains me to no end because that means I usually have to bundle Ruby up, get her in and out of her car seat to run into the grocery store for ONE item. I'm really lucky if I can get this item at the dollar store in town. If not, we drive into Buffalo to get it. I think that someone should develop some sort of business for mom's like me. (Momnesia+Preggo Braino=No braino) This business or grocery store would have someone deliver to you the item that you need so that you don't have to bundle or wake up your kids to get something you forgot. Now, if this ever comes about please tell me about it. If you steal my idea and make millions...I want half.

*We had Ruby's 1 year well visit on Monday. Poor girl does NOT like going. She doesn't like getting her diaper changed on changing tables and will SCREAM until you pick her up. So, when the first thing the nurse does at the doctor is have her lay down on the padded table to measure her, she screams and it just sets the mood for the rest of the visit. Ruby's doctor however is AMAZING! She is so good with Ruby. Ruby is in the 55% for weight and 5% for length. She is a short stack. :) Oh yeah, her head is in the 72%. Too much adorableness.

*We had dinner with some friends from MOPS last weekend. Ben's mom, dad, and our  nephew, Zander came to watch Ruby while we ventured out. It was SO nice because the dinner was at another house in Maple Lake. We always have to go into Buffalo for anything that we do, so it was a treat that we were able to walk to our dinner fun. Earlier in the day we went to a friends house to pick up an elliptical. We left Ruby with her grandparents and when we got home she was giggling away with her Grandma Kathy. She barely noticed that we even came through the door. She loves her Grandma Kathy and Papa Dennis. She always takes a little while to warm up to Dennis, but she usually always comes around. :)

*I'm 29 weeks pregnant, but I feel like I'm 36 weeks. I'm so excited for baby number 2 and still a little sad thinking about Ruby having to share me. I also question if I will ever make it out of the house.

*Ruby usually sleeps from 7:00 at night until 7:30 in the morning. Straight through. She's been doing this for about three months. I've definitely become selfish of my sleep. In 2.5 months I will be on here bragging that I got 2 consistent hours of sleep.

*This weekend if the weather is ok, my mom, Ruby, and I are heading to Fargo for the weekend. The following weekend we will be having Ruby's official first birthday party. It is Minnie Mouse themed.

*There are SO many things before having Ruby that I said I would never do. I now do them or have done them. One thing I said would never happen is that I would never let our living room turn into a play room. Yeah, that definitely happened. Right now we have three bedrooms upstairs. Ours, Ruby's, and an office, which will eventually be Stella's room. We have toys in Ruby's room and then a TON in the living room. Our basement is unfinished, but sometimes I dream of the day that it is done just so we can have a play room or area for all the toys.

*The Iditarod is in 30 days. I can't wait! I hope that Alaska gets some good snow between now and then! The Yukon Quest is starting this weekend. It is a different 1,000 mile race in Alaska. For those that don't know, I'm kind of a geek when it comes to dog mushing. I love it and find it absolutely fascinating.

*All done with this post. Kudos to those of you that read my random thoughts. :)

I Have a One Year Old!

Hey Everyone,

Today is Ruby's first birthday. I'm flooded with all sorts of emotion and disbelief. I can't believe that she is one already. People warn you that time goes by way too fast when you have kids and I definitely agree. I love the quote, "Your days are long, but your years are short." This is so true. Honestly, there are days where I can't wait for Ruby to go to sleep for the night. There are other days that I wish she could just stay up a little bit longer. There are days where I question who I am as a mom. If I'm failing her, if I'm smothering her, if I'm giving her what she needs. There are days that I look at her and think she is going to be just like her Daddy. Then she falls over an imaginary line and I know she is mine. :) Just kidding. I think so far she has a lot of both Ben and I's traits. I think she has both of our stubbornness, she has Ben's determination, she has my goofy side and dance skills, and I'm afraid she has her Daddy's appetite. Who are we kidding, her preggo momma has a big appetite right now too! She is incredibly happy and blows us away with how fast she catches onto things. Unfortunately she knows how to work the remote for the TV. The funny thing is that we don't really have the TV on a whole lot. I always turn on the Today Show in the morning when she wakes up, so I guess she does watch me point it at the tv. She also knows that when we say it's time to pray she folds her hands. She knows where her teeth are if you ask her. Probably because they are hurting a lot with teething. She LOVES dancing with her Daddy to Adele's CD. Hello is her favorite. She still doesn't say Momma, but will say Dada until she is blue in the face. I'm not bitter, I'm not bitter, I'm not bitter. Ok, maybe I'm a little bitter.

It is crazy for me to think back on the last year with Ruby. It makes me sad that my dad only got to be with her for 5 1/2 months and that he won't get to meet Ruby's little sister on earth. I will always remember my dad being able to get a smile out of Ruby when often times "men" in general scared her. I will always remember the way he looked at her with the biggest smile even when he was at his sickest. I can't wait for Ruby and Stella to learn all about who their Grandpa was.

It is also crazy for me to think that I've been pregnant during the second half of Ruby's life. I'm holding onto Ruby being the only child, even though I know that Ruby will handle Stella's arrival without a problem. (I hope) She is very easy going and SO incredibly busy ALL. THE. TIME. that I think it will take her awhile to even realize there is a baby in the house. :) I will definitely say that Ruby is a total Grandma's girl. She loves my mom and I couldn't be more pleased to have my mom living so close. Ruby will reach out for my mom as soon as we go over to her house or my mom comes over. I'm pretty sure that Ruby says "ada" for Grandma. Whenever she pretends to be on the phone we say hello and she says ada. She doesn't say Momma yet. No hard feelings at all over here. Bah! Whatever. It will come. Ruby also LOVES her daddy. As soon as he walks through the door, she almost runs over for him to pick her up. She gets mad every time because he always washes his hands first, so the poor girl follows Ben over to the sink and waits for him to finish and pick her up. I love how much Ben loves Ruby as well. The way he looks at her and smiles at her. There is nothing better.

Anyway, I could go on and on about how amazing this little girl is and how she has changed Ben and I forever! We are so thankful that God has given Ruby to us and pray that one day Ruby will commit to following the Lord. Here are some of our favorite pictures throughout her first year.



                                                                 Seriously? Yahoo!

                                                               

                                My dad was pretty amused that I had a bigger belly than he did!

                                                              Couldn't get enough!

                       I'm not sure how these pictures got out of whack, but her first bath!