Not so Jenny, Not so Jumper

Among almost all of Ethan's things that we have borrowed from his dear cousin Isabel is a Jenny Jumper.  I remember putting Isabel in the jumper when she was Ethan's age and younger and she LOVED to jump around.  Unlike Isabel, Ethan has no idea what to do so he just hangs out.  I put him in the jumper when I shower and am getting ready in the bathroom.  I have tried to assist him in jumping but no he doesn't get it or it could be pure laziness... oh well!  So I attached a picture below to show you what he does in the "jumper."  I love this picture because there are a few things wrong with it.  1) it is pink and even though I love the shirts that say real men wear pink, I just don't think the floral is his look.  2) it looks like he has only 1 arm though I promise he has 2. And lastly 3) again he just doesn't get it but we love him anyways :)   Doesn't he look like he is having FUN!?!?!  To give Ethan a little credit, I did step out of the shower the other day and he was spinning himself in cricles.  It was kinda humerous because he looked as if he was going to puke.  Miss Isabel, we still appreciate you sharing all your fun toys with Ethan even if he doesn't use them like you did!!

5 months already...

Ethan is 5 months already this week! I can't say people didn't warn me that time would fly by but I jut didn't think it would fly that fast. Last Thursday we took Ethan to the horse races and he loved the people the noise and of course he loved being outside. I don't think we will go again tonight because Ethan and I had actually been there the last 2 weeks but tomorrow the 3 of us are going to go to the State Fair!!

Ethan has been such a good boy as always. I am wondering if some teeth are coming in because he is drooling like crazy AND chews on anything and everything he can. He loves when I put my finger on his gums and apply a little pressure ... stay tuned for teeth. I heard this past week that if we as adults went through the teething process we couldn't take the pain and most adults would take high doses of morphine as often as possible... so when Ethan starts to fuss, I won't get frustrated.

Here is a picture of Ethan being goofy 1 morning before Josh woke up. He thought he was pretty cool in his bandana.

Got It To Work!!!

Video

I took a video on my phone the other day of Ethan and I was so excited to share it but I can't figure out how to upload it. I am super bummed because I wanted you to hear and see something I love... Ethan giggling!!! It makes me smile and my heart melt every time I hear him do it. I can only wish him a lifetime of more laughs and joy. Oh, and more of those moments for me to witness.

My goal in life is to live everyday to its fullest potential for my family. To provide support, a full heart and to love my ownself so I can in turn love others. Ethan, I am so grateful to have you as my son and hope you realize someday what a simple smile does for another person.

Love you!

Back at it!

We had a fun week! Congrats to Monica and Duane for a beautiful wedding last Friday.
Ethan had a great time at his first wedding.

We have also been pretty busy working on ... well see the pictures below :)
Ethan tried green beans for the first time this week and you could probably say they are not his favorite. The night before Josh was hoping that Ethan would hate green beans so that we would never have to eat them as a family.... Josh's wish came true, well not 100% since we will still eat them as a family. I gave him a bite and he gagged and got the chills. I tried it again and it was a repeat- gag and chills. The third bit a just put on his lips becasue the 3rd time is a charm, right? Wrong! He spit them all over me. We were done with green beans for the day. Now I hide them in sweet potatoes and Ethan has now ate a whole container of green beans.


Since dad has to work tonight Ethan and I are going to hit up the races!!! Wish us luck!


Enjoy!

Yes the bottom right hand corner is a picture of Ethan's feet because he tipped over when I snapped the picture- had to add it! He is okay just a little scared since it was quite a fall.

4 Months

Okay I lied! 
I am not good at blogging.
I am going to try to get better.
Thursday nights are my goal.
I will be honest... next Thursday won't happen.
I will be out of town. 

I am starting new now at 4 months.

Last Monday we went to Ethan's 4 month check up.  The nurse came in and look at Ethan and looked at his chart and was shocked to see we were only in for his 4 month check up.  "I thought he was here for his 6 month check up, are you sure he is only 4 months?" said the nurse.  Yes we have a healthy healthy baby.

At 4 months Ethan is wearing some 6 month clothes but the 9 month seem to fit a little better.  He is tall like his dad and loving life.

Stats:
Weight:  16lbs 11oz  (90th percentile)
Height: 26 1/2" (94th percentile)
Head:  17 1/4" (90th percentile)

Ethan has been changing a ton.  Right now he has mastered rolling from his back to his belly but has NO interest in then rolling from his belly to back. He is working on sitting up by himself and sits in his highchair like a rockstar. 

Last Monday Josh started to feed him cereal, we had a little bit of a mess but each day gets better.  Today I gave him his first taste of a vegetable and we decided on SQUASH.  Ethan ate it all up and ended the last bite with a bunch of giggles.  I guess we will have more tomorrow!

Alright... here is a link to his 3 1/2 month pictures that Kerri did for us!  (She did a great job so look her up for all your photography needs!) 
http://khoen.smugmug.com/Other/Ethan-3-months/17984421_Msrk7R#1377580795_jWfzB4s

And here are some other pictures Josh and I have taken...

0 Months Old

The first week with Ethan home was quite an adjustment but we can't complain... Ethan is an amazing sleeper... just like his dad!  It killed me to have to wake him up to feed him though so I was determined to get him back up to his birth weight as quick as possible.  (as soon as they hit their birth weight there is no need to wake them during the night to feed as long as you can get 6 feedings in during the day). 

As determined as I was it was quite the struggle.  I was nursing Ethan and my body wasn't quite as ready as he was so we made many visits to the Lacatation Consultant... Kris Beuch... you are amazing!!!  After days of tears and lots of work my milk came in and I was able to get Ethan not only back to his birth weight but over it! 

Ethan is such a good baby and there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't look into his eyes and cry because I felt like I was the luckiest mom alive.  (Yes Butter I was able to look into his eyes- for those of you who don't know... many people but mainly my brother-in-law, Butter, didn't think Ethan had eyes because whenever we would go visit he would be sleeping).  Like I said, he is a great sleeper like his dad.

Enjoy some more of our photos below...

No I Am Not Still 37 Weeks Pregnant!

 

I am trying to get back into the swing of things and after a weekend in Chicago for a wedding and Ethan at the cabin I think I am finally into a groove and going to try to get back on this blog train.  So in the next week I am going to try to get you updated on my last 10 weeks since yes Ethan is 10 weeks today!!!

March 20, 2011:  I went to work today thinking it was going to be like any other day at work… wrong!  Today I was more swollen than I had ever been and a co-worker of mine, Mia, told me that she would not let me continue to work because she thought I was putting myself and baby at risk.  I kinda laughed at her and called my mom who agreed that if I was more swollen than I had been I needed to leave work.  I wrapped my things and called Josh and told him to call the hotline number and tell them what was going on and get their opinion.  I walked in the door and Josh said they told him to bring me in.  I didn’t really believe it so I called myself and sure enough they told me to get to the ER ASAP.  So I decided to take a bath and relax and attempt to shave (attempt is the key word).  I ate some rice and drank some water and then decided we could go.  I was rushed to labor and delivery where they took my vitals.  Yep something was wrong.  My blood pressure was around 150/90 and there was protein in my urine… I had pre-eclampsia.  TIME TO INDUCE!  Overnight I was feeling better but my contractions started and they were 4-5 minutes apart… I got no sleep.

March 21, 2011:  This morning the nurse came in and said that since my blood pressure was starting to go down they would probably not give me the pitocin and send me home…. WHAT!!!! OH HECK NO I WAS NOT GOING HOME!!!!  She checked me again and I wasn’t dilated much more than 3 still so she said she would be back shortly to check my blood pressure 1 more time.  She came back and my blood pressure was back up and…… my water broke!!!!!  I was not going home!!  Around dinner time I was ready to start pushing.  Thank god for my mom and Josh in the room I would not have been able to do that alone.  Grab my legs??? Yeah right!  More like Mom and Josh grab my legs!  I pushed for over 2 and a half hours until the doctor came back in and said I was going to need even a little more help. So he pulled out some forceps… yeeks!  With a few more pushes and some forceps my little cone headed baby was born at 9:19pm.

Ethan Arlen Flom (our Lil Hoot) was 8 lbs 6 oz 21 inches long and healthy as can be!

Thank god for: Josh, my Mom, epidurals, the button to give me more medicine, forceps, the St Francis nurses, Dr Druckman, our family that so patiently waited in the waiting room and for my little bundle of joy Ethan Arlen Flom!!! 

                            

37 Week Update

Stats from my appointment today...

Heartbeat: 140 bpm
Movement: Lots of moving of the butt back and forth from baby (I think "I Like To Move It Move It" from Madagascar is playing in there)
Weight Gain: I have slowed down again and gained 1 pound
Swelling:  See picture below. Not so hot!
Protein Test:  Checked for preeclampsia again and everything came back normal!!
Belly: Measuring 40.

Dilation:  1 cm !!!!!  Yay!
Effacement:  50%  Whoot Whoot!
Baby is head down still and ready to go. 

My doctor is on call tonight and Wednesday!  Crossing my fingers I can see her before she heads out on vacation on Friday.  She is still predicting a large baby but won't do anything more to trigger labor... still waiting!

Here are a few pictures of what I am looking like....

Say some prayers that Lil Hoot comes soon!

Much love!

Mama Hoot

Quick Update!

We had our 36 week appointment today and this appointment was a little different than all the rest.  The doctor now starts to check dialation and we went over the results of the ultrasound. 

Lil Hoot is a big baby... we heard that a few times today.  Lil Hoot is currently in the 89th percentile for weight and the head is the measuring to be the largest part of the baby at this point (I close my eyes and say a few prayers... please join me).

My doctor will not change my due date but hopes that I have this baby sometime by next week.  Originally she was hoping for a baby at 38 weeks but now she would be ready for the baby at 37 weeks and I am with her on that.  Today I am measuring at 39cm and have gained a good amount of weight but nothing to be concerned with... I am carrying a large baby. 

So am I dialated?  Nope not yet but who knows maybe her checking me today triggered something.  Fingers crossed! 

I just want to quick throw out a huge thank you to many friends and family for a beautiful shower this weekend.  I will blog about that as well but the doctor said I was looking quite pale today so I am instructed to get some sleep... off to lay down!

Much Love,
Mama Hoot

35 Week Ultrasound

9o'clock am we were called into the Diagnostics room at St Francis to get a look at our Lil Hoot and it was just as exciting as it was at 20 weeks!! 

Lil Hoot is head down, rump up and looking like he/she is ready to come out and play.   With one hand by the face (looking for food or something) and the other hand holding its foot and rocking it back and forth I think Lil Hoot is ready to come out and play. The heart was beating at 128bpm which is the slowest it has been but baby seemed to be extremely calm and content today.  I think Lil Hoot is a little camera shy because normally he/she is moving like crazy until the ultrasound equipment comes out. 

Let's see what else did you all want to know... oh yes that's right you wanted to know maybe the weight and even possible due date.  Now just so you know this information is normally suppose to be sent to the Dr and then delivered to us but our Tech is amazing and lets us know exactly what she thinks (love her!!).  So here it is... Lil Hoot is approximately 6 lbs 15 oz !!!  1 oz away from 7 lbs!!!  The "average" baby at this point would be 5 lbs 2 oz so that lead the Technician to tell me that I am wrong on my dates.  She said there is no way this baby is due on April 1st but that with these measurements she would predict a due date of at least 2 weeks sooner.  I guess that puts Lil Hoot due on my Mom's birthday of March 18th!  

We go to the see our doctor next Monday and learn more about what our expectations will be through the rest of the pregnancy.  Monday I will also be checked to see if I am dialated and where we are at in the effacement process.  So for now we will still stick with being 35 weeks.  But know that this baby can come anyday!

Congrats Kelly on being the closest on the guessing game!!

Much love,
Mama Hoot

Here is a picture of Lil Hoot's face from today.  Hard to see since the baby was under my pelvic/hip bone and had a fist to the mouth.  But I can see some chubby cheeks... better lay off the candy bars now and go back to apples.

38 Weeks... Oh wait we were only 34!

On Monday I had another doctor's appointment and this one was a little more exciting (well I am not sure if exciting is the right word).  See here is how it went...

I gained weight again!  Yippee!!!  Looking at my feet though it just looked like I packed on a few more pounds of water ... or is it?  My blood pressure was good and Lil Hoot's heartrate was back up at 140bpm.  Since I had a sudden onset of water retention the doctor did run a protein test just to rule out preeclampsia which all came back normal. 

So what was so exciting??

Well...  at my last appointment I was measuring at 34cm and this appointment (only 2 weeks later) I am now measuring at 38cm!  As the doctor read the measurement outload I looked over and saw Josh lose all color in his face... I am sure mine looked the same too.  38cm!  WOW! 

The doctor pushed on the baby a little bit and you could tell she was processing the measurement as well.  So, we are scheduled for another ultrasound on Monday.  Our doctor wants and updated due date and a better estimate of how BIG this baby is.  Sounds like this baby might not make it to its April 1st due date.

I called my mom after the appointment and there was no surprise from her since she had 5 VERY healthy babies of her own... I guess not only do I look like my mom but I will follow in her footsteps as well. 

So, let's play a little game... below you can post a comment and lets post how big you think this baby is going to be this coming Monday...  (not when the baby is born but how big you think this baby is now). 

Much Love,
Mama Hoot

32 Week Appointment

Monday we had another Doctor’s appointment and we are now down go every 2 weeks!!  The appointment was like all the others where it starts off with weight and blood pressure by our energetic nurse Angie followed by a few minutes of waiting for Dr Jenkins.  Dr Jenkins asks a few questions, answers a few questions and then it is off to measure my belly and listen for the heartbeat. 

This week I gained 6 pounds.  I almost got a high five from Dr Jenkins- she was quite excited… until a little later in the appointment when she pulled up my pant legs and noticed the weight gain was all due to water!  Not so happy for me anymore.  She tells me to keep eating.  If I eat anymore I am going to have to take a pin to pop my stomach but Dr’s orders so I will keep trying.

My belly was measuring at 34cm which is still 2cm above average.  The baby’s heartbeat was at 130bpm.  That was definitely the slowest it has been.  Nothing to worrying about though- seemed as if Lil Hoot was just taking a little nap and was feeling calm.

Dr Jenkins has her fingers crossed for me to go around 38 weeks.  She is not moving my due date and not promising anything she just thinks that is a good time to have the child J  She also let us know that they don’t stop labor after 36 weeks so have my bags packed.  My eyes filled with water at that point… for some reason it became very real for me in that moment… HOLY COW WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!  Daddy Hoot laughed at me since he said it has been real for him the moment I peed on the stick! 

Next appointment is on Kortney’s birthday…. February 21st.

Much Love,
Mama Hoot

Thank You!

I feel awful that I haven’t posted lately but my body has been EXHAUSTED. If I am not working I am in bed sleeping and that is not a lie. When someone tells you to get as much done in your second trimester that you can… they aren’t lying because the energy is gone. But on to something much more positive…

A couple of weeks ago 2 of my dear college girlfriends through me a shower. Thank you Katie and Grace for all you put into that Saturday morning. I had a blast and it was so nice to be surrounded by so many of my friends, and some of their moms along with a few people from my family as well. I even had a visitor come from Omaha, Nebraska… Thanks Sue!!! We had a great time playing bowling for bottles and pregnancy trivia- the trivia questions were half about me and this blog and the other half were general questions about pregnancy. I have to say I didn’t do too bad :)

After the shower I only had a few minutes before having to head off to work but the next morning I was really able to take everything out of its boxes and get it put away in the baby room. I can’t thank those of you who showered me with gifts enough… I am feeling more and more ready for this baby and the room is really coming together! Below are pictures from the shower. You are all so amazing!!! I feel so blessed to have so many great friends and family in my life.

Much Love,
Mama Hoot

29 Weeks Doctor's Appointment

We had our 29 week check up yesterday and this appointment was a little different than the others... why? you ask.  Because we had a visitor come with us... who? you ask.  My niece Josie came with us!  We brought Josie along to hear the heartbeat.  She had the day off of school so we thought why not!

 

Here's are some of the facts of the appointment...

1. I gained 4 ounces since the last visit.- Dr is not super concerned but she said I can eat more.  I just don't think I can eat more!!  I eat all day now! I have only gained 5 pounds so far during this whole pregnancy.

2. My stomach is measuring at 32cm (thank you Josie for remembering that number for me). 

           - Did you know that you should measure 1cm for each week you are at. 

           - So I am measuring at 32 weeks (according to the calendar I am 29 weeks) but the Dr said they baby is either big or ahead of schedule or both since 22 weeks.

3. My iron was above average at my very 1st appointment and was very impressed but it has now fallen but not to the point of concern.

4. My gestational diabetes came back PERFECT!!!  No worries there everything is RIGHT ON!

5. Baby's heartbeat was at 140bpm... a little slower than the last few visits.

6. Dr says mom and baby are looking good :)

 

Josie video taped the Dr getting the heartbeat and it was very fun to see Josie's face light up when we explained to her that the funny noise we were hearing was the heartbeat.  She first described it as it sounding like a kid on a trampoline.  The doctor said most people say a choo choo train.  Then Josie decided it sounded like a cookie sheet!  When you take a floppy cookie sheet and move it back and forth... I would have to agree with Josie.  Overall it was a very good visit and Josie seemed pretty excited that she got to be a part of it.  She said she was going to show Elias the video because he would think my stomach was gross... gotta love the innocence of a child!

 

Our next visit will be in 3 weeks and then we start going every 2 weeks... it's getting so close!

 

Here are a few more photos from my 28 week photo shoot!  Thanks again Kerri!!  Oh and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER KATI TODAY!!!!

 

Much love!
Mama Hoot

 

Saturday January 8th, 2011

Saturday was a very productive day for me and for many other people in my life.  For the first time in weeks I got out of bed early and got myself ready for the day.  I even did a little organizing around my house... okay okay really I think I unloaded the dishwasher.  Oh wait.. I also took down all the Christmas decorations and packed them up (ready for Daddy Hoot to carry downstairs). 

Kerri came over around noon to take some updated photos for me.  So yes I do have some new 28 week photos... those to follow in an upcoming blog.  Thanks Kerri!  I love them.  After we got done with the photos I had just enough time to relax, eat some lunch and head to work.  So Daddy Hoot decided to go with Kerri to Sam's Club... which I thought was a little strange that we were just there a few days ago and he didn't want to hang out with me for an hour before I went to work... oh well. 

okay okay here is a preview of one of the pics....

I went off to work and on my breaks I checked up on Daddy Hoot like I usually do.  "What you doing?"  "Are you cleaning?"  "What about the laundry?"  This time he answered with having some margaritas and thinking about going to the bar!!  Not what I wanted to hear. 

Well little did I know that he didn't go to the bar but my family was over at my house getting the nursery ready for our Lil Hoot to arrive.
Thanks...
Mom
Dad
Kerri
Paul
Josie
Elias
Kati
Butter
Isabel
Kortney
and Daddy Hoot!

I suspected something when I walked in the door since it smelt like someone had been cooking.  Then I walked up the steps and my house was pretty darn clean!!  Not a dish on the counter and not a crumb on the table.  Daddy Hoot took me upstairs to put some things away in the nursery that Kati and Butter had "just dropped" off.  When I opened the door to the nursery the lamp was on and the nursery was all put together! 

Mainly my 56 polka dots were painted!!!!  Something I had been stressing about finding the time and energy to do.  I have an amazing family and I am not sure if they have any clue how much that meant to me.  So here are a few pictures of them in the process. Everyone had their duties so if you don't see them in the picture know they were in my house doing something for me :)



Just the beginning.




Even Isabel helped paint.




Looking good!




Even though he said he would not paint he added his touch.




Oooh can't wait to see the final product!




Dang orange paint was the hardest to paint with.... so I heard!




Glad my back up hair dryer was put to good use.



I am so glad they did it all!

Loving it! 



Who knew at 9 months she would be so talented at painting?



Yeah that smile is because he didn't have to do it all by himself.

The fumes were getting to them.

Almost done!

 So I am sure you are ready for the final pictures ... right?!?!

10.
9..
8...
7....
6.....
5......
4.......
3........
2..........
1...........

I can't say Thank You enough to my family for spending over 5 hours at my house painting 56 polka dots on the wall, making dinner, and cleaning!  Lil Hoot will be truly blessed to meet you all! Love you!!

Mamma Hoot :)

p.s. For those of you that were there please feel free to comment on how you got away with this surprise because I am still in shock that it is done and you pulled it off!

Oh What A Night...

Yes that is a St Francis Hospital band.  So let me explain our long night since it is just about noon today and we are just getting out of bed.

January 5th
9:15pm- Just getting home from Home Depot where we bought the paint for the polka dots in the nursery room!  I was exhausted so I decided to fall asleep on the couch.
10:15pm- Daddy Hoot turns on the TV in the living room so I decide it is time to go take a bath and go to bed.
10:30pm- I get out of bath and my middle back starts to hurt and is wrapping around to the top of my stomach.  I think this must be what indigestion feels like?  I have no clue so I head into bed.
11:30pm- NOT SLEEPING!!  The pain is getting so bad I can't sleep.  Move downstairs to finish watching Oceans13 with Daddy Hoot.
January 6th
12:15am- I am all by myself downstairs moving from the couch to the chair to walking around and pain is getting worse by the second.
12:47am- Go upstairs try to lay down in bed.  Not working!
1:15am-2:29am- Another bath is taken during this time, much movement from bed, to couch, to chair to walking up and down the hallway.  Many not so pretty stretches are performed and I place myself into positions I didn't know I could do just to relieve some pain...  none were helping!!
2:30am- I wake Daddy Hoot up and tell me he needs to bring me to the ER- I tell him I am not in labor but refuse to be this uncomfortable.
2:40-2:50am-  Most uncomfortable ride to the ER I have ever been in- I may change my mind on this in a few months.
2:50am- I walk through the doors of the St Francis Hospital and am immediately asked if I am in labor... "Lady, I hope not I am only 28 weeks and my house is not ready and neither am I."  I promise I said it as nicely as I could.
3:00am- I am rushed upto Labor & Delivery!  By this point I am freaked out because all I have is back pain and I wasn't sure if Daddy Hoot was breathing behind me. 
3:05am-3:40am- I am hooked up to monitors to watch Lil Hoot's heartbeat and see if I have any contractions... Heartbeat was great and NO contractions... oh and Lil Hoot loves to hear its heartbeat becasue it was dancing around the whole time to its own drum.
3:40-4:50am- I am brought back to the ER where I have to give a urine sample (boy those are easy to give when your pregnant!)  I even asked the nurse... how much you want?  Then I was given a Percocet (that was my first and though I felt better I am not sure if I love the feeling of floating).  The Percocet took the pain down to a 1 and I was sent home to sleep. 
5:06am- We arrived home and went straight to bed. I will say Daddy Hoot will not be taking NyQuil around the due date since he fell asleep in the ER room with me.

The Doctor has no idea why I was having such severe backpain but I am feeling much better this morning... I mean afternoon.  I did have a little fall the other day down 3 stairs but had caught myself on the railing and I am thinking I did something to my back then and it was acting up. 

But boy when you go into an ER pregnant I am very impressed how fast they react to make sure your little one is safe.

St Francis Hospital had an amazing staff on last night!  Thanks to the nurses and Doctors that took care of it and made me feel better.

Time for a nap?  Sure why not!

Much love!
Mama Hoot

27 1/2 Week Photo Update

Here I am at 27 1/2 weeks... a few more days and I am officially in my 3rd Trimester!

LEG CRAMPS

A few weeks into the pregnancy Daddy Hoot came to bed and said, “Are you having leg cramps?” 
Me: “What are you talking about?  NO!”  (I was thinking what is wrong with you?)
Daddy Hoot:  “Well I was reading today about pregnancy leg cramps and what you are supposed to do if you get them.”
Me: “Thanks” (As I roll over in bed thinking this is going to be one long pregnancy if he believes everything he reads!)

Well I wish he would keep reading!!!  I have been getting the most painful leg cramps EVER. These aren’t just normal leg cramps these are INTENSE.  So intense that I can’t sleep and I can’t get out of bed.  I did some reading this past week on them but all the reading talks about is cramps in the calves… and I am sorry but mine are ALL over my legs.  Most recently was this morning where it was in my upper thigh.  All I wanted to do was get out of bed to go to the bathroom but no I couldn’t move.  My thigh was hard as a rock and I couldn’t straighten it.  Oh too have to pee and not be able to is another one of the most painful things ever!

After lots of crying, moaning and screaming the cramp released and so I was able to release as well :)  

Daddy Hoot- keep reading and keep the knowledge coming!

Much love to you all!
Mama Hoot