The boys!

The last few posts have been about my pregnancy and Scarlett. This post is about the boys now. They are growing so fast! They are such good boys who love school, friends, family, and all things silly! I'm having the best time watching them growing into little men. 

I do miss the days when they were both babies and we didn't have plans but whatever we wanted to do. When people would tell me that I would miss that stage, I thought they were crazy. I always thought it would be more even more fun when they started school and sports. I do LOVE the stage they are currently in, and all the stages of my little men... BUT, I still miss their baby stage. I have such wonderful memories of my mini minions. 

My new mommy emotions are running strong these days. I love to reminisce about the stages of my kids. I just love being a mom. :)

So... This is some of the stuff Stone boys been up to. In the middle of all of this I had a week of bedrest, and had Scarlett... So, not pictured are quite a few things also. My uncle and aunt took the boys to a Ducks hockey game, they went trick or treating with friends, G took the boys to Disneyland, movie dates, etc. 

Jake had a Halloween parade at his school:

 His class:

 Jake and Asher all dressed up for Halloween. Outfits made by mom. :)

 The boys served at church. Raising money for a Halloween - trunk or treat.

Lots of new friends at Jake's elementary school. Buds from now until High School!

 Asher had a field trip to the pumpkin patch.

 Asher just finished his second round of soccer at school.

 My mom was able to take Asher to his Harvest Day at school last week. :)

 Cheese!

 Jake had a turkey parade at school! ha ha.

 While I was home with Scarlett, the boys went to my uncle and aunts house for Thanksgiving. They had quite the feast and even played bingo! The boys had such a fun time! They sent Grant home with tons of food for me. I have the best family!

Until next post! :)

Week 1 and Week 2 - Scarlett Ann

We have had a great 2 weeks with Scarlett. My mom came into town the same day we got home from the hospital, and left last Wednesday. To say she was helpful is an understatement. My mom was amazing. I cried dropping her off, and still tear up because I miss her so much. We are so lucky to have her. She came in, helped keep the boys on track for school and activities, and was up with me every 2 hours.

My mom is calming, and knows exactly what to do in all circumstances. She's a great parent, and an even better grandparent. I'm so happy we were able to have this time together. Even though, I know what I'm doing, and this is my third baby, its more juggling. 3 kiddos under 5 is pretty busy. She gave me some tips that I've been using every evening and morning to ensure we all get out of the house in time for school or work.

Looking back, it was pretty easy when I brought Asher home. Jake was only 17 months when I had Asher. We didn't have anywhere to go or anything in particular to do. We could lounge around and go wherever we wanted to everyday. Now that I have a 5, 3.5, and a newborn it's quite different. Jake is in T-K so he goes everyday (Monday - Friday 8-1:20pm) to his elementary school and attendance counts. Asher goes to preschool 3 days a week from 830-1230pm. But, if I want to keep him home I can. The biggest challenge I currently have is getting to the 8am drop off. Scarlett usually wakes at 5:30 am for a diaper change and feeding. Then she goes back to sleep. I tend to doze off with her. Lately, I have been trying to just get up. I lay out all 3 kids outfits, and get lunches together the night before. That also seems to help with morning busyness.

I'm so organized, so it's hard for me to not have everything perfect all the time. It's all adjusting though. Grant is super helpful before he heads to work also. And when he gets home, he bathes, and puts the boys to bed while I'm with Scarlett.

She's almost 3 weeks, so I think it'll just get easier as we go. She isn't a fan of her car seat, so all the in and out makes her a little fussy. Thankfully, I have some time where we just stay in and relax in between the drop offs. Make less time for errands, but Amazon seems to help with all of that! HA!

Scarlett's first week appointment. She was 6 lbs 8 oz. We were going every morning for bilirubin blood work. She had blood taken 5 days straight. She's such a little toughie that she didn't even cry. I'm so glad that's over also.

 Precious little girl.

 Asher is always holding, touching, kissing, and loving on her. He's so proud of her. Wherever we go he'll tell everyone about his sister and how much he loves her. It's so adorable.

 Lil mama.

Sponge baths aren't as fun as real baths... but, she seems to like these as well. Happy little girl. 

 2 week appointment. She's 7 lbs 11 oz. Good eater, pooper, and napper. She eats every 2-3 hours... ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT. Definite Stone fashion. Doctor said she looks amazing, and we go back for shots and a check up at 2 months.

And here is one of my fave photos from our newborn shoot. 

My babies. I adore them so! They make my most tired moments all worth it. The love they have for each other makes my heart explode. I hope they always remain close and protect each other. 

Scarlett Ann Stone - November 13, 2015

She's here!

Scarlett Ann Stone

November 13, 2015 // 3:15pm

6 lbs 13 oz, and 20.5 inches - 37.4 weeks

Birth Story:

I had contractions for two nights. Nothing that would bring me into the hospital, but it was definitely something I was monitoring. I knew I was starting the labor process. 

November 13th, 7am

I told Grant that I thought this was going to be the day I had the baby. I had him go with me to take both boys to school, and we even stopped at a bakery to pick up coffee and a pastry on our way back home. 

9am

When we got home, we went for a walk through our neighborhood. The walk was a little exhausting and by the time I got home I was having contractions every 5- 10 minutes. I called the doctor at that point, and they told me to go to the hospital. I got off the phone, and called my mom. I told her what the doctor said... But, I still wasn't sure I was ready to go. I didn't want to go to the hospital and have to spend the entire day waiting. I decided to go upstairs and make sure everything was packed properly, and then do some laundry. When I got back downstairs, I began to tell Grant that I called the doctor and that she wanted me to come in. So, Grant began to pack up the car with my things, and then he came in to finish an email while I was getting ready. 

10am:

Grant was finishing up an email, and I began to walk back upstairs to change. Before I hit the stairs my water broke. I looked over at him, and said... "Grant, pretty sure my water just broke!" It's pretty rare that your water breaks, and mine did all three times!

11am

Admitted! I was 80% effaced and 4cm dilated. My nurse was a sorority sister of mine. When I got pregnant this time around my usual OB was in the middle of changing practices, so I needed to find a new doctor. That's when I called my friend Stephanie for her advice. She's a labor and delivery nurse at a hospital down the street from us. She told me about her doctor, and that she was very well respected in the hospital. I started going to her at 18 weeks. I was so excited when I text Stephanie to let her know I was in labor. She was working, and got me all set up. I was her only patient for the day. 

1pm

Epidural in and ready to go. I was 80% effaced and 6 cm dilated by this time. 

3pm

Doctor arrived. I was 100% and 9cm dilated. It was time. I started pushing around 3:05pm, and Scarlett was born at 3:15pm. 5 pushes! 

What an intimate experience. It was just the doctor, nurse, baby nurse, and Grant. It was quite, fast, and perfect. One of the most amazing experiences to date. I can't speak highly enough about the team we had. 

My uncle was there from the time I was admitted, until my aunt met him after work. It was so nice to have them there. Amelia was at home with the boys, and my mom's flight was booked for that upcoming Sunday. 

That evening they took Scarlett to the observation unit (next door to me), and ran tests to make sure she didn't have any problems breathing. Being a late term premie, they wanted to make sure everything was perfect before we left the hospital. They brought her back to me every 2 hours to feed her, and then she was free to join us again very early morning. 

My uncle was there from the start! My aunt came after work, and then they came back the next day to visit and brought Starbucks. I'm so thankful for them. They are so amazing with my boys and now Scarlett. :) 

Amelia brought the boys the next day! They were so excited to finally meet their sister! She is one loved little girl! 

First family photo.

Next up... week one and week two! It's hard to believe she's already 2 weeks. Tomorrow is her 2 week appointment.

36 weeks // 37 weeks update

Even though I have had the baby, I wanted to update my blog so that I can make Scarlett her blog to book after she turns one also. So, this is more of a picture post... My next blog will be about her birth. :)

After bed rest I went back to 50% effaced. I didn't know that was possible... but, it is! :)

 Our new ride.

 Her nursery.

 I made it to over 37 weeks!

 Last day at home with my boys before their sister is born. Love my boys!

Scarlett was born at 37.4 weeks! Blog coming up next!

35.5 weeks *Baby S*

Today has been a tough day. I went to my doctor's appointment and was told I'm officially on bed rest. This little munchkin is trying to make her appearance a little earlier than we all would like.

I knew my body was making changes, but I wasn't sure just how quickly.

She's estimated around 5 pounds and 12 ounces. The doctor couldn't get an exact measurement of her because her head is so low. And she's sunny side up ... just like Asher was. The average weight for this many weeks along is 5 1/2 pounds.

I'm 80-90% effaced, and 2 cm dilated. This is the scary part. I have been on partial bed rest, but not complete. Apparently, that hasn't been enough. The doctor wants this little one to cook for another week if possible. By looking at me, and knowing how quickly I progress, this might not be possible.

Jake progressed somewhat quickly, but was born at 38.5 weeks. He was 7 pounds, 1 ounce, and 19.5 inches. My water broke the night before my schedule cesarean. I was 90% effaced and 1 cm dilated a week before he was born.

Asher progressed very quickly. I was 90% effaced and 1 cm dilated 3 days before he was born. My water broke and when I arrived at the hospital I was 100% effaced, and 1 cm dilated. They thought I'd have all night to deliver him because I was only 1 cm dilated, but he came within 15 minutes of the epidural being administered. He was a successful VBAC. We had him in about 1 1/2 - 2 hours after being admitted to the hospital. No joke.

The doctor said when I start having 4-5 contractions in an hour she wants me to call and come to the hospital. She doesn't want me laboring at home at all. I haven't had super regular ones as of yet... so that is good. Or if my water breaks, I need to rush myself in there. No explanation needed with that one.

I know that God is in control. I trust that God has his plan for our daughter and I. If she comes early, she comes early. I will do my best to do nothing... which if you know me... is near impossible. But, It's necessary. I have talked to the boys, and have people that are able to help me. This will be a stressful week for us, but we will get through it. I can't believe I'll be meeting this little princess soon.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Love to you all!

Here is a recent bump date pic:

34 weeks *Sprinkle for baby S*

What a fun weekend spent with my closest friends, celebrating the arrival of our baby girl. I'm still in shock that this boy mom is having a daughter. I'm beyond excited. I'm so incredibly happy. Sharing this moment, with my girls was unforgettable. Thank you Katy, Julie, and Liz for a beautiful lunch, and for all my friends that came to celebrate. 

34.6 weeks.

The set up:

The ladies:

 Bestie.

 Hostesses! 

 Thank you all for coming and celebrating our baby girl. I am so blessed to have such wonderful women in my life. Our little girl is one lucky lady... as am I! Tomorrow is my 36 week appointment... It'll be interesting to see where we are. Since I've been battling preterm labor, I believe she'll be here soon. I will update my blog tomorrow afternoon.