Monday, February 23, 2015

The latest and greatest.

So last week was a great week here. At the beginning of the week I had a sonogram. My dad baby sat while my mom went to the appointment with me, and we got to see the baby. After the appointment, she and I were the first to find out that baby crane 2 is a healthy baby boy. It's pretty amazing, this non-invasive blood test screens for a bunch or different trisomes/chromosomal abnormalities. All the results came back with the lowest risk possible. The added bonus is the test detects Y chromosomes so you get an extremely accurate read on the sex of the baby. 

They also saw my bleed was gone but since I had to wait a few days to find out that my pelvic rest was lifted, my parents helped a lot that week. 

That Monday we all laid low, played with Hartley and ordered pizza for lunch. 

Tuesday Brian worked from home due to the weather. But he did break for lunch and took us out to Clyde's. Hartley ate off the kids menu from the first time, and she loved it. I just loved getting out of the house and spending time with our little family. 

Wednesday and Thursday my mom came to spend time with Hartley and I. She's been really helpful, and we loved having her with us during the day. We can't wait until she retires! Our day Thursday was particularly fun. We went out to lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then my mom took us shopping. She bought lots of clothes for BOTH of the babies and a sweet woobie for Hartley. It was a lot of fun. 

Friday I was sad that my mom wasn't coming but my dad was here. Which leads to the new tidbit of Crane's Nest news: we're remodeling our master bathroom. 

Current photos:




Our master bathroom is very small, so this isn't going to be some insane makeover. But our shower was disgusting, no matter how well it was cleaned. It's an almost 30 year old builder's grade bathroom that has been treated with little love and care. Before we purchased our house it was an income property and it was treated like one. So my dad is redoing the entire bathroom. We're taking it relatively slow with the project as my dad has a job outside just renovating his kids' houses. So Brian, Hartley and I are sharing Hartley's bathroom, which was beautifully done by my dad as well. 

We are also in the process of emptying out the lady cave and moving its contents into the basement. 

So the house is very much "in flux" currently. 

I haven't had the energy to match my level of nesting instincts but the urge to nest is much stronger this pregnancy. I think that's probably because having a family of 4 in a 3 bedroom townhome is more of a squeeze; this addition is requiring us to purge and donate more crap. It was extremely daunting at first but this past Saturday during Hartley's nap Brian and I just started. We had to start somewhere so we took a big trash bag and some moving boxes into the lady cave. It's moving into the basement, and we will have a more functional basement that holds all family members' overflow. 

The kids bedrooms are very small, which isn't a problem with young children as long as we use the basement to store their excess books, toys, miscellaneous. The basement will house my desk, which I'll of course share with Brian. My crafting supplies will be down there. And there's still plenty of space for Brian's weights, TVs, DVDs and video game consoles. 

We are also currently price shopping for getting our windows replaced. Not only are our windows drafty but half of them don't open, and having the babies in rooms with windows that don't open scares the hell out of me. (We were advised to replace them when the home inspector walked through 2.5 years ago so at least we're finally getting to it!)

So while life is good, our house has become a total work in progress again. But let's be real, tweaking the house and putting in a little work is a million times easier than moving. Plus, it's been kind of nice going through and purging what we don't need. I love that feeling of simplifying, even if the cancer in me has trouble parting with all the old Christmas cards! 

I'm also excited to "put together" the kids' rooms. Paint and furniture obviously will stay the same but doing a few smaller tweaks with the organization and decor will be fun. 

In Hartley news, she's loving taking baths in the big tub now and learning to love new foods. Bananas, cheerios and watermelon are pretty much the major loves of her life but we're trying to push some meats and vegetables. She loves story time, dancing and Sesame Street. Oh, and she runs now. Yep, just runs around the first floor like a maniac. It's adorable. 

In Page news, I've become religious with my medicine, and it makes me feel almost as good as my normal self. Yay! Thank you, modern medicine. 

In Brian news, work is really, really busy. 

And that's all there is. There isn't anymore. (Yep, Madeline is big around here, too.) 

Monday, February 16, 2015

It's a...

BOY!

And I have been so excited since I found out this morning. 

Like I've said before, I would truly have been thrilled with either sex, and I really do mean that. But today, when the nurse showed me the test results for a healthy baby boy, I actually cried happy tears. In that moment I realized that a couple years ago we never knew if we would have a child, and here I am now with a beautiful, healthy little girl and a heathy baby boy on the way. In that moment tears came because I was just thanking God for being so good to us. I feel very fortunate to get to be the mom to a daughter AND a son. 

To be honest, I haven't enjoyed this pregnancy. It has been wrought with horrible morning sickness and a very large amount of anxiety. But today I got to stop thinking about that crap and think about how, at the end of the summer, I'll get to hold my baby boy. 

The bleed still exists but it is smaller. I'm on pelvic rest until the radiologist reviews the ultrasound and my doctor decides to lift my restrictions. I'm okay with that especially because I have gotten a ton of help from my parents. I'm positive and know that once my rest restrictions are lifted I'll still try to be as safe as possible. 

I can't lie, I spent Hartley's afternoon nap browsing baby boy stuff online. I'm kind of traditional where I like baby boys in soft colors, especially baby blue. It must make me an old lady though because only department stores seem to do that anymore! Lord and Taylor, here I come ;) 

I still like a nautical nursery but I'm totally not a fan of the red and navy blue stuff. I'm more into light blue, muted orange or yellow, and white. We'll see if I can bring my vision to life. Since I put effort into Hartley's nursery, I'd like to try to do the same this time. Let's just hope I have the energy. 

Hartley is moving into the lady cave before the next baby arrives. It's already a beautiful color - "vintage white" by SW. It's more of a very soft yellow cream, my favorite paint color in the whole house. She'll get a new dresser, keep her crib, and I'll make some new art. I'm happy because I prefer that room color for her and blue works perfectly for a boy nursery. 

I keep saying "boy" but he has a name. Some people might think that's nuts but we picked out his name back in the day of trying to conceive Miss H! Our newest addition will be Patrick Godfrey Crane. Patrick is a name we both like but is also Brian's middle name. It's our way of making him a "Brian Jr." but without the name confusion! And Godfrey is my maiden name which I've always known I would like to pass down to a boy. He'll have the same intials as his mama: PGC! 

I'm very excited to see the relationship between Hartley and her little brother. I think she's going to make a terrific big sister and can't wait to watch their Hartley and Patrick antics and adventures! 

Now it's time for me to calm down from all the excitement of today and watch some grade A trashy tv.

As always there will be updates to follow! 




Sunday, February 15, 2015

Sick, Love Day & New Baby Thoughts

This past week got off to a little bit of a rough start. 

I felt so fabulous on Hartley's birthday that I decided I probably didn't need to be taking 2 morning sickness medications. So Monday, I stopped the Diclegis. That night I went to the movies with a girlfriend. We saw Pretty Woman at the Alamo so you know I had to get fried pickles and a milkshake. After I dropped her off, I started feeling really nauseous but figured the food had just been too much. 

Well, I woke up slightly after midnight and was violently sick. Brian's work is very busy right now so he couldn't stay home. So I took care of Hartley on the sickest day of my pregnancy. Think stomach flu or food poisoning level of sick. I begged him to come home early, so he made it home at 4 and took Hartley. Once I thought I could keep pills down, I went right back on both medicines and realized that just needs to be my regimen for a while longer. 

Wednesday my week took a dramatic turn for the better. My mom and dad have been very generous with their help, especially when I'm on pelvic rest. I'm not supposed to lift Hartley so whenever they can come do the heavy lifting for me, they do. It has been a godsend, especially during Brian's busy time at work. 

Wednesday and Thursday my mom came and helped me. She did everything from playing with Hartley to changing diapers to cleaning my bathroom. She let me lay down so I could get rest. Friday my dad came and let me lay down while he entertained Hartley. And come Friday afternoon, I felt like a well-rested, happy human. It's amazing how much the extra help made a huge difference in my week. 

Valentine's Day was nice. Brian took Hartley to the grocery store so I could laze around. But when they were home we all sat in the Iiving room and read books, listened to music and played. It was really nice to lay low as a family and not put pressure on ourselves to do anything other than veg out. 



Brian and I had plans to go to Bonefish Grill for Valentine's dinner; that's where we went for our first Valentine's Day together in 2007. My parents offered to come baby sit, and I was really excited to go to a nice dinner this year. Well, it was snowing but halfway there it turned into a full on white out, when you can't see anything in front of you. It was terrifying. I freaked out, told Brian to take whatever exit we could see so we could turn around and go home. We almost drove off the road and definitely lost control of the car a couple times but Brian stayed very brave, and we made it home safely. Afterwards he told me he was pretty freaked out too because he couldn't see anything. So we received the Valentine's gift of seeing another day! And we put Hartley to bed together, and that made it the most special Valentine's Day yet.  


Of course I forgot to take my medicine last night so this morning has been a little unpleasant. But since we should find out baby 2's gender this week, I'm researching nursery ideas, and that's making me feel better. I'm drawing a blank for a girl to be honest; the only ideas I have mean repainting the nursery so I'd have to figure out how to bribe someone to do that! For a boy, I really like a nautical theme. Not nautical in the preppy way that Pottery Barn does it but I don't quite know how to describe it. I found a fabric at minted that summarizes what I like perfectly but I'm unsure if I should attempt making a quilt all by myself. We are reusing the nursery for the new baby and moving Hartley into the lady cave so the walls are already blue if my boy prediction is right. 

I mean, adorable, right?


This is pretty cute, too:


In rereading that it may sound like I'm "rooting" for a boy but I'm not rooting for one over the other. I'm truly happy with either! I do get excited to find out though because I find it helps me bond better. It helps me visualize our son or daughter, so when I feel awful I know it's for a good reason. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful love day. I also hope everyone is hibernating and staying warm today! Wind Chill of -15? Seriously?! 

Monday, February 9, 2015

The 1 year check up and pregnancy

Today we went to Hartley's 1 year well visit. I knew it likely wouldn't be too eventful, basically what you hope for when you go to the doctor, right?

From everything I've read Hartley is hitting her milestones on time, if not early, so I had no concerns there. The doctor confirmed that she's both physically and verbally advanced. I can tell by looking at her that her growth is not an issue. The doctor confirmed that also, saying that Hartley is following her growth curve perfectly. 

My main concerns are eating (because she really doesn't like eating unless its puffs or cheerios) and her skin (by far the most sensitive baby skin I've ever seen). 

With her eating "people" food, the doctor told me I just need to start now. That I need to not offer Cheerios or puffs and offer her what we eat. No more purees. She said after a few days Hartley will learn she has to hop on board and will eat when she's hungry. She said its great that Hartley is good with her sippy cup, and that soon we should have her using it for just milk and water. We devised a plan to ween her off formula. 

It's all a little daunting and feels like a really big change. I keep thinking about putting her down for a nap not using a bottle and that's totally confusing to me! 

But I did give her a "big girl" meal when we got home from the doctor: macaroni and cheese, diced chicken and water in her Cookie Monster sippy cup. She did awesome! And it was the best meal she's eaten in a long time. Proof:


As far as her skin goes, she apparently just has extremely sensitive, extremely dry skin. The doctor said we've been doing an awesome job already. Seriously, up keeping that chid's skin is a job in itself. She suggested we all switch to All Free and Clear detergent (Brian and I already do that for our own skin). She said we could mix some hydrocortisone ointment in when we use aquaphor. She suggested sensitive wipes (we already do that). She also recommended special sensitive skin diapers. Ugh, I have about 300 size 4 diapers I refuse let go to waste so we're not switching quite yet. 

Of course the appointment ended with getting shots! Wahoo! After all the measles crap lately I was so happy to have Hartley get the MMR vaccine. Yes, I'm a very pro vaccine mama, zero apologies. 

Now for the less exciting updates, I'm doing pretty well. Knock on wood. I haven't thrown up in over 48 hours! I'm currently on Diclegis AND Zofran for morning sickness. Last pregnancy I didn't start medicating until 12 weeks. This time I couldn't hold out; at 9 weeks I started Diclegis. I increased to the highest dosage at 11 weeks. When that was failing, I desperately called them for a Zofran prescription. My goal is to just be on Zofran soon; I find it works much better than Diclegis (at least for me). 

Honestly, my morning sickness has pretty much caused me to feel depressed. It's very hard to be sick like that and take care of a toddler. But I'm hopeful that I'll have it under control soon.

The other malady is that I'm on pelvic rest which means no sex (totally don't care), no exercise, limited stair use, no long walks, and no lifting over 20 pounds (aka my child). It's very hard for me. Last pregnancy I could've easily handled  those restrictions but nowadays it's impossible.
 
My mom is coming over to help me on Wednesday and Thursday, which is huge. She literally requested off work just to help me, which even Brian really hasn't done. 

I was on pelvic rest from 6 weeks to 9 weeks. I thought they said my subchorionic hematoma had healed (the tech made to sound that way) so I went back to life as usual. Well, at my 12 week ultrasound, the hematoma had grown. So it's back to pelvic rest and praying I'm not put on full bed rest. My parents have been tremendously helpful during all of this. But outside that I have to care for a heavy, active toddler solo for about 55 hours a week, and it's hard. It's hard to balance caring my myself, Hartley and baby 2. I obviously break the lifting restriction daily; I have no choice. But I don't go anywhere just Hartey and I because it means a lot of lifting her that I don't need to do at home. 

Enough of the not so great pregnancy stuff. I'm excited that we are finding out the gender early this time! We did a blood test and will know within the next couple weeks. I honestly needed that this pregnancy. I find knowing the gender helps me bond better. I'm going to buy a new outfit as soon as that envelope arrives! 

That really is what life is like here lately. Somedays are rough but when I stop to look at things big picture, I know we're all very lucky. I worry a lot more during this pregnancy than last time but in my heart I know all of it will end well. Oh, and I countdown to weekends and days that my parents come to help. Thank God for extra hands! 

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Mushy Mom Thoughts & Some Birthday Pictures

So I write this blog entry as all my sweeties sleep. 

Life has changed so much this past year.

A year ago I was laying in a hospital bed holding my brand new baby. I was exhausted and weepy. While I loved Hartley, I felt pretty unsure of everything I was doing, and I was a little afraid. I looked down at the gorgeous little person I had just given birth to and just remember thinking, "I'm going to keep you safe and we'll figure out the rest as we go". 

A year has passed, and like I said I'm laying here while Brian, Hartley and Winnie nap. I lay here with another baby growing inside me, and it feels surreal at how much a year changes things. 

I'm no longer that uncertain mother. Hartley is no longer a teeny stranger to me. She is my daughter who I love to the greatest depth imaginable. She's helped me grow so much. She's teaching me patience and perspective. She's teaching me to stop and savor the little things. Kind of like how I'm savoring this quiet moment of peace right now. 

A very good friend told me today that outside today being Hartley's birthday I should also celebrate what a wonderful job I've done with Hartley this past year. She told me being Hartley's mom is a role I was born to play. I've decided she's right. Today I've given myself a quiet pat on the back, something all moms should do each year as they recognize their child's birthday. 

While we decided not to do a giant first birthday party, Hartley had a weekend of celebrating her birthday in the ways she loves best. 

She had a play date with her bud Kyle. Brian and I took her out to dinner and to buy her first pair of shoes. 

We took her new shoes for a spin at Great Falls Park. She absolutely loved it. 

This morning she got to watch Sesame Street music videos, which she loved. She had chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.

For her party, she got to walk around the family room while her parents, nana, poppy, grandma, uncle Andrew, aunt Caroline and uncle Matt watched her put on her show. We had an easy lunch that Brian picked up from noodles and company. My mom made Hartley's cake and cupcakes for everyone else. After everyone left and Hartley was totally worn out, my No Nap Nelly decided to nap after all. 

You know those days that all moms have where they feel exhausted and challenged? I've had a lot of those recently. I'm learning it's hard to be pregnant and still be a fun, energetic mom for Hartley. I've let myself feel defeated lately because of it. But on days like this I look at the big picture and realize life is very good. 

That sweet little baby is growing to be a sweet, energetic, happy little girl. Looking back on this year with her, I wouldn't change a thing - not even the tougher days, where I learned so much. 

So in pictures, this was our weekend celebrating the birthday of our beautiful little girl. May she always be this easy to please ;)

And my these are from an assortment of cameras. I might have to have a picture blog dedicated to all the great ones my future sister in law took! 



















After I wrote this we hit up the playground:















Thursday, February 5, 2015

Baby Crane 2


I am relieved to finally put my pregnancy out there. I hate keeping secrets! This has been a hard secret to keep too because I seriously don't do well with the first trimester. 

The first thing I want to share is that this pregnancy was a big surprise to both Brian and I. We didn't think I could conceive naturally. So if you calculated my babies' age difference and thought, "woah, 18 months apart!?" - that was my first thought, too! 

We both feel incredibly blessed and lucky. While this baby was unplanned, it is an absolutely welcomed surprise and already a very loved new addition to our family. I also feel tremendously fortunate to get to experience a whole different kind of miracle.

I found out i was pregnant on December 5th. Hartley and I had plans to meet up with a friend and her son that day but I woke up feeling really lousy so I canceled. I had the most bizarre gut feeling that I was pregnant. It went against all my sensibilities but I felt the exact same way I did right before I found out I was pregnant with Hartley.

When I went to buy a pregnancy test I couldn't even tell Brian. I knew he'd tell me I was wasting money. I told my friend Sabrina. I knew she probably thought I was nuts too but at least she'd support my crazy pregnancy test purchase. 

Well, sure enough, the test was positive. Of course I called Brian right away to tell him. There isn't a word in the English language to describe our shock/confusion/disbelief. I talked to Sabrina right after calling Brian and I just remember saying the word "weird" on repeat.

I took pregnancy tests everyday after that for a long time.

Now here I am at 12 weeks, 5 days, and I'm thrilled the world can know. 

It's been a rough pregnancy so far. I've been very sick, exhausted, and moody. Sadly, I'm finding this pregnancy to be harder than the first but that may have something to do with having a toddler tornado on my hands, too! I am currently on pelvic rest for a hematoma, basically a blood clot in my uterus. But the baby looks very healthy and active which makes me happy and optimistic! 

I realize that I'm now that story of "that person that did IVF and got pregnant naturally", and I'm pretty excited that I get to be one of those! 

So thanks to all for the well wishes and kind words. Brian and I really appreciate that. We felt an overwhelming amount of love and support during my pregnancy with Hartley, and it's wonderful to feel all of that again! 

I will post updates whenever Hartley isn't wearing me out but the main take away so far is shock mixed with excitement and joy. And also, lots of "morning" sickness, exhaustion and now, pelvic rest. 

Monday, February 2, 2015

Year One In Review

A year ago I was nervous for all the things that were about to happen but incredibly excited to meet you. Your nana actually had a brilliant analogy about that last bit of pregnancy. She told me that it's like a roller coaster, and that last bit of pregnancy right before labor is the tick, tick, tick as you get to the very top of the incline before you drop. There is a bizarre mixture of excitement and nerves, and what happens next is impossible to be fully prepared for. 


Leading up to your birth, I labored a long time. I don't think you were quite ready to enter the world yet but the world was pretty eager for you to arrive! 

When you got here, you were the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen. 



Those first few weeks were rough. You were an itty bitty beauty and there were lots of sweet snuggles but there was little sleep and lots of tears. I now savor the pictures of that stage because living it was just a complete blur. I know it was a very difficult time but sometimes I see those pictures and just want to hold my teeny peanut again. 


It took a couple months for us to get the hang of the day to day stuff. 

When Spring came, you and I started venturing out more. We took lots of walks. I got the hang of taking you places by myself. You were really starting to become less of a newborn and more of a baby. In turn, you were smiling more and making sweet baby noises.


I'd read to you. I'd have you do tummy time.

You went through a long phase of stranger anxiety so you didn't care for going to other people's houses or being in large, loud groups. That was really rough on your dad and I. Luckily you slept through your first Easter but your baptism reception didn't get quite the same luck.



Your first milestone outside smiling was rolling over. Your dad and I both got to be there for it and were very proud parents.


Nana and poppy helped out a lot with you; they would baby sit you a lot. I think they were the first people outside your dad and I that you really recognized. (Now you light up when you see them walk through the door) 


The summer was full of family walks. It included your first trip to the pool, which you didn't love. We learned later you actually love the water but we just had taken you when the water was too cold! 


It also marked your first road trip: Charleston, SC. We went to the beach for a week. You tolerated the beach but really loved splashing in the pool the most. The week ended with a beautiful beach wedding; that's when Aunt Laura and Uncle Brian got married! 

At the end of summer, mom and dad spent their first night away from you to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary in Annapolis. Nana and Poppy stayed with you, and you had a great time. 

Then you attended another wedding! Aunt Emily and Uncle Paul got married in DC, and it was your first time going into the city. I was nervous for how you'd do with so many people but you were an angel! 

In the fall you learned to crawl, and that was life-changing for all of us. You quickly got into anything and everything. This is when you really blossomed. It really let us know how independent, active and explorative you really are. You also took swimming lessons, and absolutely loved the water. Not to mention, you were a total ham in class. 

You celebrated you first Halloween by dressing as a mouse. You sat on the front lawn with mom and dad and "helped" handing out candy. 



Soon you were pulling up on things and standing without help. At your 9 month appointment, the doctor was so impressed as you literally just stood on your own in the middle of the room!




Your first Thanksgiving you watched the Thanksgiving parade in your pajamas, which was a tradition in my family that I decided we should continue with you. You picked at your Thanksgiving feast. I'd say you loved eating it but you really just loved getting very messy! 


By December you were saying a couple words and babbling up a storm. You were cruising. Everyday we thought you could easily take your first steps. You took your first step a few days before Christmas.



For Christmas, you got to see all your grandparents and most of your aunts and uncles. You weren't into present opening at all but you loved all the gifts you got. A few days after Christmas we went out to Maryland so you could see your great grandparents and your godmother. The rest of Christmas break was spent hibernating and relaxing. 




Winter has been a little tough. You're a full fledged walker who has been cooped up inside! We get outside for walks whenever the weather isn't frigid. We play with your toys, read books and watch Sesame Street. I'm working on teaching you how to color. Sometimes I fill up a tub of water and we play "swimming pool". 

You are always babbling, playing hide n go seek, and dancing. How did I forget to mention that earlier? Oh the dancing! You started dancing to Shake It Off a few months ago and now you really dance to just about anything.

I still can't believe we'll celebrate your first birthday in 6 days. That saying about how the days being long but the years going fast rings true for me. Sometimes I'm sad that your first year is winding down to close but I'm also extremely proud of all the growing you've done and excited to see what's next! 

Last year when we left the hospital you weighed 6.5 pounds. My tiny precious peanut. Now you are 24 pounds of wild, silly fun. You have exceeded all my dreams, and I love you more than words could ever say. Happy first birthday (in 6 days!), lovey.