Saturday, August 19, 2017

Giving Her Wings: Jill's First Day of Kindergarten


Just 2 weeks after my last baby is born, I had to send my first baby off to Kindergarten!

Honestly, I thought I'd be much more emotional than I was. I have my moments, but I'm not bawling my eyes out. Well, at least not today ;)

Jill has been waiting for Kindergarten since her Pre K graduation in mid-May. Our summer seemed so busy that we figured she would be preoccupied to not ask about it daily.

Nope.

We practiced waking up early the whole week leading up to school. Her school does not have a bus route, so we have to make sure there is plenty of time to get to the building. Also, it is an all day Kindergarten program. She was going to Pre K for half a day, 4 days a week. We had a feeling she'd need her rest.

Jill was not only ready to go, she had zero fear. No hesitation whatsoever. In fact, she comforted a classmate who looked like she had been crying most of the morning!

As a parent, I do want her to miss me a little bit. However, I feel like Phil and I have done a good job if she is going to school with such confidence. That means she knows she can go out into the world, and come back to her loving and supportive home :) {I'm in NO way saying anyone whose kids were upset and/or crying is not doing a good job. In fact, I'd argue they are doing a great job!}

She had a great first day! She did seem pretty tired when she got home. Jill said she made a friend, but didn't know any names yet. She even has a classmate that was in her earliest preschool class, though I don't think either one recognized the other! HAHA Also, as of right now, she still doesn't have any hardware for school. However, we filled out the appropriate paperwork in case she needs an FM system or something like that.

David did have a hard(ish) time. He really wanted to go into the building, but we told him not yet. At one point, I asked if he missed Sissy. His response was "No, but I NEED her right now!" He was happy to see her in the car after we picked her up :)

I can't wait to see all she accomplishes at Kindergarten this year! You go, girl!

{Showing off the Pokemon backpack}
{She has a kitty lunchbox, but they were serving pizza the first day. She'll take her lunch another time ;)}

{David insisted on taking a picture with Jill}

{Big hugs}

Just for fun, here are some comparisons!
{Jillian's First Day of Listening for Littles, Pre K, and Kindergarten}
{2013, 2016, 2017}

{Jillian's First Day of Mini 3's Preschool, Pre K, and Kindergarten}
{2014, 2016, 2017}

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Alexandra's Birth Story - {The Whole Story}

It's so hard to believe that I'm writing my final birth story. I have 4 beautiful, and healthy babies, and I am beyond grateful that my experiences have been positive!

I was honestly worried for so long that Lexie would come early. I tried really hard to drink as much water as possible, and stay off my feet. {You know, as if I truly had any control over the situation ;)} Having 3 other kids at home, we really couldn't manage a fast and furious delivery like the last two times while carting them around. Thankfully, God helped Lexie decide to stay inside until our scheduled induction.

As I mentioned before, my OB was going to be out of town. Funny enough, the other doctor I would have picked when my last OB left is the one who delivered me for Dr. S! HAHAHA Funny how that works out ;) I really wanted Dr. S to be there, but I knew I'd be in good hands. Phil and I talked about it several times before deciding. We just really wanted to be sure we didn't have a roadside birth with our other 3 in the van. I haven't been induced since Jillian almost 6 years ago, so I was a little nervous.

The night before you're induced, it's really hard to sleep. It's like trying to rest and relax the day before you know you'll break a bone or something completely life changing is going to happen. Even though Phil was up a little later than normal, he was in bed trying to sleep while I was moving all around. I was putting things away, and throwing away trash, and double triple checking the hospital bag. I finally felt satisfied enough that I laid down in bed. I woke up about every 90 minutes, but did get a little sleep.

My alarm went off at 4:15 am so I could do some last minute grooming. Well, I woke up really nervous and nauseated. I planned on straightening my hair. That didn't happen. I planned on eating a bowl of oatmeal. That didn't happen. I was going to shave my legs. That didn't happen. I pretty much just got dressed, and waited until it was time to go. I was ready to meet this baby, and get the labor part over with!

We checked in to the hospital leisurely, and got all set up. My body has a terrible time with IVs, so it took a couple of sticks to get one going. It's honestly one of the worst parts of labor and delivery to me. My nurse was great, and answered all my questions. They checked me at 1 cm, and got the Pitocin started at 6 am. I felt pretty good. I didn't really feel any contractions, so I just tried my best to rest.

Around 9 am, I met Dr. D. She was very nice, and checked me at 3 cm. She decided to just go ahead and break my water for me instead of doing a foley catheter. It was NOT comfortable. The one time my water was broken for me, I already had an epidural, so I didn't feel anything. Plus, apparently the bag of waters was being stubborn, so Dr. D had to work a little harder to break it. After she was done, I asked for the epidural.

Within in hour, I not only met the anesthesiologist, he actually got to give me the epidural! It was a little painful at one point, but he got me nice and numb. When he was finished, my nurse still had me at 3 cm. Once the epidural was fully kicked in, my right leg was completely numb. I mean, I couldn't wiggle my toes or anything. This meant Phil and my nurse had to lift and move that leg anytime it needed to move. It was really weird to have zero control over my right leg! Phil and I decided to try and rest as much as possible since things were going on the slow side. Phil did a crossword puzzle and read his book, and I got a pretty good nap in.

Around noon, I woke up to some pain in my left lower back. It was feeling similar to the back labor I felt with David. We called my nurse to let her know. She gave me a quick extra dose, then went ahead and checked me. I was at 9 cm! She said she would let the birth team know to be ready soon. It was much more laid back than my last two births. The staff was not slow by any means, but there was no running around or frantically signing papers like before. My nurse told me to let her know if anything changed or if I felt different at all.

At 12:30, I was feeling like I had the shakes. This really only happens to me when I'm 1) extremely chilled, or 2) about to push a baby out. It happened with all of my other 3 births, so I had a feeling that's what was happening. I didn't feel the need to push, but I felt a sensation that I mentioned to Phil. He told me we shouldn't mess around, and went ahead and called my nurse. When she checked me, she told me it was time! She called Dr. D to come down, and had me do a practice push. I only got to the count of 5 before she told me to stop. The next thing I knew, Dr. D was in the room and putting on her gloves. She told me to push once for her. I made it to 10 that time, and I heard her say "Good!" I was waiting for her to tell me to push again, when I felt Lexie on my chest! She was out and crying like crazy!

Whether it was to mark her territory, or to tell me she was not happy to be evicted, Lexie quickly peed all over me! HAHAHA She is my only baby to do that to me. {That also meant she didn't have another wet diaper until much later in the day} She had an APGAR score of 9 and 9, and had such a round head that the nurses said she looked like a C-section baby. Lexie was born at 12:50 pm, and was 7 lbs, 2 oz, and 19.25 inches long.

Later in the afternoon, she did have a little trouble staying warm and had to be under the warming lamp for awhile. However, she checked out just fine the rest of our stay. She passed her hearing screening, she was soiling diapers, and didn't lose too much birth weight.

My health has been good so far. I feel like my mood is doing well, and I've felt pretty decently. I have overdone it a few times physically since being home, but nothing that put me out of commission or anything. I have had worse cramping than I did with my other recoveries, but still manageable. I will say that I was nervous about getting an epidural because of how I felt after Jillian's birth. Thankfully, I have not felt anywhere near that tired/sore. It may have been more that it was my first birth than the epidural itself.

Nursing is going well, but I can definitely see why people give up. I'm really tired and sore. I got a little relief when I went to a lactation consultant appointment. They gave me a special ointment, and that helps. However, getting Lexie to latch and stay that way the whole feeding has been a challenge. Hopefully we'll continue to work at it, and figure it out.

So there you have it. The final birth story in the Coghill Chronicles :) Our 4th and final baby is here, healthy, and a perfect fit!

Now enjoy the pictures :)

{Last bump picture!}

{Here she is!}

{She was still covered in vernix, and was my cheesiest baby :)}

{All swaddled up and cuddling with daddy <3}

{Sleep deprived, but happy mama}

{Little Lexie Grace}

{Sweet dreams}

{Getting some daddy time in}

Friday, August 4, 2017

Baby C: Final Fourth is Here

Alexandra Grace was born yesterday, 8/3 at 12:50 pm! She is 7 lbs 2 oz, 19.25 inches long. She and mama are recovering well :)

More details to follow!

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Baby C: Final Fourth Week 39 Update


Alright y'all, I'm having a baby today! I am off to the hospital for my induction, and I can't wait to meet Miss Lexie Grace! The last 10 (ish) days have felt like forever. We did so much to finish up our to-do list, and be ready for her arrival. Plus, throw in a 1st birthday, and it was complete chaos and emotional meltdowns from everyone but Phil. However, we've made it! Let's review this last week of my last pregnancy!

Today's date: August 3, 2017

How far along: 39 Weeks

Total weight gain: 25 pounds

Size and growth of baby: Final Fourth is the size of a mini-watermelon, a small pumpkin, or a French grain sack! She is anywhere around 6-1/2 to 7 pounds, and 19-21 inches long, (we'll find out on her birthday!). Organs are ready for life outside the womb, and she is pretty much out of wiggle room.Final Fourth's brain is still developing rapidly! {via and via}

Baby is a: girl!

Maternity clothing: It barely fits, but yup!

Sleep: I slept lots this week. It may not have been for long, or even super restful, but I did get plenty of body resting time. I would wake up once a night to pee. I usually slept hard, so my hip was extra frozen, so I would take awhile to get there and back.

Movement: Lexie has been resting up for today as well. She would be pretty quiet, but always got her kick count in 10 minutes or less at bedtime. I, on the other hand, had a really hard time moving this week. My lower back, and left hip joint were in lots of pain. I grimaced and waddled everywhere.

Cravings/Aversions: Main cravings were food. I was hungry this week! Aversions were anything that smelled/sounded bad at the time.

Morning Sickness: Some nausea here and there, mostly due to acid reflux.

Symptoms: Acid reflux any time of day, painful movements, light contractions, lower back pain, loss of appetite, GI issues, out of breath, tired, nesting, itchy spots/poison ivy patches on skin, leaking colostrum a little, inability to bend forward, big baby bump, gassy, easily irritated, emotional mess, sore breasts, peeing lots, swelling in feet (though mostly the right side), dried nose/bloody nose, and belly pain

Labor Signs: I have been having some pelvic pain/pressure, and some painful contractions. I was only at 1 cm last week, so I'm not sure where I'll be when I check in this morning. I guess we'll see!

Belly button in or out: In

How this pregnancy is different than the first three: Pretty much the same!

The best moment of this past week: My friend's shower, the two special birthdays in my family, and having a clean house!

What I miss: Not a thing :)

I'm looking forward to: Meeting Lexie, and showing her off!
Now to compare pregnancy bumps :)

{Left: Jillian 2011 Middle Left: David 2013} 
{
Middle Right: Lottie 2016 Right: Lexie 2017}

Lexie Bump Comparison:

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Lottie: {Twelve Months}

Lottie –

You are twelve months old! It's official, you are now a whole year old. I now have to refer to you in years instead of months! 

According to our at home measurements, you are 21 lbs, 7 oz and 29-1/2 inches long. You'll have a appointment at the end of the month, so I'll do your official stats then.

12 Month, and a few 12-18/18 Month clothes are what you are wearing. There are a few 9 Month outfits that could still fit, but we'd really be pushing it. You wear size 4 diapers, as well as special overnight diapers to keep you from having leaks at night. You can wear size 2 or 3 shoes, but you don't really like anything on your feet.

You are eating 5 sippy cups of whole milk, and snack about 3 times a day. Like your siblings before you, you don't like to eat a whole meal. The main preference is to snack as you please. You drink whole milk in your sippy cups, but will only drink water in a bottle. The milk does have you pretty backed up, so we're trying our best to keep you comfortable. Hopefully it'll resolve soon! You will eat baby food sometimes, but you do like some table foods. Your main favorites are: Cheerios, puffs, noodles, bread, donut holes, ham or turkey deli meat, shredded cheese, and chicken. You tried some yogurt, but haven't quite decided if you like it yet. You'll get to try cake and frosting for the first time tonight, and I'm certain you'll at least like the cake :)

You sleep from about 8:30 pm to 7 or 7:30 am. You take 1 nap during the day, abut the time, and length, are always changing. We decided that you sleeping through the night is more important to us. You sleep in your swing best, but your new sister will need it soon. We've tried getting you to nap in your bed, but you don't sleep very long. We may just have to deal with it anyways. You are a big tummy sleeper. Also, you cry out in your sleep overnight, and sometimes during naps, but you're not fully awake. We usually don't even need to do anything. I'm very curious why that is, but it doesn't seem to bother you much.

Bath is good with you. You don't love it, but you definitely don't hate it. You like certain bath toys, and really love using your inflatable ducky tub. However, once bath is over, you expect us to get you dressed, and deliver your milk ASAP. If we're too slow, you let us know!

You now have six teeth! The bottom and top two are out and about, and the top and bottom on your right side are as well. It seems like you're working on the left side, but we haven't felt anything lately. Sleep was a little rough, and you were a little fussy, but nothing major. However, those molars may be an issue with you. You drool a LOT when you're cutting teeth, but we certainly don't mind ;) Still no pacifier for you, and chewing/putting whatever you can find in your mouth is still a daily thing.

You are one active lady! Climbing, sliding, cruising, rolling... you name it, you can do it! You walk stiff-legged, i.e. no bending of your knees, but you don't seem interested in doing more than cruising. You love being held and carried, so you may still not walk until closer to 15 months. Whenever you're ready, sweet thang! You want to be everywhere, and get frustrated easily if you can't get there on your own. However, you don't try super hard, as if you are waiting for someone to help you. We get it! You probably just assume someone will come help the cute baby, right? HAHAHA You can clap flat handed, and wave.

Overall, you have been a wonderful baby! You don't cry all that often, you smile, you are friendly, and you are a sweet snuggler! You are pretty easy-going with whatever our schedule looks like. We just always have to bring a drink, a snack, diapers, and a change of clothes ;) We love to joke that you don't blink all that often, but that just means you'll be good at staring contests! You like your older siblings, but they either ignore you or bombard you with attention. The best is having all three of you blowing raspberries and giggling together :) You like to be tickled, and enjoy dancing to music. You finally said "mama" this month, and "dada" is the only other audible word you say. However, you babble quite a bit, and can be talkative if you choose. We're not terribly worried about your speech just yet.

We didn't really celebrate the 4th of July since mama is so pregnant. However, you are going to be a big sister in just 2 days! I hope you know that we cherished every single milestone with you, even with the anticipation of a new baby so soon after your arrival. It's been a blast experiencing everything first again through your eyes!

Things you love: being tickled, food (especially milk; you cry when your cup is empty), watching brother make silly faces, chewing on everything, getting attention, crawling, exploring the living room, "petting" Olive, blankets on your face, being with people (especially mommy and daddy), your sound machine giraffe, your special song mommy sings with your name, and being held. You don't enjoy: being hungry, being tired, being in a chair or swing when you want to be held instead, and loud barking.

Lottie Liza May, you have my whole heart! This has quite honestly been the fastest year of my entire life. In just a few days, you'll be a big sister, and I don't know how either of us will handle that transition. However, I know you, and I know you will be just as happy, sunshine-y, and sweet as you have been from the moment I first held you. I'm so very honored to be your mother, and I want you to remember how special you truly are to your daddy and me. Happy 1st birthday, to my beautiful Vanilla Bean Latte.

And now a few outtakes:
{Loving our new Daniel Tiger doll!}

{Can we have that so we can see your sticker, girlfriend?}

{#tfw you're excited and frustrated}

{Teasing with Daniel to get a smile}

{And we're done...}

{Sweet girl and her pink bear <3}

{Looks like she's trying to make her bear wave HAHA}

{Spooky stories, or trying to fly away?}

And a few comparisons :)
{Months 1-3}
{Months 4-6}
{Months 7-9}
{Months 10-12}

And just for fun:
{Months 1, 6, and 12}

{Left: Jillian 12/2012 Middle: David 12/2014 Right: Lottie 8/2017}

But I Know What It Feels Like

This post is going to be awfully vulnerable and hard for me, but I really want to finally say it out loud. I got permission for my daughter ...