19 Weeks

How Far Along: 19 weeks

Size of baby: about 5 1/2 inches and 7 ounces

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +5 pounds 

Maternity Clothes: Yes for the most part; however, the baby bump is getting higher and some of my non maternity jeans fit perfectly under the bump and are surprisingly more comfortable than my maternity jeans (I am certain my time is limited with this new found wardrobe)

Gender: We should find out tomorrow!! Praying the babe cooperates

Name: I have a girl name that I love and I think I may have picked a boy name.

Movement: YES!! The movements are still subtle and sweet feeling. I am soaking it up right now where the movements are not painful :)

Sleep: I still struggle to fall asleep and I am getting up a few times a night to go to the bathroom, but when I am asleep, I am sleeping ROCK hard!

What I miss: an occasional adult beverage

Cravings: fruit, carrots, cucumbers

Symptoms: No bleeding this week!! However, contractions have started. Anxious to talk to the doctor about it tomorrow.

Best moment this week: Excited to find out the gender of this growing babe and receive the reassurance that everything is looking beautifully!

Our growing Babe is now the size of a mango! It is interesting to learn that the nerves that connect the muscles to the baby's brain have grown into place, making any movement from our sweet babe is consciously directed!! It is amazing that this tiny little miracle is now moving with a purpose!!  The baby's ears stand out from the sides of his/her head and the buds for the permanent teeth appear this week. So much growing going on!!

Here are the boys holding our little mango!

My Cowboy

With all of the excitement of the tricycle rodeo and cowboy day at Maddox's school last week, Maddox has been fascinated with pretending to be a cowboy! This morning Brad took the Madd-man to school and had an enlightening conversation with our little boy genius/cowboy. The conversation went a little something like this:

Maddox: Dad, I am a cowboy right?

Brad: Sure

Maddox: cowboys are grown ups.

Brad: Well, there are....

Maddox: and if they are grown ups they don't have to take naps. Since I am a cowboy, I don't need naps anymore. I will let mom know!

Oh dear. Looks like I am going to have my work cut out for me today at nap time. Gotta love that little guys reasoning skills!!

Road to Recovery

We took Paxton back to the doctor on Saturday and again today for a follow up on his Staph infection and a wound check. I was pleased to hear that everything looks great and he is healing up perfectly. The wound still bothers him some and he requires a dose or two of pain medicine throughout the day; however, overall he seems to be doing great. The only downfall is all the medicine he is on right now really upsets his little tummy and is making him super cranky. I am trying to keep my patience with a super whiney and much more demanding little guy and I am praying this does not become a phase we have to figure out how to boot out the front door. (I am certain once he is off all these high dose meds he will be back to his normal self....fingers crossed!)

I am reminded once again how blessed we are to have healthy babies. I am very aware that this horrible infection could have gotten REALLY bad and even life threatening in just a matter of days. I am thankful that my current littlest man is doing much better and on the road to recovery.

Tricycle Rodeo

While I took Paxton to that dreaded Doctor's appointment today, Maddox had a tricycle rodeo at his school. They got to dress up in their best cowboy clothes, play with lasso's, have hot dogs and ride their tricycles at school. I was so sad I was not able to attend his super fun school event today, but my precious mom went and Maddox felt like the king of the rodeo with is Gigi there to support him!! (Thanks again mom for being there for him and for me!)

Poor Paxton

Oh my. I think I can chalk up this morning as a day I hope we never have to relive. Poor little Paxton had a small red bump on his belly, slightly under his belly button. I noticed it yesterday morning when I changed his diaper. He tends to get random red bumps on his abdomen and lower belly that always go away in a few days without any pain or drama. After his nap yesterday he woke up saying "owwie, owwie" and kept grabbing that spot on his belly. I looked at it and it was now more red and beginning to swell up some. My mom and I thought it looked like he got bit by something. We put some antibiotic cream on it and tried to keep his pants from rubbing it. Well as the evening progressed, the more uncomfortable Paxton got and I began to get a little concerned. I showed Brad when he got home from work and we decided to just watch it and make sure it didn't get worse. Well, this morning Paxton was very lethargic and you could just tell he did not feel good. The bump was more red and had a big knot behind it. I knew a visit to the doctor was in store for us. I am thankful I trusted my instincts and took him in first thing this morning. It turns out he has an abscess staph infection. Oh poor baby. They had to strap him down on a medical bed, inject him with about 8 shots to numb the area and they had to cut it open and get the junk out of there. Oh my goodness, just break my heart. I felt so helpless as my littlest boy looked at me, terrified, crying and obviously in pain and there was nothing I could do to make it any better or help him understand that they were helping him. Oh that was the longest 15 minutes of my life. I now have no hope for Paxton outgrowing his fear of doctors. Heck, I would be terrified of doctors if I just went through all of that today.
They sent us home with pain meds and an antibiotic. We will go back on Saturday for them to remove the packing they had to place in his belly and get the results from the culture they sent to the lab.
Please pray he continues to get better and this infection does not get worse! Oh poor poor Paxton, I am so sorry for the trauma today held for you!

18 Weeks

Wow, I cannot believe we are 18 weeks preggo with baby Voda #3. It is crazy to think that if this little one comes as early as Paxton did, we are half way there this week (we are certainly praying this one stays in to cook at least a week or two longer than Paxton. We were very fortunate that there were absolutely no complications with Paxton and his early arrival). 

At 18 weeks, the babe is the size of a sweet potato. It is crazy to think that this little one is now yawning, hiccuping, sucking and swallowing as well as twisting, rolling punching and kicking. 

How Far Along: 18 weeks

Size of baby: about 5 1/2 inches and 7 ounces

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +2 pounds (I have not weighed lately, so I am pretty sure this number has increased)

Maternity Clothes: Yes. My maternity pants are much more comfortable and maternity shirts just seem to cover my little baby bump better. I have discovered a few pairs of my non maternity jeans that sit low enough that I can wear them under my growing baby bump. 

Gender: We aren't sure yet. We should find out in a week!!  (February 29)

Name: will decide when we know the gender

Movement: YES!! This little one is getting more and more active and I am able to feel him/her move several times during the day. It still makes my heart flutter every time I feel those sweet little movements. 

Sleep: I have slept really well the last couple of nights. (I am sure I just jinxed myself on that one)

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly

Cravings: Fresh, COLD fruit. Carrots, cucumbers and ranch dressing

Symptoms: The bleeding made its appearance yet again, but nothing too alarming. My tummy has hurt the last few days, but nothing crazy. Just growing growing growing.

Best moment this week: Experiencing Brad feel this miracle baby kick for the first time.

Attempting to get a good picture with both boys holding the "babe" is proving to be harder and harder, Paxton's smile makes him look a little mean. Lol. I sure will miss the day when he doesn't smile like a maniac!! 

It might not look like it here, but Paxton and Maddox are both laughing!!!

Nice Shades

When I posted the picture of Maddox wearing Aunt Kim's sunglasses on their drive home from Oklahoma yesterday, it immediately reminded me of a picture we took of Maddox when he was about 18 months old on our trip home from Colorado (for the Malone family reunion).

I thought it was too cute and just had to post the pictures together!!

Maddox at 18 months old wearing Mommy's sunglasses

Maddox at 4 years old wearing Aunt Kim's sunglasses

My Sweet Boy is Back

He's Baaaaaaaaaaacccccckkkkk!!! My spunky, inquisitive, spirited, 4 year old little big boy is back from a weeks visit to grandma and grandpa's house!!! He loved every minute of the time he was able to spend with g-ma and g-pa. They loved on him, spoiled him and took him on many adventures! He got to go to a dinosaur museum, a gun museum, he rode his bike with and without training wheels (but he did NOT want granddad to let go), he fed the birds at Grandma Joe's house, he watched Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry!! This is just a glimps of the wonderful adventures he had in OKC. I am sure I will get to hear more and more about his wonderful trip throughout the week.
I was a little worried he would not very excited to see any of us (he was always too busy playing to have any interest in talking to us on the phone this past week); but I was pleasantly surprised at his joy to see Brad, myself and even Paxton. He mentioned several times that he sure did miss his little brother and he was so glad they shared a room together! Ahhh, just bless my soul. It makes my heart happy to know that while both boys enjoyed the break from one another, they sure are happy to reunite!!
I am so happy to have my family back all under one roof; however, I sure am thankful that he had such a fantastic time with his grandparents who took such great care of him and made him feel like he was the king of the world! Thanks again Voda's for loving on him so much in a weeks time. We cannot wait for you guys to come visit us all soon! Also, thanks again SO much Aunt Kim and Uncle Austin for bringing him home with you guys!

Snoozin' away on the ride home with Kim and Austin 

Oh how I have missed this ball of energy and that super sweet smile of his!

17 Weeks

How Far Along: 17 weeks

Size of baby: almost 4.4 inches and 3.5 ounces

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +2 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yes. My maternity pants are much more comfortable and maternity shirts just seem to cover my little baby bump better. 

Gender: We aren't sure yet. We should find out in a week and a half (February 29)

Name: will decide when we know the gender

Movement: YES!! I am sure it is simply because I am feeling this little one move much sooner than I have with the boys; however, the little movements just feel so small and petite. It is such a beautiful feeling that makes me stop in my tracks every time I feel a little nudge from this little one.

Sleep: My insomnia has seemed to subsided for now. It still takes me forever to fall asleep, but for the most part I have slept pretty good this past week.

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly

Cravings: I really wanted a milk shake this week (I never crave ice creamy things, so this was a bit unusual for me)

Symptoms: It has been a pretty uneventful week, thank goodness. The bleeding and cramping was almost completely nonexistent this week (just had a couple days of mild cramping and spotting...YIPPEE)

Best moment this week: Moving a few things around in the nursery making the room already feel like a "new" room for this little one. I have also cherished feeling the babe swim around, I have a feeling Brad might be able to feel the sweet babe move pretty soon....it sure is getting stronger and stronger.

It is always a highlight of my week  to sit down and read what is developing in or on our sweet little babe week by week. This week the baby is gaining more and more fat, becoming more flexible and the most fascinating part (to me at least) is that the babe is developing fingerprints this week!! At 17 weeks our babe could stick its little fingers in some ink and show off it's finger prints and would be able to be identified as an individual!! 

Here was an attempt to get a belly shot, but it didn't really work because I was wearing black. So, I just posed for the camera instead!!!

And just because I wanted to post a picture of Brad and I at 17 weeks preggo with Baby Voda #3

I know I say it a lot, but gosh, I sure do love this man!

Dance Moves

Paxton has developed some awesome dance moves lately. It is difficult to capture all of his mad dance skills on camera because he usually stops dancing as soon as he sees the camera appear. I was able to get a small video featuring a small portion of his fantastic dance skills. 

Paxton and his "Moves like Jagger"

(I know these last posts have been ALL about Paxton. Maddox is still in Oklahoma and from what I hear he has absolutely NO desire to come back home. Ha. He is having a blast and soaking up all the fun with his grandparents; however, this momma sure is missing my little man!!!)

Paxton's Speech

It has been a while since I have posted on Paxton's speech progress. He is definitely making great strides as far as talking goes. Most of the time his language is in fact HIS own. It is hard to comprehend or decipher; however, the simple fact that he is making consistent noises and attempting to put words together is a huge step in the right direction.

At 21 months he currently says:
Mommy
Daddy
uh-o
owie
boppie (Passi)
mu (milk)
eese (cheese)
Car
Ball
cracker
ice (rice)
ieee (ice)
oon (spoon)
jo-jo (our dog Jovee)
Manny (Maddox)
ool (School)
woody (Woody..meaning he wants to watch Toy Story)
Show (wanting to watch TV)
Block
hip (chip)
urtle (turtle)

It is funny that he can say several words, but he leaves off the first portion of each word. I am working on making sure he watches our mouths while we talk. I know that I have a tendency to mumble which may be making it difficult for him to recognize the first sounds of the words.
We are so proud of the progress he is making and his growing desire to verbally express himself. Continue to good work sweet P.

On another Paxton related note, he has recently started showing interest in going potty on the big boy potty! In fact, he has gone poo-poo on the potty 4 times now and one of those he came to me and pointed at his little bottom and walked me to the bathroom. WOW. Way to go little guy. I do not think we are ready to tackle potty training at this point, I would like for him to be a little further along verbally; however, it is fantastic that he is showing interest and I will continue to take him and make it a stress free learning time for him. I think I want to wait and do it when he is a little older like we did with Maddox. We had NO problems getting Maddox potty trained and I would be so blessed if we had the same experience with Paxton as well!!

Well, there you have it, a little update on the day to day life of Paxton James!!

Legos

When the Madd-man is away, the Pax-man will play build! 

Paxton has recently discovered a love for building with Legos! I must say he is very creative and enjoys just building whatever his little mind comes up with (usually something TALL). It is so much fun to watch the differences in personalities in our little boys. Maddox always wants to follow the directions that come with the Legos. He desires to replicate the pictures that are shown with the box of legos. Paxton on the other hand, he just builds to have fun and could care less about following the directions or replicating pictures! 

It is great that we have one of each. They both have fantastic qualities and I pray as they get older they can bring out the best in each other! These two little boys will surely change the world some day, for now we will change our world one lego at a time, one giggle at a time, one goofy grin at a time!! 

Oh the goofy grin. How can you NOT smile when you see this face!! 

Having a great time!

The finished product. Great job Paxton, very creative.

One on One

Maddox went to Oklahoma this weekend with Aunt Kim and Uncle Austin to visit Grandma and Grandpa Voda! Thanks again Aunt Kim and Uncle Austin for driving the six hours with a 4 year old little companion!! We planned on the Madd-man returning home this evening; however, we had a massive snow storm leaving our roads super icy. We felt it would be a wise choice to let the Madd-man stay the week in Oklahoma with his Grandparents! (Aunt Kim and Uncle Austin are returning to OKC next weekend and they will bring him back then....thanks again you two. You are fantastic and so wonderful to our family!!!)

SO, while the Madd-man has been away, we are trying to make the most of our one-on-one time with Paxton! This morning we loaded up and drove to get some donuts. YUMMY!

The little bear eating some donuts. 

It took us a while to get back home because the roads were so so slick. This is what our back yard looked like when we got home!

Snow covered back yard. Such a beautiful sight!!

We spent the rest of the morning playing with this little guy!

Brad said it best "You have never received a better hug until you get a Pax hug. He gives the best hugs!!" Here he is running to give Brad a big 'ol bear hug!

 After nap the boys played in the drive way on the tractor! They both loved every second of this!! 

 I certainly miss my oldest little boy. He is having a blast in Oklahoma. His grandparents are having a blast with him in Oklahoma. Everyone is enjoying some one-on-one time! I will make the most of the alone time we get with Paxton!

Brothers

These two boys are forming an unbreakable bond (unless one of them has something the other one has/looked at/touched at one point...you get the point right). They are learning to play together and their laughter together is the sweetest sound I could ever imagine. They love to chase each other throughout the house pretending to fly like super heros!

They are now roommates and they both seem to enjoy the company especially when it is time to go to sleep. Ha. They laugh and tend to get each other in trouble, but the bond they are forming is worth every ounce of frustration on my part! 

Sweet boys. Oh pax, love the necklace!!!

16 weeks

The growing little one is now 16 weeks and the size of an avocado! At this point our bundle has tiny bones forming in its ears meaning he/she can pick up and listen to our voices! Eyebrows, lashes and hair are filling in and those tiny little taste buds are forming!

At our doctor's appointment this week the little one's heart beat sounded beautifully. It was beating at approximately 166 (both boys were in the 140's....does this mean our little one is possibly a girl....who knows!!!)

How Far Along: 16 weeks

Size of baby: almost 4.6 inches long and weighs about 3.5 ounce

Total Weight Gain/Loss: +2 pounds

Maternity Clothes: yes, they are much more comfy! I have one pair of maternity jeans that actually fit and I LOVE them. Sadly, I have felt under the weather this week, so my 'yoga' pants are my clothing of choice (sorry Brad)

Gender: We aren't sure yet. Heart beat makes you think it could be a girl

Name: will decide when we know the gender

Movement: YES!! Such a beautiful feeling

Sleep: I have had a few nights this week where I actually have had solid sleep. Yippee

What I miss: My old clothes (but so thankful that this tummy is growing with a purpose)

Cravings: nothing lately

Symptoms: bleeding and cramping.

Best moment this week: Listening to our babe's heartbeat and gaining peace of mind that our little one is growing on track!

Paxton holding the 'babe'

Hmmm. Could this possibly be Paxton's true feelings about the new baby.  No buddy, you can't bite the babe!! Haha

.

Pax

This little crazy smile, blonde haired, hat wearing, goof ball has an ear infection in BOTH ears and a very sore throat. Poor little dude!!! Here's hoping he feels better soon!!

Ruidoso 2012

This past weekend we loaded our crew and made a fun trip to Ruidoso, NM. We had originally planned a week long ski/snowboarding trip to Durango, CO (along with our great friends Dusty, Sarah and their precious 2 month old babes Mason and Mallory); however, a little accident *cough cough* on a dirt bike proved that skiing/snowboarding would not be the best decision for our little family. We had already promised Maddox that he would see mountains and snow, so we made a shorter trip to Ruidoso and allowed the little man to go snow sledding/tubbing with Daddy!!! This trip was a hit. Maddox and Bradley had a blast tubbing (poor Paxton was too little to do the "big" runs like his brother and Daddy, and he was so so sad that he was unable to join in the big boy fun, he would not even allow himself to enjoy the little kid run that he was able to sled down!!). We all enjoyed the time away from home and the uninterrupted time as a family. 

This was our first trip to travel with Paxton sleeping in a big boy bed and I must say he did fabulously. The boys slept on a pull out couch together and while we had to remind them several times that it was in fact BED time and not PLAY time, they eventually fell sound asleep and did beautifully if I must say so myself!!

This is certainly a trip I will never forget and I hope we can duplicate again soon!!!

Me and the littlest (soon to be middle) 

Daddy and his little buddy

Madd in his snow bibs ready to hit the snow

My 3 precious boys. Oh Paxton, that smile!!!

We were ready to go!!!

Madd and Daddy after their first Run

The big boys getting some big air on that jump. Maddox squealed in joy (Daddy too)

Daddy pulling Madd to the next run. 

Taking a break while Daddy tried to play a little with Paxton

Paxton on the little kid run!

Paxton getting ready to go!!

Go buddy Go!!!

My bear and my fox!!

Sheesh, those boys could fly down that run!!!

Paxton and Mommy spent the last hour in the car. He had had enough!

Playing cars

My LOVE

Sweet boy. So happy he got to go tubbing with daddy!!

Sleepy Paxton

Trying to get a pic with Maddox (could you tell Paxton wanted in on the picture too!!!!!)

Enjoying some chips and salsa

Getting ready to go swimming!! They had a blast

Yummy frozen yogurt!

The boys LOVED their yogurt!!!!