I've been seriously slacking on the blogging front lately. I started writing up Elliot's 14 month post weeks ago but never got around to posting it. So, instead of doing it the way I usually do, I'm switching things up. I'm just going to bombard you with pictures of Elliot and fun facts about him at this {very fun} age.
- He has SIXTEEN teeth.
- His hair is getting longer and blonder!
- Anytime we walk by the candle section in a store, we have to stop and let Elliot smell every.single.candle.
- he LOVES to play with bubbles.
- he loves feeding the ducks, playing tug of war with his puppy Otis, and watching our cat Charlie hunt flies. He also still hugs and kisses our animals every chance he gets.
- he is wearing mostly 12 month shirts, 12 month sleepers, and the only pants that seem to fit him well right now are Old Navy's 6-12 months.
- he REALLY likes looking at fish in pet stores, so we got him a little bubbling fish tank for his room that changes colors. Coolest nightlight ever!!
This train is one of his favorite toys at the moment, along with his mega blocks, his bucket and shovel, and his cookie jar shape sorter.
- he JUST graduated from his whale tub to the big boy tub. We actually could have waited longer, as he was perfectly content sitting in his whale, but I was getting really sick of dragging that thing in and out of the tub every day.
- he started bear crawling in order to avoid scraping his knees on our patio. Apparently, he is now under the impression that he must bear crawl whenever we're outside.
- he really likes putting sunglasses on, brushing his own hair, brushing his teeth, and washing his hands.
- he loves to help mommy "clean" by pushing our compact vacuum, broom, and swiffer along the floor. :)
- he has started taking a few steps on his own every once in awhile, particularly if walking to mommy or daddy. Although he is perfectly capable, he won't stand on his own, unless you distract him. The minute he realizes what he's doing he sits back down. We noticed that his feet point outwards (when he walks, stands, or is even just sitting) and think it may be affecting his balance. He can't seem to lock his knees. Many of Aaron's relatives had to have braces {and Aaron is himself duck-footed, to the point that it has caused chronic knee problems}, so braces may be in Elliot's future.
- he just learned how to point, and his favorite things to point at are birds. He is OBSESSED with them. Anytime he sees one, he will stop dead in his tracks, stick out that adorable little finger, and yell, "Ba!! Baaaa!!!!!". Also, if you ask him where the birdies are, he will climb up onto the couch and look out the window into the tree where the sparrows often perch.
I still have not published my birth story with Elliot. I did not have a birth plan with him, because I knew going into it that, because of his birth defect, I would not be allowed to do things the way I wanted. Boy, I was right!
During my labor with Elliot, he was continuously monitored (with THREE external monitors and one screwed into his scalp). I wasn't allowed to walk, and they made me stop bouncing on the birthing ball {even though it was really helping} because it was "disrupting the monitors." They started me on pitocin almost immediately, because with his condition, it was too risky to have a prolonged labor. The pitocin made my contractions 500x worse, and they made his heart rate drop. The nurse kept asking me if I wanted an epidural, even though I made it clear that my plan was not to get one. I had extremely intense back labor, and all I wanted to do was get up and walk (but they told me no) or to stay on my hands and knees, but the stupid nurse kept fiddling with my monitors and asking me to change positions so I really wasn't able to manage the pain the way I wanted. After twelve hours of labor, I stalled at seven centimeters and, feeling hopeless, finally gave in and opted for an epidural. My epidural experience was terrible. There were over a dozen doctors present for my delivery. He was taken away immediately after he was born, prepped, and rushed to the NICU. I could go on and on... but basically, the only thing they did right was allow me to have my husband, mother, and father present for my labor and delivery.
This time I'm hoping to take charge of my labor and do things my way. So here is my tentative birth plan!
BIRTH PLAN:
{attendants}
- husband, Aaron Gougeon
- there may be others, not sure yet because everyone lives so far away? to be completed later.
{amenities}
- ipad + headphones (for music)
- camera: I plan to take pictures during my labor and possibly delivery
- phone and laptop
{hospital admission}
- I plan to labor at home for several hours after my water breaks before going to the hospital.
I can labor more comfortably at home, without the stress, sterility and noise of the hospital.
Once admitted, I'd like:
- to wear my own clothes {I think, still trying to figure out what that would be to allow easy access?}
- my husband with me at all times
- to be able to walk, bounce on the birthing ball, and move around as much as possible, until the contractions become too painful
- to try laboring in the birthing pool/tub, with my own clothes on (a tank top)
- to eat small snacks, if I wish to (I'm not sure that I will)
- to try to stay hydrated by drinking water on my own before needing an IV
{Medical Interventions}
As long as baby Sully and I are doing fine, I'd like:
- intermittent monitoring rather than continuous
- to be allowed to progress on my own without strict time limits
- absolutely NO PITOCIN!!
- My goal is to bring this baby into the world naturally, without medication. Please do NOT keep asking if I want an epidural. If I decide that I want one, I will let you know.
- I do not want an episiotomy, and would prefer to tear on my own
{Pain Relief}
I'd like to try:
- to KEEP MOVING!
- acupressure
- bath/shower
- breathing techniques
- hot/cold therapy
- massage
- again, please do not offer me pain medication. I will ask for it if I need it.
{Pushing}
I'd like to try:
- semi reclining {how I pushed my son out}
- hands and knees
- whatever feels right
{Birth}
during delivery,
- I would NOT like to view the birth using a mirror or to touch the baby's head as it crowns.
Both of these things were very distracting and not helpful at all while giving birth to my son. I did not like either!
- I'd prefer to push the placenta out rather than having it pulled out
{After birth}
- I'd like the lights dimmed
- I'd like to hold baby on my chest right away
- to allow the cord to stop pulsating before it is clamped and cut
- I'd like to breastfeed immediately
- I want some "alone time" with my newborn before he is taken away for his newborn screen/exam
- please no eye ointment or Hep B shot. I've never had an STD and my son isn't going to be sexual active anytime soon, so neither are necessary.
{Feeding}
- I plan to breastfeed exclusively
- Do not offer my baby formula, sugar water, or a pacifier
{Circumcision}
- I do not want my son circumcised.
I can't believe I am 23 weeks pregnant today. It makes me a little sad. I don't plan to be pregnant again for awhile after Sully is born, and I'm not ready for this pregnancy to be over yet! I'm working on my birth plan and will be posting it soon.
I realize that I've been a bad blogger lately. If you met my child, you'd understand why. He does NOT approve of computer usage while he is awake/nearby. Not at all. How could you ignore a face like that?
I'd rather enjoy my time with this darling boy, anyways!
Elliot is SO full of personality, and is still so stinking sweet and cuddly. It seems like every minute he is either doing something that will make me laugh or say "awww." Every time he finds or comes across a blanket, he will lay his head on it and cuddle with it for a minute. He also refuses to come out of his crib in the morning until after he has hugged and kissed both of his blankets and his teddy bear. Another thing he really loves to do lately is to brush the dog or cat and give them both kisses. It melts my heart. Don't let him fool you, though- one of his other favorite things? Unrolling toilet paper and ripping it into a million tiny pieces. And dropping things into the toilet.... like my tweezers. Lovely.
Oh, and I've been trying to enjoy my time with the other man in my life, too... especially knowing that he will be deploying again soon, which makes me really sad. Elliot's face lights up whenever Aaron comes home from work, and he immediately either crawls over and clings to his legs or {if I'm holding him} launches himself at him. He sure will miss his daddy.
Daddy's home!
I love all three of my little men... but let's slow time down a little bit so I can enjoy my precious time with Aaron and Elliot before Sully arrives and Daddy leaves!
click HERE to read my 22 week post with Elliot.
How far along? 22 weeks!
Baby’s Size: a papaya- 10.5 to 11.8 inches & 12.7-20.8 oz (he was 16 oz at 20w5d)
Total Weight Gain: 11 lbs, still doing good so far!
Bellybutton: still in! Goes flat when I lay down :)
Stretchmarks: nope!
Maternity Clothes: still none, but wearing my bella band with jeans.
Gender: a little brother. :)
Movement: allll the time. Judging by where I feel the kicks, I think he is breech like Elliot was.
Sleep: No complaints. I'm exhausted when my head hits the pillow and sleep until about 8am, when Elliot wakes up.
Symptoms: nothing to complain about, feeling braxton hicks regularly.
Food Aversions: none, really.
Food Cravings: chocolate and ice cream, yum!
Best Moments this week: getting to see little Sully going wild on the ultrasound, and finally deciding on his name.
What I miss: I miss my flat tummy every once in awhile, when I put one of my favorite shirts on and it just looks... awkward. I love my little belly most of the time, though.
What I am Looking forward to: getting so close to viability!
Milestones: 5 1/2 months pregnant! wooowwww.
One of my friends posted this on my facebook wall, and I just HAD to share it with you guys!
I have totally done or said about 85% of these things!!! haha!
Oh, the glamourous life of a crunchy mama...
