Introducing... Benjamin Erik

We had a boy!  Baby Benjamin was born on July 12th at 9:56 a.m. via scheduled C-section due to placenta previa.  He is nearly 3 weeks old already and I'm just finding a moment to post now! I need to get organized and motivated to maybe do a weekly or at the very least MONTHLY post on him.

So far he has been a great baby! Not letting us sleep much at night but overall pretty easy going. Nursing was a lot easier this time around. Erik and I stayed in the hospital for 4 nights after his birth...my recovery was a bit rocky but I'm finally feeling good now and my incision is healing nicely.  The C-section was pretty traumatic but worth it to get such a healthy beautiful baby boy!  We waited a long time for him and he is finally here!

Benjamin Erik Cox

Born Thursday, July 12, 2012

7 lbs 12 oz

19 inches long

38 Weeks

Due Date: Baby will be here on Thursday this week!!!  July 12th! 

Weight Gain:  +30ish lbs

Symptoms:   This baby is growing out of it's living space....I can feel it stretching from one side of my stomach to the other...lots of movement still and my belly is very tight.

What's different this time: I don't remember this part of my pregnancy with Oliver. I am feeling a lot of little contractions and tightening. I am also getting really bad acid reflux with this baby...I feel like it is getting too big for my body and pushing everything up. I'm very curious to see how big this baby will be!  Also...this time I am having a C-section. 

Cravings/Aversions:   Still craving ICE!

Sleep: I am getting full nights sleep...not many naps anymore because we've been so busy.....but sleeping a good 8-9 hours at night.

I am loving:  That we get to see and meet our baby THIS WEEK!!!!  We are pretty much ready to bring a baby home...pack n play is up, nursery is ready, carseat installed.

I miss: I don't miss much, but it will be nice to have my body back. Things are starting to get achey and painful when I'm getting up and out of bed now.

I am looking forward to: Having our baby here on Thursday.

Best thing about this week: See above!

Milestones: I am 38 weeks pregnant! The baby should be fully cooked now!

Movement: This baby is still moving a lot....

It's a...: we'll find out in a couple days!!!!

Exercise: none lately.....

Diet: Appetite is starting to die down....I can only eat small portions which is probably a good thing!  : )

My first baby

This little boy's world is about to change forever.  He will finally get the (full-time) brother or sister we've wanted him to have since he was 2 years old. It is hard to not have a mix of emotions about this...I'm so excited to meet this new baby and get to start the adventure all over again with a new little person... but then I feel a little guilty too because Oliver has been the center of my life for the past 4+ years.

 Things will change a bit when the new little one is here. It's hard to imagine loving another baby as much as I do Oliver but I'm guessing that is what happens with 2nd and 3rd children. :-)  I'm hoping the transition goes smoothly for all of us but most of all, for him. 

36 Weeks

Due Date: July 24th, 2012

Weight Gain: 25

Symptoms:  Craving ice!!  Chewing on ice many times during the day and before bed. I can't get enough! Popsicles and other frozen treats sound very good to me too. 

What's different this time: I don't remember this ice craving at the end of my pregnancy with Oliver....maybe it's because it's summer and hot. 

Cravings/Aversions:   ICE! Frozen treats, fruit.

Sleep: I'm not sleeping great at night...waking up a lot too hot. I'm trying to take a little nap each day but it is getting very hard to get comfortable with this big belly in the way.

I am loving:  That we are getting so close to meeting our baby!!  I cannot wait to be able to hold him or her!! I'm also loving that my adorable 3rd nephew Micah was born this month. He is a very beautiful baby and very sweet and easy for my sister. I can't wait for our babies to meet and be best buddies! They will be about 1 month apart!

I miss: Sleeping well.....

I am looking forward to: My ultrasound this Friday....I will find out if the C-section is a go or if we will be able to go ahead with natural child-birth. It will be nice to know either way so we can plan more.

Best thing about this week:  The weather has been perfect so far this week...trying to spend lots of one on one time with Oliver before this baby makes an appearance. 

Milestones: We have made it this far and don't have far to go! The baby is still moving around a LOT.  We need to work on picking a boy and girl name!

Movement: Yes, this baby is a mover. 

It's a...: we'll find out in a couple/few weeks!!!!  I have strong boy feelings though, especially since Julie had another boy.

Exercise: Not much....a few walks over the weekend. Shooting for some kind of activity 3 times a week now. I'm feeling pretty low energy though. 

Diet: Not as hungry lately....craving more small snack items rather than big meals. Eating lots of ice though! 

33 Weeks Pregnant

Due Date: July 24th, 2012 (C-section scheduled as of now for July 12th)

Weight-Gain: 22 lbs

Cravings/Aversions:   My appetite is slowing down, I'm not eating as much ....I still get hungry frequently but I've been drinking tons of water and eating small meals/snacks through out the day. Still loving lots of berries and melon...ice cream. Sweet stuff!  I have been feeling nausea on and off lately....mainly if I've been driving for awhile. I do remember this happening towards the end of my pregnancy with Oliver too. 

Sleep: I'm napping a couple days a week...waking up a bunch at night uncomfortable but still able to get ok sleep once I find a good position. I'm starting to get more used to sleeping on my side!

I am loving:  That we are so close to meeting our baby! This spring has flown by...I think the next few weeks might go by slow. Julie will be having her baby any day now so I should get in some good newborn practice before ours arrives!  : -)

I miss: Not losing my breath right away when I climb all the stairs at work! 

I am looking forward to: Meeting our baby very soon! Finding out if a boy or girl has been living in me for 9 months! Oliver getting a younger sibling finally and seeing his reaction!  Also meeting my sister's baby!!  

Stretch Marks?  I haven't noticed any yet....I didn't get any on my belly with Oliver. 
Best thing about this week: The weather! I've been going on lots of walks.

Milestones: The nursery is pretty much ready...still need to get the car seat washed and baby equipment put together (swing, bounce seat, etc.) but we are pretty prepared at this point!

Movement: This baby is very active! I get kicked very frequently and you can definitely see my belly moving a bunch now whenever the baby moves. I don't remember Oliver moving quite this much but that was a long time ago....

It's a...: we'll find out in July!

Exercise: Walking more now that the weather is so nice...making it to the gym maybe 1-2 days a week. 

Diet: Pretty good, eating lots of fruits and veggies. 

Here are some pictures from my camera phone that did not turn out very well. We keep forgetting to take new belly pics. Maybe this weekend we'll get some good ones. My maternity tops are definitely at full capacity now!

25 Weeks

Due Date: July 24th, 2012

Weight Gain: Total of 10 lbs

Symptoms:  I have a very active baby in my belly!  He/she is waking me up in the middle of the night with lots of movement. My stomach has also been waking me up (along with my allergies...). I've been getting up at 4 a.m. for the past week...hungry. 

What's different this time: I've been feeling a lot of pressure already....in my legs, back and butt. I think this baby is a lot lower than Oliver was. I feel it kicking very low....I remember Oliver kicking me up in my ribs all the time. My midwife said it is very common to have your 2nd baby be much lower than your first. She also said that this does not mean the baby will not be over-due.  : (  Sadly she told me that since my first baby was born a bit late, chances are my next one will be late too. 

Cravings/Aversions:  Watermelon, sushi, ice cream, raw veggies....no salad though. Meat is sounding better to me, Erik has been making really good beer can chickens this spring.

Sleep: I've been waking up in the early morning hours hungry and with a stuffed up nose/watery eyes from my benedryl wearing off.  I usually try to do some eye drops, drink some water and go back to sleep. I have been starting to nap more again....getting really tired now in the late afternoon.

I am loving:  Feeling the baby move a lot everyday and the bedtime snacks Erik makes me each evening.  :-)

I miss:  My eyes not watering and nose not being stuffed up all the time. I can't wait for allergy season to be over. I hate taking allergy medication while pregnant. 

I am looking forward to: Meeting with our Doula in the next few weeks to talk about our birth plan. I'm also looking forward to being done with my Edina clinic and seeing the midwives at Woodwinds instead. My first appointment with them today went very well. 

Best thing about this week:  Follow-up ultrasound on Thursday this week! 

Milestones: Erik, Oliver and Calvin have all felt the baby move! 

Movement: yes

It's a...: we'll find out in July! 

Exercise:  Trying to exercise at least every other day....my tiredness is starting to get in the way of that plan....

Diet: Pretty good....still eating a lot of fruit...now craving watermelon so I can't wait until they are in season!


Here are some pictures of the 25 week belly:

22 Weeks

Due Date: July 24th, 2012

Weight Gain:  Total of 6 lbs

Symptoms:  The baby has been kicking a lot...mostly at night.  I am officially out of my regular pants and into maternity pants everyday. 

What's different this time: We found out that I have partial placenta previa...hopefully it corrects itself in the coming weeks and we can proceed with the normal birth we want. We will have another ultrasound in a few weeks to check on it.

Cravings/Aversions:  Nothing new...just ice cream and cereal on and off. 

Sleep: I have more energy in the morning to get things done. I have still been taking 2-3 naps a week with Oliver. 

I am loving:  That the weather is nice now to be outside a lot! Also loving that I am feeling the baby move pretty consistently now.

I miss: nothing this week...

I am looking forward to: My next ultrasound in a few weeks to see if the placenta has moved. Also looking forward to getting started on getting the nursery painted and ready/organized for the baby. 

Best thing about this week: I've been sticking to a consistent work out schedule and seem to have more energy! I've been getting a lot done around the house!

Milestones: The baby looked good in the 20 week ultrasound, baby is kicking and I am officially looking pregnant.

Movement: yes

It's a...: we'll find out in July!

Exercise: Going to the gym every other day, taking walks more

Diet: Pretty good....still eating a lot of fruit...now craving watermelon so I can't wait until they are in season!

Some Pictures of our new house and yard

20 Weeks

Due Date: July 24th, 2012

Weight Gain:  Total of 3 lbs so far

Symptoms:  Baby moving! Eating more, sleeping more and belly popping out. 


What's different this time: I have a 4 year old! I also feel like this baby is a lot lower than Oliver was....perhaps sitting on my bladder.

Cravings/Aversions:  I have really been craving cereal...Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Granola, Oatmeal. I'm not a huge cereal eater when I'm not pregnant...I think I've eaten more cereal in the last 2 months than I have over the past 3 years!  I have also been drinking a lot of juice lately....I am normally not a juice drinker...but now I want grapefruit, cranberry, or apple juice every day.

Sleep: I try to take a short nap on my days off work and I do get over 8 hours of sleep at night. I am soaking up all the sleep while I can!

I am loving:  That I am feeling the baby move around....it is still pretty inconsistent but I'm guessing in the next couple of weeks it will really pick up.

I miss: Being able to climb the stairs at work without losing my breath. 

I am looking forward to: Our ultra-sound next week!



Best thing about this week: Feeling the baby move, getting lots of walks in while the weather is so nice.

Milestones: Feeling the baby !  20 weeks! Halfway there!

Movement: Yes

It's a...: we'll find out in July!

Exercise: Walking outside more, trying to get to the gym 3 days a week too.

Diet: Pretty good...eating breakfast everyday...maybe too many dessert-y type items though...

                                                                      

                       

(Someone was supposed to be holding a 20 Weeks sign but he got tired of taking pictures)                                            

20 Weeks

4 Years Old

Oliver,
You are now four years old! I can't believe how fast the time has flown by...it seems like you were JUST turning three and now you are FOUR. Four seems so old to me...I remember when I was four!  This has been a very busy year for us so far and will continue to get busier I'm sure.

You began preschool in the fall! This was such an easy transition for you, I was amazed by how well you adjusted. You love going every Tuesday and Thursday and you really seem to love your teachers and kids in your class. I got to go with you on a field trip to Whistling Wells Farm and it was very fun to ride with you on your first school-bus ride! You are writing your name very well now and even writing "Mom" and "Dad" and "Calvin" and some other words too with help. You are much more interested in coloring and doing art type things now than you were when you were 2 and 3. You will sit and color or paint for a long time by yourself. You even stay in the lines very well now. Next year you will go to preschool 3 days a week and when I tell you about this you say, "Good!"

You are very thoughtful when you speak...before you tell us something you think about what you know about it and then you share the information. : )  This morning you and I were comparing something to a Cheetah and you looked very thoughtful for a moment and then told me quietly and very seriously, "Did you know that Cheetahs are one of the fastest animals in the world?" You continue to stun us with your little facts about dinosaurs and animals. You soak things up from books, school, your Grandmas, your brother, and cousin Max. Then you report back to Dad and me with your new knowledge. You also have a very good memory and will talk about something that happened over a year ago...remembering all the details! You recently brought up something that happened on our San Diego trip last March and remembered everything about it.

Over the past year or two you have become a picky "kid food" eater. You love noodles and would eat them everyday if we let you. You do eat a lot of raw fruit and veggies but sometimes complain about them. Your favorite fruit right now is strawberries! You also love blackberries, pears and apples. Your favorite veggie has been carrots for awhile now. You will eat different colored bell peppers and occasionally broccoli. You do not like potatoes, peas or green beans!  We usually make you at least TRY something before you declare you do not like it and won't eat it. You like the typical kid food....pizza, hot dogs, mac n cheese, etc.... but do not like when we make tacos.   You are definitely a carb boy...you and your brother both love pasta and rice. Lately when I've tried a couple new things for dinner you have said "this dinner looks awesome mom!"

We just moved into a new house and you love it...we all do. There is so much more space...you and Calvin each have your own rooms now and a huge play area in the basement. We have a huge fenced in yard and cannot wait for spring so we can all be out enjoying it. You learned to really ride your trike and bike this past summer/fall ....with training wheels. You can go pretty fast and seem fearless.

You are still napping at four years old. As of right now today you've been sleeping for almost 3 hours and I need to wake you up soon. You stay up until after 9 on nights that you've napped that day. A lot of days you get mad when I say it is nap time but some days (like today) you ask if it is nap-time yet and then run to your room. You probably nap 5 days a week right now and I won't mind if you want to keep this up because I have been needing naps more now too.

You are going to become a big brother this summer!  Our baby's due date is July 24th and we are all very excited, especially you. Right now you say "I THINK the baby is a boy but I WANT a sister." It is very cute and sweet when you talk about the baby and ask questions. We have wanted to give you a little sister or brother for a long time now! I am trying to really soak up these last months with just you because I know there are big changes ahead! Please keep napping until you are five like your brother did.  : )  I can't wait to see how you react to meeting your new sibling for the first time.

You are growing up to be a tall little boy! We had your 4 year check-up today and you got to play lots of fun games with the doctor. You trotted off with the nurse all by yourself to get your hearing and vision checked and you passed all the tests with flying colors. You are quite talkative all of a sudden with people you don't know...you will approach almost anyone now and tell them you are four.  Your height is in the 86th percentile (3 feet, 5 inches) and your weight is 88th percentile (40.4 lbs).

We love you so much Oliver! You are still our little Gooch Bear even though you are growing up so fast!

Love, Mommy

18 Weeks!

Due Date: July 24th, 2012

Weight Gain:  +2

Symptoms:  My appetite is definitely back! I've been eating a lot more than I was before...probably why I gained 2 pounds but my doctor said it was "beautiful weight gain."  LOL  I have been feeling a little movement from our little baby now too. It is just once in awhile so far.

What's different this time: I notice that I get really tired after I eat. I don't remember this during my pregnancy with Oliver. 

Cravings/Aversions:  I've been eating a lot of cereal and carbs. Meat is still not sounding very good to me and I think I could become a vegetarian pretty easily. 

Sleep: I am sleeping all night, every night. Occasionally taking a 15-30 minute nap with Oliver on my days off. 

I am loving:  Our new house! It is great having more space for the kids. I'm also trying to enjoy time with the boys before our baby is born. I took them to the Zoo and IKEA yesterday and it was a really fun day. I'm also loving that I can feel the baby move a bit now. ALSO...my sister AND sister in-law are pregnant too!!!!  We are all around 5-6 weeks apart, me being in the middle. It is fun being pregnant with sisters and will be very nice for our little baby to have cousins so close in age!

I miss: Nothing I can think of this week. How about a tantrum-less almost 4-year old? Ever since we moved Oliver has been acting out quite a bit and is very sassy with me. Hopefully it's just a phase....

I am looking forward to: My 20 week ultrasound to see the baby again

Best thing about this week: Planning Oliver's 4th birthday party, getting stuff done around the house

Milestones: We received our Quad blood test results back as well as our cystic fibrosis test and both came out negative, which is good!  My belly has definitely popped out now and I want to take some belly pictures during this pregnancy since we didn't take many with Oliver.

Movement: Yes, a little bit!

It's a...: we'll find out in July!  Oliver says he THINKS it's a boy but he WANTS a girl baby. : )

Exercise: Working out about 3 days a week...trying to take walks around our new neighborhood when the weather is nice

Diet: We are getting back into cooking now that we are more settled in our new house. Trying some new recipes this week. I'm craving meal type food. I need to be better about eating lunch on my days off work...I've been skipping it and just snacking. Whoops.

16 Weeks

Due Date: July 24th, 2012

Weight Gain:  none yet surprisingly 

Symptoms:  Mainly tired from our move. Headaches are coming less often now. Slight lower backache occasionally.

What's different this time: I have a Pre-schooler!  This sucks more energy out of me but he is pretty easy and plays well by himself a lot. I think he will make a really good big brother.  Also, eating/craving a lot healthier food than my last pregnancy.

Cravings/Aversions:  Still craving fresh fruits and veggies, along with rice and pasta.  Not wanting to eat much meat.

Sleep: Sleep is getting a little better. I'm trying to get used to all the new night sounds in our new house!

I am loving:  That we have a new house! More space for everyone! 

I miss: having wine and sushi : ) 

I am looking forward to: My appointment next week and my 20 week ultrasound!

Best thing about this week: We have a new house!!  There is still a lot to do but it is so exciting having a new space and more room for the kids and us!

Milestones: I thought I felt the baby move yesterday. I can feel where the baby is when I press down on my stomach and I think I see the beginnings of a bump.

Movement: too early

It's a...: we'll find out in July (or August if this baby is anything like Oliver was)!

Exercise: Have not exercised in over a week due to our move! I need to get back on the work-out train this week! 

Diet: Did not eat well this past week/end due to our move! We will be eating better meals this week.

14 Weeks Pregnant

Due Date: July 24th, 2012

Weight Gain: -5

Symptoms: Feeling a lot better now...more energy for working out, sleeping less, less nausea but still getting migraines. : (

What's different this time: I've been getting sick more than ever....colds, stomach flu, etc. I usually never get sick. My ears have also been popping a lot ever since I was about 6 weeks pregnant, the pressure in them changes frequently..it's weird. I don't remember this at all with Oliver.

Cravings/Aversions: I am craving avocados, sushi, occasionally candy and ice cream but mainly fresh stuff this time.

Sleep: My napping is slowing down some while my energy is picking up. Starting to wake up in the middle of the night now again. I am trying to get more fresh air, that seems to help me sleep through the night.

I am loving: That I am starting to feel better, I have less nausea now! I am loving that I heard the baby's heartbeat last week and that we are buying a house!!! Hopefully we'll move in the next couple of weeks.

I miss: having no migraines

I am looking forward to: My 20 week ultrasound to see the baby again

I'm worried about: buying another house, packing, moving

Best thing about this week: Feeling like I have more energy for the gym

Milestones: We have seen and heard the baby's heartbeat

Movement: still too early

It's a...: we'll find out in July!

Exercise: Trying to workout a few times a week.

Diet: Ok....eating lots of fruit, occasional salads, and have been really craving licorice and DQ ice cream this week. Erik has brought home neither.

10 weeks pregnant!

This is from January 1...I wanted to keep a journal of this pregnancy each month.


Due Date: July 24th, 2012

Weight Gain: nope

Symptoms: Not feeling great in the evening....pretty much the last 8+ weeks have been like this....after 4 pm I just do not feel well...nausea, tired, headache-y.

What's different this time: I definitely feel sicker this time around....needing tums regularly, more worried this time because of previous miscarriage.

Cravings/Aversions: I have been craving lots of fresh fruit, sweets, and pizza

Sleep: I'm getting lots and lots of sleep! I nap almost every day for at least 40-60 minutes and then immediately crash around 9:30-10 after we put Oliver to bed.

I am loving: That we told the boys! Oliver is so excited and does talk about the baby quite a bit. He is very curious about it and wants to know all the details. i.e. look at pictures of how big the baby is online and pulling out old ultrasound photos of himself to examine. : )

I miss: having more energy and working out more! I hope to feel a bit better over the next couple of weeks so I can get back on a better gym schedule.

I am looking forward to: hearing the baby's heartbeat with a doppler at my next prenatal appt.

I'm worried about: see above

Best thing about this week: Definitely Christmas, and watching the kids open their presents and get excited....and telling our families and boys about the baby.

Milestones: We have seen the baby twice with a healthy little beating heart via ultrasound, it was pretty exciting.

Movement: too early

It's a...: we'll find out in July!

Exercise: Trying to workout a few times a week. I want to do more once I am feeling better.

Diet: Ok....eating lots of fruit, occasional salads, some junk food but for the most part I have been pretty good.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

It has been quite awhile since I have written here. Our family is embarking on some huge, exciting changes in the next 6 months! First a new house! Then our baby turns FOUR! THEN a NEW BABY!! We are all very excited as things are falling into place for us, and can't wait to explore our new neighborhood with the boys.