Olivia Sandra

At 0219 February 3, 2011, we welcomed Olivia Sandra Springer into the world!  She weighed in at 6lbs, 12 oz, and 21 1/2 inches long.  Her apgars were 9/9, despite the cord loosely around her neck! She is absolutely perfect, and so pretty!  I'm still in awe that we have a baby girl.  B and I were convinced it was a boy, and once she came out we both looked at each other and said "It's a GIRL!!!!" 

. I know my mom was watching down from heaven. I wish so bad she was here to hold this precious baby girl. I'm so happy we got to give Olivia my mom's name as her middle name.

Wednesday Feb. 2nd, I started having painful contractions at about 4:45pm that were about 15 min apart.  Around 7pm, they were about 10 min apart.  They quickly went from 10 min apart to 8 min around 10pm, then 7min, then 5 min really quickly.  We left for the hospital around 11pm.  When I got to the hospital, I was at 6 cm with pretty painful, long lasting contractions about 2-3 min apart.  I asked for an epidural as soon as I got there.  The nurse went through 3 veins before she got an IV in me, then we had to wait for my blood work to get to the lab, so finally around I'm guessing 1am I got the epidural.  It took forever to kick in, and the contractions were INTENSE!  Finally I was numb, and I was so ready to rest, but the doc checked me and I was at 10 cm and ready to push.  (Side note: I didn't get to have my doctor deliver because apparently right before I came in she had taken a dose of NyQuil and didn't want to be impaired, lol. But the doctor on call was wonderful as well.)  About 5-6 pushes and she was out!  It was the complete opposite of Peyton's delivery.  The epidural numbed all my contractions with him and I pushed for a grueling hour and a half with the epidural wearing off.  Luckily this labor was super quick! 

We are in love with our baby girl and thankful that she is healthy.  Peyton is adjusting pretty well.  He keeps his distance from her, but loves to help us with her.  He is always saying how "beautiful, pretty, and cute" she is. 

Just minutes old, and I'm in awe and in love with my baby girl.

Daddy cutting the cord.



Proud mama and daddy!



Daddy and his girl



Her coloring was perfect.



Gorgeous



Loving the pigs!  She has the longest fingers and toes!

Uncle Randy with Olivia

Love those lips!

Peyton meeting his baby sister for the first time.

Checking her out

Getting cleaned up, measured and weighed

6lbs, 12 oz.

Cousin Brandon and Olivia

Grandpa Prazeau meeting her for the first time.

Grandpa Springer and Olivia

Great Grandma Springer

Grammy Springer and Peyt checking her diaper

Austin meeting his cousin.

First bath, she was NOT a fan. :)

Daddy washing her up.

Warming up under the heat

Clockwise from the top left: Aunt Bonnie, Uncle Hugh, Aunt Sherri, and Cousin Marissa.

Clockwise from the top left: Cousin Steph, Cousin Cameron, Cousin Alexa, Aunt Amy, Cousin Austin

Some bonding time with Daddy and Olivia

Peyt taking some pictures on his camera of his baby sister

Giving some loves

Content baby

I did not get any sleep in the hospital.  Olivia seemed to have her nights/days switched and wanted to eat every 45 in or so. On Saturday the 5th we were discharged home and we came home to a very sick little boy.  Peyton got some sort of 24-hour stomach flu and had a very high fever of 104. So our first night home was rough to say the least.  He was miserable, poor guy.  B and I got about 45 min of broken up sleep that night.  He was much better and his fever broke the following day.  Last night was SOO much better.  She was up about every 3 hours to eat but went right back down to sleep.  I can't tell you how good it felt to sleep for more than an hour!  Today we took Olivia into Dr. Heffernan to check out her bilirubin situation.  Her jaundice level was a tad bit more than normal when we left the hospital.  Turns out everything is fine and she's gained 4.5 ounces since we left the hospital 2 days ago!  Nursing is going well thankfully, she latched within an hour of being born.  I'm pretty sure we have another thumb-sucker on our hands, she's already gotten it pretty good a few times.  We're looking forward to getting her on a routine and adjusting to this enormous change in our lives.  I'm so happy and thankful for our family of 4!

"Bobby"

Ever since we can remember, Peyton has had trouble breathing through his nose.  His pediatrician said his adenoids were likely to blame-being too large for his little head.  He advised to wait it out, as he might grow into his adenoids by the time he turned 4.  Well, in the past 6 months it seems to have gotten worse.  He snores, he has sleep apnea, and his speech is altered (his M's sound like B's.  He calls me 'Bobby,' LOL). I took him in to see his doc, Dr. Heffernan who suspected enlarged adenoids and referred us to a peds ENT specialist.  Today we took him in and Peyt was such a champ.  The doc looked in his ears, mouth and nose and then talked with us about his symptoms.  Once he learned that Peyt was having sleep apnea due to his adenoids, he advised to have his tonsils/adenoids removed.  He said that since he's not getting a fully rested sleep, it will begin to affect him in a negative way in regards to school, behavior, etc.  He wanted to confirm that his adenoids were indeed enlarged so he had to get this special scope with a light on the end and put it up his nose to take a looksie.  Peyton was so brave! B and I could tell he was SO uncomfortable, it broke our hearts to sit there watching him sit really still as tears ran down his face and his little lip quivered.  SO sad, but he was fine once that thing was out his nose and he got stickers for being such an awesome patient. 
I was kind of surprised that the doctor also advised having his tonsils out, because Dr. Heffernan said his tonsils looked fine and could probably stay in.  But, Dr. Hargunani said that often times, kids with sleep apnea, if the tonsils aren't also removed, the sleep apnea won't go away.  He said he'd rather take both the adenoids and tonsils out so we don't have to take him back into surgery shortly after to take the tonsils out. 
Thankfully, we don't have to schedule the surgery right away..given that I'm due to have this baby anytime.  We'll probably wait until after Peyt's birthday and after we get settled with the baby.  So maybe in March sometime.  It's scary to think of him being under anesthesia and being operated on! But I just want him to breath better, be more rested, and be able to say 'Mommy' like he used to!  :) 

38 weeks

I went in for my weekly appointment today.  Not much has changed.  I'm still 3cm.  But I'm 75% effaced.  My doc was surprised that I am still pregnant and thought for sure I would have delivered by this past weekend.  So now we just wait and see...baby seems to be quite comfortable where he/she is.
BP: 106/60
Weight gain: 2 lbs (25 total)
I've caught Peyton's cold, so sleeping has been no fun at all.  Still having mild contractions, and lots of baby movement.  I'm anxious to meet this baby, and most of all to find out if it's a babyboy or a babygirl!

No pic this week, just too lazy! :)

Happy Birthday.......

She would have been 69 years old today.  Praying this baby comes today...

37 weeks, 2 days

Just had my 37-week appointment.  I really didn't think much would be changed after just 4 days since I was last in, but..I'm 3cm dilated and 60-70% effaced!  The doctor says it could be anytime and that I'll most likely be her next patient to deliver.  I'm feeling really good, just more pressure and more non-painful contractions. 

BP: 94/60

Weight gain: -1 (23 total)

This may just be my last prego pic, we'll see!  We're excited to meet Baby 'O'!

36 weeks, 5 days

So I just got back from my appointment, and surprised to find out I'm already 1 cm dilated and 60% effaced.  Yikes! I wasn't expecting that at all.
BP: 98/60
Weight gain: 3 lbs (24 total)
She said the baby is head-down and really low and she too was surprised how things are moving along.  She said she wouldn't be surprised if I went early.  But you never know, I could stay like this for a while. 
I've gotten a lot more uncomfortable.  My back aches most of the time and even worse if I am really active during the day.  Sleep at night is horrible.  I usually lay awake for 1-2 hours each night, unable to fall asleep.  I've started to nest I think.  I was so tired the other day but just couldn't stop cleaning and organizing.  I washed all the covers for the car seat, swing, bouncy seat, etc and got it all set up.  Peyton's been putting his stuffed dog Bruiser in the swing and bouncy seat.  So he's getting some practice. :)
So I guess I better get a bag packed for the hospital just in case! 



I was trying to get my 36 week timer shot and Peyton was looking at books on my bed.  Right when he heard the long beep saying the pic was about to take, he'd sit up and make a face for the camera.  Little stinker, he did this about 5 times. 




36 Weeks



Sledding

During my baby shower, B took Peyton up to Mt Hood to go sledding with Uncle A, and Papa.  B said he had no fear and went down the hill about a million times.  He had a blast.


Uncle A, and Peyt making a snow angel.



Daddy and Peyt

Not sure what he's doing with his mouth here, catching snowflakes on his tongue maybe?

He told me he ate a lot of snow.  Hopefully no yellow snow.  ;)

Baby shower

My niece Stephanie and sister-in-law Amy threw me a very fun and beautiful baby shower at my house on Saturday!  It couldn't have been more perfect.  They put so much time and effort into it and I was in awe of all the little details they added. 

• Good food, including some of my favs: Mini PBJ/turkey sandwiches, fruit skewers, veggies, spinach dip, and my mom's sherbet punch recipe.
• Framed pictures of my mom at her shower when she was pregnant with me, and baby pictures of me  with my mom and dad.  I missed my mom so much on this day.  I know she was there in spirit...
• The cake.  I was in awe when they revealed the cake to me.  It was so perfect! (Pics below.)
• Little baby food jars with ribbon filled with candy mints for party favors.
• Jars filled with baby supplies, and outfits/booties/hats/owl ornaments hanging up-all gifts from Steph/Amy. 
• The thumbprint tree as a guest book.
• And so much more! Thanks to everyone who came.  And thank you Steph and Amy for such a wonderful shower, I love you guys!

The spread

On the top is the image from my shower invitation, they took it into Safeway, (Yes, SAFEWAY!) and they recreated it onto a very delicious cake.  I was so impressed!



The guestbook was this thumbprint tree that I'll frame for the baby's room.



  This game was to guess which candy bar was melted in the diaper.  Totally looked like a poopy diaper! 



Tie-breaker was to guess how big around I was.  Always fun.  :/




Gifts-I got a ton of great stuff.  Thank you everyone!




Clockwise from the top: Jill and I, Little Zakai, Cousin Julie, Sister Susie and Cousin Lisa, Amy and Kate, Cousin Lisa, Niece Lauren, Cousin Julie, and soon-to-be niece Kate.



Any guesses?

Click on this link to make your guesses on Springer baby #2!! :)  Let's see who comes the closest!!

New bed!

We got our carpet installed, the crib out of Peyton's room, and put together his bed last night.  He really likes it, however, last night I heard a 'thump' and I didn't realize how fast my pregnant body could spring out of bed!  He fell off, but luckily he didn't hit his head or anything.  Poor guy.  We might need to get a safety railing. 



Tootsie likes it too.



34.5 weeks

Today's appointment literally lasted less than 5 minutes!  I think this is the last of the quick appointments though.  At 36 weeks, I'll start going in weekly.  I'm starting to get antsy and uncomfortable.  Sitting at work is miserable, as the baby pushes up in my ribs leaving me short of breath.  I'm having trouble sleeping still, therefore I'm super tired.  But I have to say I've been really lucky and thankful to not have any issues in this pregnancy.  This last 5 weeks will be really busy, and I'm kind of hoping I'll go past my due date so I'll have more time to prepare! 


BP: 107/72

Weight gain: 0 (21 total).  This is probably due to the 24-hr stomach bug I had the day after Christmas.  The doctor was concerned, but then was re-assured when she measured me and the baby grew just fine since my last visit.  She said it was most likely because I was sick and the baby probably took all the nutrients/calories that I did take in and left me short.  :)

Baby's heart rate: 150's

Cravings: Oranges! I eat one everyday, and they are so good this time of year.

2010 Reflection

I got this New Years quiz from a blog that I follow, and I think I'll start doing this every year for a good way to really reflect on my year.  Feel free to copy and paste for yourself as well!

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?I ran my first road race, the 8k Shamrock run.  That's all I can think of, LAME. 
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
 Looking back through my blog archives, I didn't make any! LAME-O again.
This year I have plenty...
~Lose all my baby weight after baby's born, and gain back muscle, get back into good shape. 
~Run more races, starting with a 5k and working my way up to a half marathon.
~Although this may be out of my control- try to figure out work schedules between B and I where we aren't working complete opposite shifts.  Possibly going part-time, fingers crossed!!  I dream of seeing my husband more!
~If B and I are home together more evenings this year, cooking and eating more meals together.  We only get one or two nights a week at home together, which I try to always make a good, healthy dinner.  I feel like my boys need more home-cooked meals than that!  (I do have to give B credit though, he tries really hard to cook healthy meals for the 2 of them when I'm at work, which I know isn't easy). 
~Patience and prioritizing.  I'm sure it will take some adjusting to having 2 kids, a newborn and a 4-year-old.  I really want to try to have a ton of patience.  I want to make sure that Peyton has a lot of one-on-one time and not feel neglected with a new baby at home.  I'm hoping I'll be able to juggle caring for a newborn, keeping Peyton entertained/engaged, spending quality time with B, keeping the house in order, making time to workout, etc etc etc. It will take some time to get a schedule down, but I'm hoping to stay organized and prioritize well. 
~More date nights with B and a take a weekend or more away with just the two of us.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Jill had baby Zoie in January.  Also, a ton of other acquaintances had babies as well.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My mom, and a friend's newborn.  :(  Also, I miscarried at 5 1/2 weeks in March. 
5. What countries did you visit?
None this year.


6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?Happiness, patience, less sadness and less stress.


7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?September 23rd, 2010, the day my mom passed away.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Running an 8k unprepared, the same day I found out I was pregnant (the first time of two this year), making a pretty good time.
9. What was your biggest failure?Not being as fun/focused of a mom/wife as I usually am.  With my mom being sick/passing away, my mind was pre-occupied, worry, stress and sadness took over me.  Also, accompanied with said stress, being pregnant more than half the year left me very tired with zero energy.  I'm hoping for a much better year.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?I strained my IT band, aka Runner's Knee.
11. What was the best thing you bought?New carpet.

12. Where did most of your money go?House mortgage.


13. What did you get really excited about?Having our second baby!
14. What song will always remind you of 2010?You Send Me, by Sam Cooke (My parent's song) and I Hope You Dance, by Lee Ann Womack- both played in the slide show at my mom's funeral.


15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? More sad for sure.
– thinner or fatter? Fatter, prego!!
– richer or poorer? Well we both got our annual raises, but cost of living always rises, and more expenses always creep up.  So the same probably.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?

~Spent more time with my mom when she was somewhat healthier.  I spent as much time as I possibly could with her, but it would never be enough.  Miss her so much.
~Been more patient with Peyton.  I feel like I sometimes took my stress/grief out on him, by not being as patient. 
~More date nights with B. 
17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry.
Stress out.
18. How did you spend Christmas?With both of our families.
19. What was your favorite TV program?Modern Family hands down. If you haven't watched it, oh man, you must.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
I read a ton, but I read almost all of Nicholas Sparks' books.  Every one of them was really good.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Whatever was on the radio.
22. What were your favorite films of the year?Eclipse! Dinner for Schmucks, Dear John, Due Date.
23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?B threw me a surprise birthday party at Amalfi's, I turned 30.


24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?Winning the lottery. 
25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?HA. That's hilarious.  That was the last thing on my mind this year.
26. What kept you sane?God.  Without my spiritual faith, I think I may have been committed to a psych ward with all the loss I experienced this year...
27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010
Cherish every moment you have with the ones you love, you never know how much you'll miss them once they are gone. 

This year really flew by, and was the hardest year I've ever had.  Here's to a much better 2011!

Racing

B and Peyt got matching remote control cars from Grammy/Papa to race all around the house!

A break in the rain for some much needed outside play!

Jumping in puddles

Tractor ridin'

Bike ridin'

Love him!

He somehow squeezes himself into this but has a hard time getting out. 

Taking Bruiser for a ride.

Then back inside for more Legos.

My favorite Peyton conversation this Christmas

So on Christmas Eve, I get home from work...

Peyton: We got you a gift Mommy.
Me: Do not tell me okay. (He had already told me what one of my gifts were already).
Peyton: Ok, I'm not going to tell you.  *2-second pause* It's a watch.
Me: Peyt! You can't tell me what my gifts are. 
Peyton: Why?
Me: Because it ruins the surprise.
B: Peyton, why did you do that!!??
Peyton: It's probably not a watch Mommy.