Is That Baby Still in There? .... Still?

Yes, the baby is still in there!  With Beckett my water broke the night before my due date.  That was the obvious cue that I had to go to the hospital, and I don't remember having noticeable contractions prior to my water breaking. 

I really thought the same thing would happen this time, and I was sure something would happen on Saturday night.  Nope.  

I have had contractions for nearly 2 weeks.  They have been sporadic and range from mild to uncomfortable.  Last night there was a 40 minute stretch of contractions that were 6 minutes apart, and Chad and I were thinking it had to be close!   Nope.

Today's appointment showed I am still at 1cm and 50% effaced - the same as nearly 3 weeks ago.  I'm starting to think I'm a good vehicle for carrying babies, but not necessarily the delivery of them! 

See what I get for saying I'm perfectly fine waiting for February 21 or later?  I need to watch my mouth!

Beckett Russell Paulson

Chad and I taught Beckett that his full name is Beckett Russell Paulson.  He loves to tell people this, but I didn't think he made the connection that it was his middle and last name.

Tonight when we put him to bed (which went very, very well I must add!) he told me "good night mommy Paulson." 

Awwww, that kid melts my heart. 

Prince Harry

When Chad and I went to England last year we searched for the perfect souvenir for Beckett.  We found this cute little bear with a London shirt in a corner shop at Picadilly Circus. 

We didn't realize how attached Beckett would become to Prince Harry. He sleeps with him every night, takes him with on long car trips, gives him a big hug and recaps his day to him when we get home from daycare, and is usually within an arm's reach when we are at home.  What are we going to do if he gets lost?!  If anyone is going to England in the near future, please let me know. 

Trains, Prince Harry, the Toys r Us flier and his Pookie book.  Pretty much all of Beckett's favorite things in one picture!

From the days when Prince Harry still had his shirt on.

Getting a stroller ride, along with a bunch of other friends.

These days he doesn't sleep with all those animals.  It's Prince, Thomas, Percy and Salty. 

Beckett looks so little here!!  This was earlier last summer.

Prince and Beckett, best friends forever.

Is That Baby Still in There?

Yes, the baby is still in there!  I haven't shared a lot of pictures of me from the third trimester because let's face it - the extra weight gain, water retention and general look of fatigue is just not as flattering as the little bump and glow of the second trimester.  But since this is a scrapbook for our family I'll put my pride aside and document the the final stretch. 

I wonder if he realizes the baby will be coming out and living with us soon!

No wonder the kids at school are constantly staring at my belly.

Proof that I did look cute at some point during this pregnancy.  22 weeks to be exact.

Beckett and Bedtime

Beckett has always been pretty good about going to bed - we haven't had a long, drawn out process, stalling or resistance.  He's been content to be read to, sung to, and tucked in his big boy bed and then he goes to sleep (with his pacifier of course, but I'm not ready to give that up yet!)

Where did my little bedtime angel go?  Lately he has been resisting brushing teeth, jumping on the bed when it's time for prayers, and making me and Chad chase him around the house (yes, this is really fun when you're 9 months pregnant).  He has also begun trying to come out of his room after we put him down.  And when you try to talk to him about it he thinks it's funny.

So, introducing Beckett's Bedtime Jobs sticker chart.  We are in week 2 and it's going fairly well.  Beckett's horns still surface at times, but it does seem like he enjoys earning his stickers. 

More Art

Again, I really love that Beckett likes to be creative and do artistic things, because that is one outlet for me that keeps me sane.  Remember the 10-pack canvas deal at Michael's?  I was able to use them for decorations in Beckett's room.  I figured if the baby's room is already plastered with pictures and monkeys, Beckett could have something on his walls too! 

I don't know that these pictures do a great job showing the project, but you get the gist.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Beckett had his valentine's party at daycare last Thursday and as part of his fun-filled day he created a valentine's project.  I'm so glad he likes art and being creative!  Here are some pictures from home and daycare of his recent projects.

Not sure he was wanting to pause for a picture here!

Working on a card for Paul and Eileen, whose anniversary was yesterday.

I remember having those stencils when I was little.

My serious artist.

The finished project.  Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Grandmas

I am lucky to still have both of my grandmas around, and I always say that I'm going to spend more time with them and sadly fall short.  So when I didn't have school on Friday I invited them to come up and see the new house and hang out with Beckett and I.  Rissa and Kaden came over too, so we had a good morning of catching up followed by going out for lunch together.

I didn't think to take pictures right away, so I didn't get to take very many.

Great Grandma Marilyn and Beckett working on his alphabet train puzzle.  They make a pretty good team!

This was at the end of lunch.  It was so cute to watch Beckett sharing his "popcorns" and fries with Great Grandma Ardis. 

Nine Days

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday.  I am dilated 1 cm and the baby is still very low.  The doctor figures the baby is already lower than Beckett ever was (darn big head!) so we're hopeful this baby will enter the world through the birth canal. 

That being said, I am terrified of giving birth.  About a month ago Chad and I took a refresher birthing course, and I left the class more confused than I started.  Since our last experience resulted in a c-section, the instructor really couldn't say if I would have a delivery similar to a first-time one (think drawn out labor) or a faster moving delivery that seems to happen with subsequent births.  And there's a chance for a repeat c-section if I fail to progress like last time.  I feel like I could better prepare mentally if only I knew! 

Everyone is saying how the baby could come any day now, but I am perfectly fine waiting until February 21st or longer if necessary. 

Mmmmmm, cake

The way Beckett talks about cake and cupcakes you would think they are his favorite thing to eat.  However, Beckett does not actually eat the cake (not my child) but instead just licks off and eats the frosting. 

What is up with this face lately?

Think of all the perfectly good chocolate cake going to waste... sigh.