Five Months

Bennett's Likes: Found his feet, holding his bottle, burping, electronics, laughing on the changing table when getting dressed or changed, his high chair and oatmeal, splashing in the bath tub, jumping in the exersaucer, his paci, his lovey

Bennett's Dislikes: His first cold :-(

Not So Sure About: Tears up occasionally at sad songs

Weight: We measured 18.5 pounds
Length: We measured 26.5 inches
Clothing Size: 3-6 Months or 6 Months if it's a brand like Carters
Diaper Size: Started 2s this month
Eating Habits: B is eating 5.5 ounces during the day, 7 ounces at night
Sleep: Most nights he's asleep around 9:30 and will get up at 5:45 if we have to take him to Aunt Lee Lee's or will sleep until closer to 7 if he's staying here and Gigi or Aunt Meghan are coming.  He had a few days of getting up again during the night, but it didn't last too long
Accomplishments: Holding his bottle, finding the toys on his car seat and pulling them down to make them rattle, jumping in the exersaucer, being great on a trip to and from Virginia Beach, loves his first Christmas Tree

Some pictures from this month

Four Months

 
 

Bennett's Likes: Still his lovey, holding onto peoples hands or Daddy's face (especially when he's eating), covering his face when he is napping, Mam "butterfly" type pacifiers, holding onto ties and sweatshirt strings, smiling behind his pacifier, giggling on the changing table, his hands

Bennett's Dislikes: Absolutely LOST IT at his 4 month appointment.  It's my fault because he was hungry and I saved his milk until after he got his shots which caused a meltdown on the scale, a meltdown in the room and an even bigger meltdown after the shots.  Poor guy, his Mama is so mean!

Not So Sure About: Sad songs, getting better at being on his belly, but still not totally sure about it

Weight: 16 pounds and 2 ounces
Length: We measured 25 inches
Clothing Size: 3-6 Months
Diaper Size: Finishing up the open pack of 1s and then we are onto 2s
Eating Habits: B is eating 5 ounces during the day and 6 ounces before bed
Sleep: About 9-10 hours a night, typically 9 pm - 7 am unless we have to get him up to leave for school. He is sleeping in his crib with a crib wedge and the insert from his pack and play under his crib sheet to prevent him from scooting around
Accomplishments: Giggling, sleeping in his big boy crib, starting to put his hands on his bottle when he eats, sitting up pretty well, rolling from belly to back

Some pictures from the month

Three Months

Three months have flown by and we're getting into the swing of things and what our new normal has become.  Our baby boy has so much more of a personality now and we are enjoying every moment!  There are times that I feel like I'm missing out on so much by going to work everyday, but I know I have to work to be able to provide the life for him that I want him to have.

 

 

Hmmm... if I destroy this, she has to be done taking pictures!

Bennett's Likes: His new lovey (as seen in the pictures below), smiling, cooing, his hands, being a milk monster, bath time, lights, his Sit Me Up seat

Bennett's Dislikes: Being in the car for trips (the max seems to be 3 hours)

Not So Sure About: Those long car trips... verdict is still out on that one

Weight: No official Doctors weight (we go in November for 4 months) but we weighed him over 14 pounds!
Length: We measured 25 inches
Clothing Size: 0-3 Months
Diaper Size: 1
Eating Habits: B is eating 4.5 ounces during the day and 5 ounces before bed
Sleep: About 9-10 hours a night, typically 9 pm - 7 am unless we have to get him up to leave for school. Still sleeping in the newborn insert of the pack and play, although he's getting too long for it now
Accomplishments: Holding his head up like a champ, interacting by "talking" back to people when they talk to him, first few belly laughs

Some pictures from the month

Until next month...

Two Months

It's hard to believe our boy is two months old already!  We've survived the first round of shots (more tears shed by Mommy than Bennett) and it feels like he's learning something new everyday!

  

 

Bennett's Likes: Smiling, sleeping through the night, sleeping snuggled up on people's chests, still fuzzy sleepers and sacks, ceiling fans, the Ergo, blowing bubbles, cooing, being outside, taking a bath, snoring, car rides, sleeping in the pack and play in my room, my playmat, meeting my cousins, my rock and play

Some pictures from the month

Bennett's Dislikes: Shots (for about 15 seconds), being naked for my weight on the scale at the doctors (result = screaming and possibly peeing), being woken up at 5:30 to get ready for a school day when I'm not ready to get up

Not so sure about: Strangers... I like to stare at them but I won't smile

Weight: 12 pounds 14 ounces (76%)
Length: 24 inches (81%)
Clothing Size: 0-3 Months
Diaper Size: 1

One Month

Bennett Scott is one month old already!

 

Bennett's Likes: Cuddles, being swaddled at night, fuzzy sleepers and blankets, farting, burping, shaking my head like a "shark" at my pacifier or bottle, fans, lights on the ceiling and out the window, my swing, my Wubbanub, sleeping with my mouth open, rolling my eyes back in my head when I sleep, starting to coo, smiling with half of my face at my Mom and Dad.

Bennett's Dislikes: Being naked, being too hot or cold

Not so sure about: Bath time (verdict is still out on that one, but I do take my baths pretty seriously)

Weight: 10 pounds 6 ounces (62%)
Length: 23 inches (91%)
Clothing Size: 0-3 Months
Diaper Size: Newborn

4 Weeks

It is absolutely crazy to think that my little bugaboo will be one month old tomorrow!  We have been doing weekly pictures, and will continue monthly pictures once we hit tomorrow :-)

The last month has been so bittersweet and full of emotions.  I have experienced nights in the beginning where I just cried and cried worrying something may happen to our baby in his sleep (please tell me I'm not the only crazy one) or just cried watching Jason with his son.  He has been absolutely amazing with him.  Since he didn't grow up around babies like I did, he was nervous, but he has absolutely blown me away by how great he is with Bennett and how much he loves him.  I can't tell you how many times a day I hear "he is seriously the most gorgeous baby alive" or "he makes me so happy."  Of course the lack of sleep was something to get used to, but we seem to have gotten a plan down with night routines and feedings, so it hasn't been too bad.  Once school starts I may change my mind, haha.

I will try to post monthly updates and pictures, but for now, here is the progression of our sweet boy from Week 1 to Week 4.  These pictures are so special to us but break our hearts at the same time when we see how fast he's grown.

B with his Visitors

Bennett is a very, very loved little boy who has lots of visitors in the past three weeks.  We did our best to get pictures of everyone who came to visit, but of course I'm sure we missed some.  To those of you who came and brought dinner, snacks, or even just extra hands to support us, we truly appreciate it. 

Hospital Trip

I've had a couple people ask me if I'm going to keep up with the blog or not now that Bennett is here, so I promise I will do my best (no promises once school starts back up, haha).

I decided for this post that I would share pictures from the 42 hours of labor in the hospital.  I think next will be all of the visitors we had :-)

When we found out we were pregnant, our friend Beth of Beth Smith Photography asked if we would be interested in her doing birth photography.   At first, we were really hesitant about it.  Birth is such a private moment and we weren't sure how we felt about it.  After thinking about it for a long time and talking it through, we decided to do it, and I couldn't be happier about our decision.

Beth was in it for the long haul with us, and with all the hustle and bustle and all the things that they do when you're done delivering your baby, I missed most of these things.  The pictures are worth more than an thousand words and will be cherished forever.

She even put some of the pictures to music, which I'd love to share with you.  I can say that I've watched the video an insane amount of times, and cried almost every single time.  The decision was the best one we could have made!

Enjoy!

Click Here for Our Birth Video

 

Bennett

After 42 hours of labor and then 4 hours of pushing, Bennett Scott finally made his appearance into this world! 

The birth story is one for the record books and maybe I'll type it all out sometime soon, but we got the most amazing little boy out of it.  So even though I'm sore beyond belief and some days I can hardly walk, looking at this sweet face makes it so worth it!

We were fortunate to do some birth photography pictures with Beth Smith Photography and she stopped by the next day to get some pictures of Bennett too!  She will also do a newborn photography session on Thursday so we can't wait for that either!

Here are a few of the pictures that she took the day after.  We're absolutely in love!!

40 Weeks

 

How far along?: 40 Weeks
Baby's size: Up to the size of a jackfruit, but also the size of Daisy who would only pose for one picture with me, but I guess it's better than nothing! :-)
Total weight gain/loss: 35
Stretch marks?: Still a tiger
Sleep?: Anxious about induction so not too much sleep
Maternity clothes?: Yep
Best moment this week: The end is in sight!  We are starting the induction process tomorrow (Tuesday 7/8) which is why I'm doing this post early
Worst Moment: Realizing that I won't go into labor naturally like most people to start the process :-(
Symptoms: Stuffy nose at night and RIDICULOUSLY hot when I sleep
Cravings?: I ate way too many dill pickle chips this week
Miss Anything?: Nothing in particular
Movement: Really big rolls that make my whole stomach shift
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nothing much
Gender: B-O-Y!!!
What is baby up to?: From What to Expect When You're Expecting: "Congratulations!  This week marks the official end of your pregnancy.  Your baby probably weighs anywhere from six to nine pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches (though tons of perfectly healthy babies are smaller or bigger).  The bones in his skull haven't fused yet- Mother Nature's way of making it easier to get through the birth canal during labor and delivery.  He now has enough fat under the skin to maintain his body temperature outside the womb (with a little help from those cute outfits and swaddling blankets that you've been stocking up on!).  You (or actually the placenta) are still providing the antibodies he'll need to fight off infections for the first six months of his life.  And if you plan on breastfeeding, your milk will be giving him more antibodies that'll boost his immune system"

39 Weeks

How far along?: 39 Weeks
Baby's size: Up to the size of a mini watermelon!
Total weight gain/loss: 35
Stretch marks?: Yep, I'm pretty much a tiger at this point
Sleep?: Up every two hours to go to the bathroom.  I did have one sleepless night due to itching too
Maternity clothes?: Yes but even those are getting uncomfortable
Best moment this week: Officially writing this post on my due date!
Worst Moment: I had to go for non-stress tests multiple times this week due to the extreme itching.  I was in Monday and Thursday and the trips took FOREVER!!!  One of the trips took almost 6 hours and I was very annoyed
Symptoms: Swelling
Cravings?: We have just been going out to eat a lot before he gets here since we really won't get to go once he comes
Miss Anything?: Not getting my hopes up with each of these hospital trips hoping that he'll come!
Movement: He is definitely running out of room in there!
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not really
Gender: B-O-Y!!!
What is baby up to?: From What to Expect When You're Expecting: "Coming down to the wire, your baby weighs around seven to eight pounds and measures 19 to 21 inches. Those measurements won't change much from now on, but his brain is still growing at an astonishing rate, a pace that will continue for the first three years of life. His pink skin has now turned whitish (even babies who'll eventually have darker skin appear whitish now — they haven't yet developed pigment). His head may have dropped into your pelvis by now, which makes your breathing easier but walking harder."

38 Weeks

How far along?: 38 Weeks
Baby's size: Bennett is up to the size of a pumpkin
Total weight gain/loss: About 35
Stretch marks?: TERRIBLE and ridiculously itchy!!
Sleep?: Trying to get as much as I can before B comes, but I get really hot
Maternity clothes?: Yes
Best moment this week: Getting so close now!!  We absolutely cannot wait to meet him!!
Worst Moment: I thought I may be leaking fluid, so I called the OB and they sent me in to the hospital to get checked (Thursday 6/26) but after a few hours of being in there and lots of yucky tests, they sent me home
Symptoms: Congestion, not easy to move around (or accept the help), and lots and lots of swelling in my face!
Cravings?: I will be having a Diet Dr. Pepper and a Turkey Sandwich (possibly a pretzel sandwich) as soon as he is here... mark my words ;-)
Miss Anything?: Not having to huff and puff to get around.  Even being able to get up off the couch will be nice when he comes!
Movement: I am definitely going to miss these movements!  I love watching them!
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nothing in particular!
Gender: B-O-Y!!!
What is baby up to?: From What to Expect When You're Expecting: "Hey, your little one isn't so little anymore, weighing close to seven pounds and measuring 20 inches long. Fetal development is nearly complete as your baby tends to a few last-minute details like shedding the skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. He's also producing more surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs in his lungs from sticking to one another once he starts to breathe. Most of the changes this week are small but important: He’s continuing to add fat (so he can take advantage of all those photo ops by sporting a round, cute baby look!) and fine-tuning his brain and nervous system (so he can deal with all the stimulation that awaits him once he makes his entrance into the world)."

Third Anniversary

It's officially been three years since Jason and I got married and this anniversary has to be the best one yet.  While we didn't do something big like we have in the past, anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little boy has been the best feeling yet.  Of course we are both ready for him to be here, but it made this anniversary even more special.

We spent most of the day at a funeral for the father of one of Jason's friends from high school and college, but after we were able to stop for lunch at Red Robin (...... yum) and then we came home.  I worked on making sure everything was ready for the hospital and Jason did some grad school work, yes, I know, we're so fancy haha.

After, my parents brought over a gift, so they brought Taco Bell for dinner (thank you pregnancy for craving Taco Bell even more than normal) and brought Meghan with them, so it was fun to get to see them too!

While we were at the beach, we took our annual photobooth pictures so as soon as I get them scanned in, I will add them here too!

Three years down, many, many more to go!

We watch our wedding highlight video each year, so I thought I'd share it with all of you too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RBnCXwDdkI

37 Weeks

How far along?: 37 Weeks, Full Term according to some sources!!
Baby's size: Bennett is up to the size of a swiss chard or leek.  When we had my latest specialist appointment the day I turned 37 weeks, B weighed 7 pounds and 3 ounces already!
Total weight gain/loss: Haven't gotten on the scale since it hit 30.  With vacation this week, it's hard to know
Stretch marks?: Looking like a tiger these days
Sleep?: Apparently I'm snoring like crazy, so I'm keeping Jason awake :-(
Maternity clothes?: Yes
Best moment this week: Vacationing with my family at OCNJ.  We weren't sure we were going to be able to come. Also, being cleared from the specialist of my placenta issues.

Worst Moment: Not being able to do everything that everyone else did at the beach
Symptoms: Cramping, acid reflux and back aches
Cravings?: None really
Miss Anything?: Apparently the beach = Crystal Light Peach Iced Tea in my mind, which I can't have due to the artificial sweeteners, so I guess that's what I miss
Movement: He's definitely keeping my on my toes with these movements!  Sometimes he'll get my rip or hip and it makes me stop dead in my tracks
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nothing really
Gender: B-O-Y!!!
What is baby up to?: From What to Expect When You're Expecting: "Congratulations! You've got what is officially considered a full-term baby, even with three weeks to go. That doesn't mean he's finished growing — in fact, he's still packing on about a half pound a week (at this age, the average fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so he’s probably not kicking as much, though he’s probably stretching, rolling a bit, and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!). Right now, your little superstar is busy rehearsing for his big debut, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid (to get the lungs ready for that first breath), sucking his thumb (to prepare for that first suckle of milk), blinking, and turning from side to side."

36 Weeks

How far along?: 36 Weeks
Baby's size: Bennett is up to the size of romaine lettuce
Total weight gain/loss: Hit the big, bad 30 :-(
Stretch marks?: Yes, wayyyy too many
Sleep?: What's sleep ;-)  A few hours at a time
Maternity clothes?: Yes
Best moment this week: Spending time with my teammies at school.  Also, since Jason was done school many days before me, he got lots of stuff done and things washed in Bennett's room!
Worst Moment: Throwing up in the middle of the night one night because I ate too late
Symptoms: Same as before... Back aches and acid reflux
Cravings?: Dr. Pepper floats from Taco Bell's Happier Hour!!
Miss Anything?: Maybe soda once or twice but nothing major
Movement: It's insane to watch him roll around.  Jason and I are obsessed with watching my belly
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Nothing in particular
Gender: B-O-Y!!!
What is baby up to?: From What to Expect When You're Expecting: "Forget your aching back (and everything else!) by trying to focus on your baby, who is now about six pounds and 20 inches long, with soft bones and cartilage to allow a safer journey through the exit door. Most of his systems (from circulatory to musculoskeletal) are ready for prime time, though his digestion system — which has done only practice runs so far — will kick into gear as he takes his first suckle at the breast or bottle."

35 Weeks

How far along?: 35 Weeks
Baby's size: Bennett is up to the size of a honeydew
Total weight gain/loss: Up to 28 now
Stretch marks?: Yes and they make me very sad
Sleep?: With Jason's new injury and needing his own stack of pillows, the bed is awfully cramped
Maternity clothes?: The full panel pants folded down have been what I've been doing lately
Best moment this week: Finishing up the school year with my kids
Worst Moment: Jason dislocating his middle finger sliding into home during a baseball game and having to rush him to get it looked at.  Who would have though the almost 9 month pregnant girl would be driving her husband haha
Symptoms: Back aches, acid reflux... the normal
Cravings?: Slushies and party mix
Miss Anything?: Nothing in a particular
Movement: His movements are starting to hurt a good bit.  I'm not sure how he's not ripping my insides apart
Anything making you queasy or sick?: No but Jason's body wash has been smelling exceptionally good, the opposite of queasy/sick I guess.
Gender: B-O-Y!!!
What is baby up to?: From What to Expect When You're Expecting: "Your baby is standing tall (so to speak) this week at about 20 inches and continues his steady weight gain (he’s about 5.5 pounds). While she won't get much longer, she will continue to pack on the pounds — including large amounts of baby fat — right up 'til delivery day. Something else that's moving at a mind-boggling pace these day: fetal brain development! There’s a lot going on inside that tiny head, which is, by the way, still soft to allow an easier exit through the birth canal."

34 Weeks

How far along?: 34 Weeks
Baby's size: BK is the size of a coconut... however, we could only find a small one :-(
Total weight gain/loss: 25
Stretch marks?: Yes, around my belly button :-(
Sleep?: Getting 2-3 hour stretches without peeing
Maternity clothes?: Yes please
Best moment this week: Getting to meet Bennett's BFF Hayden!!
Worst Moment: Sweating my butt off all day long at school
Symptoms: My face has officially started swelling... plus, backaches are back to go with the acid reflux I get at night
Cravings?: I have moved onto Twix this week from my Kit Kats... thank you Easter candy!
Miss Anything?: Nothing really
Movement: BK is definitely running out of room because he is hurting much more as he rolls around
Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not really
Gender: B-O-Y!!!
What is baby up to?: From What to Expect When You're Expecting: "What's new this week? Your baby is clocking in at five pounds and could be as tall as 20 inches by now, and the vernix (the white coating protecting your baby’s skin) is getting thicker. This week, a boy's testicles start making their way down from his abdomen to their final destination: his scrotum (look out below!). While about three to four percent of boys are born with undescended testicles, it's nothing to worry about — they usually head downtown before junior turns a year old. In other baby-related developments, those tiny fingernails have probably reached the tips of his fingers by now — and getting ready for that first postpartum manicure."