The Three Musketeers

Ever since we have been home Avery and Olivia have been asking to hold Mason at least 5 times a day, including the first thing when they wake up. It's really cute, but I have to be able to do things and I can't just sit in bed all day to make sure they don't try and carry him around the house. We've limited it to twice a day so that Daddy or I can be around to supervise, but they can still get their snuggles in. Avery has been really good at teaching Olivia how to be a big sister. 

Meeting Mason

The hospital where Mason was born was seriously amazing. In addition to the fantastic birthing suite the postpartum suite was just as wonderful. There was real linens, a view of the golf course across the highway and even 24/7 room service. Yes, room service. Not your average hospital cafeteria sandwich and cold soup. As soon as I was transferred to my recovery room the nurse asked nutrition services to get me something to eat. I ordered a French dip with mashed potatoes and gravy and it was wonderful. I really enjoyed it. All the meals were really enjoyable.

Another perk of this hospital was the on staff photographer. The day we were supposed to be discharged she came by and took Mason's first photos. I really love them because they capture this moment perfectly. The little details that you have in the hospital that you sometimes miss in candid photos -- the hospital blankets, the little bed they first have, all the things that bring you back to those first days are in the photos she took. I will always cherish them. Plus, I didn't have to schedule and prep for a whole newborn session. She came in and knocked them out in just 45 minutes. I do wish the girls had been there, too, though. These are a few of my favorites.

Introducing: Mason James Nunley

The birth story of Mason James Nunley
Born Wednesday, April 8, 2015

7lbs 5oz – 19.75 inches

Warning: Graphic

In an interesting coincidence I first started noticing more intense contractions on a Tuesday, just like with both Avery and Olivia. That morning Justin's brother, Jimmy, was scheduled to come over with his crew to install our new patio cover so while they did that Avery, Olivia and I played, cleaned and had girl time inside and I monitored the contractions as they got progressively more painful, but not necessarily closer together. I texted Aunt Carrie to let her know we'd probably need her soon. She was our "on call" babysitter since we don't live near Grandma and Grandpa Nunley anymore. 

By about noon I felt like it was time to start getting things together because we needed drive about 25 minutes to drop the girls off at Carrie's house. Justin was at an appointment, so when he got home around 2:00 pm we took the girls over there. After they were settled in we headed to the hospital. We got there and got hooked up to the monitors. In a cruel twist of fate the minute I was hooked up to the monitors the contractions stopped completely. I had just one the hour I was being monitored. To add to it the nurse checked and I was only 3cm dilated. She then suggested I walk for an hour and then see where we were. Since Justin hadn't eaten all day and it was nearing 3:00pm I told him to go eat and change while I walked the maternity floor. 

After an hour of fairly consistent contractions I got hooked up the monitors again only to have the contractions stop immediately -- AGAIN! The nurse checked and I dilated about 0.5cm in the hour but that wasn't enough to admit me, which was both a bummer and a blessing. We decided to go home and get some last minute things done while the girls were with Carrie. The day before we had purchased a new patio table, outdoor storage bin and hose caddy -- all of which needed to be assembled. We had also gone to Costco to stock up on mean and all of that needed to be separated and vacuum sealed. 

We got back home around 5:00 pm and worked on the projects. Around 8:00 pm we decided we needed to eat so we went out for some dinner. All through dinner the contractions were getting stronger and much closer together. After dinner we headed to Dick's Sporting Goods near the restaurant so Justin could check out a new golf club (which he ended up buying) and I could walk around. At Dick's the contractions got to about 3-5  minutes apart. It was almost 9:00 and we still wanted to get the meat put away, so we went home and got busy with that. It probably wouldn't have taken so long if I didn't have to stop for each contractions, but I was already committed to the job and I didn't want to do it when I came home with a newborn. 

Finally at 10:00 pm I told Justin we needed to go to the hospital. When we got there the admitting nurse told us they were very busy, so they put us in the same triage room with the hexed bed that stopped the contractions earlier that day. Luckily, that didn't happen this time. The nurse checked me and I was now 6cm dilated and 100% effaced. We were having a baby! 

Once we filled out all the paperwork they got us a room and got settled in. The first thing the nurse did was put in an IV port and the next thing I got in the bath. In this hospital each birthing suite had a whirlpool tub, birthing ball, and bed bar for all kinds of laboring and birthing options. Seriously the best. I labored in the tub for about an hour before the nurse came in to check. She listened to baby's heartbeat and then left. It was amazing to be able to labor without distractions. 

At about 2:00 am I asked the nurse to check me. My OB happened to be there delivering another baby, so he checked me. I was 8cm dliated and he suggested we break my water since it was bulging and see what that did. He did and I got back in the bath. 

One contraction later I was beside myself. In all my labors I had never experienced a pain like the one I had with that contraction. The nurses could hear me all the way at the nurses station and came running in. They helped me back out of the bath and got me in bed to check me. I was now 9 cm-- almost 10 cm-- and that pain was my cervix dilating almost 2cm in about a 3 minute span. 

Like I said before, the nurse said they were busy that night. Turns out they admitted and delivered 12 babies that night. The hospital only has 8 birthing suites and 8 postpartum suites. Because they were so busy and there was an emergency at the same time I was nearing fully complete dilation the nurse asked if I was interested in an epidural because my OB was going to be in surgery for about an hour. I had an epidural with both girls, so I wasn't opposed and after what I had just experienced I was all for it. 

It was about 4:00 am now and the anesthesiologist had gotten me all set up. Justin waited around a corner so he didn't pass out like he did with Avery. Unfortunately I had a "window" of my belly that didn't take the epidural so I could still fully feel the contractions in that particular area, but overall I was able to rest and actually get some sleep. At about 5:00 am the nurse checked and I was 10cm dilated. She said my OB was just wrapping up and we should do some "practice" pushes. One push and she said I needed to stop because she couldn't deliver the baby herself. I didn't need any practice. 

Finally my OB came in and after 3 pushes his head was out. One more push brought his shoulders and the rest just followed. One contraction and 4 pushes was all it took to bring this 7lb 5oz baby earthside. 

Baby 3.0: Week 40

How far along? 39 weeks

Weight gain/loss: 32 lbs

Maternity clothes? I officially have four shirts that fit. That's it.   

Stretch marks? One single new one on my belly button. 

Sleep? So sleepy all the time.      

Best moment this week? Only 7 days until my due date!  

Movement: This little guy is nearly out of room, so even when he does move it's not very comfortable. 

Food cravings: Nothing really. I'm not really hungry anymore.   

Gender: Boy :-) 

Labor signs? Contractions every day and a some minor dilation. Fingers crossed he makes his debut soon!

Belly button in or out? Outie!What I miss? Sleeping on my belly.

What I am looking forward to? Seeing this guy's little face!

Weekly wisdom: As much as you try you can't make baby come any sooner than they want to. 

Milestones: Only a week left!

Baby 3.0 - week 36

How far along? 35 weeks 5 days

Weight gain/loss: 25lbs :-/

Maternity clothes? Even those are starting to get snug as you can see in this picture.  

Stretch marks? Surprisingly no new ones yet.

Sleep? It's hit or miss. I wish I could get comfortable. And unfortunately for Justin I've recently started snoring so he's not sleeping much better.      

Best moment this week? 35 weeks means only 35 days left until my due date. If this baby follows in his sisters' footsteps he'll be here even sooner than that!  

Movement: He's quite the mover and now that he's running out of space it's getting a little uncomfortable actually.     

Food cravings: Still sour cream.   

Gender: Boy :-) 

Labor signs? Contractions every day now. Nothing regular or overly painful, but daily nonetheless. 

Belly button in or out? For the first time in any pregnancy it's actually an outie! What I miss? Sleeping comfortably in any position and being able to move without waddling.

What I am looking forward to? Meeting this little guy!

Weekly wisdom: Relax and go with the flow. Or at least try. 

Milestones: We're in the home stretch. Less than a month left!

Baby 3.0 - Week 31

How far along? 30 weeks

Weight gain/loss: +17

Maternity clothes? Yes please.  

Stretch marks? No new stretch marks, just varicose veins.

Sleep? I want more than I get.      

Best moment this week? We hit 30 weeks which means 3/4 of the way there. Most likely a little closer since the girls were both born before their due dates.  

Movement: The bigger he gets the stronger the movement gets. He also seems to like vogue-ing because he will move and then hold the pose for a second while making everything stretched out and lopsided.    

Food cravings: Still sour cream. And chocolate.   

Gender: Boy :-) 

Labor signs? A few contractions here and there when I've slacked on drinking my water.  

Belly button in or out? Depends on the day.  

What I miss? Sleeping on my belly, rolling over and getting out of bed easily and being able to take something stronger than Tylenol for a headache. 

What I am looking forward to? Organizing his things and packing a hospital bag. 

Weekly wisdom: A wise man once said, "I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is I that I know nothing." Plato, The Republic 

Milestones: 3/4 of the way there! 

Baby 3.0 - week 28

How far along? 28 weeks

Weight gain/loss: +12

Maternity clothes? Oh yes.  

Stretch marks? No new ones so far.

Sleep? The kids have been sleeping great.      

Best moment this week? I happened to come across a great deal on an infant seat on clearance at Target so that is awesome.  

Movement: He seems to sleep during the day and is awake at night. He's really strong.   

Food cravings: Anything with sour cream. Especially Taco Bell.  

Gender: Boy :-) 

Labor signs? Just some periodic Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing major.  

Belly button in or out? It's about flush right now.  

What I miss? Sleeping on my belly.

What I am looking forward to? Getting the diapers prepped and a place for his clothes and things ready. 

Weekly wisdom: Even if the kids refuse to nap, make them watch a movie and rest. 

Milestones: Almost in the 3rd trimester. 

Holiday Cookies

Growing up my Grammy always made Christmas sugar cookies which all the grand kids would frost and eat. Well this ear we were planning on doing it when Grandma Denise and Grandpa Jim were here, so on the night before we had planned to do it Justin surprised me with my birthday gift... a new KITCHENAID MIXER! We had so much fun. And next year I'll note that a full batch is wayyyy too many cookies for just us. 

Baby 3.0 - week 25

How far along? 24 weeks

Weight gain/loss: +12

Maternity clothes? Yes please. All day every day.  

Stretch marks? No new ones, but I have a ton of new varicose veins that are super awesome.

Sleep? Since we've all been sick it's been hit or miss.     

Best moment this week? We ran into Santa at the Y and the girls were ecstatic.  

Movement: Baby is more active every day and more-so at night.  

Food cravings: Grammy's frosted sugar cookies. 

Gender: It's a boy! 

Labor signs? None. 

Belly button in or out? Innie so far... likely not for long. 

What I miss? Sleeping on my belly. 

What I am looking forward to? Christmas!

Weekly wisdom: Sleep when you can. 

Milestones: 24 weeks marks the gestational age in which a baby can survive outside the womb. This is always a big milestone knowing if something were to happen he would have a good chance! 

Baby 3.0 - 22 weeks

How far along? 22 weeks

Weight gain/loss: +8

Maternity clothes? Loving these comfy leggings and maternity tops. 

Stretch marks? No new ones. 

Sleep? Recently we've started working with Avery about sleeping in her own bed. Amazingly it has really paid off. She sleeps in her own bed 6 out of 7 nights a week. That really helps everyone get more sleep.     

Best moment this week? My first order of boy clothes finally arrived from Gymboree. All the boy clothes are so cute. 

Movement: I can feel him moving a lot more. I can't wait for the girls to be able to feel him from the outside. 

Food cravings: Sandwiches. Mmm!

Gender: It's a BOY!

Labor signs? A few Braxton Hicks contractions here and there, but mostly just a reminder that I need drink more water. 

Belly button in or out? Innie.

What I miss? Energy. And stronger headache medicine.   

What I am looking forward to? Buying all the boy clothes and cloth diapers.

Weekly wisdom: Take a nap even if your husband pokes fun at you about it. 

Milestones: More than halfway now! 

It's a...

This week we were able to have our 20 week anatomy scan. We had debated early in this pregnancy whether or not to find out the gender. I was for not finding out and letting it be a surprise at birth, but Justin wanted to know. After not much argument I conceded. I kind of wanted to know too.

We were able to see all the different aspects of the baby from the head to the feet and finally the big shot: the gender. To my surprise we found a very obvious penis.


It's a boy! 

Baby 3.0 -- 17 weeks

How far along? 17 weeks

Weight gain/loss: +5

Maternity clothes? I even bought myself some new pajama pants this week.  

Stretch marks? No new ones.

Sleep? Avery is getting better about staying in her bed now. Yay us!    

Best moment this week? Avery and Olivia came with me to my check up on Monday. They both got to hear the baby's heartbeat and ask the doctor all kinds of questions. It was very cute. 

Movement: Getting more noticeable.  

Food cravings: Broccoli and ranch this week. 

Gender: Scheduled the anatomy scan and gender ultrasound for November 19th! 

Labor signs? None. 

Belly button in or out? Innie.

What I miss? My old clothes. 

What I am looking forward to? Finding out the gender of this baby!

Weekly wisdom: It's okay to nap. 

Milestones: I can hear the heartbeat on my home doppler any time I want!

3.0 - Week 16

How far along? 16 weeks
Weight gain/loss: +5
Maternity clothes? Who is fighting it this time? I got a pile of maternity leggings, long sweaters and tunics and I am good to go. Although, it's not much different from my usual mom-wardrobe. 
Stretch marks? Not any new ones... yet.
Sleep? As good as ever was with two kids who still get up at night. Lots of pit-stops to pee between the kids' bed and mine though.    
Best moment this week? Avery and Olivia have had a blast talking to the baby. Olivia even tried to crawl under my sweater at Target today to talk to the baby. I had to tell her to wait until we get home. 
Movement: Definitely there. Baby is more active at night. Poor kid gets kicked back by the big ones though. 
Food cravings: Mashed potatoes and Taco Bell. :-/
Gender: Don't know yet. 
Labor signs? None. 
Belly button in or out? Innie.
What I miss? Sleep.   
What I am looking forward to? Finding out the gender so we can actually buy things for this baby. We have nothing left from Avery and Olivia, 
Weekly wisdom: Don't forget you're pregnant and take Motrin every day for a week before you realize.   
Milestones: Solidly in 2nd trimester now. 

Surprise!

Since the girls have gotten older I've gotten away from keeping up with this blog. Well last month we got some news that has brought me back. Surprise! Baby Nunley 3.0 is scheduled to make his/her appearance April 7, 2015.

As you can see from this ultrasound photo, this baby will henceforth be referred to as Baby Bunny. 

Big Changes

It's been a while since we've posted and some big changes have happened since then. We made a big move from California to Idaho for Justin's new job with Northwestern Mutual Financial and to be closer to Justin's brother and nieces. It all happened really quickly. It all started in February when we decided to start looking at making a move. We came to Idaho to visit and have Justin interview with a few companies during the first week of March and we left with Justin having accepted a position with Northwestern Mutual. 

After paperwork was finished, background check completed and a drug test passed we had exactly two weeks to plan, pack and move to Idaho. We left California on April 6, and with a stopover in Winnemucca, NV for the night arrived at our new home on April 7, 2013. 

Just before leaving our house in California for the last time. 

  

We stopped as we crossed into Idaho to commemorate our big move. 

 

It's been exactly a month since we arrived and we have had a blast here. We've been making friends, visiting new places and we even joined the local YMCA which is pretty dang cool. It even has a water slide and wading pool for the little kids. We can't wait to see what other fun stuff our new adventure has in store for us.

 

Happy Easter 2013!

Olivia's first Easter was a blast. I forgot to take any other pictures, but this is her enjoying the graham cracker bunnies from the eggs she found in her first egg hunt. 

Happy 1st Birthday Olivia!

Since we are moving before Olivia turns 1 we decided to have a birthday celebration with our family and friends in Napa. We picked the Saturday before Easter but since we are packing we couldn't have it at our house. We decided to host it at the same park we've had Avery's birthday and cross our fingers for good weather. 

Unfortunately we did not make out on the weather, but what would a rainbow themed birthday party be without rain? Luckily it didn't rain too hard and the trees gave us pretty good cover. The kids enjoyed themselves splashing in the water and getting all wet.

Daredevil

 

Look at this kid. She has no fear. At least she has a good reason. 

Mama's girls

Today the girls took naps at different times, but it was a great to spend some one on one with each of the girls individually. They sure are fun!

Olivia: 10 months

THIS MONTH YOUR BABY MAY:

• roll a ball to you as her social skills and interest in play continues to grow rolling and throwing!
• go from lying to sitting without any help Oh yea. She has been doing this for a couple weeks.
• show a desire to please you as she becomes even more attached to you—the trust, love and connection between your baby and you are continuing to grow She has started to show off. It's pretty cute!
• search for a toy after watching you hide it—your baby is beginning to understand that an object exists even when she cannot see it (object permanence) Oh yes. She realizes that things aren't gone even if she can't see it. It makes it difficult to distract her from something she shouldn't have... like crayons which she likes to chew on when Avery accidentally leaves them within her reach.
• resist being put to bed or left alone as her attachment to you grows I still nurse/rock her to sleep so I don't notice this, but I know she would be very upset if I left her alone to go to sleep. She does get quite clingy when I try to leave a room to do something else like cook dinner when she is playing.
• remember a favorite song and laugh and smile when it's played Not that I've noticed, but she does get calm when the Pandora lullaby station is on I think because the songs are familiar.
• express herself with gestures and sounds instead of cries She reaches and grunts to get what she wants. If I don't "get it" right away then she cries.
• use gibberish in a conversational way Not too often but I have noticed a couple times.

 

Peek a boo!

Olivia has learned a new trick. Peek a boo. It looks something like this. It's pretty hilarious.

A month in photos: February 2013

Trampolining.

 Our trampoline has been one of the best investments we have made for the kids so far. They love it and we have so much fun together as a family.

Balloons

Sundays are always good for an adventure. We found one this morning with these balloons. We chased them all the way from our house to Alston Park. Avery was so fascinated with their size and the fact that there were people in them. Olivia just wanted to run around but since she has just recently learned to walk she was not ready to tackle the hills. So daddy carried her, and she loved that too. 

Happy Valentine's Day 2013

A girl and her donut; now that's love.

Faces of Olivia

Month in Photos: January 2013

Olivia: 9 months!

Weight: 22lbs 2oz
Height: 29 3/4 in.

THIS MONTH YOUR BABY MAY:

• respond to simple requests (such as "Give Mommy the toy.") Olivia will look when you call her and sometimes waves when asked.
• use consonants as she begins saying "mama" or "dada" She hasn't said the words mama and dada, but she does say the consonant/vowel combinations that she needs to say it.
• learn and say one other word No words yet, but her pediatrician is not concerned and neither are we.
• pivot in a circle as her coordination continues to develop and her muscles strengthen She is great at standing and turning around.
• feed herself, although she may be a bit messy Yep! She has always fed herself. When she does she is messy and honestly she actually prefers to be fed for that reason.
• manipulate tiny objects, such as veggie dices and cereal, between her thumb and forefinger Her pincer grasp is getting great. She can even pass items from one hand from the other.                                                    
• drop toys on purpose to watch them fall and then look for them—a sign that your baby is curious about how she can affect the objects around her She has discovered pushing or throwing things off her highchair tray. To her it's hilarious.
• develop the instinct to bounce to music She is a dancing queen. She loves moving her body and especially her head to music or really any time. She has even started doing this head shake that is reminiscent of hair band performances.
• point and poke with her index finger as a sign of her growing curiosity If I get poked in the eye only 3 times at night it's a good night. She also loves to stick her finger in my mouth while she nurses. Unfortunately her nails grow so fast and now I have to be really diligent of cutting them regularly.

Twinkle Twinkle

Two and a half year olds are hilarious. Every night before bed I read Avery two books and then we talk a little before I sing Baby Beluga to her and we snuggle while she falls asleep.

Recently Avery has learned the first part of the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. So far she knows,

Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are

She's also learned how to tell jokes. She's actually pretty good at it. Well the last couple nights she has asked to sing what she knows of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star before I sing Baby Beluga. Tonight she started

"Twinkle twinkle little star"

Then stopped. She turns to me and says, "Is that it?" :::long pause::: "NOPE!" and bursts into hysterical laughter. This continued a few times with her stopping at various places in the two verses that she knows to ask "Is that it?" Finally when she was laughing so much she couldn't make it through the question I had to stop her. She was never going to sleep if I let her keep going.

She is learning so much every day and it's just so fun to see her mind work and experience things for the first time. It's always an adventure listening to her talk.

8 months: A comparison

Everyone always wants to know if Avery and Olivia look alike. Honestly? I usually say yes they look very much alike... until I did this comparison. They definitely look like sisters, but they look less 'identical' than I thought. 

Olivia: 8 months!

Weight: 22lbs 9.5oz

THIS MONTH YOUR BABY MAY:

• "rake" small objects toward her and pick them up as her coordination skills and dexterity continue to develop Yep! This is especially true of food. She is always hungry!
• clap and bang objects together as her muscle coordination improves Clapping is her favorite!
• use her arms to invite someone to pick her up She has recently started reaching for mama when she is being held by any one else. She is a real mama's girl.
• reach for the spoon when you feed her at mealtimes We usually offer to let her feed herself  so she has always been grabbing the spoon or my hand or whatever is holding the food.
• turn away when no longer hungry She definitely knows when she is done and will hit the spoon/food away or move her face away.
• babble random consonants: "di, ba, ma" Olivia has really blossomed with the sounds she makes. It's so cute! Words are to come soon.
• understand "no" (although your baby may understand the meanings of other words by now, the word "no" is key because she’ll also understand the actions she must take when hearing it) Oh yes. And she does not like being told no at all.
• understand a rough idea of "in" and "out" (the first instance of recognizing a spatial relationship) I'm not really sure actually. Maybe though.
• add tongue movement to change the sound of a word She really likes to make sounds with her tongue. Her favorite is making the kissing sound with the her tongue on the roof of her mouth.