Full Term...37 Weeks

This baby is officially cooked enough to make an appearance anytime now and I would be lying if I said I wasn't ready too.

How Far Along: 37 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: 20 pounds
Stretch Marks:  Not that I can see
Sleep: It hasn't been so great as of late.  I am up at least twice during the night and sometimes more, not to mention no position is really comfortable.  I can't wait to be able to lay on my back and tummy in the very near future!
Miss Anything:  Shaving my legs, putting boots on without assistance, working out
Food Cravings:  I really like sweets
Belly Button In or Out: It is certainly trying to become an outie and I now understand why people don't want one!

Although weight wise I am about the same as I was with Crawford this go round I think my stomach is more narrow but sticks out further.  We went for an ultrasound on Tuesday and Baby S #2 looks to be like he/she will be small like Crawford - measures in the 20th and 30th percentile in everything and currently weighs about 5 pounds 11 ounces.  All I can say is thank you Jesus that I don't have large babies!!  I have absolutely no idea how he or she would fit in there.  My stomach feels stretched to the max most of the time and the amount of pain he/she causes in all areas throughout the day is pretty amazing.  Kickboxer or gymnast maybe??

Let The Craziness Begin

It's been a bit hectic around here lately!

First there was Halloween in the rain!  It didn't seem to bother him at all, he was completely covered.  Unfortunately since I was told to take it easy a few days earlier I didn't make the trip down the street in the rain, but this "doctor" definitely had a blast!!

Crawford also made the switch to a big boy bed on Halloween and he has done GREAT!  He still stays in bed and calls for us when he is ready to wake up - anxious to see how long it lasts.  I absolutely love the way his beds came out and will post some pictures when the room is complete.

The following week Kyle left for a work trip in Houston, it's actually where he is right now.  I'll say it again, I was not meant to be a single mom.  I have absolutely no idea how they do it!  Crawford and I packed up both times and headed to my parents.  I have to say I think they are also extremely thankful that I am not a single mom :).  Unfortunately I haven't felt the best over the last six weeks, so I physically can't handle Crawford all by myself.  This stinker, baby just seems to get comfortable in the worst places!

Crawford is still so excited for "the baby."  We took him to a "Tyke Hyke" class at Woman's Hospital where he promptly said he was having a sister when asked.  He then changed his mind in the middle that he wanted a brother.  I sure hope he'll be excited brother or sister!  The class was great and really showed us what I think we are going to see from him - he's going to want to be right in the middle of everything - no big surprise!

Thanksgiving has come and gone!  We had a relatively quite day, thank goodness.  Christmas tree and decorations are all put up and now we sit and wait...can't wait to see what life has in store for us as a family of four!

31 Weeks

The countdown is really on and I am in no way ready for this baby's arrival!!  However, after yesterdays doctor's appointment I am supposed to take it easy and get ready.  How does that work?  No more pilates, limited walking and a maternity belt!  I was told if I have more than one contraction to call her office and come in... it's going to be interesting to see if this munchkin has an earlier due date in mind.  I hope not too early!!

Chatter Box

Crawford is talking up a storm and cracks me up constantly!  On our way to "school" each morning he asks me to talk.  If I ask what about, he says, "no, you pick, momma!" 

A few of our conversations lately:

Crawford: "How come Poppie told me to slow down?"
Me: "On your tractor," I asked. 
Crawford: "Yeah, my daddy lets me go fast!!" 

After Nanu and Poppie left the other night:

Crawford: "Why sometimes you wave bye-bye to me and Nanu and Poppie give me a bath and put me to bed?"
Me: "Well, because sometimes they babysit you."
Crawford: "Oh, I like it when Nanu and Poppie babysit, not other people!"

While we were watching the LSU football game this weekend:

Me: Crawford, are you going to play football when you are a big boy?"
Crawford: Yeah, you going to watch me on TV?

Oh goodness, not sure this momma has the nerves to watch something like that, but I'm also not sure Crawford has the genes.  So I think I might be safe!!

In other news Baby #2 seems to be doing just dandy!  I went for a check-up last week and his/her heart rate was 156.  I so wish I could remember what Crawford's was... I think it was usually in the 140's but I really have no idea.  I also had to do my glucose test...which I failed.  I had to do the three hour test on Thursday, which was really no fun, but thankfully I passed!!  I was really looking forward to beignets and Ninfas with Tin Tin and Unc Dave this weekend; so glad I got to enjoy!!

We Made It... Third Trimester

I can't believe I only have 13 weeks left with this little baby inside of me!  I'm definitely getting a little anxious with all of the things that need to be done before then, but somehow it will all get done.

How Far Along: 27 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: 11 pounds
Maternity Clothes: I wouldn't dream of anything else! 
Stretch Marks: So far, so good.
Sleep: Overall, I'm sleeping okay.  Seems as though I have an internal alarm clock that goes off around 1:30 every morning, but most of the time I can get back to my dreams pretty quickly.
Miss Anything:
Food Cravings:  Nothing really out of the ordinary
Belly Button In or Out: Unfortunately, it looks like I won't get an outie this time around either.  Just a long sliver of a belly button... so unattractive!

I think Crawford is really getting excited about being a big brother!  He tells us he is going to help bathe the baby and change diapers, but he wants to make sure we'll be there to help!  I usually put him to bed at night, although lately it's been more of a team effort, but he says he's okay if daddy does it when the baby gets here.  He got a new book for the baby and reads it to him/her every now and then.  I can only pray that the sweet shines through on most days when his world is rocked by "the baby!!"

We are in the process of getting Crawford's "big boy" room all set up (beds should be delivered and installed tomorrow if it doesn't rain, then they need to be painted.)  I'll feel much better when he is situated in his new room and I can start transforming his "old room" to the new baby's room - getting new born clothing from the attic, washed and in it's proper place!  With Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, I know these next three months are going to fly by!  I'm trying to enjoy each day; if I'm honest it kind of makes me sad when I think it won't just be the three of us anymore.  I know I won't be able to imagine life without the four of us soon, just still a little hard to imagine right now!

What A Week!

Our house was plagued with a stomach bug beginning early Wednesday morning!  It started with Crawford then moved on to Kyle and then me and then Kyle got it AGAIN!!  I pray Crawford and I don't get it again.  That was absolutely miserable!!  Crawford definitely bounced back faster than his momma and daddy.  We are still struggling in the energy department.  I literally thought I was on my death bed!  I was contemplating not getting the flu shot this year, but this just made my decision.  I can't imagine this again and for more than one day!  Dear God, please no more stomach bugs at our house for a VERY long time, PLEASE!!

Happy Birthday Crawford

I have no idea how he is three years old, but it's true last Monday the little boy held up three fingers instead of two!  This year I opted not to do the big birthday party; I figured this would be the last year I could get away with it.  I'm sorry Crawford, but we did go to the beach for a week instead!  And since he is so special, he had two birthday parties, one at the beach with his Nanu, Poppie and Tin Tin and one in Baton Rouge with the Stolzenthaler clan!  I think it's safe to say he had fun at both!

Other than two birthday parties a lot has been going on with this little boy!  I'm pretty sure it's safe to say he is POTTY TRAINED!!  I think I've been in denial the last couple of weeks, but he wore underwear to school yesterday and no accidents!!  I think I expected the process to be much more horrific than it really was.  Luckily he got the hang of it relatively quickly.  He loves all of his new underwear and especially loves to match his daddy!!  Such a big boy!

We're also in the process of deciding whether we are going to hold you/him (I never know what tense I want to use to write) back or start Pre-K next year.  This has been a very stressful decision and we still haven't made one, but hoping after a screening at St. James next week that will help us decide.  Then we just have to decide where you will go to school!

Below are a few more pictures of the beach trip!  It was so nice to be there after the crowds left on Labor Day!  He loves to be outside doing anything, but I think for now it's safe to say the water is his happy place - the beach, pool or catching fish!

Happy Birthday baby boy!!  Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!  Our lives sure would be boring without you!

My Dancing Machine

Crawford loves to dance, especially in the nude after bath time!!  Recently he has moved on from just spinning round and round.  I'm not sure where he is learning all of these moves, but we absolutely love to watch!!

Almost Halfway There!

It's hard to believe that I am almost to the halfway point.  I go for an ultrasound next week, so praying everything looks good and baby boy or girl is growing like he/she should.

I'm starting to get nervous about getting everything together.  Beds for Crawford's new, big boy room should start getting made in the next couple of weeks which will make me feel a lot better when those are complete!  I need to start painting his room, so it will be all ready.  Then I can start getting everything ready in the baby's room.

As for being pregnant, so far so good!  I have been so lucky to have such easy pregnancies both times!

How Far Along: 19 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: 5 pounds
Maternity Clothes: I didn't make it to five months officially, but was able to hold off until about 18 weeks or so before they made their debut, but now I've just embraced them!
Stretch Marks: Luckily I haven't spotted any more new ones.
Sleep: Last night was the first night I couldn't get comfortable - hip tingling galore!  I had to get the extra pillow out for in between my legs and that helped a little.  It appears the days of sleeping on my tummy are gone for now. :(
Miss Anything: Sleeping on my back and turkey sandwiches
Food Cravings: Coleslaw
Anything Making you Queasy: Brushing my teeth is making me gag like crazy!  I thought the 2nd trimester was supposed to be the easy one!  I've had more symptoms now than I did in the first.
Starting to Show: I definitely look pregnant now!
Belly Button In or Out: Still in.

Signs of Brotherly Love

Crawford is definitely going to be in shock when he's not the only one in the picture needing attention, but it's moments like the other day that I know what a wonderful, big brother he is going to be.  As we were driving home from school, just chit chatting, the following conversation ensued.

Me: "Crawford, what do you think we should name the baby?  We need to have a girls name and a boys name and when mommy goes to the hospital to have the baby we can choose."

Crawford: Tears started rolling down his face and he says, " Me don't want my baby to go to the hospital.  Me be so sad if baby have to go to the hospital."

Break my heart!  I tried to wipe away my tears and explain to him that all mommies and babies have to go to the hospital.  I think we are definitely going to have to take one of those tours, so he is a little more comfortable with the idea.

My little bruiser has such a kind heart!

Baby Stolzenthaler #2

Life is about to get very interesting!  Baby S #2 will make it's way into the world sometime in late 2013 or early 2014!  I'm already 15 weeks along and have had another wonderful pregnancy, so far.  I pray it continues.  I'm going to try to answer the same questions every couple of weeks to remind me years later what it was like.  I wish I had seen this idea when I was pregnant with Crawford, but...

How Far Along: 15 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: 2 pounds
Maternity Clothes: I haven't had to put any on just yet, but I know the day is quickly approaching.  I was five months before I wore them with Crawford, but don't think I'm going to make it that far with this little guy or gal.
Stretch Marks: Pretty sure I found two new ones in Turks & Caicos.  Cocoa butter was purchased yesterday :(
Sleep: No issues here, yet.  I'm still able to sleep on my stomach thank goodness, since my hips start to tingle when I'm on my side.  I totally forgot they did this last time!
Miss Anything: I'm not a huge coke drinker, but would love a Fountain Diet Coke!
Food Cravings: Nothing really
Anything Making you Queasy: I've just figured out that too much sweet stuff makes me nauseous.
Starting to Show: My belly is starting to protrude, just a little.
Belly Button In or Out: It's still in, stayed in the whole time with Crawford although I've always wanted an outie.

I can't wait to see what the remaining 25 weeks have in store for me!

It's Past Time

Crawford, I'm sorry I've been slacking the last two years on posting updates about your life, but I'm going to try to update the world on what's going on with you and your new baby brother or sister growing in my belly a little more frequently.  We'll see... I know that's what I said the last time.

Crawford, you are 34 months right now and a ton of fun, although listening is certainly not your favorite activity!!  We just got back from Turks & Caicos for the 4th of July and I think you spent more time swimming than sleeping.  You absolutely love to swim and start lessons on Monday.  You already stick your head under water for several seconds and kick those feet, so I can't wait to see what you learn next week.

You started school full-time in June and I think you are enjoying it.  Most mornings you do tell me, "me not gonna cry momma."  It breaks my heart, but the teachers say you have a blast with all of your friends - Lincoln, Miles and Luke are who you talk the most about.  You are apparently kind of quite at school, which baffles me!  You have to give me five hug and kisses each morning right outside your classroom.  So sweet!!  You're pretty particular and like order, maybe a little OCD - time will tell.

We love you so much and are having so much fun laughing at all of the new, funny things you say to us:

• Aww Man!
• Who turned the hot on - when we got outside at Whole Foods one afternoon (Louisiana Summers)
• Me see pigs at the Farmers Market - when I told you we were going to the Farmer's Market
• You give the "cook" a round of applause at dinner and say, "good dinner!"
• What you eat for dinner, Tin Tin - pretty much the 1st thing you ask everytime you talk to her

Some of your favorites right now:

• Favorite Color - Orange
• Favorite Toys - Firetruck, Memory, Bubbles, Cozy Coupe, Tractor, ANYTHING Outside
• Favorite Shows - Jake & The Neverland Pirates, Little Einsteins, Cars
• Favorite Foods - Butter Beans, Tacos, Pizza, French Fries (real healthy, I know)
• Favorite Treats - Smarties (Ms. Pat treat) & M&M's

You are about 36 inches tall and weigh about 32 pounds.  Overall, you are a healthy, little boy who is quickly growing in to a big boy, although you tell us, "no not yet!!"  Perfectly fine with me!

Wild Child

I’ve been gone for quite a while and can’t guarantee that I won’t be gone again soon!  Sometimes I just don’t feel like there is enough to talk about.  Although Crawford is constantly doing something new, it’s hard to make a post on just one thing.

So, I guess I will catch up on what he has been doing for the last six months!!  As I was making a list I realized he’s been doing a whole lot, maybe my above statement wasn’t a very good excuse.

Let me just say he is WILD!!  He is such a busy body, but such a sweetheart, too.  The little guy can’t sit still for more than a minute or two.  His playroom is always a mess, because he refuses to play with one toy for an extended period of time.  Twelve months to fourteen/fifteen months were hard for me, he was running around, knew the word no, but not sure what it meant.  Luckily, he now knows what no means, but often chooses to ignore it!!  I truly don’t think we are bad parents, but sometimes I wonder!  How are we going to get him to listen!!  I spank his hand, he laughs!  I put him in timeout, he turns his head to the wall, like so what’s the big deal here!  The other day I started counting – 1, 2, and he started imitating my fingers!!  How can I not just laugh?!  I try so hard to hold it in, but sometimes have a hard time.  The teacher at MDO told Kyle the other day that he had a great day and was so good, he is always so good!!  Maybe we are bad parents!!  Or maybe I'm getting what I deserve.  I definitely sense a stubborn streak in him and I can't imagine where he might have gotten that from.

Since it’s been so long since my last post, below is a list of what the little munchkin has been up to

He:

·         Has been to St. Martin
·         Has 12 teeth
·         Has been walking all by himself since August
·         Can point to his nose, mouth, teeth, ears and belly
·         Covers his face when you ask, “Where’s Crawford?”
·         Loves to throw things in the garbage, he’s such good helper, when it’s not his fork, cup or something else that doesn’t need to be there
·         Likes to flush the toilet
·         Loves his cozy coupe that he got for Christmas
·         Can stack the stars
·         Likes to slide down the slide head first!
·         Loves to dance to Super Why
·         Allergic to peanuts
·         Loves school, but seems to live with a runny nose, now
·         Is a biter, bit a little girl the other day, ugh!!
·         Has been to Vail
·         Calls his Aunt Tiney, “dog”
       o    Really quite hilarious, sometimes they argue Tins will say Tiney and he will say “no, dog!”

·         He Can say:
o   Keys
o   Dog
o   No
o   Mo for more
o   Pop pop for poppie or poppa
o   HOT – his absolute favorite
o   Bo bo, loves to point them out right now, glad I’m not too freckly because they are all bo-bo’s
o   Door
o   Ma ma
o   Da da
o   Cheese

·         Words he tries to say, can’t quite finish the whole word, but we know what he’s getting at
o   Highchair, sounds like Hiich
o   Shoes
o   Socks
o   Stinky
o   Outside
o   Garbage

I’ve got lots of pictures that I will try and post over the next couple of weeks from St. Martin, his birthday party, Christmas, Vail, and various other outings!!

Hopefully, I can start keeping up a little bit better, but don’t count on it!  I do enjoy looking back and seeing what he was up to!!

Love

I sure do love these boys!  I really never thought I could love something as much as I do Crawford and didn't think I could love Kyle more than I did.  But seeing him with Crawford makes me love him even more.  I thank God each day for both of them - couldn't imagine my life without them!!



Eating some breakfast together!



My little monkey jumping on the bed!

Its Been A While

Well, it’s been a while!  I have not been motivated to keep up with blogging or even more terrible, taking pictures.  I guess we have been a little busy!!  We sold our house, moved into the new one and went to the beach for my convention all within a week!  The new house is getting closer to being complete.  Thank goodness for my wonderful mom who has pretty much unpacked EVERYTHING!!  I really don’t know how it would have gotten done without her!  I kind of think it just wouldn’t have, just the thought gives me anxiety!  The priority this weekend is to get everything in its right place, so we can really start to enjoy the place!

During all of this Crawford definitely hasn’t slowed down one bit!  He is taking 7, 8, 9 steps at a time; has one full tooth on the top and working on the 2^nd one!  In the middle of all the craziness a family trip was planned to St. Martin, so that meant I had to get a passport for Crawford in 3 ½ weeks, thankful to report that it came in last night!  Now I just have to remember where I put it.  When looking for Crawford’s birth certificate to get the passport I couldn’t find it (that would have been the 2^nd one I lost).  I still can’t find it, but in my search I did find his original one.  Thank you God for attaching my head to my body!

He is growing into such a big boy!  He is in Size 4 Diapers and wears 12 month clothes mostly.  There are still a few 9 month old things that fit.  He is learning new things everyday!  He now points to my nose when you ask him, “Where’s your nose”?  He plays peek a boo with his Aunt Tinney, but covers his ears instead of his eyes, silly goose!  He blows kisses all the time and makes the cutest MUAH noise.  Here’s a picture of him playing hide and seek with his mommy! 

Not the greatest pictures on the Iphone, but Hey...

And here he is at the beach last week, playing with his daddy.  He once again had a grand time swimming in the pool and playing in the sand and waves.  We did discover on this trip that he seems to have had an allergic reaction to eggs.  His upper lip turned red and swelled right after he ate them.  Then he got some sort of a rash around his eye a couple of days later.  We are headed to the allergist next week to see what it could be.  I pray that he is not allergic to anything, but especially eggs, they are in everything!!

In case I wasn’t sure that he was growing up, I got a call from his Mothers Day Out teacher and we have to go to orientation at the end of August.  ORIENTATION – he is not even a year old.  Kind of made me feel like we are taking him to Kindergarten, although I know it won’t be long.

Craziness!

Life has been crazy!!  We are in the middle of packing, getting the new house ready for us to move into, selling our current house, going to the beach and who knows what else.  Needless to say I have been terrible about keeping track of what all is going on with Crawford.

But, there is big news!!  He started taking his 1^st unassisted steps last Saturday, June 25^th (Kyle’s Birthday)!!  He is still only taking one or two steps before he falls, but Lord help us when he actually starts walking.  My dad suggested getting a lead vest for him, to keep him down a little longer, kind of sounds like a good idea.  He is already all over the place and into EVERYTHING!!   He opens cabinets (the liquor cabinet is his favorite), drawers, unrolls toilet paper, and who knows what else he gets into in the few seconds we turn our head!!

He is also starting to semi-blow kisses when you say bye-bye.  He puts his hand to his mouth and slowly moves it away.  What a sweetheart!

Those are the two big developments as of late.  He still loves his daddy and especially loves his daddy’s beer!!  AA here we come!

We are headed to the beach soon, so I can’t wait to see if he has as much fun in the sand and water as he did in May.  I sure hope so.

The movers are supposed to be coming next Saturday, praying that the new house is done enough for us to move in!  Why did we buy and new house again?!?!?

Happy Birthday Munchkin!

Crawford is 9 months old today and weighs 19 pounds 3 1/2 ounces.  Here are some of my favorite shots when he was 8 months old.  I apparently had a hard time choosing!!

Hanging with my Granny

Hanging with my Great Granny.  I loved playing with her hands!

More Firsts!

The last couple of weeks have been an exciting time of many new firsts for Crawford!  Last week he semi-started waving bye-bye when we leave in the morning.  Most times it looks more like a salute to Hitler, but it will come with time. 

He is definitely starting to babble - and mamamamama was his FIRST!!!  Actually the only right now, but I'm sure dada is coming soon.  He definitely loves his daddy and in fact really whines when he leaves the room!! 

He also starting eating meats last week.  I'm not sure how long this is going to last - he has tried turkey and lamb.  The picture below shows how much he loves turkey!  I think he is going to be one of those people that can't eat things because of thier texture!!  I may have to cheat and just buy the baby food meat, although that completely grosses me out, so we just have to forgo the meat until he has teeth and give him real meat.

And, perfect timing because his first little tooth just started breaking the surface last night!  I have thought he was teething for about 6 months now, so I am so excited to actually see that one is on it's way up! 

To go along with his first tooth, he has also gotten his first cold!  I feel so bad for the baby, he is so snotty, but doesn't seem to be feeling bad.  I think (I know) we have been extremely lucky that this is his first time being sick.  Thank you God!

He is also bathing exclusively in the big boy tub, climbing stairs, and pushing around his red wagon!

In other news, we are still working on the "new" house and hope to be in by end of June.  We thought our house sold, but found out Monday night that they were backing out!  So we are back to being real estate agents.  I am really bummed, but am trying to take it in stride.  Kyle just sent me an email that says: "10% of life is made up of what happens to you and 90% of life is decided by how you react.  So, that is what I am  trying to remember!!

Happy Easter

We spent this Easter at the beach!  It was so nice to get away for a few days and Crawford seemed to really like the sand, pool and Easter Bunny!!  We went to see him on Saturday at The WaterColor Inn and he went straight to him.  There were several children, between 4 and 7 trying to warm up to the idea of sitting on the Easter Bunny's lap - not Crawford.  He had the best time.  We even brought him again at brunch on Sunday, and I thought for sure he would cry this time, but he didn't.  He didn't want to get off of his lap!!

I'm curious to see how much he loves him next year.



This is his new thing - makes a this face and says oooooohh!  Such a cutie!