Tummy Time

I love this picture. The eyes say it all.

Bryce is much more tolerant of "tummy time" than Tyler was. He's pretty content to lay on his tummy for awhile and Tyler always takes advantage of this time to "entertain" Bryce. Tyler loves to lay next to him and talk to him and show him toys. He gets a little rough or too "in his face" sometimes, but usually he's pretty soft.

I think if Bryce could he'd be laughing at Tyler. I'm sure in the near future he will. But he definitely likes to watch Tyler for now and is learning to put up with his 2 year old roughness.

First Bath

Bryce got his first bath on Tuesday night. Needless to say he did not like it.

Tyler wanted to help and splashed in the bath water the whole time. Luckily giving him his first bottle later on that evening went much smoother - looks like I will be able to get out of the house on my own in the near future.

Thank You Nana

My mother ("Nana") was with us for the first 10 days after I got out of the hospital and we were so glad to have her. Tyler especially loved having the one on one attention when I wasn't able to give it to him. I know its hard for my mom to have 2 grandsons now far away so I was glad she got to spend so much time with us. She left last Saturday afternoon and I was hit hard with the reality of having two kids at home all by myself. On the way home from my uncle's in Bountiful Tyler got car sick and threw up all over himself. Andy was planning on seeing Transformers with his brother at 8:15 that night. He drops me off at 8:00 with both kids, one of which desperately needs a bath and all the throw up laundry and messy car seat. We hadn't turn on the AC while we were gone and the house was also extremely hot. Thirty minutes later I sent Andy the following text: An 85 degree house, a screaming infant, a singing naked toddler, and a whole mess of laundry with throw up all over it - YOU OWE ME. Anyway, I'm grateful my mother could help us through this transition - Thank you Nana.

Brothers

This top photo is Tyler just after he was born.
This photo is Bryce the same day he was born. I definitely think they look a like except Tyler's got a little more chub to his cheeks.

Bryce Richard Ferguson

Finally, a moment to sit down and do a blog entry. He's finally here! Bryce was born on June 15th at 4:27 p.m. at the Utah Valley Hospital. He weighed 6 lbs 14 oz. and was 18 inches long. Everything couldn't have gone more smoothly this time around. I was induced early Monday morning and was only in labor for about 6 or 7 hours this time! I'm really a fan of the induction plus epidural birthing plan. I like to know when everything's going to happen and be more in control. The hardest part of labor for me was when the nurse initially put in the IV for the pitocin. She did a terrible job and there was blood everywhere. I've never really been one to get quesy but it did not sit well with me. I started to get anxious about everything after that, but getting the epidural wasn't even as painful as the IV. Since I was only in labor for 6 hours I had more engery and felt more withit throughout the whole process. Even my recovery has been 10 times better. I guess it helps to have a smaller baby.


We still can't believe how tiny Bryce is compared to Tyler when he was born. He has the sweetest disposition though. He only cries when he's hungry or getting a diaper change and is a pretty mellow kid already. He sleeps right through Tyler's yelling and loud trucks and toys. Tyler is a good older brother though and will ask to "soft" Bryce which means petting the top of his head gently. Andy forgot the diaper bag with all of Bryce's stuff the morning we left the hospital so we had to make Tyler "share" his favorite blanket with Bryce for the ride home. Tyler responded by telling Bryce he was in "Time Out." He seems to be okay with Bryce being at our house so far because Nana is here to give Tyler lots of attention too. We'll see once my mother leaves how the three of us will do sharing attention when Andy's at work. So far I would say the transition from one child to two is pretty easy when one of them sleeps all the time. I know this will change soon though and my life will become more crazy, but so far I'm enjoying my two boys.

Update

Good news! This baby has 2 more days to come out willingly or else he's being evicted Monday morning by the doctor. (By the way this picture is NOT of me - I just found it on the web and thought it was funny)

The 9th Month Roller Coaster

For the past two months I have been writing and rewriting my "To Do Before the Baby Arrives" lists and diligently crossing items off the list as I space out my projects over the last two months of pregnancy. Call me a nerd but it helps me focus on something and relieve some stress for me after the baby's born if I - have the basement cleaned out, the car thoroughly cleaned, the baby bottles sanitized and put away, and all of the clothes washed in Dreft and organized in the drawers. I even went so far this time to organize the changing table with hand sanitizer, wipes, diapers, gauze and Vaseline (for post circumcision care).

As week 37 approached I crossed off my last few items, packed my hospital bag and finally felt like I was ready for the baby to arrive. Because of some complications with a large baby last time the doctors have been telling me all along that they'll induce me a week early this time to prevent another large baby. Although I've tried to remain realistic about going into labor any sooner than 39 weeks when they finally give me that much needed pitocin, I still get a little glimmer of hope each time I think I'm having a contraction stronger than a Braxton Hicks. You'd think after going through the roller coaster of emotions for a month last time around that I'd learn my lesson, but I guess an expectant mother just can't help herself in wishing - maybe this time it'll come early.
After another prenatal appointment this morning confirming that I am still not making any progress I felt even more discouraged. A doctor I hadn't seen before even went so far as to say they won't induce me if I continue to not make any progress. This was a low point in the roller coaster ride. My supportive husband convinced me not to be too upset about it and that he'll accompany to my next appointment and we can go in there ready for an action plan.
In the end I know everything will work out and although it seems like this baby will never arrive I'm sure my next post will be the announcement for his birth. I just know there are a lot of mothers that have ridden the same roller coaster and survived it. In the mean time I'm trying to remember the freedoms and conveniences I now enjoy with one fairly easy two year old and to take advantage of my time with him while I can. I'll keep you posted....