Peanut Smiles

Lexi 1 year 11 months (24 months)

December 4, 2014March 30, 2015 peanutsmiles

Dear Lexi,

Your monthly letter completely escaped me. I took notes throughout the month, but procrastinated in writing it because, by gosh, you are TWO my sweet girl and don’t know how to articulate this happy, sweet, funny and smart little munchkin you’ve become. Three months later…here we are. The details and stories aren’t as vivid but I’m sure if you ever dare to read this 15 years from now, you’ll suffice.

Favorite memories:

Not necessarily a ‘favorite’ memory, but a huge milestone: you are officially potty trained. We put you in underwear over Thanksgiving break since I was home from work and had the time to work with you and bring you to the potty often. The first day was pretty rough. I think you had 6 accidents. I was ready to give up, but knew I needed to stick it out for a couple more days. Day 2 was a little better, maybe 4 accidents and by day 3 you maybe just had one. We didn’t necessarily use one of the ‘potty training methods’ out there as you didn’t react well to them when we tried back in August. This time, I just would very casually bring you to the potty every hour or two, and you always went. We didn’t make a big fuss about it or talk about it a lot–we just did it, and you seemed to respond pretty well to it. We also were only attempting to train you in the day, not for naps or night time, but after two solid weeks of waking up dry, we quit putting diapers on you. March update: you’ve had less then 5 night time accidents. Way to rock it my big girl! (minor note: You have a really hard time wearing any kind of character underwear as you get rashes on your bum–so we’ve stuck to the Gerber cloth type training pants and Gap)

We started a Mommy and Me swimming class this month. The first couple classes were a little rough as you had NO interest in doing what the class was doing and just wanted to play. The teacher was also requesting you to do pretty advanced tasks that you just weren’t capable of yet, but nonetheless, by the third week you were listening to the teacher and doing a much better job. One of the evenings, we stayed after class to swim and you blossomed. We were able to work on things like kicking and floating on your back and you rocked them. You also got comfortable going down the tot slide and probably went down it 30 times that night. To say you LOVED it was a complete understatement. I wish I would have had a waterproof camera to capture your big smile every time you went down.

I also took you to get your first haircut this month. The mullet had just gotten out of control and we needed some direction. We went to a specialty kids place, they put you in a little seat, gave you a sucker and let you watch Frozen. I wanted them to keep your hair as long as possible but get it out of your eyes and eliminate the mullet. They suggested bangs as kids your age have a hard time brushing the hair to the side. Even though I’m not a fan of bangs, the logic made sense and we went with it. You were terrified the entire time and kept wanting to give me hugs. And the amount of hair they cut was pathetic and totally not worth the $20. However, they did give you a nice little certificate with a little bag of your hair for your baby book.

One night I had made Mac N’ Cheese for dinner and you and I were sitting at the table and for whatever reason I told you to take a ‘Big Bite’ but said it in a slightly lower octave and kind of loud and you thought it was the funniest thing you ever heard. You giggled uncontrollably, which of course prompted me to repeat this because that sweet little giggle of yours is seriously the happiest noise I’ve ever heard in my life. Thankfully, we got it on video, but this little saying has become a regular part of our vocabulary and has even stuck around 3 months later.

Notes:

You LOVE to read Curious George. It is usually read every night before bedtime. You also love Frozen, Minions, Ariel and your little Princess Books. You refer to Despicable Me as Minions and New Minions.

You are amazed by Christmas lights on people’s homes. Whenever you notice them you yell ‘Wook at that mama. Wook Wook Wook!’

You absolutely adore Papa! You talk about him at home frequently and pretend to talk to him on your phone, specifically about how you’re going to eat Gum Drops and play diggers together. Whenever you see him your face lights up in excitement, it is so sweet!

You love to help Daddy shovel the snow. You chatter away while you’re out there, usually saying ‘I heping’

We went to the Children’s museum for the first time this month and you are such a shy and timid little girl sometimes. You’re very polite and wait your turn for things, but then get frustrated and angry when the other kids budge in line or take things from your hands. You say ‘That’s Wexi’s’ and furrow your brows, but don’t ever take things from other kids or push. Part of me is happy that you’re so well behaved, but the other part of me wants you to stick up for yourself and not let other kids push you around. I hope that you’ll be able to learn do stick up for yourself yet still be the sweet polite little girl that you are.

Of course after the Children’t museum, you got a cold. You were pretty run down and fell asleep while watching one of your shows, (which never happens).

This month you’ve also learned to easily climb up and down the stools at the counter and sit and eat there occasionally.

Thats it my sweet girl. Officially, your last monthly post. I’ve loved capturing the past two years for you (and for me) and hope you’ll enjoy looking over these as you get older. We love you more than you will ever know.

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 27 Weeks

December 2, 2014December 16, 2014 peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

It feels odd writing ‘just baby.’ You’ve been with me for 27 weeks now and it feels like I should have a nickname for your or should refer to you by name or something more personal than ‘just baby’. But in reality, that’s how I talk about you and what I think of you–you’re just a baby to me. There is so much to discover about you, anything more than ‘baby’ seems too much. Are you going to be stubborn, have colic, have your nights and your days mixed up, be laid back like your sister, a good sleeper and eater, will you have trouble nursing, will you be healthy and that only tips the surface of what your little personality will unfold as your grow.

Today was a more eventful day than normal. My work team volunteered at the Ronald McDonald Home by decorating it for Christmas. It was fun to get out of the office and think about how grateful the families would be to experience a little bit of the Holiday’s during such a difficult time for them. It also stirred up some anxiety about how little control we have over health and I pray that you, your sister or anyone close never have to experience the challenges that come with cancer. It is such a scary and unpredictable thing.

Following the event, I had a doctor appointment and took my glucose test and passed, which is the important thing, but the test itself was pretty brutal. I started drinking the liquid and thought, huh, this isn’t as bad as I remember. By the end, it was nearly gagging as I drank it. Then, continued to get light-headed throughout the hour I had to wait before getting my blood drawn. Note to future self: make sure you eat and drink a lot of water before taking that test again, if I ever need to.

Overall the doctor appointment went well. Your heartbeat was at 157 and I’m measuring 1 week early and have gained 14 lbs, so great news on all fronts. This week also started a middle of the night bathroom break. You continue to move around a lot, especially late in the evening. Sometimes it feels like you are typing on my tummy. Lexi continues to call you her sister and when we ask her what your name is, she says ‘Baby’. So I guess she is just like me.

The past week was Thanksgiving and it was nice to have a break from work and see family. We also started potty training Lexi so we only have you in diapers (hopefully)! Day 1 was rough, but each day has gotten better and easier. Heartburn has been relatively tame over the past week. I have moments but don’t need to take Tums consistently.

Until next week…

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 26 Weeks

November 25, 2014December 14, 2014 peanutsmiles

Little Babes,

You’re definitely growing in there. There is no question that I look pregnant but, yesterday was the first time someone that I hadn’t told I was pregnant asked me when I was due. Kind of surprising it took 26 weeks for someone to say something. This week and maybe a little of last week, I’ve noticed my belly has changed from soft to hard. I have a more difficult time bending over and know that it is only going to get worse. I also have felt changes in movement this week. Activity level still seems comparable to Lexi, but now instead of just feeling kicks and punches, I can feel general movement, particularly when one of your body parts (like an elbow) is sticking out. I can’t identify which body parts they are, but i can feel you trying to squirm around.

Other than that, things are pretty uneventful. I feel good. I’m sleeping pretty good assuming I have a pillow under my leg while I’m on my side, which is close enough to feel like I’m sleeping on my stomach. No food cravings or aversions. I am starting to feel like I get full really quickly these days. Heart burn is in moderate shape. It flares up here and there but isn’t a daily occurrence. Still feeling like you’re a little boy, although Lexi solely refers to you as her sister. I’m loving scolding hot showers!

Thanksgiving is in two days so enjoy your feast little one!

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 25 Weeks

November 18, 2014December 14, 2014 peanutsmiles

Dear little nugget,

These weeks start to blend together for me. When Tuesday rolls around, I’m often questioning what week of pregnancy this really is. Unfortunately, I usually think I’m further along than I really am. This morning I was wondering, am I 26 weeks today?

Over the past week, I think you’ve shifted your position a little as I’m starting to feel and actually see kicks and movements from the outside. There is still a lot of internal kicks, but refreshing to have a little break from you kicking my stomach. With this shifted position, Daddy was also able to feel you thumping around this week too. You seem to be most active late in the evenings, between 10 and midnight. It hasn’t kept me from sleeping yet, but it is definitely the time you move the most and it feels the strongest.

I also think you had a growth spurt this week. I gained 3 lbs in the last two weeks and when Lexi and I went to swimming lessons yesterday, my swimsuit was significantly tighter around the belly then it was last week.

This week also brought some sickness to our house. All three of us had pretty nasty colds that took each of us down for 3 days. We all still have some lingering affects but for the most part are back in working order. And holy cow, does it stink not being able to take the strong medicine to help you feel better! Suddafed should not be taken for granted. Although, I was very impressed at what a difference a couple of Tylenol’s will do for you considering they aren’t very strong. This week also got disgustingly cold! Like 1 degrees cold–which also sucked all the humidity out of the air making it very dry. Usually, it doesn’t get this cold until January so I’m hoping that we’re getting our taste of it now and January/February will bring mild temperatures. I’ve been wearing Daddy’s jacket since it is the only one that can be zipped right now, and it doesn’t have a lot of room to spare. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming months. I’m really hoping I don’t need to buy a winter maternity jacket. They are so expensive and will only get worn for a short period of time.

This past week Lexi has been telling us that you are a sister. She obviously has no idea what that means but it has been consistent. If we ask, are you going to have a brother, she says, ‘No, sister’. I still have strong feeling that you are a little boy. We do have a boy name picked out but not a girl name, we’ve talked anecdotely about girl names but never definitely settled on something. I also haven’t pushed it or brought it up cause I don’t think it is something we’re going to have to worry about.

Other notes, sleep seems to be going well as long as I prop my leg up on a pillow. No major cravings or aversions although there have been a couple moments where I would like a glass of wine after a long or stressful day. Yesterday, I had my first real stint of heartburn. It lasted all day and was just not a good feeling. I dug out my tums and am prepared for when it strikes again.

Take care little nugs,

Love, Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 24 Weeks

November 11, 2014December 14, 2014 peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

Six months down and four to go until we get to meet your sweet little face. This week has brought a new level of discomfort. You’re getting much stronger and your kicks and punches have become uncomfortable and make me a little nauseous at times when you get me in the right organ–specifically the stomach. I still wouldn’t describe them as painful but there are moments of surprise when my eyes get wide from one of your kicks. At this point, movement still feels like kicks and punches and haven’t gotten to the whole body rolls yet. I still haven’t had any official heartburn to report which I will happily put off for as long as I can. The belly is getting big enough where it gets in the way when I bend down or try to put my socks on, but it doesn’t prevent me from doing these things yet. I can still sort of sleep on my stomach. I’m able to position myself where I am half on my stomach and half on my side, which as been satisfying my comfort need in wanting to fall asleep on my stomach, but then am perfectly happy to roll on my side or back once I am asleep. I’m also able to sleep through the night without having to get up to go to the bathroom. So overall, sleep feels pretty good. No major cravings or aversions at this point.

After being home from vacation for a whole week, it feels everyone was able to get back into a routine and Lexi is sleeping through the night again–eating like a maniac and just generally being her sweet self. Daddy was out of town over the weekend in Green Bay for a Packers game so Lexi and I went to the Children’s Museum, had a fun movie night and got her first haircut.

Let’s keep these posts uneventful little nugs. No need to repeat your big sister’s drama and send me to the hospital in excruciating pain with kidney issues.

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 23 Weeks

November 4, 2014November 13, 2014 peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

(sorry little babes, I forgot to take a picture this week)

Today we had your ultrasound and am happy to report that you appear to be a very healthy baby. Your heart, brain, stomach, diaphragm, arms, legs, kidney, umbilical cord all looked great. You had your hands in front of your face so we weren’t able to get a good 3D picture of your face but that is Ok. I was just thrilled to get more confirmation that you are healthy.

They also confirmed that my suspicions were correct and your spine is against the outside of my belly. So all that movement I’m feeling inside is you kicking my organs around. It isn’t painful but it is a very usual feeling and not super comfortable. Your heartbeat was a 163 and your measuring about 1 lb. 7 oz, which is about 7 oz above average. Also, according to your size they say I’m about 24 1/2 weeks–but that could just mean you’ve recently gone through a growth spurt and they’re keeping my due date as is.

Dr. G said everything looks healthy with mama, blood pressure is good, I’ve gained 10 lbs. which is right where I should be and everything looks good!

Outside of your ultrasound, we’ve had a pretty low key week after returning from Hawaii. Daddy and I have been working to get back on a regular sleep schedule, getting Lexi back into her routine and getting up to speed on everything at work again.

So grateful you’re healthy little nugget!

Love,

Mama

Alexis Monthly Posts, Lexi

Lexi 1 year 11 months (23 months)

November 4, 2014February 8, 2017 peanutsmiles

Dear Lexi,

What an eventful month this has been, and I’m afraid, I don’t have too many pictures or things to report as Mama and Daddy were in Hawaii for 2 of the 4 weeks. Thankfully, that wonderful grandma of yours went above and beyond in volunteering to take time off of work and watch you for Mama and Daddy. I knew you would be in great hands with her but was very nervous leaving you for such a long time. I wasn’t sure if you would recognize that we were gone and feel abandoned or if it wouldn’t cross your mind. For the most part, I think you did fantastic. You didn’t ask about us and had lots of fun with Grandma, Papa and Auntie She-She, but there were some minor side affects to your behavior once we returned home. There were lots and lots and lots of hugs and kisses and snuggles for the days following, which was awesome. On the down side, I did think you felt abandoned to a small degree as you had several wake ups in the middle of the night crying for mama. As soon as I went and got you you put your head on my shoulder and went to sleep. We’ve worked through this and I think you’re in a much better place now, but still feel bad if we made you feel abandoned.

On a related note, Mama and dada were gone for 12 days and although we had a great time, it was just too long to be away from you. The last two days, I just wanted to be home and see you. I did pretty good for the first 6 days and then each day got a little tougher as I missed you more and more.

Favorite moments

One of my favorite moments this month was seeing you at the airport when we came home. Grandma texted me and said you were out in the car so I ran out to see you and you had the biggest smile on your face and were kicking your legs in your car seat and exclaimed, MAMA!!!! I picked you up and you have me a HUGE hug and just nuzzled your head into my shoulders. I brought you inside to see Daddy and you pointed and gave Daddy a big hug. You quickly came back to mama, and kept nuzzeling your head into my shoulder. I definitely teared up when I saw you and heard your little voice call my name. Your extensive love for both of us continued for several days with lots of hugs and kisses.

On the second night after returning from Hawaii, I was putting you to bed and you were not having it. You were very upset and trying to climb out of your crib. To help you settle down and actually lay down, I promised you I would lie on the floor and hold your hand while you feel asleep. Through your tears, you begged for me to sing twinkle twinkle. So there I lay on the floor and your little hand holding onto my pointer finger. After two rounds of the song you had stopped crying and were falling to sleep. I stopped singing and slowly pulled my hand away. About 30 seconds later, your little voice peeped up and asked to hold my hand and rolled over to the edge of the crib so your face was smushed against the crib slots. Once holding my finger, you requested more Twinkle Twinkle and it just broke my heart and I started getting very weepy. I felt so guilty for leaving you and causing you any anxiety that you may be experiencing. With my voice cracking and tears streaming down my face, I held onto your little hand made my way through the song and let you fall asleep. I’m not sure what it was about this moment, but I felt so vulnerable and responsible for you and just missed you so much–i just broke down.

The day after we got back also was Halloween. We’ve been attempting to practice wearing your costume throughout the month, but you just didn’t like it so I was a little nervous how the evening was going to unfold. We practiced trick or treating the night before upstairs. You went to each door in your costume and said trick or treat and than daddy or I would open the door and give you some candy. So that evening you were at least compliant in putt your your costume one. It was very cold and luckily, your winter jacket was the same color as your costume so we were able to put it on underneath to help keep you warm. Once the first round of kids came to our door, you wanted to go out with them and were all about it. Daddy took you to the first couple of houses and then came home. And then I took you out and we went all the way around the block. Oh my stars you were so cute and funny. The first house you went to with Daddy, you got a kit-kat and once it was put into your bucket, you looked up and told Lief and Karen, ‘Owww, that’s Mama’s!’. You did a great job saying trick or treat, and please and thank you to every house you went to. And in between houses you would have little conversations with yourself. You would repeat me saying, ‘What do you say?’, and then respond to your own question with ‘Tank you’. You held onto my hand the entire time and were just chatting away about the stars in the sky and the airplanes you could see. When we got to a street you would say, ‘Stop, ook for cars. No cars, et’s go!’ You would even comment about people’s grass and rocks by saying things like ‘Oww nice rocks’ as you walked over them. You were just too darn cute!!!

At the beginning of the month, you and I were outside and I was cutting all of our plants down for the winter and you were so good playing by yourself for at least an hour. You sat on the stones by the hose and played with a stick in the dirt. I think this moment sticks out in my mind because it was just another sign of how you’re growing up. Normally, you would be right at my side and wanting me to play with you, but you were so content on your own creating your own fun in the dirt. Your getting so big sweet one!

Notes:

You continue to do a great job of letting us know when you have to go poop on the potty.

You often get the word ‘you’ mixed up with the word ‘me’ For example, you’ll request to be carried by saying ‘Carry-you’

You love to watch youtube videos of airplanes taking off and landing. In fact, Daddy bribes you with this when you’re going down for a nap that you get to watch one when you wake up.

You love to read Curious George, watch the minions and Frozen.

You’ve gotten more adventurous in the tub and will lay down on your tummy, put your face in the water and will even attempt to float on your back. Overall, you love the bath and you love to take showers with me.

You LOVE to show Daddy how you look. If we put a new outfit on or do your hair, you request that we go and show Daddy how you look.

While at Grandma’s house, you helped papa with work projects like raking the leaves, you would go to the park and swing at least once, sometimes twice a day, you would go and look at the diggers in the park, you went to the pumpkin patch and to the Zoo. While at the zoo, you were watching the polar bears and saw one of them poop and yelled out ‘Ohhh Poo-poo!’ You also would watch Thomas with papa and play cards with him every night. You had tea-parties with Auntie She-She and Grandma T and had so much fun!

I can’t believe you’re going to be 2 next month!!!! We love you Lexi and are so happy to be back home with you.

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 22 Weeks

October 28, 2014November 9, 2014 peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

Today is our last day in Hawaii. It was a great trip and we saw a ton but I’m ready to get back home and see that sweet sister of yours. I missed her more than I imagined and have never been more excited for a trip to be complete. This last week was eventful! Your Daddy and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary by taking a helicopter ride to the top of a volcano. It was cool to see, but we weren’t able to see any lava as it was slowly impeding a town and they didn’t want helicopters hoovering over their homes as they’re preparing for disaster. We also spent some more time relaxing by the pool and enjoying some beautiful scenery and sunsets on the Big Island. The second half of the week was spent in beautiful Maui where we swam in the ocean, drove the treacherous Hana highway, went for an exhausting hike to a waterfall that was absolutely spectacular, snorkeled and saw sea turtles and visited the historic pearl harbor.

Our flight leaves tonight at 10:00 pm and I’m a little nervous for 7 hours on an uncomfortable plane where I’m expected to sleep but know I won’t be able to. Things with you continue to move with ease. Your movements continue to grow in frequency and strength everyday. I continue to feel most of your movements internally, verses externally towards my belly, which is somewhat uncomfortable as you continue to kick my organs.

It is almost impossible to sleep on my stomach now as you’re just too big and a little painful. With that said, I can’t complain too much about sleep as I feel like I’m sleeping well. I fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. Food is also good for the most part. I’ve eaten a lot of fish in Hawaii (I heard that eating fish while pregnant can help make baby smarter 🙂 and haven’t had any heartburn as of yet. Overall, I feel like I have a hard time making a decision on what to eat as most food just doesn’t sound that appetizing, even through I’m hungry. No major cravings, although I did crave a beer here and there while other’s were enjoying by overall, feeling that things are pretty mellow.

We have our doctor’s appointment and big ultra sound next week and are very excited to see how you are doing and hear your heartbeat–it has been too long. Still feeling strongly that you’re a boy, but are officially waiting to find out until you are born.

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 21 Weeks

October 21, 2014October 15, 2016 peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii! To begin your 21st week of gestation, you’ve joined myself and Daddy in Hawaii. We began our journey last Saturday and will be here through your 22nd week. So far, everything everyone has said about the beauty and serenity of the island is true. Originally, we were very nervous about our travel plans as a hurricane was headed to the island and was scheduled to hit the night we were arriving. Luckily, it changed directions and missed the island and the outer rings of the storm hit the island the day before we arrived.

We’ve been staying with Daddy’s cousin, Kris and John and they have been great hosts. Today we went for a helicopter ride and it was spectacular. Naturally, I was very nervous about something happening, but all was good and the water and waterfalls were amazing. I had seen pictures of this area before, but it was so different to see it in person and from the vantage point of a helicopter verses being on the ground.

I’ll do another post around our trip, but other things to note, the sun is SUPER strong. Much stronger than I anticipated and can literally feel myself burning with sunscreen on within 20 minutes. Daddy and I went snorkeling for the first time and it was pretty cool to see the coral and all the fish swimming around. I would love to see some sea turtles at some point but we’ll see. Also, the plane rides weren’t too terrible. We had three separate flights which helped break up the potential longness of some and was thankful to have the compression socks. They were slightly uncomfortable, but I could feel them working as they would get tighter if I was just sitting for a long period of time. The moment I got up and began moving around, I felt some relief.

I feel like a broken record with updates on your behalf in that everything is very mellow and everything seems to be going fine. I have seen a couple belly movements from the outside, but Daddy still hasn’t been able to feel them. Whenever either of us put a hand on the belly, you seem to stop moving all together. Once difference between you and Lexi is that almost all of Lexi’s kicks or movement was felt on the outside of my belly. Almost all of your movement is internal. It feels like you are constantly kicking my stomach, liver and other internal organs. It isn’t painful, but I wouldn’t say it is comfortable either.

Continue to be good to your mama!

Love,

Mama

Baby 2, Pregnancy Updates

Baby #2 20 Weeks

October 14, 2014November 2, 2014 peanutsmiles

Little Babes,

Half way there (hopefully)! Typically this is the week we do a big ultrasound to check on your heart, lungs, brain and other organs to make sure everything is growing and developing they way it should. This is also the time when we are able to find out if you’re a girl or a boy. However, with the way insurance worked out, we’re waiting a couple of weeks so it is a little less expensive.

This week has been a little crazy and I forgot to take a belly picture. Mom and Dad are getting ready to go on a big trip to Hawaii. Mom has been busy getting everything wrapped up at work and everyone packed up. Overall, we’re very excited for the trip as we’ve both wanted to go to Hawaii for a long time. With that said, I’m pretty anxious in general. When we went on a trip to Colorado while I was pregnant with Lexi, I ended up in the hospital and we had to cut the trip short, so I’m a little worried something like that will happen again. I’m also worried about leaving Lexi for such a long period of time. I know she’ll be in great hands with Grandma and Auntie She-She but I’m worried about how much I’m going to miss her. Finally, I’m the most nervous about something happening to Daddy and I and leaving Lexi with no parents. It is a terrible and frightening thought but one that I just can’t escape. There have been many many prayers that everything goes smoothly.

Other than that, everything with you continues to move along without any thought. You and my belly continue to grow. I had gained 10 lbs last I weighed myself. You continue to move and jab around, but still no luck on feeling you from the outside or even seeing my belly move. I’m still very thirsty but in general have been feeling really great. Sleeping is going well. I usually start out on my stomach with a leg to the side for weight distribution so it isn’t all on the belly and usually end up on my side or back by morning.

I think that is it for now. Be good to your mama in Hawaii sweet babes.

Love,

Mama