Nothing but Noley

He's vocal. He almost always gets what he wants, when he wants it. He is happy. Always very happy. He loves to move and when he actually learns how to move (for real) I am in DEEP trouble. He loves pulling hair - check his hands, always a clump of hair in there. He loves people...but he especially loves Jack and Josie. He won't sleep willingly without his mom...and I'm okay with it. Because I know he's my baby. This is it. I'm savoring.

September isn't so far away...

My midwives will let me go to 42 weeks...should this guy decide he's not ready to join us on his own. 42 weeks means I will have a September Baby. That's funny... But not really.

When Nancy was pregnant with Tyson - Denny LOVED the name August. He wanted to call Tyson "Auggie." Obviously, Nancy's name choice won out.

Fast forward 33 years... Like father, like son - Tyson threw out the name August. But - knowing that his due date was August 21st...I was pretty adamant that we would NOT be naming him August. Should I make it to 42 weeks, into September...the name August may be re-entered into consideration. I'm not down with that.

UPDATE: Had a midwife appt this morning and things were about the same as last week. She predicts this guy is fairly small - 7lbs or so. She stripped my membranes. If you know what this is...you know that it wasn't enjoyable. If you don't know what this is..."stripping membranes" - it's about as pleasant as it sounds.  And as I left, she said, "So I'll probably see you tonight or tomorrow night." Let's ALL hope.

South Lyon

We took a drive over to South Lyon, MI today for a visit to a toy store. Being a "sleepy little town" - the toy store was closed. We ended up having lunch (and ice cream) at a really cute Root Beer stand.

Then we found a park to burn off some energy. Both kids were hot & sweaty by the time we got ready to leave.

We said GOODBYE to Grandma Nancy. She is heading back to FW, but will be back when Baby Boy graces us with his presence.

No Baby...

I'm feeling worse - as if that's possible. I'm hoping it indicates labor is coming soon. The Becker/Clevenger families have entered predictions on when this guy will arrive...

A big THANK YOU to my lovely brother-in-law, Devin, who predicted he'd arrive TODAY and weigh 9lbs. NINE POUNDS?!?!

He's still cookin'

We're still hanging in there. Grandma Nancy is here now, too. Jack was VERY excited to have TWO grandmas at his house.

We've been going to lots of local parks...bonus when they have a path to walk & stairs to climb.

NST and Ultrasound

Baby Boy gave me a bit of a scare today. He's been moving less over the last few days and I've done some Kick Counts to check on him.  Today he was pretty quiet and I got worried. So I called Triage and the Midwife said to come in for a Non-Stress Test. He was fine, good strong heartbeat and some movement.  The nurse reported that I have an "irritable uterus" - meaning I'm having a lot of small contractions all the time. I reported this to Tyson, so he understands that an irritable uterus is also linked to an irritable wife.

They did a quick ultrasound to check fluid levels and everything looked great. Baby Boy was "practicing breathing" and was flexing his arms & legs. Not gonna lie - he looked pretty comfy. I did not see any packed up boxes indicating he was planning on vacating in the near future.

So I will continue along with my day-to-day labor inducing tricks...and hope he comes this weekend.

Just No. Nothing. Nada.

Hot & Spicy

All of my girlfriends from college (who are also either pregnant or just had a baby) convinced me that SPICY Thai food was the answer to getting this child out of me. I tried it, along with some "brisk" walking on the treadmill. I was up most of the night with contractions, pacing the bedroom, timing them, even stopping at times to breathe through them (yes, they are real!)... And then, they just STOPPED.

When I got pregnant I read a book called Baby Catcher (highly recommend) and the midwife said that the third pregnancy is always "up in the air...no one ever knows exactly what to expect." She couldn't have been more right...

At least it's sunny today...and cool. We'll be going to a park - where the kids can play and I can do more, you guessed it, - WALKING.

Rain, Rain...

We had so much rain yesterday - most of Metro Detroit is under water. Tyson sent me a text from his commute home with a picture of traffic & standing water everywhere...followed by: "please don't go into labor right now." It took him over 2 hours to make it home from work.

By 7:20PM - my kids were in desperate need of some fresh air We hit up our favorite puddle.

Grandma Shirlee has been playing A  LOT of board games with Jack. He's a hard one to keep occupied...especially when we can't be outside. She's also been cooking & doing laundry for me. I don't know what I'd do without her at this point...I'd definitely be A LOT more grumpy & tired.

Midwife appointment today...wish me luck...and dilation.

UPDATE: 4 cm and 80% effaced. My midwife was super excited...I was hoping for 6cm & 100% - which is like full-blown labor. Totally unrealistic, but a girl can dream. More walks, more tea, more (insert labor inducing acts HERE). 

Still No...

The Super Moon was gorgeous last night. The raspberry leaf tea I'm drinking three times a day is not as delicious as my normal tea...but I've heard my uterus thinks it's pretty great. I may or may not have added another herbal supplement (twice a day) that is rumored to be "good for inducing labor."

And despite very hard contractions for most of the night last night...

STILL.NOTHING.

Don't hold your breath, people. This child is very happy in his current abode.

Summer Reading...and more

The kids participated in Northville Library's summer reading program. We read 50 books, wrote them down on a special paper, and turned them into the library for prizes (and books!). I'm not sure if the kids understood what we were doing - but we do love to read, so it was a good reason to spend lots of time at the Library this summer. The Library always has good A/C pumping!

They did some puzzles before we claimed our prizes.

Jack & Josie have learned that when their mommy is pregnant - sometimes she really WANTS...wait, NEEDS...ice cream. The other day I saw a commercial for the new Dairy Queen Chips Ahoy Blizzard...and I decided I NEEDED a Blizzard. So Tyson made that happen...and Jack & Josie got their mini-blizzard, too. Thanks, Pregnant Mommy!

Going along with being SUPER healthy {sarcastic} - Joe & Gina sent me an early "push present." That's 10 packages of Mega Stuf Oreos (courtesy of Amazon). Not gonna lie - I'm not sure even I can eat all of those! If you come to visit - be ready to leave with a parting gift.

And finally - this is my friend and his furry green dog, Don-on. The "man with the glasses" is an artist. I have no idea...I just go with it.

38 Weeks...We Got Moves

Dear Baby Brother -

We broke out our best moves for you. We think you should come out and join us. We have a month before school starts and we'd like to spend time with you.

Love,

Jack & Josie

Baby Boy Update:
I'm 38 weeks today. Josie arrived on this day during my pregnancy with her. So if Dude stays put - he will officially be my longest pregnancy of the three. I had a midwife appt yesterday and I was measuring a little behind (36weeks). They didn't seem concerned. Because I've been having contractions - my midwife checked me and I'm 3cm & 50% effaced. Which could mean labor is coming soon...or not for another two weeks. My midwife mentioned the "Super Moon" coming up soon...and believes things will be crazy in Labor & Delivery because of it. I gave her a skeptical look...but she insists she's seen enough full moon shenanigans to believe it has an effect on childbirth. We'll see...

Oh - and baby has an official NAME. Woohoo! Only took us 38 weeks!

Grandma Shirlee arrived yesterday....she's on Baby Back Up Duty! So he is welcome to come - day or night.

37 Weeks...and waiting

Unless this baby comes between now & midnight - he will officially be an August Baby. (don't even joke that he might be a September Baby...that's not funny) I'm 37 weeks and feeling like a mean, mean person. I'm just irritable. I guess it's good that I know this about myself right now. It doesn't mean it's okay. Pretty sure Tyson thinks "God, just let her have this baby already..."

I try to get the kids out of the house as much as we can, so they don't feel like they are living in a Pregnant Lady's Prison. We've done pretty well on our Summer Fun List, so far...and we have over a month left of "summer break."

Regardless - people are expected to help out in this "Pregnant Lady Prison." I bought a hand-held Shark vacuum and Jack thinks it's the best "toy" ever! Good! Yes, it IS a toy...and you "play with it" by running it on the couch & in the corners. Annnnnd GO!

Once the cushions are clean...apparently they should be stacked into a "pillow tower." I'm telling you...my house looks "played in" 90% of the time and the couch is currently Jack's favorite toy. 

What's in my bag? Third Baby Version

So some of you may have heard of people doing a "What's in my bag?" on blogs/magazines, etc. If I did this for my purse people would be disgusted. I'll refrain. But I will say that I recently found a half-chewed fruit snack and a semi-rotting banana. See...pretty gross. 

Regardless - I packed up my hospital bag and, while I'm NO expert, I have learned that I don't need to pack my entire bedroom for my stay in the hospital. Since I have a lot of friends getting ready to welcome babies...I thought I'd share what I think should be packed.

My Bag: 1) Toiletries, just the norms (shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc) I also pack an extra toothbrush for Tyson, just in case we are in a late-night delivery; 2) Medela Lanolin Cream (New Moms: EMBRACE it, love it, use it!); 3) Comfy "fat" pants - NEWSFLASH: you won't fit into your pre-pregnancy jeans (and if you do, we can't be friends) after having a baby. After Jack was born I remember looking at my stomach (which still looked 6mth pregnant) and thinking "What the HELL is this?" Trust me, fat pants with optimum comfort are KEY; 4) Bathing Suit top - okay this one is probably a head scratcher...but I plan on laboring and possibly delivering in a tub, so this needs to be included; 5) Nursing tanks - going along with the comfy pants, these are amazing. Nursing is always a big priority for me, so I make sure I have these in my bag. Honestly, I will wear them for MONTHS after this guy arrives 6) Towel - take a towel for yourself (and your hubs, if he is staying). The hospital gives you towels, but so far I believe the ones I've seen would barely cover my right thigh; 7) Feminine Care products - okay, truthfully, the hospital will want you to leave wearing a diaper, like your new baby. I'm not down with that...so I always bring my own "items"

Additional (not pictured): phone charger, magazines (that I have been meaning to read for months), DSLR camera, basic make-up, Oreos - nothing makes me crankier than being denied an oreo after dinner

Baby Boy's Bag: 1) aden & anais Swaddle blankets - I just like how light these are. Aside from swaddling they also make great nursing covers, because they aren't hot; 2) Gifts for siblings - I am taking a couple "presents" from Baby Boy for Jack & Josie for when they come to visit us. Welcoming a new baby into the family can be hard for young kids...and while I truly believe we are giving them the BEST gift of all, a new brother, we will give a "peace offering," too (Josie may need it); 3) Newborn Size Diapers - the hospital usually only carries size 1 diapers, which are usually too big for my smaller babies. I bring NB size along (and steal the size ones for later {this isn't actually "stealing" - you will pay for the diapers in your $10k hospital bill}); 4) Going Home Outfit - baby boy will need an outfit to come home in. I bring a NB size outfit and an outfit that fits babies smaller than 7lb. (if you remember - Jack was tiny and nothing fit him); 5) Extra Onesies - I always have a few extra onesies on hand. Josie had one that announced her name...and this guy may, too - if we ever decide on a name.

Also - I have about 4 types of beer that Tyson has been instructed to buy for me once I'm home. If you are thinking, "maybe someone will take Kady a meal..." NO! Bring me a beer. It's what I miss the most when I'm pregnant. AND - for those concerned about the baby - I drink ONE beer after I nurse...and for the record, a Lactation Consultant once told me it helped with your milk supply. I believe her.

Finally - save some room in those bags to "steal" all the things the hospital provides! Pacifiers, diapers (as mentioned before), creams, etc. Seriously, YOU are paying for those things. Take them with you!

Last Weekend at the Lake

First - a quick Baby Boy update...still cooking, but things are "moving." He's dropped down, making walking and sleeping (and living) uncomfortable. I did, however, pack the hospital bags...because every single day I think "TODAY COULD BE THE DAY" and then immediately think, "God, I hope it's not today...I'm not ready."

Last weekend we ventured to the lake. It's a "safe place" mainly because it is about an hour and a half from the hospital. Jack and Josie were excited for a weekend away.

We had a fun time. Saw some friends and enjoyed time with Nancy & Denny. Uncle Devin & Aunt Kristin on making a long trek from Idaho this week...and Uncle Jon is coming for a visit early next week, too! So much family time coming up! We are very excited!

When we're at the lake - Cooper just likes sleeping. I woke up to him, instead of Tyson, on Sunday morning. He's such a momma's boy.

Sunday before we left for Northville - we had quite the scare. Tyson was emptying the kiddie pool and some water ran down into a yellow jacket nest (in the ground). We had no idea it was there. Jack was running by the lake and the next thing we knew he was screaming and running full speed, swatting at his head. He got attacked by the yellow jackets. It was definitely scary, since he'd never been stung before...and he got stung EIGHT times! We watched him for swelling.  After a bit we decided to go to an Urgent Care just to make sure things were okay. The wait at Urgent Care was over an hour. Jack was acting/feeling fine, so we stopped at Walgreens for some cortisone cream, benedryl, and a cherry Ring Pop. He reported that the Ring Pop was what made him feel all better. Phew!

What's Been Going On?

Since my blogging has been slacking a bit lately...I thought I share what's been going on in the Becker House lately...

Josie is obsessed with tutus (her addiction is currently being filled by BOTH of her grandmas). She also received a "princess" nightgown from Greta and it must be worn EVERY night. Above you can see her reaction to learning it was in the wash. She wasn't happy.

Question: How did someone so ANTI-pink, ANTI-princess end up with a daughter who loves both?? Funny joke, Universe.

We've been playing outside...unless I'm on the brink of a pregnant-woman-meltdown (Tyson knows all about these) and then we stay in the A/C. On this day - Jack was hitching a ride with Josie - who is a terrible driver, I should add.

Tucker is tired. He dreams of living at the lake...where someone is 100% dedicated to throwing his ball for him.

Nancy and Denny came up for a Jack & Josie fix. Josie accompanied Grandpa to buy a new car, while Jack went to Flint with Grandma to pick up some of Aunt Kristin's art.

I was told - about 6 months ago - about a local grocery store that allows customers to shop online and then pick up their groceries curbside at a set time. I held off...until Monday. I decided on our menu for the week, placed my order Sunday night, and arrived at the store at my set time. I called the number and told them I was there for a pick-up. The man came out to check my ID - because I bought beer for Tyson. Then returned a few minutes later to load my order in my car. This is a $7 service...and worth every single penny. I spent less (because I wasn't tempted to throw stuff in the cart) and I left with my sanity (because I wasn't forced to grocery shop with two children). Win - Win. Also - dangerous and borderline lazy.

Finally - I'm pretty excited that one of my wine cup designs has hit the shelves in Winona Lake! My "sales rep" (aka: Jerry) took a cup into Eagle Creek Farms Market and she decided to sell them in her store! She is the woman who sells Rise n' Roll donuts...and I've considered getting paid in donuts. However, my CFO (aka: Tyson) thinks that's a bad idea.

Baby Update:
- Braxton Hicks contractions are still strong & often.
- I have my hospital bag 50% packed
- Baby Boy has some clean clothes & diapers all set
- He is still un-named
- I still haven't put clean towels in the car

32 Weeks

I'm a terrible pregnant blogger. I don't think I've said much about Baby #3 on here at all. So here is my obligatory "baby post" for this pregnancy.

• I'm 32 weeks along and feeling great. Aside from leg cramps and being tired - I really feel good. Being pregnant is hard on a woman's body and I feel fortunate that my body doesn't HATE pregnancy.
• That being said...pregnant at 32 is harder than it was at 27 {with Jack}.
• This baby alternates between being super busy/active and being really lazy. Some days I have to remind him to move around in there.
• I'm seeing the Midwives at the University of Michigan and I've been SO happy with the care I'm receiving. Everything is very focused on ME and how I'm feeling. They are also very laid back. Appointments feel less like a "medical" appointment and more like a consultation.
• That being said...they can have a VERY hands off approach...which makes Tyson a little nervous. A few weeks ago I jokingly told one of them that I was worried I'd give birth along M-14 (the highway we will travel to get to the hospital).  She calmly went on to explain step-by-step instructions for delivering along the road. My eyes were probably huge. But I know now that I need to put a lot of clean towels & blankets in my car...Got it.
• Baby Brother is still un-named. We have a name that we both really like...but I haven't fully embraced it. (NO - it's not a J name) Boy names are really hard for me.
• Jack and Josie are getting more excited about the baby. This is great, especially for Josie! She has started to pay attention to other babies (when we're out) and seems to want to be helpful.

That's it. My prep for Baby #3 is definitely different than it was for Baby #1. I really need to find all of Jack's newborn clothes...eventually...  And I should probably pick up a pack of diapers. Other than that - I think I'm good. Baby Brother will be thrown into our family as we continue to fly through life...hopefully he'll adjust, because, unfortunately,  no one will be slowing down too much for his arrival.

And don't worry - I'll get those clean towels & blankets in the car...eventually.

Splashy

This week we discovered there is a splash pad 5 minutes from our house. SCORE! It wasn't the warmest day...so we'll go back when summer really turns up the heat.

 Can you see the four year old spraying water in the background?

Josie wasn't as willing to run through the chilly water. She teeter along the edge - until she got too close to Jack and he sprayed her...of course.

Later that night Josie had some words for her Baby Brother. "Hellllll-whoa, BABY!" she yelled at my stomach. I think the idea of a new baby is growing on her...maybe...

DePauw 10 Year Reunion Weekend

Tyson and I were back in Greencastle last weekend for our 10 year Reunion. It was great to be back on campus!

My two besties from Alpha Phi were there too...Kelly and Georgianne. We spent lots of time sitting on the Alpha Phi porch swings and catching up. We're all pregnant - so there was plenty of water being consumed, lots of delicious Marvin's (GCB), and plenty of "pregnancy talk."  Their husbands - Eric (Kelly) and Josh (Georgianne) were good sports as we shared WAY too much info about our bodies and reminisced about our days in college.

We had a great dinner with the other 2004 Alpha Phi girls on Saturday night. We really brought the "party" to the reunion! I'm due 8/21, George is due 8/28, and Kelly is due 11/24. Of course, I had to make all the soon-to-be babies matching onesies...because I'm a nerd like that...

You'll notice I have ZERO pictures of my husband. He had a ton of Beta Boys back for the weekend and they were busy....doing fraternity boy things...  I did see him a few times, but never long enough for a picture together. Regardless, we were there. DePauw is where it all began...

For the record - I'm already planning to really LIVE IT UP for the 15 year reunion! I was pregnant with Jack at our 5 year, too. I'm due for a SUPER crazy time (which by then will probably mean 2 glasses of wine and then bed).

BIG thanks to Nancy & Denny - who pulled off TWO weekends in a row of babysitting duties. Jack and Josie had fun with you!

23 Weeks - Busy Baby & RAOK reminder

I had my 23 week appointment yesterday and I made the mistake of dragging both kids along with me. Never again. Josie waited until I was securely fastened into the blood pressure cuff before she bolted down the hallway - laughing the entire time. Hilarious? No. Then Jack announced that he was "bored" while I chatted with the midwife. Thank you, Dear Children. Your manners are impeccable.

In other news - the midwife tried to find a heartbeat for our little guy...but every time she found it, he moved or kicked. Finally she said, "okay, he's in there...things sound good, but I'm not going to chase him around." Seriously. I looked over at my "bored" four year old and thought "HERE WE GO AGAIN." Check out THIS POST from my 23 week appointment with Jack {October 2009} - I kid you not...SAME THING! Freaky! Anyone who knew Tyson as a child and knows Jack now...knows the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Silver Lining: Baby Brother will have Jack to keep him busy and Josie to keep him in line {unless she runs away}.

Finally, today would have been Christian's 3rd birthday...and it's a great day to make someone smile! Do a RAOK in his memory!