Week 2

So our second week has felt pretty low key, but when I made a list of our "big" accomplishments for the week I was surprised how much actually happened in the last seven days. On Monday we had newborn pictures of Kieran taken and attempted to get a few family shots in as well. I also had my staples removed which definitely helped me feel like I could do a lot more on my own. Grandma took Reed all day Tuesday so it was just me and Kieran at home. I know Reed had a lot more energy as a newborn, but I just remember being so overwhelmed the first time around and having just Kieran to look after felt like a vacation! As evidenced by the pictures below he is definitely a sleeper. I even managed to get an hour or so of accounting work done. On Wednesday Grandma came over in the morning and I spent most of the time finishing up my work for the week while she played with Reed and Kieran slept.

Thursday was my first completely solo day with both boys. I was a little nervous and of course Kieran decided this was his day to stay up in the morning instead of snoozing it away like he had most of the other days. We survived though and even had some fun in the process. On Friday Nonna took Reed for the day and I took Kieran to the doctor, he is now weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz. He was also circumcised. Our toddler free afternoon was pretty lazy. I caught up on some laundry, but other than that I let Kieran rest on me while I watched TV and let him nurse when he felt like it.

 

 

We had another leisurely weekend of making big breakfasts, taking family walks, and just going with the flow of the two boys. We made our first few attempts at "Tummy Time" and Kieran seems to kind of like it, so that is fun. Of course Big Brother likes to play along as well.

We had already decided earlier in the week we were going to order in pizza on Saturday and since Grandma was out of town we invited Grandpa to join us. Reed was so excited to have him over and played puzzles with him all night. Grandpa also got some good snuggle time in with Kieran.

On Sunday Kieran made his first official public outing, accompanying me to the grocery store (very bundled up in a carrier I was wearing I might add). When we got back to the house our friend Cameron stopped by to pick up Jon to play tennis and to of course meet the Little Guy as well. Sunday night we ventured over to Nonna and Pepe's house for our first extended family dinner since Kieran's arrival.

Having two kids definitely still feels "new" but at the same time we've worked out a pretty good routine and both boys seem to be adjusting just fine.

First Day, First Week

It's hard to believe that it was a week ago that Kieran came into our lives. His first three days were spent in the hospital with Mom and Dad, but that didn't stop him from meeting some of his nearest and dearest. After an agonizing wait at the hospital during my surgery Grandma and Grandpa got to come up to our room to meet grandchild #3. I have no idea why I don't have a picture of my Dad holding Kieran, but he definitely did.

We let family know that baby and I were fine, but we didn't give out any more details because we wanted to wait for Reed and Nonna and Pepe to see the Little Guy in person first. After Reed woke from his nap they came to the hospital and Reed got to come up to the room with Dad and see me and meet Kieran. He was "pleasantly indifferent" as I like to say, meaning he was interested for a little bit and then was back to his chatter box self telling us about his day and asking questions about the things in the room. He did dote on his Brother a bit and never did anything negative, so my worries were soon put to rest!

Nonna and Pepe got to come up shortly after Reed, then rotated out so "C" and Tio, followed by Gran and Papa could meet Kieran. Jon then went out to dinner with everyone while me and Kieran rested up.

The next day my parents came back by in the early afternoon followed by a visit from Aunt Penny and Auntie "M."

Kieran was cleared for release from the hospital early Wednesday morning but my doctor had several deliveries and couldn't get to St. Agnes until around 3:00 pm. I was chomping at the bit to get home and have dinner as a family so we sped through discharge, quickly dressed Kieran in the same coming home outfit Reed wore, and were home just in time to introduce Kieran to Dodger, defrost a dinner we had prepared a few days earlier, and then do bath/bedtime with Reed. I was more than a little weepy sitting in Reed's room reading stories as a family of four, it was wonderful!

The next day, and every day since, has felt so special. Reed has adapted really well to life with a Little Brother helping out where he can and requesting to hold Kieran and sing to him from time to time.

Grandma came over to help with the Kiddos on Thursday and Friday. Reed loved having her here and I loved being able to take a leisurely shower and be given a huge helping hand. Something tells me Grandma didn't think it was too hard of a job! On Thursday Kieran had his first official visitor at our house when Auntie Amanda came by on her lunch break to meet him.

Friday Jon and I took Kieran to the doctor and were told he was a "Superstar." He had gained back all but 1oz of the weight he lost during his first few days and has been nursing (and pooping/peeing) like a champ. Our first weekend home as a family has been nice. We went on two family walks, made pancakes for breakfast, were treated to dinner prepared by Dad, and have been blessed with a restful and mellow baby and a Mommy who is feeling better and better each day!

Kieran's Birth Story

Because Kieran was born via a scheduled C-Section his birth story is pretty anti-climatic. That being said the birth of a child comes with so much concern, emotion, and happiness I want to share the details of his birth.

We had known for over a month that November 4, 2013 would be the birth date of our second child, unless of course he/she decided to make an early appearance. We spent the weekend before doing stuff as a family with Reed, cooking up some dinners to have in the freezer, doing laundry, and resting up for our big week. On Sunday night we had dinner with Jon's Parents, Grandparents, "C," and Tio. Knowing we had to be up the next morning early we put Reed to bed at Nonna and Pepe's and said our goodbyes to everyone. Saying goodbye to Reed was one of the hardest things I've ever done. Holding him as I laid him into his pack 'n play not knowing when the next time I would be able to do that would be and not knowing what the next weeks and months would bring for him was heartbreaking and more than a tear or two was shed by Mom!

On Monday morning we woke and had an early but somewhat normal morning - we showered, finished packing a few things, and took Dodger for a walk. It was pretty surreal to know in just a few hours the baby moving around inside my tummy would be in my arms. The drive to the hospital was nerve wracking as was the first hour there. A lot of sitting around doing nothing. Jon and I didn't know what to do with ourselves. It's pretty hard to talk about anything mundane when you are about to have a child, but we were both too overwhelmed to actually talk about the birth, our family, or anything else of importance. The second hour at the hospital went much faster. I was prepared for surgery, forms were signed, and then the Doctors were ready 15 minutes early so it was time to go.

 

Jon had to wait for me while I was administered the drugs in the operating room. We were both nervous wrecks and being separated made things worse for both of us. The only real glitch of the day was that the computer in the operating room hadn't been updated after the time change. This meant the anesthesiologist was locked out of the system and couldn't log my vitals. He tried to get a paper log for documentation and called an IT tech in for support. To be honest he seemed completely frazzled which, by the way, does not have a calming effect on a patient, minutes before surgery! Before I knew it I was numb from the chest down and the Doctors and nurses were ready to go. I didn't really think about how to handle myself during surgery but as soon as it began I started taking deep calming breaths and alternated between closing my eyes and staring into Jon's. After what seemed like just a couple of minutes I felt a little tugging and pulling and heard a baby cry.

The staff laughed because the baby had started to cry before actually being fully delivered - a good sign I was told. The next thing I heard was someone say "it's a boy" and saw Jon's face drop into a pale white and his eyes fill with tears. I kept asking if he was okay and he kept saying yes. He took a couple quick pictures of the baby and then got to cut the cord and stand over him while they assessed him. After a few minutes a nurse unbuttoned my hospital gown and Kieran was placed skin to skin on my chest per our request. He only got to stay for a few minutes but every second was wonderful. Jon then went with him to the nursery while my operation was finished up.

Once in the recovery room I got to nurse Kieran. After a bit I got really hot and started stripping off the layers they had placed over us. They brought me some ice chips and after a few big bites I started vomiting. In my haste to cool down I had caused Kieran's temperature to drop, this delayed us being released to our room, so Jon went down to tell my parents the good news.

I was burning up for hours after surgery, but no one could get my temperature to register over 96. I also had two more vomiting spells and was horribly itchy all over.. Kieran on the other hand did great the entire day, nursing like a champ, hardly making a peep, and opening his eyes for his introductions to family members. It was truly love at first sight when he was born and he has made the perfect addition to our family.

Kieran Scott McClarty
born November 4, 2013 at 9:48 am
7lbs 6oz and 20 1/2 inches

The Final "Stretch"

This last trimester has been jam packed with work, friends, celebrations, etc. Whether for the good or bad this hasn't left me much time to focus on the Little Miss or Mr growing inside of me, save for my weekly prenatal yoga class. I think I'm about as ready as you can be to meet our new child and can't wait to see his or her eyes, kiss their fingers, and drink in their wonderful baby smell. Here is a look back at what has been going on the last three or so months of my pregnancy:

Weeks 28-30: I'm feeling a lot more movement than I remember ever feeling with Reed. This kid likes to move all of the time and I start regularly waking in the night to being poked and prodded. I have another ultrasound and the baby looks great. I also receive daily comments ranging from "you're so tiny" to "are you sure you aren't having twins?" I stop running and unfortunately don't start swimming, but continue yoga and some prenatal workout DVDs.

28 Weeks

29 Weeks

30 Weeks

Weeks 31-33: Now I start to get down right uncomfortable. Sitting, standing, or laying anywhere for an extended period of time is almost impossible and I'm constantly tired. The doctor confirms that the baby's head is down and I start to experience a lot of pressure on my lower pelvis. I attend a Bachelorette party and provide the late night entertainment when the baby puts on a gymnastics show visible from across the room.

31 Weeks

32 Weeks

33 Weeks

Weeks 34 - 36 : Our marathon to get doctors appointments, things fixed around the house, cars serviced, etc. begins. It really isn't a normal week without a minimum of three appointments of some kind! We schedule my C-section, I begin twice a week Non-Stress tests and get my last ultrasound, and everything with the baby continues to look good. Jon gets a new car (which can actually house car seats). I'm disappointed to learn that our Pediatrician is out of town for the date of my C-section and there are no others in Fresno that attend Cesareans. This means it will be up to me and Jon to do our best to keep the baby skin to skin and with me while they finish my surgery, have Jon accompany him/her to the nursery, and allow me to breastfeed in recovery. Tears ensue!!! On a positive note I'm a bridesmaid in Auntie "M's" wedding and have so much fun rocking a baby bump filled bridesmaid dress at 8+ months preggers.

34 Weeks

35 Weeks

36 Weeks

Weeks 37 - 39.5: Jon has to go out of town on a work trip for four days, but Reed and I end up having a great time at my parent's cabin and #2 stays put. Twice weekly non-stress tests continue. I chop off my hair in hopes of having an easier Mommy "Do." I finish up my last days at work according to schedule so none of our back-up plans have to be used. I also go to my last doctor's appointment and prenatal yoga class. Our friends Shannon and Kevin return the baby stuff that they borrowed for Clara and it becomes very "real" that we are adding a Little One to our family soon. I'm able to cook up a few batches of muffins and a few meals and Jon barbecues some meat for freezing so we will have some go to options when we get home. We talk to Reed a bit about Mom not being able to pick him up for a while and a few of the changes that are going to be taking place.

37 Weeks

38 Weeks

39 Weeks

Questions that people ask me often:

Differences between pregnancies? I'm "nesting" way more with this one. My linea nigra is almost non-existent with this pregnancy. I feel like I got uncomfortable about a month earlier (around the 7 month mark vs. 8 months with Reed). This baby is constantly on the move and protests with violent kicks anytime I try to lay down. While my weight gain with the two pregnancies was virtually the same, my belly is definitely bigger this time, and I have to say that this baby is putting way more pressure on my bladder and lower pelvis.

Do I think it is a boy or a girl? Honestly I have a different answer each week. Anything that is different from my pregnancy with Reed makes me think it is a girl (i.e., the nausea, nesting, linea nigra, etc.), but on the flip side my weight gain and how I'm carrying the baby make me lean towards boy. I've only had about half a dozen people weigh in on what they think I'm having and they have been split between male and female (these have included our male farm manager and a mentally handicapped woman in a waiting room by the way). I have had one dream about the baby's gender and it was that it was a he.

What am I looking forward to about not being pregnant? Wine, being able to chase a toddler around a little bit more comfortably, sushi, and going for a nice run!!!

Are we ready to have two kids? As ready as we'll ever be!!! We can't wait to have our family of four and although we are under no illusion that it is going to be all smooth sailing, I think we have done the best that we can to prepare ourselves and Reed for this next step in our life.

Reed says . . . October 2013 Edition

I no longer plan to do monthly posts for Reed. This has nothing to do with #2's arrival, I just always figured two years would be long enough for monthly documentation. By this time children aren't changing as much and the milestones are fewer and farther between. That being said one thing I definitely want to continue to document is Reed's language development. Now that he is putting whole sentences together, discovering imaginary play, is super observant, and is understanding pronouns; some of the things this Kid comes up with are hilarious (at least to his Mom and Dad). It might not be exactly monthly but I would like to do a "regular" post of what funny/smart/creative things the Reedster has come up with recently. Don't worry I'll throw in a few pictures and may mention some milestones if there have been any. Speaking of milestones, last month was a big one:

He got out of his pack 'n play by himself while I was in the shower
He can open a shut door with the knob if he tries
He climbed up on the chair in his room to reach the top of his dresser
Someone other than his grandparents baby sat him ("C," Tio, Michael, and Megan)
Reed got to ride in Dad's car for the first time
He can now reach the light switches in our house and loves turning lights on and off

Now on to the comedy:

I had been gone overnight and I guess Reed's book "Even Firefighters Go to the Potty" had been in high demand. Jon changed up some of the words to keep reading the story over and over again interesting. I had no idea this had happened and about peed my pants laughing when I was reading the book with Reed the next week and when prompted to tell me what the firefighter was doing he said "Taking a Duke."

One night Jon was giving Reed a bath and had to pee. Since the toilet is right next to the bathtub he went ahead and relieved himself while Reed continued to play in the tub. As he was putting himself back together Reed said "Penis, get back in there."

We went out to dinner for Gran's Birthday and in reference to how fast Jon eats I said "Dad's a human vacuum!" Reed followed that up with "No not Dad, just Mom and Nonna." (I believe he was referring to the fact that we are the people he sees with a vacuum - not Dad).

We were outside playing one day when Reed got in his toy car and declared "I go to grocery store." I asked him what he was going to get at the store and he said "Broccoli, bagels, soup, chai tea for Mom and cows milk for Dad."

One morning Reed slept past his normal 6:00am wake up time. When I went in to get him he said "Reed sleep too long, light is orange." Referring to the toddler clock he usually patiently waits to turn from blue to orange before he's allowed to get up in the morning.

When Kyle, Kari, and Annaliese spent the weekend with us they were all able to sleep in until around 8:00 am, Reed was up at 6:00 like usual and after being patient for nearly an hour and a half he told me "Mom turn all those guys sound machines off." Turning off his sound machine is how I wake him up from a nap if we need to be leaving for something and he's slept for a long time, so he must think that is the way to wake everyone up.

Jon bought Reed a Big Brother book a few months back and he loves reading it. There is a part that talks about why babies cry and the list includes that they need their diaper changed, they're hungry, or they're sleepy. Proud Mom that I am, when our friend's baby started to cry while over for a visit I prompted Reed with "why do babies cry." His smart answer back was "because they want to drink milk from their Mom." Beaming with pride I asked why else babies cry, to which he responded "because they want to drink milk from their Mom's boobs."