Happy Easter

This morning when Owen woke up he could hardly wait to get downstairs to see if the easter bunny had come. Of course I had been talking about the easter bunny coming for days, so he had time to be excited. The first thing he said was "Presents! Treats!" it didn't take him long to rip through his easter basket and start eating the chocolate. He was much more interested in the candy than looking for eggs. He found most of the eggs on his own, but there were a few we had to "direct" him towards. The holidays have become so fun since having kids.

Owen's easter basket

Noah's easter basket

Found an egg!

Not so sure about this easter thing...

Noah checking out his new rattle.


The easter bunny brought Owen a water/sand table. After his afternoon nap we went outside to play with the water table.

Hai Duong Heartbreakers

Have you ever seen three cuter boys in the same room at the same time? seriously.

Reflux?

Poor Noah has been miserable all week, each day his symptoms seem to get worse. He cries/screams most of the time. He constantly needs to be held upright or he spits up or vomits. He arches his neck and back in pain when he screams & he has obvious issues with gas. We had a doctor's appointment today & the doctor thinks he has reflux, which is somewhat common in newborns & usually corrects itself. According to the results of this on-line quiz, Noah has most of the symptoms of acid reflux. I did not sleep even one minute last night because he constantly needed to be held. The only thing that calms his crying is bouncing on the exercise ball. It has been a rough week, we've been basically stuck inside the house and things are taking a toll on Owen as well. The doctor prescribed drops to help with acid reflux, hopefully we will see an improvement in the coming days. Noah sees the doctor again next week, if there is no improvement we are being referred to a pediatrician. We are following all of the suggestions to help with acid reflux in newborns, hopefully something works soon.

Happy To You

Owen picked me a flower. Too bad it was from my own plant.
"Happy to you" is how Owen says "Happy Birthday". It's pretty cute.

Photos by Owen

When you tell your 20 month old that he can't play with the camera, this is the result.

4 weeks old

We've been a family of 4 for 4 weeks now! unbelievable really. Time is speeding by & I wish I could have time stand still for a little while. I'm really enjoying the newborn baby phase, but it makes me sad to think about the first eight months of Owen's life we missed. I know that what's important are the firsts that we experience with Owen now, but still, I can't help but think about the questions he will have in the future & the answers we just don't have.

Noah has a doctor's appointment next week, so i will have an update on his weight then. I can tell he's gaining weight though, he has more than one chin :) He has been eating 3 ounces a feeding, and wakes up every two hours or so to feed throughout the night. Hopefully he will start to sleep a little longer as we are all getting tired. Luckily, he doesn't wake up Owen in the middle of the night, I worried about that for nine months for nothing. Noah loves to be cuddled and held. I'm hoping to buy a swing for him this coming week (maybe an early Easter present), and try him in that. He likes to be rocked & walked around, he is most content on the move.

Owen has been a wonderful big brother. He has become much more loving and gentle with Noah. He doesn't seem to be acting out of jealousy the same way he was the first week or so. I am so proud of him. I feel for Owen because there is significantly less one on one time during the day with him. As much as I love when their naps overlap a little bit (it doesn't happen often), I also love that i get to spend time with just Owen. that has been the hardest adjustment for me. It was so easy to take Owen out everyday & do fun things together.,now we're lucky if everyone gets dressed in the morning. We are slowly adjusting to our new normal, soon it will feel like it's always been this chaotic :)

chubby cheeks and neck rolls :)



half smile

Silly Boy

Vietnamese Dinner

Our fourth attempt at making vietnamese food was a success!. We made caramelized ginger chicken with red rice. The recipes were taken from this book. There are many more recipes we are excited to try! We will definitely be eating this meal again.

This past sunday friends came over with their little ones. Owen loved following around V, & kept asking her to pick him up. He probably weighs as much as she does, but she gave it a good try. They were so sweet playing together. Here are some pictures from the day. We will get together for another visit soon!

If you miss your nap...

Growing Boy

When we left the hospital Noah weighed 6lbs 3oz, as of thursday he weighs 7lbs, 2oz. What a little piggy!

The Boys

1 week old

Sleepy baby

Owen's favourite new toy, he even sleeps with it :) too cute.

A Few Firsts

First photo of the four of us.

First bath

First time in the car seat (not so happy)

Owen holding & kissing Noah for the first time

Owen came to visit at the hospital on tuesday evening. It was difficult because he obviously wanted nothing to do with me or the baby. His world had been turned upside down in a matter of hours. He is adjusting to life as a big brother, but it is hard. He has started throwing things out of frustration & has started to hit us when he doesn't get his way. We are trying to stick with his routine, set boundaries, & give him as much attention as possible. It is hard, but he is getting better each day with the baby. We are hoping for some better days to come. The inappropriate behaviour was expected, I'm just hoping it doesn't last long.

Birth Story Continued

After we were sent home from the hospital monday afternoon, contractions intensified. I tried to relax & get some rest but the pain was getting too bad. We were timing the contractions using contraction master, my contractions were further apart then they had been. At approximately eight pm, the pain was making me feel sick so we decided to head back to the hospital.

At the hospital I was assessed again & found to be 5cm, dilated. Progress had been slow because the contractions were so far apart. We were told it was going to be a very long night & they expected delivery sometime the next day. We were admitted & taken to the birthing suite. Nurses explained pain relief options, & we decided on the epidural because of how long labour was expected. The anesthesiologist was called, & at 11:30 I had the epidural.

The Doctor broke my water after the epidural. Things progressed much faster after that. After a couple of hours of rest, I was checked again. I was found to be 10cm dilated at 2am. The nurse said she was going to prep. the room & we should call our families in to the hospital. My mom arrived at the hospital soon after.

I started pushing at 2:50 am. The nurse didn't expect me to have to push very long. After 37 minutes of pushing Noah was born!
Gavin told me that we had another boy. I was so happy!

The cord had been wrapped around his neck, so the Doctor quickly unravelled it, & cut the cord. He yelled for the nurse to resuscitate, but luckily after he was suctioned Noah was screaming on his own. His colour was nice & pink & I knew he was fine. Such a relief.

Gavin was able to cut the cord after Noah was suctioned.

We're Home

We were discharged today at 12pm, I will write the birth story as soon as I can. Maybe tonight, if not tomorrow. It is great to be home, we are all doing well.

Baby Noah has arrived!

It was a late night... our new son baby Noah arrived at 3:27 am this morning. Baby, Mother and Father are all doing well and catching up on some much needed sleep. Noah weighed in at 6 lb 7oz (good things come in small packages).

Sent Home

We arrived at the hospital & were assessed at 12:30. Found to be 3.5 cm dilated & 80% effaced, we were given the option to walk the hall for an hour or 2 and be reassessed. An emergency C-section came in, so we were bumped for our assessment. After 4 hours of walking the hall, strong 5 minute apart contractions, dilation has not progressed.

We are now home waiting for either 3 minute apart contractions, or my water to break. the nurses have seen early labor go as long as 2 weeks. Things could continue the same, progress, or phase out. This is so frustrating. I almost cried when they said there was no progression. I really do not think I can handle contractions so frequently for so long. I'm now hoping things either get much more intense tonight, or stop all together until the baby is ready to come. So now we are at 24 hours of early labor & counting. Contractions are coming no matter what position I am in, & the baby is crazy active in there!

Planning on having dinner & trying to rest, we are exhausted.

Going to the Hospital

We are leaving for the hospital now, it is 12pm. Pain is getting more intense & change of position is not relieving the pain. Things are appearing to be more real, but i want to get checked. Contractions are still between 5-10 minutes & we may be sent home, but I'm starting to feel more panicky & want to be checked.

Still Home

We are still at home :(
Had contractions throughout the night, but they were still about 20-30 minutes apart. I was able to sleep off & on. We just came home from another long walk, hoping to get things moving. More frequent contractions but not close enough to send us to the hospital. I'm hoping it's not false labor, or it's going to be a really long week. Things are more painful today, so maybe that's a sign. Things intensify with the walking for sure, so I think there will be little sitting around today.

Contractions

I woke up this morning experiencing very irregular contractions, I was getting more frustrated & grumpy throughout the day. At 2pm we went for a walk, and shopped for a bit. We walked for over 2 hours & got home around 4:30. I was experiencing some cramping while we were out. At about 5pm, things started to get a little more regular with timing.

Things are still in the early stage of labor. It is now, almost 11pm & contractions are about 20-25 minutes apart. We are hoping they get closer together & don't stall out overnight. Currently we are doing some last minute packing & getting the camera ready just in case. My mom is coming to spend the night, so that if we end up having to go to the hospital in the early morning, that we don't have to wake Owen & take him with us. I'll feel bad, if things stall out & we didn't need her to come up tonight, but we'll see. Plus, I think it's better for her to drive up now instead of the middle of the night.

I'll try to update if things progress anymore. I'm probably going to keep walking around, & using the exercise ball. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is for real.

Soon?

Last night around 11pm, I noticed quite a bit more blood. I called Labour & Delivery because I wasn't sure how much blood was considered OK. I figured I was over-reacting, but it was better to be safe & check with the nurses. The nurse on duty seemed to think that it is the beginning of labour & things will likely happen within 24 - 48 hours. She never mentioned that it could take up to 2 weeks like the O.B did yesterday. From what I have read it does usually happen within days, but can be longer for some people.

I surprised myself & was able to sleep from 12 until 4. Then we were up discussing if Gavin should go to his friends wedding today , he's in the wedding party. Because any contractions I was feeling were not strong enough to keep me awake, or regular enough, it was determined that he would go to the wedding & I will call if I need to have him come home. He is not far away, only about an hour or so. I decided it was best for me to stay home today & rest with Owen, in hopes that if delivery is tonight or tomorrow, that I am a little more rested.

Today, there has been a little more bleeding but not as heavy as last night. I'm hoping things do progress over the next day or two & this baby doesn't wait that much longer. Things are definitely moving forward though!

Dr Appointment Update

Warning TMI ahead, if you are bothered by pregnancy/birth "stuff" just stop reading.
So, some possible signs that things are progressing are 1) increased energy level on wednesday, some slight nausea, very active baby. 2) Thursday i was exhausted, increased nausea, very painful hips & groin, very active baby, 3) this morning I lost my "mucous plug" had "bloody show", increased nausea, overall not feeling well.

The Dr. explained that things are progressing well & on time. The loss of the mucous plug, can happen up to two weeks before, & while it is a positive sign of progression it doesn't mean that labour is imminent. He will check my cervix at next weeks exam on thursday, if I am not in the hospital before that. Besides that there is nothing more than to wait for regular (5min apart) contractions that last for an hour, my water breaking or bright red blood. Any of these signs mean to get to the hospital. My O.B will allow you to go a week - ten days over due before an induction date is set. With how I've been feeling the last couple of days, I don't think it will get to that point but you never know.

39 Week Belly Picture

With only 7 days until our due date, I think the reality of another baby coming has finally hit Gavin. He was able to leave for work today later than usual, so he took the time to pack up some things for the hospital. I kept telling him he could pack his bag after work, but he insisted that it needed to be done now.

No definite signs of labour so far. I spent the day cleaning & keeping busy yesterday, hoping to start things. After being busy I am certainly more "crampy", but nothing that amounts to anything. I'm really hoping the Doctor checks me tomorrow & can tell if I am progressing.

39 week belly picture


I wasn't going to post exposed belly pictures on the blog...but here it is. This might just be the last week of belly pictures. I thought I was lucky & got away without getting any stretch marks. I noticed a couple on my sides at 38 weeks, then Gavin pointed out the few under my belly button that I couldn't see. Thanks honey!

Chuc Mung Nam Moi

Mary an adoptive mom hosted this years Tet party (Vietnamese New Year), & what a wonderful party it was! Complete with crafts for the kids, gifts for the kids, a pinata, dragon dance parade, tons of food, & fireworks at dark. We missed out on the fireworks this year, it was getting late & I thought Owen had partied enough. Truth be told, I think we were all worn out from chasing Owen around the party!

There is a fundraiser every year to help Vietnamese families in Vietnam. This years fundraiser helped to purchase a water buffalo for a needy family in Vietnam. Money raised went to the TDH water buffalo project. What a perfect fundraiser for the year of the water buffalo.

I was a little hesitant about the party being so close to my due date for fear I would go into labour. Good friends of ours Julia & Danny offered to drive with Owen & I, & also be a second and third set of hands to help out with Owen. How could I resist?
I think Danny was surprised by how "active" Owen can be, at one point he said " Owen doesn't have a dimmer switch does he? he's either on or off!" Very true Danny!

Owen sure enjoyed the food!


Dragon Dance Parade


The children waiting for their Tet presents. (Owen went & sat at the front of the group. He didn't want to miss out!)


Water Buffalo (This years Tet present, that Liz brought back from her trip to Vietnam)


Thanks Mary! we are already looking forward to next years celebration.

Nice Surprise

This afternoon I received a nice surprise e-mail from a friend. Attached was a great photo of Owen taken last friday by a waiting adoptive parent. I think the photo is beautiful. My boy looks so grown up in the picture. Thanks Leslie!

Baby Update

We've had a very busy week with a NST on tuesday, ultrasound wednesday & O.B appointment today. It was amazing to see how much bigger the baby was on the ultrasound. The baby is so squished in there that it is hard to identify the body parts. The ultrasound confirmed that the head is down & the baby is in the anterior position which is the best position for birth. We had a great ultrasound technician, she actually told us before we left "don't worry the baby is fine". It was so nice to hear that! usually they don't tell you anything.

At my O.B appointment today we were told that the baby is healthy at approximately 6.5 lbs. It was explained that if you took 100 women all with the same due date that 65% of the women would have a bigger baby. The placenta, size of baby, & amount of fluid are all within "normal" range. Next week I will have another NST, & O.B appointment on friday. I am hoping that they will do an internal exam to see if things are progressing.

In the meantime I am going to try to get things moving along with some natural ways to induce labour. I'm thinking more along the lines of walking, cleaning & eating lots of pineapple :)

Oh & my hospital bag is finally packed! all that is left to do is pack a few things for Gavin & finish washing some baby clothes.

Big Baby :)

Full Term

Yeah we made it! the baby can come anytime now. At my last OB appointment it was confirmed that the baby's head is down & should stay that way. The OB I saw yesterday was covering for my regular OB, he doesn't see a problem with the size of the baby at all. Next week he will confirm with an ultrasound, but he is sure the baby is small because of my body size. He also thinks my measurements are fine & within the normal range.
I still love being pregnant & I'm feeling well, but we are excited to meet this baby. Hopefully soon!

1st Non-stress test

We passed the non-stress test after a scary failed first test, when the baby thought it would be hilarious & sleep instead of move around. I was starting to get worried when the nurse mentioned that if the baby didn't move a few times in the next twenty minutes I would be sent for an ultrasound. In the last few minutes of the test the baby finally woke up!
Tomorrow I have an O.B appointment, & next week another NST, ultrasound & O.B appointment. With all of these last minute appointments I am so happy to be finished work on thursday. We are counting the days until this little one makes his or her appearance!

36 week baby update

The doctor thinks the baby is measuring small for the gestational age. Starting next week I have to go to the hospital weekly for Non Stress Tests , & I also have my O.B appointments weekly (that is expected around 37 weeks). I am also being sent for another ultrasound on February 4th to check the growth of the baby. This does not change the due date, they just want to make sure that things are within the normal range. It is expected that things will be fine with the baby, that the baby is likely smaller than average because I am quite small as well. It has us a little worried, but we are hopeful that things will turn out fine. We will know more in the coming week or two.

Braxton Hicks contractions are increasing in frequency this week & I have also been nesting. It is driving me crazy that I don't have the time to clean my house ( I REALLY want to clean out closets & cupboards), but I am focusing on getting some much needed rest. As of the end of the month I will be starting vacation, & I will have more time to get some things done around here. I have a strong suspicion this baby will arrive earlier than the 19th of February. I just hope I didn't jinx myself & will now end up going overdue. Of course it is most important that the baby is healthy.

36w2d

First Forever Family Day

One year ago today we had our Giving & Receiving ceremony in Hai Duong Vietnam. Those first nights were so difficult when we adopted Owen, I remember his grieving cry so well. There was nothing you could do to console him but let him cry it out. I've never heard such a sad baby. Plus he was suffering from bronchitis, an ear infection, a cold, & he was teething, he definitely put us to the parent test right away.

One year later he is a smiling, happy, energetic child. He has made such improvement with attachment. Of course there will be some long term attachment issues that surface periodically, but for the most part I think he is doing very well. We are amazed by how far he has come in the past year.

We made Owen's adoption video after we arrived home from Vietnam. I've shared it before, but it brings back so many memories from our first weeks together that I thought I'd share it again.

Enjoy!

Quick post

I had a Dr. appointment today. I thought I was having some braxton hicks contractions for the past couple of weeks, last couple of evenings they were more evident. Anyway the Dr. says that it is likely braxton hicks, but if contractions are 5 minutes apart or less to go to the hospital. The braxton hicks contractions starting are a good sign that things are progressing well at this stage. The Dr. suggested more rest during the day then took one look at Owen and said " you should try & get more rest, but that isn't likely to happen" :)

Yeah. Glad he's realistic.

34 weeks

The countdown is on! I've handed in my maternity leave letter & I'm anticipating my last day of work to be January 31st. I will then be on vacation until mid february, then start maternity leave after that. I'm really looking forward to being off, I've noticed that I have been more tired this trimester.

Things continue to be well with the pregnancy. Everything seems to be on track even though the doctor says I am measuring about 1.5 weeks behind. He is not concerned, anything within 2 weeks is within the normal range. He also mentioned that he would be surprised if the baby weighs 12 pounds! i am happy to hear that ;)

This past week I started drinking red raspberry leaf tea. I've known people that drank it during the last weeks of pregnancy & they swear by it. Our prenatal instructor really believes in it as well. I've started drinking one cup in the evening, & next week I will try & drink 2-3 cups a day. In my opinion it tastes awful, but it is drinkable with lots of honey added to it.

I've started to collect some things for my hospital bag & I'm guessing that by the end of the week I will be packed just in case.
Today we purchased a few newborn outfits, 3 pink & 3 blue. I'll leave the baby clothes at home & when the baby is born I will have someone wash the ones we need & bring them to the hospital. The only big purchase left to get is a double stroller. We are having trouble finding the perfect stroller, they all seem to have something about them we don't like. Right now it looks like the phil&teds might be the one we are leaning towards. I just really wish that it had cup holders & was suitable for an infant car seat. The reason we are thinking about this one is because we can continue to use it after Owen has outgrown the stroller stage.

Here are some recent belly pictures.

32 weeks


34weeks2d

Big Boy

We weren't going to start potty training Owen until the summer, mostly because he still seems so young & he hasn't really been bothered by being wet. Last night he started saying "pee pee" so we thought we'd get out his potty so that he could get use to having it around. This afternoon I asked him if he wanted to try to pee in his potty, he said "okay" & with that sat down & peed! I couldn't believe it, I thought it was a fluke. He's gone 3 times since this afternoon & all we have to do is ask him if he wants to try to pee. He's gone every time we've asked.
His potty plays a song when there is success & he does this little dance when he hears the music.
Seriously this kid surprises me everyday.



Admiring his liquid gold