My Favorite Baby Products- The Second Time Around

First of all, I have to share Sister's post. To say I have admired her during this time is an understatement. I cannot imagine what it must be like to struggle with infertility. Emma handled the situation with faith, grace, honesty, and even humor. I think when you go through hard times, like infertility, it helps to know you are not alone.
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Gaines is seven weeks, and I have my favorite products. Many are the same as with Woody, but there are some newcomers to the mix...

PUJ Tub

I knew I wanted this before Gaines was born. I just didn't realize how awesome it would be. Gaines loves bath time, and I believe it is because of this! I can easily bathe him in the sink, which is much easier than bending over a tub (not that we have one or anything.) I can keep the water gently running over him, it keeps a small amount trapped in, and slowly lets the water drain out. Love, love, love.

Fisher-Price My Little Snugabunny Bouncer

I bought this with Woody, but he never loved it quite like Gaines. When all else fails, I can usually count on this to get him to sleep. I know everyone is all about the Mamaroo (and I am sure I would be too if I had one), but I love this for about a fifth of the price.

Summer Swaddle Me

You know I have sung my praises for the Miracle Blanket (here and here), and believe me, we still use it, but sometimes Gaines likes to switch things up on us and prefers to be swaddled with his hands on his chest. This swaddle allows him to do this. Now, he can usually break his hands out of it, which gives the Miracle Blanket an upper hand, but we are big fans of this one too.

Belly Bandit

When I was in the hospital recovering for my c-section, I started coughing and couldn't stop. If you have ever had a c-section, you know that sneezing, coughing, and laughing make you feel like your insides are going to come out of your incision. (TMI?) It was so bad, my family thought I was chocking because I was doubled over trying to control the pain. My doctor gave me the hospital version of the Belly Bandit, but my sweet friend, Catherine, let me borrow the real deal.

Get the real deal. It helps so much with the pain, plus, it helps tighten your tummy!! I feel like it really works too! I have been so impressed with this brand, I want this and this too!

Click here to see my favorite baby products the first time around, because I still adore all those products too!!

Dear Gaines,

Dear Gaines,

I cannot believe that we will finally meet you tomorrow. I cannot believe that we made it to your scheduled C-Section date. You are estimated to be a big baby. You are low in my belly and have been head down for quite some time. Your momma confirms this with every step she takes.

(Your momma is not fond of "belly shots," but your dad took this picture earlier this week. My nightly Oreos and milk may have something to do with your size.)

I have thought about you, prayed for you, worried about you, and rejoiced over you. When you were only twenty weeks, we received some scary news. Only scary because we tend to fear the unknown. However, your dad and I realized that God was just writing another chapter in your book, and He has been writing for sometime. It has already been fascinating, and I cannot believe that I get to be part of your story.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah 1:5

Soon you will meet your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and wonderful friends. Know that you are being born into a community who has loved and prayed for you since they knew about you. They will be there for you when you feel alone and helpless. (And will watch you when your parents feel alone and helpless.) They have given up time to celebrate you and have showered you with love and gifts.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:12-13

Soon you will be playing with your big brother, Woody. He is amazing. I know you will quickly become friends. I look forward to watching you play, grow, and learn with each other. I predict there may be some fights in there too. I hope you share secrets and support each other. I hope you trust and rely on one another. My greatest wish for my boys is that you be walking witnesses for Christ- showing His great love through your actions towards others.

A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Soon you will be in your momma and dad's arms. We are not perfect parents. In fact, sometimes I feel that my imperfections make me less worthy to be a mother to you and your brother. I hate to tell you, but I am a lousy cook and completely unorganized. But I promise to love you. With everything I have. Because I already do.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Love,               

Your Momma

No Baby, False Alarm, and What We Have Been Up To

Yesterday I earned my first "False Alarm." I will spare you most of the details, but at lunch, I thought my water had broken. I went to the doctor. It hadn't. I am not going to lie, I was disappointed. (Also, it is not like I have never had my water break before- you would think I would know!)

I have an appointment on Friday because I am measuring large. (Never fear, strangers had already let me know this for weeks.) If they did my c-section this weekend, I totally wouldn't hate it. (However, as of now, still planned for the 7th.)

Why do I want Gaines out so bad?

(Try not to throw up)

My weight has caused the worst swelling. That combined with no shoes that properly fit have me walking on the outside of my foot. All. Day. Long. (Because yes, I am still teaching.) I seriously think I have fractured it, but I don't want to be the "oh, you think your water broke AND you have a broken ankle" girl. I want to have my c-section for the fact that I won't have to stand on my foot. (You can laugh at me when I am dying from my stomach being ripped opened in a few days.)

And Woody sympathies with me so well....

Sike. 

After being on my feet all day, this little guy (who thinks he no longer needs naps) likes to have hour long fits when we get home. Delightful. Why do we live so far from grandparents again?

So what does this mother of the year do? 

Let him watch two hours of Curious George, of course. (I am working on my acceptance speech.)

Oh, and dinner?

And that is on a good night. 

Enough self-bashing. I did get around to cutting Woody's mullet. Hooray! I was pretty proud of myself.

I enjoy tasks where I can strap Woody to a chair and sit down myself.

Doesn't he look grown-up?

A Name and Other Updates

As odd as it sounds, Brooks and I always had two boy names that we loved. No girl names, but two boy names. Woody's name (Woodfin James) is named after my grandmother (Woodfin was her maiden name) and James is Brooks's dad's name.

And our other favorite boy name (aka Harvard Baby Dos name) is....

Gaines Alton Harvard

Gaines comes from Husband's side of the family. It was his grandfather's and uncle's name. Alton was my grandfather's name, as well as my brother's middle name. 

Woody and Gaines might not be the most popular names, and people definitely have their opinions on them. However, I like that they are old school and represent members of our families. 

Other updates?

• 14 days until my C-section. Cannot get here fast enough. No lie, I was told today that I look like I am about to squat the baby out in a bush field....
• The midwife told me she didn't think I would gain as much weight as I did with Woody. She lied. 
• Everything, and I mean everything hurts. Ankles, pelvis, hips, skin, ribs. It hurts. The last few weeks with Woody were spent in a pool. The last few days with Gaines are spent with fifth graders.....
• As painful as this pregnancy has been, I love thinking I have a little buddy with me all the time. The beginning of this school year was so hard. I hated leaving Woody, but I felt better thinking I still had my other baby with me.
• That being said, Gaines is being served an eviction notice from my womb. His new apartment is a very nice crib.
• I love his nursery. Again, probably not every one's style, but it is not in every one's house. I used a lot of Woody's nursery things, but I feel like this nursery has a completely different vibe. And considering my budget was basically $0, I am pretty proud of myself. I literally have one more thing to hang, and it will be completely finished!!
• Many have asked about his heart. At the last ultrasound, the shadow was still there. Now he is so big, they cannot really see his heart. We feel good that this is the only factor remaining for Down Syndrome, but also have a total peace about God's plan for his life- no matter what. I look back at things in my life and am so glad that God has a plan that is much better than my plans. 
• Woody kinda somewhat maybe gets it...but not really. If you ask him where the baby is, he lifts up my shirt (trying to get him just to point....) and he will say, "Eh Gay!" (Again, working on "Gaines" or "G") He also loves to go in the nursery and steal the blocks that spell out his name.

That is about it. Thank you for your prayers and support throughout this pregnancy. It is the final countdown people!!

Like It, Love It, Gotta Have It

Y'all, get this sweet little growing miracle out of my body. (25 Days.....25 Days)

Like It: 

via

Can every man dress like this? Every day? Yet, somehow not judge me for wearing the same maternity shirt for the third time in a week because I have literally outgrown most maternity clothes? Small request.

Love It:

The bathrooms in our house are definitely not terrible. They had recently been remodeled and include nice seamless glass doors. Problem? Both bathrooms only have showers. I think it should be illegal to be pregnant without a bath tub. I love how posh this small bathroom looks....with its beyond perfection bath tub.

Gotta Have It:

Organic Baby Hammock

I am just kinda obsessed with this contraption. It looks so cozy and I secretly want an adult version to take a nap in. Also, compared to many baby hammocks, it is not crazy, unrealistically priced.

Thoughts?

So what has been going on with the Harvards/ Harvard Baby Dos Update

A bunch of nothing.

Woody's typical mood after a nap

Huge fan of the selfie

Pumped about Dad bouncing a ball on his head going to church

What happens by 9:00 am when you wake up at 3:30 am.

I love low key weekends. A dinner here, some visiting there, but no real schedule. I feel that I get to enjoy my family so much more when we don't have real plans. I am trying to keep it super flexible like this until Harvard Baby Dos arrives...

And speaking of Harvard Baby Dos, we have a c-section date! March 7 is the tentative b-day. It feels so different than with Woody. The first time around, since I had no desire to be induced, we had no idea when he would come. It was crazy/exciting/scary to have my water break at home and then rush to the hospital (only to wait until the next day to have a c-section.) This time, I got to pick my date and time. I can arrive at the hospital with make-up on and hair looking decent. Since I cannot eat after midnight, I plan on having my last meal at 11:50 pm. Of course, watch this little Sparky surprise us all and come early and wreck my plans.

Just like with Woody, I have carried this baby...out. He is large and in charge. The usual comments include, "Any day now?" (Nope, March.) "You aren't going to make it to March!" (Thanks Miss Cleo.) "Are you sure it is not twins?" (It was, until one ate the other.) However, I am far less sensitive to the comments this time around. (Can't you tell?)

His nursery is 90% finished, and I might (gasp) have a nursery reveal up before the big date. Most of it is from Woody's nursery, but it has such a different feel to it. I hope he finds it swell too.

Baby Registry- The Second Time Around

Let me start off by saying, no, I did not make a baby registry. (1) I am having another boy. (2) He will be arriving 19.5 months after his big brother. Um, there isn't a lot. So I use the word registry to let you know what I am buying have to convince Brooks to buy, what I plan on reusing from Woody, and what I could probably do without for this little bundle of goodness.

Aden + Anais Blankets

I will declare my love below for the Miracle Blanket, but I fell in love with these blankets when Woody was given two of them. So why don't I reuse them? Those are Woody's "Blankies" and the attachment is creepy. He sleeps with one and one stays at Miss B's. And while Brooks will complain about the price, they are my favorite for when I want to swaddle without the straight jacket. Plus, how cute are these prints?!

Puj Tub

With Woody, I sent Brooks to Babies R Us right before Woody's first bath (dangerous) and he came back with the cheapest option (of course.) However, it worked fine and fit perfectly in the bathtub (good job Hubs.) Problem? We don't have a bathtub anymore. I bathe Woody in a glorified bucket in the shower. No judgement. I just don't see this working out with an infant though. Luckily we have sinks (whew), and my friend, Jessica, recommended it.

Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

Woody reaches a Charlie Sheen destructive status when not secured with a five point harness in public. Not having a double stroller is not an option. But they are not the cheapest of things. Brooks would love to have the double BOB, and believe me, we have loved our single BOB. It was a generous gift from my in-laws, and we use it often. The problem is not only is it pricey, but huge. It won't fit into my small SUV's trunk. I can't justify shelling out that much money when I still would need a second double stroller.

We currently own the Joovy Scooter and have been overall pleased with its performance. It is no BOB, but let's face it, I am not jogging with two. I don't with one. When we do go all on hikes, it is because Brooks is making me. I figure one of us can push the single BOB while one carries baby in the Baby Bjorn or backpack carrier thing (or he can do both- Mighty Man.)

To satisfy the broken hearted, BOB-less Brooks, I let him pick out the color.

He went with green.....

I would also like to remind him that this wouldn't even be an issue if he had listed to me then.

(Told you so.)

Now, what is making a second grand entrance?

The Miracle Blanket

Oh, hey you. Hey you perfect, life-saving straight jacket. I am so glad to see you again. You are washed and ready to help Baby sleep.... 12 hours...... the first night home, right? Thank you times a million for Sister introducing and giving this to me.

Little Tummies Gas Relief Drops

If nursing works out again (please, please, please), it is a must. Settles that crazy, little sensitive tummy like that.

Plus like 10,000 more things. These two just really stick out and aren't completely obvious (i.e.: "Ahhh I think I will use diapers again." "A crib seemed to workout well, I will give it another go around.")

What is getting ditched? (R I P)

The Bumper Pad.... Maybe

I have yet to dig this out of the basement. It was really pretty and nice, but Woody ripped one of the ties off ( minus pretty points.) Also, it just didn't last long in the crib the first time around. I was paranoid when Woody began rolling over, took it out. Put it back in when he gained better head control, took it out when he used it as a roller coaster safety bar.

NewbornOnesies

I have over 30 size newborn onsies. Woody was in a newborn size for a week...maybe. Plus it is going to be chilly when Harvard Baby Dos arrives (unlike the record breaking hot summer when Woody was born.) I know people swear by them, but eh.

So this is where I stand today. I am sure I will add a bunch to my list. What about you? Any favorite items?

Oh Boy!

We're having another boy! I have actually known this for about ten weeks now, and after three ultrasounds, I feel safe saying it. We are so excited to have brothers 20 months apart (excited/terrified...all the same.)

And a quick baby update while I am at a computer. My 20 week ultrasound was a disaster to say the least. Woody was with us, and insisting he sit on the ultrasound table with me. Brooks and I knew it was taking a really long time and were a bit disturbed by the tech's lack of communication. We figured it was just that she was annoyed we brought a 15 month old to this appointment. Then those awful words, "The doctor wants to speak with you about the ultrasound."

...........................................

Actually, it still really hadn't hit me that anything was wrong at this point. After sitting with the doctor, we learned that our baby boy had a choroid plexus cyst on the brain and a "shadow" on his heart (not going to lie, still a bit confused on what that means.)

This is what I heard, "Brain. Heart." Cue tears.

Both of these are soft markers for Down Syndrome, however many times, they baby has these markers and is born without DS. The doctor felt optimistic since my blood-work was good and his femur size was the right length. However, she wanted us to get a level 2 ultrasound to take a better look at his hands and feet.She told us to go home, relax, and don't Google anything.

What do I do? Go home in tears, panic, Google.

God, like He always does, wrapped me in peace and comfort though. My sister sent me the verse Jeremiah 1:5. God has created this baby, and He doesn't make mistakes. He has a plan for his life, and it is our job as his parents to give him a loving environment to grow up in no matter what.

(This is long. Sorry.) So the following Friday, we went back (without Woody) to get our level 2 ultrasound. She told us that we would still see the cyst and the spot on his heart, but she just wanted to look closer at other markers. Well, wouldn't you know that the cyst had already gone away! In a week people! He still has the spot on his heart, but she and the doctors feel that his heart just needs time to grow. She said it is pretty common to have this marker. And we are down to just one marker! Everything else looks wonderful though! We were offered the option of amniocentesis at the last ultrasound, but now that aren't even recommending it. Praise God!

Although we know there is still a chance, we feel very optimistic and hopeful. I have been overwhelmed by the love and support of family, friends, and co-workers. When I think of strangers praying for my baby, I break down. I cannot wait for this baby blessing boy to join such a wonderful community of God.

Thank you for taking time to read this long post and your continuous prayers for our family. We are covered in them.