This week in baby news...

Maryvonne is still sleeping excellent! We go to bed between midnight and 2am. But get to sleep in past 9am with 1-2 nursings during the night. She seems to enjoy being clean, not so much the process of getting clean. She latches and nursers easily but won't eat/latch when she wants her diaper changed. She doesn't cry or fuss with every change but does prefer to be warm and snuggled. I filed her nails as suggested by the hospital baby nurse, but couldn't get enough so I carefully used the baby clippers while she slept. Adelaide had a sleepover with Dzia Dzia and without our little alarm clock Rick, M, and I slept in! M and I got up after noon. Her diaper was not able to contain everything so she got her second bath first thing that 'morning'. I'm already getting better at keeping her comfortable... faster than her first bath. And yesterday she lost her belly button. My girls respond to each other so nicely... Lots of love and kisses :)

Bath day!

After Rick washed G and A, Adelaide was put to bed and Guinny got in her PJs. She joined me to help with Maryvonne's first bath/wipe down at home. She was very excited and started by gently patting her feet with a soft damp washcloth. But as I started washing her hair and face M started to cry. With that G decided she was done. I thanked her for the help and explained that Maryvonne is just cold and isn't used to getting washed. I quickly finished and got M dried and dressed. Guinny was happy that little sis was comfortable again. All my girls are fresh and comfy, ready for a restful night and play filled day tomorrow :)

Newest Addition :)

Maryvonne Ethel Manser was born today/yesterday (5/15/14) via scheduled c-section (at 37 weeks 5 days) at 9:44am measuring in at 6lbs 15oz and 20 inches long.

Welcome to the world little Vonne! We love you, XXOO

Guinevere Update

I want to be sure to record some Guinny moments and tidbits before I loose some of these details.

• She enjoyed gymnastics once a week for a year and a half. She participated in one in-house meet and earned her first (participation) trophy. She can flip herself over a low bar, complete a somersault, small hops and jumps, and has come a long way with her bridge. Her balance and larger hops/jumps was a challenge. We decided to take a break and focus on her swimming.
• She's been also taking once a week swim classes for the last year and a half. She's advanced quickly (skipping one class). She likes to play and show what she can do on her own. But with encouragement to focus and pay attention to her teacher she's able to continue progressing. She loves the water and remembers her water safety lessons. We are continuing her classes and are excited with achievements and interest.
• Now that G is 5, we consulted MDA. Though my doc doesn't routinely (or officially) diagnose children she completed a quick exam to address my concerns of no/little arch development... (brought up by gym coach). Looked at her walk, run, reflexes, and foot upward and downward strength. She has no worry and encouraged us to keep G active. Also, instructing us to watch G over the next few years, if she falls behind her peers (physically) consult MDA child specialist. Since most of the time it's obvious by this age, we are relieved but will keep our eyes open.
• We are trying to help her with her temper, disappointment and frustration (as I practice my own cool down practices). She is sharp and seeks more independence than is allowed right now. We encourage and acknowledge her good days and positive attitude. I know these attitude challenges is the flip side to some of her strengths like being bold and protective. We are learning how to teach and guide her to a better balance.
• All that said she is very loving toward babies. She is gentle and sweet, moving slow and giving smiles and talking quietly. She asks the parents before touching or kissing and loves to tickle those little feet. She is excited about another baby in the house and about teaching Adelaide how to be a big sister :)
• Her current movie interests: Back to the Future, Frozen, Pirate Fairy, Muppets, Super Heroes (Thor... Hulk...)
• Favorite TV: How It's Made, Food Factory, Money Saving Meals (the cocktail-mocktail show), Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Teen Titans, Peg Plus Cat...
• Her top song requests: Still likes 'Rumor Has It' and 'This girl is on fire' as well as Rock and Roll - particularly daddy's, and occasionally will also ask for Ballerina Music - like grandmama plays on her computer.
• Other interests: Deepening interest in volcanoes and space as well as a budding interest in gardening as we continue to learn about different foods and cooking. She also is aware and concerned with the environment - thanks in part to her School House Rock - Environment Video. She in very familiar with the concepts of reuse, recycling, and free-cycling.
• She has known the Alphabet, letter recogniction, and sounds for a long while now (since around 2), but we are still buildling on those fundatmentals in her pursuet of becoming literate.
• She enjoys counting to 100, she is very close to doing this completely on her own.
• Birthday Party! We did a 2 part birthday this year. First we had the family join us at a Fire Station. The kids got a safety lesson and a tour before cake and presents. Then we migrated to a park where friends joined us for cupcakes and play. Fun-fun-fun!

Adelaide Update

With baby sister coming tomorrow, I want to capture a quick run down of some of Adelaide's -isms and experiences that my soon-to-be sleep deprived brain may forget.

• Her hand movement meaning all gone (similar to jazz hands), she no longer does.
• However she frequently uses up turned hands and a shoulder shrug with a squeaky "Ugh" to ask I don't know - or- where is...?
• She requests mom's (my) singing of the Alphabet, Numbers (to alphabet tune), and/or Twinkle songs. She points to the singer(s) of choice and starts 'singing' - Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah to the tune. Often times continues her singing with me. So cute :)
• Her word vocabulary is small but she has known many animal sounds for a while. Cat, Dog, Rooster, Chicken, Monkey, Sheep, Cow, Elephant, Horse, Owl, Pig, Duck... But recently her Meeeow has transitions to Maw-oo to Baoh to Babo-Babo. HAHAHA!
• She's getting pretty consistent using 'Thank you' - Adelaide's pronounces as Na-na. Also, Banana, Nana (Margo), are called  Na-na.
• I am called Mama most often but now Mom pops up too. As well as "Mama, No"
• Other songs she requests are from the movie Frozen. "Let it go" and tongue clicking to request 'Do you want to build a snow man'. Clicking is to mimic the singer and the grandfather clock part.
• When she's old enough for an independent class (vs with parent) we hope to get her into Gymnastics. Seems like she would really enjoy it! Unprompted she bends over to peek thru her legs then sometimes continues in a side ways somersault, climbing, jumping (like a kangaroo), and now even practicing head stands on the couch corner (supported by back and arm). She also dances and sways to music.
• She shows interest in using the potty. She wants to sit, wipe, flush, and wash hands like everyone is. So far no potty success but with toot and giggle on the big toilet with jr seat. Btw, she also thinks burps are funny.
• Her current favorite activities: drinking Kambucha (fermented tea), taking/playing in the bath or shower, and playing and running outside. She still really enjoys both yogurt and cheese.
• She is pretty observant. When she sees people getting their shoes on or otherwise getting ready to go, she grabs her shoes too. And then insists she's coming along. For the most part this happens when Mom, Dad, or Guin are leaving.
• She waves and blows kisses at nap time and bed time.
• She helps with diaper changes - She's familiar and mostly cooperative with "legs up," "legs down", "lay down", "on your back"
• Favorite toys: Mama Kitty, Big Kitty, Black Cat, small med large Hello Kitty's
• Duplo play is often. She likes to both build and separate. She also enjoys the read-along duplo story board books.
• Oh my, she loves to play with electronics especially my phone. So much so we dug out Rick's old iPhone and put a few apps on it. We got a toddler protector case (looks like a mini steering wheel). She still tries to get her hands on other's electronics.
• Though she is interested in babies she is still learning to be gentle... recently she sat still and watched her new cousin Leilani, but then ended up poking her in the eye. Not with aggression but out of curiosity/interest.
• Though I'm taking it easy, we ventured out to the airshow in Fort Worth. I used my wheel chair to get around and we were lucky to enjoy the shade under a wing. We had a good time and Adelaide was very aware and excited about the planes, before and after her nap that is. She abruptly would point and ooooh'd and aaaaaah'd! The rest of the family were surprised she could sleep there, but Rick and I weren't surprised just relieved.

Growth Spurt!

We visited the OBGYN for the last time before next week's surgery. The appointment began with the sonogram. Baby girl is lowering into position head down. Haha, she wasn't shy; She moved and bumped the sono techs reading device. Her current estimated weight is 6 lbs 9 oz. Last time we had a sonogram (4/15, I think) she measured 4 lbs +. Her growth is above the average of 1/2 lb per week. If this trend continues for one more week she may be above 7 lbs at birth... even with being weeks early! Advanced movement, growing fast, and getting in position - seems like she's getting ready too :)

As for mama, I am pretty stationary these days. I use stairs as little as possible, I haven't driven anywhere since my baby sprinkle/shower on Sunday (which was awesome!! - more to come on that :))... I lay and sit as much as I can to minimize pressure, pain, numbness (new as of yesterday), and indigestion/heartburn/nausea. I started to read Strategies for a C-Section Mom. Given a little time to process as well as attend my hospital's c-section class, ask my doc questions, consult my friends and family with experience in this area, and talk to Rick I actually feel like I'm pretty prepared.

Excited to meet my youngest baby girl - next Thursday!!!!

Resting for mom and flip, flops, and flutters for baby

Counting down to baby 's birthday on Thursday May 15th. We are determined to get there as healthy as possible. Baby is still doing great with lots of movement. 

With the marginal Previa diagnosis and dr orders, I am weary to push myself. So more and more I'm house/bed bound as the pain is more often/more intense. Rick has been awesome, but don't think we'd make it without my mom, especially the last few days. I didn't drive since Tuesday  and didn't leave the house yesterday... Actually was only mobile to go to the bathroom. 

We are surprised how different this pregnancy is and have a greater understanding/appreciation of other women's pregnancy challenges.