Max's updates

Here's another "Grandma" post. Just some new ones with Max. We got to hang out in Napa the other day to "babysit" Riley and Payten. The day flew by and Max had SO MUCH FUN with them. Riley is just 2 months younger than Max so they are little buddies together. Payten is a little diva.

I commented about Max looking out the window at our old house. He found a new lookout point. He jumps as fast as he can when he hears any truck or loud car (garbage truck). He loves watching the world through the window.

Flashlights. All of our flashlights are running out of batteries because this little guy is obsessed. It will entertain him for a while. I can't say 'a long time' because nothing entertains him for a long time. But he always goes back to it.

We got him a little table at Ikea and he loves it. Well, he loves the chairs. He loves pushing them around the house and climbing on and off them. We set up his paper and crayon set, which he likes. Thank goodness for baby wipes. So far they have cleaned crayon off the walls, couch, toys, floors and shower doors. We're learning patience and he's (not) learning what he can and can't do. Who's the boss around here?

He learned the letter "M". Sort of. Every letter or word is the letter M. He loves to sing and hum to himself and all of a sudden started talking. He says bye, please, hi, hi dad, hi mom, no, book, water, milk, most family names and most things he can repeat back to us. Not all of them are clear but we can make out what they mean and it makes it easier to "talk" with him.

He's been a little grouchy lately (reflecting off mommy, I suppose) and we are still working with him sleeping through the night. He's only slept three complete nights since we moved. I hope he adjusts soon.

Other than that he is doing great and we are so lucky to have such a cute and funny little boy!

Newer Ultrasound pictures.

I'm taking a break from the negativity. Don't worry, it will be back. I have to meet with the witches tomorrow. I did get a call from my doctor today to check in on me. I'm not calling him back. He's not my priority right now. This is:


Here are the fat fingers she was talking about. I really like the doctor that did this ultrasound. She did the 20 week with Max and she is still just as spunky and happy. She was so excited to see the fingers and oooh'd and awww'd when she told me the top picture was the baby waving at Mama.

The hair. She explained all the white/gray stuff is some serious hair floating around in the fluid. The baby is looking away from the camera so its part of the back of his/her head.

I may get more on Wednesday when they check the fetal weight. I'm curious about that. I'll update more then too.

Update and vent

Alright, here we go again.

I had the stress test yesterday. All went well. I was able to sit in a quiet room, alone, for a half hour. It was cool and I had the remote. I go back once a week until the baby comes. I was hooked up to two monitors and given the "beeper". The beeper is what I push every time I felt the baby move. Well, the baby never stopped moving. Seriously. When they came in to check on me I told them I was doing the best I can and trying not to "beep" over and over again. When she came in to unhook me, they tried to tell me the baby had the hiccups. I then told her to watch my belly. She then told her co-worker to come in and watch my amazing belly. I won. Not the hiccups.

So we went to the ultrasound room, which I didn't know I was having, and will be having at each appointment now. They need to measure the fluid level (was normal yesterday) and starting next week the baby's size as well. How dare I deliver another 12+ lb baby!

I was told the baby had fat fingers and A TON OF HAIR! They sent me home with pictures of each and yes, both are cute. They said if it's a girl to be prepared to bring a hair tie. Aw.

Then I went to my second diabetes class where all my good news was crumbled up into a ball and spit at me by angry, powerful and degrading women. (I'm not making that up either. Erik had to talk to them today, for me, and he agreed there is a certain "tone" used). They want me to start insulin. Just once a day.

I honestly thought I was doing well. My blood sugars weren't too out of whack (within 10 points of what they want, sometimes just 1 or 2 over, sometimes perfectly normal). So I was really proud that I was changing my eating habits and routine. Then I was slapped with insulin. So I shut off. Got my instructions and left and waited until today to call my Dr's to see what he thought.

He agreed with the devil ladies and told me "you got so lucky that your first child is healthy because he was so big" and "you are being ridiculous" and "why are you so emotional over this" and "you are endangering your child. IT'S ABOUT THE HEALTH OF YOUR BABY!!"

I won't go further because the conversation lasted about 15 minutes and by the time we hung up I was crying so hard I couldn't even say bye. Then I threw up for 10 minutes. He's off to Seattle this weekend. I'm off to pray that my water breaks and I don't have to see his stupid face again.

Erik had to make the next call for me to the wicked witches. I couldn't really talk for about an hour. I was insulted as a Mom. I was shocked to get the results I got. I'm concerned the risks are higher for the baby with insulin rather than adding exercise. Seems a little extreme as the next step -for just one week of testing blood sugars. I felt like no one wanted to listen to that part, they just want to follow a textbook.

I can respect that. If that is what I need to do, I'll do it. I understand that part of it and I absolutely do not want to harm this child. Well, that is what I'm doing. Starting next week. I'm not happy about it. I'm asking Erik to come the the class and all of my appointments with me in case I turn into a blubbering fool again. (Who wants to babysit?)

I am an emotional pregnant woman. And I just got a lot off my chest.

Pregnancy Update, again.

(I realize this may be boring for some, but it's more informative for family. And more of a memory for me, to keep track).

I had another doctor appointment today. This was the first since my diabetes "diagnosis". I write that in quotes because he told me today he doesn't think I have it. (Erik confirmed it, I'm not making it up). My blood sugars have been within normal range. I've cheated a few times and it seems to still be normal. But, I'm still learning too.

The appointment went well. I got a NEW C-section date. The new date will be August 18th. It's around lunchtime so hopefully by 5ish I will be ready for visitors. Although after Max's I was so doped up I had no idea what I was saying. It falls on a Tuesday so I'm assuming I'll be going home by Saturday.

My doc wants me to have a Non Stress Test. I've never done one, but I'm having it tomorrow. Just to monitor the baby's movements. We have no problem there, he just wants it done with the "diagnosis". Really, I think this baby will bust out on its own-through my skin. Strong little thing. Or big thing.

I lost 2 lbs, which is normal with the "diagnosis". So I've gained 12 pounds so far. That's just about Max at birth. Not bad for 35 weeks, but I feel it's balanced with the 20 I never lost with Max.

Ahh...

Dirty mouth?

You know when you don't hear your kid(s) there is something suspicious going on. I found Max and my purse on my bedroom floor. Smelling minty fresh. I had to pull the last piece out of his mouth, wrapper included. Looks like a he chewed each piece (maybe 6?) a little and put it back in the packaging. A couple minutes after he was caught, he was giggling and jumping on the couch and fell off. Hard! A couple minutes after that, he fell asleep in my arms. It's 7pm...keep your fingers crossed he stays that way!!!!

Cookies and Obesity

Andrew, Max and Clay (left to right).

Anyone else thinking Oreo cookie?

Andrew and Clay came over to play for a couple hours yesterday. Before swimming (in our huge and elegant blow up pool) we stayed cool with a few cartoons. Erik said to get the camera and this is what I found. Max LOVES his cousins and does whatever they do.

After some cartoons they played the Wii and we had this conversation:

Clay: Juli, is it 'Oh-bess' or 'Oh-beese'?

Juli: It's 'Oh-beese'.

Clay: Oh, okay. Well, if you got on the Wii scale it would tell you that you are obese.

8 months ago I probably would have been offended. Now, it's friggin' hilarious!!!!

Surgery. Squared.

Erik had his second wrist surgery today. We had to be there at 6am, meaning we had to leave our house at 5am, meaning we had to leave our pride and joy overnight...away from us...both...for the FIRST TIME! It was nice!

The surgery went well. They cut into his bone and removed a cyst as well. He is in a lot of pain now, but has a full supply of meds. He has a splint just past his elbow. And he is almost following Dr's orders and staying in bed. He is complaining of being hot. Which I love, because I get to have the air and fans on longer and stronger.

Max is having fun with a Daddy who stays put and can read for hours (not that Max ever stays put, but he has a "reader" at any given time).

Get well soon, Daddy!

I'm a failure

I failed my glucose test.

Maybe he did miss something with Max. I don't know. He told me he wasn't going to bother putting me through the 3 hour testing being so close to the "end".

I take my first gestational diabetes class next week. On my Birthday. Lovely.

No ice-cream for a pregnant woman? This could get ugly.

Pregnancy Update

It's set!

My C-section date, that is. August 26th is my scheduled date (unless the baby wants to come early). It's a Wednesday and I will probably be in the hospital through Saturday. So plan around it! Come visit us!

My appointment went well. I gained another pound, I think it's 15 total now. He said the baby is still measuring big (duh, again) but is very happy to hear about how much it's moving. I have to take the diabetes/glucose test again in a few days, just as a precaution. He still feels like they missed something with Max. I don't. I think if he missed something, than several other doctors did too.

I go back in two weeks, then every week.

That FLEW by!!!!!

4th weekend

We had a fun 4th weekend. It started with a visit from our friends, Ryan and Amanda, and their 6 month old twins, Jasper and Lily. Last year on the 4th, they also came up on their way to visit family near Sacramento. During breakfast they accidentally (and yes, it was a complete accident) slipped that Amanda was pregnant. We were casually talking about how we all had twins in our families and Amanda slipped and said, "Well, my Mom thinks it's twins." The subject changed and I got a funny look. But, within about 30 seconds Erik asked, "Wait, what do you mean...." The stares and smiles broke and we got to hear the good news. The news was still sinking in for them so we had to keep it quiet for a while.

On Christmas morning we heard the news that the babies were here...10 weeks early!!!!! We just went to their baby shower a couple days before. We patiently waited our turn to meet them and we finally did.

The twins are now 6 months old and doing GREAT! They were so fun to hang out with and Max loved hugging and petting them. They all fell asleep so we snapped a picture while they were all still.
We are so happy for them and look forward to watching them grow.

After the visit we went to Napa for swimming, food and contests. My Mom arranged swimming and diving contests for the kids and even had a great awards ceremony, including music and medals. Max won for the Happiest Swimmer and Erik won for the Best Cannon Ball. Another great 4th!