Asher is 1 month!

I had a baby a month ago? WOWSERS! It goes by even faster with your second baby. My little man is growing so fast. He's a little over 10 lbs and 8 oz, and he's getting bigger everyday! He's been wearing size 1 diapers from the start, and in size 3 month clothes. I never even got a chance for the newborn clothes. I thought because I was having him so early he'd be in some. Nope. ;)

Life has been pretty good over here. He's awake more and more during the day... but, still giving me longer stretches of sleep during the day. However, during the night he's been giving me more 3 hour stretches. He sleeps better in his bassinet than Jake did. I have been contemplating putting Asher in his crib swaddled. So, I might try and start swaddling him again. Jake HATED it, so I stopped... and Asher hasn't been very fond of it either. So, I stopped with him as well. However, I heard to try again and try and put him in his crib. We'll see. I really like him close to me at night. Especially, with all of the feedings.

Here are some pictures I took today:

 I LOVE THIS PICTURE!

 Cutie pie!

18 months/3 weeks - Today is Asher's official due date!

Jake has been 18 months old since March 1. I've been a little busy, so I haven't had a chance to blog about that. He's doing great! At his 18 month appointment he didn't have to have any shots, and he of course surpassed all the "normal" growth markers. Smart little cookie! He's in the 93rd percentile for height, and 90th percentile for weight. The doctor said he's starting to even out now. He's tall and solid.

He loves to color, play with his puzzles, play basketball, and he's starting to like soccer as well. Next month I'm signing Jake up for spring swim classes, and may even look back into Gymboree. I like to keep him busy. :)

Jake has been amazing with Asher. He kisses and hugs him all day. I was concerned at first on how he was going to react to having a brother and only being 17 months apart... I didn't think he would fully understand. I was wrong. He totally understands. Anytime Ash cries or makes a sound he runs to him... and rubs him. It seriously the sweetest thing ever. He's just a sweetheart in general.

Ash is doing great! It's crazy to think that today is actual Asher's due date! But, my little munchkin is 3 weeks! He's getting so big already! It looks like I might be hyper lactating again. So, just like with Jake he's a gassy little man. I am producing so much milk! I have about 30 baggies in the freezer already! I blogged about it back when Jake was 3 weeks old (Hyper Lactation). I have been in contact with the same lactation specialist and we are working out a plan with a little gas medicine. If you read my story last time, I had to pump before I fed him... This time I'm just weighing him weekly and giving him gas medicine. With hyper lactation there is a pretty big weight gain, so that's why weighing Ash is involved. I might have to pump before I feed him again. We'll see... I do know that it all gets adjusted with time! I vaguely remember around 8 weeks, Jake's gas started to get better! I can make it! ;)

Asher is very similar to Jake in his sleeping pattern. My little men eat EVERY 2 hours when there newborns! I sometimes get lucky and they'll weight 3 hours... but, they are pretty consistent with that. Breast milk also runs through their little bodies faster, causing more frequent feedings... I know breastfeeding is so important! I breastfed Jake until he was 9 months... let's hope I can go that long with Asher. There are quite a few sleepless nights over here... but, I know that once I can sleep train... I will get that sleep again. It's been great having Jake on his schedule. That way I know that I only have Asher to care for when Jake is down.

There are some stressful moments during the day with these 2 little ones... but, all in all... it's not nearly as scary as some people prepared me for. Jake is smart. When Ash starts to cry, he stands by and watches. The only time it gets a little stressful, is when Grant is working late. The night time routine is a little more of a challenge with out that extra hand. So, I just try and time it right. Timing is usually as follows: feed Asher, get him sleepy so he takes a nap... and then I feed Jake, bathe him, and put him down. Then all my time goes back to Asher. I bathe him, feed him, and snuggle with him.

Being a mommy of 2 is awesome. I can't wait until Asher is a little older and will play with Jake. I just know they're going to be best friends. I'm excited for the day when there playing sports and going to school together. Buds forever! :)

Lastly, to answer the question about how I am doing... I'm good! The VBAC was great! I'm glad I did my own research, and went forward believing that it would be a success. I feel great! I literally do not feel like I had a baby a few weeks ago! The first week after I had Ash was the toughest. But, I right after I had him, I ate a subway sandwich, went to the restroom, and was walking all over. :) The nurses commented on how active I was. My body has bounced back so quickly! I'm back to the same weight I was before I got pregnant with Asher. I have a personal goal to lost another 10 pounds and then I'll be the same weight I was before my wedding. I'm into SOME of my old jeans! However, I have some working out to do once I'm cleared to tone everything back up again! ha! I'm ready for my spin, walking around the beach, and (gulp) eating healthier. I'm a pretty healthy eater... but, this means more salads, and less carbs. I can do it! Goal: bikini for summer? Perhaps! I go to the doctor the first week of April for my 6 week postpartum appointment. I'm ready for excising!

Well, I better run! I hear Ash calling for me! Jake is running towards him! Have a good weekend!

Here are some pictures from the week:

Asher looks more like his mommy! My mom said that he reminded her a little of me. He of course has Grant's dimples (cheeks and chin). Oh! And he has the longest fingers and toes... just like Grant! So, we think that Ash has my blonde hair, eyes, nose, and lips. :) It's really too early to tell. I'll have to post my baby picture to compare! 

 Precious!

 Loving on my baby!

 Out for a walk with the new stroller! 

 Walked into the kitchen and found this banana. Jake is so tall he grabbed it, took a bite, and put it back. He ate right from the skin! I peeled it and gave it right back to him. He LOVES bananas!

 Jake likes to rock Asher back to sleep. 

 I have a great life! 

36.2 weeks - Doctor Blogging.

I went into my OBGYN today knowing there have been some changes since my last visit 2 weeks ago. I know my body pretty well... And I was right... There was change.

I am 90% effaced, and 1 centimeter dilated. 

I was the same with Jake at 37.6 weeks, and had my water broke a week later (38.6 weeks). I feel the same as I did with Jake towards the end, I'm only 36.2 weeks. They say you are usually earlier than you were with your first child. I was 8 days early with Jake. 

Yesterday, I had an ultrasound to measure the most accurate weight/size of the baby for VBAC purposes. It looks as if this baby is already measuring around 7 1/2 pounds, and I'm measuring 38 weeks. Not bad considering I've gained a total of 30 lbs. This is obviously just an approximate finding. Until this baby is actually here, we will not really know, right? But, it gives us a good idea where we are. I am all baby! Big belly now! 

My doctor said this is actually what she likes to see for VBAC's. I'm progressing early on, and the baby is measuring full term, this is ideal. I know I could go weeks more... but, seeing my water broke fairly quickly after my effacement and dilation, this is all great news! My doctor said she thinks I'll have the baby in the next week or two. HOLY MOLY! This is really happening! This baby is going to be here soon! EXCITING and nerve racking all at the same time. :)

Last night I bought my double stroller (I went with the BOB Revolution Duallie), and all the other things  I needed. The babies room is completed, and my bag is packed. I have the proper people in place to watch over Jake, and I'm feeling ready. I can't wait to hold my baby boy! The name we chose for this baby is perfect! I love the meaning and it's very special to Grant and I. I just couldn't be happier. 

Now, I just pray for a safe VBAC delivery. The health of the baby is my biggest concern. I'm just so excited to be able to have this opportunity. I will not be disappointed if I end up having a c section. As long as the outcome is a healthy little boy!

Here I am at 36 weeks! Look at my belly! :)

33rd week update.

HEARTBURN! That is the only down fall with pregnancy for me. I have it in the morning, afternoon, and at night. I take the max on the Tums... Smoothly Tums is what I prefer! ;) Other than that, pregnancy is relatively easy.

It's funny when I think how different things were with Jake verses baby #2. With Jake I could nap, relax, exercise when I wanted to, run errands, etc. With this little munchkin, I'm on the go! Chasing and playing with Jake, and keeping up with everything else. This pregnancy seems to have flown by. I love being pregnant. It's just easier when you don't have a 16 month old in tow. We might have one more little one (if we are fortunate enough), but I will wait until Jake is in school. I can't have 3 in diapers! Can you imagine?

This morning has been amazing. Grant and I usually attend Saddleback Church in Rancho Santa Margarita, but with the 1 hour drive (each way), and Jake, we haven't been attending regularly. We'll watch the service live on our computer though. Today, Grant got up and said... we are going to church. We're going to SeaCoast Grace (were we got baptized), and Jake will go into the kiddie program for an hour. I started to protest, and then I realized... It was time. We need to get back on track. Jake is 16 months, and we have another little one almost here. SeaCoast Grace is close and we should go.

Jake hit the door and went straight in.... didn't even look back for us (or me for that matter)! We went in for the service and I felt awesome! The music and the message where just what I needed today. I'm so thankful that Grant made that decision. I'm so thankful for my life, my family, and for Jesus. Life is so good... And taking communion was amazing. I started getting teary eyed. Thankful for God giving us his only son, and for the path of forgiveness and everlasting life. The most amazing gift. I'm proud to be a Christian woman, and can't wait for Jake to really start understanding how fortunate we are.

Jake got home and is napping (hence my blogging), and when he gets up we are going to go to lunch, the park, and then come home and paint and play in the backyard.

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37

Hope everyone has a great Sunday!

32 weeks - 8 months

I turned 8 months yesterday. I went from small belly to big belly overnight! I've been reading old blog posts from when I was pregnant with Jake and it brings tears in my eyes. Being pregnant is such a gift. Life is a gift! 

Weight gain:

I believe I'm at about 15 pounds. I'm so active with Jake, I'm pretty sure I'm burning lots of calories. Plus, with the heartburn I've been eating pretty darn healthy and light. I just make sure I'm snacking all day! 

Pregnancy symptoms:

The heartburn has gotten worse. Grant swears I was like this with Jake too. I slept on the couch 3 times last week, because almost sitting straight up is better. Plus, this baby is moving like crazy. Not so much the kicking... It's the rolling and moving that keeps me up. He's pretty active!  

Doctor blogging:

I go to the OBGYN every 2 weeks now! I actually go in tomorrow. So, I will update on that blog!

Here is an updated picture of me:

This weekend was busy... like usual! I had 2 birthdays to attend and 2 important games to watch! ha! I celebrated my good friend Liz's birthday at the race track on Friday night, and my other good friend Katy's birthday was celebrated on Saturday! 

I seriously have a knack for the horse races! I'm not kidding. This is my 6th time going and I always leave a winner. I've learned how to read the stats and then with luck... I win! I usually play the winning horse, and I do an exacta box (with 3 horses). That means, I bet on the horse I feel will win the entire race, and then I choose the top 3 finishers (and with the exacta box they can come in any order). Anyhow, mama got a pair of Tom Ford glasses out of this trip! woo hoo! ;)

I also took Jake to get his hair cut... again! I take him every month. This kiddo has lots of hair! It's thick, wavy, and blonde. I'd like to think he has my hair... but, I'm sure he's got Grant's hair too! ;) Look at how cute my little monkey is! Jake is such a happy boy. The older he gets the sweeter he gets! I'm serious! If I say, "Jake, give momma a kiss", he comes running up to me and plants a big one on me! And then he hugs me and pats my back. I just melt! I wonder how he'll be with his brother? I'm sure he'll wonder what the heck the baby is doing here... but, he'll adjust and love him like crazy! The thing we'll have to work on is sharing. Jake is used to being the only one... so, the challenge will be sharing me, toys, and time. But, I will do my best to keep things as "normal" as possible. I read a great article my friend posted on becoming a mommy of 2. It was a good read, and it gave me some tips. The majority of what I hear is that it's tough in the beginning and then it gets easier as they get older. They will be about 17 months apart... I'm up for the challenge... obviously! 

Well, until my doctor appointment blogging... have a wonderful Monday!

15 month check up.

Jake is actually 16 months tomorrow, but we've been traveling visiting my parents. I wanted to at least post a little update on Jake.

Jake had his 15 month baby well check last week and he's doing great! He's growing like crazy. He's in the 90th percentile for weight, and over a 100th for height. He's 28 pounds and 34 1/2 inches. The doctor checked his height twice just to confirm. I guess they see me and can't believe how tall my little man is. Then I remind them that my husband is 6'8, and it all makes sense. ;)

Our little guy is talking like crazy. Mainly lots of chatter. And then he has his core words. It's so cool hearing his new words. He loves to point at things so I can explain what they are. He's very inquisitive.

He's running all over and climbing on everything. He is so much fun to play with. He loves to play outside and hang out with older kids. He's not too interested in younger kids or babies. Just the older ones. Perhaps because they are more his size and are playing actual sports. While he's been in Idaho he's been kicking around the soccer ball, throwing a football, and playing basketball. My little sports fan. Next time we are here he'll be on the golf course with his uncle! :)

Here is a video of this silly monkey:

I will post about Christmas, and our vacation soon! Hope everyone has a wonderful New Years!

12 months

I totally forgot to post these pictures when Jake turned 1... Almost a month ago now!

Jake is really turning into a big boy. As sad as that makes me, it also makes me very proud! Here are the monthly updates on my little guy...

~ Jake started walking the week of his birthday.
~ Jake is 26 lbs, and 32 inches long. He's in the 90%.
~ He's wearing 2T/3T shirts, and 24 month pants.
~ He's talking all day long. Some words are the standard momma, Dada, baba, etc. Then he has some new words like, "get". He says get when he wants something! And the other day after I told him no he repeated it. hmm.
~ No longer on formula. I stopped breastfeeding when he was 9 months old. And started formula. He is now only on organic whole milk.
~ Jake is down to one bottle at night. Only sippy cups for this big boy!
~ He loves the swings, and playing with other kids. He loves watching older boys play. He's going to be so excited to have a brother to play with in the future. ;)
~ Still in size 4 diapers. He's been that size for months! The still fit good.
~ He loves to help me clean up. If he sees me putting things away, he helps me.
~ HE LOVES PUZZLES. I have a puzzle that he takes the pieces out and puts them back according to shape and color and he plays with that a lot.

Here are some pictures with his last picky sticky's on!

Proud mommy!

11 months old

This is the last month that he is under a year old. Starting September 1st, Jake will be a year old. I can technically start saying years. It's so crazy to think that this is just flying by as it is. It's been an amazing year. Being a mother of Jake Bowman Stone. I am a mother. A stay at home around the clock mommy. I wouldn't trade my life for the world. Children are a true blessing. I'm thankful that God gave Jake to me.

I know we all think are children are amazing and smart. I am one of those moms. It's because everything he does amazes me and I'm just so proud of who he is becoming.

Last week when Jake was sick he was still a happy little guy. His personality is really shinning. Here are a few things about Jake.

1. He loves to give kisses. If you ask for a kiss he comes directly in for a big one! Such a lover!
2. He's finally cutting a tooth! I see it coming in.
3. If he gets frustrated or angry he puts his arms in the air and throws them down. Then he looks back to see if I'm looking and does it again.
4. He likes what he likes. No way anyone is going to talk this kid into doing something.
5. He LOVES hanging upside down.
6. He's trying to walk everywhere... not there just yet though. He get so excited when he gets moving... He looks for Grant and I and puts both his arms in the air and waits for us to say "BIG BOY".
7. He talks a lot. Rambling and laughing. The house is full of life.
8. He's a big boy like his daddy. He's wearing 2T size clothes.
9. Loves water. That kid could play in water for hours.
10. He's really starting to understand what I'm saying and he listens. When I remove the tray from his high chair he tries to climb out. I say, "sit down Jake", and he sits back down. But, tries again when my back is turned.... sneaky kiddo!
11. He knows his mama from his daddy and will call for us specifically.
12. Pretty sure he's a lefty. Everything he does (and has done since the beginning) is with his left hand.

Anyway, there is much more with my precious little one. But, here is what he's up to now. Next month I will turn my blog into his baby book. Very excited to do that. I have been planning this since I was pregnant with him.

Taking pictures of him gets increasingly hard... but, I keep trying. He just loves to play and get into things. Sitting still isn't his cup of tea.

Then he started getting upset because I wouldn't let him have the camera! 

 Then he got over it and started smiling again! 

Love my little guy!

Cheers,

10 months old (July 1st)

Yes, Jake is well on his way to 11 months old. But, like I said, I'm still catching up on posts. Here are some pictures I took when we got back with his stickers on! My big boy is 10 months.

He's quite the eater. He refuses baby food. He eats it from time to time but prefers big people food. He loves veggie/turkey dogs, chicken, turkey, beef, spaghetti with meat balls, meatloaf (I make turkey meatloaf), wheat bread, cheese (any kind... but, favorites are cheddar, mozzarella, and Munster), apples, strawberries, bananas, lemons, oranges, grapes, yogurt, graham crackers, beans (black), rice (cous cous is his favorite), etc. Gives you a little idea. He pretty much eats everything I do.

He's cruising along the furniture and lets go of it to try and balance. He walks along his baby gate and pushes it forward in hopes it opens wide enough for him to sneak out. When the gate is open or he's put on the ground he really scoots along! He's already a hand full. I love it!

Birthday planning is well on its way! I'm planning on a dessert table and a fun parent BBQ. Let's be honest, the 1st birthday party is for parents, right? Doesn't mean the party planner in me can't get creative though too. We are going to do something mellow here at our house. Probably similar to Grant's birthday. Party here for the food and then games at the bay!

Here are some pics of my big boy!

Next up... 11 months!
Cheers,

9 months.

Last night I found myself looking at old videos of Jake. I have to admit it made me a little sad. Time is just flying by. I know he's only 9 months old... but, how did that go so fast? I remember getting excited for each milestone.... but, now I want time to stop. Jake is so big. He's so happy and gives Grant and I so much joy. I thank God for this little guy everyday. What did I ever do without him? Seriously... What?

Well, I'm still excited for all the milestones in his growth, I want to take a second to take in 9 months. When I put on his sticker for "9 months" I couldn't really get a good shot. He's moving so much. He doesn't want to sit still. I did the best I could!

His 9 month appointment is June 21st so I'll update stats then. But, until then... here is what he's doing and up to:

*He started clapping at 6 months... and I'm now working on waving!
*He is throwing things forward and then chasing after it to throw it again! But, basically everything he gets he throws. He loves to throw!
*He laughs and talks like crazy!
*He's been saying mama, dada, and baba (Brady - our dog).
*He stands and walks along the furniture.
*Crawls super fast!
*Sleeps from 7:30pm till 6-6:30am.
*Wearing 24 month size clothes.
*Teething... no teeth still though. (Vicki said Grant didn't get teeth until 9 months).
*After he eats he says, "ummmmm" for yummy!
*24 oz of milk a day (or more pending day)
*Eats 3 times a day. From stuff I make to some Gerber/Earths Best foods.
*LOVES I MEAN LOVES Gerber puffs!
*Loves cous cous or rice.
*I seriously think he would rather eat what I'm eating. I usually give him a taste of what I'm eating if it's not spicy or over spiced.

Here are some pics:

Have a good week!
Love,