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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Jammy Cocoa Christmas Tradition

This year we held our first "Jammy Cocoa Christmas" with our little family of four.  With Jack being so sick as of late we haven't been able to get out and do too much, but thought this was the perfect holiday celebration for him.  What is a Jammy Cocoa Christmas you ask? 

It's a fun idea that popular blogger Shay Shull from Mix and Match Mama/Mix and Match Family created with her family.  Her dad actually came up with it and she blogged about it this year here

Sidenote: I can't wait to get my hands on her two books that come out February 1!!!  They are on preorder now.  I swear that half of the things I cook every night come from her blog!

Back to Jammy Cocoa Christmas...the "rules" state that you must visit a Starbucks in your PJ's and drive around looking at Christmas lights and listen to Christmas music!  We loaded up last Saturday after an early dinner at home and hit Starbucks for festive drinks and snowman cookies!

Jack loved that we all had on matching pajamas (thanks to my mom for the early gift) and he loved seeing all of the lights in the area.  Colin loved sleeping...unless we stopped for too long and he would make it known quite loudly that he wasn't happy.  At 6 weeks old, we'll cut him some slack this year!

I look forward to carrying this tradition on for years and years to come!  Thanks for the idea Shay!




Merry Christmas!
 

Monday, December 21, 2015

When Sickness Strikes


 Hello!  I just wanted to do a quick check-in and say we are still alive and kicking! 

The month of December has been all about illness in our household.  Poor Jack developed an ear infection, strep throat and Hand, Foot & Mouth all at the same time the second week of December.  HF&M when you have a newborn is a nightmare...especially if you have OCD tendencies like me.  Let's just say, me and Lysol have been BFF this month!  During that time that Jack had the trifecta of toddler diseases I wasn't feeling great, but just chalked it up to being overly tired with a one month old and taking care of Jack.  I kept repeating "you're not getting sick, you're not getting sick" and taking extra vitamins. 

I finally couldn't take it anymore and ended up at the doctor's office myself with an upper respiratory infection and a round of antibiotics...which also meant a round of probiotics for me and Colin since I'm nursing and other techniques for keeping your milk supply up. 

I'm still nursing a cough, but am feeling much better.  Wish I could say the same for Jack.  He was doing better, but then several days after finishing his anitibiotic, he was back to being sick again so back to the doctor we went...last Friday right before 5pm.  His doctor's office was already closed for the day, but I was psycho mom and insisted he was seen before the weekend.  Turns out his strep was back!  So another round of medicine we go! 

I can't tell you how Jason and Colin have remained well as I'm knocking on wood.  I pray that Jack feels better by Christmas Eve so he can really enjoy church and all of the fun family events we have lined up.  We have still managed to work in some fun including a Tacky Sweater Enchilada Night, sleepovers at Mimi's house and lots of Christmas light drives - one night even in matching PJ's!

I hope you are enjoying your family and the Season.  I apologize for being the world's worst blogger right now.  Just when I thought I was getting the hang of this momma of two thing, the illnesses started and sent me into a tizzy.  I have one more month of maternity leave that I know is going to fly by!  Trying to savor what is left with hopefully healthy kiddos!

If I'm not on before January, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

December Goals and November Goals Recap


I'm keeping the goals for this month super simple and attainable again so I can soak up the time I have on maternity leave and enjoy the holiday season.  My biggest goal which seems to be the theme of the entire year is to worry less about tasks like housework and laundry {and blogging evidently} and be more present with my family.   This is not easy for me since I'm always worried about "getting everything done"...I just have to remind myself that things will never, ever be done so we must enjoy the everyday moments and make lots of great memories for our kiddos!

December Goals:
  • Finish Christmas shopping by mid December so I can wrap and enjoy the holidays
  • Worry less about housework and spend more time soaking in the precious moments
  • Drive thru the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights as a family
  • Visit Santa
  • Donate toys for others/Adopt a family
  • Send out family Christmas cards

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November Goals Update:
We survived the first month with Colin!  I'm calling this a win!
  • Adjust to life with a newborn! 
  • Write thank you notes to the many sweet family and friends showering us with love lately
  • Create, print and mail birth announcements - Finished this in December, but so happy with the outcome!
  • Spend some quality one-on-one time with Jack
  • Enjoy Thanksgiving - We had a great Thanksgiving at my mom's.  Loved it so much and was the perfect way to spend Colin's first.
  • Start planning Christmas gifts and decor - the earlier we've ever had everything decorated.  We had the lights done on the house before Thanksgiving and the indoor decorations up Thanksgiving weekend!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Colin's Birth Story

On Tuesday, October 27 at 8am Jason and I checked into the hospital.  I was a mess that morning - nervous for the surgery, but mostly anxious about leaving Jack and how he would handle this big change.  As soon as our nanny walked in the door that morning I burst into tears.  It's funny because I actually had almost the same experience right before leaving our house to have Jack, but my anxiety and tears came from leaving Tucker {our chihuahua}!

One last bump picture the morning of the surgery!

As soon as we checked in, the amazing hospital staff took my mind off of these worries.  First the check-in nurse was so friendly and talkative and then our wonderful nurse.  We did all of the normal stuff that I remembered from last time...changing into the hospital gown, IV, lots of paperwork and questions, blood-work.


We were supposed to have the c-section at 10am, but things were running behind.  The time passed fast with the family that was already up at the hospital.  My mom, dad and stepmom and Jason's moms were all there and hanging in the room.  Telling stories and being silly.  My mom brought some gorgeous flowers to cheer up the room.

I was getting nervous about the epidural.  It wasn't a big deal the first time, but for some reason I was still nervous about it.  I met the anesthesiologist and really liked him.  Finally around 11:30 I walked to the OR with my wonderful nurse to get started.  Jason would join later after my epidural was done - standard procedure just like last time.  I said bye to all of our family as I walked to the OR, another different experience from last time.

Once in the OR, everything went so smoothly.  I saw my doctor who I loved and we talked about the "Glen episode" of The Walking Dead from that past Sunday.  Every nurse and assistant who was in the room was so warm, reassuring and helpful.  Once the epidural was done, I felt great about everything, happy and relaxed.  At one point I thought I was going to be sick, but I told the anesthesiologist and he gave me medicine to make it go away - which it did within seconds.

At exactly 12:00 p.m. Colin came out screaming!  His loud cry was so reassuring to me that he was alive and well since I couldn't see him yet.  The downside of a c-section is that you can't see your baby right away since you are strapped to a table with a big curtain from your neck down.  While they are checking on the baby and getting him measured, etc. you are being worked on and stitched up.  Jason was able to see him immediately and took lots of pictures.  He kept bringing the camera to me so I could see him.  Finally they brought him to me for a short minute and I was in love.  He looked nothing like what I was expecting which was lots of dark hair and basically just a similar version of Jack.  He didn't look like me or Jason, but was a perfect little, beautiful baby doll.




Pleasantly, I was able to see him within the hour (another different experience from Jack which took hours to see).  He was the perfect baby.  He nursed so naturally and perfectly from the start.  The next two days were great.  I made sure to stay on top of the meds so I was never in terrible pain.  For some reason I was worried that a c-section the second time around would hurt worse and be a harder recovery, but it wasn't, maybe even the opposite.

I walked when I was supposed to and all the docs and nurses said I was a rock-star.  I took a shower the second day when all of my tubes and IV's were out and even gave myself a blowout and did a little makeup (more than I can say for the first time around). 




The afternoon of the first day, Jack came up to the hospital to meet Colin.  He was perfect.  He was excited, sweet and understanding that mommy was in bed and couldn't get up.  I was nervous that he wouldn't want to leave the hospital without us, but he was great.  I think he was just having so much fun with my mom that he was in heaven.  I'm so thankful to her for not only keeping him those two nights, but making it so fun for him that he wasn't upset.

Jack brought Colin a balloon and a stuffed animal and wore his Big Brother shirt.  He loved his gifts too from Colin especially the digital camera!




Jack came back up for a short while on Day Two and again did great.  We took some pictures and let him hold him.  What an amazing moment!


We met with the amazing Lactation Consultant on Day Two.  I just wanted reassurance that all was okay since we had the help there at our disposal.  She gave me some tips and products but said Colin was a champ!   I was not in much pain this time around, yay!

Colin wasn't thrilled to leave the hospital either and showed us by spitting up all over his precious going home outfit when seconds of putting it on!




We stayed in the hospital for two nights. I almost wanted to stay another night just for the pampering - everything is brought to you including meals and your baby!  I probably could have stayed another night if I would have insisted, but the docs and nurses seemed confident that I was good to be released and I knew Jason was anxious to get home and I missed Jack so home we went to start out life as a family of four!



We went home on Thursday, 10/29 and were greeted by this gorgeous sign by Sassy Storks!  Jack joined us and we spent the next few days getting adjusted and celebrating Halloween.



You can read Jack's birth story here!

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

{Last} Pregnancy #2 Update :: 38 Weeks and Beyond!

38 Weeks, 5 Days

At 38 weeks and 5 days we went to the hospital for a c-section to meet our little man.  At 38 weeks I was feeling all the normal things...tired, anxious, uncomfortable, but nothing out of the ordinary.  Just a little background about that week to catch you up...

At my 37 week appointment we did an ultrasound to get an idea for how big Colin was measuring.  At this ultrasound they discovered that his right kidney was larger than it should be.  After speaking to a specialist my doctor decided that I should come back in 24 hours for a repeat ultrasound to see if the enlarged kidney was a fluke or something we needed to worry about.  24 hours later it was still enlarged.   Our doctor wanted to speak to another specialist and told us we may have the baby in two days.  So we waited...

The next day we learmed that it didn't seem urgent enough to go that week.  We would wait until Tuesday when I was 38 weeks and 5 days to have him. At that point we would do an ultrasound on Colin when he was born and go from there.  We notified our pediatrician and had a plan!  

More about what came next is coming up in another post with Colin's birth story!

Read about my 38 week and 39 week update from my first pregnancy!

Monday, November 30, 2015

Colin Everett: One Month





Weight:  11.8 pounds

Clothes:  Mostly 3 months, some 0-3 month but these are getting small, Size 1 Diapers

Sleep:  Poor little Colin (and momma) has his days and nights mixed up.  He definitely sleeps more and is less fussy during the day.  A blessing and a curse sometimes.  It's nice to be able to get some things done during the day, however the nights are pretty miserable.  He is very gassy/colicky in the evenings, but we are hoping it will get better soon and he will settle more easily in the evenings and sleep for longer stretches. 

Schedule:  You are nursing about every three hours, love your evening baths around 8:30 p.m. and sleep better during the day.   I've tried putting you on the "Moms on Call" schedule.  Some days are better than others.  I struggle with wanting you to be on a schedule with not wanting to push you too soon and be tied to a strict schedule.  

Health:  You seem to be a healthy little big boy!  You are nursing great and gaining weight.  You scared me a bit and started getting congested around 3 weeks, but it seems to have gotten better.  You have clogged tear ducts that don't seem to bother you plus you love the warm wash clothes on your eyes several times a day.

Your biggest health concern is still the enlarged right kidney issue although it sure isn't slowing you down!  You had an ultrasound on your first day of life and we saw a specialist when you were two weeks old and are waiting to do a repeat ultrasound in 8 weeks for more answers.  You are already off the antibiotic you were you put on when you were born so that's a great sign!  We will just have to wait and pray that everything is okay!

Crying:  Colin has the loudest cry and did since the second they pulled him out of me.  All of the nurses and doctors in the OR during my c-section even seemed surprised by how loud and vocal he was within seconds of being introduced to the world.  On the operating table it gave me comfort that he was okay!

Feeding:  You are a great nurser and are currently just on breast milk.  Unlike your brother, you nurse super fast.  He would nurse for 15 minutes on each side and you are totally done in 15 minutes tops.  I often worry you aren't feeding long enough, but your weight gain tells me not to.  You will also take a bottle of expressed milk from someone else when mommy needs a break!

Likes:  You love baths, eating, being swaddled and being held or carried in the Solly Wrap.  You also love your Sleep Sheep white noise on the water sound.  You like being in your bouncer and swing, but just like your brother, the Nap Nanny is your favorite place to sleep. 

Dislikes:  Your infant seat, being in the car usually and the nighttime

Milestones:  Growing out of your newborn clothes and newborn diapers already!

Places You've Gone:  I've been pretty protective of him this first month as I was with Jack, but especially now since it's cold and flu season.  We've been hermit crabs for sure, but have ventured out to a few places like Target, grocery store and Beck's for lunch sitting on the patio. And of course you have visited the pediatrician a few times and another doctor. 

Visitors:  You've had a lot of visitors this month including your family members Mimi and Papi, Pops and KK, Grammy, Aunt Vicki, Nonnie and AJ, Aunt Nicole and tons our our friends including Ashley, Erin, Adrienne and Meagan. 

Postpartum:  It's hard not to compare this first month postpartum with my first month with Jack.  The weight has come off easier this time around.  Probably because I'm too busy to eat!  I'm not saying it's all off, but I've noticed a significant drop in weight, much faster, with little effort this time.  My mood has been all over the place which was pretty similar to last time.  I've been overwhelmed with balancing two kids and recovering from the c-section.  There are good days and bad days.  And getting sleep helps too so Jason steps in and gives me some sleep relief when I've hit a wall.  I know things will get easier and that I just need to hang on through these first few months. 

Life with Two:  I'm not going to sugar coat this one...it's been hard.  I know some moms and families can do this with the greatest of ease, but it's been a challenge for us.  The constant juggle of two needy little ones and trying to give everyone equal time and your best is hard.  Jack is 2.5, still in diapers, starting to potty train, lots of "terrible two" tantrums, getting his two year molars in and has been sick so it's been no joke lately!  We just keep telling ourselves that it will get easier.

Special Memories this Month:
  • Being in the hospital with you during your first few days of life
  • Big Brother coming to meet you at the hospital
  • Your first Halloween and Thanksgiving
  • Your first tub bath
  • Falling asleep when you got your heel pricked at your two week check-up
  • Our first family of four outing to Beck's for lunch and a long walk outside 
  • Our first Target outing
  • All of the sweet newborn snuggles and getting to know you
  • Kissing your nose...it's my favorite place to kiss you!

Dear Colin,

From the second you came out screaming, I've loved you.  You complete our little family and we can't wait to see your personality come out more.  I'm not sure who you look like yet, but you are the most beautiful baby doll I've ever seen.  We are going to have so much fun!  

...just as soon as you learn to sleep a bit more at night, ha!  

Love you always,
Momma

Just for fun :: Jack's One Month Update

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Still Here...

Hi everyone!  I just wanted to check in quickly and say that I'm still here and this blog is still alive.  It's just been rather overwhelming lately dealing with a colicky newborn who prefers to cry at night rather than sleep and an active toddler who has been sick more than he has been well.  Not complaining in any way!  In fact, we are all doing well and getting lots of help and yummy meals from friends and family.  I just wanted to explain why I haven't been blogging these past few weeks.  I shall return very soon! 

Whenever Colin naps I've been choosing showers, sleep and chores over blogging.

I have a long list of posts I hope to knock out in the coming weeks about what's been going on including Colin's birth story, postpartum updates and even what I've been wearing lately (so happy to be done with my maternity wardrobe)!

Love you guys, miss you and look forward to getting back into the swing of things very soon.  Until then, I hope to catch you over on Instagram @ChelseaPurifoy which is about all I can tackle these days!

Here are a few previews from our newborn pictures we took with Momma's Gonna Snap Photography who also shot our maternity pictures!


Hope you are having a wonderful week.  If you are local in the Houston area, aren't you loving these cooler temps today?!?!

xoxo,
Chels

Monday, November 9, 2015

November Goals & October Goals Recap


As you can see below, my November goals are MUCH different than in previous months.  It is HARD adding another family member into the mix - at least for me.  So much to get adjusted to.  Wonderful, but an adjustment!  I'm trying to give myself some grace as we all get adjusted to our new normal so with that said, the bar is low for goals!  We are taking things day by day and it's working so far!


November Goals:
  • Adjust to life with a newborn! 
  • Write thank you notes to the many sweet family and friends showering us with love lately
  • Create, print and mail birth announcements
  • Spend some quality one-on-one time with Jack
  • Enjoy Thanksgiving
  • Start planning Christmas gifts and decor

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October Goals Update:
All I can say is that I was a crazy pregnant lady on a mission...

  • Figure something out for nurses gifts to take to the hospital  - Personalized Cookies!
  • Pack snacks for hospital stay
  • Have both kids car seats professionally checked
  • Have hair cut/colored before baby comes {and maybe a mani/pedi and eyebrow wax if I can find the time}!  It will be a long time before I get around to these things again after baby comes. 
  • Stock up on freezer meals - Such a long story for another day, but I can say I have a fully stocked freezer...they just aren't with the original ones made by me!
  • Put together double stroller
  • Setup our baby gear downstairs - I'm not supposed to do stairs after my surgery and of course the nursery and Jack's room are all upstairs along with most of the baby gear so I'd love to get some of this stuff settled downstairs. 
  • Family pumpkin patch trip and/or County Fair trip
  • Date night with Jason
  • Extra hugs, kisses and snuggles with Jack

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Introducing Colin Everett

At 38 weeks, 5 days we checked into the hospital for a scheduled c-section.  All went well and we are so proud to introduce Colin Everett to you!  Everyone is doing well including Jack who is already the best big brother! 

 Happy Birthday Colin!
7 lbs, 10 oz.
20 inches long

You can find more pictures and updates on my Instagram account {@ChelseaPurifoy} for now.  I plan to write a full birth story and lots of postpartum updates, but sleep and snuggles are taking priority over the blog for now. 

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Pregnancy #2 Update :: 37 Weeks

 


How far along: 37 Weeks
Size of Coffee Bean:  19-22 inches, 6.5 pounds

Fruit/Vegetable Comparison: Winter melon {Whatever the heck that is}...we'll go with Watermelon since that's how I feel!

Gender:  BOY!
Showing:  Um yes!
Maternity Clothes:  Lots of stretchy pants, tunics and maternity tees...and even all of these are getting tighter.  You know it's about time when your "long" maternity tanks are too short!  
Sleep: Just okay.  I haven't' had any trouble falling asleep, but I'm up often either needing to pee or find a more comfortable position.  Getting out of bed is no joke these days!

Movement:  Slowing down probably because he's running out of room, but I still feel him all day.  Instead of "kicks" it's more like slow shifts across my belly.  I'm sure he's having a hard time getting comfortable too. 

Food Cravings:  Cookies, ice water with lemon or lime, comfort foods
Anything Making You Sick/Queasy: Only when I panic about having TWO kids soon!
Weddings Rings On or Off: Officially OFF as of 35 weeks - I can put them on most mornings, but throughout the day they get tight so I just don't even bother anymore.

Mood:  Up and down with panic and excitement

Best Moment This Week:  Pumpkin patch trip with my family and attending Jack's Parent Lunch/Hayride this week...I've been hoping my body would hold on long enough to make this!

Strange Experiences:  Ups and downs this week thinking he may be coming earlier than expected due to some findings on an ultrasound.  Seems he is still coming early, but not as early as we originally were told this week.  What a roller coaster!

Looking Forward To:  Meeting sweet baby boy Colin!  I'm at the point now where he could come anytime and we can't wait to welcome him into our family.  

Read about my 37 week update from my first pregnancy!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Maternity Photos with Baby #2

Truth be told, I wasn't really looking forward to taking maternity pictures this go-around.  It just seemed like yet another thing I had to do on my ever-growing maternity to-do list.  But every time I thought about opting out I knew that I wanted to capture this special time in our lives when we were a family of three waiting for our second baby boy to make his arrival.  In all likelihood this will be my last pregnancy so I wanted some pictures to document it.

Boy did Amanda of Momma's Gonna Snap Photography hit these out of the ballpark!  In just a short 30 minute or so session, she grabbed tons of beautiful images between me and Jack, me and Jason, all three of us and just me.

I wanted to take pictures at Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston since it's within walking distance of Jason's office and is close to where we took our engagement photos.   I love how we were in the middle of the city we love yet in some it looks like we are in the middle of a country field. 

I waited to the very last minute to pull everyone's outfits together (Ashley can attest to this) but I'm so happy with how it all came together!

Here are just a few of my faves...











Checkout our maternity session with Jack a few years ago! 

Monday, October 19, 2015

Weekend Recap

We had another great weekend - one of our last being a family of three!  The weather in Houston was gorgeous and the temps finally dropped a bit.  It was nice to be able to spend some time outside!

Friday

Friday was a fun day at work.  Even though my staff spoiled me earlier in the week with a baby shower, they surprised me with gorgeous flowers for Boss's Day!  I only worked half a day, but was still able to wrap up all of the items on my maternity leave checklist!  I still plan to work another full week, however as you know, I'm paranoid that the baby will either come early or I'll be put on bed rest so I was anxious to wrap things up just in case.   It's a great feeling to know things are taken care of!


I left early so I could get a pre-baby hair color and trim!  I know it will be awhile before I'm thinking about getting my hair done so I covered the grays and got a significant cut.  A little shorter than I was actually thinking, but I know it will be appreciated once baby is here.

I came home to a fun package in the mail for Baby Colin from a sweet friend who is expecting just weeks apart from me.  


Jason picked up dinner on his way home and we got some much needed rest!



Saturday

Saturday morning we headed to our favorite local nursery that was hosting "Pumpkin Palooza."  A special event that promised face painting, pumpkin painting, lots of photo ops and live music.  Mix all of that with the gorgeous weather and we had the best morning.  We even ran into Jack's best friend from school and her family.  Jack wasn't so interested in the face painting or pumpkin decorating, but we loved rocking on the swing and watching Jack dance to the music...and taking too many pictures too.  







We grabbed lunch on the way home and Jack grabbed a nap in the car.  We did some resting in the afternoon, Jason planted some flowers in the backyard and I made this for dinner

Sunday

A Texans win {finally}, household chores and 25 breakfast tacos to be frozen...totally exhausting, but productive day.


We ended the day with dinner at Beck's for burgers.  I didn't want to cook, was craving a burger {I was good and just had a kids meal}, but the bonus is that the restaurant is on the water and has so many ducks walking around.  Jack LOVES it and we totally hit the jackpot and got to see a ton of ducklings running around.  Jack was in heaven!



Hope you have a wonderful week!  

--

Linking up with Biana & Meghan for Weekending


 

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