Baby Name Vote and Update

I went in last week for my 30 weeks appointment. Everything checked out fine. I had not gained any more weight, the baby's heartrate was great, and my heartburn still rages on. Also, since my early contractions in the hospital at 28 weeks I have not had any long, serious episodes again. The thing that took my doctor and I by surprise was that I measured one week early. At this point in my other two pregnancies I was about 2 if not 3 weeks behind in measurement. So, this could mean several things: 1) I could for once have a big baby, 2) This baby could be very long and tall (yes, we do have a few of those genes in our blood-line), or 3) Since we weren't planning on getting pregnant, we have no idea when we got pregnant, and the whole estimated due date could be wrong. So, then came this Monday, September 29. I didn't feel baby all day and finally that night got a few movements out of her. I went in to see the doctor the next morning. Almost all of her vitals checked out great. The only thing she seemed to have problems with was the breathing motion. Also, she has been breech, but an ultrasound showed that she is transverse/sideways across my belly. Her legs and her body show her stuck in the start of a cartwheel motion. So, it apears as if she is trying to turn herself down to be in the correct birthing position, but she might be getting stuck. This would most likely explain why she stopped moving. She might be in a bad position that is very uncomfortable for her body and therefore she can't move, or she doesn't have enough energy to move. She has been moving pretty well the last two days...just a little less again today. She does best when I lay down on my left or right side, but doesn't move much otherwise. My doctor told me to count her movements after I eat each meal. If she starts to move less than the required 10 movements in an hour after meals I must go in for another exam again. We don't want her to get in a postion that makes her body struggle. I believe that she will be fine. I really believe in the best and think the worst of her situation is behind her and that she will get in a more comfortable and sutable position for her continued development. I think she is so sweet and selfless to try to help her mommy out by at least attempting to flip herself for a vaginal delivery. We are continuing to pray for what we think is best: a completely healthy baby, and a vaginal delivery no earlier than 36 weeks. We also trust God and know He knows this baby better than us and is taking better care of her than we could ever do.

Okay, so we are down to two names...we think. Aaris and Aaron like one the best, and I like the other the best. You can tell us which one you like the best. Take a vote between the two names listed on the right of my blog if you want.

Titus's 2 Year Check-Up

Since I don't have time to scrapbook like I would like, I am using this blog as my own personal substitute for that sometimes. So, apologies for this blog and the sole purpose of it being for my own records.

Titus went in on Monday, Sept. 22, for his 2 year check up. He did so wonderful. The doctor kept saying that she couldn't believe how great he was doing, especially for only being two. He weighed in at 23 lbs which is around the 5% range. His height was 32 1/4 which is in the 5-10% range and his head was in the 25-50% range. I felt absolutely horrible when he got two of his vaccine shots because he was not expecting them. He had been such a good boy and I felt like he didn't understand why he was getting hurt for having been so well. He walked funny for half of the day because he was in pain. We did go to the donut store immediately afterwards, but even that didn't lift his spirits too much. It can be tough being so little sometimes. I absolutely adore him and still think of him as my baby boy. I just can't believe he is already two.

Titus's Birthday at Home

On the evening of Titus's birthday we went to Cafe 1626 to eat pizza, to watch the Longhorn football game on a huge screen, and for the kids to run around in the arcade (they pretend play for now using no money). Then, we came home and opened Titus's presents from us. We were very blessed this year to only buy about 3 presents for him. The rest were wonderful hand-me-downs from friends. And, Aaron's Aunt Di and Uncle Rick always are so generous and send a present. One of the gifts we got Titus was a sleeping bag that is inflatable for extra comfort. I wish I had one of those growing up. Aaron really wanted to give him this present because he wants to start taking him on more camp outs, including the father/son camp out sponsored by our church in November. Titus loved it. That night when we said it was time for bed he ran straight to the sleeping bag and started to crawl in.

Big Boy Bed

*****UPDATE: Tuesday night, September 30, was Titus's first night to not get out of bed any until the next morning!!*****

On Titus's birthday we decided to move him over to the bunk beds with Aaris. This needed to happen very soon anyway, since the new baby will need to use the crib. He didn't cry when going to bed the first two nights, but enjoyed the freedom of being able to get out of bed and open and close the door waaaaaaaaay too much. He also had an ear infection and cried for me and got out of bed for me waaaaaaaaaaay too many times in the middle of the night. The third night was the hardest. He cried to not go to bed. We had 2 hours of crying, time-outs, and putting him back in bed over, and over, and over again. Since then he only gets out of bed and opens the door one time right after going to bed. He was still waking up several times in the middle of the night and coming to mommy and daddy's room wanting to sleep with us (which didn't happen). This is a strange thing because we have never put him in our bed to sleep with us (not counting the 3 times he was really sick and I thought it would help, but it didn't). But, last night was the first time he slept all night long in the bunk beds without getting out to come to our bed!!!! Yea!!!!!!!!!! And for all you boys out there, yes, the room is girly, but he is getting Spiderman sheets for Christmas. Plus, if we get to move, his and Aaris's room will be of non-gender specific decorations. Oh, and Aaron definitely clams him as his son since they have the same need for sleep...which is not very much. Titus likes to stay awake in his bed for 30 min. - 1 hour singing and such. Then, he likes to wakes up around 7:00 am or before. I'm trying to move his nap time up in the day, and make it shorter, hoping he will fall to sleep earlier. Poor Aaris has been so patient. She likes to fall asleep as soon as she gets in bed and then not wake up until 8:00 or 8:30. She needs sleep like her mommy. So far I'm really happy with the transition and I know that before long the routine will be comfortable for us all.


This is a picture of Titus's first night in the bunk beds.

Titus turns Two

Saturday, September 20, was Titus's 2nd year birthday and the day of his party. We had the party at Zilker Park. The kids had fun running free. We all then rode the kiddie train around the park after singing "Happy Birthday" and eating cake. It was a little hot, but I thank all the mom's and dad's who went ahead and brought their kids out to help us celebrate. Titus didn't want to blow his candles out that day, but ever since then he likes to sing the song and blow at thin air. I found out 2 days later that his slight cold I thought he was getting actually gave him an ear infection, so I'm very proud of him for being as decently pleasant as he was. He's not the big crowd, social type, anyway, but he hung in there. We thank everyone for his birthday presents. It was great for him to finally receive and be able to play with real boy toys instead of Aaris's girly things.

One of my favorite pictures is of Titus with all of his friends. I truly hope that Titus will be blessed to grow up with these kids and be surrounded by a strong group of christian influences. I pray this for all of them.

Again, thanks everyone for making this a special day!

Special Night With Daddy

On Friday night, Sept. 19, Aaris and Aaron went to a father/daughter banquet sponsored by our church. It was held at The Plantation House which is a beautiful wedding/events house and gardens owned by some members at our church. Aaris had it marked in her calendar for weeks and was full of excitement. We got her dressed up that afternoon and then drove her to Aaron's office to meet him right after work. When we got off the elevator Aaron was standing right there waiting for her holding a single red rose. Aaris was in awe. The rose was probably her favorite thing of the whole night. Aaron said that she showed it to everyone and told everyone about it all night long. And, as soon as she arrived home, before she would tell me about anything, she wanted to make sure we put it in some water. It went straight to her bedside and is still there. She loved telling me about the carriage ride (that was only pulled by one horse even though Cinderella's was pulled by more...made a point to tell me this). She couldn't finish her desserts because she was so full. She forgot to wear a crown, so they gave her one when she got there. She got to hold a microphone and tell everyone about how much she liked her daddy's suit. She got to sit at a table with her best friend Sara. And, she got to dance with Daddy. They didn't get home until 10:15 p.m.. Aaron was to the point of sickness because of wearing the hot suit and twirling with Aaris through every single song. She is now asking when she can go on another special date with Daddy and doesn't want to wait until next year.

Aaron said his favorite part of the night was when they stopped to look up at the sky. The stars were hard to see, but Aaris noticed one very bright one and decided that must be the wishing star. Aaron asked Aaris what she wanted to wish for. Aaris's said, "I want to go to heaven soon." Then, she asked what Aaron wanted to wish for. Aaron said, "I want to go to heaven with you soon, too."

P.S. I was so mad that I forgot to bring our camera, so all I could pull off were a few pictures with my phone.

7 months

I hit the 7 months mark last week! It is so hard to believe that I'm in my last trimester! So far I've gained 15 lbs., which more than I had gained at this point with my other two. But, as my mother keeps reminding me, this is my third pregnancy! I did have a minor run in with early contractions last week as well, but am pretty sure that those are under control. I just need to make sure that I can hold out on those for 7 more weeks! I think the key will be LOTS of water. Aaris keeps wanting Thanksgiving to be here so that baby will be here. We are still trying to commit to a name. We think we have one, but aren't 100% sure yet. We'll let you know when we know. :) This little girl is really moving a lot. I get such pure joy from just sitting and watching her move in my belly. Sometimes I feel like I can feel her every move, even down to her fingers and toes. I know I won't be able to remember just how awing it really is to experience, but I'm trying to take it in as much as I can!