Life with 2 under 2

I was pretty anxious to become a mom of 2 kids under 2. But I'm here to tell you- it's not all that bad.

Are there bad days? yep. Are there great days? yep. Are there days I want to cry? sure. Are there days I put Jacob down early to bed and give him books and toys to play with so he's happy? sure thing. But in all seriousness it's doable and I surprised to say I'm doing okay- which is better than just surviving!

I knew as soon as we brought Aubree home I was going to need some sort of routine. I follow babywise- I did with Jacob and now with Aubree and so far it has worked wonderfully. She is still a challenging baby and goodness did I forget how much crying there is having a newborn. But she's a real trooper.

What I am most surprised with is how much Jacob loves his sister. He doesn't always pay attention to her...but he does a lot. He calls her baby, gives her his coveted blanket and monkey, he gets down on her level during tummy time and shakes a rattle for her, he WANTS to hold and kiss her. It is the sweetest thing. The other night he asked me if she could take a bath with him...so sweet!

But all in all we're doing more than just surviving and I am thankful. Maybe it's because we were already in "babymode" with Jacob and didn't get to enjoy too much freedom before having another or maybe we're just crazy....We love these little monsters of ours!

Jacob- 21 months

He is SUCH a HAM!

I love this little boy of mine. He is so much fun and full of life. He is super sensitive and will point to his boo boo's or your boo boo's and do a fake cry. But he is the HAPPIEST most active boy- I'm so glad he's all mine. 

He LOVES LOVES LOVES the lawn mower, the weed whipper, airplanes, & helicopters- LOVES!

He also enjoys walks, going to the beach in our subdivision, going to nana and papa's POOL! &&& his basketball. All boy I tell you.

Aubree Grace: Birth Story

My sweet girl was born Sunday-June 14, 2015. She made my heart race and fill with love the moment she made her entrance. She must of really wanted to be apart of our family because she wasted no time; from the moment I (surprisingly) found out I was pregnant to the moment she came.

Dan was working the tail-end of a double that night. It was 2:30am and Jacob was sound asleep in his new big boy room and I had just gotten up to use the bathroom. I crawled back into bed and my water broke.

Rewind to earlier that evening- after I put Jacob to sleep I had this urgent feeling to try and finish the last of the laundry, make sure the house was clean, dishes done. I even took a shower and did my hair (who does that before going to sleep!!!???).

So, my water broke- I was instantly really excited but also sad because I so badly wanted to go back to sleep but I knew I was in for a really long night/day. I called my doctor who was actually already at the hospital doing another delivery. She told me to go back to sleep and try and get as much rest as possible. She said contractions should start naturally over the next few hours and I could come into the hospital at any time if they were too much.

I was feeling pretty good- no contractions yet. After talking to my doctor I called my parents. They were 3.5 hrs away up north spending the weekend and were my backup for Jacob. They immediately jumped in the car at 2 something in the morning to drive home.

Dan didn't have great cell phone service where he was so I sent him a text message. With Jacob I was in labor for over 24 hours and I thought this time would be shorter but still lengthy. He didn't respond and by this time it was 3 something in the morning. I figured I would wait to talk to him at 7am when his shift ended. (thank goodness I didn't because she was born at 6:14am)

My mom had called me while in the car driving back and she urged me to call the Sergeant's office to contact Dan. She didn't like the fact I was home by myself in labor. She was worried things would progress quickly and I would then be in trouble. So I sucked it up and called the Sergeant's office and spoke with a Sergeant who connected me with Dan. Nothing like talking to a guy over the phone telling him your in labor haha.

Dan rushed home and meanwhile I was starting to feel the contractions. They were uncomfortable but tolerable. Once Dan got home we laid in bed and talked for a short bit and he tried to get some sleep before we headed to the hospital. As I was laying there trying to get some sleep too the contractions were about every 8 minutes apart but they HURT! I woke Dan up and told him I just wanted to go to the hospital so I could get my epidural and go back to sleep.

By this time it was about 4:30-5am. Since my parents were not home yet we called my younger brother, Mackenzie, to come sleep on our couch to listen for Jacob while we headed to the hospital. My brother lives about 5 minutes away so he was there in no time. When he got there him and Dan were shooting the breeze- and Dan was taking his time getting going. Meanwhile, my contractions suddenly picked up about every 4-5 min apart and super painful.

I was like, COME ON ALREADY! We jumped in the truck and headed about 20 minutes west to Troy Beaumont Hospital. I was having a really hard time in the car and when we arrived Dan ran in to check us in and I had to sit outside on the bench working myself up to walking. As soon as we got in triage they checked me and said I was at a 6 and I could have my epidural if I wanted----um YES!

After all that, the nurse was taking SO LONG!! I sat in that triage room for what felt like forever but really it probably was only 10 minutes. I was wheeled into the delivery room and had to get up onto the bed....I literately felt like Aubree was going to fall out of me. But I managed to get situated. The nurses quickly had me hooked up to my IV and said they were waiting for the anesthesia team to arrive for my epidural. Well...they never came!

Probably 20 minutes later we were still waiting, I was dying, and then my body started taking action for me. It started pushing without me doing a thing. I freaked and told the nurse and she checked me and said I was at a 10 and she didn't think I was going to be getting my epidural. I- about- cried! I let out a "OH NO!" and Dan about died in laughter....My doctor still hadn't arrived so the on-call doctor came rushing in. 3 pushes later she was here- Aubree Grace Drwencke- Born 06/14/2015 at 6:14am. She was 2 weeks early (my due date was 06/27) and weighed 7lbs 5oz. 20 inches long. We were in love.

Final pregnancy photos

36 Weeks

Final photo- 37 weeks 4 days

35 Weeks Bump Update

35 weeks pregnant with Miss A.

I've been super duper tired this time around, chasing after a super active toddler probably isn't helping me any. Every day when J goes down for his afternoon nap- I too, go down for MY afternoon nap. I feel guilty some days napping so much, especially when I have a to-do list a mile long. But, I just remind myself that soon my sleep will again be compromised, and then I don't feel so bad. ;)

I have a 35 week Dr.'s appt tomorrow- I really hope they check me. even though this time around I know that doesn't mean much. But, I'm really hoping to have her 1-2 weeks early (said every pregnant woman ever.) 

This afternoon activities consisted of dad mowing the lawn. Jacob LOVES the mower and LOVES to watch dad work. He calls the mower, "ming-ham??" We're not sure why- he makes up his own language sometimes and it's too cute. It takes moments like these to just appreciate the little things in life. (thank you Michigan weather for making it 52 today and 82 yesterday.)

This was yesterday- when it was 82 glorious degrees outside! We spent the whole day down by the beach and took 3 walks. This picture I snapped when we stopped home for lunch and nap. On our first walk of the day we happened to trash pick and found this. ;)

We passed a family in our wards house and I saw this car at the end of their driveway with the trash. I texted her- and yes, indeed, they were throwing it out. He was pretty excited to bring this beauty home. Can't beat FREE! ;)

An Officer's Wife & Night Shift

So, as I mentioned in my previous post Dan had a career change about 6 or so months ago. He was hired into our local county as a Deputy. We feel so so so lucky and blessed to have this opportunity come our way. For the past---well....ever since we have been married really---He has been searching for the right opportunity. Prior he worked in retail straight out of college to get us established. But, then the economy crashed and there were NO job opportunities- at least in our state. Dan is also the type of guy that would not enjoy a desk job. This position really is a good fit for him. So anyways...

He went through the academy- training- rotating shifts- and now he's permanently on night shift. He starts work at 11pm and is relieved at 7am. It is extremely difficult to get day shift (impossible) just starting. All employees are ranked by senority so pretty much all the old-timers work the day shift. That just left working afternoons or midnights. We opted for midnights thinking it would be so nice to have him home in the afternoons- for dinner- for dates- for parties- etc. etc. Let me tell you- this night shift wife thing is for the birds!

It's been really really hard! And not just the night shift....the OT! Right now, before Miss A comes, he works nights even on his days off- AND doubles on the weekends. I don't know if its the hormones, pregnancy, me being crazy (quite possible), but it's been super hard on me. I feel like a single parent at times, even though I'm clearly not. It's hard to keep up with our little J all day while being 9 months pregnant. It's hard not seeing Dan all weekend because he's working doubles. It's hard when he wakes up in the afternoon and is a zombie (I know it's hard on him too),  It's really hard!! (Did I not say that enough)?

I know working opposite shifts can be ideal for some couples- but not when you actually ENJOY spending time with your spouse. Not when they are your best friend and you have a blast together. You also have to fight the urge to compare your life to others. For example- seeing families out enjoying the weekends together- that's hard for me. This won't always be our reality but for now it's hard. It can be difficult to see how "easy" some other wives/mother's have it. Not knowing their struggles this can be an easy thing to fixate on.

I feel so fortunate that I am able to stay at home full time with our kids- but it is honestly the hardest "job" I've ever had. I am really grateful I have family within 5 minutes of us too. But I sometimes can't help but feel guilty being over so often just to hangout for some interaction with adults with my husband being gone ALL THE TIME! I would definitely consider myself an introvert over an extrovert- and I have always enjoyed my alone time and I consider myself a very independent person. But this is a little TOO MUCH alone time. I have to really hand it to  all the police wives out there- It's one thing hearing how hard it can be and another experiencing it and that being your reality.

Rant over...

There are a few positives right now:

Dan is home every morning and eats breakfast with us before going to sleep. He is up and already home before most husbands get home from work in the afternoon, the paychecks from OT are nice, days off are flexible, he looks good in his uniform. ;)

MIA

Man, I have been MIA for quite a while. It makes me sad because I really do enjoy looking back on pictures, thoughts, and experiences I have posted about. Growing up I always kept a journal and for some reason in my early twenties I stopped all together. HOW MUCH LIFE I LIVED in those few short years that I never documented. I would like to pick up blogging again, even if it's just for me.
I have been watching a lot of VLOGS on youtube lately...I played with the idea of Vlogging in my head. But, who am I kidding...my life is not that exciting nor am I THAT open of a person. I will stick to the "pen and paper."

I also feel bad that I am nearing the end of my pregnancy, and poor Miss A has barely gotten any attention. I blame running after a crazy toddler and my husband's crazy work hours for that one. Our family has been through some major life changes in the past few years which also has resulted in less documenting. Becoming a mom, career change for Dan (yeah, I'm married to a hunky cop now- insert wink-face ;), career change for me (medical field to stay at home mom), surprise pregnancy with our sweet little girl, are just a few things to name...AHH- life needs to slow down!

Well, here's to picking up the pieces again and starting somewhere:

How far along: 34 weeks!!

Gender: girl

Weight gain: I really have completely stopped weighing myself. I think at the Dr.'s it was around 25-30 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Leggings and yoga pants, haha not much has changed from my first pregnancy with Jacob.

Sleep: Oh sleep...something that will I'm sure be gone again soon. I sleep okay right now. Dan is currently working midnights so it can be a bittersweet thing at times. &&& I am uncomfortable a lot- it feels like I have a 10 lb bowling ball lying directly on me...which if you think about it, I kinda do.

Best moment this month: knowing next month is baby month!!

Worst moment this month: I hate to jinx it...but things have been going alright. *fingers crossed*

Miss anything: getting in shape for summer! With things warming up and all the cute summer clothes coming out I'm kinda bummer that I'm just getting bigger and there's nothing I can do about it. 

Movement: Yes, She is definitely not as active as Jacob. But, I will take that as a good sign and hope she's a pretty chill girl. 

Cravings: Lemonade, otter pops, & ice cream cones.

Queasy or sick: Nope, I feel good! Just this darn heart burn.  

Looking forward to: Moving towards weekly appointments with the Dr. The end is near!

Annnnd here we go again...

Baby #2 !!!!!!!

This little munchkin has been a HUGE surprise to both Dan and I. Of course, we wanted to have more children. I have always dreamed of having a larger family (I highly doubt that will happen). But really, I grew up watching the TV show 7th Heaven and desired to have a family like that some day. Just...it was not expected this soon. 

We are thrilled- truly!

Now that the shock has wore off, we are really excited for Jacob to have a brother or sister and have another little baby in the house. We find out the gender February 2- and this time we both say girl. But I have been thinking of baby boy names just in case we get another little man. 

How far along: 18 weeks

Gender: unknown

Weight gain: 15 pounds.

Maternity clothes: Leggings and yoga pants.

Sleep: I sleep great- but baby is positioned right on my bladder this time so I am getting up often sooner this time to pee.

Best moment this month: Hearing a healthy heartbeat :)

Worst moment this month: exhaustion and no motivation to do anything

Miss anything: Being able to drink as much caffeine as my heart desires and wearing normal clothes and getting in shape. 

Movement: Yes, once or twice- super faint. but I know it was the babe.

Cravings: Airheads

Queasy or sick: super nauseous all the first trimester- that's 3 MONTHS!! it was awful. But now- I feel great. 

Looking forward to: Finding out the gender and seeing the baby for our ultrasound Feb 2. :)