Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Happy St. Paddy's Day…

…from our THREE little leprechauns!

That's right, Patrick John made his appearance a little bit early on March 13 at 1:47pm, clocking in as my itty bittiest baby at only 8 pounds, 5oz and 19.25" long.

(His sister was 8'11" and brother was 8'12" - both 20.5" long… it's funny how those 6ish ounces didn't really make a difference in the level of Holy-Shizz-what-was-I-thinking??ring-of-fire moment.)

His birth was unlike either of my others, but was ultimately fantastic and brought me this new, dark haired, cheeks for weeks, tiny guy to snuggle and love.

His Daddy and I were both very thankful he chose to come a few days early, because Patrick had indeed been our chosen boy name for…well, forever, and then when we found out that we were due on St. Patrick's Day with G3…we wondered if we could really do that to a kid.

Though, his Daddy did thoughtfully point out that he would be very popular in his fraternity someday. Sigh.

Thankfully, we were able to avoid that particular conundrum.

Happy Due Date to my newest little love, and a Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone!



Evelyn Rae is 3.5, Liam is 2 and Patrick is 4 days old

…and there are some really great outtakes from this shoot that I cannot wait to share. And, you know, a birth story and stuff.

…right after a few more green beers.

Because - NOT PREGNANT.

Sláinte!

28 weeks

*I'm just gonna post this over here on time like it's not the very first bump date I have done this entire pregnancy. Let's roll with it. Thank God for self timed cameras.*

Skin

Pretty good - Japan is a *lot* drier in the winter than Virginia was, which is crazy, because island, right? - but I think it's maybe the heaters? Not sure. But everyone is experiencing the same, if the availability and variety of humidifiers at each and every store is any indication. I have been trying to pamper my skin a bit more, call it vanity at the ripe old age of 30, so it's been feeling better as of late.

Weight/Clothes

I have been embracing loungewear a lot more this go round. Probably because I am mostly…at home. I have been getting dressed and going out and twice this week was told I make pregnancy ooh adorable - which is super nice to hear, but still, strangers commenting on bodies…weird. I weigh way more than I did when pregnant with Liam at this stage, but I don't feel like I look it, so…we shall see how that goes. My midwives assure me all is on track, and I do have to remember that I started at my all tim high of pre pregnancy weights this go round, but le sigh anyways. This may in fact be the highest gaining pregnancy. Crossing my fingers that isn't the case.

Cravings/Aversions

Eh. Food. I like it. No cravings.

Cramps/Pain

Im having some cramping and painful moments when laying down and shifting positions at night, but other than that, only if I really over exert myself during the day.

Sleeping

Starting to be more and more uncomfortable. The heartburn is not good and I am starting to wish I had a Snoogle, but my cheap self probably won't buy one because, hello, almost done already. The comfort level of my sleep could have a lot to do with two toddlers pretty consistently crawling into bed with us as well.

Heartburn

Up and down. Most days, up. Taking Zantac as needed and combining with Tums when I need to. Blerg.

Fetal Movement

Off and on. Swift kicks to the innards every time I think about the fact that I haven't felt a kick in a while…but then again it may just be that I am too busy to intentionally think about it and my placenta is in the front. G3 kicked the doppler at my midwife appt today though when she pressed down hard, which was pretty hilarious.

The Girls

Never in my life have I felt such an urge to go braless. It's really helping my put together, let's get out of pajamas attitude, let me tell ya.

New this time around

I am eating sushi. We live in Japan. All the preggos do here. (Even though the naval hospital still strongly recommends against it, yadda yadda.) The broiled salmon with basil sauce at our local establishment is TO DIE FOR. So good.

Oh yeah, this again.

Discomfort. Trouble bending. Out of breath at the top of the stairs. Realizing that my body will not be my own again for a good long while. Etc. Etc.

Mental State

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I am missing my family and traditions (and grandparents to help out with toddlers who insist on injuring each other with the fierceness of their emotions) while at the same time so starting to deeply enjoy this experience and opportunity for our little family. Plus hormones. 

It is a strange time in my head and heart.

Typical.

Evelyn Rae is three, oh so very three, Liam is almost two, what the actual heck, and I am 28 weeks along with Baby G Number 3

…and that means third trimester. Guess we'd better stop using the baby's room as a storage area. Oops!

28 weeks last go round. And the time before that.

 

40 weeks!

So, technically I never made it to 40 weeks this time, as Little Man arrived a whole day before his due date (!!) But, I couldn't let the postpartum post tradition die! We snapped these on Valentine's - hence the red pants.

Skin

Yay! Not stretched at all anymore - huzzah! I got away with way less stretching and stretch marks this go 'round. I definitely have less "jelly belly" so far than I remember with Ev - we shall see if my skin goes back at the same rate as uterus shrinkage. That would be cool.

Weight/Clothes

Overall I gained way less weight than I did with Evelyn, though little Liam came out almost two whole ounces bigger than his sister. Perchance it was the fact that it was winter? Cold = less swelling? I mean it was July and approximately 1,000 degrees every day when I gave birth the first go round. Who knows. Glad to have less to lose, though ;)

Cravings/Aversions

OMG FOOD. I love you again, hallelujah!

Cramps/Pain

Sore, achy...for a while I couldn't really tell where the sickness ended and pregnancy began. But then, miraculously on Wednesday I felt like a champion again. So, feeling good.

Sleeping

Um, oh yeah. Newborns eat. Often. So, no solid stretches of sleep for a while, but holy hell am I more comfortable. You know, until my boobies wake me up because they are about to explode. 

Heartburn

GONE! HUZZAAAAAAAAH!

Fetal Movement

Hahahaha. Nope, none of that anymore!

The Girls

So.Big.OMG.

New this time around

Newborn and toddler. Wowza. The hardest thing so far is the fact that I can't pick Evelyn up. My poor buddy doesn't quite understand it, but I am trying to spend time down on the floor so that we can still snuggle.

Oh yeah, this again.

AWKWARD POST PARTUM COMMENTS FROM STRANGERS. Geeze Louise. We took the kiddos out for a bit of a Valentine's Date on V-Day, just to get out of the house for a bit, and as we were about to cross the road, with Evelyn in her Daddy's arms and Liam in his carseat in Daddy's other hand this man walks by and says, "Wow! Hands full already and you'll have THREE next year? Good luck!"

...

I mean, seriously? I just gave birth 5 days ago dude. Of course I still look PREGNANT. Ugh.

At least he thought I looked early enough pregnant to have another baby "next year"?

I win at awkward post-partum comments.

Mental State

I am feeling really good. I have had a few hormonal moments of tears feeling like they are coming for no reason, but only like two. I sort of expected this as I was so much more emotional during this pregnancy than I was when pregnant with Ev. Other than those little moments I am feeling really great recovery wise, and because of that it is HARD to take it easy. But, I am trying.

40 weeks, last go round.


Evelyn Rae is 19 months old, Liam is not quite a week old

...and yes, my daughter is clutching a bottle of Children's Pain Relief and syringe in that first photo...due to her bottom canine teeth coming in (as evidenced by her whole hand in her mouth in the other photos).

Teething toddler + brand new baby in the same week? WHY NOT? Bring it on, Mommyhood.

39 weeks

*Post Edit - 

I am super glad that I got these photos accomplished! Since I was so sick earlier in the week, I managed to get them in on Friday...and went into labor the next morning. Eek! Cutting it close!*

Skin

Better this week, though seriously dry thanks to the amount of dehydration I had early in the week. Thanks Norovirus! Moisturizing and drinking water like it is MY JOB Y'ALL. You know, now that I can keep it down.

Weight/Clothes

...annnnnnd I lost the 10 pounds I gained as of last week's appointment. Turns out puking your guts out for two days and not being able to stomach anything but the occasional glass of water keeps you from retaining it! Ha. But seriously, back down to where I was at 37 weeks before the random week of swelling, so...yay?

Cravings/Aversions

Um, well, not to beat a dead horse here, but yeah. No food this week. Also, puking up sushi? Not recommended. (Too much? Too bad. Brutally honest Friday right here folks.)

Cramps/Pain

Sore, achy...for a while I couldn't really tell where the sickness ended and pregnancy began. But then, miraculously on Wednesday I felt like a champion again. So, feeling good.

Sleeping

Hahahahaha, I think I slept more this week than the last few weeks of pregnancy combined. Two or three days in bed drifting in and out of consciousness will leave you...well, bored for one thing...but seriously well rested.

Heartburn

Yeah. Still there, though there was no food in my stomach. AWESOME.

Fetal Movement

Definitely still moving and grooving all around. I was a bit paranoid about insuring that baby was still moving regularly this week as I was worried about dehydration and affects on Bump, but little thing doesn't seem to be affected at all by Momma's misery. Heartbeat and everything was right on track at my appointment on Wednesday, so we are both feeling good!

The Girls

Samesies.

New this time around

HA! Pregnancy sickness?! Last time I had a cold and was whiny and complaint miserable. This time?! Much worse. Apparently I am the worst about "weak" sicknesses. Plus, toddler to take care of? So thankfully hubby got to stay home for three days this week.

Oh yeah, this again.

Starting to wonder when this baby is coming...and people are starting to ask again. As if I know anything about this y'all. My last one stayed in there until she was less than 24 hours from being served her eviction notice via induction.

Mental State

OMG. So much to do. Today has been a blur of running errands - grocery shopping, last minute tying up, vacuuming every surface in my house. You know, BURST of energy and MUST GET THINGS DONE NOW nesting type stuff. Let's do this thing!

39 weeks, last go round

Evelyn Rae is 18 months old, I am 39 weeks along with Bump

...and could she be LESS interested in being in this week's photos? Someone loves when Aunt Ashley comes to town and brings her iPhone.


...also, outtakes below.

You want your phone back?

Alright, I guess it is yours...

Hahahaha, I'm not giving this back to you!

Boom. I might as well be 15.

38 weeks

Skin

Tight! especially this week. My body has been showing signs that I am pushing it way too hard and all of a sudden this week? Boom. Swelling. So. Skin is tight. Moisturizing like a crazy person.

Weight/Clothes

...annnnnnnnd thanks to the water retention mentioned above I have buoyed up an impressive 10 POUNDS since LAST WEEK. WTH. I had the assistant at the office weigh me AGAIN just to be sure at my appointment today. I mean, you have GOT TO BE KIDDING. Then they talked me off my ledge and reassured me that if I was retaining water this was entirely possible, my blood pressure still looks rocking, etc. So I should just relax and prop up my feet and take it easy. Easier said than done, my friends, but I will make a valiant effort.

Cravings/Aversions

In addition to already retaining water, the only things that sound good to me are salty, salty salty. Ugh. Food, I am over you. How did I ever love you so much? P.S. please let me love you again when this baby decides to make their appearance.

Cramps/Pain

Sciatic pain has marvelously gone away this week, though baby is still riding super low in my pelvis. Good news!

Sleeping

Trying to take it easy, generally sucking at that. Trying to sleep well and take care of self, you know...doing ok.

Heartburn

ugh.

Fetal Movement

Rolly Polly at night when Momma is trying to sleep. Of course. Generally slowing down in movement, which I try not to freak out about and then end up dwelling on and freaking out anyways even though I know this is totally normal. Oh, hormones.

The Girls

More of the same. Feeling normal. I am wondering if I will get engorged boobies when my milk comes in this go round. Some Mommas claim that after number one that doesn't happen. I wonder.

New this time around

A sudden ballooning of 10 pounds at the end of pregnancy? Wowza. Last time my weight didn't really change for like the last month or so. Geeze Louise. Drink water, put feet up, rest, preheat.

Oh yeah, this again.

Cankles. Huzzah. ::eye roll::

Mental State

Earlier this week I posted about "mental blocks" and just writing that post made me feel better and get my act in gear for preparation. But then, THEN, my friend had her BABY! Yaaaaay! And another friend told me she was pregnant! SQUUUEEEE!

And I realized again that there is nothing more thrilling and exciting (other than birthing your own baby) than your friends having babies.

38 weeks, last go round.

Evelyn Rae is 18 months old, I am 38 weeks along with Bump

...and doesn't she look thrilled to be in this photo? Ohhhhh, toddlerhood.