The Four of Us

There are two questions that people have mostly been asking me lately... 

1. How are you? 

2. How is Sara adjusting to having the new baby around? 

1. I am doing surprisingly decent. 

• I have come to the conclusion that going through childbirth naturally is the way to do it. It totally sucks, pain wise... However, I feel like I've bounced back so much faster than when Sara came through and ruined my body! Not only that, but there's this major sense of accomplishment I feel becuase I was able to push Jordyn out on my own AND without pain meds! This coming from a girl who ALWAYS said "Just knock me out and get the baby out!" I'm ALL about the pain meds...  and I don't know if I would do it again without them (If I actually had a choice this time. haha). I guess I'm kind of just really proud of myself. With Sara I just felt miserable and since they had to vacuum her out, I felt like I failed. 

• Emotionally I feel so much better too. With Sara, I remember just crying EVERY day for weeks. Yes, I'm tired and I get frustrated when Jordyn has her moments. But the fact is, Sara is still somewhat a baby and I guess I'm still in that frame of mind, so it's been a little "easier". We've been getting out of the house a lot, joining the world around us, and doing lots of fun things even if it kills us. haha 

• We feel like going from 0-1 child was a lot harder than 1-2 children. But Jason has been home a lot and we've had him around a lot. I haven't been alone with both girls really at all! So perhaps in about a month, I'll be like "What were we thinking?!?!"Plus, Jordyn sleeps a lot, and there are many times when they're both sleeping at the same time. One thing that been really hard to adjust to is giving them both the attention I want to. I have to feed Jordyn ALL the time! And one time Sara whacked Jordyn with her cup on accident and Jordyn immediately started to scream. It scared Sara and she started to kind of check out. I was trying to calm the baby down, and for a couple seconds wasn't even thinking of Sara, then when I realized she was really scared and zoned out it was hard to get to her to give her comfort. But we've been working on making sure Mama and Sara get time together alone. 

 

2. Sara is handling this pretty well for the most part. 

• We'll start with the negatives. One thing I've seen change is that she's become more possessive than she use to be. She gets grumpy and whines "MIIIIIINNE" way more than usual. So, we're working on that. Sara also does NOT like it when Jordyn cries, especially if she knows it's from something she did. She shuts herself off and tends to run away until she stops. Poor girl. She also doesn't like to hold her. She'll be around her, and ask to hold her, but as soon as you put her on her lap she just chants "No! No! No!" It's actually pretty funny.

• There are MORE positives than negatives. She loves to know where the baby is. She'll run over to where she's sleeping and peak over just to make sure she's there. Sara loves to help out. She'll get me diapers for Jordyn, she'll bring her her pacifier and blankets... it's so sweet. She loves to pat her and hug and kiss her. When I start to burp her, she runs over and pats her on the back. Sara is really such a sweet and protective sister. Today, I couldn't find Jordyn's missing sock, and soon after she ran in with it (yelling "SOCK! SOCK!) and started attempting to put it back on Jordyn's foot. It was so cute!!!! I love watching them. 

Jason is a part of this family too! It's kinda funny that people don't normally ask about him. It's kinda funny becuase I was reliving giving birth in my head and I was telling Jason that I don't even remember him being there. I remember holding his hand, and I remember him cutting the cord, but I really don't remember him while I was first holding Jordyn or when they were taking me to our room. But Jason is a fantastic man.  I couldn't have asked for a better husband and father for my children. Today even, he took over making dinner when Jordyn started going crazy and I had to feed her. I told him I had no idea how I would survive if he was gone right now! He gets about the same amount of sleep I do, and he still picks up the slack when I can't do things. Like I said, he's had a lot of time off, so when he does go back to work I know things will change, but it's been such a blessing having him here.

Jordyn's Birth Story

I'm sure the world of comparing my children has only just begun... But it's hard not to compare their birth strories seeing as they were both completely different!!! Just a recap... With Sara I was induced and it began on Monday afternoon and Sara wasn't born until Wednesday night. Three hours of pushing and it still ended brutally!! And then we didn't even get to leave until Friday night!

Jordyn has made quite the entrance into our lives... Starting with the news of her exaistance. Hehe so here's kind of a time line of events because it's all really insane and still hard to believe. 

June 5-due date. Absolutely nothing happening. 

The following Monday and Thursday I went in for a baby stress test only to confirm what I pretty much guessed. She was healthy and just too happy there in my belly. So I spent the week at home and had taken the week off from school... Even though I went back to visit several times and then Friday morning came. 

June 12

7:00 am 

I started feeling some cramping while  I was laying in bed but I didn't think much of it because my back has been already hurting and I figured I just had to empty my bladder. After a while I realized they were coming repeatedly. Not too strong and they were over quick, plus it was like every 10-12 minutes. So I didn't really tell anyone and just went about the morning taking care of Sara and kinda cleaning up the house just in case. 

9:00 am 

I ended up telling Jason I thought I was having contractions, but they weren't really impressive... And he ended up going into work. I went grocery shopping and the contractions started to get a little longer but not as frequent.

11:00 am 

Lunch time. Jason came home for lunch and the contractions were coming every 7-9 minutes but only lasting about 30 seconds. So I told him he should be fine to go to work and maybe just to come home a little earlier just to be here. We were also waiting on my dad to fly in from New Mexico and wanted to get him a base pass before everything happened. 

12:45pm 

I was going to the restroom and all of the sudden my water broke. But it threw me off because it wasn't much. So I wasn't sure. I texted Jason "you should probably come home. I think my water broke a little?" 

12:55pm

No word from Jason.... And my dad arrived at VAFB. 

1:00pm

Jason finally calls me back, of course for the fifteen minutes I actually needed him he had his phone at his desk and was away. Haha

1:15-1:25pm

While I was waiting for Dad and Jason, I was leaning against the wall during a contraction and this lady comes up to me and asked if I was okay. I just said, "oh I'm just in labor... I'm okay. We just really needed to get my dad on base before going to the hospital." We get dad a pass and head out for the hospital 25 minutes away. On the car ride the contractions were getting to be five minutes apart and lasting about 45-55 seconds. So I figured we were doing fine on time! 

1:50pm

We arrived at the hospital. They took us to the examination room where they would monitor me until the room was ready. After I had changed the contractions were definitely getting stronger and faster. 

2:14pm 

The nurse checked me and I was at 6cm and in a lot of pain so I said... Sure lets get the epidural!! I'm a wimp! 

I don't know the exact time in between here. But two contractions later... Two brutally painful contractions later... The nurse was back in our check in room (mind you, we had not even "checked in" yet....) and when she checked again I was at 9cm! 

One contraction after that I said to myself... This hurts way too bad and i need to push! So I did. And I screamed a lot... That part sucks because it's like I had no control over what came out of mouth! Remember... I am still not even in a delivery room yet! 

All of the sudden there were 6 nurses and a doctor in this tiny check in room and the doctor checked to see what was going on and all I remember hearing was "ya the baby is RiGHT there" Next contraction comes and I'm pushing, screaming, and holding on to the nurses scrubs beside me as well as Jason. Then they kept telling me to stop fighting them. I don't really know what I was doing it just hurt too much. I think I was just not cooperating with my legs. 

I had about thirty seconds to pull myself together. The nurse I was yanking on said to me: "listen... Look at me! You are in control here, you're going to push this baby out, listen to the doctor."

2:30pm

Last contraction... Pushing, screaming, and then it was over. Just like a tornado, it came, it went crazy... Then it was over! It's also such a weird feeling pushing a baby out. I don't know how to explain but since I didn't even get an epidural because it all happened too fast... I felt everything! It's just so crazy!

What was nice about this whole situation was: 

1: I got to keep Jordyn on my chest for like 20 minutes since there was no room for me and no one took her from me until we finally got in one! 

2: There wasn't even any time for me to get hooked up to all the crap I was with Sara! No IV, no stupid blood pressure thing, no needles... It was just me! 

3: I didn't have to wait!! It was just done... Like magic! And then we moved on! 

So I followed the directions of my doctor. I waited until I was having 1 minute contractions that were 5 minutes apart! I just cannot believe how fast it all went. We checked in at 1:50 and maybe ten contractions later she was here at 2:30! The fact that she was a week late didn't even matter to me because it was the quickest I'd ever thought I it to be. And I didn't even think to go in earlier because the contractions weren't even that strong while I was at home. I'm super happy I had it "easier" the second time around. I was not looking forward to all of this. But now we're resting and waiting to be discharged here at the hospital. Jordyn is such a precious little girl. It has been so incredible to do this all over again. I'm so happy to be holding her now!

Here she is: Jordyn Elizabeth Lawyer

Born on June 12, 2015 at 2:30 pm

Weighing 8 lbs 2 oz and stretching to 20 inches long!

Baby Two Predictions

This comes a little late. Considering I'm due in a week and a half. But Jason and I were talking about what we thought Jordyn might look like, and I figured we should do one of these for her like we did for Sara. :) 

 

Mommy's Prediction

Eye Color: Blue
So far we're a family with blue eyes!
Hair Color: Blonde/White
Sara had weird, dark, reddish hair! I'm holding out for a bright blonde girl!
Skin Color: Pale and perfect
Just a guess really.
Bald or Full Head of Hair: Full Head of Hair
It threw off the ultrasound tech how much hair she had, so I'm curious to see how much is there! Maybe she'll have a weird head of hair where she's bald on top and has a crazy mane in the back! ha
Hair Type: I'm guessing straight.
Sara's was straight, that's the only evidence I have.
Who Will She Look Like: Jason
I have a theory that all babies must look like the Dada so that he knows it's his. muhahaha. It doesn't seem fair though, and I don't like comments about how much they look like daddy when I do all the work!!!
How much will she weigh: 8 lbs 4oz
I'm just wishful thinking I guess. I'm assuming she'll be about the same size if not bigger than her sista.
How long will she be: 21 3/4 inches
These are all based on our last ultrasound. The lady said she'd have very long legs.
Arrival: Early
I have this crazy feeling she'll be here early. Or again... maybe just wishful thinking.  
Traits She'll Probably Get:
1. Moodiness. Mama has been extra moody with this one. And from previous baby experiences.... we'll probably have a moody one.
2. Different Thumbs. Maybe this one will get the crazy thumbs from Mama.
3. Lots of chubby cheeks and belly. This she'll get because of her Mama too because I had such big cheeks and thighs when I was little. 

Daddy's Prediction

Eye Color: Blue
Sara has bright blue eyes, and I think Jordyn will have similar pretty eyes!
Hair Color: Blonde
I had blonde hair when I was a young lad, Melissa is a natural blonde, and Sara has beautiful blonde hair now.
Skin Color: White
Because we're both white, and ironically we don't get many sun rays out here in the central coast of California.
Bald or Full Head of Hair: Long full head of hair
Jordyn will have lots of hair, per the ultrasound tech.
Hair Type: Thick and Wavy
Like her Dad and Sara, her hair will be thick, wavy or curly.
Who Will She Look Like: Melissa
Like I said with Sara, "If she stands a chance of ever getting married."
How much will she weigh: 7 lbs 9 oz
I came into the world at 9 lbs 3 oz, Melissa was 9 lbs 6 oz, and Sara was 8 lbs 5 oz. Therefore, if my math is right, 7 lbs 9 oz.
How long will she be: 21 1/2"
All three of us arrived within 1/4" of each others length, so again I rounded up ;)
Arrival: Due date, June 5th
She is gonna be a due date baby, because she is perfect timing for our family ;)
Traits She'll Probably Get:
1. A love for Mickey Mouse: Since being a Dad, I have come to the conclusion that all kids love Mickey!
2. A book lover: I hope she likes books as much as Sara, that makes us happy.
3. Moody: She is a GIRL people!

And now I leave you with a few pictures of us and what sweet little Jordyn might look like in a few months. 

James Jason Lawyer
Born on May 27, 1983 at 7:30 AM (His due date)
Weighed 9 pounds 3 ounces
His length was 21 1/2 inches

Melissa Nicole Thomas
Born on April 29, 1986 at 7:19 AM (Her due date)
Weighed 9 pounds 6 ounces
Her length was 21 1/4 inches

Jordyn Elizabeth Lawyer 
Born on ???
Weighed ???
Her length was ???

Picture Time

We made it to the point of maternity pictures. To me, it's well worth the money to get some special and amazing shots of this moment in our life. This time we decided to do it on the beach... and it turns out, the beach was just FULL of gnats! BLEH. So despite the hundreds of gnats flying on us, going in our eyes and noses... our photographer managed to make us look pretty good. It was also fun this time to have Sara around to be in our pictures. She was super cute. So here they are!

16 Months old Sara

A couple days ago, Sara turned 16 months! It's funny that ever since she turned 1-year-old, I kinda just lost track of how many months she is... But it dawned on me the other day that she was 16 months old! Crazy! So here are 16 "Sara Stats" for you:

1. Sara is a little princess... just like her name states! I guess we chose the perfect name for that girl. She hates being messy, she is careful, she likes to clean up and organize, and she is such a clean eater. It makes me laugh. She's so clean that she didn't even want to finger paint the other day!! 

2. She loves her stuffed animals. All of them. If we would let her, she would have them ALL in her crib while she slept. I think she'll be the kid who is attached to an animal... not a blankie. She seems to really be drawn to her Mickey/Minney Mouse and her dodge ram the most.

3. She loves to dance. There's a commercial that comes on here that she especially loves, along with the Hot Dog song from Mickey, and lately she loves Frozen! 

4. Her most favorite thing in the world are BOOKS! I even caught myself saying today "Sara, go find a toy to play with... no not books hon... lets go find an actual toy!" haha Eric Carl and Dr. Seuss are among her favorite.

5. She's started throwing tantrums in the past several weeks when we won't let her have what she was wanting. Most of the time it's when we're outside and have to go in. The other day it was because we had to leave the furniture store and she was having too much fun there. Oh good grief. 

6. Vegetables are still her favorite. The other day she had to have eaten half of the zucchini I steamed. She also really likes Mac and Cheese and lately has been loving pretzels. 

7. Sara loves brushing her teeth and washing her hands. Weird child. 

8. Lately, she also like Cars. She actually sat and watched for a good 30-40 minutes!! 

9. Now that she's walking,.. she wants to walk everywhere and throws a fit at times when we have to hold her. We're trying to teach her that she can't walk in the parking lot or streets! But it's pointless... 

10. She's been saying lots of words. It's also amazing how much she understands. Today I said... "Sara, go check on the chicken!" and she walked into the kitchen and started looking into oven! Some of her clearest words are: milk, book (go figure), shoes, and today she totally repeated "potato" it was awesome. 

11. She likes to use her spoon and fork during meals and she likes to drink out of a cup, like a normal person. I would say she's successful about 60% of the time.

12. We just got her a sandbox and she has so much fun playing in it! It's taken her a while to actually SIT in the sand... but baby steps. Of all the toys in the sandbox we got her... she likes using the sea shell we found on the beach the best! 

13. Sara can make LOTS of animal noises for you! She's even starting to point out the correct animal when you ask. It's pretty cute. Our favorite is the pig! But I think Sara's favorite animal right now is a bear... or an owl.

14. Mama likes to show off her belly to Sara because she will poke my belly button and likes to give her sister hugs and kisses. It's the most precious thing ever. I'm trying to get her to say "Jordyn".. but she does say "baybay"

15. She's growing like a weed. Wearing mostly 24m clothes because they're more comfortable with her little pot belly. She's just started wearing size 5 diapers. And I have her in size 5 shoes... FINALLY her feet are growing, but really she should be wearing size 4.

16. Sara is SUCH a cuddle bug! I love it! She'll just cuddle up with us on the couch or on the floor and play with her toys (sometimes it happens) or books. The only time she's not cuddly is when she needs to sleep. She will not sleep in our arms or in bed with us. She wants to be all alone. So I will take whatever cuddles she will offer up while I get them. 

In 2ish short months, Sara will be a big sister and who knows how things will change. I'm anxious to see how it changes HER and our relationship. I'm curious to see how she react to having a baby around all the time. It'll be fun. Hard... but fun!