Baby Watch 2014

December 18, 2014
3 years, 1 month tomorrow
39 weeks, 4 days

Puppy love.

It's snowing at the Canyon.  I adore snow.  Leaving a clean blanket of fresh, white on the world, I too feel cleansed.  My house is tolerably clean, Christmas music plays in the background, Colter entertains himself with matchbox cars and Owen sleeps on the couch.  Baby wiggles inside my womb.  For a few moments in time, all is perfectly right in the world.

CJ and Owen enjoying the inversion layer a week ago.

My boys.

Love this picture.

The last three days were "Family Days".  You've heard  me mention it many a time - we cherish Family Days.  The past few days consisted of snowball fights, long strolls through the neighborhood, decorating the outside of our home, movies and breakfast feasts.  I'm pretty certain it doesn't get much better than that. Savoring the last few hours? days? as just the three of us.  We snuggled in bed in the mornings.  We read extra books at bedtime.  Knowing full well that at any moment, Baby could make his/her grand entrance. 

The many faces of a snowball fight.

Helping Dad with the truck.

Ranger CJ.

This boy loves throwing snowballs.

The anticipation.  It was harder for me the first go around.  This time I know Baby will come (silly, yes, but I would reckon to say most first time mothers feel the day will never come!).  It's not that I am not eager to meet the little peanut.  I like to think that perhaps I've gained a little more patience over the past 3 years of motherhood?  Perhaps, just perhaps, I've learned a few things... At some point you just have to let go and have faith that it will happen all in its own good time. Besides, I've got this adorable 3 year old to help pass the time.

If I could bottle this face up forever, I would.

Our bags are packed.  The OB kit is packed.  Childcare is lined up.  Christmas presents are wrapped.  Snow is falling. 

Full-term!

Busy Bees & Nesting

34 weeks...early November, Santa Barbara BabyMoon

December 7, 2014
3 years, 18 days
37 weeks, 6 days

I've made it to December - the month that my second child will be born.  A few weeks ago I was pretty sure Baby wasn't going to hold on until this point but, after some excellent guidance (or a stern talking) from my husband, I decided to slow down.  It's amazing how much better you start to feel when you stop doing so much.  So here we are - one day away from 38 weeks. 

Remarkably, I'm feeling quite well.  To be perfectly honest?  I feel a whole lot better than I did about 2or 3 weeks ago.  We took a long road trip the second weekend of November to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara (1500 miles in 4 days) and by the end of that my cankles were in full force and I had gained 10 pounds.  Yep, 10 lbs in 4 days.  Not from eating, from swelling.  It was beautiful.  I'd say that was an all-time low for this pregnancy.  Moving my body sucked and I'd say I was basically miserable.

Just plain adorable.

However, the long weekend was super fun - a surprise birthday party for Larry (78) and his brother Sid (80).  Both immediate families came together for the first time in over 5 years.  Incredibly special.  CJ and I got a little "Babymoon"/ Happy 8th Anniversary getaway to Santa Barbara for a night - thanks for my bro for the hotel hook up and my parents for watching the boys.  How special it is to have time along with your husband!

At our hotel, The Goodland - record players in every room.

 My first born turned THREE on November 19.  Three.  It just doesn't seem possible.  He's becoming quite the little fireball - he has discovered that he can make his own decisions.  Frightening.  He celebrated twice - once with Mama and Dada on his birthday and then a week later with all the cousins out.  Life is good.

Make a wish!

Cousins!

Thanks, Grandma, for a yummy cake!

He picked out the party favors...

Then it was time for Thanksgiving!  I'd say those few days with all the family re-energized me for this last stretch of pregnancy.  Shocking, I know.  But believe it or not 25 people at my house for Thanksgiving was just what my soul needed.  Larry, CJ's two sisters (et al), my parents, my bro, friends...the love just exploded every which way.  I feel so blessed that everyone made the journey out - goodness knows I'm done with the long road trips.  (Except of course for those wonderful weekly trips to Flagstaff for my baby doc appointments.)  

Me and Pops.

Sibling love.

Rides on Okapi are the best.

Feasting.

I even managed to get a little creative...

Saying farewell to everyone proved difficult as always - especially knowing that the next time we see them we will be a family of 4 (or 5 with the dear ole puppy dog).

Yes, Owen, we love you too.

Savoring the time with just me and my boy.

Now that the masses are gone I've gone into full nesting mode.  We rearranged the main room of our house, cut down our Christmas tree and gutted Colter's closet to make room for Baby stuff.  All in one day.  Bring it!  I packed my hospital bag, lined up childcare for Colter when I go into labor and have the car seat in the back of the truck.  I like to feel ready.  It takes a bit of the stress away.

The annual Christmas Tree family photo.

My boy smiling like a normal human being (for once!).

Matchbox cars hold a special place in our household.

Last night we hired a sitter and double-dated with some friends to the El Tovar for the annual Holiday Rotary Club dinner and dance.  So. Much. Fun.  Silent auction, raffles, a live country band, dancing, 4-course meal, good company...We stayed out much too late.  It was grand.  We saw lots of our friends and I felt like I was floating on air all dressed up with my big preggie belly.  I was happy to be pregnant!  Trust me, after the trials of sciatica and swelling, it is high time I felt pleased with my choice to procreate ;)  Normally the last month or so can get a bit uncomfortable and daunting but for some reason or another I've gone the opposite direction.  I'll take it.

Colter is very excited to be left....

In front of the famous El Tovar Christmas Tree!

Partying it up.

Alas, here we go.  Sometime in the next 2-4 weeks we'll have Baby.  We are excited to meet the little one (though dreading lack of sleep....).  Colter is going to be an awesome Big Brother.  I just know it. 

Belly snuggles with the puppy.

37 weeks, 5 days!

I Just Wanna Be With You

October 4, 2014
2 years, 10 months, 21 days
28 weeks, 6 days

Back in Orange County for a few days....and a quick swim at Laguna Beach.

I've been working a lot (for me) recently.  2-3 days a week 10+ hours a day.  I realize to the average "full-time" working adult, this must seem trivial.  But to a Mama who has savored her "working" moments primarily in the home, it's exhausting.  Throw into the mix that I work on CJ's days off typically and I think it's fair to say I've been missing my boys. 

At Disneyland on "It's a Small World" - despite the look on his face in this picture, Colter loved it!

I love that CJ gets a Dada-Colter day every once in awhile.  I know he loves it to.  And I know Colter loves it.  What I love most?  Family Days.  Those special days when we can all cuddle up in bed in the morning and plan out our day - should we go to town? go for a hike? make brunch?  head to Sedona? The sky is the limit so long as we are all together. 

"Colter, what was your favorite part about Disneyland?" "Grandma and Grandpa"

Alas, I know my time as a working parent will soon come to an end.  Baby beats away in my right rib and I smile knowing that come December I'll be a full-time SAHM (stay at home Mom) once again.  I've really always considered myself that, honestly.  I am proud to say that I am a mother first and a nurse second.  I am proud that my son has only spent one day of his life in a day care - and that I have the most awesome in-home babysitters a mom could ask for.  I am proud that we have chosen this life over more money. 


I'm not meaning to brag or toot my horn or whatever you may call it.  This is my family - this is how we have chosen to make our family.  I am proud of that.  I would hope that any family - no matter their circumstances - would say the same exact thing.

We even got to see Uncle Dave for dinner one night!

CJ is down at Phantom Ranch for a few nights.  I admit I cried as he walked out the door yesterday morning to head down trail.  Blame it on preggie hormones.  Or perhaps blame it on the lack of Family Days.  I just needed one more hug. Just one more kiss.  Colter did too.  A few Octobers back, Colter and I joined CJ down in the Canyon for an epic few days.  I longed to go with him this time.  Alas, the third trimester prevents me from such endeavors.  I can picture it perfectly in my mind - the cottonwoods gently blowing along the creek and the sound of the Colorado River rushing under black bridge.  I stood out under the stars last night and for a few moments I could almost make out the Canyon walls looming above, dark shadows cast from the light of the moon.  Glorious.

Roaring Springs, October 2012

As I tucked Colter into bed last night and prepared to close up his "tent" (the sheet hanging over his bed for the past month or so), he looked up at me with the most perfectly, precious, scratched up face you ever did see and said, "I just wanna be with you, Mama."  I just about died right then and there.  I fought back the tears and the only thing I could think to do was sing the "Thumbkin" song one more time.  He loves that song.  I love helping his little fingers as they work so hard through the song.  I love just being with him.

Hugs for Donald Duck

This morning we ate homemade zucchini bread, watched Fraggle Rock and played cars.  Then we took a much too long shower (giraffe, the race cars and helicopter joined us) together.  I got dressed as he ran around Mr. Nakey Head for a bit.  He took one look at me and said, "I wanna match with you, Mama."  I mean, really, there is only so much cuteness a preggie mama can take!  And then we took a selfie.  Because in my generation, that's what you do when something of this magnitude happens.  Then you write a blog.


There may be dishes in the sink, laundry to be folded and bathrooms to be cleaned.  I may have to work 8 more days before the end of the month.  Today, Colter, I just wanna be with you.

Matchy matchy!

Fun Baby Facts:  Baby is ~15 inches long and weighs 2.25 lbs!  Baby always wakes up for bath time and story time with Big Brother.  Colter informed me the other day that he is going to have a Baby Sister...

Regarding Gender

August 24, 2014

2 years, 9 months, 5 days

22 weeks, 6 days

 

How could you not want more of this craziness?!

I was sitting in the bathtub last night and I thought, “What if I have another boy?” And I will admit that I was sad for a moment.  It is quite possible (I’d give it a 99% certainty) that this is my last pregnancy.  Two seems like a wonderful number for us – we’ve given it much thought over the past few years and particularly over the past few months.  

Frankly, my poor body is rather pained this pregnancy – everything that didn’t seem to happen until the last month with Colter seems to be happening 16 weeks earlier.  Splendid. Mainly it is my dear poor sciatica – both, in fact.  I am working through it as best as I can.  Yoga, stretching, Tylenol….but I fear my eagerness and need to continue my regular walking exercise means that the flare-ups tend to be continuous. I am certain I have taken on a most bizarre gait and whether lying, sitting or standing it tends to aggravate me.  I found myself saying out loud today, “I can’t wait for this pregnancy to be over so I don’t have to be in pain anymore!” Woe is me.

Swimming feels great...too bad the closest pool is 80 miles away! :/

But enough. I do love being pregnant – despite its challenges.  I know many other women who suffer longer and more extremely than I do. I love feeling Baby kicking and moving all around.  I love hearing the heartbeat.  I love how Colter is excited to be Big Brother.  I love how my husband puts his hand on my belly.  I love that “special” feeling. I love not-knowing whether it’s a mini-CJ or mini-Heather waiting to make its grand debut.  I love knowing that our family is growing.  I love that I am fortunate to mother two children. Frankly, I love my life!  It’s cheesy, yes, but true.

Brothers.

The gals at my Family Baby Shower in San Diego in July.

 Another boy.  The prospect is both alluring and daunting.  Two wild boys running like crazy men around the house.  Two hungry boys to feed.  Boys in the house outnumbering me four to one – because you can’t forget Owen! A beautiful baby boy.

Another girl. Of course, I would imagine that most women would love to feel the connection that only the mother-daughter bond can bring. To share so much through life’s journeys and trials.  A beautiful baby girl.

Peaceful moments.

I suppose these ramblings don’t really make a difference in the long run.  Baby is what he or she is.  And we will love this baby no matter what – a truly incredible gift, miracle of life, unbelievable blessing.  

I can't wait to see Baby's face....and know that it will be just as precious as this one!

For now, I am content with just me and my boys.  And my dear sweet baby pouncing away on my bladder.

Happy.

Oh!  I must keep track.....

Week 23:  Baby is 11 inches long and weighed in at 1 lb 3 oz last Tuesday.  Baby can feel me dance and I know Baby loves story time snuggles with Big Brother and Owen - s/he always starts moving around.

Round Two

There's a "ba-loop" low in my belly, my sciatica is screaming and my cankles have reappeared. This can only mean one thing: the Malcolm's are having another baby!

Tomorrow marks 22 weeks. Which means, ladies and gentlemen, I am over halfway there. 

We have decided to go the surprise route yet again. There is something magical about not finding out until the Baby slides on out. Or perhaps we are just old school. I admit this go around I have absolutely no idea whether it's a boy or a girl. My mother intuition seems to be failing me. The mother in me proudly states, "as long as it is healthy". How many thousands of years has this echoed for?  Colter is hoping for a little brother- though I did breach the possibility of a little sister and he seemed intrigued...

This pregnancy has been so vastly different from the first...the first trimester symptoms not so much but more the overall experience. I remember the days of blogging regularly and sitting for hours rubbing my ever growing belly. And then the Baby came out. And now I have a two and a half year old consuming my waking (and ever so occasionally my nighttime) hours. Early on, I found myself forgetting that I was pregnant. These days, I've decided I have another active child growing in my womb as I seldom go an hour without Baby kicking and punching. 

The great difference this go around? I remember the intense, powerful love I felt as I opened my eyes (for the first time in 5 hours) and held my beautiful baby boy for the first time. I can't wait to feel that overwhelming power again. I'm experienced- I know what's coming this go around and I am so excited to meet this precious child that will steal my heart yet again.

I have no fear that there will be plenty of love to go around.