Merry Christmas

Wishing all of you a wonderful Christmas.  

Love,

Ada,. Suzanne, Jacob, and baby girl Greeley:)

Surprise!

So we had our UC Baby Appointment today and we're so excited to tell you that this April 

We're 

Having 

A 

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GIRL!!

We couldn't be more excited:)

A Number Game

Using products that are safe for our bodies and the environment seems to becoming increasingly popular in our culture.  I have to admit that this makes my heart smile a little bit.  More and more natural parenting stores are popping up in Halifax, online deal sites are offering more natural alternatives (cloth diapers, organic fabrics, natural baby products, wooden toys), and cloth diapering and breast-feeding are becoming more of the norm than an alternative way of doing things.

Since being pregnant with Jacob I became increasingly aware as I was buying things or making lists for baby showers that I didn't want to be using products from companies who not only had  a bad reputation environmentally but also had a list of ingredients I couldn't pronounce much less be confident of what they were and how they would affect my baby.  So I stuck to the natural sections of grocery stores and bought things at natural baby stores.

This spring I was introduced to a site that brought much of my natural product idealism to a sudden halt.  Just because something says it's natural doesn't mean that there are no risks, or that it's even that good for you.  The cosmetic safety database rates products from a 0-10 with 10 being products which have the most ingredients for concern.  I was so sad to see that some of my favorite "natural" products I was using for J had ratings half way up the score chart.

The cosmetic safety database is a huge resource for people looking to check out the safety of the products you're using at home.  I know I feel much better knowing the products I'm using for J are rated a 0-1 instead of a 5 in the safety ratings!   So before you go out and buy things for yourself or your little one check it out on this site and see how well it ranks!

Oh and well you're at it looking at for more natural parenting resources, check out my friends new website Up, Down & Natural for reviews, tips and advice!

Suzanne

22 weeks

**Excuse the poor quality of the photo but we seem to have misplaced out camera around the house somewhere and had to take this on the IPhone...

How Far Along: 22 weeks

Size of baby: about the size of a spaghetti squash (1 lb)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 8 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yep I put away anything that wasn't a few weeks ago!

Gender: Thanks to a very generous anonymous donor who gave us money to see UC Baby we find out this Friday!  I can't wait!

Movement: yep lots of moving... I"m even starting to see my belly move around!

Sleep: Pretty good over all... still lots of weird dreams!

What I miss: I have been craving wings, nachos and beer... I miss the beer:)

Cravings: salty and fruit... lots of fruit!

Symptoms: It's starting to get harder to bend over haha!

We had another midwives appointment this week and everything is going according to schedule.  My 20 week ultrasound looked great so now it's just a matter of growing this little peanut for a few more months!

Life

As I was laying in the tub tonight trying to escape the winter chill that has set in these past few day I began to feel that familiar kick, kick, kick in my belly.  I looked down and saw for the first time those little belly movements that undoubtably signal that there is a little life growing in there.  There is something about watching your stomach "do the wave" that never gets old.  This pregnancy has gone so fast, and I haven't taken the time to marvel at the fact that there is a little one growing in me like I did with Jacob, but, tonight reminded me that before you know it this time will be gone, and now is the time to cherish these sweet moments.

On a side note I know that I have been negligent about posting belly/baby updates.... things have just been so  crazy with J's birthday, my birthday and so many other things that I haven't gotten around to taking a new shot!  We had our 20 week ultrasound last week and baby G is a mover and shaker... it was so great to see him/her!

1 Year Old

Wow!  I can hardly believe I have a 1 year old!  It really does seem like yesterday that I was walking around the block for hours a day hoping that this baby would just come out!  Now looking back I'm torn between thinking he was so tiny then and thinking that even though he's one he still seems like my little baby!  

 (Nana made J blueberry pancakes for breakfast on his birthday)

So, Jacob what are you up to now that you're a year old?  

We took you to the Dr. for your one year check up on Monday and you were 21lbs 5oz (31%) and 81cm/31.8 inches (96%).  You are tall and skinny, with a really long body and short legs:)  You are in mostly 12 month clothes, although you still fit in all your 6-9 month things, they're just all summer clothes!

I was so happy you gained weight at your appointment, since the 2 months before that you had only gained 5oz's!

You are VERY busy these days and don't stop to do one thing for very long!  You crawl and cruise around everywhere, and have just started walking on your own more these past few weeks.

You love to play with anything musical, little people, blocks (well you like to take each one out of the container and then put them back in again only to start throwing them out all over again), and really love anything you're not supposed to have (our phones, computers, wires, paper... oh the list goes on!)  

You are starting to become more verbal and can make the sounds of a monkey, horse, car, and doggy - but you will rarely preform any of these for anyone but Mommy and Daddy!  You can also say uh-oh, na na na (NO NO NO) and mama and dada (although while you use them consistently for us you also use them for many other things as well!)  But your favorite word by far is Bob.... it is used for just about everything... you point at something look at us very seriously and say Bob...

You are very social and love being around other people.  It takes you awhile to warm up to someone enough to go up in their arms, but you love to smile at them from where Mommy and Daddy are holding you.  

These past few weeks you've been showing a bit of separation anxiety when I leave you alone in the church nursery, you're ok for awhile and then you notice that I'm gone and are NOT a happy camper! 

(This was the best I could get of the 3 boys together at the party... you can tell none of them is thrilled about being in a picture)

You are also a very strong willed little boy and are very vocal when something is frustrating you, or you are not getting your own way!  Lately if we take something away from you that you want you pump your fists, turn bright red and scream.   It makes us a little nervous for your toddler years, but I also hope that this personality trait will help you not give into peer pressure as easily when you're a teenager!

You were always the best eater and had a VERY healthy appetite, but lately you are more interested in playing with your food than you are in eating it.  That being said though you will still eat a variety of things that I wouldn't expect a lot of babies to eat like chili, curries, broccoli, etc.  

You also have 2 sippy cups of formula in the morning and before bed and a sippy of whole milk at lunch time.  (I had to stop nursing you a month and a half ago, because well... there was just nothing there anymore!)

You are a fantastic sleeper!  You sleep for around 13 hours straight most nights (6:30/7pm - 7:30-8am) and go for 1-2 1.5 hour naps a day (I think you are in the process of cutting out your morning nap, which seems a little early for me, but you only take one about 75% of the time lately!).

You are very easy to put down for your naps and bedtime.  We read a story have a little rock while I sing you a few songs and into bed you go.  You love to talk to yourself for awhile before you go to sleep, and usually are heard practicing whatever new sound you've learned (right now it's "woof woof")

You love all of your relative and get so excited when you see them come in the door.  You've had lot's of baby sitters, but have yet to be but to bed by anyone other than Mommy or Daddy.  

Your favorite outings are swimming lessons, going to the library, and church.  

You had so much fun at your parties this weekend (yes he had 2 a "friend" party and a "family" party).  I can't even imagine what you'll be like when you're 2 years old!

Below are all of your birthday cards!  You are a well loved little boy!

Baby on the Move

Child development really amazes me sometimes.  I can't believe how quickly a baby can pick up a new skill one day and within a few days be a master at it!   If only it were that easy for adults!

Jacob's been taking a few steps here and there on his own for a few weeks now, but in the last few days his walking skills have really taken off.  He gets so excited to be walking that most of the time he is walking around laughing his sweet little head off!  

I took the video below a few days ago when he was still pretty wobbly on his feet, but starting to venture out more.  Since then he's learned that he can slow down, take his time, and today has even masted drinking from his sippy cup while walking!  He still goes back and forth between crawling and walking and has yet to venture off without a specific destination in sight, but his Mommy and Daddy couldn't be more proud of their little walking man!

Poor little dude, the only video I've managed to take is one with a crash landing...  and on my IPhone at that... someday I will have a real camera on me and capture him during one of his finer moments:)

18 Weeks

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

HOPE YOU LIKE THE FESTIVE BELLY PIC:)

How Far Along: 18 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Sweet potato

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 2 pounds 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, as you can see I'm definitely starting to pop!

Gender: Hoping to save our pennies and find out...  we're booked in for Dec. 3rd, but we'll see how the money situation is (I still don't have a job ... crazy I know... I've never had to even think about worrying to find a job as a ped's nurse before!)

Movement: This baby is moving and shaking now!

Sleep: Pretty good over all... still lots of weird dreams!

What I miss: nothing really this week

Cravings: Halloween candy:)

Symptoms: Still tired in the afternoons

As you can see from my pictures the belly is growing away!  Almost at the halfway point!

This and That

If you look on the internet there are about 101 ways to predict whether you are having a boy or a girl when you're pregnant.  Well I'm not really one for superstitions I have to say there is something about the heart rate one that I have always kind of believed.  For those of you that are unfamiliar with this particular tale, the myth is that if baby's heart rate is above 140 you're having a girl and below, you're having a boy.  Whether or not this can be scientifically proven -  Jacob's heart rate was always in the 130's.  Why my sudden interest in heart rates you may ask?  Well I had another midwives appointment today and baby G's heart rate was also the 130's...  so we'll see if the old wives tale is true this time around!

We've been having a lot of fun at the park lately.  I started letting Jacob go down the slide (from the half way part).  He goes down the slide at swimming lessons and loves it, and I'd say from the picture it looks like it's a hit at the park as well!

J's FAVORITE thing to do at the park, however, is going on the swing.  Anyone who's ever come to the park with us know's how much Jacob loves the swings.  He honestly can swing for half and hour and still make a fuss when you take him out!  He is a swinging machine!

And the above picture is one of many scenes he's made lately when it's time to leave somewhere and he just doesn't want to yet!  Whether it's the play area at the library, the stair area at the swimming pool, the park, etc.  the kid has no problem expressing that he is not really interested in leaving yet!  So I have become that mom carrying a screaming toddler out of such establishment while the rest of the world looks on:)  Oh the joy's of mothering:)

17 weeks

Yay!  I"m only 2 day's late on this one:)  

How Far Along: 17ish weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of an onion this week (5ish inches)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Finally gained my first prego pound... I'm sure they'll start rolling on soon:)

Maternity Clothes: Yes, as you can see I'm definitely starting to pop!

Gender: Hoping to save our pennies and find out...  we're booked in for Dec. 3rd, but we'll see how the money situation is (I still don't have a job ... crazy I know... I've never had to even think about worrying to find a job as a ped's nurse before!)

Movement: Definitely feeling this little one kick more often!

Sleep: So the weird dreams continue (so far I've murdered someone, someone's trying to find me to murder me, I went on a scavenger hunt with professor Snape... oh yes and this is only the tip of the ice berg people!)

What I miss: nothing really this week

Cravings: Salty foods... Adam's made me some yummy stovetop popcorn this week, and it really hit the spot!

Symptoms: Still tired in the afternoons, and also I've been having some heartburn, but that may have something to do with the vast amounts of Halloween candy I ate yesterday!

I have another midwife appointment tomorrow, and I'll be meeting the only one of the 3 I haven't met yet, so that should be fun!  Other than that the only think I have to say is MAN is the pregnancy flying by!!

16 1/2 weeks (alternately titled I really need to remember to take a picture on the actual day of the week it's meant for)

How Far Along: 16.5 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of an avocado this week 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Just about at my pre-pregnancy weight... now time to start gaining:)

Maternity Clothes: In all my bottoms.... not quite needing to be in a lot of the tops yet  

Gender: Hoping to save our pennies and find out...  we're booked in for Dec. 3rd, but we'll see how the money situation is (I need to find some sort of job first!)

Movement: Definitely feeling this little one kick more often!

Sleep: Pretty good lately, although, man am I having wacked out dreams every night!

What I miss: Lately it's been not knowing where we're going to be when this baby comes.  I'm wanting to start thinking about things like a nursery, and what I would like it to look like... but we have no idea where that will be!

Cravings: Still none. More aversions than anything: most meat, peanut butter...

Symptoms: Still tired in the afternoons, and well I guess I've had a cold now for over a month.... good times!

15 (and a 1/2) Weeks!

I've been a bit sluggish on the belly pics these past few weeks... It seems by the time I remember to take a pic the next week is almost here!  But here we go!

How Far Along: 15.5 weeks

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a Naval orange this week (about 4 inches)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Last time I checked was before Thanksgiving... but I think I'm at about my pre-prego weight

Maternity Clothes: Oh yeah baby... and let me tell you I have a ton now thanks to my SIL Dawn!  

Gender: Hoping to save our pennies and find out...  we're booked in for Dec. 3rd, but we'll see how the money situation is (I need to find some sort of job first!)

Movement: Pretty sure I've been feeling a few movements in there... much earlier than I did with J, but I hear that's normal the 2nd time around!

Sleep: I've been waking up pretty early, but overall I'm sleeping a lot better than I was!  

What I miss: I have to be honest...  while we were on vacation this week it was red wine!

Cravings: Still none. More aversions than anything: most meat, peanut butter...

Symptoms: Still feeling more tired than usual... I don't know if that's from chasing after a VERY busy baby or from being pregnant!

Overall I think I'm enjoying this pregnancy... I love the 2nd trimester and its lack of symptoms, and the still smallish belly:) It was great to hear baby's heartbeat at the midwives a few weeks ago and here some kicking on the doppler speaker!  

Clingy

Jacob is going through a new stage where he has periods each day where he is super clingy, and I'm not quite sure what to do.  He play's great by himself for the most part, but as soon as I get close or come over to him he crawls over to me, pulls himself up to standing and has a complete meltdown if I try to put him down again to play on his own.

I know babies go through different stages, but I'm having a hard time figuring out the right "parenting" approach on this one.  Adam's better at the tough love, and when Jacob does it to him he can leave him to cry and within a few minutes he's usually happily playing by himself.  Jacob knows I'm a sucker for him crying though and when I leave him to play on his own during these times (usually when I'm trying to get a few things done around the house) the crying does not stop after a few minutes!

Part of me wonders if it's because I had to stop nursing him do to my milk supply (I still nurse him once a day but it's not for very long) and he misses that bond, another part of me wonders if my midwife is right and that he knows that there's another baby on the way and he can sense change is coming (apparently research has shown a significant change in a lot of babies behaviors when mom get's pregnant), and then part of me wonders if it's just a stage and I need to get over myself (although what that looks like I'm not quite sure yet).  I feel frustrated at myself for feeling frustrated at him for being in this stage...  and the guilt that follows that doesn't help either:)

So do any of you have any words of wisdom of how you dealt with this with your little ones?

We Love Apples

JACOB

LOVED

APPLE PICKING

TODAY

WELL... FOR THE MOST PART AT LEAST:)

Thanks but no thanks!

Lately when Jacob has been on the second half of his bottle he's been trying to feed it to me.  I may have unknowingly encouraged this by pretending to drink from it the first time time he did it... thinking it was cute.  Well, Jacob thinks it's hilarious and now spends about 10 minutes at every feeding trying to "feed me" the bottle, no longer quite so cute, especially at bedtime! 

Still ... I've been determined lately to focus less on being efficient and more on enjoying this precious time I have watching my son grow up.  Laughing at his games, playing with him more - cleaning less, enjoying the last of these "baby" times before he becomes my oldest child.  After all, it won't be too long from now that the idea of playing with mom will be the last thing on his mind...

  

The Story of Stuff

I saw this video The Story of Stuff today and I thought I would share the link on here! It's a great clip on our consumption based economy. I'll warn you it is 20 minutes but I think it's worth checking out!

13 weeks

How Far Along: 13 Weeks (and as you can tell by the picture I'm the same size I was with Jacob @ 16 weeks... yikes!)

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a peach this week

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still down 2 pounds... but like I said I was the same with J and I gained 30lbs by the end:)

Maternity Clothes: Regular pants are starting to get a little tight so I went out and bought a few maternity clothes this week. I think I may rock the leggings look this winter... so comfy:)

Gender: Hope to get to find out... you have to pay in Halifax... so we'll see!

Movement: Pretty sure I've been feeling a few movements in there... much earlier than I did with J, but I hear that's normal the 2nd time around!

Sleep: I"m still not sleeping well. Oh do I ever hope that ends soon, sleeping through the night seems like a distant memory.

What I miss: This week: being able to take decongestants! Sick & prego = no fun...

Cravings: Still none. More aversions than anything: most meat, peanut butter...

Symptoms: I think the 1st trimester symptoms are pretty much gone! YAY!

Details

Thanks for all the wonderful congratulations on our news! I thought I would give a few of the details now, and hopefully I can be diligent and at least post a weekly picture and update:) I've been feeling pretty wiped/nauseous the past few months (apparently I am never going to be one of those women who escapes the first trimester yuckiness:)

So here are some of the details (I'll try to post a pic next week):

How Far Along: 12.5 Weeks - Baby G is due April 3/4 depending on what you go by!

Size of baby: Baby is the size of a plum this week

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Lost 2 lbs... I have no appetite so getting food in is a struggle. I have no doubt it will all come on in the 3rd trimester:)

Maternity Clothes: None yet, but I have bought out my Bella bands a few time... love these!

Gender: Hope to get to find out... you have to pay in Halifax... so we'll see!

Movement: I think I felt a few movements when I've been lying down

Sleep: I'm barely sleeping these days. I slept horrible my whole pregnancy with J. On top of tha tI have a terrible sinus cold, so that doesn't help!

What I miss: Food! Can't wait for my appetite to come back!

Cravings: None really! Fruit some days

Symptoms: The nausea is starting to go away, I'm still pretty tired though. Come one 2nd trimester!

News

GUESS

WHO'S

GOING TO BE

A

??