4 months!

I'm only a couple months behind.....

Sawyer has bypassed three months.  Here are a few pics.

My VERY chunky monkey.  I can't get enough of his rolls!!!

I can't get enough of his eyes.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Mitchell Turkeys.

This is how we grocery shop when Dad is out of town.

Working on sitting up.

Now onto 4 Months...

We went in for his well baby appointment.
Stats:
Weight: 17 lbs 11 oz (93%)
Height: 27 inches (86%)
Received three shots and an oral.  They don't seem to bother him, unlike Kincaid.  Dr. Carlstone was impressed with his chunky legs and abilities.  He is still exclusively breastfed.  His napping hasn't been consistent yet, but he was sleeping through the night (until this last week).  He continues to smile constantly and has started giggling, especially at Michael.

Full of smiles!!

Falling asleep on Mommy,

Hanging out with his friend, Jack.  They are 16 weeks apart.

Sitting in his Bumbo is a daily occurrence. 

 Sawyer continues to bring us joy and love.  We cannot imagine our lives without him. 

2 Months!!!

Sawyer has hit the 2-month mark.  I was the lucky parent to take him to his 2-month appointment.  Getting shots was not his favorite.  He screamed so loud and high only dogs could hear it.  After that he slept most of the day.

Stats:
Weight: 13 lbs 13 oz (93%)
Height: 22 1/2 inches (95%)
Head: 34%

He is very active when awake.  Michael and I joke that he's running a marathon.  His legs and arms are constantly going.  He loves to lay in his gym and stare at the animals.  We have introduced him to the Bumbo and he does really well in it.  He likes to be on the counter as we're eating supper.  Kincaid did the same thing at our other house.  Sawyer started going to daycare at 6 weeks.  He likes going and smiles when he sees the other kids.
He's a rock star sleeper.  This past week he had four consecutive nights of 9+ hours of sleep.  Kincaid didn't do that until much, much later.  We hope he keeps that up.  We transitioned him from the pack-n-play in our room to his crib (thanks to Michael).  I was nervous to not have him a foot from our bed.  But, since he's sleeping through the night I'm not waking up to nurse him. 
Sawyer is experiencing his first cold.  It started with a stuffy nose and moved to a cough.  At the worst point he was so hoarse he could barely cry.  He's almost over it, but very good at sharing and gave it to me.  As long as Kincaid stays healthy I won't complain.

The ultimate thing that melts my heart is his smile.  He is the smiliest baby I've ever seen.  When he smiles his eyes get squinty... that comes from my Brass side of the family.  He talks back when being talked to.  He wants to be apart of the conversation too. 

Enjoy some photos... I love taking them!

Very happy boy

Halloween outfit from Grandma Sandy

Chubby boy at 2-month check-up

Hanging out with his buddy Jack

Having a conversation with Grandma Barb

Church outfit

Brothers

Disclaimer:  He isn't always perfect... he hates his carseat and lets us know.  Our last trip back from my parents' he screamed for over an hour.  Kincaid took it in stride, but I was burned out when we pulled in the garage.  He made it up to me by smiling and laughing as I took him out of the carseat.  Little stinker. 

Harvest Time

Fall is Kincaid's favorite time of year.  It means he gets lots of combine, tractor, and semi time.  A couple weekends ago we went up to my parents' in northern Iowa.  He spent the weekend attached to my dad's side.  Kincaid does very well on the farm.  He doesn't get in the way when fixing or moving machinery.  He never says he's bored. He can't soak up the farming lifestyle enough.  On the other hand, he's up early and goes full speed all day.  By Sunday afternoon he's ready to crash and we usually deal with a crabby kid.  When we were up there in September, he heard my dad get up at 3:00 AM and followed him downstairs.  He is so afraid Grandpa Ron was going to go outside without him that he barely sleeps.  If only he got this excited and paid attention this well in school.

He has also been riding with Grandpa Leon (Michael's grandpa) as he combines here.  Leon is not in tip-top shape so we never know which will be his last year of farming.  I want Kincaid to have as many memories with him as possible.  Luckily Leon has Kincaid-friendly equipment like my dad.  The tractors and combine have buddy seats that he thinks were made especially for him.

Sawyer even got a few rides.  So far he is a combine fan.  He gets in and falls asleep or stares out the window.  Never fusses.  I don't know if I can handle having two farm-loving boys.  They'll fight over who gets to ride in the tractor.  Maybe by the time Sawyer is Kincaid's age, Kincaid will be driving the tractors by himself and Sawyer can ride with him.

Both families have all the crops out now.  No major accidents or breakdowns.  Harvest is always a stressful time and high risk of a major accident.  I'm thankful for a safe 2013.  Now is clean-up time.  Combines, tractors, augers, semi, etc need to be washed and put away.

Grandpa Leon got TWO 340's this year!  Kincaid is always the first to ride in them. 

Waiting to ride in the combine with Grandpa Leon.

Grandpa Leon and the boys in the 7120. 

Riding in my dad's S660. 

My brother, Kris, looks a little like Eric Church.  With auto-steer no hands required. 

Kincaid spent a lot of time with Uncle Kris.

Sawyer's first time in a John Deere combine.

He was entertained by looking out the window.

Sitting in the tire of my dad's 8330.

Our families have been surrounded with agriculture our entire lives and I love that one (maybe two) of my boys enjoy it. 

3 Weeks!!

We've made it three weeks as a family of four!!

Sawyer is getting into a better routine, or maybe it's me.  He sleeps between feedings pretty well.  Since I am back to work part-time, I'm thankful for this.  I am working from home at my laptop with him next to me.  I like being back to work.  I like the accomplishments at the end of the day.  I keep up better on dishes, laundry, cleaning, etc.  If I only have a limited amount of time to get stuff done, I use my time better.  If I had all day I'd dink around.
After Sawyer's naps, he's very smiley.  He's starting to coo a lot more too.  Kincaid finds this hilarious.  It melts my heart to see his sweet smile.  He is one cute kid!!!  Sometimes if he's fussy, letting him stretch out on the floor is the cure.  He'll stare at the light and kick and move.  He's a great eater, eating about every three hours.  He'll cluster eat before bedtime.  So far, he's not affected by what I eat.  I haven't ventured to the Dt. Pepsi yet.  It wasn't good for Kincaid so I'm leery still.  

Kincaid is back in his school routine.  The 40 minutes he has in the morning is getting more efficient.  He's up, dressed, fixes his bed, eats, brushes his teeth, goes to the bathroom, packs his bag, and feeds and waters Bo.  It's rare that I need to push him too much now.  The first week was a lot of me saying "Kincaid, get a move on."  School is still letting out early due to the heat.  Yesterday and today are hopefully the last of it.  I feel for the teachers trying to get in their lesson plans done with only half days to work with.  Homework started last week.  Monday nights we'll spend at least an hour doing it.  The rest of the week we read and do math worksheets.  First grade is intense, but it's crazy how advanced I feel he is.
Kincaid also started going to G2C (Generations 2 Come) on Wednesday nights.  Its the youth group our church puts on for his age.  He had a great time last week.  He can't wait to go back every week now.  They eat supper and have lessons and activities to learn about God and their faith.  He's growing up way too fast.

Michael is gone to Indiana this week.  It was a little nerve-racking being here with both kids by myself.  I worried for nothing.  Our first night and morning was just fine.  Kincaid is patient when he has to wait on Sawyer to eat or be calmed down.  Kincaid knows better than to test me when Michael is gone.  He really is an amazing kid.

I've been strolling regularly with Sawyer in the B.O.B.  If we go right after he eats, he'll sleep the whole time.  It's so nice getting fresh air.  I'll go with my friend Courtney during the day.  It's the only adult time I'll get most days.  If we go as a family, Kincaid bikes.  I plan to put a million miles on the stroller. :)

We've fallen into our new family routine very well.  I feel so content as a family of four.  Sawyer fills a gap I didn't know was there.  We've been waiting for him for a very long time and now I can't imagine life without him.  My heart overflows with joy and love.  

2 Weeks!!!

Sawyer is already two-weeks old.  That time flew by between all the visitors and adjusting to having a newborn.  He has definitely changed our life.  We've been in independent kid mode for so many years.  Kincaid sleeps through the night, gets his own food and drink, can be awake while we sleep, etc.  I kinda forgot what it was like to have a little peanut that needs us for everything. 

So far, Sawyer is a pretty mellow baby.  However, he does have his fussy times.  It seems to be the mornings that are hard for him.  We ventured to church yesterday, at which Michael spent the service in the basement trying to calm him down.  He wasn't hungry or wet.  Just was uncomfortable.  This has happened a few times.  We're still trying to figure out what he needs/wants. 

Kincaid has been an awesome big brother.  He's so helpful when it comes to throwing away diapers, getting stuff, and being quiet when Sawyer is sleeping. He's pretty understanding about life being different too.  Sometimes wrestling with Dad has to wait a few moments, or we have to plan around Sawyer's eating schedule.  But as I expected, he's adjusting well and proving how great of a kid he is.

We had newborn photos taken of Sawyer.  I'll share a few of my favorites....

First Grader

Kincaid started first grade on August 21, 2013.  I cannot believe we are in numbered grades already.  Where has the time gone?  How has he grown so fast? 

The bus picks him up at 6:50 again this year.  We are almost back in the morning routine.  Since it's been so hot, he is getting out early this whole week.  Our school has no air conditioning.  The kids have to be cooking. 

If this year is anything like last year, Kincaid will have a great First Grade experience.  I look forward to see how he grows and how much he learns this year. 

Sawyer's Birth Story

The newest addition to the Mitchell family finally arrived on Saturday August 17th at 1:20pm.  Sawyer Boo Mitchell weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 21 inches long.  Here's his story....

The week previous to his birth, I swore I was in labor almost the entire time.  I would have irregular contractions every day, mostly at night.  I would wake up thinking "is this it?".  Then I'd go back to bed knowing if it really was labor I wouldn't be able to sleep through it.  We were scheduled for induction on the 19th, so the end was in sight no matter what. 

Saturday morning I woke up at 5:46 and started timing my contractions.  They were consistent and strong enough I had a feeling it could be the real deal.  At 6:07 I realized Kincaid's alarm was still set for 6:10 (school time) and I didn't want him to wake up if he didn't have to.  So I went into his room to shut off his alarm and felt something.  I was having bloody show from my cervix stretching.  I woke up Michael and told him it was time to head to Pella.  I jumped in the shower as he got Kincaid up and packed the Terrain.  We dropped off Kincaid at Michael's grandparents' house and headed to the hospital.  On the way there, I told him it was not time to get good mileage.  The faster he drove, the better.  My contractions were getting closer to 5 minutes apart and very painful. 

We got to the hospital around 7:15.  The nurse in OB checked me and I was at 4 cm.  They decided I was in labor and put me in a room.  The contractions continued to get stronger and I was ready for my epidural.  However, the anesthesiologist was in another surgery and I'd have to wait.  I had a dose of Fentonal to take the edge off.  Problem with that med is it only lasts an hour... and mine wore off at 40 minutes.  I was counting down the minutes to my next dose.  As my nurse was pumping it into my IV, the anesthesiologist walked in the room.  I was dilated to 5 cm by this time (10:00).  My epidural was administered, and I started to relax.  The next two hours Michael and I talked to the nurse and watched tv.  A little after noon my doctor came in to check me and I was ready to push. 

I should mention that both my parents and Michael's parents had just arrived to the hospital... which was what happened when we had Kincaid.  Next time they are going to follow us so I don't have to wait so long to push. 

I started pushing around 12:30.  My doctor suggested turning off my epidural, which I finally agreed to.  I was afraid of it wearing off too fast and feeling the worst of the pain.  Nope, still had a pain-free delivery.  I was having conversations with the doctor, nurse, and Michael in between pushes.  By 1:20 a beautiful baby boy was born.  Sawyer cried right away then just chilled while being looked over.  He was perfect. 

Our parents came in to see their newest grandson.  Michael's grandparents brought Kincaid over to meet his little brother.  It was pretty cool to see Kincaid's reaction.  He couldn't remember his name though.  We never told him ahead of time in case he couldn't keep the secret.  Kincaid is a very proud big brother.  He couldn't wait to hold him and show him off to everyone! 

Disclaimer: It's gonna get gross and graphic...

By 5:00 everyone had left and that's when things got really exciting.  The nurse wanted to feel to make sure my uterus was contracting like it's supposed to.  It wasn't so much contracting as filling up with blood and clots.  She wanted me to use the bathroom so they could change my bedding.  As they held the padding in place while I walked to the bathroom, I could feel the clots coming out.  It was the exact same situation as last July after I lost the twins.  The bathroom looked like someone had been massacred.  I sat on the toilet as my body hemorrhaged and nurses and technicians rushed around to clean up the mess.  My blood pressure dropped to 73/37 and I passed out almost completely.  After I came back, they wheelchaired me to my bed and started trying to find the problem.  My doctor was called back in and I was given multiple medications to contract my uterus more and stop the bleeding.  My hemoglobin was checked in case I needed a blood transfusion.  I was also instructed not to eat in case I would need an emergency D&C.  The entire time Michael was by my side.  He is such an amazing husband. 

Things calmed down after an hour.  The scary stuff passed and my body started to recover.  We have no explanation why I have hemorrhaged twice.  In the future I'll do a few tests to see if we can pinpoint the issue.  

The rest of our stay in the hospital was normal.  We had a hand-full of visitors to see our precious baby.  By Monday morning we headed home as a family of 4.  

Sawyer has brought so much joy into our lives.  Going back to the newborn stage is hard at times, but rewarding many others.  Kincaid is an awesome big brother.  He is always checking on Sawyer and helping us.  A 6 1/2 year age difference wasn't our intention, but God has His own plan for us. 

Proud Big Brother

Sawyer Boo Mitchell

Proud Daddy

Leaving the hospital soon.

 

Sister photos

The end of June Katie and I had my friend Courtney take a few pregnancy photos of us.  I'm only posting one at this time, but I'll post more later.  It was really fun.  The chances of us being pregnant at the same time again is very slim.  It has been fun sharing this experience with her.  I can't wait to watch our kids grow up together since they will be so close in age. 

YUCK!!

Three times this pregnancy I've had to chug 10 oz of fruit punch or orange flavored syrup.  Not fun.  The last gulp it always a gamble if I'm going to keep it down or throw it up.  Yuck!  

After my 28 week appointment I was told I needed to retake my glucose test.  I passed it at my 24 week appointment, but sugar in my urine red flagged me.  I was not looking forward to it, but assumed since I passed the first time, I could pass it again.  WRONG!  Epic fail.  It might have had something to do with the dozen cookies and candy I ate the day before. 

So, two days later I was told to do the 3-hour glucose test.  That consisted of fasting for 12 hours, then getting my blood drawn 4 times.  Luckily I have no issues with needles. 

I passed it that time.  But, my doctor told me I had to eat like I had gestational diabetes.  That's harder than I thought.  I'm a major sweets person... which lead me to 30 oz of syrup consumption.  I haven't cut out all sweets, but I'm down to one cookie a day and by passing the ice cream.  Only 7 weeks of having to watch my diet... then I'll roll into baby-weight-loss mode :)


On another note: We had another ultrasound at 31 weeks.  At an office ultrasound, my fertility doctor found my placenta to be a little low.  He wanted a follow-up to make sure it 'moved'.  The 31 week US showed it was no longer low and the baby is measuring 2 days ahead.  Everything still looks healthy and developing on track.  We made sure we didn't find out gender again.  After waiting this long, I didn't want to know that close to the end. 

I'm also shot free!!  Finally!!!  In the first trimester I was giving myself two shots a day.  One of progesterone and one of a blood thinner.  Then it became 8 shots a week (blood thinner everyday and progesterone once a week).  At 28 weeks I was off the blood thinner and only doing progesterone once a day.  At 32 weeks I got to be done with the progesterone.  I roughly calculated I've self-inflicted more than 250 shots during this pregnancy.  Though it was a pain (literally), I'd do it all over again. 

Only 7 weeks left.  I'm getting uncomfortable but can see the end.  I can't wait to hold Baby Mitchell in my arms.  It'll make this journey so totally worth it. 

More nephews!!

Not only are Michael and I expecting, so are my sister, Katie and Rob, and Michael's sister, Alison and Brandon.  We are growing on both sides of the family!!! 

Last Monday Katie found out they are having a boy!  Baby Borcherding will join his big brother, Zeke, sometime around October 19th.  She's exactly 9 weeks behind me.  Makes it very easy to know how far along she is.

Last Tuesday Alison found out they are also having a boy!  Baby Murphy will join big sisters, Shelby, Victoria, Chelsey, and Vanessa sometime around October 12th.  She's 8 weeks behind me... also easy to remember how far along she is. 

It's been fun comparing pregnancies.  Both were sick through the first trimester.  Both are getting small bellies compared to my much bigger belly.  We talk about how our babies are moving, how our lives will change, how the siblings will handle the new baby.  I'm beyond excited our baby will a cousin on both sides very close to his/her age. 

Now that I know they are both having boys, I'm uber curious what we're having.  Will all three be boys? Or will we march to our own beat and have a girl?  Only 9 more weeks to wait!

 Alison and I were comparing bellies to Michael's grandpas.  

Pregnant Sisters!!!! 

Growing and Gaining!!

I have reached the 29 week point.  So far I'm feeling great!  Soooo much better than the first trimester when the couch was my nightly hangout.  The second trimester was fine, but I'm excited to have made it to the third.  The countdown is on!

It's been 6 1/2 years since I've been this far.  I forgot how much by body changes during pregnancy.  I look in the mirror and think "How can my belly expand any more?"  Yet it does.  It's funny to hear Kincaid tell me on a regular basis that the baby is getting bigger. 

Baby Mitchell, or Baby Boo, is a mover and a shaker.  He/she loves to push out my sides, or roll around while I'm laying in bed.  Michael can't believe how big the movements are.  Kincaid has felt kicks a few times.  I tell him that's his sister or brother already picking on him.  He laughs at that.  I doubt he'll be laughing in a few years when it's for real.  He loves to ask if the baby is kicking and rub my belly.  He also loves to tell everyone we're having a baby on August 16th.  He doesn't quite understand that babies come on their own schedule.  I do hope the baby comes a week or more before he goes to school.  I'd like time at home with both my kids. 

I've gained 20 pounds so far.  The last 7 pounds came in the last three weeks.  Not sure what happened there.  It wasn't from regular stops at McD's (I had a month of that during my pregnancy with Kincaid).  I'm measuring two weeks big.  I always measured small with Kincaid.  I often wonder does this mean Boo will be bigger than Kincaid or is my old age making me stretch faster?  My biggest fear is my labor and delivery won't be as easy as it was with Kincaid.

I had an ultrasound at 27 weeks.  My placenta is a little low so I get to have another ultrasound at 31 weeks.  Not complaining.  I love seeing a visual of our baby.  I hope to take Kincaid so he can have a little better understanding.  He liked hearing the heartbeat so I'm sure he'll love seeing an actual picture. 

Memorial weekend I painted the room.  No more bug theme from Kincaid's nursery.  This time I went dark gray.  I have yet to add decor to the walls.  Some will come after the baby's born so it can be gender specific.  We still have a few more things to get lined up... carseat, stroller, diapers, clothes, etc. 

We have a countdown on our fridge that Kincaid changes every Friday.  It's fun to see the numbers get smaller and smaller.  And Kincaid can accurately tell people exactly how many weeks 'til baby!

Some progress photos...

 Mother's Day 2013