My Little Nessie

So I decided to pull a Carlisle and measure CK in the living room with my tape measure. Now I don't imagine I am as exact as the twilight character- but CK is now...

20 1/2 inches

You lookin at me?

These girls both have great looks-They also have some ATTITUDEWatch out world- when these girls are teenagers it might possibly be a nightmare!

Nugs First Month as a Big Sister

Nugs is pretty awesome. Most Mom's post information on the newborn stats at the 1 month mark- but I have absolutely no idea how much CK weighs. Haven't measured her or taken her back to the pediatrician yet. Not quite sure why- oh wait, because I am so busy. I will get to it soon though. (I might measure her myself- but then I would feel like Carlisle and Nessie)
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So I came home from work today and found this picture below. Nugs takes care of her babies. She put them to sleep and gave them all silkies to sleep with. Because who can sleep without a silky??

I love my Nugs.
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I love my CK too. However, she is not quite as easy as Nugs was. She seems to fuss a little more and she does not like to sleep. However, she loves to eat, she has little gas smiles all the time, and the dimples are quite amazing.
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I guess I could always weigh CK on the Wii Fit.
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Oh yeah- I haven't taken Nugs for her 2 year visit either. I better get it together.

CK Talks

CK is talking already- WOW.

And just to make sure CK doesn't feel left out I made a collage for her too.
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Her facial expressions are pretty much exactly the same. Not as expressive or busy as Nugs yet. Haha. She doesn't make me tired from just looking at her.

Picassa

So I have heard about this picture program online called Picassa. I mostly heard of it because of the collages that people put on their blogs. Well... I always thought the collages were too small and it was too hard to see the pictures. But, when you have a busy girl like nugs and you are trying to get at least one good picture- it is sometimes funnier to see all the bad pictures instead.
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So here is Nugs in all her busy glory. I tried really hard to get her to look at me. Not an easy task.
We'll see if I can get a good picture tomorrow. Wish me luck!
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PS: all of these pictures were taken within seconds of each other. Really, she doesn't like to sit still for the camera. :)

CK Close and Personal

So I decided to get all up in CK's business this morning during tummy time. She likes it so far and I am assuming she will want to be stomach sleeper like Nugs. However, I am trying to be the good practitioner and listen to the American Academy of Pediatrics and put CK "back to sleep" to reduce the chances of SIDS. Which is a good thing of course- but some babies sleep so much better on their tummy's- ah- the inner turmoil of a mother.

Actually there isn't much turmoil going on here- I am too sleep deprived to be thinking about such life altering decisions, "back or stomach" and "bassinet or co-sleep" and "work or not work"

I just do whatever the heck is the easiest at the time. So for the past couple days it has been snuggled up CK on her side in bed with me and who knows how much she really eats or not. But when I catch up on sleep I will get her back in the bassinet, on her back, and hopefully on some sort of schedule.

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Wait, I am not sure cathcing up on sleep will happen. Did I mention I already started back to work?

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I am crazy. I know. But those pregnant ladies don't deliver themselves. Well, they would if they had to... but I don't think that is a good idea and I don't think they want to worry about that... So, I will be there for them.

Visitors

We were so excited and fortunate to have Uncle Cory and Aunt Katie come and visit us Friday and Saturday! While they babysat most of Friday (I am back at work now-yuck) we still were able to have Cory cook for us (amazing!), play a lot of Canasta, hit balls at the batting cages, eat sushi, go shopping, watch twilight, feed the ducks, and more.

It was fun and busy- but relaxing as well. It was great to see them and spend time with them. We love you guys and can't wait to see you again in June.

Crumbs For Everyone!

Very unflattering pictures for CK- I mean, come on- she has a nice little booger going on in there. But my cute little Nugs was giving her a kiss today while eating her breakfast:and I think she thought it would be nice to share some of that breakfast with her little sister. A little hard to see- but there are muffin crumbs and slobber all over CK's cheek.

How precious??

Computer Problems

so the computer isnt working again- so no pictures today.

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But on a fun note... Nugs now says, "Pickle" and it is hilarious!

Piggy Back Rides

Nugs loves piggy back rides from her daddy and her mommy. Daddy just happened to be her choice today- Then I thought it would be funny to put CK on top and of course Nugs had her baby doll with her too. Nugs thought this was hysterical- Rich, not so much.

Midnight surprise

I was so excited when I woke up to feed CK and this picture was on my phone! My sweet mother is making a blessing dress for her and she is close to finished.
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I always figured my girls would share their blessing dresses, but thanks to Grandma they can now have their own to keep throughout their lives and to show their daughters some day.
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I love you mom! All 4 of us love you and are so thankful for all that you do for us.

Time for Bed

This child must get really bored in the middle of the night if she has to sleep with so many toys...Can you find Nemo? A Barbie? 2 Bunnies? A Lei? 2 Baby Dolls? A Playskool Dad? A Playskool Grandma? A Zebra? A Diaper Wipes Case? A Big Silkie? A Tired Nugget?
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Items not shown that are in the bed are 2 pictures of Uncle Zach and a Peter Pan book.

Boon does it again

I am not only in love with my newest addition to the family, I am in love with my girlfriend Rebecca who never ceases to amaze me with her adorable company BOON. She came over recently and brought a couple outfits over for CK. She isn't making these clothes anymore and so they are a limited edition! Haha. That makes us sound pretty special, huh?
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Either way, special or not, they are adorable on CK.

Congrats Aunt Vicki

Congratulations to Aunt Vicki for graduating from ASU! We are so proud of you and we wish we could tell you this is the end... but it isn't! She is back for her Masters of Accounting in the fall. You are such a great Aunt and sister!
Isn't my husband HOT??
Well, it was 101 degrees there.

By Popular Demand

Well, OKAY- not really that popular- but Grandma and Aunties have requested videos!

So here is a video of CK sneezing... I was expecting her to roll over, since she had just done it (the couch slants downward- she really isn't rolling over yet) But she sneezed instead so that is pretty cute.

And here is another picture for those of you with slow computers who don't want to watch a video. CK started out on her back and she ended up this way- quite a surprise for her.And on a side note- Nugs figured out how to take pictures with my camera so I have just erased 15 pictures of fingers and couch cushions.

We love Baths!

Maybe it is a theme in our household- but it seems like I am giving baths all the time. Usually it is just because they are due to take a bath- Nugs every night before bed, CK every other day or so, and myself- well, lets just say I try to take a shower every day- but occasionally the need for nap overpowers my need for a shower.

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Don't judge me

it is not like I am going anywhere out of the house and all I do all day long is breastfeed, sleep, give baths, and change diapers.

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Back to the post: This picture is about a week old, but I thought it would be fun trying to bathe Nugs in the sink since CK gets her baths up there. The perfect opportunity arose when Nugs helped herself to a piece of delicious CHOCOLATE CAKE made by the famous Karlie (well, I don't know if Karlie is famous- but her cake sure should be!!)So Nugs didn't like the sink bath as much as I thought she would...

She likes it better in here:

Boring Video at Bath Time

This is probably a boring video for anyone besides Grandmas and Aunties...

Nug's Mug Shot

CK likes to sleep this way... go figure

Happy Mother's Day!

I have great mommies...

Grandma and CK
I can't believe I don't have a picture yet with Gra'Mingo and CK- Here is one with her and Nugs
Thanks for being such great Moms and Grandmas! We love you!

My sweet girls

Nugs is in love with her baby sister-However, if I ask about "her baby sister" she usually says, "LuLu"

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The reason for this is because Nugs best friend KJ has a baby sister that Nugs calls Lulu. Sometimes Nugs gets confused.Nugs is getting better at saying her sister's name though- and she is very gentle and loves to touch her and feel how soft she is.
Occasionally Nugs gives CK her silkies... which is a big deal because silkies are Nugs prized posessions.
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Nugs really must love CK.

Pacifier

So many of you know that Nugs was not a pacifier girl and is very much a thumb sucker. I have heard all the horror stories about teenagers sucking their thumbs- and we will worry about her thumb sucking some day... but for now... like I did with Nugs... I am trying the pacifier with CK.

So far she likes it a lot better than Nugs did.

Baby Poop

How does baby poop get all the way up to the armpit, shoulder blades, and belly button all in one sitting??

Did I mention this all happened AFTER the morning bath?

Nugs is trying to be gentle- CK was screaming before Nugs touched her-

Auntie Devyn

We obviously love all of our Aunties- but I need to send a special "Thank You" to Auntie Devyn for being such a good sport while she was visiting. On monday before she left she colored my hair, Erin's hair, and my mom's hair. She cut and styled them as needed. Devyn is always willing to do this and it makes it soooo nice!

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If anyone is ever interested in splitting a plane ticket with me then Devyn will come fly out and cut/color your hair. It is so awesome. If there are a few of us then it turns out to be really inexpensive! :) Devyn is also always good for a laugh. She is constantly being crazy and silly and I love that about her!And last (for this post) we love Auntie Devyn because she has no clue how to put a diaper on Nugs. (see butt cheek picture below) (Nugs still wears diapers at night... not willing to try that potty training part yet!) Thanks again Devyn for doing my hair!
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I know this really doesn't count as payment for your services... but I will try to get something off in the mail today or tomorrow.

Nugs Never Wore Bows

I am not sure what my aversion to bows was when Nugs was born. I am not sure if it was that I was so scared of those HUGE FLOWER bows that are bigger than their face? Or maybe that bows are too silly for me. Or maybe I just felt she looked like a girl already so why add to that? It could also be that I am not a girly girl... I didn't like the pink ruffles and frills. Whatever the reason, I have gotten over it- and I am oh so glad.

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Here is a close up of CK- I have borrowed Natalie's camera (she is amazing!) for the past few days and I think I have Rich convinced to use part of our tax return to get a new camera instead of paying off some more debt... well, I probably only have him 5% convinced...Well, I still haven't gotten over the huge flower bows that are bigger than their heads. Maybe by girl number 3 we will start seeing those... with much help and persuasion from Auntie Devyn.

Here is a little picture of Nugs when she was still jaundiced and yellow- I was trying to find a good comparison picture to see the similarities and differences between the girls. They look A LOT ALIKE. Nugs has a more prominent widdows peak and I think CK has smaller lips. I also have yet to find a birth mark on CK- but that could be masked by the newborn rash... it is getting better though!

Regression?

So many, many people warned me about potty training Nugs too early with a baby on the way. I really didn't want to have two in diapers and I was just determined. Well... good news... as of day 5 she is still potty trained. I know this could change any day or any second, but we are keeping our fingers crossed.

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This doesn't mean, however, that she isn't acting out with the baby here. Either she just figured out she is tall enough, or she is acting out... not quite sure what to think of the mess below. Thanks Rich for getting a nice picture before taking out all the toys from the fish tank!

Homecoming

Look at how cute she is!

I really like the carseat cover too! I got it from Sassy Stork on Etsy

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And as not to neglect my Nugs:

She was waiting for CK (and mommy) to come home on Friday am

Nugs meets CK

I sure love my girls! Nugs had fun coming to the hospital to meet CK. But I think she was a lot more excited to play with the fun "squirt bottle" that they give you after you have your baby.

She made quite the mess- and we are still not quite sure if the silky was wet from the water bottle or the toilet water. Oh well. Thats life with a two year old!

Sorry!

There isn't much more... so this has got to be the last segment of the birth story... cause I am dying to post pictures of CK!

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Rich drives very safely to the hospital because I told him I was in no rush to get there. I was breathing well through my contractions and Rich would occasionally remind me to relax and he would count my breathing for me. During this entire thing I never had anyone time my contractions nor did I care how close or far apart they were. I didn't think about how much the next one would hurt, I just relaxed in between.

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When we got to the hospital my midwife and doula were there. My labor and delivery nurse who was coming in to help with the birth was stuck in traffic, but no worries. I never felt nauseated, but when I was walking into the hospital I let out some huge burps (like girls camp burps from high school-wow!). I like to think I was more calm than my midwife, who was ordering people around to get a room ready for me.

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Before I got to my room where they could listen to CK's heartbeat I stopped in the bathroom twice. I kept feeling like I needed to have a bowel movement (uh- you think I would have put two and two together) but it wasn't until I actually started to push sitting on the toilet when I realized I better get into the bed and let someone know what was going on.

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At 8:05 my midwife checked my cervix and let me know I was 9 1/2 cm dilated. She also broke my water. After that next contraction I smiled and said, "I am so happy". I obviously had many reasons to be happy, but mostly that it was about to be over and I would be able to hold little CK in my arms.

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I decided to try and push with the next contraction but that hurt even more. I finally realized that I better just listen to my body. I only pushed once or twice with the next two contractions and then finally I felt like I needed to push the entire contractions. Both my parents and Rich were there by my side and my dad was video taping- this is when I started to get a little vocal- my dad thought it was funny that I was so quiet during labor and then pushing is when I got loud and that is the only part he got on video! LAME.

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I was vocal because while I absolutely love my midwife she was bugging the crap out of me! She kept saying things like, "you are feeling a lot of rectal pressure" and "She is crowning now- you will feel a lot of burning." And I in turn would reply, "I KNOW!!! I CAN FEEL IT!"

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8:21 pm, on April 29, 2009 CK was born. 7lbs 8oz. 18 inches long. Slightly bigger and a little shorter than Nugs. They look almost exactly the same and CK has beautiful blond hair. She has some newborn rash and is a little peely- but she is absolutely amazing.

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I was able to breastfeed immediately after she was born and I breastfed for the first hour. I never had an IV, never needed pitocin, and I felt amazing after she was born. It was a perfect labor and delivery and I couldn't have asked for anything better.

The birth story continues

Sorry for the delay of postings and of pictures- I have had really good intentions to at least put up pictures- but I will get there- I promise. So here is (hopefully) the rest of the birth story with some pictures. (this all happened Wednesday 4/29/09)

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After I got out of the tub with Nugs, Rich was home from work and having dinner with my parents and Nugs. She was kind of fussy and I was trying to stay hidden and let my body do it's own thing. I relaxed in between contractions with my "hypnobirthing" CD and relaxing music and that helped a ton. I started having the "toe-curling" contractions and I started to think I was a sissy- so I told Rich I needed his help.

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At one point during this all I remember hearing Nugs screaming so I yelled, "Just get her out of here!" and my parents were out the door in a flash to drop her off with KJ (thanks again you guys!)

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At this point Rich was a little nervous. We had taken hypnobirthing classes and one of the predominant ideas is that if you are in a relaxed enough state you don't always feel pain during labor. I am a firm believer that this is true- however, I wasn't in this relaxed enough state. :) So Rich was starting to get nervous because I was hurting. But he did a fabulous job of keeping me straight with my hypnobirthing ideas and he helped me breathe through each contraction and relax in between them all. Occasionally I would make other noises during contractions but he quickly helped me refocus and kept me looking towards the goal.

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I was on the birthing ball while my parents were gone and when they got back I had my dad check my cervix. I was 5cm. This was 7:00pm.

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I thought, "great, now I am in active labor- 5 more hours at the most."

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I had Rich text our midwife, doula, and labor nurse who would meet us at the hospital. Just an update- just to let them know I was going to hang out at home for another hour or so.

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2 minutes later we get a phone call from the midwife and here is the conversation:

Midwife: "Rich, does Brittani want a home birth or a hospital birth?"

Rich (looking at me): "Brit- do you want a home birth or a hospital birth?"

Me: "hospital birth?!" somewhat confused

Rich to midwife: "Hospital birth"

Midwife: "well, get in the car and get her to the hospital now!"

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Sorry- breastfeeding break! to be continued...

Contractions started

I posted on my facebook at 4:15 pm that contractions had started, but nothing regular. I mean, I had been contracting for weeks, but these ones were starting to change a little. I was feeling them in my back too.

So at 5:30 I felt them regular. This is when I decided to get into the tub- Nugs really wanted to join me- so this lasted for awhile until I had to start breathing and working hard through contractions. I kicked her out and told Rich to call our friends who were going to watch her- and let them know we would bring her before she had to go to bed at 7.

blurry

So I am going to try to catch you all up on what happened the past couple days.

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Wednesday: 1:00- I went bowling with the family. It was my day off from work.(blurry picture- taken with camera phone!)