Elena at the Gym

 Our YMCA offers an open gym hour a few times a week.  Today we headed out to meet up with friends and give Elena some Mommy time.

Charlie is 4 Weeks Old

4 weeks strong and Charlie is doing great!

He still has his blue/gray eyes.  Elena started out with brown and still has brown eyes.  Wonder if his will stay or change.

Daddy Cuddles

 Daddy and Elena loving Charlie!

Splish, Splash...Charlie's 1st Bath

 Charlie's first tubby!  He enjoyed the water, even kicked a bit.

Family Visitors

A new baby brings a slew of visitors.  Here are a few snapshots from Charlie's first couple of weeks at home.

Crafts and fun with Grandma

10 Fingers, 10 Toes

Our first day home, Elena's first time holding Charlie.  I am amazed at the love already radiating out of Elena toward her little brother.  Such a sweet big sister!

Hello, Charlie!

This post is Charlie's birth story.

On August 5th, I laid down to nap at 4pm and woke at 5pm.  Napping for an hour has become a daily necessity for me since starting my maternity leave.  It's hard for me to sleep any longer than hour even at night.  My stomach muscles are easily fatigued and seize up causing tremendous amount of pain (my belly was huge!)

38 Weeks + 2 Days...and counting

Well, I'm still pregnant with a very active boy.  Occasionally I feel like I'm going into labor but then all halts and we find ourselves still playing the waiting game.  I've had a lot of requests to see how big I'm growing--warning, I am big.  It's primarily tummy but a big tummy at that.  I've gone from a cute basketball to an over-sized beach ball.  It's hard to believe but I have put on less weight with this baby than I did with Elena and she was born at an earlier date.

The Time of Zwischen

Yesterday marked my 37th week, a significant day as this is the point where babies are now considered full term and should be born between now and 42 weeks.  This was also they day in my pregnancy with Elena in which my water broke and less than 12 hours later I birthed our sweet bundle of light.

Some call this time zwischen, German for between.  "The last days of pregnancy— sometimes stretching to agonizing weeks—are a distinct place, time, event, stage. It is a time of in between. Neither here nor there. Your old self and your new self, balanced on the edge of a pregnancy. One foot in your old world, one foot in a new world"  Jana Studelska CPM/LM, www.mothering.com.  This aptly describes my emotional and physical state right now.  I've never been good with transitions especially once I have come to accept what will happen but have to wait.  So between physically aching, feeling motion sick, constant bathroom breaks, acid reflux, unable to sleep, constantly hungry, fluctuating hormones and being stuck in between--as one could imagine, I'm mentally a roller coaster.  This is a place I never visited while pregnant with Elena, she just came too early.

We are ready for our next bundle, this one seems to have energy, strength and endurance based on his acrobatics in my belly.  While everything isn't perfect around the house, it is functional.  The crib has been reassembled, this time we have a sheet--washed and on the crib.  We have clothes washed and ready to be worn.  My bag is packed, car seat ready to go.  All things that weren't ready when Elena arrived.  Plans for what to do with Elena when the time comes are in place.  And fortunately I've been lucky enough to have started my maternity leave.  I've enjoyed a week of bonding with Elena, relaxing (including a massage), napping, cleaning up our home and finishing a quilt for our new addition.

As a side note/update: at 35 weeks 4 days, we had our 3rd ultrasound to measure this boy's growth.  He has consistently measured big with his tummy greater than 97%.  His body was measuring the average size at 37 weeks, his tummy was at 41.5 weeks for a whopping weight of 8lbs 3oz at the time of the ultrasound.  Of course these measurements are estimates and it seems the weight can be off by 2lbs in either direction.  Either way, if you consider he should put on 1/2 pound a week for the last few weeks, his estimated weight comes in at 8lbs 3oz to 10lbs 3 oz (I can't even think about the possibility that he's measuring smaller than he actually is).  I've put on 10 pounds less with this pregnancy than with Elena, yet it appears he'll be at least a pound heavier, most likely more.  This boy loves food just like the rest of us :)  

Elena's Self Entertainment

This is my first week of maternity leave.  I took Elena out of day care for the week so we could have some Elena Mommy bonding time before the baby is born.  We have had a great week so far--full of board games, books, crafts and a morning with Chris and Lorraine while I went off for a pregnancy massage.

Elena had asked if she could get the finger paints out but we were scheduled to go to the beach soon so I told her not today.  Unfortunately I wasn't feeling so well so I laid down for a bit and fell asleep.  Well, Elena decided to make her own paints with chalk and water.  This is what I awoke to...chalk paint covering both the cement and paver patios....

...and of course Elena.  She even stripped herself down to her underwear to keep her jammies clean.

She had so much fun.  When she was done, we filled up the little pool and she washed it all off.  She was so cute, she insisted in wearing her floaty.   

Swim Fun

Today we went to Chris and Lorraine's for some swim time.  Elena was a bit unsure of the pool at first but quickly warmed up.  As you can see, she had a blast with Carl and posing fun for the camera.

Yes, we are in the tongue phase...how long does this last??

Grandma Lorraine showing Elena how to use her arms when she swims.  Later this fall, after baby is born and we are in a routine, I hope to enroll Elena in swim lessons.  She loves being in the water just like her parents.

Baby Shower

My co-workers threw me the sweetest baby shower today and everyone was happy that I made it to this shower.  I missed the shower they threw when I was pregnant with Elena because we were in the hospital recovering from an early delivery.

I have been overwhelmed with the emotional support I have received during this pregnancy from my co-workers (as it hasn't been an easy pregnancy) and their generosity for this bundle in my belly.

We received a little bit of everything...a few sets of clothes, a vibrating rocker chair, a teddy, a lion rattle, diapers, wipes, pacifiers, changing pad with cover, a sheet, swaddle and receiving blankets and a couple of gift cards.  All more than a girl could have asked for.  I am so lucky to work with such a wonderful group of people.

Happy Birthday to Me

 This year we mixed things up and had a watermelon cake instead of a sugar cake.  I'm just not craving or enjoying refined sugar nearly as much as I used to.  I'm sure this has helped in maintaining my pregnancy weight gain in the normal range.  Watermelon, on the other hand, I just can't get enough.

 Elena and Carl loading up the cake with candles.

 Just a little taste.  Doesn't everyone need a taste after the candles are in place?

 "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..."

Candle blowout!

Please pay no attention to my sewing machine set up on the table, I'm in mid-project.  And forgive the messy looking living room.  It's hard to tell but those are games on the coffee table and art supplies across the rest of the table.  And a bag quasi-packed on the chair, ready to go just in case.  No chances on this baby--hospital scrubs are no fun to lounge in.

Lulu's Birthday Party

Elena's best bud at school, Lua "Lulu," turned 4 and had a birthday party Sunday.

 With triple digit heat yesterday and all the excitement of the party, Elena was all out of sorts today.  She was a roller coaster and we ended up leaving early.

 The girls had fun with silly string...

 ...and birthday hats.

 These mischievous girls were excited for cake and even tasted the frosting before we sang Happy Birthday.  From left to right: Lulu, Elena, Evelyn.  These girls conspire and encourage each other to have bad behavior.  Amazing to watch it at such a young age.

 Singing Happy Birthday...

 ...and blowing out candles.  Wait--do you see Elena blowing out Lulu's candles?  She also wanted to open Lulu's presents.  At school the girls are always together and share well together.  Elena was not happy that I would not let her open Lulu's gifts.

It was another hot day and the kids enjoyed playing with water guns.  I just love the tree Elena is standing under.  Despite her meltdown at the end, we had a nice time.  This was the first party where Elena had a meltdown at the party.  I'm sure the heat had a hand in her bad behavior.  I was glad to get my sweet girl back after cooling off and a long nap.

I'm getting bigger!

 We are nearing a few important dates so I've been doing my best to squeeze in some girlfriend time.  Last weekend I had tea with a group of friends who surprised me with a book shower for Baby Stiehl and another friend's baby who is expecting 6 weeks after me.  Completely surprised and unexpected.

  Today, I headed up to a friend's house for brunch and to visit with friends I haven't seen in what seems like forever.  It may have been December since I've seen some of the girls.  I've been fairly tired during this pregnancy and have missed many gatherings.

We are 33-1/2 weeks along and I don't feel huge but I look huge :)  I am having troubles sitting up right and getting up from any sitting / laying down position.  My belly feels like a torpedo sticking out of me.  Our estimated due date is August 16th but it looks like August 9th the doctors may start intervening, If I haven't delivered already.  I have my last growth scan / ultra sound on July 16th.  This scan will determine our delivery course of action which primarily depends on his size and specifically his belly size.

I only have 3 weeks of work left, yay!  Once I'm done with work, Elena and I will have a little time for Mommy and Me time before Baby Stiehl arrives.  Elena will be taking a break from preschool/day care and will restart at 3 days a week in September.  It's weird to think in 1 year, we'll be preparing for kindergarten--how did so much time pass already?

So Much Fun to be 4...

...Or is it trouble?

Today Elena and I spent a few hours with her school friends Maddy and Livvy celebrating their fourth birthday.  There was an amazing bounce house complete with slide.  The girls had a great time.

 Attempting all three friends to slide at the same time.

 There were water balloons.  The kids just walked around with them until they popped.  This was a first experience with water balloons for many.

 Sparkle tattoos and cupcakes with flower sprinkles.

 And the party wasn't complete until airplanes were flown.  The girls didn't want to pose for a picture but funny faces are always a hit with this age group.

And then a little happy face :)

We had a great time and the weather was perfect.

Bare Belly, Warning: Not for the Sqeemish

Today marks the beginning of my 30th week of pregnancy.  This baby is riding all out in front.  I no longer trust myself to go down stairs, not only can I not see my feet but I'm very front heavy and a bit off balance.  You can see by the picture below, I really am carrying the typical boy basketball.  Many times a week people tell me I don't look pregnant from the back and how surprised they are that I still have so many weeks to go (10 as of today).  People, aside from my doctor, think I am big.  My weight gain has been much better than with Elena and I'm within the normal/expected range; however it is primarily showing on my belly so the concentration seems to appear bigger.

I'm doing okay.  Since he has shifted his head down and even dropped a bit, my hernia hasn't been bothering me nearly as much.  Now it is just a sore spot which is much more tolerable than the searing pain I had before.  I'm careful not to twist as this agitates the muscles/hernia.  I still feel sick most of the day, I walk around feeling like I'm motion-sick.  Despite the midwife thinking I am not drinking enough water, I've logged it and I drink way more water and fluids than necessary.  I really do think it has something to do with his constant movement of my organs/muscles while I'm sitting still.  As it has always been, the late afternoon / evening seem to be my worst time and his most active.  Good news (or bad) chocolate and junk food taste good and I'm craving them.  I'm doing my best to curb these cravings but everyday it becomes more difficult.

So I marked this entry with a warning because below are links you can click to see this baby moving.  I have to tell you it is hard to capture the movement but trust me the little bops you see are strong movements, sometimes taking my breath away.  If you had your hand on my belly it would feel something like fireworks going off on in there.  Most of his movements in the afternoon / evening are not just uncomfortable to me but painful.  He also likes to push on my pelvis/hip bones, I'm glad he isn't kicking my ribs like his big sister did.  He feels strong enough, even this young, to crack a rib.

Below are two links to take you to my private YouTube videos....if you would like to see this baby in action:

Baby Belly Dance, June 1st

Baby Belly Dance, June 5th

This pregnancy has seemed long for so many reasons.  I'm happy to report that we are in the final stretch.  I entered into the 3rd and last trimester a couple weeks ago.  My next check-up is next week, I'll have my final ultrasound/growth scan 4 weeks after that appointment and then the following week will be my last day of work before starting maternity leave, which puts us at 36 weeks.  Elena arrived at 37 weeks and we're hoping this little guy doesn't appear before then.

Until then, we're working on a name.  Here is your opportunity to leave a comment for any name(s) you would like us to consider.  Carl and I both have names we like/love but haven't found the name we can agree to both like/love :)  Knowing he could come sooner rather than later based on our first experience, I'm feeling a bit tight on time.

Domestication Update: Garden & 1st Quilt

 We spent some time in our neglected garden this weekend.  I'm so glad we have the water automated or else we probably would not have a garden right now. 

 Of the 10 fruit trees we planted in January, 3 have come to bear fruit: a peach, nectarine and the nectaplum.  I've thinned the trees of fruit so they would produce something but use most of their energy to establish good roots.

 Today I gleaned the 2 peaches and 3 nectarines....they were still hard so we set them out on the counter to finish ripening.  Update: a couple days later, I began eating these fruits and they were delicious--so juice and sweet.  I can't wait for next year's fruit!!

 We've been enjoying an assortment of fresh lettuce for months.  Today Carl got in the garden to weed because the grass started taking over.  He found some large zucchinis (you can see even the zucchinis have sort of taken over).  He harvested 6 zucchinis which yielded over 10 lbs!  The vine growing vertically would be our green beans, trying the vine this year instead of the bushes.  So far we've had a fair amount of beans, yum!  We also have some tomatoes fighting in there but I think our bell peppers were a dud this year.  Not too bad starting off with seeds instead of plants for the first time. 

 Elena picked flowers to give me.  Mostly dandelions but also my hydrangea.

 She loves picking flowers.  It was my intention to build her a small flower garden this past spring.  Alas, not feeling well scratched that project off the list.  Next year she will definitely have a flower garden to tend to and pick all she wants.

 This was a potted hydrangea for inside.  I thought it was a goner but it has started bouncing back in it's new location.  Now we just have to keep the grass from overtaking it :)

 This is an old picture but I wanted to share my first quilt.  I worked on it from January - March and for my first attempt it turned out wonderful.  Of course there are some things I would have liked to change, maybe improvements for my next one.  Quilts, even easy ones like this, are completely time intensive.

And also addictive.  Before I was done with this one, I was ordering material for Elena and Baby.  I have the material but haven't started even started designing.  Elena loved the space print so much, she's requested to have some of it in her quilt..she also asked for purple :)