Maddox James

It's a BOY!!!

We are beyond blessed to announce the arrival of Turner's little brother, Maddox James.

Maddox joined us on 7/21/15 at 7:36 pm.

Maddox weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and was 20.25" long.

Turner loves his baby brother. We are so grateful and thankful for all the messages, well wishes and congrats we have received via text, Instagram and Facebook. 

Birth story to come soon as it was completely different than my birth story with Turner.

Bump Day Baby #2 - Week 38

• Baby is the size of a pumpkin...which totally feels right ;)
• Baby just keeps gaining weight and loosing his or her vernix caseosa and lanugo. 
• No weight gain for me though this last week. 
• Measuring now at 39 weeks.
• Dilated to 3 cm and 70% effaced.
• Turner came to doctor with me and was such a good boy. He held my hand while I was on the table. He also wanted to play with everything in the doctor office except for the toys I brought.
• Eating candy like it's going out of style at work...serious problem
• Craving watermelon all the time.
• Nursery is done...I mean there is some organization I want to do but it's hard not knowing gender so it's pretty bare in the closet and dresser but we have everything on the walls, furniture assembled and ready for his or her arrival
• My to do list for home is minimal and I am feeling less stressed
• My to do list at work is out of control and that has me feeling stressed.
• Been waking up at night at least twice. Last night was good though and I slept through the night, but that is rare these days.
• Baby is still moving like crazy in there
• Had some bigger contractions on Sunday and Monday evening. Nothing worth timing since they were sporadic, but definitely ones that were causing me to be in pain.
• Got my car call cleaned, installed car seat, baby swing is put together and so is the bouncer...which Turner loves to hang out in ;)
• We celebrated Tate's birthday on Sunday with mini golf, grilling out and fun with friends. 
• I am hoping I don't have to see my doctor at my 39 week appointment next Tuesday. I'm hoping that baby actually comes that day...during the day!

I find it hilarious I thought I was 'big' at 18 weeks...haha

Week 38 bump date with Turner

Bump Day Baby #2 - Week 37

• Baby is the size of a wintermelon
• Baby is no considered full term (whoop whoop) and is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day
• Gained no weight this week so I'm still at a total weight gain of 19lbs which just baffles me.
• I'm measuring right at 37 weeks since the baby has no 'dropped' according to my doctor
• I'm dilated to 2 cm and 50% effaced
• My left ankle keeps swelling up and my varicose veins are not pretty...but only in my left leg. My doctor said that baby is sitting more on that side causing that. 
• Baby's heartbeat is 147
• Sleep is hit or miss. It's about every other night that I wake up during the night to either pee or just because I am uncomfortable
• The nursery is almost done...woohooo. This holiday weekend really helped in getting loads of stuff done. I can't wait until it's finished.
• Washed all the gender neutral clothes we have. Also been in full on nesting mode. Made 5 freezer meals and hope to make more before baby actually comes. I also made 2 batches of my green waffles and 2 batches of muffins to freeze.
• Turner is still being a total mama's boy. Love him so much and pray every night that this transition for him will be go smoothly. He keeps going in the nursery and telling me everything that is for the baby. It's so cute.
• For food I am still just craving fruit (Watermelon at the moment) and ice cream.
• Still trying to kick this summer cold I have. It's very unpleasant
• Looking forward to crossing more things off my list, the baby staying in there until at least 39 weeks and just enjoying some down time with my family of 3 before the craziness begins.

Week 37 bump date with Turner

Bump Day Baby #2 - Week 36

• Baby is the size of a honeydew
• Lungs are the only organ that needs to full mature
• Lost 1 lb since last week so I am only up 19 lbs right now
• No new maternity items purchased and won't the rest of this pregnancy
• Best moment is Tate got his cast removed and can now do some weight bearing on his foot. His help is needed so much.
• Also had another doc appt yesterday and got to hear the strong heartbeat of 153. 
• I am 1.5 cm dilated and about 20-25% effaced she thinks
• I am now measuring at 38 weeks. Doc doesn't think I will go much passed the actual 38 week mark. I hope to make it to 39 for work and home life purposes. Need to get more stuff in order.
• Baby is still moving like crazy. 
• Nursery still isn't done. We started building the 50,000 piece Ikea dresser last night after I had my panic moment from my doctor appointment. We made great progress and I plan to finish it tonight. I'm going to buy the crib on Friday along with other items needs to finish the nursery.
•  Been sleeping like crap...but I think it's because of my cold, anxiety and this baby. Had to get up to pee a few times.
• Tuner has been a total mama's boy lately. It's very difficult to hold him when I already am carrying so much weight and feel like I'm exhausted from already having to do so much with a husband who is limited. Turner wants mommy to do EVERYTHING. I love savoring these last few days with him as my one and only...but it can get super exhausting the way he is so needy.
• Work is crazy busy right now and I feel like I am drowning. Like they say...when it rains, it pours.

Week 36 bump date with Turner

Acceptance

My life is not perfect (shocking...I know). I honestly hope those that read this don't think from my post, pictures, etc that my life is. I am a huge ball of mess in my head most of the time. I do strive each and ever day to be positive despite the negative world we all live in that the media loves to broadcast.

I had my melt down last night...where I could have just cried for hours. I just had hit a point from doing SO much since my husband is currently recovering from surgery. From being single mom 95% of the time (huge praise to you mamas out there that do it all alone...I don't know how), to getting everything ready for baby, to cleaning...food prep, etc...I just hit my wall and needed a good cry. A good cry is what I did.

After talking to Tate about it all and him making me feel better...a Target run and talk with my BFF is what was needed. So at 8:30 last night I left to go walk the aisles of Target and it was so therapeutic. I found a couple super cute mirrors for the nursery that were on clearance (SCORE), picked out ice cream and got a few other items all while chatting with my bestie.

After reflecting on this all...I came that I really need to accept that everything is not going to be 'perfect'. In reality...I know my house, marriage, life are not perfect. Nothing is. But to me...I always was trying to find this time that it would all be perfect to me. The point where the house is sparkling clean and there was no dog hair anywhere, Turner was being his lil' perfect self and my husband was home cooking dinner or building me something ;)

What is perfect is that I have my family with me under one roof. I have a husband who is the most patient human ever (seriously...he has to be to deal with some of my stuff) and gives me constant support even though he doesn't always verbalize it to me...I have my health and my family has their health. I have a beautiful miracle growing inside of me and a dog that loves all of us even though she has been not getting much attention as she would like. My life is perfect to me. God has blessed me immensely.

Being super OCD and type A like myself...accepting that things will not always fall into place on my schedule or how I would like it to takes some time. I don't expect me to be OK with everything overnight. It's going to take constant prayer.

Acceptance that the house will be a mess most of the time, that dog hair will scatter the floors, that repeat meals and leftovers will happen frequently and that the nursery may not be done before this baby arrives is happening. Taking it one day at a time and just 'breathing' is all I can do. Continuing to talk to God through prayer will happen daily. Soaking in every moment with Turner as my only child for just a little bit longer will happen more frequently and learning to just let go of things will constantly be reminded to me through this post.

So to you other ladies out there that feel the same way, know that you are not alone. Everyone has their own struggles. Learning to accept those struggles, talk about and work through them is what helps. Things that I have learned that have helped me are...prayer, working out (especially yoga which I hope to start up after baby), NOT reading the news since the media likes to splash every negative story imaginable, staying positive even in moments that you find it hard and surrounding yourself with those you love that are positive. Life is way too short.

I posted this recently to my Instagram and it's the most real life picture I ever posted. Honestly, it was also the best picture out of the group. Turner throwing a tantrum because mama isn't holding him (he's a total mama's boy right now), Tate's injury and me big and preggo trying to keep it together :)

Also...if you find yourself sulking from looking at other peoples IG pictures/Facebook posts or what they write on their blog thinking that persons life is 'perfect', stop it. We can all get sucked into that mindset and it's not OK. The struggles are real for everyone even if they don't share it. I can promise you that. So if you find yourself doing that, give yourself a social media break and see how you feel. You will be amazed what can come when not scrolling through your phone.

Happy Friday!!!!

XOXO,

Bump Day Baby #2 - Week 35

• Baby is the size of a coconut
• From now on...most baby growth will be just plumping up. Hearing is totally developed now.
• Total weight gain is 20 lbs
• All dresses and pants are maternity. I have some tanks that are just a size bigger that are still working. My maxi skirts are also just regular and not maternity.
• Best moment was Tate getting through his first surgery just fine and now on the road to recovery. Hoping he will be in a walking boot in a week and then I will be able to have some help with things.
• We did maternity/family/Turner's 2 year photos yesterday. So excited to see them. It's always hit or miss with a toddler who just wants to run around. Hoping she got some good ones.
• Movement is like crazy still. I love that this baby loves to move so much. He or She will probably be non stop just like Turner.
• Food cravings are just fruit and ice cream. I still am loving my cereal too.
• I had a doctor appointment yesterday and she checked me to just see. Dilated to 1 cm but not effaced at all. This means nothing to me and will not hold my breath for anything. I am also measuring at 36 weeks.
• The only thing I miss is beer and wine. Can't wait to have my first Summer Shandy.
• Having weird dreams about Turner falling down stairs or off our bed. I wake up trying to grab him to save him. I did this when he was first born also. It's so painful to wake up and be moving as much as I am with this big belly that was very much rested. Ouch.
• Currently Turner and Tate both have summer colds...no fun.
• Gender is still unknown...can't wait to find out :)
• Only 2 strangers commented on my belly this last week. One lady at Trader Joe's stopped me to ask me if I was due any day now...I told her 5 more weeks and she said, 'well at least there is a nice breeze today'. A 20 something guy at H&M told me you couldn't even tell I was pregnant from behind. I was at register when he came up to help me. He was behind me and then was surprised to see me very pregnant. 
• Looking forward to finishing up the nursery. Our neighbor came over to carry up the boxes for the dresser that will go in there. Each box is 70lbs+ and since Tate is currently out of commission, it's nice to have neighbors help.
• Mowing the lawn until Tate can walk again. It sucks but at least we have a small yard and self propelled mower.

 

Switched up week 15 photo so I could see belly growth more accurately....BAM...it's huge!

Week 35 bump date with Turner

Bump Day Baby #2 - Week 34

OH man does this picture speak 1,000 words...look at that face, so tired! If you read yesterdays post...you know why!

• Baby is the size of a butternut squash
• Baby can recognize and react to simple songs
• Total weight gain on last Friday's appt was 19lbs. Next appt is Tuesday at 35 weeks then we will be doing weekly appts...eeekkkk
• Still no stretch marks. But I do have weird marks on belly button from my younger years piercing. I also had a mole removed on my belly during my first trimester and that scar is fugly.
• Had a bit of a scare last week. Thought I leaked fluid (or water broke) and had to go to hospital to get tested. It was negative so that was a relief. 
• Sleep is still going great with my snoogle pillow.
• I'm wearing 95% maternity clothes. I have a few tanks that are just a size up that I wear here and there...but for the most part, maternity it is.
•  Movement...this baby is a crazy mover. Way more than Turner was. Maybe it's because of all the sweets I crave and stuff my face with. Ice Cream, Dark chocolate Hershey fun size bars...seriously, I can't get enough.
• Since Tate's injury...I decided that I will not be going to the gym in the mornings. I need to spend that time getting other stuff done since my husband is currently out of commission. I wake and now clean, build something or get other items done around the house. 
• Nursery is still just sitting. I have a goal list now and hope to have it ready by 37 weeks because I feel like this baby is going to come early.
• Mowed the lawn on Sunday which wasn't so bad since it's self propelled. Our lawn was super long and I should have bagged it...but that was not happening because that requires so much more work. 
• I'm determined now that it's a boy. I don't know why....but I just do and will be so surprised if it's a girl. I also think life would be easier if it's a boy since we already have EVERYTHING for a summer baby boy. With Tate's injury...I'm thinking anything to make things easier I am OK with. 
• I had 3 people comment on Tuesday while I left work for an hour to run errands. Complete strangers told me that I must be due very soon and when I told them 6 more weeks...they felt bad for me. No need to is what I thought. One very nice lady told me I was probably having a boy since I'm carrying all out front. She had 6 boys herself (bless her heart). 
• Mom is coming up tomorrow to help out since Tate's surgery is tomorrow. So thankful for the help of family and friends. It's hard to accept because I'm a very much 'I can do it myself' type of person...but a person can only do so much.

Week 34 bump date with Turner