Getting ready for Eli!

I got sweet Eli this soft minky blanket.

Eli's room. We hope to get new blinds and curtain rods this weekend!
Eric had all the furniture in the driveway to refinish. See Drake in the pack and play? He chills in it with some toys while we do outside stuff.
Eric putting the hardware back on the dresser drawers.
Eric painting!

We've made GREAT progress in getting ready for Eli! While he really doesn't need anything ready for him except diapers and my boobs, it is a relief to get his room ready. I've washed a million loads of diapers and clothes, and they are almost all put away. I've got to buy a couple of more organizers for diapers, and some clothes hangers. Once I get those, I think I'll have about everything put away. So, now onto the good stuff!

His room is a pale green, and his bedding is green, brown, and ivory. It has elephants on it! It's more modern than babyish. My cousin gave us a changing table (Thanks Ashlee), and my parents bought us a crib (Thanks mom and dad!). We bought a chest of drawers off Craiglist, and Eric refinished it. We decided to go with a changing table versus a dresser that we used as one (like Drake's room), because Eli's room has two closets. My Mom and I hit Target up for closet organizers and the such, so they meet my OCD requirements;-)

I only need a few more things, like a diaper pail and mattress pad. As far as decorating and the such, we need two shelves. One to hang a quilt from, and one to put above the changing table for diaper creams and cleaning spray. I'd also like to get another rug, but we'll see. If I find a glider on craigslist, my Dad can paint it, and my Mom can recover the cushions. I'm gonna work on all these things with my next paycheck, so we are VERY close to being 100% ready for our sweet Eli.

I had a checkup yesterday with my favorite midwife Tina. I informed her that her scales were wrong, because they only have me gaining 11 pounds. I feel HUGE, so I just don't know how that's possible. But she told me the scales don't lie, and the numbers are written right there in my chart. Unlike some other offices, my chart isn't some big secret with my midwives. I'm free to look through it as I'd like. Sure enough, it's only been 11 pounds. I still don't see how that's possible, as big as I am. Anyhow, I was worried about it, since Drake was so small. Tina said that 15-25 pounds is okay, and it's normal to gain less in a second pregnancy. She reminded me I'm only 33 weeks, and will be gaining lots more in this third trimester as Eli puts on weight. I only gained 22 with Drake. My belly measured right on track at 33 weeks, and his heartrate was fine. AND....she said she thinks he's head down! This is fabulous news for someone like myself, who is scared to death of a C-section for unnecessary reasons. She told me to expect another small baby!

So, that's all the Eli update we have. He'll be here before we know it- and I've got to get Drake a big brother shirt!

Drake gymnastics

Drake started gymnastics classes at the end of January. We go on Saturdays at 10:45, and he LOVES it. He plays his little heart out, and just really enjoys being around the other kids. It is not gymnastics in the traditional sense, because 1, 2, and 3 year olds aren't actually doing things on bars and beams, etc. It's more just a big play session. A parent (or responsible adult) has to be within an arms reach of each child, at all times. We wanted to do something fun with Drake, outside of normal trips to playgrounds and bouncy houses. This has turned out to be perfect. There are boys and girls, and both parents (or grandparents) can be with the child. We'll definitely be doing it with Eli as well, as soon as he's walking.

Okay, so this one is not gymnastics, but it was just so cute of him cramming his mouth full. And his beautiful blue eyes!Now, onto the gymnastics photos!

Sliding down a mat with a little friend

Crawling through the tunnelAnd QUITE proud of himself when he got to the other side!
Drake and Grandma in the foam pit. I tried to warn her that it was next to impossible to get out of. I still got a good laugh as they tried to come out.
Bouncing on the trampoline
Running around with a hula-hoop. For some reason, he loves carrying these around.

A snowy playdate

Drake and Nicholas swinging

Nicholas coming down the slide

Crawling through the tunnel

Giggling as Daddy helps him slide
On the big boy slide!
Swing time
Best tricycle ever

It snowed for three straight weekends in Charlotte. This past weekend was sunny and gorgeous, but these pictures are from a little over a week ago. Our good friends Katie and Christian came over with their little guy Nicholas, and we got our boys out to the park. For a sunny day with no precipitation, and a high in the upper forty's, it just couldn't be beat. They had a great time.

The tricycle Nicholas is riding in is actually Drake's. Drake wasn't a fan of it at first. However, in the past week, our weather has been better and he's had more time in it. Now, he LOVES his tricycle. He will ride all over the neighborhood, down the greenway, to the park- just about anywhere! It is perfect, because he gets to ride in/on something without Mom or Dad having to bend over and push. And the best part? The part we push also steers the tricycle. I love his trike! Big thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for a fabulous birthday gift!

Yippee Yay!

So, the washing machine isn't broken. Eric isn't sure why it was leaking last night, but it's fine today. While I'm thrilled not to have to drop $500 on a new one, I am a little disappointed to not get a new one. I'd love a nice new energy efficient washer for my diapers!

My cousin has a crib and changing table she is letting us borrow! I'm pretty excited. I have to check out the lot number on the crib to make sure it doesn't have a recall on it.

I can't wait to get started on Eli's nursery!

A vent

I'm super frustrated tonight!

A- I'm sick and tired of certain people in my life blaming me for things that ARE NOT MY FAULT. Grow up, take some responsibility, and realize that you have to take responsibility for your own screw ups.

B- I was super excited to get a crib from my parents to borrow. Unfortunately, it was one that they were also being loaned. The person that loaned it to them now needs it back, so my free crib is going bye-bye. Adios crib and mattress, and adios $300 to get another one.

C-The washing machine is leaking. Like MAJORLY leaking. Like through the ceiling tiles and into the basement leaking. I hope it's just a loose hose. But if not, Hello major expense called a new washing machine.

Okay, I feel better now. Thanks for listening.

A Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy

So, the title of this post is also the title of a book I read while pregnant with Drake. It was easy reading, but it's not on my list of "must-reads" for pregnancy. But it's a cute and catchy title, I have to admit. I wanted to write my last post about unsolicited advice (that was actually solicited), with more reference and less bias. But I feel like I did my pregnant friends a disservice, because I did not say a lot of things that I feel are really important to say. This post is a lot more of my opinion and personal thoughts. But I really think they should be shared, in case my pregnant friends never hear them from anyone else. I got so sick of people constantly giving advice, opinions, and horror stories while I was pregnant. Especially when I didn't ask for it. For that reason, I'm just putting my two cents on my blog, rather than discussing it with each friend. It's much easier to just close out this website, than to tell me to shut the hell up. :-)

It kinda goes back to what I've already said a million times before- if you don't like what I have to say on my blog, then QUIT READING.

So here goes.

There is this little thing called the cascade of interventions. It's kinda like a slippery slope. You know, where you innocently choose one thing, which leads to the next, and the next, and the next, and before you know it you are in a situation you really didn't want? I have seen that happen WAY too many times. Every single C-section I've done at work that is indicated b/c of "Failure to Progress", is usually (or so it seems) because of this cascade of interventions.

So how do you not become a victim of this cascade? A- Educate yourself. B- Choose a care provider who does not routinely perform unneeded interventions. You'll read more about all the interventions throughout this post.

1. Inductions. Just don't do it, unless it's medically necessary. What do I mean? Basically, there are two reasons for inductions. Those that are medically necessary, and those that are for convenience. People have many reasons for convenience inductions. And if having a c/s doesn't bother you, then this probably doesn't even matter to you. (Go right ahead in other words). But I just want you to know that having your labor induced, especially with a first baby, will more likely lead to a c/s, than going into labor spontaneously. I don't care what your OB tells you, this is the truth. If you think about it, an induction usually works out better for your OB as well. They can hopefully have you delivered before their dinner plans. No surprise 3 am wakeup calls.

So, what about medically indicated C/S? This is where I feel women should really educate themselves if they are put in this situation. Do not blindly and ignorantly follow your OB's recommendations, without at least doing a little bit of your own research. Preeclampsia is a great reason for induction. So is a true IUGR. (Intrauterine growth retardation). A serious and severe decrease in amniotic fluid can be dangerous and a good reason for induction. But ask what your numbers are, and do some research about it. Make sure the fluid levels are as dangerously low as your OB claims they are. Do not blindly follow their advice!

You are not "overdue" until you are 42 weeks. Average gestation is about 41 weeks and 3 days, when pregnancy is left alone, and nature takes over. I'm sure it's miserable, but it's still a suck ass reason to induce. Another personal pet peeve of mine is inducing for "big babies". First off, ultrasounds royally suck at guesstimating weights. They can be TWO pounds off. Secondly, I happen to believe that our bodies don't grow babies so big that our bodies can't deliver them. I even mean that for Mom's with gestation diabetes!

So, if you have a medical indication for induction, it's important to consider your Bishop's score. There a few categories that go into determining your score, and I won't go into it here. But ask what your score is, and what it means. (The short version is that your Bishop's score helps tell you how successful your induction will be (or will not be).

2. Firing your OB/MW.

You are a customer. A paying customer. One with a brain, and a choice. You do NOT have to stay with your OB/MW. You can usually switch practices, all the way up to your third trimester. If you aren't having calls returned, or visits that answer your questions, or just aren't feeling a connection with your care provider.....then do NOT be afraid to switch. If your care provider degrades you or speaks down to you, then they aren't being respectful. If they do this while your pregnant, what's going to happen when you are in labor? You will be at your most vulnerable then, and probably unable to advocate for yourself. You really need a care provider that you trust and respect, and more importantly they should trust and respect you. Their care philosophies should match yours. And don't be afraid to ask blunt and difficult questions. This is YOUR body, YOUR baby, and YOUR birth. You are calling the shots here. Your care provider is not a god. Yes, they may have gone to med school or midwifery school, but they are still not a god. Do not blindly trust them. Educate and empower yourself. Make decisions WITH them, rather than sitting back and letting them make them for you. Our maternity system can sometimes be quite patriarchal, and encouraging of Mom's to sit back, shut up, and do as they are told. But you are the patient, and you have a choice. A choice about EVERYTHING. From who takes care of you, to whether you eat in labor, to what you feed your baby. Educate yourself, empower yourself, and STAND UP for yourself. You deserve it.

3. Hospital policy.

This is kind of a spin off from number two. Don't feel like you have to be a "good little girl" as a patient. No matter what "hospital policies" exist, they aren't going to kick you out for breaking the rules.

- If you want to eat and drink, then by all means do. The most recent research encourages this anyway. It's just gonna take a while for the hospitals to catch up. I had lots of goodies and sports drinks packed in my labor bag.

-You don't have to wear the awful tent gown they give you. I labored in a sports bra. I only wore that dreaded gown for about 3 hours after delivery, and that's b/c my dad was in the room. I was in my own night gown very quickly. I was comfortable and happy in it! As long as you are aware that birth is a messy business, and what you wear may be ruined, it's not a big deal. Put whatever you want on. (Or off).

-If your baby looks good on the monitor at the initial 15 minute strip, then you can take it off!!! No matter what their policy is, you can take it off yourself and walk, rock, chill on the ball, or get in the shower. Be blunt- ask if your baby was okay on the monitor, and if so take it off and do as you please. (This is assuming you aren't attached to necessary antibiotics, an epidural, or pitocin). Laying on your back, in the bed, is the worst thing you can do to help your labor progress. (Side note- Continuous fetal monitoring (CFM) is NOT a recommendation of ACOG (American college of obs/gyns). So feel free to share that with any nurse trying to bully you into staying on the monitor.

-Ask for what you need. I suggest asking for a birth ball as soon as you get there. Sitting and rocking on it can help tremendously with the contractions, and with helping your bambino move down in the pelvis. Ask for a birth squatting bar. It attaches to your bed, and you can hold onto it to squat. Squatting is another fabulous thing to help move a baby down into the pelvis.

- You can leave when your baby is 24 hours old. You just have to let them know that's what you want to do. Be persistent! We left the hospital at 8:30 at night. A little untraditional, but I couldn't wait to get out of there. As soon as Drake's bilirubin results were back, we were dashing out of there. I didn't even wait for a wheelchair, lol.

4. Uh oh, your water broke. What's next?

I think it's hilarious how in movies, women always have babies about ten minutes after their water breaks. As if. Oh how I wish that was so simple. The truth is many women don't even go into labor when their water breaks. I know it can sound confusing. But in essence, your water breaking doesn't mean you are truly in active labor. Dilation and effacement of your cervix, along with effective contractions, are what mean you are in labor. So what should you do if your water breaks? First- go eat and drink whatever fits your fancy. You will need that energy later. Second, go take a shower or bath. You can do all that while your hubby loads the car, and makes sure everything else is in order for the new family addition! You'll be wanting to pay attention to your body during all this, and if you do have contractions, then you probably won't be able to ignore them. So, what happens if you do start having contractions? Great! Follow the 5-1-1 rule, and go to the hospital when your contractions meet that. But, what if no contractions start? Well, there are a few things you could do. A- Walk! B- Move around! C- Nipple stimulation. Get out your breast pump for nipple stimulation if you have one, and if not go old school and enlist your husband. This is probably what got you into this situation in the first place. One thing I would not personally do is call my midwife just to tell her my water broke. Why you ask? Because there is this ridiculous and imaginary clock that starts when your water breaks, for most OB's and some midwives. They will tell you that because of the risk of infection, you automatically need a c/s at 24 hours. In my humble opinion, that is bullshit. The biggest contributor to infection is repeated and unnecessary vaginal exams, not ruptured membranes. You need to ask important questions if this is the situation you find yourself in. First, does Mommy have a fever? Second, does baby look good on the monitor? If those answers are no and yes, then there is no reason to pressure Mom to consider a C/S. You may also very well be pressured to consent to a pitocin drip if your water has been broken a while, and progress isn't being made. Pit is hell on earth (from what I've heard), and has ruined many women's goals of NCB. However, if you know you want an epidural, and aren't worried about Pitocin causing undue stress on the baby, then getting started on a pit drip probably isn't that big of a deal for you. I will repeat that Pit can cause distress in your baby!!!!!! It can cause long and excessive contractions that suppress bloodflow and oxygen to your baby. If your nurse and doctor/midwife are in a hurry for you to deliver, then they probably will leave out the negative aspects of starting on Pitocin.

5. YOUR baby; Not the staff's.

Again, it does not matter WHAT the nurse claims the hospital policy to be. You DO NOT have to let your child go to the nursery for any routine care or exams. This can all be done in your room. If all is not well with bambino, then by all means let them take them to where they can be more closely monitored and cared for. But that's not what I'm referring to here. Healthy babies belong with Mom. Feel free to refuse to let them go to the nursery, "just because" it's easier for the staff since that's their normal routine. Your body, your baby, your choice.

6. Taking probiotics and avoiding sex for two weeks before your GBS swab can contribute to a negative result. The GBS swab is usually done at 36 weeks. Just another helpful FYI from my very favorite midwife Tina. (You want to be negative)

7. Packing for the hospital

There are tons of lists out there for this, so I won't go into huge detail. My essentials were: chapstick, hair ties/hairbands, ipod with earphones, my own sportsbra and nightgowns/lounge clothes. As far as toiletries, I found the hospital lacking. The solution is Target's travel size section. They have EVERYTHING a girl could ever want. And since you pack it all so far in advance, it makes it easy so you won't need it before D-Day. Toss in your tube of lanolin for your boobs. The hospital provides monster sized pads, and "peri bottles" to clean your vajayjay with. Steal as many of those peri bottles as you can. The hospital will provide everything for the baby, including diapers. Mine even gave Drake a sweet knit hat made by the volunteers.

Now, for the baby. You only need two outfits, b/c the hospital will provide little shirts and blankets. One outfit for the infamous hospital picture, and one "going home outfit". I'd pack a newborn size, NOT the 0-3 month size. You can leave the carseat and blanket in the car until the last second.

That's all I can think of for now. I've been in the process of writing this for forever it seems. Life got in the way of finishing it. Hopefully it will provide some of my friends with info they didn't have, and also make some feel empowered. You may be a patient, but you aren't a prisoner. You don't have to "follow all the rules" if you realize that some are pointless. I hope everyone gets a birth experience like mine with Drake!!! (I'm certainly hoping for that with Eli)

Around these parts

So, what's new here? Well, I ran into Dr. Caicedo in the parking garage (benefit of working at a Children's hospital), and he said the test for Celiac disease was negative. The other results weren't back yet, but he said he'd either call me with them, or find me at work. He said just keep feeding Drake whatever he'll eat, and he thinks he'll be just fine.

We had snow here again last night. That is the THIRD Friday in a row, and I'm absolutely sick of it. Drake isn't old enough to care about it, and I'm scared of going outside and slipping. So basically, it's stranded me inside for three weekends. Thankfully, last nights snow was just that- snow, and no ice. Even I have to admit, it was beautiful outside when I woke up this morning. I really wanted to go out and take pictures, but just didn't get around to it.

I was thrilled to call the YMCA and find out that none of today's programs or classes were cancelled, except soccer. So, off Drake and I went to gymnastics, in the snow. Once we got out of our neighborhood, the roads were fine. (I did consider asking my Yankee husband to drive me.) This was the first time I got to take Drake to "parent and child" gymnastics, and it was SO MUCH FUN!!! While he is the youngest and smallest in the class, he still likes it. I asked the teacher if she thought the 13 month to three years class was the best for him. The other option is the 6 month to 13 month group. She said to leave him in the bigger class, even though he doesn't do alot of stuff the other kids do. The first and last five minutes of the class, the kids are all together and do what the teacher does. The other 35 minutes, the parent stays with the child, while the child plays on whatever they'd like. It's so cute! They have all kinds of stuff out on the mats, that's totally toddler appropriate. The trampoline and foam pit seem to be a big hit, but Drake isn't quite interested in that yet.

We had a family Valentine's Dinner this evening at Outback! It was quite yummy. Drake to our surprise LOVES blooming onion. And their bread. He's obviously taking after his Mommy. He even enjoyed a few bites of shrimp, steak, and mashed potatoes. But the bloomin' onion was his favorite. We are having a playdate tomorrow afternoon with some friends, to get these boys out of the house. The temp is supposed to be high forty's/low fifty's. That is tropical compared to what we've had lately, so a short trip to the park is in order!

Well, that's about all the news we have I do believe. Drake did go to his grandparent's last Monday, and of course woke up Tuesday with a fever. They brought him back early, on Wednesday morning, and took him to our pediatrician. Poor bambino had bilateral ear infections! He seems to be much better now that he's on day 4 of his antibiotic. Eli is doing great- he practices his own gymnastics every day, just in my uterus.

Adios!

My unsolicited advice (kinda)

I have five friends pregnant right now, and for four of them it's their first. I get lots of questions (not just from them) about book and general advice. While I'm a very big believer in natural childbirth (NCB), breastfeeding, and babywearing, I really try hard not to talk much about that specifically. I figure that my friends know I did all of those things, so they'll ask specifically if they want more information. Recently, I've been getting more questions on those things. And like my CD post, I decided one big post on my blog should cover it all. And like that post, this is all purely my opinion. If anyone has any (positive) recommendations to add via comment, feel free to add them.

The first thing I recommend is to make sure you have a care provider that you are on the same page with. For example, if you want a NCB, you'll have a better chance of getting it with a midwife. If you know you want an epidural and C-section, then go with an OB with a high section rate, since they obviously have the experience.

If you are just beginning your research on what type of birth you want, I highly recommend the book "Your Best Birth" by Abby Epstein and Ricki Lake. It's very easy reading, and will help get you thinking about what's important to you. I would then move to "A Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. I LOVE this book. It's very statistically and scientifically based. For women who think that a convenience induction at 39 weeks, an epidural at 2cm, and letting your OB/MW break your water are harmless, then this is the book for you. Informed consent in obstetrics is a joke, and this book will help educate women.

The documentary "The Business of Being Born" is a great movie to get you thinking. You can get it from Netflix. It's about the state of obstetrics and birth in America. I think it's another great place to start.

Now, as far as where NOT to start. Skip TLC shows. They are a joke. Do NOT read "What to Expect When Expecting". If you want to buy a book at Barnes and Nobles, check out "Your Pregnancy Week by Week". I have major issues with the "Babywise" books. So much so, I threw the one I had in the trash, rather than resell it or pass it along. There is sound scientific evidence that the Babywise methods can be physically harmful to your child. Research this fully if someone recommends it, before deciding it's for you.

Now, if you've checked out the above books and information, and you've decided you want more of a natural and intervention free birth (as well as raising your child more "natural"), good for you. (If not, still, good for you. In the end, all our sweet babies need is our love.)

So, what's next? Since birth comes before the baby, I'll start there. The very first thing I would do is run out and buy Ina May Gaskins book, "A Guide to Childbirth". Ina May is a world famous midwife. She is the only midwife to have a medical procedure named after her, and taught in medical school/OB residencies. I love her book. The first half of it is full of amazing birth stories, that are inspiring. The second half is really interesting information and theories related to childbirth. I love the part about sphincters!

If after all that, you've decided that a NCB is for you, it's time to do some serious preparation. This is how I've had someone explain it to me, and so I'll share it. You wouldn't go out to run a marathon without training for it. You would spend months jogging, running, and training. The same thing goes for childbirth. It's HARD work, physically and emotionally. And if you are going to do it without drugs, then you've GOT to prepare. There are a few main programs out there to choose from. I did hypnobabies. I loved it, and I'm doing it again for Eli's birth. There is also hypnobirthing, which is a little different. Another popular program is the Bradley Method. I'd say just look up all three, and pick whichever seems to mesh best with your personality.

I wouldn't pay lots of money if you are on the fence about NCB. If you are going into it with the mindset that you'll just avoid drugs unless you really need them, then it's pointless. It takes a FULL and total commitment , because there will most certainly be a point in your labor where you think you really need an epidural or drugs. Then, in a way , you've wasted money on the classes. However, it never hurts to do some preparation. If the goal is to make it as far as possible in the labor without drugs, then most certainly do some preparation. I just don't see the point in someone spending time on a program like the above, if they know without a doubt they want an epidural when they roll in the door.

I need to wrap this up b/c The Bachelor is coming on, LOL.

As far as breastfeeding, just know it hurts and can be difficult. It may be natural, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. Know this in advance, and fully commit to it, b/c you'll need that commitment to get through the first couple of weeks. Then it's easy breezy!

As far as wearing your baby, check out thebabywearer.com. I highly suggest investing in a Moby wrap for the first six months or so. LOVE THE MOBY!!! We use a babyhawk meitai carrier now. I also like my hotsling. A lot of ladies I know swear by the Ergo carrier, but I don't have one.

Now, questions and positive comments welcome!

Wow, just Wow.

I have read the most amazing birth story ever. Yes, it was more amazing than Drake's. The combination of this Mommy's writing style, photos, and the story itself had me bawling my eyes out. I'm now an avid follower of her blog! I wanted to share it with all of my readers, b/c that's how amazing I think this family and blog is. They are inspirational with their love and strength. They are in my thoughts and prayers as they begin their journey together! Make sure you scroll down to Nella's actual birth story when you first go to the blog. www.enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com

GI doctor visit

Drake had his checkup with Dr. Caicedo today, the GI specialist. We had a nice long chat reviewing his growth chart, and his food diary over the last week. We also went over mine and Eric's size as children, plus any family medical history. (Including all of my childhood food allergies). The grand conclusion.....Drake is a healthy little shrimp. Shocking. It was nice to have my Mommy's instinct confirmed. The only possibility left is Celiac disease. However, it's familial, and since no one in our family's has it, he didn't think it was likely. We went ahead and did the blood work for it, just to eliminate EVERY possibility. Drake was a trooper when they drew blood! He quit crying as soon as they popped the tourniquet off. The nurses at the Levine Specialty Center were awesome- they got his blood quickly and efficiently. Big thanks to them! If he does have Celiac disease, it's easily treated with simply eliminating gluten from his diet. Hopefully we'll have those results back soon!

Violet was cheesing, and Drake was too busy escaping to smile.

Bouncing and tumbling
Pin him Violet! (This wasn't as violent as it looks) They were actually giggling and laying their heads down.)
Lily (little mommy) checking on Drake. She's too sweet!
Excuse the flash! Violet and Drake weren't too sure about it all, until Kate and I climbed in.

JM meetup

JM is www.justmommies.com, a website/message board. I've been a member of certain parts of it for years now, and although haven't met these ladies in real life, feel like I truly know some of them. Anytime some of us are near each other, we try to do meetups. (We are scattered all over the world). This week, Kate is in Charlotte visiting her family. I took Drake to Monkey Joe's (a bouncy house place) to meet up with her and her girls. Here are some pics of our fun afternoon!

Drake photo dump

The sweetest face in the world!

L-O-V-E him!
O-M-Gosh I could eat this face up.
That's right, we took him to the circus, and he took a nap. WHAT??? He barely even flinched when they shot the chicks out of the cannons. He hardly naps at home. He was a bit young for the circus, but he did enjoy parts. He liked to stand in front of our seats, and the top of the seats in front of us were the perfect height for him to hold on to. He'd stand there and bounce when he got excited- it was so cute! Eric and I enjoyed the circus nonetheless; it had been a long time since either of us had been.
Sweet boy!
Watching with Daddy.
On the train Sunday, headed to the circus. He was trying to steal the camera from Daddy, of course.
This is from back in November, at a park in Florence. Drake loves to swing.

The Drakester's 1 year checkup & Eli's 30 week prenatal

Drake had his 1 year checkup today. It's almost a month late, but I chose to do it late (with a doctor I trust) rather than on time (with a doctor I wasn't a fan of). We were thrilled to be back in the care of Dr. Dorsey. Drake is developmentally right on track. However, Dr. Dorsey is still not happy about his weight. While Drake is gaining, it's very slow. There is essentially no upslope in his weight over time. Dr. Dorsey wants us to take him back to the pediatric gastroenterologist, and I have that appt for next week. He says that while he believes things are probably just fine, he doesn't want to make that call in case we are missing something in the big picture. So, he'll let the GI doc make that call. My heart and Mommy's instinct tell me that he is just fine, and that he's simply a shrimp.

Dr. Caicedo is the Peds GI doctor, and I really like him. And I like him personally, not just professionally. Just last week, I was assigned to the pediatric GI lab, doing the anesthesia for all his endoscopies. He is not only kind and friendly, I think he's a technically proficient doctor. I just hope he agrees with me that my little stinker is healthy as a horse, but the size of a miniature pony.

Drake's height was between 10-25%, his head circumference was 5th%, and his weight was less than 5%. Actually, his weight isn't even up on the curve. His motor and verbal skills are fine. They checked a hemoglobin level, which I knew was standard for their practice at nine months. It was 12.7, completely normal. They did it since the GP in Florence had not. In any case, other than the weight, the visit was fine.

I had my 30 week appointment today, with my favorite midwife Tina. I L-O-V-E my midwives. As if you didn't know if you've been reading my blog for awhile. Eli is measuring on track (my belly matches my weeks), and his heartrate was fine at 140bpm. I drank the nasty drink for my gestational diabetes test, and should get those results soon. They also sent off another HIV and syphilis/chlamydia test. While I appreciate their thoroughness, I am always amused that they assume every pregnant woman's husband is cheating on her. (And giving her diseases). They don't care that I've been negative the last 3 times (twice with Drake, and once with Eli). Apparently the STD testing is NC law? I go back in three weeks, unless something comes up. By then, she should be able to tell me if he is vertex or breech. This is my biggest concern right now. I feel like he's head down, but we'll see. I mostly feel his kicks up high.

Well, that was our day full of appointments. Busy, with a trip to Target thrown in as well. I am off tomorrow, and Drake is going to Mother's Morning Out so I can go to a hair appointment and run a bank errand. I'm not sure what kind of fun we'll find tomorrow afternoon. Maybe the mall play area? Then it's back to work Wednesday-Saturday:-(