The Curse of the Ultrasound Machine....

Ultrasound Machines have made so many amazing things happen for pregnant women. They catch debilitating diseases in unborn babies, let parents have a glimpse at their unborn child, and help Dr.'s make important decisions on the health and safety of babies....

However, they suck, too. Blunt. I know. But I am so frustrated right now that I can't even prentend to like the stupid machine. Here's what happened:

1. Last week I had an u/s to estimate the babies fetal weight which was 7.5 lbs. I was put on the induction list for Dec. 29th because my baby was measuring so large.
2. I received a call 2 days later that I didn't qualify for a medical induction because Karson was in the 90-95% and must be 95% or bigger. AND the elective induction list was full. However, if Karson hit the 95% mark on the next Tuesday (TODAY) I could be put back on.
3. Had an u/s today. He measured 7.6lbs. That's right...he supposedly only gained an ounce. The tech looked at me funny and said, "Well, these formulas are only calibrated to make an estimation once every 3 weeks. And you already had an u/s last week so since it has only been a week that measurement is off."
4. You think?
5. Dr. says...."Well, you still don't qualify due to todays measurement."
6. Me, "But isn't it off."
7. Dr., "Yes, but that doesn't matter. The baby needs to be 100 grams heavier to qualify. So now we will put you on the list for Monday, Jan. 4th."
8. Me....now sobbing, "But I'll be 39 weeks and this baby will be HUGE. What if I can't push it out."
9. Dr., "There's a very slim chance you won't be able to...it will be ok. See you next week...here's a tissue." Pat on the back.

Ok....so I HATE ultrasound machines now. If I would have never known the weight I might never have started to obsess with the fact that I have to push such a large baby out of my whoo haa..... After giving birth to Kolton at 36weeks 5days with a 25hour labor and a vacuum to boot and 40 stitches later I am a little nervous at what is going to happen to me with a LARGER baby at 39 weeks.

Pray for me. I need it right now.

KARSON UPDATE

Quick update after my really long Dr.'s Appt.....

His estimated weight at the moment is 7.5lbs. This measurement can be + or - a lb....let's hope for -. Even though he is gaining steadily I haven't gained any weight in the last month and that makes me happy. I am dilated 1 cm which is more then I ever did before I was induced with Kolton. Since I have 2 more weeks to go before my induction I should dilate even more...should. Hopefully. (The Dr. suggested ways to "ripen" my cervix, but I will save you the gory details.) Karson is measuring in the 90-95%. So we went ahead and scheduled an induction for the night of the 29th. I will be 38 weeks exactly. I was 37 weeks when I was induced with Kolton. So hopefully this induction will go a lot quicker and smoother. I have another ultrasound next Tuesday to make sure he is still a big boy and if he is all will be a go for the next Tuesday....

So....here's to 14 days and counting.

Monday Madness

Today was madness for several different reasons:

1. Last night Kolton refused to sleep. He screamed instead of snored. He cried instead of dreamt. He kicked instead of cuddled. It was horrific.

........do I mention here the severely painful contractions I was having.......

2. Obviously because of the above sentences I did not get ANY sleep.

3. Motherly instinct, "SOMETHING IS WRONG."

4. It must be that dastardly Lightening McQueen Bed.....

5. No, it's more then that.

6. Go to urgent care at 7am. Wait for an hour for a Dr. to say, "Ummm...I'm an orthopedic specialist. I wouldn't feel comfortable treating him. You need to take him to his pedi."

..........Thanks for the hour wait with a sick kid.

7. Get an appt. w/ pedi for 11am........more waiting w/ the sick kiddo.

8. Hmmmm....my throat is really sore. Damn.

9. Pedi diagnoses what I suspected all along. Yes....an ear infection. 5 minutes and $30 later.

10. Proceed to an afternoon and evening filled with sick kid behavior, my sore throat, contractions, and a total lack of sleep..............

Thank God this day is almost over.

Monday Madness.

Tonight's Milestone....

Kolton is asleep (for now) for the 1st time in his big boy Lightening McQueen bed. Lots of mixed emotions on this one. It is so weird to walk by his old room and see an empty crib waiting for Karson. I know I am going to sleep even lighter (if possible) just waiting for Kolton to come walking into our room. He is growing up too fast. I hate it......and love it. He is becoming .....swallow....a big boy. Ok...now the tears.................................

Christmas then....Christmas NOW!

Christmas 2008

In this picture Kolton was 10 months old. He looks so cute, but little does the onlooker know he was really taking a giant poop on poor Santa's lap. We had to rush to the bathroom to clean him up and then pick up our pictures.

Christmas 2009

Ok...so no poop, thank GOD. However, my little stinker decided he really wasn't up for any social activities today. This was the only picture that was close to a smile. Santa was so nice and asked him what he wanted. Kolton just said, "Ya". Then he asked if Kolton was a good boy. Kolton said, "Ya". Then he gave Kolton a book and....you guessed it....Kolton said, "Ya". Not "Thank you.", but "Ya".

There are 3 stages of man.....Those who believe in Santa, those who do not believe in Santa, and those who look like Santa. :)

On a side note.....

I am 35 weeks pregnant today. Saw the Dr. yesterday. I am doing ok. Really tired and crampy. Find it is getting difficult to do the most mundane tasks. He checked me and I am not dilated, -2 station, and 40% effaced. If you don't know what that means then I'll give you a brief synopsis....I have a ways to go before Karson can come out, but things are happening.

I am now on weekly visits and still on go for an induction on the 30th. That is exactly 3 weeks from today! HOLY SCHMOLY!

So blessed, so lucky....

I think the quotes below sum up how I am feeling lately. I am so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends in my life. I know as I am only 24 days away from meeting my new son that I am super emotional lately. But at the same time I think events like the birth of a child bring out the best in people, and I am so lucky I am getting to experience that for the second time in my life. I wish I was better at expressing how much these people mean to me. But sometimes, words just aren't enough.....

So for lack of better words I want to say THANK YOU. Thank you to all of you (YOU KNOW WHO YOUR ARE) who make my world so much better everyday. Some of you I've known since childhood, and some for the last year. But time doesn't matter, you still mean the world to me. And THANK YOU to my moms and dads, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, and extended family. You, too, mean the world to me.

"Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end."
---Unknown

"The best part of life is when your family becomes your friends, and your friends become your family."
---Danica Whitfield

Thank you Karson! 33weeks and counting...

The beached whale effect......

Almost 33 weeks here...

Karson with his umbilical cord next to his mouth.... gross.

Grumpy Karson...He did NOT like being shaked so much!

Well, great news today. All of that movement these last two weeks, the kicks, the punches to my various organs....has paid off. Karson is no longer breach. WOO HOO! And after a lot of coaxing, ok...SHAKING...from the ultrasound tech (none of which Karson appreciated), we were able to get a few 3D pictures. He is a cutie. His cheeks aren't as round as Kolton's were. But he's got great lips and a cute little squished nose. (Sorry to tell you, Karson, but that nose won't be so small and cute for long....genetics suck.)

All is well growth wise. He is over 5lbs and we scheduled my last 2 exams before the big arrival. I have one more ultrasound on the 22nd of December just to see how big the boy will be when I push him out the next week. News everyone wants to here the day before their birthday. I'm sure it won't give me nightmares at all....no......

And as you can see I have officially reached whale status. I love that Ben and I went out for breakfast after the appointment and the waitress exclaims, "Whoa...someone's about to pop a baby out any second now!" Well, thanks lady, but I actually have over 5 weeks until I am induced, 7 until my due date. But no, I love people pointing out that I am HUGE.

I think the best thing about my humungousness (I love creating words.) is when I am standing next to my pregnant friends and everyone points out how cute they are, how small they are, how they don't look pregnant from the back....and then they just smile at me and rub my ginormous (another new word) belly. Whatever.

So, another appointment in 2weeks....how much can I really grow in 2 weeks....guesses???? I hope not much because I am going to run out of clothes!!!!

Dear Karson,

Mommy and Daddy sure hope all of that moving around has been you deciding to go from this

to this.

Mommy and Daddy really want to get some good 3D pictures of you tomorrow, too. (Like the one below....although I just snatched this from some website so I don't even know who the poor kid is.)

I know this is asking for a lot. But we promise to buy you a new toy car, well, as soon as you can play with one without wanting to eat it.

So please consider our loving request.

Your parents,

Mommy and Daddy

Poor Karson...

Well, I have been thinking about this a lot lately because it is something I never had to deal with. Being the only child between my parents, and the oldest when it came to subsequent half siblings, I was....well....spoiled. I didn't have to share. I got what I wanted. All of my clothes were new. I ate the ice cream I wanted. I sat where I wanted to sit....you get the idea.

Well, along comes Karson and as I have been preparing for his arrival I can't stop thinking about some things.

1. His whole room was Kolton's. Not one thing in it was given for him. Sad.

2. By this time in my pregnancy with Kolton I had gifts galore for him from friends and family. Right now I have one blanket and a Christmas stocking.

3. His baby book will be blank in the section "Baby Shower".

4. His clothes were all worn by Kolton. Spit up on by Kolton. Pooped in by Kolton. You get my drift. Poor kid.

5. His toys will all be used, slobbered on, broken.....by Kolton.

6. He will be poked at, slapped, pushed, and all around man handled by Kolton the minute he is brought home from the hospital.

I could go on. But it is very depressing. I now feel VERY SORRY for all not first born siblings.

So, with that said I am making a pledge to Karson. You will get some new clothes, things only YOU have worn. I will do my darnedest to make you feel SPECIAL. I will try my hardest to make sure you feel equal to, not beneath your brother, Kolton. Because you didn't choose to be born second. It just happened. And I love you more then the world baby Karson. You can count on that!

Already not cooperating....

I was so looking forward to my 3D ultrasound today. I dreamt of seeing those chubby cheeks and little nose last night in anticipation. However, as I should have known, it was not meant to be.

As some of you know Kolton refused to cooperate for his 3D u/s. With that said, Ben believes Kolton left a memo in my ute instructing Karson to hide his face today as well. Who knew Karson would already want to be like the big brother he has never met.

So, with only 3 sketchy pictures in hand, I am looking forward to another opportunity in 2 weeks for the little guy to smile pretty in 3D.

Meanwhile......Karson is HUGE. He is measuring 2 1/2 weeks ahead at a whopping 4lbs 3oz. The u/s tech tried to reassure me with the whole..."at least he'll come out nice and chunky". I wanted to tell her to try pushing a 10lb'r out of her whooo-ha..... So, just like big brother, I am looking forward to another nice big baby to push out. That is if he flips soon since he is tucked into a ball, breech position....

The end is so fun. :)

Halloween Then and Now....

Kolton THEN....Halloween 2008

Kolton NOW.....Halloween 2009

Our little family...soon to be bigger...

Enjoying candy before, during, and after trick or treating....

I got this guys....Mr. Independent.

Grandpa trying out the Engineer hat....

Kolton with Grandpa, Grandma, and the puppies.

Is it time yet????

Kolton called these spiders his "Big Bugs". We had them on the front of the house. He had to say "Hi" to them and "Goodbye" every couple of hours. He was almost devastated when we put them away, and still asks about them daily.

So much changes in a year. Last year we took Kolton trick or treating in my Dad's neighborhood and he really didn't comprehend what was going on and why we were dragging him around. The poor kid wasn't even walking yet. In fact, I really felt like we were using our poor baby to get some free candy...

This year we went back to my Dad's and boy was there a huge difference. Not only did Kolton LOVE his Train Engineer costume (Thank you Grandma Chris), he put on quite the show for everyone. He walked up to every house without prompting for the most part, always said "Please" instead of "Trick or Treat" (which people thought was sooooooooooooo cute) and even said "thank you" after he dove into their candy bowls. He made it around an entire block all on his own and had so much candy by the end of it that he couldn't carry his bag anymore. It was a really fun night. I can't imagine what next year will be like with Kolton AND Karson. So much fun!

A "Monster" of a photo shoot....

Ahhhh.....true monster love!

Mrs. Monster Monkey! Isn't she beautiful!!!

Kolton's expression here makes me laugh soooooooo hard!

Two little monsters....

Kolton looking thrilled to be a big brother...

I just love this one!

My favorite little monster!

As most parents know it is a nightmare to try to take your kids for any kind of portrait sitting. Katie and I decided that Kolton and Annagail were sooooooo cute in their monster costumes that we had to try. Thanks to a giant bag of M&M's we were able to get a few cute shots of the kids....

Here are some for your enjoyment!!!!!!!

28 Weeks Pregnant & a trip to Grandma's....

Kolton, Grandma & Grandpa, Susie dog, and Maddy dog, (not pictured is Radly dog...) :)

Kolton and I recently visited Grandma and Grandpa Lange. It was a quick weekend trip but I figured if ever I was going to drive for 2 1/2 hours alone with a 20 month old it better be now, while I am not tooooo uncomfortable!!!! We got to see the new house, play with all of the dogs, go to the mall, and Peter Piper Pizza. Unfortunately it was way too hot to do anything outside. But we still enjoyed every minute with the family!

So I look a little ghetto here. I was trying to set up the camera and take these myself! :)

Well, we are finally to the 3rd trimester. Now the fun begins. The Dr. said all is looking great and that we are on board for another very LARGE baby boy. WOO HOO. Dr. said he is almost positive we will be inducing on Dec. 30th. (I will be 38 weeks.) Since I was induced 22 days early with Kolton I am assuming this would be the latest I would go. Those Koller boys sure like to surprise us so who knows.....

I have a 3D ultrasound coming up in a couple of weeks. I am so excited to get some good pics of Karson's chubby cheeks! I will post the pics as soon as I have them!

My First Blog and updates!

Well, I thought I would give this a try. Hopefully I will be able to stay on top of it....hmmm...we shall see! A quick update on everyone.....

Ben - working VERY hard as usual. Preparing for our busy season. Despite the recession we have been pretty darn busy. He is almost done taking pics and uploading all of the inventory onto our online store. He isn't getting to fish much, and unfortunately for him, I don't see that changing in the near future with the impending arrival of our new son.

Me - getting big. 26 weeks pregnant and the tummy is expanding quickly. I will try to post some belly pics soon for everyone to see. The usual preggo complaints. Tired, achy, etc....but still going strong while chasing Kolton around. I am still managing to work out a few days a week...hoping to make labor easier...we shall see.

Kolton - 20 months old...getting ever so closer to the terrible 2's! And boy are we feeling it. Tantrums and smiles. That's the best way to describe him right now! He is really into trains, trucks, and cars. He knows 3 colors and gets them mixed up all of the time (blue, green, and purple). He is the BEST!

***Here is Kolton at Oak Creek in Sedona a few months ago.***

Karson - 26 weeks in utero! From what I've read he is around 2 lbs already. But we all know I grow them big so he is probably closer to 3. I have his 3D u/s in a few weeks and will post his beautiful pics for everyone to see!