Back Tracking

These pictures are from when Spencer was still up in the NICU on the last day. No tubes and just waiting for all the paper work to be done so we could go home. What an angel!

In Love

Natali and Isaac L-O-V-E baby Spencer. All Natali wants to do is give kisses & hugs, and constantly requests to hold the baby. When Isaac sees the baby out he just runs full force at him yelling, "baby"! It's pretty funny. I have to constanly say, "soft Isaac, soft." It makes my heart warm and full though when I see all three of my kids together. It is the best feeling! It may be a rocky road for awhile, the whole sleep deprevation thing, but I sure love these kids.

Little Faces

Here are pictures of each of the kids just a few days old (two are the same of Spencer). I thought it was fun to see how each kid kind of has their own look, except for the chubbiness!
Top Left: Spencer 10.5 lbs
Top Right: Natali 9.9 lbs
Bottom Left: Isaac 10.9 lbs

We Are Home

We are home, and it feels so good! Thursday we said goodbye to Ben's mom which was hard (lots of tears were shed) but we knew she had to get home herself. Spencer was doing well with eating, blood sugars, and he had been off his IV since the day before. His billirubin was going up but not enough to where they were going to put him under the lights. So WHY was he still in the NICU...my point exactly! I talked to the rounding doctor who initially wanted to keep him there one more day for observation, and told him that I thought we should take him home. I could do follow up appointments for his jaundice with his pediatric doctor and if he needed photo therapy we could also handle that at home. Thankfully I was convincing and the NICU doctor gave the okay for discharge. We got me discharged from my room and then were waiting for Spencer. We had to wait till he went "wetties" in his diaper from having his little "manhood" surgery. I have never wanted to see a wet diaper more in my entire life. It took the kid almost 5 hours! Finally around 6:30 pm we were all loaded in the car driving away from the hospital. It felt so good & weird. I was leaving a very controlled enviornment and heading into what seemed like inevitable chaos! I am happy to say we survived our first full day at home, thanks to Ben, and love being all together under the same roof! Life with 3...ready, set, go!

No more Tubes

Today Spencer was able to shed his NG tube and his IV. His blood sugars are stable but unfortunately he started looking a little yellow. His billirubin doubled from yesterday to today so we have to wait and see what his labs in the morning show. If it hasn't raised much than there is a chance we could both go home tomorrow. I don't want to get my hopes up but it sure would be nice to leave the hospital together and forgo the commuting back and forth. The good news is he is still as cute as ever, and has the most perfect chunky cheeks.

Minor Set Back

Last night Spencer ended up needing to be admitted to the NICU. We thought we had dodged "that" bullet since his lungs and breathing were so good, but apparently Spencer had other plans for us. The issue is his blood sugar. It was staying too low and he wasn't eating well enough (too sleepy). It is just a matter of time as his body transitions from not receiving all the insulin and extra sugar from mine. He is already doing great and his sugars are stable. Now it's just a matter of time and getting him awake enough to eat. Now that he has been washed his hair looks more blonde. I love it, and I love his chubby arms and back rolls! I have to confess...I can't stop kissing him.

Spencer Chase

Baby Spencer arrrived today as planned at 9:54 am. He weighed in at 10.5 lbs and 21 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well. We're having a few feeding issues, but considering how chunky this guy is maybe he could stand to shed a few pounds (just kidding). Siblings have come and visited and are in love with him. We are so excited that he is here!

B

I Know, I Know....

Everyone is probably so sick and tired of hearing about this baby and my discomfort, I'd apologize...but since this is my blog/journal I feel a need to document and record. Posterity right? Please quickly scroll past the first picture, me and all my pregnant glory. It's been requested by family to see a photo so that they can have a visual as I try to explain how absolutely MASSIVE I really am. I told you...it is HUGE!


Grandma Fluhman arrived yesterday and it was not a moment to soon. It has been so nice to have an extra pair of hands to help with the kids, push shopping carts, and to have adult conversation with. Having her here makes the next couple of days seem bearable. Plus, she has already spoiled us and taken us out to dinner and is going to watch the kids for us tomorrow night so we can go out for my birthday (the big 28). Natali has been in HEAVEN with Grandma here and literally demands her attention every second (hard to imagine I know).

Today I had my last ultrasound. I was origianlly going to have an amnio done to check for lung maturity, but again just like with Isaac, the doctor said there was no point because either way this baby needed to come out. Spencers heart is looking fine, but the walls are starting to thicken and so to prevent any further complications they need to take him out whether or not the lungs are mature. But, I feel good that the lungs most likely will be ready since this will be the longest I have a carried any of the kids (by two whole days I tell ya)! The plan is to go in early Monday morning and get this c-section done! YIPPEE. Here are some pictures of Spencer taken from today. HELLO CHUNKY CHEEKS!!! Yes, that is a double chin you see, and he sat there sticking his tounge out at us! I am giving birth to a sumo baby! He'll fit in perfectly to our family.

SO Ready!

First let me begin this by saying I am truly blessed by being able to have babies. I wouldn't trade it for the world...but right now I am in that 100% MISERABLE stage. There are so many perks of being pregnant, gaining weight and having and excuse, pampering ones self with pedicures, dear friends offering to always watch your kids so you can nap or clean, and obvioulsy a cute little bundle of joy at the end. Right now I am experinceing those "special" perks!

...burning my belly twice on the stovetop
....Natali asking, "mommy, why are you breathing so hard?" while slowing walking around Costco
...random strangers giving you that look that clearly states, "who on earth let you out of the house!"
...the realization that I can not wait to have a catheter put in (sorry, but it's true)
...the knowledge that I am caring at least a 9 pound baby
...the sweet ultrasound tech sharing with me that I am caring twice the amount of amniotic fluid than a normal pregnant lady
...I can't breathe!!!
...I can't bend over to save my life
...There is no position (standing, sitting, lying down) that is comfortable
...Ben saying, "you sound like Darth Vader breathing into the phone!" Me replying, "sorry I had to get off the couch and walk across the room to answer it, I am out of breath (add the sarcasm)"
...Natali looking at my stomach exposed and asking, "mom...is baby Spencer trying to get out?"

Oh, I really am grateful for this little baby! I just needed to document how totally miserable I am right now because I seem to always forget, and Ben wants to make sure that I remember this pain and discomfort for a long time! A REALLY long time.

A Spring Is Here

Spring is finally here and I am so happy. The kids have loved being able to play outside on the deck and I love the fresh air! I wish we could go to the park or on walks but unfortunately due to being about a week away from having a baby, both are overwhelming and painful! For right now we enjoy sidewalk chalk, playing in the backyard, and painting on the deck.

Natali came out of quiet time the other day declaring that she was going to get married. Apparently a white tutu skirt is all a beautiful bride needs now a days! I asked her who she was going to marry. "I want to marry Daddy!" Sorry sweetheart...he's already taken!

Sunshine...Easter Cookies...Bathtime

...SUNSHINE...

Today it felt warm! We played on the deck, we didn't wear jackets, and I busted out the flip flops! We ended the day with some friends and BBQ...oh spring, please stay!

(my pasty white princess)

...EASTER COOKIES...
Bunnies & eggs frosted and decorated to perfection. This is a tradition in our family and I LOVE it, and so does Natali. Isaac passed on the decorating but was more than happy to help with eating them. To spare hurting anyone's pride I am going to refrain from pointing out which cookies were decorated by adults and which ones were done by Natali.

...BATH TIME...
Our kids love bath time! Dad usually takes the Bubba, and Mom gets Natali. Great...who will take the new baby?!?! Man, we are going to be out numbered soon! Going from man-to-man to zone! I guess we'll figure out one way or another.

Spencer the Chunk

Today was another ultrasound and weight estimate. Spencer performed wonderfully doing the proper practice breathing and was plenty active. There is no question or need to worry if he will live up to the hype of being a big baby like his older brother. Spencer is chunky! I mean the kid already has what I like to call "kissin cheeks" and he still has another 3 weeks to grow. Right now he is measuring at 37 weeks gestation (as opposed to the actual 34) and is weighing in at 7 lbs. The ultrasound sound tech. (bless her heart) said, "That's okay, on average a baby gains 1/2 a pound a week, so that would make him more like 8 or 9 lbs!" I just smiled thinking in my head, "yeah right lady...there is nothing "average" about my babies!!!" But I guess there is no harm in hoping. Don't get me wrong, I'd love it if they pulled him out and he wasn't massive, but I have to realistic too! We have scheduled the rest of our visits/ultrasounds and the c-section. Ben still doubts that I will make it to the scheduled c-section, we'll see. One thing is for sure, ethier way we will have another chunky little boy in our family by the end of April.

Never too Young

Today when Natali awoke and asked what we were doing today I was prepared with an answer, CLEANING. And to my surprise she was not only okay with this answer she was EXCITED. She helped me clean up after breakfast and then she was in charge of vacuuming her room and the front room. It was AWESOME!!! Isaac followed her around with is mini vacuum and they kept themselves busy/entertained for at least 30 min's. She was so proud of herself when she was done, and I wondered why I had never done this before!?!?!

"NASTICS"

Ever since watching the Olympics Natali has loved anything to do with the "nastic girls." She found her bathing suit in her drawer the other day and but it on, announcing she was a "nastic" girl. I went ahead and enrolled Natali in a Tumble Tots class at our local YMCA. This last Thursday was her first day of class. I waited till after dinner to tell her about it, and boy am I glad I did! I think that with in 20 minutes I was asked over 100 times when it was time to go to class. She insisted on wearing her bathing suit and that was fine with me. I think she really enjoyed it, and man did she look cute out there running around!

You Scream, I Scream...

(click to enlarge collage)

Last Saturday was one of those lovely Spring days we have been waiting for. Ben was home with us and we made a full day of it. We loaded up the kids and went to the Zoo, again. But this was a first with Dad joining us this year. After wards we stopped by Sonic and picked up .99 cent ice cream cones. Natali though she had died and gone to heaven! She thought she was such a big kid having her VERY OWN ice cream cone. Isaac on the other hand wasn't so sure and it took a lot of coaching and helping to get him to eat it. I was happy to help him!!!

Zoo Fun

For about a week the weather tricked us into to thinking that Spring was really here. We took full advantage by going on walks, spending afternoons at the park, and going to the Zoo. This day was one such day. We packed lunches, meet friends, and enjoyed a morning out in the sunny fresh air! We even got to bring a friend along, Zoe. She was a great sport taking all of Natali's questions and Natali trying to hold her hand.

Natali, Isaac, & Zoe

Natali getting ready to cross the "old wooden bridge" in the rain forest.

The kids watching the otters.

Natali enjoying some fish.

Our Natali

My how we love our little Natali. She is growing so fast and is so ready to become a big sister again. She is constantly talking about "baby Spencer Chase" and can't wait till he joins our family. I think she is a little more excited at the prospect of Grandma coming and getting her all to herself. Natali is a true three year old and has AWESOME days and AWESOMELY bad days. She is a girl who know what she wants when she wants it! And the volume of her voice is something we are still on a quest to control. Man the girl can be LOUD...she must of got it from her dad:) !!! Natali loves to change her clothes MULITPLE times a day (hello laundry), and adores anything dress up and princess. She thrives on knowing what we are doing that day. Each night she says as I tuck her in, "Mom, what are we doing after night time?" Apparenlty another inhertied trait from her father (just kidding), always wanting to be on the go & doing something. She loves to sing in the car and is currently entertaining us when she sings along to ABBA, Super Trooper, and does the mens part! It is GREAT!!! She adores going to preschool, and loves to say to her dad, "Look Dad, I'm going to school like you!." The other day we were doing a little touch up painting inside the house and Natali came up to Ben and expressed, "Dad, when I grow up I want to be like you...a painter!" We can only hope, right!? She reminds us who is boss on a daily bases and is still in love with her TV friends The Backyardigans. She gives great hugs and kisses and at times can be the biggest help with her little brother. I don't want to forget all these cute and precious stages. Everyone always says, "Enjoy it, they grow up so fast." In between the tantrums and freak outs, I promise I'm trying to! Love you Natali!

Don't Be Fooled

That sweet face can be deceiving. Oh how I love it, and the sweet snuggles and kisses that come with it, but there is another side that is emerging! That side that says "no, no" and swats his chubby little hand at you. The side that has discovered how to climb, and virtually nothing is safe in the house. The side that runs out the door and instead of standing by you on the porch, runs straight for street. The side that pushes his chair up to the computer desk and starts playing with the laptop. Today I came downstairs and found Isaac standing up to the laptop and some how he had opened the Pandora Radio link, and had some Nelly playing! (please don't let this be a sign of things to come) The second I go into the room he is in, he bolts for the next room where he can destroy as he pleases! Help...I truly have a little BOY...and another is coming! Hmmm, where can I buy one of the those kid approved leashes? :) Thankfully he still has that sweet little face that just melts my heart.

I Heart Craigslist

Thanks to Craigslist Saturday night I was heading to Ankeny at 9:15pm. Why? I hit the jack pot. With baby #3 on the way I decided that I needed a dresser to store more baby clothes in. Especially since Isaac's clothes are currently in a plastic multiple drawer bin. I have been stocking Craigslist, daily, hourly even...looking for a dresser that would work as a changing table too. Something along the lines of low, 6 drawers (that don't squeak), smoke free, in my budget, and not needing to much TLC (none at all would be ideal). The few that I have seen needed MUCH TLC, and by the time I responded to the ad they were already sold. Anyway...Saturday night at 7:45pm I saw it...exactly what I wanted! I responded to the ad, and the nice lady replied with in 10 minutes. The ad had been posted less than 30 min's and already she had had 8 emails, and 3 people had appointments to see it the next day. Well I knew with it being Sunday I wouldn't be able to get there until Monday, so I decided to see if that night worked (it was now like 8:45 ish). She said YES! I got the address and within 20 mintues picked up a late night driving buddy (hello I was not about to go by myself to some strangers house in Ankey alone at night) and was off. The lady was super nice, it was perfect! No TLC needed, and the drawers open and close oh so smooth! Her and her son loaded it into my car for me and by 9:45 pm I was the proud owner of a "new" dresser! A small part of me felt bad for the people who thought they had a chance of seeing it, but then the bigger part of me squealed in delight and glowed in pride. I hunted...I found it...and I got it! New dresser for $50, a place to start putting cleaned and ready baby clothes, a happy prego mommy/wife...equals priceless (even ask Ben)! Seriously though...how awesome is Craigslist...within two hours this lady posted, sold, and had her furniture picked up and out of her house. I HEART Craigslist!

Baby

Today was another of the many ultrasound appointments. Baby is big, 85%, but looking very healthy. Today we could see him doing his practice breathing (go baby go) and a lot of shaking and moving. I know the 3D picture looks creepy, but for journal purposes I wanted to include it. He kept his little mouth wide open the whole time. He looked like he was taking a nap and snoring away peacefully. I have another ultrasound in two weeks, and then the week after that we start the weekly BPP/NST testing. His little heart looks good, but then again we didn't see any problems with Isaac's until the very last ultrasound before he was yanked out. Out of curiosity I had my AMAZING nurse look up what Isaac's stats were around this time of pregnancy, and he was running a little bigger than this baby. So with fingers crossed (and lots of prayers) I am hoping this chunky monkey won't be quiet as chunky as his older brother (10.9). We have selected our name of choice for this baby, Spencer Chase. I love it! I have always adored the name Spencer, Chase is my maiden name, and Ben promised that I could use it with this little boy. Oh...today during the ultrasound the tech got a great shot of his hair! She said there was TONS! What color is it???? We'll have to see, just a few more weeks.

Science Center

This year I took the plunge and bought a Zoo and Science Center pass. It has come in real handy on those days where we need to get out of the house and release some energy. It's perfect. It's been a little cold for the Zoo so far, but we have made it out to the Science Center a few times already. We go in the morning for a few hours, pack and eat lunch there (why mess up my kitchen), and come home for nap time. Perfect!