Landonisms

Now that Landon is 2 1/2 months I figured I needed to get one of these posts out while I had a few minutes. Similar to the Kyleeisms posts… these are a few quirks that I am starting to see in Landon’s personality:

1. Landon is VERY similar to Kylee and kicks his right leg vigorously when he is hungry.

2. I don’t think I have met a happier baby! Even if Landon is crying, I can usually get him to start smiling and his grin is infectious!

3. He may have a slight lazy eye, but it is adorable and makes for cute pictures… don’t worry… we will get him checked out around 3 or 4 months per the pediatrician’s orders.

4. The kid knows how to burp like his Mommy!! Though… it can be embarrassing sometimes when we are in public.

5. To the same effect… Landon picked up the farting genes from his maternal grandfather! Today at the doctor’s… I know people thought I was using Landon as a cover because there was no way a sweet, innocent, baby boy could make those sounds!

6. Landon just adores Kylee. He is always smiling and turing his head towards her to see what she is doing… but when she gets too close, his little blue eyes get as big as can be and he actually looks scared!

7. He is the most chill baby there is. Even with a hyperactive sister, he seems to rarely get upset and stays pleasantly calm even during the worst “terrible two” tantrums you can imagine.

8. When being held, Landon actually holds onto my shoulder or arm. It is so endearing and an action I don’t remember occurring as early with Kylee.

9. A born-ready swimmer. That’s right… this little guy LOVES bath time and is going to be a fish just like his big sister.

I can not believe that two months have gone by and not one post about our precious family of four!!!! Well… both kids are down and we will see what I can get done… Writing a post is probably the last thing I need to do seeing that I have about 7 loads of laundry, dishes in the sink, food on the floor and bathrooms to clean! :/

Regardless… I am sure peeps are wondering how life is… only one word can describe it… HECTIC!!!

Where to start… well… how about with today. Starting from about 5:30am, I have been puked on twice, changed 5 poopy diapers and 4 wet diapers, and have yet to shower! I STINK!! Kylee being sick means, no school for her, no grocery shopping for me and house bound for the weekend. (Minus, HOPEFULLY, our night out tomorrow.) Boo hoo, right??

I now have a new found respect for my mom who raised 4 kids (all of who were two years apart), for moms with multiples and for working moms. I don’t know how any of them find time for themselves!!

My mom had 4 of us in 6 years and seemed to gracefully manage the craziness that comes with four kids. Sure… she had her moments, but I feel like they were few and far between. Me on the other hand… I only have two and I feel like I have a mental breakdown at least twice a day… once by myself and another once Brad gets home. Two under two have taken a toll on me. I finally got to the point where I had to take a step back and really get to the bottom of my craziness. It all boiled down to not taking enough time for myself. But with a very active two year old and a two month old, how is that going to change?

Looking back, the past two to three weeks seem to be the source of the problem. Neither kid was sleeping well, leaving me with an average of 4, nonconsecutive, hours of sleep every night. I was so sleep deprived some days, it would take all I had to keep my eyes open… I don’t know how mom’s with multiples ever sleep! If I took a shower it would be after 8pm and there was no way I had the discipline to cook dinner which meant frozen pizza or Brad picking up take out on his way home from work.

There was a point where I was ready to throw in the towel and go back to work so I could have “me” time every day… but even if that was the way to go for me… when would I have time to shower?!? I had to take a step back, take a deep breath and slowly put myself back on my priority list. While the kids will probably always be number one, I know that “me” time is a must.

I signed up for a gym where I could drop the kids off at the Kid’s Club for up to two hours, Brad has insisted on me taking a few hours on the weekend to get things done (hair, nails, grocery shopping etc) and we have planned a few trips to get away from the house, with and without the kids.

Though I have had a few hard weeks… I would not change anything. I love my family of four and couldn’t ask for two better kids or for a better husband. There is a huge learning curve when a new child enters the house… at least for me… and I am happy to say I feel like life has become more manageable now that we have a pretty standard routine each day. It definitely helps that the kids are sleeping through the night again. Now if I could only figure out how to also cook a home cooked meal every night… I guess that will come over time… and if not…. frozen pizza every night isn’t bad, right?

We are at the hospital anxiously awaiting Landon’s arrival! I am being induced though contractions were weak and had started on their own once we got here.

There are lots of emotions going through me right now… I am a little disappointed to be having an induction, but I do trust that it is best for the baby. I am estatic that today we will become a family of four, but I am nervous for the first day home and how Kylee will react.

I really wanted this labor to happen naturally, but now that I am at the hospital and induction has started, I wonder if I would have ended up in the same spot even if I waited an extra few days? I am group B positive which means I would have been attached to machines no matter what and it is best for the baby that I get two doses of antibiotics to treat the group B before delivering. So, if I labored at home, would I have arrived at the hospital in time to receive those two doses? I don’t know… maybe he would have come on his own, but I am happy to be here and for the next chapter to begin.

That is… I am ready to be a family of four and start experiencing all the craziness that comes along with two kids. I can’t wait to see Miss K interact with Landon. She has a new found obsession with babies and I know throwing her baby brother in the mix will make things very interesting!

Off to concentrate on these contractions! More updates to come.

Desperate is the only word that comes to mind! I REALLY want this baby to come naturally, without any medical intervention but the days are winding down for that dream to come true.

I think the induction date will end up being Monday if this little man doesn’t come this weekend. I am really hoping we don’t get to that point though. Though I am “favorable” for an induction since I am 2cm and 75% effaced, I am nervous an induction means a long, strenuous labor- similar to K’s labor. The doctor however does not feel that will be the case, especially because this is my second. Yet I can not just brush off the horrible labor experience I had with K.

So for now… we just continue to pray that Mr. Landon comes into this world on his own and is healthy!

Here’s to hoping our next update is a labor update!

Good doctor appointment today! Only one more week until expected due date! K arrived right on time, what are the odds L will be the same?

How far along- 38 weeks

Weight gain- 34 lbs

Baby’s size- about the size of a small watermelon

Style- Slim…. I feel like I am wearing the same thing over and over again!

Sleep- Now includes two large king sized pillows wedged behind me for back support and in front of me for belly support.

Best moment this week- My one on one time with K. She has been a nightmare lately but we also have had some great Mommy and Me times lately. For example, she will crawl up in my lap and just hug me for no reason. Today I picked her up to put her in the car seat and she gave me the biggest hug while smiling at herself in the car window. Just loved it.

Movement- L is as active as ever… sometime I feel like his little arm or leg is going to find it’s way through my stomach!

Food cravings- Sweets, sweets, sweets. Enough said!

Gender- It’s a boy!

Pregnancy pains/Labor signs- I am 2cm and 75% effaced and the baby is about -2 station. This just means my body is getting ready, but I could stay this way for another week or so. My hope is that it means this little guy is going to come soon! I am still having contractions, but they are not painful nor are they consistent.

What I miss- A nice glass (or three) of wine at the end of a rough day!

What I am looking forward to- Holding L!!!

Weekly wisdom- Stick to your beliefs when it comes to delivery and speak your mind if your doctor (or the others in their practice) isn’t giving you the answers you think you should get.

Milestones- Entering the last week or so of the pregnancy feels great! I am so ready for this baby boy to decide to make an appearance in this world… hopefully naturally and not by induction!

So we were just looking at belly photos from Kylee and… OMG!!!!!!! I can’t believe how big/swollen I got with her! At least I can say this pregnancy is going better in that sense!

I am ready though. Really… do I have to wait another 2 weeks or so?!? I want this little man to decide to come out early.

The doctor appointments are every week now and time is flying by! I still don’t have the nursery done, but at least clothes are purchased and washed. At least Landon will be spending his first few weeks in the bassinet in our room, so not having the decor in the nursery isn’t a huge deal! My mom and grandma are coming down next weekend to help finish things up, so hopefully this little man can wait until then!

How far along- 37 weeks

Weight gain- 32 lbs

Baby’s size- about 19 inches long and 6 lbs!

Style- I wish the weather would decide on staying around 70 or under! That way I would be able to wear my maternity clothes from my last pregnancy! Right now I feel like I am wearing the same three outfits in rotation in hopes no one notices!

Sleep- The usual… sleep is interrupted by middle of the night potty breaks and constant back pain!

Best moment this week- Finding out that I am 1cm and 75% effaced! Pretty exciting seeing that I was zero for both when my water broke with Kylee, making my labor and delivery a nightmare! I know that I could stay at 1 cm for the rest of the pregnancy, but it also means that I could maybe go a little early! Fingers crossed.

Movement- Movement is still pretty aggressive… I am just chalking it up to being a boy!

Food cravings- My sweet tooth is back in full force! Brownies are dangerous to have in the house, yet I keep buying the dark chocolate mix! I say it is because K loves to bake with me, but I know it is my hormones taking over!!

Gender- It’s a boy!

Pregnancy pains/Labor signs- After talking to the doctor today, I guess some of the contractions I am feeling are real, especially now knowing how I have dilated! They are not consistent nor are the labor contractions since they don’t stop me in my tracks.

What I miss- Running! The last week and a half the weather has been so nice and there have been lots of runners out. I can’t wait until I can get back out there with (hopefully) my double BOB and hit the pavement!

What I am looking forward to- Getting the nursery painted and the decorations up!

Weekly wisdom- Having number two, you may think you are ready for all that is coming your way… but your not! I may actually be more nervous this time around than last. I don’t know if it is because I don’t have everything complete, like the nursery, or if the thought of having 2 is freaking me out!

Milestones- Still being able to: wear my wedding rings, tie my own shoes, wear heels and shave my legs! All things at this point in my last pregnancy I could not do!

It is scary to think that there are only 5 weeks left until the Thompson clan officially becomes 4! I am extremely excited, but need to get moving on the nursery that has yet to be painted or decorated. The good thing is that I have all the laundry done, the bottles out of storage and I am starting to think about where all the large items like a swing and bassinet will go.

Finishing things around the house is on the schedule for next weekend along with a neighborhood yard sale! Add a Gamecock SEC match up and we’ve got one hectic weekend planned! Oh well… we will hopefully get a lot done and have the last 4 weeks of pregnancy to enjoy some fall family time with Kylee!

How far along- 35 weeks 3 days

Weight gain- 30 lbs

Baby’s size- about 18 inches long and 5 1/4 lbs!

Style- Comfy, comfy, comfy! Jeans and t’s and now with the change in weather, a few sweaters are being thrown in the mix!

Sleep- The potty trips are becoming unavoidable and A LOT more frequent, especially at night. So needless to say, sleep is being interrupted multiple times in a night.

Best moment this week- Kylee, unprompted, sitting down next to me on the couch and patting my stomach while saying baby. I don’t think she is aware what it really means, but she is definitely more interested in babies and is so curious when she sees a baby. She will usually walk right up to the stroller the baby is in and stare repeating “baby” the whole time. It’s too cute.

Movement- I think we may have a soccer player on our hands.

Food cravings- My sweet tooth is back in full force! At least it is not a “have to have” craving. I can sometime curb the craving with my carbonated water mixed drink.

Gender- It’s a boy!

Pregnancy pains/Labor signs- The contractions (mainly Braxton Hicks) are still hanging around and are slightly more frequent, but still not consistent enough to be worried about them.

What I miss- Being comfortable.

What I am looking forward to- Getting the nursery done next weekend.

Weekly wisdom- Being 8+ months pregnant and chasing after a toddler is a huge energy sucker. Just know that having a spotless/organized house is not going to happen!

Milestones- Still being able to wear my wedding rings!

Well… it is confirmed… Landon is a week ahead of his original due date estimate!!! The new due date of November 3 is closer to what I feel is accurate based on when we may have conceived. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much, but I like to think that we will be meeting this little guy earlier than expected!

With this new news comes a whole host of anxiety! One less week to get the nursery done… one less week to get all the baby boy necessities in place… one less week to prepare Miss K for her little brother’s arrival. But amongst all this anxiety is a lot of relief! I know it is only one week, and the doctor could be wrong, but I am so happy to say that we are potentially only 6 weeks away from meeting the newest member of our family!

How far along- 34 weeks

Weight gain- 29 lbs

Baby’s size- about 18 inches long and 4 3/4 lbs!

Style- If the weather ever decides what temp it wants to hover at (hot and humid or fall-like), then I would be able to tell you!

Sleep- It is getting more difficult to sleep… mainly because this little guy loves to play soccer with my bladder at night. Not a fun feeling when you have to walk downstairs to pee.

Best moment this week- Finding out that I am a week ahead of where I thought I was.

Movement- Pretty noticeable from inside and out! I believe he flipped this week seeing that I was having pretty bad pains all of Tuesday night.

Food cravings- Carbonated water and cranberry juice is still the beverage of choice. I am missing my sushi, but we will fix that the night after Landon is born!

Gender- It’s a boy!

Pregnancy pains/Labor signs- Definitely beginning to feel contractions (mainly Braxton Hicks). They are very sporadic, but some are painful!

What I miss- Getting off the couch easily.

What I am looking forward to- Same as before… having a drama free delivery and holding this sweet baby boy in my arms!

Weekly wisdom- Soak up the quiet!!! I am sure our world is going to turn upside down… probably in ways we could never imagine!

Milestones- Knocking off a week of pregnancy without even knowing it!

I know that I am running after a toddler these days, but I am doing a terrible job at documenting this pregnancy AND keeping track of the weeks!!! I went to the doctor today and she said that I am measuring at 32 weeks, but I think I am only 31! All seemed good with the appointment so I am still saying 31, but hoping that measuring 32 just means this little guy may come early!

I am definitely not as prepared for this birth as I was with Kylee. I do believe that her nursery was complete by this point in the pregnancy and that all the bottles, nursing equipment and clothes from birth to 12 months were purchased and in their own place. Just writing this is making my blood pressure rise! I need to get on it!

Thankfully, my parents were in town this past week to help us settle in the new house and get almost everything BUT the nursery in place. Now that I am not staring at boxes in every room, I can concentrate on the things that need to get down between now and the arrival of Landon in early Nov. Priorities first… the nursery. Luckily I have a grandmother who is a wizard with the sewing machine helping me out with this one!

How far along- 31 weeks

Weight gain- 27 lbs

Baby’s size- about 16 inches long and 3.3 lbs!

Style- Work out clothes are still my go to… but with the weather cooling down, I am loving my jeans and comfy t’s!

Sleep- Knock on wood… I haven’t been sleeping terribly and still don’t need the support of a body pillow!

Best moment this week- Sitting in our new house with no boxes around, thinking…. this is where we are going to become a family of four!

Movement- The movements are still aggressive and sometimes just painful. This little guy likes to let me know he is in there!

Food cravings- Nothing really… carbonated water and cranberry juice is a nice refreshment at the end of the night.

Gender- It’s a boy!

Pregnancy pains/Labor signs-Not yet.

What I miss- Getting outside! The weather here has been terrible, so I haven’t even been able to get outside to walk. Oh well… thank goodness for Apple TV and pilates videos.

What I am looking forward to- Having a drama free delivery and holding this sweet baby boy in my arms!

Weekly wisdom- Don’t let anyone decide how you will deliver your baby. Decide for yourself and hope for the best… plans will change, but at least you can say you did what you can to keep your birthing plan.

Milestones- Keeping my weight relatively low compared to last time. I am watching portions and still moving and I think that keeps me motivated to keep the weight off this time.