{Hannah}: two months old!

Good gracious, I can't believe Hannah is two months old! I'm so excited to see her develop and for what comes next, but since we think H is our last biological baby (unless the Lord changes that! Someday I'll write about our desire to adopt/foster... someday), it's bittersweet when we pass these milestones!

Hannah caught what her brother had two weeks ago, but instead of a head cold, it settled in her chest: bronchiolitis. I thought she just had a cough, and visited the doctor as a precaution because she was so young and I wanted to be sure she was ok before the weekend hit. While there, our doctor expressed concern about her respiratory rate, and debated sending us straight to the ER as we couldn't get her breathing rate down and she might need oxygen. Because he felt confident that we would monitor her closely, he let us go home instead. We did monitor her closely over the weekend, and the illness peaked that Saturday/Sunday. The mucous in her stomach also caused her to throw up almost every meal that weekend, but she managed to stay hydrated and continue to eat. She's still throwing up occasionally because of the mucous as her cough and congestion haven't left (the doctor said it would be around for two weeks). We are so grateful for our friends and family praying over her!

She started smiling at us sometime between weeks 4 and 6, and she coos like she wants to giggle. I truly can't wait to hear her laugh!

We also celebrated Hannah's first Christmas!

On to her two month pictures!

Giraffe smooches!

Ethan was thrilled to be in on the action! 

And a mini Ethan update (2.25 years old!):

We got his snow boots in for our trip to Colorado next month, and he LOVES them!

Happy Sunday, friends!

xo,

Elizabeth

{Hannah}: one month old | Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! We have much to be thankful for this year:

- Hannah will be a month old tomorrow!

- Ethan is becoming an amazing big brother - protective, concerned, and affectionate. I love watching him with his sister, even if he is a little rough-and-tumble!

- We have had amazing support from our family (Ethan had a spontaneous sleepover with my parents -- they survived a night without his KiKi/blanket!), and we get to see so many family and friends over the next couple of months and introduce them to our sweet girl!

- I'm thankful that Austin's test is over (no results yet)

- I'm thankful that we have gotten plugged in to our new community so quickly! We love Bayou City Fellowship - Cypress! We even got the opportunity to visit SB at their new campus last week as we commissioned some friends to serve the Lord in planting churches in Bogotá, Colombia, and see some people we love from our small group there!

-My mom hasn't had any new health issues! For such a healthy woman, she sure has faced her share of health issues and surgeries - hopeful that those are over, thankful she has been healthy for a year!

And here are Hannah's 1 month pictures (a day early)!

I love that their arms were (accidentally) the same!

A hint of a smile!

Her dress for Thanksgiving was made by my mama!

Thankful we have survived a month of little sleep together, little one! 🎀

In all these things, God has blessed us beyond what we could've imagined. Thankful to see Him answering SO many of our prayers this last year!

xo,

Elizabeth

{Hannah}: two weeks old!

I'll start this by saying that I will take any tips from mamas who successfully warded off the angry green monster when baby number two arrived. That sums up our last two days (since daddy went back to work). It was pretty manageable when daddy was around because he didn't necessarily have to wait for me to nurse Hannah and someone else could help redirect him.

Ethan needed lotion... Because Hannah was getting lotioned up.

He had grandma hold him the way she was holding Hannah.

Otherwise, Hannah and I are in a MUCH better place with breastfeeding (seriously, it felt like we had every problem in the book!). I finally got antibiotics on Sunday for flu-like symptoms caused by either mastitis or a blocked duct... That was the peak of my frustration, as I could hardly function with the fever/chills/aches. Thank the Lord for antibiotics. Seriously, I'm a new person! I share this not because I just love divulging this information, but primarily because I think people should know that breastfeeding is hard in the beginning, even if your baby seems to be doing it perfectly in the hospital (ha-ha!). I don't love everything about breastfeeding (am I allowed to say that?) and sometimes a bottle seems easier in more ways than one. But, I believe it's good for me and for Hannah... so we persist!

We also (finally) lost the umbilical cord yesterday! Hers was huge and curled over toward her stomach, I was glad to see it had disappeared!

We took a few pictures with our fancy camera, too (we took way more than this, I liked 3 of them).

And today, at two weeks:

Today, we are starting to work on establishing a schedule/rhythm for Hannah. She has an inconsistent routine already but I would like to be able to get out of the house every now and again, and Austin's Grammie is going to be with us for a few days starting today, so it seemed like a good day to (finally) start that. We are also hoping to make it out of the house this weekend so hint of a schedule would help with that.

The rest of our postpartum recovery time has gone really, really well, and we are happy to be at day 15! I go back to the doctor in 2 more weeks, and Hannah goes back at 2 months, so we won't have a weight/height update until after Christmas, though I'll be back again next week with her week 3 update!

xo,

Elizabeth

{Hannah}: 38 weeks!

We are getting SO CLOSE to meeting Hannah! I could say that I am worn out, exhausted, not sleeping, and in pain, and that wouldn't really cover it. Pregnancy is no joke. I'm just trying to keep an attitude of gratitude: thankful that she's healthy, active, and that so far this pregnancy has been good for her. I'm thankful we live in a country where I can assume that she and I will be taken care of with the best medical technology available if something does go awry!

We went to another gorgeous wedding this weekend - this time it was for Austin's step-sister, Chelsea, and her new hubs, Evan. It was wonderful and beautiful, and an excuse to pull Austin's nose out of his books!

We also celebrated Austin's 29th birthday with family (you can start sending in 30th birthday celebration suggestions now, I'm already working on it!!).

He joked that he didn't want to have to share his birthday with Hannah, and now we won't have to worry about that since it's already passed!

In all, it's been a good week, but I am completely worn out. Exhausted.

This week, Hannah is the size of a ukulele... Preferably a pink one. ;)

How far along? 38 WEEKS AND THREE DAYS!!!!!!! Just four more days til we are full-term. WHOO HOOOOO!

Maternity clothes? 90%, and breaking out some flowy fall tunics that's aren't maternity

Stretch marks? Nothing new
Sleep: not getting much. You come anytime, Hannah. Nothing will change. 

Miss anything? Bending, sitting and sitting up normally!
Movement: sometimes vigorous, usually just slight movements.
Food cravings: anything I didn't cook.
Anything making you queasy or sick? Not lately.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: Now dilated to 3 cm, and 50% effaced. Doctor said, "see you in a week - if you make it that long." We all know that doesn't mean I'll have a baby before next week... But I won't complain!
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time? Exhausted, so probably moody.
Looking forward to: HANNAH'S BIRTH! Anytime you want, baby girl.
Prayers this week:

For Austin: that he would be able to focus and remember the principles he is re-learning. It's a struggle for him to be away from us to study so much - I know that the pictures I send him of what Ethan and I are up to sometimes make it harder for him to continue studying. I'm proud of him for persevering, I'm prayerful that he would pass his test so we don't have to endure this mess with TWO kiddos in the spring. 

For me: I had a major anxiety attack this week when I couldn't get Hannah to move during one of the times I'm supposed to check her movement (one of the times that she usually chooses to move). Pray against that kind of anxiety an that I would TRULY cast my cares upon the Lord, both now with her in my belly and when she arrives. (Yes, she moved - after I called my parents AND my doctor). I could also use a little motivation and energy. On Friday I attempted to boycott all house work, but it didn't work. So finding some form of rest when caring for a 2 year old solo would be good, too.

For Hannah: for her health in the womb, through delivery and postpartum (and mine, too!), and that she would be a little girl who is passion all for Jesus.

For Ethan: he's getting to be more clingy, so our prayer is that he would adjust well to Hannah's arrival, and love his little sister well.

xo,

Elizabeth

{Hannah}: 37 weeks!!

We spent most of this week fighting off a cold. I hate colds. They're obnoxious, and Ethan seems to get them an awful lot. He's mostly fine, but he sure is oozing some snot, and he sounds pretty congested. I try to be cognizant about spreading it around, so this week we have avoided MDO and small group, where he would be in close contact with lots of other kiddos. It sure can make you stir-crazy!

Hannah, we have made it a long way together! I'm getting more excited to meet you as I get more and more exhausted by pregnancy. (Add cramps to the list of things keeping me awake at night.)

Right now, Hannah is considered "early term". 37 weeks used to be considered full-term, but sometime in late 2013, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists changed this to 39 weeks (Ethan was born at 39+1). Research shows that babies born at 37 weeks have more of a risk of complications, such as difficulty breathing, than those born just two weeks later. (More info: http://m.acog.org/About-ACOG/News-Room/News-Releases/2013/Ob-Gyns-Redefine-Meaning-of-Term-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=true.) For this reason, as "done" as I feel, and as exhausted as I am, I really want Hannah to hang out for two more weeks! (And then she can come!)

Hannah is currently the size of a tackle box (that one's for you, dad!), 19.75" long and weighs around 7 lbs.

I forgot to take a picture before Austin left, so we squeezed this one in - jammies again!!

How far along? 37 WEEKS (and 2 days)!!! Just under 2 more til we are full-term. 

Maternity clothes? Mostly
Stretch marks? No new ones
Sleep: mostly awful, occasionally ok!

Miss anything? Sleep
Movement: lots, when she wants to!
Food cravings: anything easy!
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nothing too bad since they changed my heartburn regimen for the 3rd time.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: I'm still just dilated to 2 cm, and 50% effaced - no further progress this week.
Belly Button in or out? In, and I think it'll stay that way.
Wedding rings on or off? On, no swelling
Happy or Moody most of the time? Just tired!
Looking forward to: Austin & Sarah's birthdays, and a family wedding this weekend!Prayers this week: praying that the end of this pregnancy would be healthy and as smooth as it can be, as well as the delivery! We will meet our girl SO soon!

xo,

Elizabeth

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{Hannah}: 36 weeks

This weekend, we went to Dallas briefly to visit one of Austin's best friends from college, and see my childhood bestie get married! I DO NOT recommend being the driver for a 3.5 hour road trip at 36 weeks pregnant (I did it so Austin could study). However, we made it there and back safely and Hannah stayed put, which was awesome :)

I'm SO glad I convinced Austin to try the bow tie. He pulls it off so well!

This week, Hannah is the size of a Cabbage Patch Doll, is about 19.25", and weighs 6 lbs 7 oz according to her ultrasound from today!

Hannah is perfectly positioned for birth, her organs look great, her weight is great - rejoicing that everything looks good with her.

How far along? 36 WEEKS!!! 3 more til we are full-term. 

Maternity clothes? 90% of the time. The shirt I'm in above is actually not maternity but it is forgiving, to say the least.
Stretch marks? No more new ones... yet.
Sleep: Terrible. Toss, turn, hydrate, bathroom, repeat.

Miss anything? SLEEP!! And more than one cup of coffee per day. Ugh. If I can't have one, can I have the other?!
Movement: still a good amount, but I can tell space is getting tighter.
Food cravings: food I don't have to cook. I'm getting lazy.
Anything making you queasy or sick? The addition of Zantac to my Nexium seems to be helping (hooray)! But I still need Tums close by.
Gender: Girl!!
Labor Signs: I'm dilated to 2 cm, and 50% effaced!
Belly Button in or out? In, and I'm wondering if Hannah will make it pop out (Ethan couldn't)
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time? Long car rides, when pregnant and driving, make me moody. Otherwise I'm just tired.
Looking forward to: our nephew's 3rd birthday party this weekend, Ethan seeing Unca Macka (Matt) this week sometime, and Austin's step-sister's wedding next weekend!
Prayers this week: I felt like I had really started to accept the idea that Hannah could be late (I was in total denial for a while because of the misery with the constant heartburn issues). And then this weekend wore. me. out. So praying again that I would be patient. Also praying for a healthy baby girl and a safe, easy delivery! She will be here before we know it either way.

xo,

Elizabeth

{Hannah}: 35 weeks

This week I doubled the number of belly touches for this pregnancy (3 more in one week!) and I think it was disappointing for those people since she didn't move much - she really only moves during nap time and in the evenings. It's my consistent sit-and-rest times of each day, so it's her habit. It'll be interesting to see how that transitions outside of the womb!

I also got to reflect on what an amazing dad and husband Austin is, especially on Ethan's birthday. I am seriously tearing up! I don't thank him enough and I couldn't ever thank God enough for him. This man is a rock. He works HARD, often going in to work before daybreak so he can be home with us in the evenings. Some evenings, he comes home for dinner or bath time (he does bath time almost every night!!) and then goes back to work. He's also managing to study for his PE, so if he's not working, he's studying. And yes, this all means a really stressful season of life for all of us, but Austin has always sacrificed for us - even if he loses out on a lot of sleep. He got up at 4 am on Ethan's birthday so he could work before Ethan woke up for breakfast and get to spend the morning with us. He's loving us sacrificially as Christ loved us and is providing for us and leading us as he is called to. And let's be real: I DO get caught up in the stress of having a very busy husband (happened today! Sorry Austin...), but in the grand scheme of things, I'm so thankful that he has worked so hard for us and makes sure he is here when it matters most.

Hannah is currently the size of a kid's backpack (pictured is the one Ethan uses, preschool size). Hannah is supposedly around 18 inches and 5.5 lbs!

{We will get an official weight next Monday, 10/5. Blog posts will start being posted on Mondays as I visit my doctor every Monday from here on out, so no post this Sat!}

I was "sprinkled" today by a few of my friends and it was lovely! Hannah is going to be a really well-dressed little girl.

Everyone from the sprinkle {except Lauren}!

Here's Lauren! ;)

{And, yes, I did request that we wear big hats. I had a blast making mine!}

How far along? 35 weeks! 8 months! Almost done! Hooray!!!!

Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? The ones from my pregnancy with Ethan have finally reappeared. Hoping my cream keeps them from getting huge.
Sleep: I don't think I'll see good sleep for a long, long time. 
Miss anything? Not feeling dehydrated all the time. I usually feel like I could drink water for days straight and still be thirsty.
Movement: She flipped herself head-up this week and freaked me out a little. She was back down the next day. Hopefully she stays that way -- she's running out of room and it'll be harder to flip herself back soon.
Food cravings: ugh. No thanks
Anything making you queasy or sick? Yep, heartburn/indigestion/reflux. But my dr suggested adding Zantac at dinner (to the Nexium I'm already on) to help with evening heartburn issues. We will see if this works!!
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: None, but the Braxton-Hicks contractions are getting to be more frequent
Belly Button in or out? In, but REALLY flattening.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time? Sleepy.
Looking forward to: A WEDDING for my childhood best friend next weekend, and then our last ultrasound for Hannah!!
Prayers this week: I just want to enjoy these last few weeks and maybe not look forward to the end quite as much as I am now, so really praying that these meds work or I'm just healed completely! My doctor adjusted my medicine for my heartburn, so hopefully the new regimen works!

xo,

Elizabeth

{Ethan}: our TWO year old!

TWO YEARS ago, I was handed a little bundle after 19 hours of labor. He had a major cone-head (he still has a huge head) and and was very alert. All the nurses commented on how wide-eyed and alert he was for a newborn! He took a couple seconds to make any noise immediately after delivery, and I had to reassure myself that he was ok. I was immensely relieved when he was handed to me - and when we saw him, we thought he was perfect.

We hit some milestones really early, like rolling over both ways consistently at two months old (what? That's insane). Others came a little later than some of our friend's milestones (speech). Still the most remarkable thing about Ethan is SUCH a happy kid! If you tell me that he looks like his dad, I may give you a weird look. It's not true. But if you say that he acts like his dad, I would agree 100%. He's his father's goofy son. Austin always knows exactly what to do to make Ethan laugh harder and play with more excitement than I ever could! You could chalk it up to being a guy thing, but I think it's more - I am certain those two will have a Phil & Luke Dunphy relationship!

I think, with both my kids, I have been most nervous about their personalities. I know who I was growing up and I fear I'll have to raise a mini-me. Something tells me miss Hannah will have more of my stubborn streak (or really - Papaw's), but Ethan has always been just a sweet and playful boy. He's pretty obedient (for a two-year-old), as long as we manage his expectations and his schedule well!

Ethan, I just can't say it enough: I'm so blessed to be your mama.

Happy 2nd Birthday!

xo,

Elizabeth

{Hannah}: 34 weeks | {Ethan} 2nd Birthday Party

We had Ethan's birthday party this morning and it was a blast to have a house full of family & friends!

There were lots of tears and pouty faces today. Ethan really wanted to take his new trains EVERYWHERE. He loved all of his (many!) new toys... We may be a skipping gifts at Christmas this year as a result of the outpouring of presents today! There's no question - he is VERY well loved.

Now for miss Hannah!

I'm experiencing heartburn/reflux issues again. If waking up for the restroom or for water doesn't keep me up (sometimes for hours at a time), then reflux keeps me from going to sleep. Or both. I already have heartburn/reflux issues in pregnancy, but it is worsened by my iron supplement. I can't really stop taking that prescription, and we haven't found a prescription heartburn med that is safe for pregnancy AND helps me overcome my symptoms.

Y'all, I am tired. I know my sleep won't get better with a newborn, but I feel like having a little girl in my arms will at least feel more rewarding than this does. I cannot WAIT for the end of October to roll around. I'm not even going to think about her being late at this point.

How far along? 34 weeks! ~6 to go...
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? Hopefully nothing new, I'm out of my lotion and haven't gotten more yet!
Sleep: What is that?
Miss anything? Sleep.
Movement: Getting restricted! She occasionally rolls from the left to the right, and I feel smaller kicks and flutters.
Food cravings: something savory...
Anything making you queasy or sick? Everything. A glass of OJ before bed kept me up last night.
Gender: Girl!
Labor Signs: None, but the Braxton-Hicks contractions are getting to be more frequent
Belly Button in or out? In,but flattening. We may see it pop out this time!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time? Sleepy.
Looking forward to: Doctor appointments for Hannah & Ethan on Thursday! It's Ethan's actual birthday, but I think the most celebrating we might do is to go to dinner out somewhere.
Prayers this week: Just a little relief from these symptoms would be excellent. I am really looking forward to having some input from my doctor when I see her!

xo,
Elizabeth

{edit} I forgot! Hannah is about the size of a basketball hoop this week, and weighs around 5.5 lbs.