The First Days in Pictures

Unlike Makafui's birth, I did not look or feel like I had been hit by a truck afterwards. Still can't believe how fast that went!!

First picture and getting checked out.

Meeting Gigi for the first time!

Pretty flowers that died too quickly. :(



Our first selfie...shameless.

So blessed by how enamored he is with her!

Everything about this picture just cracks me up.

Thank God, she takes a pacifier!

Love that milk drunk face.

She's HERE!!

Our sweet girl gave us the best surprise ever and came just a little bit early! Her due date is the 24th and she arrived August 19th instead...yay Baby!!

Sweet Baby "Pax" 7lb 2oz, 18.75''

She is already a total rockstar and I am still just in awe and feeling totally blessed by how this week has gone.

After the loss of my niece earlier this year, I was experiencing a lot of anxiety about the final weeks of pregnancy, delivery, etc. After much thought, prayer, tears and discussion, I decided to be induced on the 20th. My Dr. thought I was a good candidate for induction and we were feeling pretty good about the decision. I still wanted her to come on her own though and was continually praying for God's perfect timing.

On the 19th, I woke up ready to have a great "last day" with just Makafui. I was having some contractions here and there, but they weren't painful and they were very random in their spacing and length of time. I was hoping it could be a sign of impending labor, but busied myself with our day since I knew she'd be coming the next day anyway. We went to the Y, got our favorite kolaches and hit up a park with Tiffany and Hannah Kate. Then, we headed home to eat lunch and have a rest time.

When we got home, I decided maybe this could be the day and I absolutely could not have a baby without a clean home. So I put a load of laundry in, started the dishwasher, cleaned the bathrooms and vacuumed the apartment. Just as I was finishing up vacuuming, my water broke, but not in a Niagara Falls sort of way, so I wasn't positive! I didn't want to make a big deal about it, head to L&D and then find out that I had peed myself-that would be SO EMBARRASSING! And, my contractions still didn't hurt and still weren't regular.

This was about 12:45. I called the Dr. and left a message with the nurse, then called G and told him he should probably come home. My mom and dad just happened to be having lunch together and just happened to check in on me when all this went down and soon my dad came and got M.

From the time I first suspected my water broke, to talking to the nurse and G getting home (30ish minutes) my contractions really started to intensify!

I met G in the corridor and we drove across the street to the Dr. After cracking some jokes, the Dr. got serious and asked G how fast he could drive to the hospital! I was so excited!

We had to stop 3 times on the way to the car for contractions, and then we sped off to the hospital in complete shock that this was actually happening-and so quickly! When we got to the hospital, we had to stop 4 or 5 times in the parking lot, lobby, elevator and hallway for contractions. It was all very intense, but it didn't sink in that she would be coming so soon-my mind was ready for another 6 hours or so. We got to the hospital at 2:20. At 3:53 she was in my arms!! (It sounds super easy, but I won't lie, the last 30 minutes or so were absolutely hellacious)

I still can't believe it worked out that way. I pushed through 2 contractions and she was here! She cried just enough for us to feel reassured, but has been pretty chilled out since.

The entire experience-her birth, the recovery, Makafui's reaction/role as a big brother and transitioning to home have been way better than I expected, but more so, even better than I could have wished for!! I am just so blessed and overwhelmed. We had a great first night at home and Makafui is just completely in love with and obsessed with her! He had a rough time sleeping while I was in the hospital, but last night he did great!

Her naming ceremony is on the 31st and I just can't wait!

 

Makafui 2.5

M is now officially 2 and 1/2!

His stats from today's well check: Height, 38" 93%!! Head, 39.9cm 67%. Weight, 31lbs 65%...geez, he feels a lot heavier!!

I was curious to see his stats as he suddenly seems to be much taller than his peers and has outgrown ALL of his shorts-his kneecaps are clearly visible in nearly every pair of shorts he has, but I'm not buying more summer clothes in August! Sorry, kid. I see skinny jeans in his future, as regular jeans won't fit his long and lean frame.

He seems so old to me!! He thinks he's getting old too...lately if you ask him how old he is, he says, "I'm six old!" He used to give the correct answer, but not anymore. If you really press him on it, he'll demote himself to five, but he is most certainly NOT two!

He went through a very fearful phase last month, but things seem to be getting better lately. Bedtime was hell for a bit, but some new rituals seem to have helped. We do a "scary check" each night, he recites/chants a version of Psalm 4:8 a few times (In peace, O Lord, I will sleep, for you keep me safe) and now, he sleeps with the door OPEN! I'm not sure how this open door thing is gonna work when he can hear a crying baby or when we move, but for now, I'll do whatever it takes for an easier bedtime. We also talk a LOT about what different sounds are and the things that do scare him.

He is very, very inquisitive and HATES to hear "I don't know." as a response to any of his questions....and he has a LOT of questions. I've just started coming up with any ol' answer lately.

His imagination cracks me up! I just love hearing him play with his toys! He has been taking care of "sister" lately. She is sad and cries, but he makes it all better. Sweet, sweet boy!

He has become even more social. He still loves church and the Y and has no problem being left. In fact, sometimes he doesn't even tell me bye! He no longer enjoys going to parks or playgrounds if he is the only one there. We went to Chick-Fil-A one morning this week to kill some time before an appointment and there was no one there. He said, "Where's Hannah Kate? Where's Big Kids?" and didn't want anything to do with the play area!

Running errands is super hit or miss. Some days, he is very compliant, doesn't mind sitting in the cart, listens and behaves. Other days, it's a battle to just get out of the car. There is no rhyme or reason for which kid I'm going get.

Makafui super needs Man Time lately! It's funny to watch your little boy grow and have him suddenly crave and need something that you simply cannot provide. He asks for Pops and Daddy all the time and if he doesn't get enough of that male input, he gets very aggressive and difficult for me to handle. I am so looking forward to our patch of grass and extra time with Daddy when we move.

The boy has a ton of personality and occasionally enough attitude for several kids...or adults for that matter! His latest demands include:
"Stop guys! Stop!" When people are talking too loud or interrupting him.
"Don't tell me I don't know!" Well, when we don't know.
"Don't talk to my Mommy like that!" When he hears animated conversations, but doesn't understand what is being said exactly. Ha!
"I don't wanna songgggg!!!" In the car, when he is grumpy, do not turn the radio on.
"Don't say mhhhmmm to me, you say, yes, that's right!" The boy easily perceives when he's not getting the full attention he desires.

Yes, he keeps us on our toes.

He has also been a total trooper lately! I have been packing up the apartment, so I can stress less and spend more time with him in our final weeks and more time with Baby in her first weeks. There have been days that he watches Netflix for longer than he should or just follows me around while I box, organize, sort, etc. I'm sure it can be very unsettling for him, but overall, he's doing awesome!

I think one of my favorite things he does lately is ask G about work. George wants/needs something called TQLs in his position. Somewhere along the way, Makafui learned this and asks George each and everyday if he got any TQLs. It is so adorable. He cheers for him if the answer is yes, comforts him if the answer is no and prays that "Daddy gets fibe TQLs!" I just love it.

In the last two days, he has decided clothes are totally optional. Weird. He strips his PJs off in the morning, sometimes battles getting dressed, and again strips his clothes off when we come home. I don't really get it.

He is so full of life and joy and surprises! I am so blessed to be his Mama!!

It's Baby Month!!!!

I woke up this morning and it instantly hit me that it's August!



I am so. flippin. excited.

We meet our girl this month!!

I have been packing like a mad woman this week! If I feel good one day, I jump on it, since I don't know what the next day may hold or when this precious girl will make her debut. I really want to enjoy my final days with JUST Makafui and my first days with both of them and not be freaking out about packing. So we're going to have a dining room full of boxes for the next 5 weeks, but I just don't even care! And, I feel pretty badass that I did all of this all by myself, while 9 months pregnant and caring for a toddler. Boom.





I've been trying to soak up extra time with M and do fun things with him. He's had a pretty whiney week. I can't tell if he senses big changes are coming or if he is just being two!








Earlier this week I got that terrible I-want-this-baby-to-come-right-now bug. I'm calming down a bit and striving for patience. I'm focusing these next weeks on praying for her, our family and her delivery.

It hit me last night that I should probably prepare a bit more for her actual delivery. I don't know if I am just in denial of what natural childbirth really is, or if God has given me peace about what's on the horizon. I haven't been over-thinking it or worried about it too much. She's coming regardless, so I'd rather not be anxious about it. :)

I am really, really excited to meet this little person! It's so fun not being a first timer and going into this transition having a better understanding of not only how challenging things may be, but how completely wonderful it's going to be! I just can't wait to study her and learn her and see how God has perfectly made her for our family!

HAPPY BABY MONTH!!

1 Month!!

Baby Girl's due date is one month from today!! I feel like this has been a pretty slow pregnancy, but suddenly, we only have a month left and that's not very long (although, I have let her know that the 22nd, in the evening, would actually be a good time to come...so slightly less than a month).

Physically, we are doing great! All of our Dr. visits are very boring and routine (thank you, Lord!). I have a pretty decent amount of energy and I am both shocked and blessed by that! There are days I go to bed at 8, but not everyday. I'm moving a bit slower and bumping my belly into things, but I am very thankful that the second half of this pregnancy has gone so well.

I am excited to meet Our Girl and have her join our family, I feel mentally and emotionally ready to begin The Year Of The Baby. I am also not in a rush for her to come right now. :) Her crib is now pink, we have a place to live, she has clothes for the first 3ish months and everything she needs upon arrival. Once I pre-register at the hospital, buy a vehicle, pack up most of our belongings, figure out some easy meals, schedule movers, take M to his well check, get in at least 2 more good dates with G, plan her naming ceremony and a few more neurotic things, then I will be ready!

Yesterday, George's co-workers gave him a mini-baby shower of sorts. They had sweet gifts for Baby Girl, a fun present for Big Brother Makafui and hot pink cookies!! I am so overwhelmed by their generosity and genuine care for our little family. This has been a week full of little blessings and I am just so grateful for this season of trusting, growing, watching God do His thing.

Makafui has been extra snuggly and even clingy lately. Poor boy, I know he can feel big changes are coming. I also know he will be okay with adding a baby and moving, but it will probably be hard for a little while. I'm praying the Lord prepares his little heart, gives G and I great wisdom and patience and that these transitions go smoothly!

Taking selfies to send to Daddy at work.

The Little Blue House

Last week, I eliminated more than 50 apartments from our list of possible homes. In case you are looking for a 3 bedroom apartment in Austin, you should know, they are REALLY hard to come by. Overwhelmingly, there just wasn't any availability.

So we broadened the geographical search and added houses to the list.

And there was this cute Little Blue House.

The landlady didn't want the house to be vacant as long as we needed and had a lot of other people interested, so it was a no-go.

Then, the closing for the current Little Blue House renters fell through. They decided they would stay through their current lease. The house would be available the first week of December.

The landlady asked if we were interested.

We were. Kind of. Our apartment was not accommodating AT ALL though, which meant The Little Blue House was a no-go...again.

On Saturday, G and I were going to leave Makafui with my mom and not return until we had a place to live. We needed to give our notice to our apartment that day.

I checked my e-mail right before we left to see a message from the Landlady of Little Blue House. The renters had found another house and would be moving out after all. It was final this time and their closing and relinquishment of the house fit PERFECTLY with our timeline.

So we went to The Little Blue House. We walked around, we sat on the back porch and we imagined our life as a family of four there. 3 bedrooms, exactly what we need. It's not too small and not too big, enough room to move around, but small enough to keep clean. A patch of grass. A two-car garage. A sweet little walkable neighborhood with parks and a pool. Closer to George's work than we are now. No. Shared. Walls. It seems pretty perfect.

Last night, we signed our 2 year lease! I am relieved. I am excited. I am feeling so, so blessed by this sweet Little Blue House.

Moving day is 13 days after her due date. :)

Wait and See

We are supposed to give our 60 notice to vacate our current apartment (woot! woot!) by this Saturday. We have chosen our desired location and a month-ish ago, I toured several places and got going rates and a good feel for what we like/want etc. We knew we had MANY options, so I wasn't too worried about the timing of securing a new place and giving our notice here.

Today, we went to our favorite apartment complex after church and guess what? They got nothin'! No 3 bedroom apartment, no 3 bedroom townhome, no 2 bedroom townhome and no 2 bedroom apartment with study. Like, at all. With no availability in sight.

So we went to two more places. One had one available, but it was ugly, overpriced, we needed to take it on my due date or pay an even higher rate for the length of the lease, we needed to buy or rent washer and dryer and Makafui fell while we toured and I got covered in fire ants when I was picking him up. It was definitely a sign-that place was not for us.

After checking online and inquiring with 14 places (that offer 3 bedrooms, I checked many more, but they only had 1s and 2s) in our desired area, we got nowhere! Mostly, there is no availability. There were two I didn't even check because they had really, really terrible reviews and there was an option or two that were a solid $1,000/month above our budget...but they may not have had any availability either, I forget.

In short, I have no clue where we are going to live. However, I know it will work out beautifully, we just have to wait and see....

Picture, picture!

He decided to take the "coo" sunglasses and let me wear the goggles.

Typical Makafui...although the diaper and no clothes isn't...not sure what's up with that!

So in love with his new Firetruck shoes!!

Makafui loves sticks!! This one was a little too gun-like for me, but he didn't know any better.

Cousins playing where their Mamas grew up. :)

Our swimming play date got rained out, McD's to the rescue!

I was allowed in on one of M's Selfies.

Back from the Ghana v. USA game...pretty sure this has something to do with toots and not soccer.

You know you're the Mama of a boy when your Mother-Son dates include a dinosaur and a car.

He is OBSESSED with the Old Navy dog! He also decided that dog needed some fashion too!

My belly with chocolate on it. I'm classy like that.

Life Update

It's been a while since I've done a real update!

Makafui is growing and changing so much lately! Most of the time, he is a total delight and a lot of fun to be with. Each day that passes, I feel more relaxed about the spacing of our kids and that 2 1/2 years is perfect for us.

The boy talks up a storm! Some of my favorites lately...

"Mommy, I know you hear dis noise." In nap time, while not sleeping.
"I'm having an idea!"
"Stop the CAR!!"
"I need an egg. in. my. body." After telling him we needed to get some protein.
"I don't wanna poop on my bath."
"Mommy, don't be mean to me."
"Mommy's name Beffany Zalltay."
"I was awake in da night for da tunder. IT WON'T HURT YOU!"
"Can we go Chicken-Lay? I needa go Chicken-Lay."
"That's where Makafui BERRRRN!!!" He screams this every time we drive past the hospital.
"Daddy has back ears, Mommy has lellow."

Over the last couple of weeks it came to his attention that everyone has a real name. He learned my name, Daddy's, Gigi's and Pops'. He loves to mention the names and try them out on himself, "My name is Tchwwyyyyla!" He also asks the name of random animals, like the turtles and beavers in the pond nearby.

He really enjoys carrying on conversations with me, or anyone who will listen. His imagination has recently really blossomed and I love listening to him play and tell stories. Lately, he needs to "go to job for 10 minutes", he drives an airplane, so he is very important.

It's been really fun to ask him about his time at the Y or church and hear the names of his friends, the toys he played with and some of what he did. He is also good at telling me any bad things that happened, like when someone yelled at him. :(

He often wants to know who is going to be wherever we are going. He will go through the list of ALL of his family members, asking, "Is Fia gonna be dare? Is Kimmy gonna be dare?" and on and on...it can take a while to get through everyone. He never forgets anyone!

Whenever one of his cars is "Pops" they go to Costco. He asks to go to Costco with Pops just about everyday.

He has a bunny he plays with in the car who is very rude, Makafui is always telling me that the bunny tooted on him, then he has to put the bunny in timeout.

Most of his animal toys or dinosaurs "bite" him. He gets a kick out of telling them no and putting them in timeout. He is a very strict disciplinarian.

He recently got some toddler LEGO blocks and constantly asks me to build really involved things, like a helicopter, or school bus, or fire truck fighting a fire. Geez. How 'bout we build a tower?

He has been talking a lot about his sister and wants her to come out and walk. He is quick to notice babies wherever we go and likes to point out and talk about her things (that are piling up around here!).

On the baby front, things are going great! I am hot and fat and tired, but doing well. ;) She is growing right on target and everything seems to be going great!

I had a WONDERFUL shower this weekend thrown by my sisters and was completely blessed and overwhelmed by the love poured out to our Sweet Girl. It touched me so much and I had a great time!!

After talking to my Dr. this past week (and more things changing for him) I found out that I can deliver at another hospital AND keep him! George and I toured the hospital yesterday and felt really good about it! The Labor and Delivery room is huge and gorgeous, they don't even have a well baby nursery so our daughter will stay with me the entire time, they have a NICU-just in case, they support natural childbirth and I could go on and on. I felt soooo much better about the delivery and am really excited for it.

I told George the other night, "We have niiiiiine more weeks before her due date!" His response was, "Only NINE weeks!?" Time must pass differently when you aren't the one growing the baby. I am ready for August. On the other hand, I am really trying to savor my time with Makafui as just the two of us. Aaaaand, we still aren't quite ready for her, so I guess it's a good thing we have so much time. ;)

Work is going great for G and we are still so thankful for such a wonderful company!

We have been visiting a church close to where we'll be moving (though still don't know the exact place we'll live) and are really enjoying it. Makafui LOVES the nursery and asks if we can go to church nearly every day. We have tried a Sunday School class and are looking forward to getting to know people. I am on the waiting list and hope to get into their MOPS group and they have a Bible Study during the week as well. I think it will be good for us.

World Cup is a pretty huge deal around here. M loves yelling GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLL, and randomly screaming "Off side!" G loves watching (and re-watching) the games, and I just love the nostalgia and all the fun that goes with it.

Here's to our final summer as a family of 3! :) Next post will have pics, promise!

Change in Plans

At my 28 week check-up this week, I learned that the AMAZING Labor and Delivery department at the hospital where M was born, the very hospital I was so excited to have this baby in, is CLOSING!!!

Wait, what?

A big medical group imploded financially, laid off a ton of people and closed their OB clinic, which basically leaves my Dr. as the only OB at the hospital. So while the hospital recruits and revamps, they are just closing L&D for the next 6-8 months.

This means we have to go to a different a hospital. :(

Maybe I am a super control freak or maybe all moms feel this way, but I am way bummed about this. I loved my experience with the hospital where M was born! I was looking forward to having that again. To knowing what was going to happen and what is considered normal there. On top of that, the hospital was state of the art, had all the bells and whistles, was very forward thinking in terms of pro-mother/baby care, is award winning and nationally recognized for safety....I could go on and on. I love that place.

George and I toured the "new" hospital yesterday. It was quaint. My biggest concern (that they take baby after birth and shuffle them to a nursery for "assessments"  like 1982) was put to rest; thankfully, they do everything in room. Other things I noticed started to sink in later, like as I was going to bed and having a little cry about it. Things like, there are no bells and whistles, at all. The rooms are pretty small. The equipment seems dated. There is no real NICU, just some baby warmers.

I'm still wrapping my head around this change in plans and thinking about what other options I have. I realize, many of the things are just fluff, fluff I won't care about with babe in arms. And yes, this is suuuuch a First World problem. This second though, it matters to me...a lot.

I was never really in control of this birth, I just thought I had more control since there was some familiarity to it. Time for more trusting, more letting go.