Conley's Birth Story

Finally our little boy has arrived!  He was due on August 3rd, but apparently that date did not suit him very well.  Nolan was a day earlier than his due date so I fully expected with this being my second pregnancy that I would go early.  I kept feeling more pressure and contractions, so I was sure that we would have a July baby.

On my August 3rd doctor appointment, I was 3cm dilated and about 50% effaced.  My doctor asked me what I wanted to do, and I decided that we would see how the weekend goes and then come in for an appointment.  On Tuesday, we had an 11am appointment where I was 4cm dilated and the same in effacement.

Now if you know me I'm not one for being induced.  However, I felt with this being my 2nd child and with the progression I had already made that maybe this little boy needed a gentle nudge.  Plus this gal was over being pregnant!

We scheduled to be induced the next day, August 8th at 7am.  We waited awhile before we started the Pitocin due to the fact that the hospital has strict rules when it comes to monitoring.  Can I just say next time I am seriously thinking about having my next child (if we have more) at a birthing center.  I'm so over hospitals just wanting to tie you in a bed so it's convenient "for them."  As my husband said, this was our most expensive item all year long so we should be able to get what we wanted instead of the other way around.  Anyhow, that's a story for a different post--my rants about hospitals!  And trust me I have a long, long list after this visit.

Yes don't I look thrilled to be hooked up to their machines?

At around 9:30am, we got the show on the road.  I was already having contractions before they started the Pitocin, but once being on the medicine my contractions actually slowed.  It was really weird to see the number go up but my contractions going down.

My doctor came in around 1pm to do the cervical check.  I was at 6cm and fully effaced!  I was so excited because with Nolan it took me almost a whole day to go from 2cm to 6cm.  She then decided to break my water.  I have heard that this hurts, but I am assuming since I was so far along that is why it did not.  It's crazy to think with Nolan my water broke at 2cm and this time it wouldn't even break!

Just like last time with Nolan, I was going to try to do a natural child birth.  At a certain point during labor while I was standing, Conley's heartbeat was really high so the nurse made me lie down in the bed.  Let me tell you I could not do natural child birth in a bed...I have to be standing because laying down makes them so much worse.  I laid down this time on my side for about 30 minutes to help the little guy's heartbeat, and then stood back up.  His heartbeat was steady and didn't go any higher.  The contractions this go around seemed to linger longer than when I had Nolan.  Nolan's seemed to be much higher but quick and over with whereas this was a gradual contraction which kind of made it worse because you just wanted to be over.

At around 3:15, I was having very strong contractions and lots of pressure...almost feeling the need to push.  The nurse checked me and said I was at 7cm.  Then at around 3:45pm I told my husband, I really have the urge to push thinking in my head there was no way I was at 10cm already in 45 minutes.  He got the nurse, and SURPRISE I was at 10cm and it was go time!  Last time with Nolan I pushed for 2 hours because his station was so high.  The nurse actually called the doctor early because when I pushed he was going very low but then going back up.  She was afraid because I was going natural that I wouldn't be able to stop and this baby would be hopping out before the doctor would make it.  When the doctor arrived, I only did 2 sets of pushing and our little boy was born. 

This time I pushed for only 30 minutes instead of 2 hours and a total 7 hours of labor instead of 26 hours which was definitely a blessing!

Conley was born on 8/8/12 at 4:22pm at 8 lbs, 2 oz and 20.5 in length.  (Side note: Nolan was 7 lbs, 11 oz 21.25 in length)

We are adjusting to our new life so you probably won't see me commenting as much on your lovely blogs but I'm still trying to read along.

Conley is beautiful boy, and we are so happy to add him to our family.  Nolan is adjusting pretty well to his role as big brother and always saying, "Baby" and "Cry"and even saying "Conley."  I can't wait until these boys get to play together!

Baby Conley Has Arrived!

Baby Conley made his arrival on 8/8/12 at 4:22pm weighing it at 8 lbs, 2oz and 20.5 inches in length.

We are so excited to meet him and are getting settled in at home.  Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers....he couldn't be more precious! :)

Finally the Moment You've Been Waiting For!

Ok no I haven't had the baby yet...sorry to get you so excited.  However, I am finally ready to show off the new nursery!

I am so happy with how Conley's nursery turned out!  My husband found the whale image online and then graphed it out to a larger scale.  He sketched it out on a thin piece of wood and then cut the whale and the wave out with a jigsaw.  Conley's letters are from Michael's, and we just spray painted them an aqua color.

The crib is from Wal-Mart and by Baby Mod which is made by the Million Dollar Baby company that also makes the same/more expensive cribs: Da Vinci.  Baby Mod is just the division that produces for Wal-Mart.  Nolan's crib is also from this collection, and I have been very happy with it.  I really like the modern look and clean lines of Conley's crib. 

The rug is from Overstock, and I absolutely love the pop of color it adds to the room.  When I purchased it, it was on sell for $80 but now it looks like the price has gone up to $100.

The bumper was made by my mother-in-law.  We purchased the fabric from a local store, and I really couldn't be happier with the outside/inside bumper fabric.  She did a fantastic job!

I bought the Nemo crib sheet from Babies R Us, and I actually made the bed skirt!  Isn't that just amazing?  Maybe I do have a little domestic ability after all!

The paper lanterns and the awesome table are from World Market.  I bought that table for only $16.99!  What a steal, and it was already in the perfect color.  The coral box, plate, and welcome sign are all from the Targer dollar bin.  The green lamp and the white shade were also purchased from Target.  I made the window valance out of the same material that we used on the crib bed skirt.  The glider is the same one that we had in Nolan's room. 

The pillows were sewn by my sister-in-law and match the room perfectly!  The sea horse book ends and the empty photo frame were purchased on clearance from Target for less than $6 a piece!  The shelves and the little boxes are also from Target.  The monogrammed burp cloths were purchased on Etsy.

The Badger Basket Bin I purchased from Wayfair.  It is actually going in Nolan's room when we switch the changing table in Conley's room.  We are setting up the Pack 'n' Play in the living room, so I figure I will be doing most of my baby diaper changes in there since the baby will first be sleeping in our room.  Plus Nolan still just lays on the changing table, so I will keep using it while it lasts!  I will switch out his monkey/giraffe bins and put Conley's aqua and orange ones once we make the change.  I also have a Nemo changing pad cover, and my mother-in-law made two other ones from the left over material from the crib. 

The prints in the white frames and the coral/fish artwork were designed by my sister-in-law's sister.  Is that confusing enough for you?  Anyhow, she is SO talented and can recreate anything you send her.  Literally she can work with any medium whether it is paint, graphic design, clay, and many other types!  I'm so glad she was able to help us with our little boy's room!  I purchased the picture frames from Big Lots for $3 a piece and then spray painted the ugly, gaudy frames white.  I was very happy with the final product.

I have a few other items I will post later but thought this would do for the moment.  Now I just patiently wait for this little guy to make his debut!

A Little Sneak Peek...

Here's a little sneak peek of baby Conley's nursery :)

Have a great weekend!

Let's Share, Shall We?

I have been holding off on sharing the name of Baby Boy #2, but now that the date keeps getting closer I thought I would let you guys know!

Our 2nd little boy's name is.....

We were looking for something that was Irish like Nolan's name, but also a name that is not too common but not too weird.  I find that is hard to do with boy names!  Conley means: strong-willed and wise.  Those are good attributes, right? :)

I am super excited that the nursery is almost done---my husband worked all weekend on finishing up some small details, so hopefully I will be sharing the big reveal with you guys next week.  It is coming out better than expected, and I am falling in love with the room.  Just being in there makes me happy and relaxed.  Hopefully baby Conley feels the same way!

Happy HOT July my friends :)

The Differences in the Baby Bumps

Now that I am nearing the end of this pregnancy, I thought it would be neat to compare the differences between the two.  So here's a list I've compiled to compare:

***1st pregnancy-I couldn't wear my wedding ring for almost the last 3 months.
***This pregnancy-I can still wear them!

***1st pregnancy-I had the belly line (linea nigra) that is caused by pregnancy hormones.
***This pregnancy-No line at all!

***1st pregnancy-I had gestational diabetes (even though my readings were way low EVERY TIME!)
***This pregnancy-Passed the 1 hour glucose test with flying colors :)

***1st pregnancy-I was pretty swollen, especially in my feet and legs the last few months.
***This pregnancy-Doing good so far with little swelling.

***1st pregnancy-I felt the baby move right after 18 weeks.
***This pregnancy-I felt the baby move around the same time, but I think this boy is more active even though Nolan was pretty active.  This must be Nolan 4.0.

***1st pregnancy-I had very bad hip/lower back pain.
***This pregnancy-Avoided it for now, hoping to keep this part at bay!

***1st pregnancy-I didn't feel any contractions until many hours after my water broke.
***This pregnancy-I think I have been feeling them for the last week.  Maybe because I know what they feel like it makes me more aware of them.

***1st pregnancy-I didn't sleep very well the whole time.
***This pregnancy-I have had good periods of time where I slept pretty well.  But it changes by the week!

***1st pregnancy-I gained around 30-33 lbs.
***This pregnancy-I think I will gain 25-30 lbs.  Time will tell!

***1st pregnancy-I had a lot of energy after the 1st trimester and besides the last few weeks.
***This pregnancy-I feel like I am running on empty most days.  I feel like most of my muscles are totally relaxed meaning my legs feel like a million pounds  Not fun!

***1st pregnancy-I gave birth to Nolan a day before his due date.
***This pregnancy-I think with the current activity I have been feeling that this boy will be a few weeks early.

Did you have a lot of differences in your pregnancies?

More Than Halfway There!

Tomorrow I will be 23 weeks with baby boy #2.  Here's a belly photo from last night:

The belly has definitely "popped," and I officially feel pregnant.  We have decided on a name, but we'll keep that underwraps for a little while.  I've decided on the colors for the new nursery: orange, turquoise, and brown.  It will be a modern under the sea theme.  I am actually going to attempt to make the bedding with my mother-in-law.  So I'm on the hunt for some bright fabric!  We will be moving most items from Nolan's room to the new nursery minus his crib.  I am in the market for some table and chairs for his room.  Any suggestions?  If you follow me on Pinterest, you might have seen some of the room inspirations:

Source: babylifestyles.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Source: babylifestyles.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Source: unique-baby-gear-ideas.com via Natalie on Pinterest

This pregnancy is flying by, so I better get on it.  At least most of the major items we have, so mainly I just need to focus on artwork and accessories. 

I am feeling good and am sleeping better at night.  I have definitely regained my energy.  Now lifting 30 lb Nolan?  That's another story.  The kid weighs as much as some 2 year olds.  He's a big boy, and we'll see his official weight and height at his 18 month appointment.

Happy Tuesday friends!

Nursery Ideas and the Weekend

Thanks everyone for the congrats on baby boy #2!  I'm very excited that Nolan will have a brother so close in age.  Now comes the hard part....picking out a name.  I feel that boy names are so much harder to pick out than girl names.  I've started thinking about what I am going to do with the nursery.  I'm not a big fancy nursery type of girl---so it will be pretty simple and functional.  We're going to move Nolan's changing table and glider into the room, so I'll need to get a new crib and accessories.  I'm also thinking of moving Nolan's small corner dresser in there.  Nolan's room will have plenty of room for toys!  I think I will get the small cube shelves to put some of the cute bins that Nolan's changing table held.  Have you guys seen any good deals on those?  Anyhow, here are some of the nursery inspirations I've been pinning:

Source: projectnursery.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Source: projectnursery.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Source: projectnursery.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Source: projectnursery.com via Natalie on Pinterest

I'm either going with orange or red accents since the room is a soft blue gray.  I thought it would need a bright color to brighten it up. 

Here are some cribs I am liking:

Source: walmart.com via Natalie on Pinterest

Source: toysrus.com via Natalie on Pinterest

I'm not on Pinterest a lot, but I might be on there more now that I've got to figure out a new nursery so follow me on my journey :)

Anyways, we had a pretty busy weekend here---Nolan had swim class and went under 4 times!  He even cracked a smile this time.  We went to a friend's 1st Birthday party yesterday afternoon and also celebrated Nolan's grandma's birthday on Saturday.  Now his other set of grandparents will be in town this weekend.  March is flying by!

Let me know what you think of the nursery ideas and hope you have a great Monday!

Is it Ribbons and Bows or More Trains and Trucks?

The answer is:

We are having another BOY!  YAY for being a BOY MOM and Nolan to have a little brother to play with!  We are so excited to add another boy to the family!

18 Weeks and Counting!

18 weeks:

It's hard to believe I'm already in the fifth month of pregnancy.  I fell like this one has flown by.  Probably because I have a toddler to keep me on my toes!  I felt the baby move on Friday of last week, and then saw my belly move for the first time with this baby.  Tomorrow is the big day....we find out what we are having! That is if baby #2 cooperates.  It's crazy how this family of 2---quickly become a family of 3, and now 4!  Does this require me to drive a mini-van?

Wordless Wednesday: Bump Style

How far along: About 16 1/2 weeks

(Please ignore the no make up and yoga pants...it was about 10pm, and I was ready for bed!)