Happy 1 Week Birthday Little!

*disclaimer - please ignore the horrible horrible grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, paragraph structure, narrative structure, basically every rule in the English language...*

Can you believe it's already been a week since you were born....I CAN'T!

A little bit about our last week/your first week in this world -

Hi cute sir

Weight/Feeding: You were 8 pounds when we left the hospital on Sunday (down 10 ounces from your birth weight, which the doctors assure is just fine).  My milk has finally come in after almost a week, so you shouldn't have a problem packing in the ounces from here on out.  You're a chugger like your brothers - which is a good thing.  You manage to get through a feeding in about 15 minutes, and I couldn't image what it would be like around here if it took any longer than that!  You're also eating about 8-10 times a day/night, depending on how tired you are during the day.  

Diapers: We finished up the 2 packs of newborn diapers they gave us in the hospital, and since I refused to purchase any newborn diapers at the store (because you're a little chunk), you are in size 1s, we just fold them down a little bit since your nub has not fallen out yet.  I also love putting you in the Lil Joey's.  We only have 4 of those though, so you cycle through those in about half a day (and I'm not doing extra wash, so they get washed with brothers diapers about every 4 days)  

Schedule: You don't really have a set schedule yet during the day since it's pretty crazy around here to say the least, but you have nighttime down pretty well.  You go to "bed" around 10pm, wake up around 1am to eat, pass back out until 6am-ish, eat, and then wake up around 8am when your brothers wake up.  This is where it gets crazy! 

You're pretty content for a few minutes while Mama makes her morning coffee, gets brothers some breakfast, then the 3 of you will eat together.  After breakfast we go into your room and the 3 of you get dressed for the day.  Then Braden just wants to hold you (which is great, so I can get dressed).  I'll turn on a kid show for y'all and you will usually lay around for an hour or so.  Around 10am you're ready to eat again (and yes, you stay awake for almost 2 hours in the mornings!), then pass out.  You have been sleeping anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours during this nap - honestly, I think you just want to snuggle Mama during this time because obviously if I am holding you then you sleep longer.  

Lunch is anywhere between 11-1 for your brothers, and you eat whenever you wake up from your afternoon sleep.  Sometimes you hang out, sometimes you pass back out...either way we just go with it.  You're back up around 4-ish, eat, hang out, poop, sleep...you get the drill....that happens a couple more times throughout the evening.  It's really nice because you have been sleeping through our dinner time, so I am able to throw something together for the rest of the family during this time.  The last couple nights it's been a lot of leftovers, Costco Chicken and Salad, and we actually did manage to go out to eat last night for the first time!!!

Kid show time with brothers...is this really my life??

Milestones: Daddy went back to work on Tuesday, and you got your newborn pictures taken on Thursday.  Obviously your first bath at home (just a sponge bath though since your nub has not fallen out yet).  Your brothers really enjoyed helping out with this.  Braden wanted to make sure you were okay (since you were screaming your head off) and Zach just wanted to dump water on your.  We went out for the first time as a family of 5 to dinner....I mean you really just eat, sleep, and poop, so there has not really been anything too exciting going on ;-)

All clean post bath

Loves: Afternoon snuggles, eating, laying on the ottoman with brothers, looking around trying to check out the world around, sleeping, and pooping/farting (seriously, you're a Schleifer-Bell boy already) :) 

Night time snuggles with Daddy

Dislikes: When Braden and Zachary poke you (obviously), getting your diaper changed (stop pooping so much boy!), and I think I might have to add the bassinet to this list.  At first I thought you just liked sleeping when someone was holding you, but now I am starting to realize you will sleep almost anywhere except your cradle.

B scolding Zachary for poking you

Adventures: I took all 3 of you boys out by myself on Thursday, and we went out to dinner for the 1st time as a family of 5 on Thursday night to Gunther Toody's.

Headed out for the 1st time

Out to dinner

Silly Daddy and Brothers

Mommy and Daddy could not get through the week without: Netflix instant stream (for your brothers) - Best. Babysitter. Ever.  You're also the 1st of the 3 to enjoy being swaddled, so your blankets have been a life saver.  The weather has been beautiful, so we are able to go on a walk with brothers and daddy after work which has been helping them get out of the house for a bit and not go completely stir crazy.

Braden: Oh man does your big brother just adore you!!! He just wants to have you sit with him on the Boppy all day.  The other day during Zach's therapy he was playing puppet with your arms while you were sleeping.  It didn't phase you, but it freaked Mommy out.  He loves to stand with us while you get your diaper changed and will talk to you and try to sooth you while you're freaking out.  He also enjoys picking out your outfit/Pjs for the day.  He was such a big helper with Zach when we went out.  Holding his hand, walking with him, etc.  He is very concerned with your 'drinking' habits, making sure you are getting enough, and asks if you're thirsty all the time.

And then Paul comes home.  When Paul gets off work Braden has been turning into a completely different child, being naughty and rebellious, having meltdowns for no apparent reason, it's been tough.  I think it's an attention issue, he feels threatened that his time with Paul is going to be taken away maybe?  I am not sure, all I know is that something better change with that behavior in the next few days or he is going to be spending a lot of lonely spring nights in his room and not outside playing once daddy arrives home. 

Zachary: At first he was having quite a hard time adjusting.  I think that both the boys were just coming down from a crazy weekend.  Nonna and Papa had watched them while I was in the hospital so they were just not in their normal element/routine.  Now that things have calmed down and it's just the 5 of us in the house, I really think Zach was just over stimulated.  (Side note: Stimulation and sensory issues are one of the many things that he works with his therapists on every week.)  Anyways, now that he has come down from the craziness, he is doing MUCH better!! He loves laying on the ottoman with you, runs in to check on you while you're sleeping, tries to give you a binky when you're being fussy, makes sure your socks are always on (since they are ALWAYS falling off), will help me get out diapers, just to name a few thing.

He is also talking A LOT!  Like talking, and saying words!  I am not sure if having you around has been motivation for him to start talking, or he is just starting to figure it out.  He will repeat the last word of directions you tell/ask him or things you say to him, he will point and tell you 'names' of items when he sees them (a favorite is 'socks!'), tell me what he is handing me (diaper, plate, spoon).  He also has picked a heck of a time to learn the word 'NO' and start talking back to Paul and I.  Lastly, he is starting to stand up for himself against Braden.  Paul and I sometimes don't know whether to scold him, or be proud of him for getting back at B.  

So that's pretty much it Mr Chase.  Your first week, I hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have!

Happy 1 Week Birthday Mr Chase!! :)

What's in a name?

What's in a name you ask?  Most people (that I know) just pick a name for their baby with their spouse that they like.  Easy as pie right?  Not so much around here.  Our kids names have to pass what I call the "Christmas Card Test".  Simply put, all our names have to sound good together on the Christmas card...you know -

"Merry Christmas, Love Paige, Paul, Braden, Zachary and Chase"

I have a whole list of "rules" to ensure that none of the boys name are to matchy matchy (Braden, Kaden, Haden...you get the picture, yes?).  They can't end in the same sound, can't start with the same letter, etc. etc.

And then middle names.  I like the idea of having family middle names and honoring someone special in our lives by passing their name along to our children.  Sort of something to aspire to for them I guess.  I also want the first and middle names to sound good together.  

Lastly, the last name.  Of course I had to make that seemingly easy decision difficult as well.  We decided to hyphenate Braden's last name since Paul and I were not married (or really even together) when he was born.  And then with Zachary we wanted to keep it the same as Braden's, and then obviously Chase is not going to have a different last name than his brothers.  At this point I probably won't even change my last name when Paul and I do get legally married, or I will hyphenate my last name as well.  So then the choice was either Schleifer-Bell or Bell-Schleifer.  Bell-Schleifer sounded like 'Bill Schleifer' to me, and that just sounded like a fat, gross plumbers name...so Schleifer-Bell it was ;-)

So, What's in a name? 

*Braden Richard Schleifer-Bell (after my grandfather - mom's dad)

*Zachary Charles Schleifer-Bell (after Paul's grandfather - father's father)

*Chase Weldon Schleifer-Bell (after my dad - his middle name)  I also got a whole family history lesson from my aunt, and Weldon was also my great-grandfathers middle name, and probably came from somewhere else before then. 

The new 3 Amigos - Paul has been replaced

Welcome to the madness Mr Chase Weldon

Do I seriously have a free moment right now to be typing this?  I mean, if you consider B and Z watching a 'kid show' on the couch, while I feed the baby and type one handed a free moment - why then YES, I do have a free moment right now!!!

We will try keep this short and sweet -

Side note: this post ended up taking me all day to write!

Welcome to the world Mr Chase Weldon!  You were born on March 29th at 10:47am after a fairly easy and uncomplicated delivery.  More details on that may come on a later post.  You were 8 pounds 9.9 ounces (why they didn't just say 10 ounces I have no idea) and 20 inches long.  Your head was also 14 1/4 inches.  Where does that put you on the Schleifer-Bell roster you ask?  You were the shortest, weighed the most, and had the middle size head (with the least amount of hair) ;-) Daddy guessed your weight - he said you were going to be 8lbs 9ozs like the year mommy was born.  We all thought you were going to be longer - and I for sure thought you were going to be a few ounces bigger [at least].  I guess I was just trying to blame all the last minute weight gain on you ;-) 

Your big brothers just adore you!  Braden just wants to hold you all the time.  It works out pretty nicely.  We prop you up in your Boppy pillow on his lap on the couch, and he actually sits still.  Zach picked a heck of a time to start his "terrible twos" (more on that later).  But he just wants to be involved and is not used to not having all the attention.  I will try to write up a post shortly on how each of the boys is adjusting specifically, but all you need to know right now is that we are all adjusting to this new and exciting life.

Daddy went back to work today, and so far it has not been horrible.  Lets get a couple days under our belts and then we can talk about how we are adjusting to life as a family of 5, and how I am doing organizing and figuring out our new schedules.  I can tell you one thing for sure though, this whole "lets ALL wake up at 7am" is not going to fly for much longer ;-) I also need to take a Mommy moment to let the world know I am down to 148lbs.  Still a ways to go, but 20 pounds in 4 days...I'll take it.

And now...photos of the little guy :)

Last night as a family of 4!!

I just had an 8 pound baby...what's his excuse?

Getting all checked out and cleaned up

 

Proud Daddy

Meeting his big brothers for the first time

 

First photo as a family of 5

 

I need to photoshop some of these still ;-)

 

Proud Big Brother Braden

 

Zachary yelling "Hi!" and "Baby!" to his little brother

 

Chase Weldon

Oh man...what do we have coming to us?

Going home outfit, also the first outfit we ever bought for Braden

 

Loving on his baby bro

 

First night home bedtime story

 

Nonna and Papa with the Grandkids and puppies

 

Success!

 

Checking out his biggest brother

 

Someone still thinks he is the baby ;-)

 

More 1st day home alone success!

 

Our Baby blueprint - Top: Braden, Bottom: Zachary, Right: Chase

 

Little Bald Baby - Top: Zachary, Left: Braden, Right: Chase

....That's all for now - I will update everyone more when I get some more "free time".  You can always check out Instagram for daily photos ;-)

Excuse my language...

...But HOLY SHIT today was the last day we spent as a family of FOUR!  Little will be here tomorrow whether he likes it or not!

Bags packed, boys tucked in, now I am just sitting around waiting for the call that we can head into the hospital to get all checked in.  We were supposed to head over around 8:30pm, but at 7:00pm I got a call from one of the nurses that said they were "all full at the Inn" but a few moms were getting ready to deliver, and she would call when my room is ready.  So now I sit here and wait....

I decided to take a few measurements tonight, I wonder if I wrote these things down right before I deliver the older 2?  I am sure I did, I just need to find it ;-)  Anyways, I measured 43.5" around, and the final official weight was 168 (YIKES!)  I took this photo 2 nights ago...everyone says "you're all belly" but of course I don't think that.

Ready to POP!

Last night I got really emotional, and all day today I just felt really guilty.  I went through all this right before I had Zach too.  I know I am not the first mom to have more than 1 kid, but I just worry about what that adjustment time will be like.  Learning to take care of 3 very different people, with 3 very different needs.  It's all in my head, and I know everything will be fine...just going through all the final preparation stages I think.  I worry, and feel guilty that I won't be able to provide Braden with the stimulation and interaction he needs.  I worry and feel guilty that I won't be able to provide Zachary the attention he requires, and that hes "needs" will get pushed to the back burner.  That I won't have enough hours in the day to work with him on his therapy exercises...the list goes on.

I know it will all be fine though.  And everything is going to work out just the way it is supposed to.

Heck, I was nervous that I would go insane with 2 little Braden's running around the house, and Zach came out the most relaxed and easy going baby on the planet.

I tried to make today super special for the boys.  We went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch.  It was so cute!  We actually have not been in a few weeks, and as soon as we pulled up Zachary started to get really excited, waving his legs, and fist pumping "yeah yeah yeah!".  After lunch we came home and colored Easter eggs since Sunday is Easter.  I don't think we will be able to come home until Sunday afternoon, so we are just going to pretend that the Easter Bunny comes on Sunday night this year.  The boys won't know any difference (B has a hard enough time keeping his days straight as it is).

B and Z were supposed to start soccer last Saturday, but because of the snow storm and road conditions class was cancelled.  That means I will be missing their first class this week, but I am sure they won't miss me with Nonna and Papa around to go with them and Daddy. 


Ah! Well it's almost time...The next post will be with all of Little's stats and a recap on how easy/horrible the delivery was!!!  Goodnight y'all - tomorrow we will officially be a family of 5...

READY OR NOT, HERE HE COMES!!

39 Week Ramblings

To say "not much" has been going on this week would be a complete and total lie.  We have been so busy.  I am sure it's a burst of nesting and spring cleaning fever combined with the fact that nearly ALL my family is coming up at some point this week...but we have been cleaning and de-cluttering fools!

We live in a little 1300sq ft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo.  And when I say nearly all my family, I mean everyone except one of my little sisters will be here, fur members and all.  For those of you keeping score at home that's a total of 5 adults, 2 toddlers, a newborn at some point, 3 dogs, and a bunny! YIKES! My sister is actually only going to be here for a week, so her overlap will only be for about 3 or 4 days with my parents, and I think that my dad has scheduled "work meetings" so that he can sneak away to a hotel for a few days here and a few days there over their stay (lucky guy!). 
 
Over the last few weeks we have been boxing up toys from the playroom (slash guest room), leaving out B and Zs current favorites.  Cleaning out drawer and closet space for everyone so that suitcases are not taking up all the floor space in our house (because the dogs will be needing that).  I can't wait to take photos and show this mess to everyone...I can only imagine.  But I think Paul and I did a really good job in preparing for the madness.  

With all this madness arriving, I can sleep a bit easier knowing that whenever Little decides it's go time, we will be ready and not have to make a zillion 2 am phone calls to make arrangements for the boys.  Because if you know my kids, you know that they will come in the middle of the night, causing a big ruckus whenever they so please.  They are stubborn and don't listen from the time they are in the womb. 

What else?? Hospital bag is packed and ready to go.  Paul knows what he is to grab should he need to come back home for 'supplies'.  Braden realizes D-day is getting closer and closer...Zach, is just Zach. He's chillin.  Side note: Therapy is going really well for him.  He is making lots of progress, and making steps in the right direction.  Making more sounds, and adding a few full words to his vocabulary.  I still wouldn't say he is "talking" yet.  More just sounds/babbles with a few words mixed in here and there. 

I have been spending a bit of my "free time" while Aunt Bryce plays with the boys designing a couple different birth announcement possibilities to use.  Not sure which style I am going to go with yet, but they are fun and simple.  I love having Photoshop Elements so that I can "borrow" ideas I see on Etsy and make them my own :)

And now for the "official" 39 Week Update:

How far along? 39 Weeks!  Little, I honestly didn't think we were going to make it this far..any time you want to arrive now would be great ;-)

Total weight gain: 164lbs (AH! That's so embarrassing!) Everything is just starting to get wide...seriously though, even my basketball belly is starting to stretch wider than my torso.  And my backside, I won't even go there :( Lets just leave it at wide...

Stretch marks? Just the one new one I think
Sleep: I still wake up a few times a night, and I keep getting those pesky little nightly contractions.  I am sure if I really set my mind to it, and was not so dang tired I could do a little walking and cleaning to keep the momentum going.  Maybe once my parents arrive tonight I can start "trying" to make this happen.
Best moment this week: Having my family arrive

Miss Anything? Being able to walk and breath.  I always give Paul a hard time for walking so slow in stores, and now I am having to pull on his arm to make him slow down!

Movement: He is super duper cramped so his movements have decreased a little.  Hopefully this means he is calming down a bit and won't be the crazy newborn I had been envisioning over the last few months.  I get really worried when I don't feel him move for an hour or so, but then I poke around at him and I am greeted with a punch or kick somewhere which it is not welcomed. 

Food cravings: None really....
Anything making you queasy or sick: I actually feel alright, just have to be careful not to over eat, or else I get super yucky feeling!  Heart burn has backed off a bit too, which is a welcomed change.


Gender: Boy

Labor Signs: Just the pesky nightly contractions.  Maybe I will start some of the little "tricks" this week to get the ball rolling.  Telling Little to come out is obviously not working.


Belly Button in or out? Definitely out - it's deformed and hideous. 
Wedding rings on or off? On - but I do have these moments where I can't get it off for an hour or two, again yuck!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, just pooped.  Not sure if it is Little, I can't keep up with the boys, or a combination of both...How to we women do this! Shout out to all you moms of 3 out there!

Looking forward to: Cannot to wait to meet Little.  I am so excited to see which one of his brothers he looks like! :) Seriously, so excited! I am also really excited for my 'Spa'Ridge hospital stay and room service food.  No cooking for a day or 2, no having to worry about what the boys are going to be eating, etc.  I get to be a mom to 1 for a few short hours, catch up on rest, and prepare for life with 3 boys. 

Here's one more belly shot...see what I mean about expanding!?!

While Mom's away....

...The Boys Will Play!

My coaching season officially started (High School Girls Lacrosse for those of you who don't know) so Paul has adjusted his work hours in order to come home at 3 and "babysit" the boys.

As Braden says, "Daddy is the BEST babysitter ever!"

Anyways, I love coming home to videos that Paul has taken - you know since he joined the real world and finally got an iPhone a few months ago.  Here are a few from yesterday that I thought were just too funny not to share!

You saw it here first folks, B and Z - Rock Stars in the making

37 Week Bump Attack

I guess I have a lot to update everyone on since it has been about 5 weeks since I last posted a baby update.

Baby boy wants to come out!  On February 20th, just a few days shy of 35 weeks, I went into preterm labor.  As in full on contracting and dilating.  I just felt "off" all afternoon.  I didn't really feel any major contractions, but after lunch they kept getting a bit stronger, a bit closer together, and nothing I did (chug water, lay down, etc) was making them stop.  I summoned Auntie Lexa to come over and watch the boys for a few hours while Paul took me to go get checked out.  And good thing, or else Feb 21st, might have been little's birthday!

They first tried 2 shots of terbutaline, which would help, for about a hot second, and then the contractions would start right back up again.  After the third shot, they finally had spaced out longer, but they had gotten stronger.  We tried a dose of procardia, and that helped a little more, but still did not stop them.  After 1 more shot of terbutaline and another dose of procardia, we finally got them to a place where it was okay if I went home...we ran to the 24 hour Walgreens to pick up my prescription of procardia and made it back home around 2am that morning.  Since that night I have been on an around the clock dose of the procardia every 4 hours (which is "normal" for anyone in this situation).

The medication could do 1 of 2 things to my body.  Hold off labor until we go off the meds - or - have completely shut down my body that we will need to jump start it back up by inducing.  Since I will be 37 weeks on Saturday, and thus considered officially full term, we are going to stop the medication today (the 8th).  It's my guess that little will either arrive this weekend, or wait until his induction which is scheduled for the 29th.

Either way, I am okay with whatever he decides.  As uncomfortable as I am getting (I'll tell you a quick story in a minute), it would just be a lot easier knowing the date, and being able to plan on my parents being up here to help with the boys before, during, and a bit after he is born.  But no matter when he decides to come, we know it will be this month and the Easter Bunny is preparing to bring 3 baskets of goodies and not just 2 this year!

AHHHH - THIS IS REALLY GETTING REAL!

Have you ever had heart burn so bad, to the point that it feels like your insides are on fire, you are vomiting every 10 minutes, TUMs are not even helping, and you can't lay down on your back!?!?! Well that's how I felt Wednesday night - IT. WAS. AWFUL. I think it's safe to say that it was the worst night I have experienced being pregnant, ever!

Now....for the 37 week update, I am sure y'all are dying to see a picture right?  Well let me just say, I don't remember being this "round" with B and Z....it seriously looks like I swallowed a basketball!

Excuse the lovely photo...I never learned how to take photos of myself in a mirror properly

How far along? 37 Weeks, full term! Whoop Whoop! Procardia has officially been stopped, no more ducky alarm going off every 4 hours!

Total weight gain: I was 164 at the Doctors today...That's more like it in terms of my previous weight gain during pregnancy....So that's about 36pounds gained - Oh man, am I chubby! 


Stretch marks? Paul and I found the first new one the other day - it's radiating out the top of my belly button, super weird.

Sleep: I wake up a lot to pee, and the ducky alarm goes off at 1:30am and 5:30am so I can take my meds...but no more! 

Best moment this week: I started coaching on the 25th of Feb, so I have just been heading to practice around 3, and Paul comes home to watch the boys.  We have been doing really well on this whole 'eat at home' thing, and it's a nice change that I get to come home to dinner on the table! 

Miss Anything? Not really...feeling comfortable I guess, and being able to walk right.  I am a waddling mess, and it's probably pretty hilarious to watch me stand up, or get out of bed.
 
Movement: Moving around like crazy (still!), despite the fact that there's hardly any room left for him to wiggle!  He often gets his hands and feet moving at the same time!

Food cravings: Just meat on Friday's since it's Lent.  Who knew it would be so hard not to eat meat!  Fish just sounds nasty, so I am on carb overload on Friday's (which makes me feel like absolute poop).

Anything making you queasy or sick: I have had the worst heartburn for the last 2 nights in a row, that I have actually thrown up because it hurts so bad.  Also, if I over eat I feel horrible too. 


Gender: Boy


Labor Signs: As I am writing this my belly is starting to tighten up a bit.  Could be the start of something...or just me coming down from the meds.

Symptoms: My whole body just aches....seriously uncomfortable.


Belly Button in or out? Definitely out - not sure if I mentioned how I have a weird belly button before.  But anyways, its only part out, maybe because I have such an inny belly button to begin with.  It looks like a special needs belly button.  Paul and B think it's pretty hilarious to mess with it. 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Honestly - most the time just blah.  I have had my fair share of meltdowns this week though.  One of the boys locked the bathroom door and it took Paul and I a few hours to get it open...except we never really opened it, Paul just ended up drilling through the handle to get it to pop off.

Looking forward to: Not being so chubby anymore.  The weight gain has caught up with me, and since I have not been able to go on walks or workout any because of the pre-term labor, I just feel like a giant cow :-/