Hudson's 2 Months Old!!

Growth: 14lbs and 9oz.; 23 inches
Health: H has been pretty healthy, besides two colds, already. He's been (obviously) growing very well! And he hasn't had any other issues with his jaundice... such a blessing!
Eating: H has been eating about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours during the day and about every 4 hours at night. He's a good/efficient eater... done in usually 15 minutes. :) I only feed him on one side during each feeding.
Sleep: H usually takes 3 or 4 naps during the day... in his crib and also on our bed (I don't want him to wake up T during their afternoon naps... the girl needs her sleep!). We usually put him down at around 9pm for the night. He wakes up at around 1am, 4 or 5am, and then around 7 or 8am. He eats during all those times. However, I think he'll be able to drop the 4/5am feeding... he doesn't seem to be hungry at that time... just looking to be soothed. We moved him to his own room at exactly 2 months... everyone is benefiting (except T has woken up a couple of times since we moved him). :)
Personality: He is still super calm and relaxed. I don't know if he seems more like that because T was pretty much the opposite of that, but we'll take it! :) H usually only fusses when he's hungry or tired. He can, also, calm himself down pretty well. He's so pleasant and smiley!
Some random things:

• He's wearing 0-3 month (and some 3 month) onsies, shorts and pjs. He's wearing size 2 disposables (at night), size 0 2-steps and small AIO cloth diapers.
• He went on his first long road trip to Chicago, Michigan, and Canada on May 11th (and the rest of that week) for Aunt Jill's graduation and Grandma's funeral. He traveled very well! He, basically, slept the whole time.
• He was in the nursery for the first time on May 27th. He only fussed for a little bit, but then calmed down.

 

Hudson's 1 Month Old!!

I can't believe that Hudson is one month old, already! Here are some "fun" (ok, fun for me) facts about Hudson...
Growth: 10 lbs and 14 oz., 20 3/4 inches
Health: H and I had to stay in the hospital for a week after he was born because he had jaundice. He tested positive for Coombs (basically meaning we have different blood types... my blood type created antibodies that broke down some of H's red blood cells) and that can cause jaundice. He had to stay under an ultraviolet light while he wasn't eating (basically all the time). Once we got home, we were given a "bili blanket" for him to use, here at home. He's been off the blanket for about a week, and has been doing great! His numbers have been going down (which is a good thing!) even without the lights. He's been doing very well!
Eating: During his first week of life (in the hospital), I had to wake him up to eat every  2 1/2 - 3 hours. Because of his jaundice, he was very sleepy and took a while to eat. He struggled latching on, a little bit, as well because he was so sleepy all the time. It was a little frustrating. Because of the jaundice, also, he had some spitting up issues for about a week (his first week home). A few times a day, he was violently spit up (like not just a little down the chin) and I was super discouraged. The doctor kept telling me that the way his jaundice would get better was by him eating (and having a lot of poopy diapers). It took him about 2 1/2 weeks to get back to birth weight. However, now that he is no longer jaundice, he has been eating so well! He's very efficient, too... it usually takes him 15-30 minutes to eat and he eats usually every 2-2 1/2 hours during the day and every 3 hours at night.
Sleep: We're kind of trying to start the Baby Whisper's "EASY" schedule (eat, activity, sleep, and "your" time). I want H to be able to fall asleep after activity time as opposed to while he eats. It's been working pretty well, already. At night, however, I just try and feed him and put him back down to bed. I usually feed H at 10pm, and he'll usually wake up to eat every 3 hours (1am, 4am, 6(or7)am). He'll, then, usually sleep in the morning until about 8 or 9. He'll be a wake for an hour or two and then sleep again. He usually naps when T naps, as well... usually 1:30ish until 4ish in the afternoon (I can sometimes get a nap in, as well!). His "wake" time is usually in the evening, which is great! He's able to spend time with B when he comes home.
He is such a loud sleeper! We have him sleeping in our room, but it's sometimes hard to sleep with all of his groaning and grunting. We'll see how long he stays in our room... :)
Personality:  He is a very calm and relaxed baby! We noticed this during his first week, but we didn't know how much of that was due to him being jaundice. However, now that he is feeling better, he is still very chill! Every once and a while he'll have "fussy times" besides being hungry or tired, however he's usually very easy to calm down.
Other random things: 

• He's wearing size 0-3 month onesies, newborn pants, size 1 disposable diapers (we do those at night), and size 0 two-steps, and small AIO cloth diapers.
• He's still getting used to his baths... sometimes he screams, other times he is relaxed.
• Tatum LOVES him! She is a great helper... bringing me the boppy pillow, burp cloths, blankets, putting his pacifier in if it falls out, etc. She wants to be with him all the time and gives lots of kisses! She always says, "Hudson's SO cute!". It's awesome.
• We think he has a very strong head and neck. He always tries to look around while I'm burping him.
• He started making actual "coo" sounds at 3 weeks. We've been trying to get it on video, but he always stops as soon as we start recording. It is so cute, though!
• He had his first "baby sitter" on Saturday with T. A lady from our church (and her daughter) came over while B and I sang/played at a funeral. He did great! :)

Hudson's Birth Story...

On Wednesday, March 28th, I had my c-section scheduled for 7:15 in the morning. We probably got 4 or 5 hours of sleep the night before. I kept waking up thinking we'd sleep through the alarm! Haha... like we'd "miss" our son's birth. :) We left the house at 4:45am. My mom got to our house on Tuesday (the 27th) to stay with Tatum... a huge bonus of knowing your child's birthday ahead of time!
We got to the hospital at 5:30, and checked in. Everyone (except for me) was super relaxed about everything. I was so grateful for that, but it gave me time to actually think about everything that was happening. One benefit of having an emergency c-section, last time, was that everything happened so fast that I didn't have time to freak out about what was happening!
I had some blood work done, got my IV (everyone said that that would be the worst part... it was), and had to drink this nasty drink to prevent nausea during the surgery. After all of that, we had to wait about a half hour for the anesthesiologist to arrive. During that time, B encouraged me (I was really scared) and we prayed together. I was wheeled down the hall and walked into the OR. Once I got in, I sat on the narrowest table I've seen (ok, it probably seemed a lot smaller at the time because of my larger state). :) The anesthesiologist administered the spinal. He was very thorough and to the point... I was glad because he seemed very confident. He promised me that my whole body wouldn't go numb like last time. I felt better about the whole thing. Within probably 5 or 10 minutes, I went numb (such a weird feeling). My doctors arrived, and I heard Hudson's cry so much sooner than I thought. It was awesome! After a few minutes, they brought him over to me, and I was able to talk to him and give him tons of kisses (wow, I never cried at the time, but it's hitting me right now!). I was so blessed to have a nurse/friend who goes to our church in the OR right beside me! She talked to me the whole time to keep me distracted during the surgery, and held him next to me for a long time.
Hudson Marc de Waard was born at 7:38am weighing 8lbs. and 1oz. 

The nurses brought H back to our room where B was able to hold him, cuddle him, and bond with him. Once the doctors were done with me, I was wheeled back into our room where I saw H and B... so precious! Then I was able to have skin to skin time with him. I had the "shakes" pretty badly, so I didn't hold him for long (I was afraid I would drop him!). Throughout the day, I was super nauseous and got sick, a lot. :( I couldn't keep anything, down. However, I was so grateful that B was able to bond with him during that time.
H tested positive for Coombs (H and I have incompatible blood types) and because of the jaundice, we had to stay in the hospital for almost a week. H had to stay under a "sun" lamp when he wasn't eating. I was very discouraged (and a little scared), at first, because I didn't know what all of that meant. However, I was able to stay in the hospital with him, hold him while he ate, and he did awesome under the lights! He loved them!

He never really fussed, and usually just slept the whole time. There were so many blessings that God provided during that time in the hospital. We had family around to help with T, we had fabulous nurses and staff (going above and beyond to make sure we were so comfortable... even watching H while we went to dinner), I was able to really focus on "healing" while I was in the hospital for a week (if I would have been home, I know I would have probably pushed myself), and at times I felt like I was staying in a hotel! I'm so grateful for B... he has been Mr. Mom these past two weeks... laundry, cleaning (even T's poopy mess after she tried to change herself during her nap), dishes, errands, etc... all without complaining. I'm so thankful. Our families are incredible (driving back and forth to help), as well!
H had his two week appointment, yesterday. He had his bilirubin levels checked and because his numbers were up, he now has to lie in a "bili blanket", here at home. He seems to like it, and I'm so glad that he doesn't have to be readmitted to the hospital.
I'm so thankful for our family of four! H has been an amazing addition to our family. We're so grateful, and I'm so in love. :)

Almost 39 weeks! (1.5 more days until he's here!!)

I decided to do one more "pregnancy" entry. I have my scheduled c-section on Wednesday (I'll be 39 weeks).
Size of baby: Our baby is about 20 inches long and about 7.5 pounds (about the size of a mini watermelon)... we'll see on Wednesday, though! :)
Symptoms: My feet are HUGE! Last week, my feet (especially my right foot) started to swell. My right foot also hurts a little bit (I think from the swelling). However, because of the nice weather we have been having, I've been able to wear flip flops! I've just been feeling more and more uncomfortable, but I'm so grateful that T and I have been able to go on walks... I did not think that would happen in March! Besides having a get up and switch positions during the night, I've actually been sleeping relatively well.
Weight gain: 40 pounds. I gained 10 more pounds than I wanted to during this pregnancy, but it's ok.
Cravings: Pineapple!!! Yum! I've been averaging a few pineapples a week! They are so yummy... and they've been on sale at Walmart. :)

This past Saturday, some girls from church threw me a baby shower! It was such a blessing to us! We are so thankful for our church family and how supportive they are to us. It was fun celebrating baby d and it made it all the more real... we're having a boy!! :)

I can't believe that we're going to have our son in two days (Lord willing). I feel kind of spoiled knowing the day/time our son will get here. I've been "nesting" like crazy... cleaning the house, washing clothes and sheets, getting things organized, etc. I'm so thankful for my parents coming to stay with T, too. It's nice to know that she'll be taken care of (aka spoiled) :) while we're in the hospital.

I know that God is in control of everything that will happen on Wednesday. However, I'm still nervous. I'm the type of person who hates anything having to do with needles, blood, and hospitals. So, the idea of undergoing surgery (while being awake) is not super thrilling to me. The "nice" thing about having an emergency c-section with T was that everything happened so fast... I didn't have time to process it all. This time, I've had months to think/worry about it. I just have to have a healthy perspective, not let my fears control me, and give EVERYTHING over to Him. I know that the end result will be so worth it! :)

35 weeks (tomorrow)!

Size of baby: He is about 18 inches long and about 5 pounds (about the size of a butternut squash)!
Symptoms: I can definitely tell that I'm getting near the end. I've been feeling more "achy", lately... especially my back and ribs. I can no longer put my shoes on comfortably... the ONLY thing I miss about being pregnant in the summer is being able to wear flip flops. :) This week, I had to move my chair back in the car because my belly was bumping up against the steering wheel... haha!
The Braxton Hicks contractions have, also, increased a lot, lately. I've been getting anywhere from 5 to 10 a day. With T, I wasn't getting nearly that many. However, I also wasn't doing stairs, carrying and chasing a toddler, or "on the move" as much. My doctor says that as long as they don't intensify or stop when I lay down and drink water, they are completely fine... just super uncomfortable.
I've been really tired, again (almost like the first trimester). However, I think it's because I haven't been sleeping well.
Weight gain: At my last doctor's appointment (last week), I had gained 33 pounds. Honestly, I'm not super thrilled, but I'm also not surprised. I'm pretty much on the same weight gain track as I was with T, so I'm not worried. I wanted to stay closer to gaining 30 pounds, total, this time. Obviously that didn't happen, but I'm feeling ok about it.
Movement: He moves the most when I'm sitting or lying down (about ready to fall asleep). I've been trying to lie down (to read) about a half hour before I'm ready to fall asleep, so that he has time to "settle". If not, he keeps me awake.

We officially scheduled our cesarean section for March 28th (a month from today)! It's crazy to have an official birthday, already... unless he comes early, of course! I will be exactly 39 weeks at the time. At my last appointment, I started to get really nervous for the c-section. I mean I know that I've been in that situation before, but it was so fast, last time, that I had no time to think about what was actually happening. My doctor assured me, however, that this time will actually be better because things will be so much calmer. She also said that usually recovery is a lot quicker than the first time. Obviously, everyone is different, but that's the norm, apparently. I'll take it. The main thing I'm concerned about is recovering with a toddler at home. Last time, I was able to sleep, lie down, and rest. Besides nap time, I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that as often. My mom is going to stay with us a while and we will have more family coming, as well. That will be SO helpful. I'm so thankful for that!
I know that God will give me His grace and strength for that time. He always provides!

I'm so excited for our little one to arrive! I'm so excited to have a baby in the house, again. I can't imagine loving another child as much as I love T, but (according to what everyone says) I know that it happens! How exciting!!!

32 Weeks!

Size of baby: Our baby is about 16.7 inches and 3.8 pounds (about the size of a squash!).
Symptoms: I'm starting to have Braxton Hicks contractions a little more frequently, but it's usually after/during exercise (or going up and down stairs). I just rest and drink some water and they subside. It's not painful, just a little uncomfortable. My belly is starting to "get in the way", sometimes (when I play the piano, hold Tatum on my lap, empty the dishwasher, carry the laundry basket, paint my toe nails, etc.). However, sometimes it comes in handy. The other day, I dropped a spoon, and my belly "caught" it for me. :) It's been super uncomfortable bending over to pick things up, so that was so helpful!
I'm still wearing my wedding ring which I'm very excited about. I think this time, last pregnancy, my fingers were too swollen (plus, it was summer) to wear it. :( 
Maternity clothes: I hope that they'll all still fit me throughout the rest of my pregnancy! I feel like I've been growing so much and there's no more room!
Cravings: Lately,  I've been loving Stonyfield's french vanilla yogurt and blueberries! It's so weird because I couldn't even stand the thought of blueberries during the first and second trimesters.
Movement: I feel like this little guy has definitely flipped (head down). His kicking is a lot stronger at the top of my belly (like his feet?). It's so crazy feeling him "respond" to touch outside of the womb... he'll kick back if you touch him. He moves the most when I wake up on the morning and in the evening before I go to bed.

I'm 2 and a half...

... going on 16!!!
Things I like to do: I love to make soup in my little kitchen, play with my new doll house, read books, go on errands with Mommy (Walmart, the bank, and Fareway), play the piano, dance, color, have tea parties with Mommy, play "come back here" with Papa, play with play-doh,

help Mommy pick up things she drops (she's been doing that a lot, lately), play with Charlie, watch Elmo's World, Winnie the Pooh, Barney, and Funniest Home Videos.
Favorite toys: I love playing with my Elmo and Abby, my blue purse, my baby dolls, any little containers, Samantha, Legos, my memory game, and my little kitchen.
How I've been sleeping: I usually go to bed between 8 and 8:30. I wake up around 7:30 and play in my room until around 8. I usually nap from 1:30ish until around 3:30 or 4. I sometimes fight my nap, but I still definitely need a nap! I get grumpy when I don't nap. All in all, I'm a very good sleeper.
Favorite foods: Macaroni and cheese, frozen peas, green peppers, apples, pears, goldfish, cheerios, fig newtons, banana smoothies (that Papa makes for me), cottage cheese, whales, and chocolate.
Favorite songs to sing: Elmo's song, Jingle Bells, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, ABCs, Jesus Loves Me, The B-I-B-L-E, Old McDonald, and Happy Birthday.
Milestones: I'm learning new words everyday... and surprising Mommy and Papa all the time with my new words. I can count to 20 and can recognize 0 - 9. I do a good job describing things (cold, hot, soft, long, etc.) and carrying on a short conversation. When I ask for things, I now say "please" and "thank you", consistently. I, also, use a spoon and fork and usually don't spill! I can identify my colors and most "normal" animals. I can skip, jump and throw a ball.
Milestones I'm working on: Mommy still helps me get dressed and undressed and brush my teeth. I don't think I'll be using the "big girl" potty anytime soon. I'm just not ready, yet. I love my cloth diapers! :) I share pretty well, but I still have to be reminded, sometimes. I'm working on coloring more in the lines, and drawing specific shapes (copying). Mommy and Papa are trying to teach me to say "I'm" instead of "my". I sometimes say "My going to get my toys" instead of "I'm going to get my toys".

My personality: My mommy and papa still think that I have a very sensitive heart. I care about how others are feeling and want to make them happy. However, I do have a bit of a temper, at times. I'm learning that when I become angry or frustrated, I can't throw things or hit. I have to sit in time out when I do that. I'm learning how to handle my emotions and be a good listener and obeyer. I make Mommy and Papa laugh, and I love people, animals, and my friends.