Sterling Brian Lee

Welcome Sterling Brian Lee to our family!

A few weeks ago, Karina's doctor said she could be induced up to a week early from her due date (September 8th she was due). We decided to do so, mainly so the baby could be as small as possible (she says she was just anxious but I my reasoning was that I wanted the baby to be as small as possible so it would be easier on Karina to birth him).

The scheduled induction date was September 1st, and funny enough, on that Sunday morning at 3:00 A.M. Karina woke up with mild contractions. So it seems the baby was planning on coming regardless of the planned induction. Karina only got a few hours of sleep that night because she was excited and nervous about getting that baby out of her. As scheduled we got up early to drop Savannah off at my parents' house. We arrived at the Los Alamitos Medical Center at 6:00 A.M. The rest of the day went as follows:

7:00 A.M. Karina was "induced" by receiving her IV with Pitocin
9:00 A.M. the doctor came in to break Karina's water, she was dilated to 4 cm
11:00 A.M. Karina was having severe labor pains, but the epidural doctor was treating another patient. Karina wept a few tears, it was pretty sad for Karina's mom [Kim] and me to see her like that. (Side note, at that moment I remember thinking about this whole experience from Kim's perspective, and how much it would hurt to see my own daughter going through this kind of pain. I felt sympathy for her.)
11:30 A.M. Karina received her epidural, what a relief for all of us, especially Karina. Interestingly she was VERY numb on her right side, and semi-numb on her left. She still didn't feel much pain on her left, but she could feel some more pressure on that side during contractions, and she could still move her leg, wiggle her toes, etc. The right side stayed numb for a few hours after the medicine was ceased.
11:45 A.M. Karina was dilated to 6.5 cm
1:00 P.M. the nurse brought Karina something and was about to leave. She stopped and said, "should I check how dilated she is, just because I'm already in here?" We said yes, and the nurse did so. She then informed us that Karina is at a 10 and can push basically whenever. I thought that was kinda funny that she wasn't going to check but was like, 'well, since I'm already here...'
1:20 P.M. Karina began pushing
1:55 P.M. Sterling was born. 7 lbs. 13 oz., 21 inches long

While Savannah's birth was fun and exciting, as far as the hospital staff is concerned, we had a much better experience this time around with Sterling. With Savannah at the Orem Community Hospital, the nurses told Karina there was basically no chance of vaginal birth, so "don't get your hopes up." The cord was lightly wrapped around Savannah's neck three times (I say lightly because it wasn't affecting her blood flow or vitals negatively.) Right after Savannah was born, the doctor cut the umbilical cord without hesitation (I was a bit shocked but also just awe-struck that this new child was mine, which is probably why I didn't speak up about it, plus it happened within like 4 seconds of her birth.)

With Sterling, the nurses were all really nice and supportive. They were really uplifting, saying "Great job" when Karina pushed and were really genuine and encouraging. They listened to us and talked about what we wanted. When Sterling was crowning (a few inches of his head showing) the doctor told Karina and me to touch his head. We touched it. It was soft and relatively hairless.

Literally, as Sterling was coming out, the doctor told Karina to look. Karina looked and said, "Oh my goodness, I can't look!" The doctor then commanded Karina to LOOK, LOOK AT YOUR BABY!!! Karina looked again and saw his face (he was facing to the side), she thought, "whoa, there's a baby coming out of me, this is scary...I can't believe this is happening."

After he was born, I cut the umbilical cord, though it wasn't that special for me like it seems to be for others. I was just overwhelmed with joy and I couldn't stop smiling. As Sterling lay on Karina, I smiled and told her, "he's amazing honey, you did amazing and he's seriously amazing." Babies are such miracles.

39 Weeks Pregnant

Early Labor

Severe Contractions (no epidural yet)

Post Epidural

With Nana

.

Precious

Big Foot

Pregnancy update with some exciting news!

•How far along?: 38 weeks 3 days

•Total weight gain: 25 pounds

•How big is baby?: The size of a pumpkin (18.9-20.9 inches, 6.2-9.2 lbs)

•Movement: Not as much as usual, but I think the baby's just running out of room

•Sleep?: Still sleeping pretty well

•Symptoms?: Still a little swollen in the feet, and feeling uncomfortable 

•Food cravings: Sweets

•What I miss: Being able to breathe

•What I'm looking forward to: Sunday! Wondering why?

•Best Moment this week: My doc said since I'm progressing so quickly and almost dilated to 3cm, she'd let me get induced a week early. After some thought and conversation with Greg, we decided to go for it! So I'm being induced Sunday, September 1 at 6am. I was induced with Savannah too (because of minor complications) and labor was quick so pray that this one is quick as well. Everyone says that your first delivery is the longest so if that's true, this baby should be out in the world in just a few hours. 
            I'm getting so excited! But nervous, because let's be honest, giving birth is scary. It's awesome, but it's scary. I'm totally the type of person that thinks of all the things that could go wrong, because I want to prepare. So basically I've been stressing myself out, and probably for no reason. I really can't wait to meet this little boy and to see what Savannah thinks of him. I don't think she fully realizes that there's going to be a baby living with us, but I think she'll be intrigued by it. 

Now, ...can this week just hurry up and be over already!!

Full-Term!

•How far along?: 37 weeks 3 days

•Total weight gain: 24 pounds

•How big is baby?: The size of a winter melon, whatever the heck that is (18.9 to 20.9 inches, about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds) I'm guessing baby is more towards the 6.2 side of that range.

•Movement: Same as usual

•Sleep?: Still waking up about once a night. I usually take a Tums, use the bathroom and then crash again.

•Symptoms?: I'm feeling a little swollen, although you can't tell by looking. My shoes are just a bit tighter.

•Food cravings: Sweets

•What I miss: Being able to bend over

•What I'm looking forward to: Seeing this baby's little face

•Best Moment this week: At my appointment today, doc said I'm almost dilated to a 3, and baby's head is down and ready to go. She said I could really go into labor any day now. I was a little surprised just because I haven't been having any Braxton Hick's contractions and I'm not feeling any pressure from baby's head. But I'm excited to know that things are progressing! Time for some squats! 

36 weeks

•How far along?: 36 weeks 3 days

•Total weight gain: 25 pounds

•How big is baby?: The size of a honeydew (17.2 to 18.7 inches,4.2 to 5.8 pounds) 

•Maternity clothes?: It's not worth getting any at this point

•Movement: This kid's abusive!!

•Stretch marks?: no

•Sleep?: Still waking up about once a night

•Symptoms?: I'm always exhausted

•Food cravings: Sweets

•What I miss: Being able to bend over

•What I'm looking forward to: Snuggling my baby (please pray that I don't go past my due date. I can't stand being pregnant much longer!)

•Best Moment this week: Getting my own car! Since Greg and I got married we've only had one car. For about a year in Provo Greg had a scooter, which was nice. But for the most part I've been stuck at home all day for the past 2.5 years. It's so nice being able to get out into the world!!

34 Weeks

Only 6 more weeks. I can do this!

•How far along?: 34 weeks 2 days

•Total weight gain: 20 pounds (yes, I've actually lost 2 pounds since my last appointment)

•How big is baby?: The size of a butternut squash (4.2 to 5.8 pounds, 17.2 to 18.7 inches) 

•Maternity clothes?: It's so hot, I can barely stand to put on clothes period!

•Movement: So much that it hurts

•Stretch marks?: no

•Sleep?: I usually wake up once in the middle of the night, usually to go to the bathroom

•Symptoms?: A little heartburn, frequent bathroom breaks

•Food cravings: Crunchy stuff

•What I miss: A belly that doesn't move

•What I'm looking forward to: Being able to wear cute clothes again

•Best Moment this week: Nikki threw me a baby shower this past weekend! It was so fun to celebrate this little boy.

Where has this pregnancy gone?

I seriously feel like this pregnancy has flown by. I think it's because I have Savannah to keep me busy and since I never had morning sickness, I didn't even feel pregnant in the beginning. With the first pregnancy, it's all I could think about so time went by so slowly. I can't believe I have less than 2 months left! I guess I'd better start getting some clothes for this kid. We've started decorating his side of the room at least (oh yes, the kiddos are sharing a room). I'll post a picture once we have his crib bedding (I don't think Greg would appreciate this boy sleeping on pink hand-me-down's from Savannah)

•How far along?: 33 weeks

•Total weight gain: 22 pounds, but i still weigh less than I did with Savannah even though I only gained 20 pounds total with her

•How big is baby?: The size of a pineapple (4.2 to 5.8 pounds and 17.2 to 18.7 inches)

•Maternity clothes?: no, but i'm basically wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt everyday 

•Movement: So much! It's getting uncomfortable 

•Stretch marks?: no

•Sleep?: Still being spoiled with 10 hours every night

•Symptoms?: The heartburn is actually backing off now

•Food cravings: Crunchy stuff

•What I miss: Being able to bend over without losing my breath and bladder control...tmi?

•What I'm looking forward to: Losing this belly!

•Best Moment this week: Seeing the baby again. I've actually been super lucky and I get to have an ultrasound at every Dr's appointment. I'm running out of places to put all the pictures! With Savannah I think I only got 3 ultrasounds.

Third Trimester!

•How far along?: 29 weeks

•Total weight gain: 20 pounds

•How big is baby?: The size of a squash (15.2-16.7 inches, 2.5-3.8 lbs)

•Maternity clothes?: Still no

•Movement: The kicking never stops

•Stretch marks?: no

•Sleep?: I'm getting more and more tired as time goes on

•Symptoms?: The heartburn is finally kicking in

•Food cravings: Sweets

•What I miss: Not feeling like I'm a thousand degrees

•What I'm looking forward to: Having the baby. Even though I've delivered a baby before, I'm still so nervous. There's a million things that could happen differently. I just want it to be over so I can stop stressing about all the things that could go wrong.

•Best Moment this week: I've been having all these ideas for things to sew for the baby and I finally did something about it. I made our little buddy a carseat cover! And I think it turned out really cute. I LOVE the fabric!

•Milestone: A few weeks ago my doc told me that the placenta was low and it could lead to placenta previa. At this week's appointment she checked on it and the placenta has moved up!! Thank goodness!

26 Weeks

•How far along?: 26 weeks

•Total weight gain: 15 pounds

•How big is baby?: The size of a head of lettuce (13.6-14.8 inches, 1.5-2.2 lbs)

•Maternity clothes?: Still no

•Movement: Lots of movement. Every once in a while you can actually see my belly move!

•Stretch marks?: Still no

•Sleep?: I'm having a hard time sleeping. I can't seem to get comfortable.

•Symptoms?: Just getting bigger

•Food cravings: Everything

•What I miss: Being able to bend over without losing my breath

•What I'm looking forward to: 3rd Trimester 

•Best Moment this week: Savannah has been talking about the baby and kissing my belly. So cute!

•Milestone: This isn't really a milestone, but I took the glucose test at my doctor's appointment the other week to check for gestational diabetes. Everything came back normal. When I was pregnant with Savannah my  test came back irregular so I had go back for a 3 hour test! Thankfully that didn't happen again.

Also, I'm in the double digits now!!! Only 98 days to go!!

It's Official

I'm a California resident!!

 I covered up my info so you guys don't steal my identity (and because my picture looks less than appealing). 

It was quite a journey getting this stinkin' card. I initially made an appointment to take the written test, which I studied for and I know that sounds totally lame but I wanted to make sure I passed. So I called the DMV and asked what I needed to bring with me to the appointment in order to get a CA license. I was told I only needed my current license. Done! I show up to my appointment and they're like "we need to see your passport or birth certificate." I'm like "uhh...you're kidding right?" They weren't kidding. Luckily (but still unfortunately) they let me run home real quick, grab my passport, and still keep my appointment. For all you non-parents out there, "real quick" isn't all that quick or easy with a young child. 

So I get back to the DMV, show them my passport, and everything's all good. I wait for my number to be called and go to the appropriate window. Then this guy's like "do you have your marriage certificate with you?" KILL ME! My passport has my maiden name on it so they can't issue me a license without proof of my name change. Luckily, they still let me take the written test (which I did pass) and fill out all the paperwork I needed to. They even took my picture for the new license. Now all I needed to do was bring my marriage certificate in later in order for my license to be issued. 

Fast forward about 3 weeks. I had another appointment at the DMV and had my marriage certificate in hand. I specifically didn't put on make-up that day since they already took my picture for my license. First of all, we were there FOREVER! And Savannah was not a happy camper. And then, they made me take another picture! I was horrified! And there's no way I'm going back to the DMV just to get a new picture taken while I have make-up on, so now I'm stuck with this one :( 

At least it's all done now I guess, even if I do have to show people that hideous picture from time to time. 

My number 1 tip on going to the DMV? Make an appointment!! Seriously, people wait in line for like an hour just to get to the front desk. Why would you not make an appointment? It just makes sense. Also, try not to go with your children, although that's not always possible.

20 weeks!

20 weeks down, 20 weeks to go!

•How far along?: 20 weeks, 2 days

•Total weight gain: 10 pounds!

•How big is baby?: The size of a banana (about 6.5 inches, 10.2 ounces) 

•Maternity clothes?: I could use some, but the maternity clothes don't fit either. I'm basically wearing t-shirts and gym shorts every day. Someone needs to start making "teen mom" size maternity clothes. 

•Movement: I'm finally feeling this little guy, but it's not enough for Greg to be able to feel him.

•Stretch marks?: no ma'am

•Sleep?: i could always use more, but I'm getting a solid 8-9 hours every night

•Symptoms?: Luckily, none

•Food cravings: dessert...but that's not because of the pregnancy :)

•What I miss: Being able to shop for clothes. Nothing fits me :(

•What I'm looking forward to: Decorating the nursery with boy stuff!

•Best Moment this week: Feeling the baby move

•Milestone: I'm halfway through this pregnancy!! Unfortunately, the second half goes by much slower.

Happy Birthday!

I can't believe Savannah's 2!! She's growing up so fast.

She's weighing in at 27.9 pounds and stands 2'9" tall.

My mom flew into town to celebrate her birthday with us. 

We had so much fun going to Disneyland. It was mine and Savannah's first time!

 We had to get Savannah some Mickey ears

Greg tried to get the sword out of the stone

 And then he tried really, really hard

 Quick intermission for a nap

This was probably Savannah's favorite ride, It's A Small World

Savannah wasn't too sure what to think about Jessie 

 Minnie's House

It got really cold once the sun went down

 And dinner time!

16 weeks

•How far along?: 16 weeks 4 days

•Total weight gain: 8 lbs (uh-oh! looks like i might be gaining more weight this time around)

•How big is baby?: the size of an avocado (about 4.6 inches, 3.5 oz)

•Maternity clothes?: still not yet

•Movement: nothing so far, but hopefully I'll be able to feel baby in the next few weeks 

•Stretch marks?: none

•Sleep?: still being spoiled

•Symptoms?: none

•Best Moment this week: we found out the gender. Aren't you just dying to know whether it's a boy or girl?

...

It's a BOY!

Easter Egg Hunt

So I feel like Greg and I hardly take Savannah to do anything fun (other than the park, which she does love). So while Savannah and I were walking to the post office one afternoon (2 miles!), I saw a sign for a free Easter egg hunt at a local church. YAY! We had something to do on the weekend! It's was so much fun. There were games, food, prizes, food, face painting, food, and of course the egg hunt. Can you guess which part was my favorite? 

 Savannah loves to jump

 She made her own rules for the bean bag toss