Blake: 2.5 years

On December 7th Blake turned 2.5 (I know I'm a little late on the post, but better late then never right?)! 

I can't believe he is 2.5 (I think I say that every time). He has grown up so fast and still seems to change and learn something new every day. He is now talking non-stop and asks why after everything multiple times, even after the why question has been answered. It's more like a punctuation for him. 

He is full of life and energy! 

And is quite a challenge to get a good picture of. Sitting and smiling has become a game of "smile for 2 seconds then right when mom goes to take the picture, turn or run or do something to mess it up"!

He loves his little sister!

2.5 year-old stats:

Weight: 28.8 lbs

Hight: 34 3/4in

Favorite foods: Hot dogs, mac n cheese and pizza (what kid doesn't love those three foods?!), yogurt, and still any fruit.

He loves to "help" with Lily and doing the dishes (hope the dishes thing sticks but I have a feeling it won't).

His vocabulary has taken off and he now says all sorts of things and usually talks non-stop which is fun and exhausting at the same time :) 

Here are a few of my favorite Blake phrases: 

"Funny __________" (usually mama, dada or Bake go there)

"Bake happy"

"Lily eat lot" (it must seem to him that all mommy does is feed Lily)

"More again"

"Daddy work money" (one day he asked for daddy, I said daddy was at work, and then of course he asked why, so I said daddy has to go to work to make money so we can live in our house, and since then it's been "daddy work money" hahaha)

"What'd dat?" (this is almost as common as why)

He had so much fun going to a few football games this fall and often out of the blue yells "GO BEABERS!" (mostly when we are in a grocery store... thank goodness we live in beaver country :)

He is learning numbers and colors. If you'd ask him his favorite color he would say "beaver orange" and most the time if you ask him the color of anything he'll say "beaver orange" haha. 

Bedtime seems to be about 8pm these days and he is awake around 6:30am.

He is still napping about 2-3 hours a day in the afternoon and is now in a "big boy" bed! 

I still can't believe how fast he is growing up.

We love you so much, Blakers!

Lily: 2 Month Pictures!

I figured out a way around the picture limit! Enjoy!

 A big smile for the camera!

Lily: 2 Months

{So I know most of you are here to see the pictures of Lily but when I went to add them, I got the annoying little message (I know many of you have gotten lately) saying I was out of storage and needed to pay a monthly fee for more storage in order to add more pictures. So until I get that dilemma figured out (I'd love any advice from those who have had to deal with this problem!) you'll just have to do with words... sorry!}

Lily's 2nd month:

Weight: I'm going to guess she's pushing the 12lb mark! {we go in next Thursday for her 2 month appt so I'll update then}

Wears: Size 2 disposable diapers, small cloth diapers and 3month clothes.

She has been sleeping like a champ at night! She is usually out by 8-9pm, sleeps till 2-3am, eats and then sleeps till 7-8am

She's eating about every 3-4 hours during the day {occasionally she'll want to eat every 2.5 hours}

She still loves being swaddled. 

She still loves her swing {and probably spends too much time in it}

Still does well in the car {I was brave and drove Medford to Albany with both kids by myself and they did great!}

She is starting to coo and smile more 

I think her eyes are going to be blue like her brothers!

She's not a fan of tummy time

Thankfully after a trip to the doctor and some eye cream her eye cleared up quickly!

Update: Lily weighs 12lbs 7oz and is 22 3/4inch long

Blake: 2 months

Lily's Birth Announcement

I just made Lily's birth announcement using Shutterfly. When I was done ordering it the window popped up and said if I embedded my project on a blog or website and emailed them a link to that site they would then in return send me a $10 off coupon for my next purchase. With Christmas coming up, I make calendars for the Grandparents and thought that this coupon would come in handy! So here is Lily's birth announcement... some of you will be getting this in the mail soon!

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Halloween 2012

Halloween was so fun this year! 

The weekend before Russ and Blake carved a pumpkin. I thought {being a boy} Blake would love the "pumpkin guts" but he wasn't too willing to stick his hand in the pumpkin and pull them out, he left that up to daddy.

Blake and the pumpkin. 

On Halloween Day we were going to go Trick-or-Treating downtown Corvallis, but Russ was on his way back from a business trip and was unable to meet us until later and I really didn't feel like braving the rain with two kiddos. Since it's pretty much become a tradition to go Trick-or-treating downtown with Michael {this would have been the 5th year!} we had to at least meet them downtown to say hi.

A monkey, Beaver Cheerleader and a Spy

After visiting with Michael and Marilyn we headed to the Harvest Carnival that our church puts on every year. It's a pretty incredible carnival. There was tons of games and activities, a petting zoo, a couple bounce house/maze things, popcorn, cotton candy, hotdogs and it was ALL FREE! Such an incredible outreach to our community!

At the carnival we meet up with Luke and Becca

A cow and a monkey- best buddies!

After the carnival we meet up with the daddies who were finally off work and did some trick-or-treating! 

I was pretty surprised at how quickly Blake picked up on trick-or-treating. In between the houses he would say "more tantdy". I think I might have enjoyed trick-or-treating more then he did!

{Blake}

{Lily}

This onesie Blake wore on his first Halloween... Blake was almost 5 months old... Lily is um, only 5 weeks old! 

I can't wait till next year!

An escape artist...

For the last, oh, couple weeks now, Blake has mastered climbing out of his crib. It was becoming a few times a night thing. We'd lay him down and the next thing we knew he was opening his door asking for water or at nap time he'd climb out and play with the toys in his bedroom.

Then the other night we hooked up one of these...

A video monitor. 

And he hasn't climbed out since we plugged it in! He has seen how it works and knows that Mommy can see him on it, so he's resisted the temptation to climb out. I will have to admit, this has provided some pretty good entertainment for Russ and I. Last night he stood up in his crib and roared at the door like he was a tiger (he loves tigers right now). I was shocked when it took him almost 45 minutes to fall asleep! We will transition him to a "big boy bed" soon. But now that he's not climbing out 4 times a night I'm not as motivated to transition him, just yet. We'll see how long the "fear" of the video monitor lasts. I'm guessing not long.

Lily: 1 Month

Wow has it really already been one month since Lily was born?! I know I said this with every month that passed with Blake, but wow time sure goes by fast when you are watching a little one grow!

Lily's first month:

Weight: She hasn't been weighed since her 2 week appointment. At that appointment she weighed 8lbs 11.5oz. She gained 14oz in one week! I'm guessing she's closing in on the 10lb mark now. {that's over a whole 2lbs more then Blake wieghed... crazy how 2 kids from the same parents can be so different!}

Length: 21in {1.5in longer then Blake}

Wears: Size 1 disposable diapers, x-small cloth diapers, and 0-3month clothes.

She's been sleeping pretty well at night. Usually wakes up twice to eat and then goes right back to sleep. 

Eats about every 2-3 hours and gives us one 5-6 hour stretch at night.

Loves being swaddled.

Loves her swing. 

Does pretty well in the car.

Went to her first Beaver Tailgater at 12 days old. 

First trip to Medford at 2 weeks old.

The last couple days both eyes have become goopy... I'm hoping they clear up quick! And that we don't have the same ordeal like with did with Blake!

Big Brother loves to help with diaper changes and likes to share is beloved night, night with sister and is slowly learning not to bug Lily while she's in her swing :)

Little Lily has been such a blessing to our family! I am so excited to watch her grow :)

Blake: 1 month 

Lily's Birth Story

{This is pretty long and detailed... if you want the short and sweet version scroll down to the bottom... or if you just want to see pictures scroll down...}

Lily's due date was September 14th. For some reason I had this feeling she would be early. I think maybe because my birthday is September 9th and I thought she would come close to then. But since Blake was born on his due date, I felt like I had no way to gage as to if she'd be early or late (it was just wishful thinking she'd be early, I guess). She had her own time schedule that's for sure! 

At my 39 week appointment I had the midwife check my progress I was at 3cm and about 60% effaced, she also swiped the membranes. That weekend we had tickets to the Oregon State vs Wisconsin game (which by the way, Beavers won, woohoo!). It's rather a hike (to say the least) to get to our seats so everyone thought that walking to the game and hiking up to our seats would bring on labor. Nope. 

September 14th rolled around and I found myself back at the doctors office (for the 40 week appointment). I had the midwife check my progress and I was at 3-4cm and 70% effaced. But still wasn't having any regular strong contractions or signs of labor. I made an appointment for Friday September 21st just incase Lily hadn't come on her own by then. I would have a stress test and fluids checked to make sure she was still healthy hanging out in there. I thought for sure (and so did everyone else) I would go into labor before that next appointment. At night I would wake up wishing I was was having contractions, but instead I just needed to pee really bad.

Another week passed and I was still pregnant. My mom had taken the week of her due date off thinking Lily would be here by then, so she came up Thursday to watch Blake while Russ and I went to my 41 week appointment on Friday. I wasn't sure what the outcome of the stress test would be so it was nice to have my mom here, incase the doctor decided to induce. 

At the 41 week appointment Lily passed the stress test with flying colors. Her heart rate was perfect, and she was still swimming in plenty of amniotic fluid. I was relieved that she was fine in there, but at the same time wishing there would be reason to induce (I was ready to be done being pregnant!).  After the stress test we met with the doctor. She checked my progress and swiped the membranes, again (hoping that it would work this time). Before she checked me, she said if I was to 5cm she just might have me admitted. She checked and said I was a good 4cm. She then swiped and as she did, she said "oops, I think I just put you to 5cm". She then told me not go too far from home and we scheduled an induction for Monday morning at 6am (if I made it that far). 

Well, the weekend went by and Monday morning rolled around and I was still very pregnant. 

We arrived to the hospital by 6:30am. (It was kind of a weird feeling leaving home, knowing that when we returned we would be a family of four!) Around 7:30am Susan (my midwife) checked my progress. I was about 6cm and almost completely effaced. (I was over half way there and still not having any major contractions, crazy!) Susan talked to me about my options. She said I could be given pitocin to start contractions, and then have an epidural, and then break my water. Or she could just break my water and see how things progress and if after 4 hours nothing seemed to be happening, then would start pitocin. I really wanted to try to have Lily naturally, so I decided to have my water broke and see how things went from there. 


Before she broke my water we were able to order some breakfast from the cafeteria and kind of relax a little (not sure if it's possible to relax knowing that you are going to be having a baby soon!). Russ and I had some breakfast and then he ran down to the car to get our bags and we got settled in.

Around 8:30am Susan broke my water. When she broke my water she said that it looked clear which was good meaning no meconium in the water. A little bit later when I got up to go to the bathroom, I noticed there was a brown tint to the water on the bed. I called in the nurse to show her and sure enough there was meconium in the water. Because of the meconium and the risk of her inhaling it, which could block her airways, all of the doctors were called to be there at time of delivery. (I can't remember which doctors exactly, but it seemed like the room was full of people when Lily was born)

9:30am rolled around and my mom and Russell's mom arrived. I was able to get up and walk around, but it seemed like things weren't really progressing. I was having contractions but they weren't supper strong or close together. About an hour later my contractions really started to become stronger and longer. Susan checked my progress and I was at 8cm. It was all kind of a blur from there. I remember saying I needed to go to the bathroom and telling Susan I think I want an epidural and she said "honey, remember you said you didn't want one and you are so close!" She was right because the next thing I remember I was starting to push. I pushed 5 or so times for about thirty-ish minutes and at 11:31am she was born! (And thankfully she started screaming almost instantly!) It all seemed to happen so quickly! 

I was a little nervous to be induced. Since I went into labor without any help with Blake, I just thought the same would happen with Lily. Then waiting 10 days pass my due date, I never thought that would happen. But God had different plans and his plan was perfect. Everything really, went just how I pictured it would. It was amazing to experience childbirth without any drugs at all (although, I'm honestly not sure which way is better... that epidural with Blake was pretty amazing, ha!). Russell was so supportive and by my side through the whole process, the nurses and midwife were wonderful and we have a wonderful family who took great care of Blake while we were in the hospital. Couldn't have asked for more! God is good!

Lily Marie was born on September 24 (ten days late!) at 11:31am weighing 8lbs. 9oz (a whole 1lb and 7oz more then her brother) and was 20 3/4 (1 and 3/4in longer then her brother! No wonder I was so uncomfortable by the end.) She is perfect in every way and has been such a blessing to our family! We love her so much!!

{***The short version: We arrived to the hospital at 6:30am my water was broke at 8:30am. Contractions really picked up around 10:30am and at 11:31 Lily Marie was born!}

Only seconds old!

 8lbs 9oz! 

 Meeting Big Brother for the first time!

We're a family of 4!

She's Here!

Lily Marie Bartlett

Born Monday September 24, 2012 at 11:31am

Weighing 8lbs 9oz and 20 3/4in long

41 weeks.

Yes, you read that title right. I am 41 weeks pregnant today. I really didn't think I would make it this far, but apparently Lily is in no rush to join us on the outside world. 

I went to the doctor this morning and they monitored her heart rate and checked the amniotic fluid and everything looks great. I was however, all prepared to be admitted to hospital and have a baby today, but since everything still looks good and she's nice and happy in there we will wait another two days to see if she comes on her own. {On the bright side, I think} I am already dilated to 5cm! Which means once I do go into labor I need to pretty much head straight to the hospital so we don't have a baby in the car... not sure if this is a good or bad thing... I feel like a ticking time bomb, ha! But if she's not here by Monday morning I'll go into start the induction process.
It's interesting because I had totally prepared my self for the possibility of being late and being induced with Blake {especially because that was my mom's experience and my sister's}. But this time around I totally thought she would come early and therefore, on her own. One thing I've always told my pregnant friends is to not have certain expectations when it comes to labor and delivery and then be disappointed if it doesn't go how you wanted it to. Now I'm trying to listen to my own advice and remember that no matter how it happens {induction or not, epidural or not} I'll still be holding a precious little baby at the end of it all. 

I am a little afraid Lily will be on the bigger side {she's had an extra week to bake!}. I don't remember being quite this uncomfortable when I was pregnant with Blake. And I have awful stretch marks {way worse then with Blake} that itch like crazy all. the. time. And I literally go to the bathroom all. the. time. My mom is here and will be till Lily is born so Russ and I are taking advantage and going on a date tonight! 

It feels good to know there is a light at the end of the pregnancy tunnel... All in God's perfect timing :)

On a side note....

This huge moving truck is in front of my sisters house {as I type} loading up all there belongings and will be heading to OREGON!!!! Michelle, Carlos and the boys will fly into Portland on Wednesday for good! 

Due Date Day {come on Lily!}

Today is Lily's "due date"! Blake was born on his due date so I never made it past this day with him and because of that really didn't think I'd make to my due date with Lily. But here I am at 10:14pm September 14th 2012 and I'm still very pregnant. 

I was talking about it with a friend today and we both don't understand why they give you a "due date". We agreed that it should be more of a "due range" of like 2 weeks. Since most babies are born between 39 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. We thought that made much more sense then a due date because seriously, how many babies are actually born on their due date? Not many that I know of!

I am trying not to get hung up on the whole due date thing though. I'm really trying to enjoy every last moment I have with Blake and being just his mom. Although we have talked a lot about Lily joining our family and I think he kind of gets it, {just kind of} his little world is going to be turned upside down. So for him I'm trying to make the most of these last few days {however many that may be}.

Since I don't have any cute baby pictures to share here are a couple from our last beach trip as a family of 3! {still hard to believe there will be 4 of us soon!}

Maybe the next post will be of Lily's arrival! {lets hope!}

Black Butte 2012

This {I believe} was the fifth summer {in a row} for us to vacation in Black Butte Ranch. We almost didn't go this year. But at the last minute my dad changed his mind and ended up booking the trip anyway and said whoever is available to come can come. And I am so glad he did! It is probably one of my favorite places to go. It is always relaxing. Well, maybe it's not as relaxing as it was five years ago when there were no toddlers or a baby, but we always have a great time! Here are some pictures {or a lot pictures} of what we did {in between nap times}...

We spent lots of time at the pool

 Blake got pretty good at jumping in from the edge as long as there was someone there to catch him

The boys

 The boys did lots of running on the golf course before bedtime.
It became a nightly event to go look for deer. If they didn't find any Blake would say "deer go night, night".

Before we had kids {or when we aren't hugely pregnant} we would walk to this creek several times. It is about a 2 mile loop. I only did it once this year.

 The cousins

Trying to touch the water, which was freezing cold!

Love walking this bridge!

 Views from the walk

We hung out on the patio in the evenings

The boys being boys

The sunsets were beautiful

We went shopping at the Old Mill District

The boys did some wrestling in the grass

We went to the Metolius River and the Wizard Falls Hatchery

The boys loved looking at the fish 

And feeding them!

Cousins
{or more like sisters}

And we always have to take a family photo

And of course we drank lots of Sisters Coffee!

I'm already looking forward to next year!