Owen is 14 Months!

Just a swinging!

Size:  He still has some thunder thighs!  I secretly love it, especially since I was just like him as a baby!  I broke out all his 18 month clothes and he has started to wear some of those outfits.  He is still in size 4 diapers.

Special Trips/Visits:  This month has been a little more quiet since B2 is coming and I'm getting too big to get out and do too much.  We've spent the weekends getting things ready for the new baby or running some errands.  We try to get him out of the house each day... even if it's just a walk in the evening.  On the weekends we try and take him somewhere special he likes to go.

Crawling through a tunnel at the park.

Peek-a-boo!

More park time - different park.

Firsts:  Owen is walking!!!  He took his first steps a couple weeks ago!  Since he took those first steps he has been OFF!  I knew he would do this, as soon as he figured it out, he is walking all over the place and everywhere.  He is pretty good at falling and not getting hurt... yet.

Walking around!

He is also continuing to grow his vocabulary.  Each week he learns new words.  The other day Jimmy was filling up his camelbak (yes, I got him his own, kid sized!) with water and he pointed to the fridge and very clearly said "Water!  Water!"  I love seeing his mind expand and learn new things.  It's amazing to me how much they take in and learn... little sponges!

He has started to tell me when he is ready for his naps.  He will say "Night Night" and go to the stairs when he wants to go down for a nap.  Or, I will ask him if he is ready for Night Night and he will go to the steps.  I love that he actually wants to go to his crib and rest or nap.  We let him crawl up the stairs on his own and he likes to stop on the way and yell "BABABABABA!" from the railing!

We tried coloring and he loves it!  

Working on those fine motor skills!

He has learned how to pucker and give kisses now.  

Although his kiss face looks more like a fish face!

Likes:  Owen loves walking now.  He gets up on his own and will walk across the room with a huge smile on his face and squeal!  I always cheer him on when I see him walking on his own and when he falls I tell him "Yay!  I'm so proud of you!"  And, "Big boys get right back up!"  I don't want him to learn that falling is a bad thing and don't want him to be upset when he falls.  I want him to learn that trying his best is what matters and that everyone falls sometimes.  (I know, probably WAY too deep for a 14 month old, but why not start now?!)

Owen has made a couple friends in the neighborhood.  We have been meeting up with his friend Cole for play dates.  Cole has a really cool motorized train in his basement that Owen LOVES!  Cole is only 10 months, but they really love playing together.  I can tell that their personalities mesh well.  They hand each other toys and take turns pushing their push toys.  It's adorable!

Choo Choo!!!

He still loves reading.  He will sit in the corner and look through his books by himself for a good 20 minutes!

Reading and wearing my new hat!

Playing with Grant at his first birthday party!

Sticking out my tongue!

Dislikes:  Owen has figured out how to throw a temper tantrum.  I know that I have been very lucky in that he has not figured this out until he is 14 months old.  (Some kids do this pretty early on...).  He will do it when you take sometime away from him that he wants to play with.  So far, this is the only reason he throws fits.  In the past, giving him a new toy in exchange for what you want has always worked as a distraction, but he has figured me out!  He will throw himself on the floor and kick and scream.  I can't help but laugh... which probably isn't the best response!  After I giggle, I ignore him... right now I'm trying the 'bad behavior gets no attention' strategy.  It is working so far... his tantrums only last a few minutes.

I tried a sensory activity with him, let him play with pudding (like an edible finger paint) and he was not into it!  I even picked his favorite flavor - banana.  He's just not into pudding... or playing with it!

I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer!  It's hard to believe that it's almost over... but Fall is such a great time in Virginia.  I can't wait to take the boys to the pumpkin patch this year!

Love,

Judi

39 Weeks!

Along:   39 Weeks!  I thought I'd do one last post before B2 arrives!

Size of Baby:  Around 7-8 pounds and anywhere from 19-21 inches.  I feel like he is bigger than Owen.  I'm so excited to see how much he weighs when he is born and what he looks like!

Gender:  BOY!  I'm so excited to have two boys.  I think I'll be a good mom of boys, I love potty humor and I can't sit still for long.  (Really, Jimmy has to force me to sit down and relax.)  We have decided on a name, but are keeping it a secret until he makes his arrival.

Sleep:  I'm sleeping pretty good.  I only get up once in the middle of the night.  I sleep 8-9 hours and feel completely refreshed when I wake up.  Only a few more nights of that kind of sleep, at least for awhile!  I've been very lucky in the sleep department throughout this pregnancy.

What I Miss:  Just generally being comfortable.  My upper stomach goes numb sometimes because of the baby's position, so I have to stretch out on the couch to give him some more room.

Cravings:  Not too many cravings in the last couple weeks.  I think that has died down for me... I crave water a lot and have been drinking SO much.  I also crave soda, particularly ginger ale.  I had the same thing at the end of my pregnancy with Owen.

Symptoms:  My lower back pain is still about the same.  I can't really do much physical activity without my back hurting.  I've also been having some braxton hicks contractions on and off for the past couple weeks.   I'm also pretty swollen... I haven't worn my wedding ring in awhile, but have worn a ring that looks like a wedding band on my ring finger.  I just don't feel comfortable walking around without a wedding ring on!  My feet are huge.  Thank goodness it's summer and I can just wear flip flops everywhere.  I've also been having a lot of pressure, like he is pushing down... sometimes my skin goes numb on my lower stomach too.  Kid just doesn't have enough room anymore!

Best Moment this Month:  We brought out the infant swing and set it up in the living room.  I wanted to give Owen a couple days to get used to it being there and teach him to be gentle with it before the baby comes home.  He put his Mr. Lion (stuffed animal) in it and gently pushed it, it was so sweet to watch!!!  I'm soaking in all these little moments with just him here... I'm probably being way too gushy and giving him too many kisses, but I can't help it!  Typical boy, all he wants to do it play!

Only a few more days! 

Love,

Judi

36 Weeks

Along:   36 weeks.  Less than four weeks to go.  My c-section is scheduled for August 28th.  Unless he comes earlier of course... I'm nervous that he might for a few reasons.  My original due date was August 24th, and they moved it back because he was measuring smaller in my first couple ultrasounds.  Even though he is still measuring to be due on 9/1 at this point, I'm just worried he might come earlier based on the original due date!  Also, my mom had one of my brothers three weeks early...  At 37 weeks I'll be full term.  I'm going to pack my hospital bag and get all the final touches ready next weekend just in case!

Size of Baby:  Baby 2 is about 6 pounds and about 20 inches in length.  The last few weeks he will just be putting on the weight.  I feel like he is bigger than Owen (Owen was 7 pounds 5 ounces born, but was a week early).  My stomach is definitely stretched bigger and a solid hard rock!  

You can see just how big I am in this one!  For the most part, I'm all belly though.

I think the belly is so big because I'm petite and the baby can only go out!  I also carry very high.

Gender:  Bouncing baby boy!  I bought a few pieces of clothing for him last weekend at the Carter's outlet.  I wanted him to have his own 'going home' outfit and I found an adorable 'little brother' outfit!  I know we can use most of Owen's old clothes, but it is important to me for this one to have a few things that are just his and special for him.

Sleep:  I'm sleeping great!  Most nights I don't even get up to use the bathroom.  I know, I'm lucky!  I'm soaking it all in now, as when this boy comes I'll be up every 2-3 hours!

What I Miss:  Being able to wash dishes (wait, did I really just say I miss washing dishes?!? Haha) and cook/bake without my back hurting.  My tummy is SO big that the position I have to be in to lean over really hurts my back.  I am looking forward to having my body back and being able to move around more easily and not be sore all the time.

Cravings:  The past couple days I have been craving a chili cheese dog like crazy.  I haven't even found where I can get one!  And, I don't even like hot dogs.  It's been ages since I've eaten one.  I've also been craving Key Lime anything... 

Symptoms:  The main symptom is lower back pain.  Some days I can barely get up off the couch without wincing.  I've been using a heat pad and occasionally taking Tylenol  but I try to stay away from medicines if I can.  If I go into labor, I'm positive it will be back labor.  I also have some ligament pain... I can't walk for very long, the weight of the belly just pulls on those ligaments and makes me sore.  That's really about it though, I guess I can't complain too much.  

Best Moment this Month:  I was watching 'A Baby Story' the other morning and Owen saw the newborn baby on TV just as he/she was being born and started crying for the first time.  Owen stopped playing, looked at the TV, smiled and waved to the newborn baby!  It just about melted my heart!  Lately he has been patting my belly and giving my belly little hugs!  I don't think he has any idea what it is, it's just a part of me that sticks out and he can easily hug it!  Haha!

Three and a half weeks and counting! 

Love,

Judi