Delivery and 2 Weeks Beyond

We are so pleased to announce the birth of our second son Lucas Joseph.  Lucas was born April 11, 2013 at 8:31am at 7lbs 8oz and 20 inches long.  He was born via repeat C-section and is a beautiful, calm happy baby boy. 
Going into the last few days of pregnancy and all the anticipation leading up to the delivery was one of those times where I tried to stay busy.  I worked remotely the first few days I was home and then tried to prepare all of the little things that needed to be done.  My dad came in the Sunday before and my mom arrived the night before Lucas was born.  We had our traditional Lawry's dinner the night before and tried to get as much sleep as one could possibly get prior to the next day.  I was to check into the hospital at 6am for my 8am surgery time.  Everything went smooth and the outcome is priceless.
While in post-op, my doctor came in to talk with us and make sure all was going well when he informed us they had found my uterus was very thin (see-through thin) from my previous incision and eluded it was a good thing I never went into labor as there's no saying what could have happened during the labor process and if my uterus would have been able to withstand the pressures of labor.  Following this statement, he concluded with "that's why I don't do v-bacs".  If I was 99.9% sure we were done having kids after Lucas, this news assured me I was 100% sure.  Just the thought of what could have happened scares the hell out of me and I feel very blessed to have 2 beautiful children after 2 very good pregnancies.  The Acker Baby Bakery is now closed.
Leo has been absolutely wonderful with Lucas.  He always wants to kiss him and hug him.  We have to remind him to be gentle but he's been outstanding and we think he loves being a big brother.  I tell Leo all the time how cool Lucas thinks he is.
I've had the luxury of having my family here since delivery.  They've been so great with cooking dinners, cleaning the house and taking care of us.  I'm very much going to miss them when they leave and am looking forward to heading back to Colorado this summer to be with them.

37 Weeks - Nostalgic

It's crazy how quickly this pregnancy has gone compared my pregnancy with Leo.  I'm guessing it's because I've been chasing a 2 year old around during my "free time".  As this time comes to end, we are busy preparing the house for arrival of baby boy #2!  Laundry is done, toys are ready and hospital  bags are packed.  We had a great family weekend with Easter egg hunts and Easter brunch.  As we were enjoying brunch, there were a set of newborns near us and I couldn't believe how little they were and how little our new little man is going to be!  My family starts to arrive next week and it will be 'go time' before you know it.  We are obviously very appreciative of Maggie (Steve's sister) and our all of our friends out here as they have become our Chicago Family.  All of the support from them has been so wonderful and we certainly love each and every one of them!

35 weeks - Gender Differences

You don't realize how big of a difference there is between toddler boys and toddler girls. Leo obviously knows he's going to be a big brother but doens't inquire (or care) about some of the details compared to his "girlfriends". Friends of ours who are also expecting but who's oldest children are girls are so involved in the preparation and planning for their new baby brother (or sister). They're learning how to swaddle, they want to buy the baby sheets and bottles. The only thing Leo has really mentioned about the baby is how him and baby brother will go to the park. I guess boys just aren't that into those kinds of details (I should've picked up the hint from my Steve).
It's crazy to think it's only a month away and every single weekend we have something going on and the baby's arrival is in sight.  My hospital bag is packed (or getting there) and all of Leo's old baby clothes will be ready to go in the next week.

34 Weeks - Sh(& My Husband Says

There was a sitcom based on a book called "Sh)& My Dad Says" which was a diary of all the crazy things their father had said.  For those of you who actually know Steve, these particular comments and expressions shouldn't surprise anyone but for those of you who don't, please don't judge him by this blog post.
We're at my 34 week appointment this last week when my OB asked if I have experienced any contractions to which I responded I had.  They lasted about 30 minutes and so far, that's the only time I've had them.  To which Steve responds with "Contractions?! Contractions?! You didn't say you were having contractions, you just said you were in pain!!!"  Obvious exchange of looks between myself and the OB (I think she was secretly praying for me).  My interpretation: contractions are painless to men or in this case, Steve.
Driving home this morning, I had mentioned to Steve the plan if I went into labor prior to the surgery date.  His response "Oh wow, you already have an action plan for this?"  I guess all the chatter between his sister and myself about her having her ringer on high "just in case" didn't quite register at the time.   And of course, it's ME, I have an action plan for EVERYTHING.
Again, these are just the most recent one's I can recall.  I'm sure there have been much more in the last 34 weeks that I've forgotten.  Unfortunately, I don't think NBC will be calling me to do a show about the sh(& my husband says.

32 Weeks - Has Anxiety Set In?

I think each of us deal with anxiety in different ways.  Leo understands he's going to be a big brother but I don't think fully realizes how his life is going to change (for the better of course).  Steve throws himself into his work and focuses so much on work that he tends to forget there's other things also going on.  I try to prepare in advance and try to plan for the expected and the unexpected.  That being said, the addition of a new family member has now created a sense of anxiety and excitement for the next coming month.

I am down to the last 2 week appointment and have all the weekly appointments scheduled until D-Day (delivery day).  It's CRAZY.  My doctor reminded me that I need to register at the hospital and mentioned traveling is out of the cards.  I keep going back to when I was pregnant with Leo thinking "things seem to be happening so much faster this time around".  I felt it took forever to get to this point in the pregnancy and now, it's here.  We're 99.9999% sure this is the last pregnancy, so I'm trying to enjoy this last 6 weeks.  Not to mention the excuse to eat anything I want.

27 Weeks - Overjoyed

As I complete the 2nd trimester of this pregnancy and look forward to the 3rd, I want to remember how I feel today.  I feel great.  I'm fortunate to have had such a great pregnancy so far and am one of those women who can actually say they love being pregnant.  Sure, there are things that aren't great, but for the most part, it's been wonderful.  At this point, I can still put on my shoes comfortably, I can still shave my legs, I can still bend down and give Leo a kiss as he walks into his classroom.  I want to remember all of these things now since I'll continue to get bigger and more uncomfortable as the weeks go on.  I think about how I have 12 weeks left and think back to what I was doing 12 weeks ago and can't believe how fast this has gone.

Leo has officially moved up to his "big boy bed" and has been doing really well with it.  We decked it out in train sheets and blankets.  If you see Pottery Barn Kids stock all the sudden increase, you can thank me!

25 Weeks - New Year, New Nesting

The holidays have come and gone as quickly as ever. The entire family was in Chicago for Christmas and we all enjoyed the new traditions we've created out here. Even my sister's fiance took part in all the family activities. But once everyone left and New Years Day came around, it brought on a whole new wave of OMG we're having a baby THIS YEAR. I started looking at new duvet covers for our bed, new "big boy" bedding for Leo and started putting all of Leo's old clothes into Space Saver bags which you can vacuum the air right out of! They are the best things on earth. Steve even looked at me and went "oh god, have you started nesting already!?" I even downloaded a "To-do" app and went through every room indicating what needs to be done. I figured if I try to check one thing off the list every weekend, I **should** be ready for baby time in April. I also figured we could be done in half the time if I started assigning chores for Steve to do as well - I guess we'll see!

22 Weeks - Preggers Goes To A Party

This week was our annual work Holiday Party and it lived up to all of its expectations.  Great venue, great food and of course, great drinks.  That's the great thing about my company - the spare no expense when it comes to booze.  This is great when you're not pregnant.  This is my second work holiday party sober and it's quite the experience.  It starts with everyone looking very prim and proper with sparkly dresses, hair-do's, makeup, high heels and dapper suits.  And then everyone (except me) hits the top shelf open bar for 4.5 hours and it's all down hill from there.  The language becomes slurred, the dancing starts and the alcohol induced affection takes place.  Maybe it was the welcoming dress I was wearing, but the number of times I got a belly rub, you would think they were rubbing the Buddha for good luck.  I'm sure Baby Dos enjoyed the shenanigans and is a good introduction to the people he will meet during his lifetime.  Now please don't get me wrong, I've been the over served employee and was reminded of my "dancing showdown" from last years party where someone actually asked me if I was paid to be the entertainment.  I avoided the dance floor all together this year, except when the CEO decided to bring me on the dance floor during his own dance party post speech, but watch out 2013, I'll still probably be a cheap date.  Of course we had a great time and my only complaint was how tired I was the next day rather than how hungover I was.  Hope everyone has a great holiday season!

21 Weeks - Baby Dos

I'm back!  We are so excited to announce we are expecting another baby, which we are so lovingly referring to him as Baby Dos.  No need to go back and reread, it's another boy!  I've had many people ask me if I'm sad it's not a girl.  The answer is no.  I'm excited it's a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.  Plus, I know boys.  I know what I'm dealing with and if we're talking numbers, I have 2.5 years with of boy clothes and boy toys.  Granted, we'll have to get new name shirts since I doubt Baby Dos will really want to wear a shirt with "Leo Rocks" on it (but who knows, maybe he'll feel this way).

I started this blog while pregnant with Leo and thought it was a great way to document what I was going through on this road to parenthood.  As I reread some of my earlier posts, it brings me back to the newness of pregnancy and all of the feelings of being a first-timer.  I also wanted to do the same type of documentation for my second child so he doesn't feel left out in any way and it's not only myself and Steve going through this, but Leo as well.  Maybe someday they will both read this and learn from me.  My goal is to update this as often as possible, but was we all know while raising kids, time isn't on our side.  I'm writing this on a Sunday evening after 4 loads of laundry, 2 meals currently on the stove for the week and dishes in the dishwasher.

So far, this pregnancy is going well, minus the first trimester sickness.  Leo's excited to be a big brother and has some very good recommendations for names, which is a new post all together.

Since it's been a long time since I've posted anything, thank you Blogger for becoming easier to post pics!

Week 23 - Where's the beef?

This weekend, we introduced Leo to solid food! Well, rice cereal that is. I admit, I was more excited about the entire event that he was, that's for sure. The directions recommended 1 tbsp of cereal to 4 tbsp of milk. The bowl was prepared, the spoon ready, Leo was placed in his bumbo seat with tray intact and here we go! The first bite left a sour look on his face and it sure didn't get any better after that. So much so, that once the spoon was put into his mouth, he started spitting it out. After all said and done, he got about 10 spoons of cereal and proceeded to knock the bowl out of my hands onto the floor - his way of preparing me for what's to come, I guess. I will give the cereal a good couple of days, but will start introducing veggies this week as well. Although he didn't particularly like the cereal experience, I'm sure we'll get the hang of it.

We also attended his friends baptism this Sunday. I promised him during his baptism, this was the only time I would make his wear a dress!

Week 21 - This Time, This Day, Last Year

You tend to remember what you were doing, where you were when certain events changed your life. Certain milestones you can go back to and recall years later. For me, it was finding out I was expecting. It was Thursday, October 15th, 2009. I remember walking home past the new CVS that opened just a few weeks prior thinking "what the hell", just go in and get the test. After getting home and seeing it was positive, waves of emotions and thoughts came over me. The first being, "how did this happen so soon?!" and "OMG..I was a bad girl this last weekend". I read the instructions backwards, forwards and in Spanish to make sure what I was seeing was real.

It's amazing how fast time flys and how much one person can experience in just one little year. It was an incredible journey and I am so blessed to now have Leo in my life.

Since returning to work, I have found out that 4 of my co-workers are expecting. I tell each of them to enjoy every minute of pregnancy since it goes by so fast. But I wait to say this after the first trimester :)

Week 18 - Transitions

As I continue on this motherhood journey, I'm quickly discovering things and events are impacting me more than Leo. For example, when he gets his vaccines, trying to clear his nose using the baby nose aspirator, dropping him off at daycare, etc. This weekend, we are transitioning Leo into his own room sleeping in his crib. He's been in our room sleeping in the pack-n-play and is a quick 4 steps from us. He will now be 15 steps away, which is almost 4 times as far.

We started Saturday with naps in which I sat on the stairs and watched him sleep for 20 minutes while he dozed off. Saturday night was his first official night in his crib. If you must ask, yes, I slept in the extra bed that we are keeping in his bedroom. He's been fighting a stuffy nose, so at 330am, I had to use saline and our beloved aspirator. Other than that, he slept in there like a champ and hopefully that continues! Like all else, it will be harder for me than for him.

Week 17 - And That's How We Roll...

Every Friday afternoon, we have the luxury of taking Leo to physical therapy at Children's Hospital for his torticollis. He Hates It. Hates It. Almost despises it. We strip him down to his diaper and the physician makes this kid work so hard - twisting and turning his little body in order to stretch out his neck. At first, he's all smiles and coo's, but once he knows what's going on, watch out. I feel really bad for Leo of course, but for the physician as well. I know she's trained with infants, but believe me, Leo gives her a run for her money. By the end of the session, he's completely pissed, she's ready to go home and we get the luxury of taking a tired, overstressed child home. As much of a pain it is, we can tell a huge difference in his head holding and he won't be helmet boy!

Week 15 - Finding Normalcy

To all of you dedicated followers, I'm sorry for the dry spout in blog entries. I've been busy trying to keep up with my 3 month old. We're in the swing of things and are trying to maintain and find normal balance. I'm back at work and Leo is in daycare full time. The first day we dropped him off was extremely tough - not on Leo, but me. They invited me to the toddler room where everyone else was crying. But now, Steve drops off and I pick up. I think I get the fun time - the "hello! Let's go home!" rather than the "adios, see you tonight". He's doing great in daycare and even received the Most Content Award his first week. Note: this award was taken away from him last Sunday night when we attempted to go out to dinner for my birthday. Leo was NOT a content baby.

We do this 5 days a week and are also going to physical therapy appointments Friday afternoons where Leo gets a good workout on his neck due to his torticollis. The Dr's mention this might be due to him being breached. Another fun side effect! He absolutely hates it and is exhausted by the time we leave.

We are finding, discovering and trying to maintain a routine and schedule. If anyone knows me, this should not be a big surprise. Leo is successfully sleeping through the night and if we let him, will sleep for 12 hours (thank goodness). People say this usually happens with "plumper" babies. So I guess it's not a bad thing for him to be weighing in at 15 lbs.

Steve gave Leo his first bath tonight with my close supervision. Afterwards, I mentioned he's like a slippery turkey so be careful taking him out (thank you Julia for this comparison). Needless to say, that then turned into my job. Steve is doing awesome and Leo loves being around him. Before I leave in the mornings, the two of them are watching CNBC in their PJ's. If they could, I'm sure they would be like that all day.

I'll try to maintain these posts as often as possible. This is what my Saturday nights have turned into. Until next time...

Month 1 - Zoom Zoom!

Sorry I haven't been able to update anything in the last couple of weeks. Needless to say, I've been busy!! This month has seriously flown by - which I'm guessing will continue to happen. They always say that once you have kids, time goes by faster. I feel like I'm going to wake up tomorrow and he's off to college (a Big 10 school, per Steve).

So far, things have been going really well. We've had a few nights where he's up every 2 hours (thank you 3 week growth spurt) which means I get one hour of sleep at a time - who knew breastfeeding takes so long, but other than that, he's such a great baby! We were lucky enough to have my parents out here for a few weeks and my sister out for a week to help out. Not only was everyone a huge help, but it also provided me some adult interaction throughout the day since Steve went back to work shortly after Leo was born. Steve's younger sister has also become quite a big help...she's our babysitter and we've been able to get out, just the 2 of us once already. It's nice to have some family around! Friends also stop by for visits which is awesome so I can continue to have a social life while at home.
He's growing like a little weed and seems to be a different baby every day. Even though it might be gas related, he's smiling a little bit here and there.
We have a busy week coming up. The 1 month checkup in which we'll find out exacly how much weight this little pudge of ours has gained, a possible playdate with baby-yoga friends and we're also planning on going to Michigan for the long weekend.

Week 1 - And Leo Makes 3

Well, he's here! After a successful C-Section, Mr. Leo has arrived! He came into this world at 7 lbs, 19.25 inches long and a good set of lungs. His delivery worked out great for everyone...Steve was excited that he was born after the closing bell and on a 3 day weekend. For my mom, she was able to book a flight and be out here for his delivery.

We checked into the hospital at 12:30 on Friday, May 28th. While being hooked up to the fetal and contraction monitor, we discovered that I was in labor and that I was having contractions every 1-3 minutes. Since I couldn't eat or drink anything for 7 hours prior to the procedure, I thought those were hunger pains and that a nice burger would cure all. After a few of those contractions, I knew what they were. No matter what, he was coming on the 28th - nice timing Leo!

The procedure went well and we were released from the hospital the following Monday. My parents were in town for the remainder of the week and left this morning. So today is mine and Leo's first day alone. So far, so good. Aunt Jamie gets in this Saturday and we're so looking forward to spending time with her.

The 3 of us are learning new things about each other every day. We know that he likes his little hands, a lot and when you try to swaddle those little things, watch out! He does well with eating (who knew!) and we're getting learning the trials and tribulations of his sleeping patterns.

Over a week has gone by and I can't believe how much he's changed already. He's such a sweet boy and we're so blessed!

40 Weeks - He's In Breech

I typically update this on Sunday mornings, however this Sunday, I will be laid up at the hospital. During this weeks Dr. appointment, it was determined that My. Leo is in a breech position and will require me to have a C-Section. The procedure is scheduled for Friday afternoon at 3:30. An entire wave of emotion came over me as I heard the news and have been through an emotional roller coaster ever since. But I'm trying to be as positive and optimistic as possible. Of course, I know nothing about C-Sections, so I'm doing some research about it and will prepare the best I can.

This, for sure, guarantees that he is Steve's kid - he has no sense of direction. I will spare everyone the details, but not too long ago, Steve got lost in Wrigleyville trying to find a bar to meet up with our friends that's down the street from Wrigley Field - need I say more? I guess he didn't get the memo that he needs to be head down for a successful birth. However tonight at dinner, Steve did ask me "what if I pass out?". Two thoughts ran through my mind: 1. Wimp. 2. I'm so glad you're worried about passing out rather than how the person who's being sawed in half and the child that will be pulled out. You have to love that he speaks before he thinks.

Today also marks the start of my maternity leave from work. I said goodbye to everyone and hopefully firmed up everything that I needed to get done for my absense.

So hopefully my next post will consist of all good baby news. Until then...

39 Weeks - Tick Tock!

I'm just going to start off by saying, I am SO glad that I am due any day now. The official temperature outside today is 90 degrees. Talk about holy heat! We walked to breakfast and then to a friends house. I was uncomfortable! God bless all of you expected women who are due later in the summer!

This coming up Thursday will mark week 40 and by no means do I feel any different. For the last 3 appointments, my measurements haven't changed much. I'm starting to resort to spicier food - the spicier the better! A girl at M Burger told me to drink a glass of grape soda every night. Her grandmother who had 11 children of her own swears by it. I guess my meals will be Indian/Mexican food followed by a glass of Welch's grape soda!

My dad arrived late last week in preparation for the baby. It's awesome having him here and will be a huge help after we get home from the hospital. As my dad phrased it earlier, my mom will sweep in on her broom when I go into labor. His words - not mine. At least she is pestering him about any changes with me rather than always contacting me. Oh mama-O.

Congrats to our friends who welcomed their first daughter this past Monday! Any useful first-week advice is welcome!

38 Weeks - The First of "The Lasts"

As this pregnancy is coming to term and I wait to face motherhood, I start thinking about "the lasts". I reminded Steve that this will be the last weekend we wake up as the sole 2 people in this house. Now you might be thinking how presumptuous I am being by thinking this and that I know this child will be born this week. That's completely untrue - my dad arrives this Thursday to be here when the baby is born. We've been packing so much into these last couple of weeks, just to take in the last little bit of "us" time. From baseball games, happy hours, planting our entire garden and roof deck in a single afternoon, we've overloaded ourselves to make sure we're ready. So much so that almost every night before we go to sleep, Steve makes the following statement: "I really hope you don't go into labor tonight - I'm exhausted." Thanks honey - I'll make sure to tell him to stay in there.

We've also discussed what days we would prefer him NOT to be born. May 21st is option expiration. May 23rd is, well, the 23rd. And May 24th for other reasons. Anytime before or after would be fine though! Due to my slight gambling habit, I'm starting to take wagers on if he will be early, on time or late. Right now, my money's on late.

I look over at my packed hospital bag every night wondering "when". I've never had this open ended, not knowing event to which I've packed for and have no idea when the trip will be. Although, I think it would be fun to sign up for those flight deals where you board a flight and not know where you are going. But then again, that would answer the "when" question and not the "where".

37 Weeks - The Final Countdown

If by chance you read the title of this entry and all you can do is sing the song "The Final Countdown" by Europe, I'm terribly sorry. I, myself, have been singing it all morning too. It's a snappy tune, but one that will you be singing over and over.

37 weeks is considered "full-term" in the pregnancy world. If Leo (notice: I didn't call him Cletus!) were to be born this week, they would not consider him premature! Although, I have no labor feelings whatsoever. In the last 2 appointments, my progress has not yet changed, but as they say, it can happen over a few weeks or a few days, so be prepared!

I'm starting to get text messages from my mom every day as well. Mom - if something were to happen, you would be the second person to know. Honestly.

As of yesterday, we are down to the last 20 days. A friend of mine that I met in prenatal yoga has a scheduled C-section on the 17th. She was mentioning this week, she has a "preparation" day - getting her hair cut, colored and a full manicure/pedicure day! I love it. Too bad waiting for natural birth doesn't provide the same time lines as scheduled ones. I guess I'll need to make sure all of my "maintenance" is taken care of in the next couple of weeks! I'm also trying to take in and go to as many things now as I possibly can. Last week, I saw the play "Avenue Q" (LOVED IT), this week, we're heading to a Cubs game. Not saying that I won't be able to enjoy all of the events that I'm used to, but they just might take a little more planning.

I believe Steve's preparations are also coming along, although, he had a dream that I was in labor and thought to himself "if I just lay here quietly, maybe she'll driver herself to the hospital". I know, lucky me! Hopefully his dreams have very little meaning to them.