We're Halfway there!

Today, I'm at the 20 week point for Baby #2. That means that I'm halfway through the pregnancy. It's hard to believe that I'm already 5 months along! I had another check-up last Thursday and everything is going really well. The heartbeat was at 142 this time. That's exactly where most of Sage's heartbeats registered. So, it could be a boy! But, a girl would be good too. At least we already have a name for a girl. If it's a boy, he may remain nameless until they kick us out of the hospital.

I'm enjoying the energy boost that comes with the second trimester, so that's good. It probably helps that the sun has started to shine on a daily basis! Thanks goodness, I thought the April rains were going to last all summer. No cravings yet. In fact, this pregnancy feels a lot like the first.

Thursday is the big ultrasound. I can hardly wait. A peek at the new baby will help me to realize that he or she is really coming! I'm praying that everything is good and that Jared can keep his mouth shut when he finds out boy or girl.

Mother's Day

Sunday was my first Mother's Day and it was wonderful! It started with breakfast in bed, made by Jared. What a sweetheart! After I ate, I went out into the kitchen where Jared had just finished feeding Sage. I leaned over the highchair to give Sage a kiss and "blech!" he spit up right on my chin. I guess that was his way of saying, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom!"

We had a relaxing morning, just the three of us, playing and laughing together. Then, we went to lunch with Granny D, Justin, and Cora. Sage sat in a highchair at the restaurant and insisted that he "eat" with us. He ate some chocolate cake with white frosting (his first taste of cake) and some puffs. He did really well. The day before, during lunch with my mom and dad, Sage discovered the joy of french fries - he loved those!

Later in the day, we went to my Granny and PaPa's house to visit with Granny. She is doing well. She had her hair fixed and was talking really well. She seemed more thoughtful. She was excited to see Sage and was even able to hold him for a bit before he squirmed out of her arms. PaPa made his famous bbq ribs - yum!!! Jared enjoyed PaPa's brownies saying they were, "the best he's ever had." Sage "ate" some corn on the cob and he liked that too. He really just gummed it, but seemed to enjoy it nonetheless because he cried when it slipped out of hands onto the floor.

Sage also had a good time playing with some "new" toys - new to him, but in reality, probably belonged to my dad! The toy closet in the back room is always a favorite of children. Now that I have a child of my own, it's fun to go into the closet to see what treasures are there from my childhood. There are old Barbie dolls, Care Bears, race car tracks, original Lincoln logs, dolls, Cookie Monster pianos, books, and lots of other great toys. I'm sure that many of the items would be considered "collectibles" and even worth a lot of money. But, for now, they are being loved by Granny and PaPa's great-grandkids.

My first Mother's Day was fabulous! Oh, Jared gave me concert tickets to a really great concert coming to the Fox. Sage "made" me a cute flower framed picture of himself. But, the best part of Mother's Day was not the food or the gifts, but the chance to spend time with my family. Being a mom is hard, endless work, but worth every moment! One two-toothed smile from that happy little guy of mine and all my cares, worries, and stresses just melt away.

New pictures and video

Crawling out from under his crib...his new hiding place.

Who's the handsomest baby of them all?

Super Cute!

Sage and Rosco playing. Sage was trying to get Rosco's paw. Everytime Rosco took her paw away, Sage started laughing. We only caught the end of the game on video - but it was pretty funny!

Can't deny it any longer...

That I'm pregnant, that is. Up until now I've been in a state of disbelief that I'm really pregnant again. Sure, I had horrible morning sickness, but I could just pretend it was feeling yucky because of the cold, dreary winter. The morning sickness has been gone for several weeks now and I don't necessarily look pregnant - just fatter. =) I don't feel pregnant and I think I've been in a state of denial. I've been using my doctor's appointments when I hear the heartbeat to remind me that indeed I am pregnant.

Well, as of yesterday, I'm sure that I'm feeling baby #2 move. I've been wondering for the last week or so if it was really baby movements or, well, gas. But, as I'm typing this, I know it's definitely baby movement. So, even thought it's hard to believe, it's definetely true- we're having another baby...already!

Close Call!

Yesterday, I had a close call with Sage. I was getting him ready for bed and had just finished snapping up his pajamas. I thought I would turn around for a second to grab a book for us to read before bed. Now, I know that Sage is quite the roller, but because the changing pad is curved to prevent him from rolling off, I thought he'd be fine for 1 second...

I was wrong.

I grabbed a couple books and turned back around literally a second later to see Sage completing his roll right off the changing table heading straight for the floor! Holy S*&#! The books went flying and I caught Sage mid-air. He didn't even know what had happened. In fact, he must've thought it was fun because he gave a little giggle. Whew! My heart was racing and I couldn't believe what had just happened. Even now, a day later, I still can't get the image of him falling through the air out of my head! Thank God I reacted quickly and with grace (not my usual clumsy, fumbling self).

Lesson learned....do not leave baby unattended on the changing table, not even for one second!!! Bad mommy.

Sleepy Baby!

Jared took this picture of Sage this morning. After breakfast, he was playing with a toy in his highchair and fell asleep. Too funny! Jared sent it to my email at work and I couldn't stop laughing.

Any name suggestions for a boy?

I had a monthly visit to the doctor yesterday to check on baby #2. Everything is good. Baby's heart rate this time was 159. Much lower than 172, so there's still hope it's a boy. =) We scheduled the big ultrasound for May 21st. Jared still insists that he's going to find out the sex and I still insist I'm not. So, we agreed that we must decide on names before the ultrasound. Otherwise, if I suggest a name like Simon for a boy, Jared might agree. Then, I'll know it's not a boy because Jared would never agree to that name.
We have a name for a girl (we're not telling). But, please feel free to offer your suggestions for a boy name!

In other news, last night was my last class for my Master's degree! Hooray! Now, I just have to finish my portfolio so I can complete the graduation requirements. I gave myself a break and do not have to have that finished until July. But, that does not mean I can procrastinate!!! I'm just so thrilled to be finished with classes. This last class, Research Methods, was a killer.

Easter Weekend!

Sage was a busy little man on his first Easter weekend.

Friday, he went to Grandma and PaPa Cline's house to play with his cousins Noah and Ella. They dyed easter eggs, played games, and watched Veggie Tales. Ella, also known as Petunia Rhubarb, renamed PaPa as "Larry Boy." It's always an adventure when Ella's in town - she has quite the imagination and demands full participation from her family! =)

Saturday morning, Sage went to Tillis Park with his Aunt Sarah, cousin Noah, Grandma, PaPa Cline, and Ella. At first, it was just meant to be a quick exchange of Easter baskets and a chance for Sage to try out the baby swings. Well, it turned out to be a neighborhood celebration including egg hunts for all ages, free food, music, face-painting, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Sage had a great time people watching and LOVED the swing.

Saturday evening, we all went to John and Kelly's house for some barbecue and family. Sage played with his cousins Alex and Mady on their swingset. He had fun playing with all the toys that they've outgrown. Kelly was nice enough to send some of the toys home with Sage! That's nice because he's starting to get bored with what he has at home. =) Anyway, we had a great time visiting with everyone. Sage even fell asleep for someone else - yippee! He fell asleep in Kelly's arms - too sweet! It was just precious to see how excited Alex and Mady were to see and spend time with Sage. I'm sure they'll have even more fun once Sage starts to walk.

Sunday morning, back to Grandma and PaPa Cline's for a short visit with Uncle Adam. Sage hasn't seen Uncle Adam since Christmas and they really enjoyed catching up with each other! Adam even attempted another feeding with Sage - this time Sage didn't puke all over him. =)

Then, it was off to Grandma D's house for a delicious lunch. Sage had a little taste of mac-n-cheese and some yams. He scrunched his face up and spit both of them out pretty quickly. Soon, he will learn just how delicious his grandma's cooking really is and he won't be spitting it out anymore! Grandma D and Great-Grandma Janet loved playing with Sage and were impressed at how well he is scooting around these days.

It's amazing how quickly the calendar fills up when you have a child!

First Zoo Trip

Saturday was a beautiful day in St. Louis. The sun was shining and the air was warm. Sage and I met his cousins Noah and Ella, Uncle Jon and Aunt Sarah, and Grandma and PaPa at the zoo. Sage loved it!

Saturday was Sage's first experience in a big boy stroller where he was facing the front and could see everything. He absolutely loved every second it. Even as we were walking from the car to the zoo, Sage laughed the whole way. He was so excited by the wind in his face and all the new sights and sounds.

At the zoo, he enjoyed petting the goats and seeing the animals. Mostly, I think, he liked looking at all the people and trying to stay caught-up with his cousins in the wagon. Sage did enjoy the train ride!

I was proud of him too because even when his cousins started to get tired and get upset, Sage just kept on going. He actually laughed at Noah's little outburst. This was a proud moment because Sage had only one half hour nap that day.

Happy Day at the zoo!

Baby #2

So, yesterday I realized that I have not mentioned baby #2 on the blog except to tell everyone that we are expecting. I'm feeling guilty about that - already giving less attention to Baby #2.

Here's what's been happening with Baby #2 and Mom...

I entered the second trimester on Monday, so I'm feeling a lot better. For the most part, the nausea has disappeared. Now, it's just the occassional yuckiness with certain smells. I'm also feeling more energetic and find it easier to sleep. Sage has been helping out with the sleep since he is becoming more consistent with sleeping through the night. Thank you, son!

My most recent doctor's appointment was March 19th at about 12 weeks. It was just a quick check up with a chance to hear baby's heartbeat. Unfortunately, there were a few tense moments when the nurse couldn't find the heartbeat and neither could my doctor (at first). Once the doctor was able to find the heartbeat - it was a quick 172 beats per minute. I'm thinking girl - because Sage's heartbeat was always in the 140's. And, they say that girls' heartbeats tend to be faster than boys.

Having said that, we are NOT finding out the sex of the baby this time. Well, at least I'm not. Jared says he's going to and he's going to keep it a secret from everyone for the last 4 months. He's not a very good secret-keeper, so we shall see. He better not ruin the surprise!

Here's a picture of what baby bean looks like this week:

Baby bean is about 3 inches long, weighs 1 ounce, and has her own fingerprints. More updates after my next doctor's appointment in a couple weeks.