Magoo is Hillarious!

Brenna thinks that Magoo is the funniest thing in the world. The only other thing even close to as funny is Mom flinging her arms in the air and mimicking Brenna in her jumperoo... but you won't be seeing a video of that!

And sometimes it's just enough to say "Magoo"...

Brenna's First Real Meal

Standing in front of the baby food section at the grocery store, I found myself frustrated by the lack of variety available in those little jars. I just couldn't feed her green beans and sweet potatoes anymore, and the thought of canned meat was enough to make me gag. So, I stopped by the kitchen store to purchase an immersion blender and headed home to make chicken and dumplings... for all of us.

I wilted chopped onions in a bit of olive oil then added celery, carrots, garlic, chicken and low-sodium chicken broth. After this simmered for an hour or so I removed some to blend for Brenna's dinner before adding the dumplings. The immersion blender worked even better than I had anticipated - everything was completely pureed, even the chicken.

We sat down for dinner and the moment of truth. Brenna's reaction was less than favorable (see video below), but after a little doctoring with apples and thinning with formula, she decided it was tolerable. Making food for her was surprisingly simple and I felt good that she was able to eat the same thing we were, just in a bit of a different form. Now the options are endless!

After looking at the video again, maybe I shouldn't tell her that she's having leftovers for lunch tomorrow. :)

Chicken and Dumplings - mine on the left and Brenna's on the right.

Mommy's Tough Little Girl

Brenna had her six month doctor appointment today which meant more shots. The last round of vaccinations at four months sent her in to a bought of unconsolable crying. I was prepared for the same today, but apparently now that Brenna is a whole half year old she's developed mommy's pain tolerance and "I'm tough" attitude. She got two shots today and didn't cry at all until after the second one. She gave us three screams, a couple sighs, and a then a smile. The nurse was amazed. Stephen and I decided to press our luck and went out for a nice breakfast afterwards. We were at the restaurant for nearly an hour during which Brenna sat calmly in her car seat, took a little nap, and chatted with the waitress. We've been home for a few hours now and still no crabbiness - she's playing in her Jumperoo and smiling at me as I sit here typing this. What a good baby I have! :) And no... I did not sell my soul to the devil for her.

Based on numbers, the past two months have been a crazy growth spurt for Brenna. At four months she weighed 11lb 11oz and was in the 10th percentile. Today she was almost 15lb 10oz and at 50-75%. She's now 26 1/2 inches long, but her head measurement took the prize today coming in at the 95th percentile (17 1/2 inches). That's one big noggin! Good thing all the hats I've been making are stretchy. :)

Halloween

Brenna was a lady bug for her first Halloween. I dug out my old bee costume and joined in the fun.

4 months

Brenna had her 4 month checkup today and everything is going great! She's now 24 inches long, weighs 11 lbs. 11 oz., and has hit all of her milestones. Our next big step is starting solid foods. We are going to start her on rice cereal now and work our way up to nummy, green vegetables. She also had her second round of vaccinations today. She was still screaming when we left the doctor's office, but was happy and chatty by the time we got to her play group meeting a few minutes later.

Brenna made sure that she was the center of attention for at least a bit by showing off her vocal skills. She had stories to tell everyone, especially when a couple of the other babies started talking back. By the time we left, the vaccinations were starting to affect her and she was sleepy. She has spent the rest of the day fussing and sleeping - the same reaction she had with her first round of vaccines. So, here I sit with a sleepy baby on my lap, but I can't complain. I'm going to soak up the cuddles as long as I can!

Woodlands Grapes

The Woodlands has a great system of walking/biking paths. I have walked the paths near my house more times than I can count over the past five years, but I had never noticed how many grapevines lined these paths. As I drove home from errands Monday morning I noticed vines at every turn. How could I have missed this before? Am I really that unobservant, or maybe there are just more of them this year than other years.

Prime picking time for muscadine grapes ended about a week ago, but I put a bag in the stroller on Monday just incase we found any left on the vines when we went for our walk. I stayed on the trails closest to our house - not more than a few blocks away - and returned home with ten pounds of grapes! Most of these grapes came from a couple vine patches that were saturated with fruit. The grapes were huge and in clusters. Usually muscadine grapes only grow one or two to a cluster. The clusters I were finding had as many as eight grapes.

I did get a few odd looks as I was digging through the brush, stretching to reach the good grapes. A confused onlooker even stopped her car to try to see what was causing the yaupons to shake so violently. (I was on the other side of the trail out of sight.) A couple walkers did stop to ask what I was picking and mentioned that they had seen others picking the grapes too. I gave a brief description of what they were, what they are used for, and had them taste them. I enjoyed chatting with the walkers, but I'm hoping I haven't created competition for next year at the prime grape picking locations I found.

Counting in Months

I am always amazed at how fast time seems to fly by and having Brenna in our life has further emphasized that. I can't believe she is 3 months old already! It seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital, but at the same time that feels like a lifetime ago. I remember the day after she was born - I was holding her, still in the hospital. I looked up at the clock at 8:06 pm, gave her a kiss, and wished her a happy 1 day birthday. Then we counted her age in days, soon followed by weeks and now in months. And, it feels that in another blink of an eye we will be counting in years. Our lives have changed so much so quickly... but I wouldn't trade a minute of it for the world. For now, I will enjoy every moment we have and try not to blink.

Father's Day

We spent a beautiful Father's Day in Galveston this year. After a scrumptious lunch at Gaidos (our family's favorite seafood restaurant), we headed to the beach to let the boys swim for a bit. The weather was hot, but tolerable with the breeze. We all huddled under umbrellas to block the sun while Tyler and Greerson tried to dig holes large enough to bury themselves.

Brenna's Oooo Face

Since the day she was born, Brenna has made many expressions that have made us smile and laugh, but her oooo face is our favorite. She will sit with this expression on her face for minutes at a time while Dad and I laugh. Of course, the diaper change afterward isn't quite as funny.

Over 400 in One Month

Brenna is just over a month old and I've gone a bit camera crazy. At last count, I have 413 photos of Brenna in her iPhoto album. I'm sure this comes as no surprise to most of you. :) She is changing so quickly that I feel like I need to capture everything. I'm afraid of her growing up so fast, but when she does something new I'm reminded of all the fun that there is to come as she grows. Most recently, she has found her voice and seems to jabber constantly. She's also been more alert and recognizes both me and Stephen. It's becoming apparent that she is going to be a daddy's girl. She loves her daddy and thinks he is the most interesting thing in the world! She loves her mom too, but for different reasons. Right now I'm just the woman with the boobs and naps... and oh how we love those naps! When she is fussy and tired (or I'm fussy and tired) I lay her down on my chest and cuddle. We both wake up in much better moods.

Below are just a few of my favorite photos from Brenna's first month.

 
 
 
 

Spring 2009 FFPS

Today was Tyler's last soccer game for the spring season. He has played in the local FFPS league since 6th grade and really enjoys it. When he began playing, everyone on his team was the same age. There are fewer kids that continue to play as they reach jr. high and high school, so for the past couple seasons he has played on teams with kids ranging from 12 to 17 years old. He seems to enjoy the age differences, especially when he scores more goals than the older kids.

This soccer season fell right in the middle of my pregnancy and Brenna's birth so I wasn't able to get to as many games as I would have liked to. Tyler still had a very good fan base this season though. Stephen went to all of the games and often had other family members with him because of visitors during my pre-labor hospital trips and Brenna's birth. Brenna even made it out to the last game to cheer on her big brother.

Where is Everyone??

(Hey Melissa, this post is for you!)  It's been a while since we've been out here, but we've been BUSY!  Shanda is changing a diaper right now, so I'll give a quick update.  Brenna is beginning to get into a bit of a routine, although that routine still includes a 3AM feeding.  Tyler had his last soccer game of the season today and everyone came out to see it, including Brenna for her first soccer game outing.  We all went to the after-party at Double Dave's for some pizza.  I'm sure Shanda will be out here soon as we have lots of new pictures to post.  Until then, we hope you're all getting more sleep than Shanda!

Baby Shultz is Here!

Brenna Marie Shultz was born May 6th at 8:06 pm. She is absolutely perfect! Mom, dad and baby are all doing great. Her first photos are posted below.

Labor and Delivery - Round 2

The baby seems to have her own plans. My mom flew back home yesterday morning without getting the chance to meet her granddaughter. We joked all week that I would go into labor the day she went home. Well, at 9:30 last night we decided to make a trip to the hospital. My contractions had started around 4:00 and by 8:00 they were 2 to 3 minutes apart and getting stronger. After hearing this news, my mom declared that she will be having a talk with this child later. :)

At the hospital, they examined me then had me walk for an hour to see if my labor would progress. After the hour, my contractions remained the same and I hadn't dilated any further than when I arrived (still at 3cm). I was discharged and sent home just as Stephen's parents arrived at the hospital. I was able to fall asleep at home and my contractions subsided during the night. 

I'm still having contractions off and on today, but nothing at regular intervals like last night. I doubt we will make the trip to the hospital again unless I'm having painful, active contractions. Good thing the hospital is only a few minutes away. 

37 Week Update

At my doctor appointment today she ok'd me to stop taking the Procardia if I wanted to, but then told me she would be out of town all weekend. We've decided to continue taking the medication until Monday in hopes that she will be able to deliver the baby. So, I'm anticipating a calm weekend followed by a long walk and jumping jacks on Monday. I'm sick of feeling sick and ready for the baby to be here.

So, That's What Contractions Feel Like

Stephen traveled to Washington DC Sunday night for work. Before he left, I had a stern talk with the baby to explain that she is NOT allowed to make her appearance while Dad is out of town. It became obvious on Monday that she is rebelling already.

Tyler had an appointment Monday afternoon and while I was in the waiting room I felt what I assumed must be contractions. I only noticed them about every 10 minutes and there wasn't any pain, so I didn't make much of it. This continued throughout Tyler's appointment and by the time we left I had decided to go home, grab my hospital bags, and stop by labor and delivery just to get checked out. My only worry was that the infrequent contractions I was feeling would lead to more while Stephen was out of town. 

Tyler and I got to the hospital around 6:30. The nurse examined me and told me that my contractions were actually 2 to 3 minutes apart and I was dilated 3 cm. What?!?! I tried to stay calm while she went to talk to the doctor and I called Stephen, his parents, and my mom.

I was 36 weeks and 3 days. At this point the doctor would have normally admitted me and I would have had a baby Monday night. Since Stephen was out of town, they tried to buy us some time. They tried to stop the contractions with fluids, but after 2 hours nothing had changed. They decided to admit me for observation and gave me a large dose of morphine. The thought was to knock me out and hope the relaxation at least stretched the labor out to the next morning. Stephen would be there at 9am. My mom was also flying in around the same time. The nurse was very doubtful that either of them would get to the hospital before the baby was born. Tyler and Stephen's mom bunkered down in the hospital room with me for the night and waited.

The morphine worked. I woke up a few times during the night, but fell back asleep very easily. At 7am I breathed a sigh of relief - only two hours until Stephen got there and no baby yet. I saw my doc around 8:30 and the contractions had slowed quite a bit by then. She gave me some meds to stop the contractions and told the nurses to remove my IV at 11:00. She would be back at lunch and if the contractions had stopped she would send me home.

So, it's now Thursday and here I sit at home. I am taking Procardia every morning to keep labor from progressing. My OB would like me to carry the baby until at least Monday. I have an appointment with her tomorrow so I guess we'll see what she says then. After all of the excitement earlier this week, I think everyone is ready for the baby to be here. My mom is in town now until next Thursday. Stephen figures I'll go into labor as soon as she leaves. ;)

35 Week Checkup

My doctor appointment today (35w4d) was filled with interesting news and reassurances. I've had a bit more difficulty controlling my gestational diabetes lately and was worried about problems that may cause with the baby. The doc looked at my log book and said that I was still doing fine. My blood sugar spikes after indulgent meals (ex: pancakes) weren't of too much concern to her as long as I was exercising right away when I got a high reading to bring it back down. She'll continue to monitor me closely and check my log each week but she feels that what I am doing to manage the gestational diabetes is working fine and she is treating my pregnancy as "normal." (yay!!!)

She had the results from the ultrasound last Tuesday and the report stated that the baby is at the 73rd percentile for size, weighing 6.0 pounds. So, figuring that she gains a half pound each week, today she should weigh 6.5 pounds and at full term she would be between 8 and 9 pounds. But, it doesn't look like I will be carrying this baby to full term. She checked my cervix and I am dilated 1cm. Based on that and the pains/symptoms I have been having she said that I will not make it to 40 weeks. She did give Stephen the ok to travel to Washington DC next week though, so there is nothing urgent at this point. She'll check me again next week and also do another ultrasound.

I didn't gain any weight in the last two weeks, but I know the baby has. I'm mentally prepping myself for an 8lb baby and holding my doc to her words that, because of the cramping, movement, and contractions that I've been having the past couple weeks, I will have a fairly easy labor.

For months, my mom has been telling me that she thinks I'll have the baby on May 6th. Now that we know she'll be early, we'll have to see how close mom's guess is. Any other guesses for date and size/weight?

Beautiful April Day

The weather today is perfect! Close to 80 with a slight breeze and low allergy levels. I even have the windows open in the house!!! Since it is so nice out, Magoo and I were thinking about doing some yard work. He changed his mind and stole my favorite patio chair. What a life! :)

Growth Spurt

It's amazing what a difference two weeks can make at this point. I'm now 34 weeks, 4 days. Two weeks ago I could move around freely and make it up the stairs without needing a break. Oh, the good 'ol days. Now, I can no longer see my feet and if something is dropped on the floor I contemplate how badly I really need it. Two weeks ago the baby floated around and gave me little kicks. Now, she has lodged her head in my pelvis and sticks her butt in my ribs and pushes. Ouch. 

We had an ultrasound today to check her position (she was breech at 32 weeks) and check her size. She has turned head down, but she is measuring a bit big. I won't know how big until next Tuesday at my OB appointment. Since I have gestational diabetes, my OB wants to watch the baby's size to make sure I don't end up trying to give birth to a toddler. During the ultrasound we also saw all four chambers of her heart beating away, lots of hair on her head floating in the amniotic fluid, and movement of her diaphragm as she was practicing breathing. Very cool. She squirmed for us a few times - she didn't like the tech poking at her head. We were sent home with a couple more pictures of her that I have posted below. 

30 Down, 10 to Go

First, let me apologize for the lack of posts. Time seems to be slipping by too quickly for me to keep up. I've been busy nesting, sleeping, and just generally being pregnant. I'm amazed how quickly the past 10 weeks have gone, which scares me to think about the next 10. So much to do!

The nursery is nearly complete and I should have pictures to post soon. Stephen has been busy sorting through all of the piles I have designated as his "stuff to take care of." Last week we hauled 5 bags of clothes, a lamp, and 3 computers off to Goodwill. A big accomplishment for us, but we still have at least twice that left to sort through! My studio is slowly being taken over by the "stuff for ebay" pile. I'm going to need to dig up some ambition to get all of that photographed and posted. It's a lot of work, but the toys I posted last month sold with enough of a profit to convince me to try again.

I was diagnosed last week with gestational diabetes so I will be spending this week learning how to eat. I seem to be managing ok, but am quickly learning which foods I can not eat. So far, the biggest no-no is breakfast cereal... and oh how I miss it! My appetite has been nonexistent during this entire pregnancy and there are very few foods that even sound good to me. The one food that always sounded good was cereal. :( Between my appetite problems and now the addition of gestational diabetes, poor Stephen and Tyler haven't had a good, home-cooked meal from me in months. Hopefully all of this will change back again after the baby is born. I think tonight is another fast food night for the boys and I'll be foraging in the refrigerator for low-carb foods. Yipee.

Smile for the Camera...

...or at least hold still! 

We went in for our "big ultrasound" today. She was squirmy, but cooperative. We got a better look at her little alien face this time (she kept turning and showing us her butt at the 11 week genetic screening). This is most likely the last time we will get to see our little one before she is born. I can't wait to tickle those cute little feet!

I am 21 weeks along today - just past the halfway point. The time has flown by and I'm sure the next few months will as well. My goal for this week is to finish the nursery bedding. I found a GREAT quilt at a craft show but now have to make a skirt and bumper to coordinate. I'm sure this will jump start my crafty side and I'll be in full force decorating mood soon. 

Here's the photos from the ultrasound today: