A few quick points -

Jamie calls lollipops "hollypops".

Also, it is Jamie's 2 year anniversary of when we got his nebulizer and his first bronchitis diagnosis. He's celebrating by using his nebulizer and getting over a case of bronchitis. Poor kid.

Katie ate a fried egg (after it was mashed with a fork and mixed with yogurt) for the first time today. She loves to eat. Her favorite foods are carrots, yogurt, applesauce, most fruit, and squash.

Christmas is coming! Jamie asks often if it's Christmas yet. I wonder if he'll be happy to visit Santa this year. Hmm...

You say muffcakes, I say muffins.

On Wednesdays, Scott will go to the Farmer's Market before heading home from work. He often brings home local tomatoes and other assorted vegetables. This time, he bought a few baked goods.

He left a blueberry muffin on the counter for me.

This morning, I hear Jamie. "Hey, what this muffcake is?" That's "jamiespeak" for "What kind of muffin is this? Where did it come from?"

I explained that it was my muffin. Jamie sits in his chair, to eat his breakfast of toaster waffles and banana, and says, "After I eat my breakfast, I have a muffcake." As if this is a regular event.

I gently remind him that it's my muffin and to go ahead and eat his breakfast.

I wasn't too surprised when Jamie started crying, as if the world were ending. I knew that he was excited to see a treat, and of course, he wanted his fair share. I suggested that we share, but he immediately started crying again.

"No! I want my own muffcake!"

I briefly considered just giving him the muffin. For about 2 seconds. I was about to pour a cup of coffee, though, and knew that the muffin would go really well with it. I wasn't about to miss out on that muffin! I sighed and pulled a knife out of the drawer. I cut the muffin in half, plopped the smaller portion on his Sesame Street plate, and set it on the table.

Jamie's face lit up at the wonderful "muffcake" before him, he smiled at me, and then wasted no time in gobbling up his treat. "Thank you, Mommy," never sounded so sweet.

He finished eating as I sat down with my muffin half and cup of coffee. As I raised my fork to eat, I heard a little voice pipe up. "You share your muffcake with me, Mommy?"

Happy Easter!

This is what makes us happy.

Things are going well at the Kramer house.

You'd never know that Katie has been here for less than a month. How on earth did we manage without her? We love her to pieces.

Jamie has never needed to be told to be gentle around her. He's always spoken in whispers to her and softly pats her on the back and gives her kisses on the cheek. He always asks if he can hold her, sitting perfectly still when he does.

If Jamie's in the room, Katie often looks up at him. She knows who he is. In the car..."Mommy, baby sister is looking at me!" "That's because you're her big brother. She likes you."

At dinner time, Katie sits in her bouncy chair in the kitchen with us. She hates to be left alone in the next room. At bedtime, she gets to snuggle with Jamie during the story and prayers. She's included in whatever we're doing.

I resumed preschool drop off and pick up today. I was wondering how I could manage going somewhere with 2 kids by myself. It was okay. I wore Katie in a wrap and she was easy. Then, I simply walked Jamie to his classroom and got him settled.

It takes a little longer to do things...we do have 2 kids in diapers, after all, and Katie eats all day long. There's more laundry. Not as much sleep, especially with this weekend's time change. Still, the rewards are nice.

Family.

Here are some recent pictures, with recent visitors. More to come!

All dressed up!

For her first public outing. It's a trip to the pediatrician.

Bath time.

Washed her at the kitchen sink yesterday. First bath at home. She loves getting her hair washed.

Happy Valentine's Day.

I asked Scott to pass me a package of saltines. Instead, he set down a little present. I have a new mother necklace. What a sweet surprise!

Pictures to come.

Katie!

We have our girl, all 8 lbs and 8 oz of her!

Everything has been great thus far. The repeat c-section went fine, I had a great team working on Katie and myself, and I even got to walk a little bit by nighttime. Now I'm starting day 3 in the hospital and am feeling good. I'm on pain medication, but I don't feel as limited as I thought I would. Recovery was fairly easy with Jamie, but I think there's something to be said for having already experienced this kind of thing. I have an idea of what to expect!

We're in love with Miss Katie. She's a petite little thing compared to Jamie as a newborn. She's wearing newborn diapers! Those tiny hats fit her head! It's funny, though, because the nurses are claiming that she's the biggest baby in the nursery. Oh, well.

Nursing is easier this time. So much easier. She's a great eater. A nurse commented last night that I was the only mom who wasn't having issues with nursing, but I remember how it was 3 years ago. I'm grateful that I'm not frustrated - I realize I got lucky this time!

I haven't changed a diaper yet. The nurses are quick on that, or Scott takes care of it while he's here. I'm in a room with 2 beds, so as it turns out, Scott is my roommate at night. It's nice. He gets a chance to be more hands-on, but he can still head into work during the day.

Jamie is officially a big brother. He came to visit, and while he was shy, I know that he understood what was going on. He's giving himself time to adjust. No kisses or hugs for Katie yet. Oh, and I miss him while I'm here. Luckily, my mom is staying at the house this week and I know he's well taken care of.

Well, today's Valentine's Day. What a day to be in the hospital! I packed red booties and a red hat for Katie. She'll be dressed up enough for the both of us!

Baby's coming today!

Well, it's 4:30 AM and I'm wide awake. With Jamie, I was awake by 3 AM the night before, so this is progress!

Luckily, my appetite is gone, so fasting doesn't bother me. On the other hand, I couldn't eat much yesterday, so I missed out on any delicious "last meal" Scott was offering up. Dinner was a tiny bowl of rice in the hospital cafeteria (while Scott grabbed a burger) and then some soup at home later on. I couldn't even eat an entire bowl of ice cream for dessert! Katie must be lying on my stomach.

I'm mentally thinking of the morning ahead. I'll go through my packing list again, set my pile of stuff aside, take a strict shower with hospital soap, lounge around with Jamie and my mom (and Scott!), and then it's off to labor and delivery! Gosh, I'm ready to go now...and Katie is kicking up a storm. Wonder if she's excited, too?

Yes, this is much more exciting than Christmas morning!

Stay tuned!!

39 weeks.

I can't believe I'm down to the night before delivery. Wow. It feels like I've been waiting so long and now it's finally happening.

Had my pre-op tonight, met with a nurse and reviewed everything. They sent me home with special soap and strict instructions on how to arrive squeaky clean in the morning.

What on earth will I do all morning? I don't have to show up until 10:30. Hmmm.

Funny things today...literally have been stopped by people all day. At Kroger tonight, an elderly woman stopped her car and said she could tell my baby was on the way, because I was waddling. I ran errands at 2 banks, and the tellers were sure I was on my way to the hospital. At Jamie's preschool, though, I happily got "good luck" and "congratulations" instead. I even ran into the pastor, and she gave me a hug. I much prefer running into people at church!

Crib rail cover!

I realized last night that I needed a cover for the crib rail. You know, something to keep Katie from chewing away at the wood.

I measured the railing and decided I had enough leftover fabric from the crib skirt and valance to make it work. I made a long rectangle, essentially. I then cut up an old receiving blanket to stitch to the other side. I ironed it right side out and did a final top stitch. Then, I took it upstairs with my container of snaps. I inserted snaps every few slats, and voila, it's done.

3 more days until Katie's arrival!
I really should be done sewing by now. I think.

38 weeks.

Feeling hungry, tired (more so), and bigger. Insomnia is back! So much for catching up on sleep.

It's uncomfortable to stand at the sink. This includes washing dishes and washing my face. Oddly enough, sewing doesn't bother me a bit.

I'm still craving lots of fruit, cereal, and dairy. I can't seem to get enough fruit! Especially strawberries. I'm also tearing through cereal like nobody's business. Mostly special k red berries and corn flakes. Absolutely delicious.

Can't believe we only have a week to go! It's getting so close. I have my last OB checkup on Thursday.

More sewing!

I finally made pacifier clips and bibs.

I got lucky at Joann's and found gold suspender clips on clearance. It was meant to be. The clips took some patience. There's a reason that one clip is wide and short and the other is skinny and long -- it's called learning to do something for the first time. Still, I'm happy with the end result. :)

The bibs turned out well and it gets addicting after awhile. I just want to use every cute piece of fabric I have! I also picked up remnants while I was at Joann's (which is then marked down an additional 50%!), and even went daring (wild?) with zebra print. I'm not usually drawn to animal designs, but some are actually pretty cute. I've seen some cute cheetah prints in pink -- would never have given it a second glance before!

I think I should be done with my projects. Of course, I do have 8 days to go. Never say never!

My view.

You know you're big when you have to unbutton your pajama pants in order to feel more comfortable.

I'm starting to get more comments out in public. I thought the Target cashier was going to catch a fly in her open mouth, the way she reacted to my belly. "you're about to have that baby!"

Mostly, though, I run into sweet older ladies who happen to be shopping for their grand kids. I talked to a woman yesterday, looking at baby items, and she not only wished me luck, but said that shopping was just one of the perks to a new baby. I laughed and agreed.

10 days out.

Our to-do list before Katie is born...

Head to Target and get the remaining baby things we need, like infant Tylenol, baby book, and wipes, and a few things I need for the hospital. Maybe buy another pink crib sheet. We still need to order a lamp and butt cream (okay, a big tub of coconut oil) from Amazon.

Wash the last of the baby laundry. Make up the cradle and set some baby gear in the living room.

Install car seat.

Buy a few frozen pizzas for the freezer.

Get the house cleaned up a bit more. This will be more like making a list for Scott. I've given up on most chores. This includes using the dishwasher!

And that's it. My bag is mostly packed (except for what I use on a daily basis), I've even packed a few things for Katie, plans are in place, and even if I went into labor tonight, we're ready.

I'm hoping, though, I can squeeze in a trip to Joann's today and do some sewing tomorrow. I found a great bib template that I want to try!

Life in the last week.

We've gone to the library, had a few playdates, I went shopping at the Goochland Goodwill and picked out new shirts for my husband, and mostly kept Jamie fed and happy. If you look closely in one of the pictures, you'll notice that he's wearing a cape at the table.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Jamie! And I'm full term!

Jamie's third birthday also marks the beginning of my 37th week.

We had a party on Saturday with friends and family to celebrate the big day. Jamie knows it's his birthday and can't stop talking about it. I don't have any pictures on my phone, but I'll hopefully have some to share soon.

Saturday was a lot of fun. We had Jamie's party at the Children's Museum and invited some of his playgroup friends. We also had grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends of the family there. Not only did we celebrate Jamie, but also Katie's upcoming birth. We received some adorable baby clothes and little necessities for the nursery.

Not much else to report. We're taking it easy today, after our busy weekend. I included a belly shot for this week...I'm wondering how much more I can "pop" out! I'm running out of pants that fit.

We have a date!

Repeat c-section has been scheduled for February 12th! Of course, I could always go into labor beforehand, but we have a date.

I had an ultrasound today, for a growth scan. As of 36 weeks and 4 days, Katie is estimated to weigh 7 lbs, 2 oz. Head size is on the 97th percentile. Wow.

Also, I found out that I have puppps. I'm one of the lucky ones to develop a pregnancy rash on my belly. It's not terrible, and it'll go away after delivery, but gosh I'm itchy.

What a difference a year made.

Whenever I think about how uncomfortable I feel, how I am ready to deliver, or how big I must look, I try to stop and remember that I'm actually quite lucky. In just a few short weeks, we'll be meeting Katie. The aches and pains are worth it. The insomnia is worth it. The bad morning sickness/headaches/exhaustion were just a blip on the screen.

At this time last year, we were going through something very difficult. Out of nowhere, I began miscarrying when I was only 7 weeks pregnant. We'll never know why it happened, especially after getting a few good ultrasounds and seeing a heartbeat. I don't mention the miscarriage very often at all, but I still think of that baby often, and sometimes wonder...what would our lives be like if we hadn't lost him/her?

I remember having mixed emotions, feeling grief and hopelessness, anger and confusion. I wanted to shut out the world for a few days. Most of all, my heart just plain hurt. I would have given anything to keep that pregnancy.

Time helped. Talking to other moms was also a saving grace. I didn't feel alone. We're incredibly lucky and blessed to have gotten pregnant within a short period of time afterwards. I feel like we've come such a long way. This pregnancy has been a careful one. I feel paranoid sometimes, because I know that anything can happen. I try not to dwell on it, though, but it's hard. The blissful ignorance that I had with Jamie is gone.

So far, everything has been fine. I've been lucky to not experience any complications, although I've made plenty of phone calls to my doctor, out of sheer panic. I'm healthy, Katie's healthy, everything is right on track and next Monday, I'll officially be considered full term at 37 weeks.

We're excited. Jamie can't stop talking about his baby sister, and he's proud to be taking on the role as the big brother.

Sometimes it hits me that very soon, we'll have a newborn in the house. It hits me like a ton of bricks and seems surreal. I look around and I see the nursery, and assorted baby gear, and piles of blankets....and I think it won't really set in until she's home. It makes me a little teary eyed to think about that, but I really am feeling so lucky to have another chance at this. I'll try not to complain as much. Because really...I don't have a thing to complain about.

The kindness of strangers.

Older women have been incredibly sweet to me lately.

Yesterday, at the store, a woman asked when I was due and then congratulated me and said she hoped I had a safe delivery. Last week, a woman behind us in line commented that Scott and I were blessed, with a sweet boy and another child on the way. A woman at my doctors office said that we were a nice family.

Everyone at church has been really nice, too, and of course, everyone starts reminiscing and talking about their babies in their 50's! Oh, my.

I appreciate the kind words and it makes me feel good. I'm not so sure about the "sure it's not twins?" comments. I've had 5 ultrasounds this pregnancy. I'm positive there's only one baby in there!

Another belly shot.

I put on makeup for once and decided to do a front shot. Here's what I look like from the front!

Feeling good today. Woo hoo!

Tonight, I'm going to my first preschool board meeting at the church. Looking forward to it.

Feet!

My friend Erin surprised me with a pedicure tonight. It was nice to do something relaxing and as I can't reach my own feet, it was very much appreciated.

I have a very thoughtful friend! Thanks, Erin.

35 weeks.

And feeling quite big. It's getting harder to squeeze into clothes and places, like the laundry area. It's also harder to get chores done, such as cleaning up the kitchen after a meal. I end paying for it later if I do too much, and I'll end up with cramps. Nevermind cleaning the floors! I also can't empty the trash or take the laundry upstairs. Pregnancy is limiting!

I'm so very glad that Jamie can put on his own shoes, since I can only manage slip on shoes myself.

Scott brought a few things down from the attic on Sunday night. I'll be washing the cradle bedding and the carseat padding this weekend, I suppose. Seeing those items make D-Day feel incredibly close!

I had wanted to get more sewing done, but at this point, I don't know if it'll happen. I'm too big and tired!

Sweetest birthday card. And flowers.

I have a very thoughtful husband.

Cloth diaper tutorial.

I'm posting this here, mainly so that I can have a quick way to find this when the time comes and to show you how excited I am about using cloth diapers!

Nursery reveal, part 2.

Scott made the name plaque and I made the crib skirt and window valance. Jamie picked out the stuffed hippo.

A few more things need to be washed, but we're ready!

Nursery reveal.

Disclaimer: I am not a professional photographer! I am, however, very proud of our nursery. Enjoy!

34 weeks and I'm turning 30!

I'll be 30 on Friday. Wow. I realized that in the past 4 years, I've been pregnant on 3 of my birthdays. Now, I know that most people dread turning 30, but I'm feeling the opposite. I've been looking forward to 30 all year. 29 wasn't the happiest of birthdays for me.

I'm feeling much more tired lately. Last week, I started having painful Braxton hicks contractions. At my checkup, my OB said everything was fine, and to just rest as much as possible. So, I've been doing much less, resorting to lying in bed or on the couch. Insomnia is happening more often, too. I'm going to be a sleepy mom when Babybug gets here!

Diapers are slowly getting washed, folded, and put away. I'm halfway done in that area. Not sure if we'll jump right into cloth, or do disposables for the first week. I think a lot of it depends on whether I have the repeat c-section and how my recovery goes. I wish I knew what to expect! At this point, delivery could go either way...it's just up to Baby and how everything falls into place. As with Jamie, though, we're going with the flow. I'm not going to write a birth plan, I don't have any expectations...other than to go home with a healthy baby.

Can you believe it? Less than 6 weeks to go...

Putting Baby to bed.

Jamie read his baby a story and tucked her in. Then, very softly, he whispered prayers to get and helped her pray.

Ahhh. He's learning to understand and listen. Warms my heart.