Adorable

Isaac

Pulling Up

-Isaac pulled up to a standing position this morning and grabbed Caden's snack cup filled with Lucky Charms and munched away. He has pulled up to a standing position several other times through out the day so I can officially mark this date down (9-21-10) as the day Isaac began pulling up (and had his first "table food").

Isaac's 9 Month Check Up

-I took Isaac for his 9 month check up today. He is growing so fast! Dr. Amis said that Isaac was doing GREAT. His growth and development are right on track. He is "small for his age", he weighs 17.5 pounds and is 27 inches tall, putting him in the 5th percentile for both height and weight. He crawls/scoots around everywhere. He loves to be on the go. He just recently started pulling up to his knees. He loves to watch Daniel and Caden play and will get mad if they get out of his sight. He is a "mommy boy", he very much prefers Mommy to hold him and stay in his line of sight but when Mommy is holding him he loves to look at Daddy and loves for Daddy to talk to him. He loves to eat and is not picky about what he eats. He is starting to self-feed and has tried Gerber Puffs, Mum-Mums, mac and cheese and a little donut (curtosy of Caden). He has not gotten the hang of a sippy cup yet but we are working on it. He's a great sleeper, (7 pm - 7 am at night with 2 naps during the day) the problem is getting him to go to sleep - he's a fighter. He is teething - majorly - he got 4 teeth in a matter of days (current teeth count 7 with one coming through). He is always smiling and happy. We have been asked many times if he is always happy and he is but when he is mad he is very mad, it doesn't happen often though. It's hard to imagine that he will be soon be 1 (in less then 3 months). He's the baby of the family. I have already started packing up the baby gear to pass on to another baby (in another family). The baby gear (swings, bouncey seats) may be gone but it is being replaced with toddler gear (train tables, ride ons and too many toys). It's bittersweet to watch Isaac grow. We are so thankful for "our surprise", he has been the best "end" to our family.

Isaac and Great-Great Mother

Pumping @ 3:00 a.m.

-I am up spending time with my wonderful Medela pump @ 3 in the morning. Why am I up at 3 a.m.? Around 2:40 something I heard cooing and babbling through the baby monitor. Isaac has never woken up cooing and babbling so I got up to check out all the noise thinking Daniel and Caden were up and in Isaac's room. Thankfully Daniel and Caden were not up, Isaac was laying in his bed happily kicking, playing with his hands, cooing and babbling. I did not disturb him. I went back to my room and laid back down just knowing that Isaac would be fussing to eat soon. I waited and waited - no fussing. A little after 3:00 I decided that I would get up and pump (motherly instincts kicking in). It is now 3:44 a.m. to be exact, I actually started this post closer to 3:30 a.m. My pumping session has ended and from the sounds of the monitor it seems that Isaac has gone back to sleep.

First Taste

-Isaac had his first taste of rice cereal today. Well, actually his second. He tried rice cereal last week and really didn't like it.
-I mixed in some pears this time.

-He LOVED it!

Crib Craziness Ended

-Our crib craziness has come to an end. Crib #3 had all the right parts and holes in the right place. Richard finished assembling the crib a little before 8:00 last night and I put the sheet on the mattress, the bumper pad around the crib and the cover on the changing pad. Isaac slept in his crib in his own room for the first time last night (until 3:17 a.m.). His room is not completely finished. I still need to put the dust ruffle on the bed and hang some pictures. I am hoping to get that done very soon. Nanny and Pam (aka Granny2) are coming to visit this afternoon and possibly spending the night and I am sure they will be more then happy to help me decorate.

Baby Crib Craziness

We found out that our Graco Aspen 4-in-1 crib had been recalled thanks to an e-mail from Nanny who had seen a news report on recalled cribs and internet research that led us to this site. We made a few phone calls and were told to take our recalled crib to the retailer that our crib was purchased from (Wal Mart). We returned our recalled crib to our local Wal Mart yesterday without any problems and were told to pick out a new crib that they had in stock. Decisions, decisions. We narrowed it down to the two 4-in-1 cribs (both Stork Craft) that Wal Mart had on display and then our decision was made for us when they only had one model in stock - Stork Craft Madison 4-in-1 crib with changing table (our second choice). A stock man was called and we went to the service desk where we completed the exchange (recalled crib for new crib), everything went smoothly, the manager had to do a price override since the new crib cost a little more then the old crib. The stock man along with his stock man friend (they were discussing how often they call out of work) helped us load the new crib into the van. When we arrived home Richard went right to work assembling the new crib so Isaac could sleep in his own room (for the first time). Richard immediately discovered that the left leg of the crib was messed up (the holes were not drilled in the right places). I called the Wal Mart in Franklin, KY because I knew Gallatin's Wal Mart did not have another Stork Craft Madison, I was excited that Franklin's Wal Mart did have a Stork Craft Madison crib in stock. Richard packed up new crib #1 and headed to Franklin, KY to exchange new crib #1 for new crib #2. Richard arrived home a little after 8 p.m. and again immediately started assembling new crib #2 only to discover that there were 2 left crib legs in the box and no right leg so crib #2 was not able to be assembled. We tried calling the 800 number and discovered we would have to wait till morning to talk to someone. Richard set up the pack and play in our room and we went to bed, very tired and very disappointed in Stork Craft.
We woke up this morning with a "game plan", Richard would take Daniel to school and I would call Stork Craft to see what they would do to make the problem right. I have tried calling Stork Craft all morning with no luck (busy signal). I decided to call other "close by" Wal Mart stores to see if they have another brand of 4-in-1 crib in stock. I had no luck with that, they all have a Stork Craft Madison 4-in-1. Time for another decision.....1.) exchange crib #2 for the 3rd Stork Craft Madison crib and hope the saying "3rd time is a charm" reigns true-2.) exchange crib #2 for a different crib that we don't like as much-3.) return crib #3 and get money back and go to another store in hopes to find what we like?????
Our decision-exchange crib #2 for the 3rd (and final) Stork Craft Madison and hope that the ole' saying reigns true. Richard is currently putting crib #3 together and so far every part seems to be there (we checked the box before leaving the store) and all the holes seem to be in the right place. I still have not been able to talk with anyone at Stork Craft. (I did send an e-mail) Everyone at Wal Mart (Gallatin, Franklin and Hendersonville) have been super helpful in solving our problem and they are not the ones at fault, Stork Craft is. I pray this is the end to our crib craziness (no more missing pieces, no more recalls). All the work and all the stress is worth it to keep our little guy safe.

Halloween 2009

-We all enjoyed Halloween this year, we (Daddy and Mommy) enjoyed watching the boys trick-or-treating and the boys (Daniel and Caden) enjoyed dressing up and getting candy. We chose to take the boys to the Pumpkin Festival at Moss Wright park in Goodlettsville. There were several activities to enjoy - bounce houses, games, a hayride, watching a dance team perform (one of Daniel's favorites), a bonfire for roasting marshmallows and making smores and of course Trick or treating (area businesses and churches set up tents along the walking trail).
-Daniel enjoyed saying "trick or treat" at every tent, getting candy and then putting the candy in his bucket. He didn't want to carry his bucket (too much work?) so Daddy and Mommy carried the bucket and Daniel put the candy into the bucket. Daniel was very good at saying thank you to the people as they gave him the candy. (We got frustrated, annoyed with a group of older kids that were behind us and being very impatient and pushy. I(Mommy) actually made a comment in hopes they would hear (they had also "cut" inline). The saddest part was that the parents were with these rude kids and didn't do anything to try to stop them.
-Caden was very happy with the first sucker he got. He proudly held on to the sucker all night.
-The boys were both asleep when we got home. We carried them into the house, took their costumes off and got them dressed and into bed without really waking them up.
-What a fun night, lots of memories were made - Isaac's first Halloween, Daniel and Caden's first trick or treating (where they semi-understood what was going on), Caden's first sucker (he ate it in the van on the way home).

Waiting

-We arrived at Sumner Regional Medical Center a little after 9 a.m. and were in the room by 9:30 a.m. Mommy is ready - IV started, blood work done , surgery prep done. Daddy is ready - snack has been eaten, phone calls have been made, coffee has been drank, scrubs have been put on. We will be headed into the OR soon - the C-section is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m.

Date

-We have a date set for Isaac's arrival! If all goes as planned, I will be admitted into Sumner Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, October 6. I am to arriv at 9 a.m. and the surgery (C-section and tubal ligation) is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. We are so excited to have a "scheduled delivery" and not an "emergency delivery". Please pray with us for a safe delivery, a healthy baby and an easy recovery.
*I had my last NST today and everything was perfect. My blood pressure stayed in the 130s/70s and Isaac looked great.

37 Weeks

-I had my 37 week check up today and all I heard was good news. My blood pressure was slightly elevated but not too high, there was only a trace of protein (normal) and I was not sent to L&D. The most exciting part of the appointment is when Dr. B asked me if I was ready to have this baby (of course) and he said let's set a date. The plan is for me to go for one last NST on Thursday (10/1) and if all goes well Isaac Benjamin will arrive on Tuesday (10/6).

36 Weeks

-I had my 36 week check up today. Wow, 36 weeks! (I am miserable and loving it!) My blood pressure was elevated (not surprising) and my protein was slightly elevated (+1). ""Baby Isaac's" heart rate was good. The doctor and I discussed a scheduled c-section. A "elective c-section" can not be scheduled before 38/39 weeks and the doctor is very doubtful that I will make it to 38/39 weeks. He did promise that if I was still pregnant at my next appointment (Tuesday 9/29) that we would set a date for the c-section. He said that he was not going to let me go past 39 weeks. After our brief chat I was sent to L&D for testing and monitoring, after an hour and a half of testing and monitoring and no signs of pre-eclampsia or stress I was sent home (weekly routine). I am to go back to L&D on Monday for a non-stress test (NST) and I will see the doctor on Tuesday (probably followed by another trip to L&D). I will be 37 weeks on Friday - full term and I am ready for ""Baby Isaac" to arrive.

35 weeks

-My 35 week check up included a trip to the hospital and some time spent in labor and delivery. My blood pressure at the doctor's office was 212/90 which had to be wrong because I felt great. (I think there BP monitor does not like me.) I asked the doctor (during my brief visit) if we could schedule a date for delivery (c-section). There is a part of me that would love to have a final "goal date". He said that we could but that he was very doubtful that I would make it to a scheduled c-section date. (Dr. Pessimistic). I completed (signed) the form that will allow the doctor to do a tubal when Isaac is delivered. (Isaac will be the baby of the family.) I scheduled my 36 week check up, ran by Hardee's for some breakfast and headed to the hospital. My blood pressure at the hospital was great and remained that way for 2 hours (was checked every 15 minutes). My lab work came back negative for any signs of preeclampsia and there was no protein in my urine. I was sent home to continue bedrest for another week. We are excited to be just 2 weeks away from "full term". I am miserable and loving it. We are praying and ask that you pray with us for a safe and healthy delivery and recovery.

250 Days

-I am 250 days pregnant today and I am celebrating. I have never been pregnant for this long. I was pregnant with Noah for 224 days (32 weeks), Daniel for 203 days (28 weeks) and Caden for 231 days (33 weeks). I will be 40 weeks pregnant in 30 days. Wow! I never imagined I would make it this far. One I first found out that I was pregnant (SURPRISE!), I decided that I would make "goals" with my first goal being 29 weeks. When I sailed through 29 weeks and wasn't even on bed rest, I celebrated. My next goal was 32 weeks and then 33 weeks. My goal now is just one more day. If you count by weeks and not days, I am 35 weeks and 5 days pregnant (2 days shy of 36 weeks). It is exciting to think about having a full term, healthy, "take home" baby (unless Isaac arrives within the next week). I know that there is not a 100% guarantee that Isaac will not require some time in the NICU, some full term, healthy newborns require some help getting their breathing going when delivered by c-section. I can handle a couple of hours in the NICU.....I lived with 14 days, 72 days and 21 day. My prayer is that Isaac is born healthy and requires no NICU time and I am able to carry my baby boy out of the hospital the day that I am discharged. I ask that you pray with us for a safe and healthy arrival and recovery.

34 Weeks

-I went in for my 34 week check-up today not feeling too good. I was feeling light headed and yucky. I was not surprised when the nurse said that my blood pressure was elevated. They had me lie on my left side for about 30 minutes and then rechecked my blood pressure and it was lower but still high. They had me set up for a few minutes and rechecked my blood pressure and it was elevated. The doctor and I agreed that it would be best to head to labor and delivery to be monitored and checked for pre-eclampsia. After a quick trip through Hardee's drive-thru for a milkshake, I arrived at the hospital, registered and headed up to labor and delivery. I was monitored for a couple of hours and my blood pressure was great, all the lab results came back negative for any signs of pre-eclampsia and I was sent home. I am to continue on bed rest and go back to the hospital on Friday (9/11) and Tuesday (9/15) for monitoring and I will see the doctor for my 35 week check-up on Thursday (9/17).

A Name for Baby #3

-We found out about 13 weeks ago that baby #3 is a boy. We soon decided on the name Isaac but have not been able to decide on a middle name.....Nicholas, Hayes, Benjamin and Samuel are the names that have been mentioned and "made the list". After much discussion and debate we have finally decided on a middle name, baby #3 has officially (not really official until the birth certificate is signed).....baby boy #3 will be named Isaac Benjamin. If the ultrasound/ultrasound tech just happens to be wrong and baby boy #3 is actually baby girl #1, she will be named Avery Mae or Avery Claire.

32 Weeks

-I went for my 32 week check up today thinking I would get a good report. I have been feeling great, my blood pressure has been great and I have had very little swelling. I was surprised to hear that my blood pressure was elevated (194/108) and that my protein level was slightly elevated. The doctor had me lay on my left side and relax (HA!) and the nurse check my blood pressure again (170/100). The doctor decided that it would be best for me to head over to labor and delivery for monitoring and testing (for preeclampsia). I was monitored for several hours, my blood pressure came down to the normal range (excellent for me) after laying on my left side for 15 minutes. My lab work all came back negative for preeclampsia. Baby Isaac's heart rate and movement were great. I was sent home on bed rest and a long list of "to-dos" and "not-to-dos". The plan is for me to go to the hospital twice a week for monitoring and NSTs and I will see the doctor (in the office) once a week. The goal is to do a scheduled c-section around 38 weeks (about 5/6 more weeks). The timing is not perfect as we are not completely unpacked and there are a lot of "projects" that we wanted to to do before we brought baby #3 home but boxes and "projects" will have to wait because we want to bring home a full-term, healthy baby and will do whatever it takes to reach that goal.