Growing Pains

We are definitely still in the adjustment phase of having a new little family member in our home. J and I are doing pretty good but Wyatt is definitely having a hard time. Both Wy and I had to shed a few tears last night and he seems to be doing better today. That is the hardest part of this entire experience thus far. Chase is a dream baby - thus far of course. I am sure we will hit a bump or two in the road with him but for now, he is eating well and sleeping well. And pooping and peeing well. All you moms know that is an important part of having a new baby.

I am so thankful that he is doing well because it is helping me to have the energy and patience I need to give Wyatt the attention he needs to feel secure. I am also thankful for the weekend so we have J here with us. Several times on Friday both Wyatt and Chase needed me at the same time and it was like "OK, how do I choose?" I just hope that Wy continues to feel more secure as each day passes. He is very lovey with Chase - likes to kiss him and hold him and he is being a good helper to me. I can just tell that he was more than fine with life the way it was before Chase's arrival and he is trying to deal with the fact that it won't ever be that way again. And that is hard for me as a mom to watch him process those feelings.

But anyway, enough Dr. Phil. Here is a short video that J took after Chase was born. The quality isn't very good since we just used my digital camera. (I want that snazzy little Flip recorder and this is evidence I NEED one, don't you think?) Since he arrived so fast, we were the only two at the hospital so I wanted to be sure to document the specifics of his arrival. I had every intention of calling our families when I got to about an 8 or so but as you will hear, Chase just flew on past that so we didn't get a chance to call anyone before he arrived. It was just about the most peaceful experience I have ever had. One minute I was lying there all nice and comfy with that wonderful epidural and less than 15 minutes later, I was holding my new baby in my arms. Definitely one of the best days of my life.

Party of Four

Chase Griffin Donaldson was born January 26th at 8:39 a.m. He weighed 6 lbs, 13 oz, and is 18 inches long.

More to share on his arrival in a later post but for now, here is our new family photo...

Breath of Fresh Air

Sometimes you just need to get outside and enjoy a breath of fresh air...


My breath of fresh air was...


wearing his daddy's hat...




while on a mission...




to be as active as possible...




which makes him super happy...




which brings out that dimple!

Bump Watch 36 weeks & Update

YAY!!! I made it to 36 weeks! After last week, that definitely feels like a huge accomplishment. I had my doctor's appointment today and ultrasound. Perhaps the name Hoss was a little harsh - maybe Plumpy would have been a better nick name.

He did measure ahead of schedule but nothing outlandish. At 36 weeks, they estimated his weight to be at 6 1/2 pounds. If I carried him the whole 40 weeks, he would probably be in the 8 pound range but that is nothing compared to what I was fearing he would be.

I am scheduled to see Dr. C. next Monday and we are going to take it a week at a time. She certainly didn't seem like she was worried about me going into labor before then so I am just going to continue my regimen of water and rest. I had only gained a half a pound in the last 2 weeks which was odd because I had gained 5 during the previous 2 week period. I am guessing it has to do with all the water.

Here are a couple 36 week pics. The sweater is not a maternity sweater although I guess it will be forever stretched out. You can see it doesn't even cover the belly so I have to wear a tank underneath.





Thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts. We are getting excited to get to the end of this LONG pregnancy and are ready to meet our plumpy boy!

Ducks in a Row

At least that is what I am attempting to do.

This was week 35 and a tough week. I got dehydrated which resulted in a trip to the hospital. I was having significant contractions and just by drinking water, albeit lots and lots of water, they lessened in intensity and then in frequency. I didn't even have to have an IV. So, I have spent the rest of the week resting and drinking water. While I wasn't drinking huge amounts of Dr. Pepper, I was drinking at least one a day. So I quit that cold turkey and have done water, gatorade, and an occasional glass of iced tea.

I had one other day of contractions that did eventually go away after I went back to bed and slept for several hours. I am very thankful for my MIL who has been very helpful this week with taking Wyatt off my hands so I could rest. I think my body is telling me that, for whatever reason, this time around I can't be on the go like I was when I pregnant with Wyatt. So I am trying to be a good little mama although it is really hard for me to just sit. Especially when there are things that I could be doing that I know need to be done. So it is something I am working on.

I am scheduled to see Dr. C. on Tuesday so I will know more after that appointment. I am thinking I may need to do a self imposed week of bed rest because my FIL is leaving for Costa Rica on Wednesday. Since we own our own business, he is our back up for opening, closing, bank, etc. all of which he can't do from Costa Rica. So I really, really, really do not want to have the baby this week. You know, because I would like for my husband to be with me while I am in labor. I can just see it now. "OK, I got to run lock up and I'll be back. Try not to have him while I am gone." I was dilated to a 2 when I was at the hospital on Monday so I am curious to see what I will be when I see Dr. C. on Tuesday - praying I am still at a 2.

I did get a great brown shag rug from Target last weekend so the nursery looks better already. I am also having my friend Leslie's sister Juli do canvas art work for the nursery. She sells her artwork on etsy (http://www.littlesisterart.etsy.com) and did some great canvases for Leslie when she had her baby Clay. So I sent her pictures of the bedding and she sent me the cutest sketches of what she is going to create. I can't wait to show them to you all once they arrive.

Also, we do have the name narrowed down to two. We have decided not to share them ahead of time as I keep changing my mind and I let other's reactions affect my decision. I am just like that. We also decided that we want to see him and then make the final decision. The names go well together in either order so it is just waiting to meet him to see what he looks like to us!

Flashback Friday - Wyatt Edition

Wyatt at 11 months - January 2007

Wyatt has always been a happy guy and was a very smiley baby.




Wyatt began walking soon after New Year's so he was a walker by 11 months. I remember being impressed he could walk and carry these items which did not have an equal weight - he has always had good balance.




Jeremy and I didn't have a clue how much harder things would be after he was mobile. I remember grocery shopping was a nightmare because he wanted to walk everywhere and push the cart himself by 13 months. Really any type of shopping experience was a challenge!


Wyatt at 1 year, 11 months - January 2008

I loved his little bowl haircut and he was much blonder at this age.




This was his first "snow" although it was just flurries and there wasn't any accumulation. We bundled him up and carried him out in it so he could "experience" it.




Wyatt at 2 years, 11 months - January 2009

We were at Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville on an unusually mild January day. We met my friend Sarah and her little girl Addison there to feed the ducks and just enjoy some fresh air.




This was the day that the gravel driveway had been "poured" at the land and we were just starting the whole house building process.




My, my, my - time really does fly by. I can't believe I have 3 years worth of flashback photos already! I know it will be hard but I hope I find the time to document Hoss' life in photos like I did with Wyatt. I am sure there won't be as many of just him but that is OK because having a big brother will always be a part of his life.

34 Week Bump & a Name

Just call him Hoss.

Hoss Donaldson

At least that is what I will be calling him until we meet him and decide on a more appropriate, long term name for the boy.

Why Hoss? I think you can probably guess.

I had my 34 week check up today and finally got to see Dr. C.

She was really just interested in measuring me as she saw I was measuring 2 weeks ahead of schedule at my last visit.

Hoss didn't disappoint.

At 34 weeks, I measured in at...




37 weeks!




Wow. Seriously. What. is. up?


Dr. C. wants to do an ultrasound at week 36 although she said that won't give us a definite on his weight just an estimate. There is a 1 pound margin of error so if the ultrasound projects his birth weight to be 8 pounds, he could really be as little as 7 pounds or as much as 9 pounds. But it will give us an idea of where he is at and I am fine with any excuse to get to see him so no complaints here.

So for now, my job is to continue to provide a nice, warm, nourishing environment for Hoss to continue to thrive in.

Here are a couple 34 week pics. If I wasn't so modest, I would do one with the bare belly showing b/c that is what really makes you go "Huh? 5 more weeks of growth in there? Good luck with that."







Here are a few pics of Hoss' room. I still need "decor" to bring in some much needed color i.e. artwork, curtains, and a rug but the basics are in order.










I am debating on what color rug to get - dark brown, light blue, or lime green. What do you think? Also, I am not sure where to look for one so let me know if you have any suggestions!