The best gift!

There really is nothing better than celebrating Christmas with family and friends. Here is a little recap of our holiday...

We enjoyed the Elsasser family Christmas on Friday night, and then opened presents and had a delicious lunch with the Rapp side on Saturday. We drove to Decatur on Saturday night and were able to attend a Christmas Eve Service (Lucy did AMAZING thanks to some new blocks) and opened presents and had other great meal on Sunday. Lucy and Penelope loved spending time with their cousins, especially Judah, Maggie and Lucas.

We drove back home on Monday night and got back just in time to get together with a bunch of our friends (Marcus's high school group) and all their kids. Seven kids under six years! It was a little crazy but super fun! (One six year old, two (almost) four year olds, two two year olds, one one year old, and Penelope).

Marcus took work off thru Wednesday, and we enjoyed having him home for a few extra days. I especially enjoyed sleeping in and a few long naps!

All in all, a great holiday and a WONDERFUL year! We are so thankful to have been blessed with another baby and now to have two happy, healthy - beautiful little girls. We couldn't ask for a better gift!


Penelope on Christmas Eve (Her three month birthday!)



Our sweet blessings!



We are excited to see what 2012 has in store for us! (Penelope is too, I promise!) Happy New Year!

Ho Ho Ho!

It only took two Christmases but Lucy finally loves Santa! He asked her what she wanted him to bring her and she replied with "Um...I'd like a pink present, Santa." He tried asking "what she wanted INSIDE the pink present" but I think he gave up after he kept getting "a pink one!" as an answer.

Lucy is still loving Red, the elf. We love watching her run downstairs every morning, trying to find him, screaming "there he is!" -"he moved!" and then proceeding to tell us "we can't touch him, he's special" - "if we touch him he can't go to Santa, okay?"

Our "little" 2 month old

It's such a weird feeling when you have a baby. I can't believe Penelope is 2 months old - as it has gone so fast, yet at the same time it feels like she's been a part of our family forever. She turned 2 months on Thanksgiving - and boy am I thankful for her!




She also had her two month appointment yesterday and she is a healthy happy baby girl. By no means is she a "small" baby, but in comparison to the other "Jacoby" babies, she is definitely the smallest. She weighed in at 11 lbs 6 oz (61% percentile) and 23 inches long (70% percentile). Lucy was 12 lbs 13 oz at 2 months (90% percentile) and 23 inches too. (All the other "Jacoby" babies rocked the 90% for most of their first year in weight.)

In other news, Lucy is still loving her baby sister as much as ever. I know this Christmas is going to be even more fun than the last few, as she is really starting to get into all the fun kid's Christmas activities. She helped with the tree this year and is every interested in finding "Red" every morning after he reports to Santa at the North Pole every night.

A bit behind...

I realize I'm a bit behind on blogging. October may have been the busiest month of my life - and the best too! We are adjusting well to life with two and enjoying every crazy minute. Here are a few pictures from the last month. Here is a small photo recap. I'll try my best to do a better job of posting this month - promise :)


First real bath


Lucy loves her little sis!


Our cute little package


Daddy and his little lady.


I love this sleeper - it was my favorite with Lucy too!


One BIG month!


Smiley little flower


Lucy obviously loves Care Bears and had to be one for Halloween


Girls in some Halloween gear


The girls with Great Grandma Elsasser on Halloween.


The girls with Nana and Big Jake on Halloween


Lucy loves Penelope, she just isn't feeling it yet.


Marcus and his girls.


Penelope and her cousin Judah at around 6 weeks.


Penelope was Dedicated at our church this past Sunday. She was dedicated with her cousin Judah too, which made it even more special. She wore the Jacoby family gown that is over 100 years old and has been worn by her great grandpa, grandma, aunt, mom, cousin and sister. The blanket that is in the picture was Marcus' that was used during his dedication.


The big sister wearing one of her Mom's tops from the 80's.

A quick synopsis of Penelope's birth...

We went in at 5:00am - got all checked in and waited for the nurses and residents to talk to my doctor. Because I wanted them to break my water before putting me on pitocin, my doctor decided to wait a few hours until he got off his rotation at another hospital, in the event that things went quickly - he wanted to make sure he would be able to make it to my hospital to deliver.

At about 8:30 am they broke my water and I immediately was at 7 cm and 90%. We waited a bit and my contractions got more intense on their own. At 10 o'clock we were joking with one of the residents telling him that my friend Makaya was only going to be in town until 11 am and wondered if he could speed things up a bit. He laughed at us and said that our chances didn't look good on that one. At 10:16, he checked me again and I was complete! My doctor came in, had me do a test push, and immediately stopped me and told me not to push anymore. Within seconds the whole room was filled with all the appropriate people to have a baby! I couldn't believe how fast it was all happening. At one point, the resident said it was going to be quick and I said "so I won't be pushing for 2 hours like I did with my first baby?" he replied with "um...no...maybe 2 minutes." Obviously, there was a lot going on, but I really didn't believe that it was going to be that fast. I literally pushed 2-3 times (for about 2 minutes total) and she was here! It was unbelievable, crazy, fast and much appreciated (by me!).

One of my favorite photos so far...our first moment together!

Introducing Penelope Helen Jacoby Rapp

Penelope Helen Jacoby Rapp
Born September 24th - 10:36am - 8lbs 2oz - 19 3/4 inches long




She is a super sweet baby (and pretty easy too)! We are loving every minute of loving on her!

Here is a pic of the first time Lucy met Penelope. She had a hard few days while Mommy and Daddy were at the hospital, but she's been great at home. She loves her baby sister "etapee" (Penelope) and is overall really great with her. She's concerned when she cries and loves to tickle her toes.



First night at home...



Eyes wide open on Day Five



In other great news, our brother and sister in-law had their baby three days later, on Tuesday, September 27th! A healthy baby boy named Judah Mark Rapp. He weighed in 8lbs 3 oz. We made a quick trip back to the hospital to meet him on Tuesday but we can't wait for him to come home today.

What a great week! :)

Tomorrow's the day...

Since Lucy decided to make her debut on her own, I have to admit it is a little strange knowing that I will be waking up tomorrow morning and going to the hospital to have a baby. As long as the hospital has a room available when I call at 4am - we will be headed in at 5am for them to break my water. My doctor and I are hopeful I won't have to have pitocin (unless of course I don't start contracting on my own after they break my water) - but considering I've been contracting for the last 5 weeks I sure hope my body can figure it out! :)

Thanks so much for the love and support. It's been a crazy ride for the last few weeks, but it will all be worth it in the end! Prayers for a safe delivery and healthy baby are much appreciated!

With love,
Meghan

3 days or less!

Another quick update:

There hasn't been anything new to report in the last few days, so I went to my doctors appointment thinking I would probably be about the same "progress" wise as when I left the hospital on Saturday morning. Well....she checked me and she told me I am 70% (I was 80% at the hospital - but it must be a difference on who checks you) - and 6-7cm dilated! She was ready to send me to the hospital right then if I wanted to, but after talking about it we decided on waiting a day or so - to see if she will come on her own.

The doctor doesn't seem to think I will make it till Saturday morning - but if I do - I will go in on Saturday morning to have my water broken and hopefully get this show on the road. She (and I) am a bit concerned about how fast this might happen - so she told me if she was going to let me go home tonight, it was with the understanding that if ANYTHING changes or I feel anything different - I am to go straight to the hospital.

No one wants a baby to come on the interstate (including me!)

The baby is still fairly "high" and still has a bit to drop and she said that sometimes bigger babies have a harder time coming down, so I'm hoping by waiting a few days maybe she will come down on her own.

So, please keep us in your prayers over the next few days and pray for a "not too quick" delivery! :)

On another note, my sister-in-law who is due two days before me - is going to be induced on Tuesday of next week, if she doesn't go before then. We can't wait to meet both of these babies! It seems as if the moment our baby girl is leaving the nursery their baby boy will be entering. The nursery is going to be invaded by the Rapps - I hope they are ready!

38 weeks!

Another quick update.

Marcus and I headed to the hospital last night at 1:30am - because I was having semi sizable contractions. When I left home they were about 7 minutes apart - and by the time I got to the hospital they were 2-3 min apart. I have to say there weren't as intense as the contractions I had when I started going into labor with Lucy, but since I progressed so fast with Lucy, my doctors had suggested me not dilly-dallying this time, once contractions started. Well once I got there they checked me and I was - 80% effaced and 4 cm. (which is a slight increase from last week) BUT, after walking for an hour, I was still the same, so they sent me home.

I wasn't too upset about going home, after all, I was super tired, but I was more upset that Marcus wouldn't be able to run in his first 10K, which was at 7:30 this morning. We got home at 3:30 am - but Marcus is a rock star and he got up and did an awesome job! I'm so glad he still was able to do it! His final time for this first race ever was 52:28 minutes - which ended up being at a pace of 8:27 minute miles and #277 out of #793 runners! I'm so proud of him!

So anyway, my doctor is hoping I will just go on my own in the next few days, but if I don't I have an appointment on Wednesday and at that point, we might discuss inducing me next weekend. I'm hoping last night was just a little teaser and this little girl is going to be making her debut soon (and preferably on her own) but we'll just have to keep waiting at this point!

I'll keep you posted.

This week/weekend was also Pumpkinfest here in Morton. Lucy's favorite things were the pumpkin ice cream and Pooh Bear in the Parade. :)

The "Vintage Inspired" Nursery

Once we moved Lucy to her room, we slowly began getting the nursery ready. I've recently become addicted to pintrest.com - and have seen so many vintage inspired nurseries - that I just love on that website. So, I was excited that the bedding I already had purchased, lent itself to a vintage style. I also had a number of items from my childhood, or that were important to me, that I wanted to incorporate in the room.

Here are those items...

Children's rocker - given to me by a family friend when I was young.
Silver Cup - My baby cup with my name inscribed on it.
Blue Baby Dress - A dress of mine when I was a baby that my mom saved.
Clear Glass Bear - Clear glass bear that was in my room growing up.
White bonnet - A bonnet of mine when I was young that my mom saved.
Willowtree Pregnant Angel - given to me by my mom when I was pregnant with Lucy.
Bird House - Was the centerpiece for my Decatur baby shower - when I was pregnant with Lucy.

I tend to pick up random things at garage sales, so almost everything else on the walls - I had in my "stuff" collection and just repurposed for the room. (I recovered one frame with scrapbook paper and designed the "rise and shine" design for the inside, painted a few of the other frames on the wall, etc...) Once we completely decide on the baby's name, it will go on the white canvas above the changing table.

I also got this baby a matching teddy bear, made by the same lady who made Lucy's bedding and bear. I love how it turned out and I hope that it will remind this baby (and me) of what her nursery looked like in years to come.

(click image to enlarge)



P.S. Still having occasional contractions, but nothing much to report as of now. Just waiting for this little girl to make her debut. 3 weeks or less!

Off Bed Rest

Just another quick update.

I'm officially off bed rest now and feeling pretty good. Still a bit uncomfortable and still having a number of Braxton-Hicks contractions, but all in all - normal for 36 weeks. I'm ready to have this little girl arrive, especially after the past two weeks, but I know she will come when she is ready.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying my time with this little girl...and sleeping through the night - oh man am I going to miss that.... :)



(Here she is over Labor Day weekend - sharing her water with her favorite puppy Cooper)

Just checking in...

So everything is about the same, I had a few issues on Wednesday night that concerned us a bit, but Thursday morning everything seemed fine. The doctor advised me to try to limit my activity even more (which is barely possible), but I have to say that on Saturday I started feeling quite a bit better. I'm not having as many contractions and I can tell I overall just feel better. I actually think this baby may stay put a while longer, especially if I continue to feel this good.

I know a number of people who were put on bed rest for a few week early on and then ended up having a full term baby. After being on bed rest for two weeks, I'd love it if she ended up coming a "little" early, but obviously she knows she's the star of the show here.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow, so we'll see if they say anything new. But otherwise I'm just looking forward to the end of the week when I'll be 36 weeks and off bed rest!

Lucy's doing fairly well with all the change this week. She is definitely a bit wound up from having to pretty much be inside most of the time, but overall she's doing great. Marcus takes her outside or to the park when he gets home, so she obviously looks forward to that every day. She is also starting to really grasp the idea about a new baby coming home. She continues to tell me the baby is in Mommy's belly and today she went and looked in the crib and said "that's my baby sister's bed." I'm so thankful she likes her new big girl bed and gave up the crib to the baby so easily. We were making great strides in potty training last week, but obviously that is now on hold since I can't make a million trips to the potty with her every hour. Oh well, hopefully she'll pick it back up again soon.

And here is a super cute picture that Uncle "Gew" (aka Uncle Drew) took of Lucy this week. There is no doubt she loves her bears...

Quick update...

So my doctors appointment went fairly well. My doctor doesn't seem quite as concerned as I thought he'd be. He is still keeping me on bed rest, but allowing it to be a "little" more modified. I'm allowed to stand up occasionally, sit occasionally and overall take care of Lucy a bit easier. He basically said to be down as much as I can, and lay down if I feel like I'm doing too much or having contractions, but I'm not literally "chained" to the couch 24 hours a day (like I was this weekend).

I am 50% effaced and now dilated to 1 cm (which happened over the weekend with me on bed rest). I go back next Monday for my next appointment, so I'll be interested to see if he thinks I've progressed any more. But he basically said to take it easy for the next 12 days and once I hit 36 weeks, I can be off of any restriction and if she comes - she comes.

Maybe she just wanted a little attention, and she's really not going to make her debut for a few weeks - but who knows - we will just have to wait and see!

Quite the surprise...

This past Thursday (33weeks 5 days) I started to feel like something was a bit off. I couldn't quite put my finger on what was wrong or feeling weird, but I just didn't feel quite right. I also thought I may have had a few braxton hicks contractions. So Friday morning, I called the doctor and asked if I could come in just to check things out. Marcus was planning on going out of town for the night, and I just wanted to get checked out before the weekend. Well they did a NST (non-stress-test) on me when I got there and after awhile they explained that they weren't picking up any contractions but that the baby wasn't getting as "mad" as they would like. Apparently, the baby should go through three phases, low (usually when they are sleeping),mid (mostly everything else) and a few high peaks (when they are really active or get mad). Because it was getting late on a Friday my doctor sent me to the hospital to get monitored a bit more, because as she put it, if she continued to monitor me and then wanted to send me to the hospital later the doctors would have left for the day. So...to the hospital I went.

At the hospital, they hooked me up to the same machine I had been hooked up to at the doctors and after a few hours they told me that the baby looked great and was hitting all three phases and getting plenty "mad" - BUT I was having contractions now - some between 3-7 minutes apart. They sent me upstairs for an ultrasound and then told us that the baby looked great but that she was pretty big (roughly 6 lbs. 4 oz.) for her gestation and that my cervix was starting to thin out quite a bit. So, long story short I'm now on bed rest. They want to get me to at least 36 weeks (which is 2 weeks away) if possible. They did say if she decides to come earlier, she should be fine and her weight would also help.

So, not quite the Friday I was expecting, but glad that we got sent in! Especially since what the doctor sent me to the hospital for didn't even end up being the problem.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow morning, so we will see what the doctor says then. So,lets pray this little girl stays put for a bit longer!

Baby Girl Rapp #2 (32 weeks)

Today I had a doctors appointment and it was also my 32 week ultrasound. Everything seemed to look good and the baby is doing well. The doctor also got a very good shot of the gender of the baby and if there was any question before - there is none now - we are definitely having another girl :)

Her head is measuring about 2 weeks ahead (she's following her big sister's big head trait there) and her leg bone was about a week ahead, but he reassured us neither was anything to be concerned about. Her body and everything else was right on track development wise and he estimates she weighs about 4.4 pounds right now. He said he'd guess she'd be around 7-8 pounds when she is born. (That's also what he said with Lucy - who was 8lbs 12 oz - so I think we'll just have to wait and see. :)

She is head down already too, so that is good. Hopefully she will stays that way!

We got to see her face for a few moments and I think she already looks a little like her big sister. This picture isn't the best image of her face that we saw, but it is the best he could get in a picture.

Cribs are for babies!

We decided this past Sunday (July 31st) to make the jump and see how Lucy would do in her new twin bed! We still need a rug and a few others things for the room, but other than that it is pretty much put together. I think it was harder for us not having her in the "nursery" - than for her to sleep in a new bed! She has done great!

As I said before, I've had the new crib bedding for a while, so other than putting it all together, their wasn't too much to do in the nursery once Lucy stopped sleeping in there. I need to hang a few more things on the wall, but I've got all of Lucy's clothes moved to the new room and the new baby's things pretty much ready and put away.

It is definitely getting a little harder (and more uncomfortable) to work on things, so I'm doing a little at a time. Once I get both rooms completely done, I'll post lots more pictures, but until then here is a little sneak peek....

First morning in her new bed (also my bed growing up)



A glimpse at the crib linens for baby #2

A way delayed photo....

I just downloaded some old pictures off my camera and came across these and just had to post them. They are of Marcus and Lucy on Fathers Day. We realized we hadn't taken a photo of the two of them that day and we were about to go inside for the day (hence why Lucy is sad) - so I grabbed my camera, but it was too late. She already realized her playtime was coming to a close and she was not happy. Parenting isn't always pretty :)

10 weeks (or less)

Well we made it back from Hilton Head safe and sound! It was a great week! Lucy loves the baby pool (still a little scared of the big pool) and the beach! Our resort also has a lagoon full of fish and turtles and I know one of her favorite things was getting to feed the turtles! Here is a link to my Hilton Head photos I put on facebook...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.684984673375.2167839.31406305&l=c7fb8b4bd1&type=1

This past weekend, we ended up making last minute plans to go see my friends new baby boy - Owen. He is so perfect! It is crazy to think I'll have a little baby like that in a few weeks! We also were able to attend another friend's barbecue that night and Lucy had a great time playing with all the kids. I was great to catch up with a bunch of our friends too! Yesterday, however, (Sunday) she must have been having friend withdrawal. (Playing with Mom and Dad just wasn't cutting it.)

This was our conversation all day long.....

"Let's go Mommy, lets go, to Lexie and Reid's house - okay?" - Lucy
"Honey, they aren't home today" - Me
"Okay then lets go to Peepaws - okay?" - Lucy
"Honey, they are on vacation" - Me
"Why?" - Lucy
"Because they wanted to get away from home for a while." - Me
"Okay, can Maggie play?" - Lucy
"We can't see Maggie today, they live in Bloomington" - Me
"Then lets go - Kayci, Lanie and Shebly house - okay?" - Lucy
etc, etc, etc....


In baby news, we are less than 10 weeks away! You know you are getting close when the expiration date on food is close to your due date! Today I noticed my organic milk had an expiration date of Sept 13th! Just two weeks before I'm due! Wowsers!


Other than that we have been spending a lot of time inside! What a bummer! It is just way too hot to be outside! Even the pool isn't cool enough!

Meg

Here comes the sun! (27 weeks)

Just a quick update before we head out on vacation to Hilton Head! This week we've been busy getting ready for the trip and Marcus has had a super busy week at work - so we are ready to get on that airplane! Lucy is also excited about the "hair-pane." We've kept her favorite show away from her this week (Care Bears) in hopes that when we turn it on - it will make for a smooth/easy trip! We also have a few "oohh-e-oh's" (aka Oreos) packed so we should be set for the flight! :)

We are looking forward to a fun week of the beach, pool and a little bit (okay probably a lot) of craziness with the cousins, Maggie and Lucas.

In pregnancy related news, there isn't much to report, thankfully. I'm starting to definitely "feel" more pregnant - and getting a good nights rest is getting harder and harder. I know I need to be thankful for what I have now - especially since once the baby comes and Lucy gets up at her normal 6:30 a.m. time - I will want this back!

My one pregnancy complaint at this point would be the heartburn. Geesh! I had it fairly bad with Lucy towards the end, but I don't think it was this early or this severe! Good thing I know it is worth it in the end! This baby must be sitting directly on my stomach or it has a full head of (red?) hair!

Wishing everyone has a happy and safe 4th!

Beginning of Summer and 24 weeks

Hello Summer! First off, let me say how much I LOVE the summer. Most people prefer Spring or Fall, not me, bring on the heat - I am a June baby after all! :) (and still in my 20's for a few more days - I should mention!)

I love the summer even when it's hot - and boy was the beginning of this week hot! Lucy and I started the week out right with a few pool days, but I quickly realized that I need to spread it out, as she gets exhausted easily and an overly tired cranky toddler is no fun. It doesn't help that the pool doesn't open until 1pm - right smack in the middle of nap time! They do have a toddler time in the morning for a few hours, but it is in the middle of the "big kids" swim lessons, so every "little brother" and "little sister" who aren't old enough to be in swim lessons are crowding the toddler area and it's crazy and stressful (especially for me).

Yesterday (and today) my parents came to help put together a new present for Lucy - her own Playhouse! I LOVED my playhouse growing up, and based on her squeals tonight after seeing/playing in the finished product, I know she will too! :) We still have the "kitchen" to install inside, but it's pretty much completed. Isn't it adorable?



She's even more adorable though...








Yesterday night we also made our annual trip to the Tremont Turkeyfest to get Turkey sandwiches and Strawberry Shortcakes. Yum! We ran into Grandpa Rapp at Marcus's grandma's house in Tremont and enjoyed our food while sitting out on the back porch. It was perfect weather and a fun Friday night!

Today I am 24 weeks pregnant and while I know I've said how much I love summer, I am reserving the right to change my mind in a few weeks! I'm feeling great currently, but I know how quickly you start to really feel pregnant, so once that hits I might not love the heat and humidity as much! I'm guessing my feet won't either!

Before I was even pregnant, a cute little childrens boutique was closing in Morton and the lady who owned it was getting rid of everything at great prices. They had a floor sample of some bedding that I LOVED when I was pregnant with Lucy, but back then I wasn't willing to pay full price for it. Well, the last day she was open I went in and saw it and asked if she was selling it and she gave me and AWESOME deal. It's pretty gender neutral (but a little more girlie) so it is perfect now that we are having another girl! :) So, a few weeks ago we painted the nursery to match the new bedding and now we just need to move Lucy to her "big girl" room! We have a twin bed ready for her new room, but she goes to sleep so easily (it's taken us a while to get to this point) that I hate to change it up on her now. Maybe in a few weeks...when I'm having a hard time sleeping anyhow :)

- M

Lucy's 2 year photos

From the talented Makaya Larson as always...