January 17, 2018 by Drafts & Crafts

We felt so many emotions as we prepared to become a family of 4:  nervous, excited, overwhelmed, & blessed. I wanted to share some tips that I believe made it a smoother transition on our first child and for myself.

Verance Photography

Since becoming a mother of 2, I have had a few mamas who are excepting baby number 2 to ask me how the transition has been and what they should expect from baby number 1. I always like to preface by saying that I am not an expert and every child is different, but I did want to share some ideas that helped our family. I can promise you I experienced every single emotion while pregnant with Winnie. I believe everyone does, but I think they happen at different stages depending on your current situation and the current temperament of your first child. For instance, from the moment I found out we were expecting baby number 2, I knew my kids would be pretty close in age and it didn’t scare me. Tanner was 10 months old when I got pregnant. He was the best baby so I was not worried at all about having another. Then when he started to become a wild toddler around 15 months, I was a nervous wreck, thinking what did I get myself into, why did I think I was ready for a second baby. BUT we prepared the best we could, I tried to work on the things I was worried about and now Winnie is here and Tanner is a wonderful big brother. I hope these tips can also help your family too!

While pregnant here are some ideas to start preparing child number 1:

• tell the child they are going to be a big brother or big sister from the moment you find out you are pregnant
• tell them they are getting a new baby, not that mommy and daddy are having a new baby
• talk about the new baby every day
• have the first child help get the nursery ready for their new sibling
• bring the child to a doctors appointment where they could see or hear their sibling
• get the child a baby doll of their own to teach them how to be gentle and hold a baby
• do your best to save up leave if you will be returning to work
• make sure your husband will be able to take a few days or more when the baby is born
• plan ahead and see if your family or friends can help you with your first child
• make some frozen meals because cooking with 2 kids is a big adjustment
• dependent on the age of your first child, work on those daunting tasks that need work (potty training, bed transitioning)
• get a gift for the first child and give it to them in the hospital when they come to meet their sibling for the first time.
• plan ahead and order some simple toys off Amazon to keep the first child busy when you have to tend to baby. They will be thrilled to have some new items and it will keep their attention for a little while. They do not need to be expensive or fancy. Winnie happened to be born the week before Christmas, which was lucky for us because Tanner had so many new toys to occupy him. If you do want to get crazy, I would get one big item, like a play kitchen or tool bench would be amazing for the first child to play with. Here are some items that we got for Tanner to play with after Winnie was born:
  1. Window Markers
  2. Coloring Book and Stickers (order a few coloring books and sticker books in their favorite characters)
  3. Play Doh and play kit – Tanner loves this Melissa and Doug Kit

While at the hospital:

• give the first child their gift from baby 2
• don’t hold baby number 2 when the first child walks in if you can help it. Sit the first child next to you in the hospital bed and have daddy bring over baby number 2
• introduce the second baby as “our baby”
• let the first child hold (with assistance if needed) their new sibling
• encourage them to touch, feel, smell, the new baby

When coming home:

• get the first child excited, remind them of their new role as big brother or big sister
• encourage them to help, even if it is simple things like, hand mommy a diaper or throw something away
• encourage them to sing to their sibling or bring then toys
• whip out one of those new toys if its a day when you need a break or the baby is extra fussy
• try to plan at least once per day (for 30 mins) where you give your undivided attention to your first time, color with them, make a snack with them, take them outback and play. This has been a big help for us, but also is very hard some days with all that has to get done.
• and last, listen to your mind and body! If you are having a tough time, ask for help. Remember anyone who has a baby knows how tough the transition can be. Ask a friend to pick up your first child if you need a break. Ask someone to come watch the kids so you can go to the grocery store alone. This can be life saving!!

 

I would love to hear if you have any more suggestions or what worked for your family! Best of luck to any expectant mother out there!

Keep in touch,
Dani

 

December 27, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

With Winnie turning two weeks tomorrow, I wanted to quickly get her birth story live for anyone interested in reading it.

I hope everyone had the best Christmas spent with loved ones and relaxing. Our Winnie girl will be two weeks old tomorrow. Time is already flying by so I wanted to get her birth story up sooner rather than later! Most of you may know that I was longing for a VBAC delivery (vaginal birth after c section), but unfortunately that is not what happened. I am resting in the truth that God’s plan is perfect. God knew how Winsome would enter the world way before we ever did.

From the beginning of my second pregnancy I was seeing my regular OB and a high-risk specialist. Due to having preeclampsia/high blood pressure with Tanner, my second pregnancy was considered high risk. Tanner was born via c section at 37 weeks, you can read his birth story here. While I saw the high risk doctor from 20 weeks on with Winnie, nothing was ever wrong. My blood pressure was perfect my entire pregnancy and all of the extra blood work, tests, and scans looked wonderful.

My OB wanted me to schedule a c section from the beginning of my pregnancy, but I was standing strong about a VBAC. I really wanted the experience of having a vaginal birth. I truly believe that is what my body was created for. However, my body had other plans. At 37.5 weeks I went to my last high risk appointment and they did a full ultra sound with measurements and looked at all of her major organs. The high risk doctor was concerned about Winnie’s size. She was never measuring small, but at this appointment they said was she measuring below the 10th percentile for weight. They believed that Winnie weighted 5.5 pounds at 37.5 weeks. The baby was diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), and the high risk doctor said that he wanted the baby delivered no later than 39 weeks. They felt that our baby would grow faster outside of the womb.

When I went to my regular OB appointment a few days later, we discussed a plan. The OB told me that if my body did not naturally go into labor or if was not dilated by 39 weeks, then they would do a c section. If I was dilated, they would have induced me. I went crazy for the next 10 days trying to get Winnie out naturally: professional massages, prim rose oil, squats, walking, stairs, sex, breast pumping. You name it, I was willing to try it.

The OB scheduled me for a c section a day before 39 weeks (according to my 20 week ultra sound). This all was happening so fast that I really didn’t share the details with many people. It may have been selfish of me, but I was devastated to hear that I would most likely have to get another c section. When I got to the hospital for my c section, they checked my cervix one more time. The nurse sadly told me that my body was not showing any signs of labor so a c section it was. My c section was scheduled for 4pm. It sucked to have it that late in the day! I could not eat past midnight the evening before and they told me I would not be able to eat until the next morning. The surgery was running a few mins late. I walked into the OR to begin my spinal prep at 4:20pm.

With my husband by my side, Winsome Rose Colding was born at 4:44pm. Our little girl weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces. While pulling Winnie out, my OB yelled this baby weighs a lot more than 5 pounds!! She is a little peanut, but she was by no means IUGR. It stinks that ultra sounds can be way off! After all of the back and forth, my husband and I were just so happy that Winnie was here and healthy!! The second c section was much more scary. I don’t know if that was because I knew what was coming and it made me more nervous. The first time was beautiful, the spinal tap did not make me nauseous at all! This time, I threw up and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest and I couldn’t breathe. During my c section with Tanner, my hands were tied down to the operating table. This time they said they no longer do that. It was nice to be able to have my husband hold my hand this time around.

After 2 days we were discharged and headed home! Post surgery has gone well. I am recovering fast and things are beginning to get back to normal. I was most nervous about coming home and being no help with Tanner. How was I going to take care of my 19 month old son that weighs 30 pounds if I can only lift Winnie?? Luckily my parents were here to help me and Jason was off work for a few days around Christmas. Winnie has been a dream boat baby. She is sleeping 3-4 hour stretches at night and we are doing our best to get her on a schedule. Tanner has been the sweetest big brother. We feel beyond blessed to be a family of 4! Thank you for everyone’s well wishes, kind words, food, help, calls, texts!!

Keep in touch,
Dani

 

December 9, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

With 6 weeks left until we meet our little girl, I am happy to finally share the finishing touches of our her nursery. 

Photo credit: Verance Photography

Crib: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1
Dresser: West Elm
Wallpaper: St. Jude’s Fabric, Harvest Hare
Rug: Lorena Canals (c/o)
Moses Basket: Bloomingdale’s
Maeve Blanket (draped over crib): Max + Moose (c/o)
Baby Bird Hoop: Urban Pigtails
Wooden Basket (holding the stuffed animals): Ikea
Leather Mat (in reading nook): Gathre
Rocking Chair: a family heirloom
Book Shelf: Ikea
Rabbit Hook: Anthropologie
Robe: Pink Blush Maternity

It is hard to believe that in just 6 weeks we will be a family of 4. Tanner will no longer be an only child, he will be a big brother, and we will have another newborn to love on. It feels surreal, but the closer it gets, the more excited I am! My nerves about turning our world upside down are starting to subside. After lots of praying, my heart is content and I only have sweet feelings about bringing our baby girl home just in time for the holidays (fingers crossed I don’t go past Christmas)!

We have been working on baby girl’s room for some time. It was nice to take it slow and take our time. I would highly recommend this for someone expecting their second or third child. When you are caring for other children, your second+ pregnancy goes by in the blink of an eye. Baby #2’s room was planned around this timeless, whimsical wallpaper. I first saw this wallpaper in a bathroom at one of my favorite local eateries. I knew if we were having a girl, I would have to track down this vintage-inspired, golden bunny and bird beauty to be the focal point of her room.

From there it was pretty easy to pick out pieces that went with the mid-century look that I was going for. I love the warm and happy feeling that I get when I walk into her nursery. That feeling is probably the pop of yellow talking. I hope you enjoy taking a peak into our baby girl’s nursery. My husband and I had so much fun setting it up. Well, I doubt Jason would say the wallpaper part was fun. Putting up wallpaper is a beast! Tanner even helped work on his sister’s room with his dada. I think this is a sign that he will be an awesome big brother!

Lastly, this is a sneak peak of the robe that will be in my hospital bag for delivery! I am loving this floral robe by Pink Blush. Pink Blush has tons of beautiful and affordable delivery robes to choose from! Please let me know if you have any questions about the nursery. Thank you Sindy for capturing our second babe’s nursery.

Keep in touch,
Dani

September 27, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

I am now 32 weeks pregnant and feeling all of the feels so I thought a little update was in order.

I have truly enjoy journaling my pregnancies! I have so many thoughts and feelings that writing them down has helped me gather my emotions throughout this journey. On a side note, I also use my Promptly Journal to actually write things down because there is nothing like taking pen to paper. Today marks 32 weeks of growing baby Colding number dos. It has been an emotional few weeks over here. I just have to say, pregnancy is emotional. Even when everything is going pretty well, it is still emotional. I saw a really funny quote the other day that pretty much sums up pregnancy, “I am 32 weeks pregnant and not to brag or anything, but I have not had a mood swing in 7 minutes.” Tanner is now 17 months and is a little wild child. He is fearless, loves to climb, jump, wonder, and explore. As much as I love his curiosity, it also gives me anxiety that he has no problem walking away from me.. or should I say running away. When you hit your third trimester and start to feel physically tired, chasing after a toddler is no joke. Where are all my second time mamas? Exhausting!! With that being said, I really want to take these next two months before baby sister is born to work with Tanner to stay close, hold hands, and look for mama and dada.

On the emotional side, I am worried about bringing a second baby into our home and rocking Tanner’s world. I know it will be a huge adjustment for all of us. I held a friend’s baby the other day and Tanner wanted me to pick him up too. In the past, this has never bothered him so it will be interesting to see how he reacts to having his baby sister home the first few weeks. I know he will eventually adjust fine and be a great big brother, but the beginning and the unknown is what scares me!

Even though my nerves run high these days, I am SOOOOO EXCITED!!! A BABY GIRL! We feel so blessed that we will get to experience each gender so now maybe we will be two and done? Who knows, I LOVE babies so I could see myself wanting one more down the road depending on how adjusting to a second baby goes. Our sweet girl is all set, we received so many kind gifts, and her nursery is just about complete! I do feel myself starting to physically slow down some so I am glad that we started on her nursery early. The second pregnancy has gone by so fast!!

Lastly, I wanted to share how I am praying for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c section). To keep it short, I had a c-section at 37 weeks with Tanner due to preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Just because I became preeclamptic with Tanner, does not mean I will get it again with number two. My blood pressure has been great and I have been exercising regularly, which is something I did not do the first time around. If my blood pressure and blood tests remain normal, my doctor will let me try for a VBAC, but my body has to go into labor naturally. Meaning, they do not want to induce me if my body does not do it on its own. I have been praying that I will get to experience a vaginal childbirth, especially because it may be our last baby. I know this is what God designed my body for, so I am hoping labor will happen naturally. I wanted to share this because it weighs heavy on my heart everyday as we get closer to baby girl’s due date. I will share one more maternity update in the beginning of December and if we know a c-section or a VBAC will be in our future.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and Halloween!!! I am loving all of the pumpkin photos and halloween costumes on IG!

Keep in touch,
Dani