Being A Mom of Two

Wow, what a week it's been since little Jacob arrived! Natalie loves him and being a big sister. I forgot just how little and sleepy newborns are. And boy, does Natalie look B-I-G! She had a kid head and kid legs. No more baby left in her! We've been staying home as much as we can, although we did make the trip home to be there for my Grandpa's funeral. Other than that we're trying to find a routine and make sure the kids both get some time to themselves with us. Unfortunately Natalie has been fighting naps since about a week or two before Jacob was born. We are going to try giving her stickers for every nap, and after a certain number of stickers we're going to take her to pick a toy at the store.

We aren't going to let Halloween pass us by - we went to a party today with some of the mom's I've met. Natalie had a great time trick or treating, and Jacob just slept. And ate. And slept some more. I think we are going to try to go downtown tonight. You can walk through the stores and they pass out candy for the kids. Tomorrow there are a few churches and carnivals around town too.

Who Do We Look Like?

Natalie, Jacob and me in the same outfit. I was 7 lb 10 oz, Natalie was 8 lb 2 oz, and Jacob was 7 lb 8 oz. Any resemblance?

Jacob's Story

Ryan and I woke up and got to the hospital about 6am on Wednesday the 21st. Around 6:30 or so, my doctor broke my water. Around 8 am, nothing had happened so we were allowed to walk for about 20 minutes, then come back to be monitored for 20 minutes. Still nothing was taking place, but my parents and Ryan's dad came up with Natalie. We visited for a bit and then I took another walk. I only got about a lap or so in before I started getting pretty painful contractions. We toughed them out for awhile and the nurse said I wasn't really changing at all and might have to start pitocin. Mind over matter must work, because the contractions kept coming and I asked to be checked again and to get the epidural. It was around 10:15 and I think I was 5 centimeters. Well around 12:15 and lots of yelling later, I got the epidural and was at a 7. By 1, it was 9, and at 1:36 I was a 10. By the time the nurse got the bed ready and the doctor arrived, Jacob was born easily at 1:54 pm.

His cord was up over his shoulder, down his back, and wrapped around his right leg, then his left, then his right again! Ryan said it looked like a pretzel, but I didn't really get a chance to see it. He was healthy and happy so that's all that counts. No birthmarks, no conehead, everything was great. I felt much better this time. I leared that epidurals usually go in your vertebrae at an upward angle, but my vertebra only needed to go straight in and that's how I ended up with the headache last time. I did have a lot of tailbone pain trying to sit and stand so I got an x-ray yesterday and it's not broken again like last time, in fact it might actually have been pressured into a more normal position. So it's probably sore now just from being bumped around and laid on in the bed. I am so thrilled that I might recover much faster this time!

Jacob had his circumcision today. They didn't numb or do a pain block, nor does he get any Tylenol. Poor little man. It looks really painful, but the nurses say it's healing up so far and the worst part is over for him.

His sister is in love with him and oh so proud. She sang him Happy Birthday in the hospital and everyone started crying. Anytime she sings he just stares at her. She's going to be a great helper for him!

In other news, Ryan drove my mom to meet my dad to go see my grandpa in the ICU. He had a fall yesterday and has some bleeding in the brain. Please pray for him and hopefully I can update soon.

Jacob Ryan Windle

Since the WIFI only works in the lower level of the hospital, it has been requested that I take the computer to the cafeteria and post of Jacob's arrival. He was born October 21st, at 1:54 pm.

WEIGHING IN AT 7 LBS 8 OZ....STANDING 19" TALL...THE NEWEST CAGE FIGHTER TO THE WINDLE CLAN....JACOB "THE LITTLE MAN" WIIIINNNNNNDLE!!!!

Here's the challenger in his pre-fight sweats.


Preparing for his bout with his fighting gloves on.


Posing at the pre-fight press conference with the current Super-Lightweight Champion, Natalie "The Big Sister" Windle.


Pictured here with long standing manager of the Windle clan, life trainer, medic, and cornerwoman, Kimberlie "The Strong Mom" Windle.


Not yet pictured is trainer, fight coordinator and referee Ryan "The Big Bad Dad". It has been difficult to gain pictures as a multitude of paparazzi have been in and out of the locker room and not all cameras have been confiscated.

More to follow as life unfolds. We're very thankful to have him here and everyone who has and will touch his life.

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

I'll have 2 kids tomorrow, it's only a day away (hopefully, if it works before 11:59pm)!

I'm still a little frustrated that I was not induced on Monday when I was having contractions 2-3 minutes apart for 3+ hours. Now I have nothing...but maybe that will change by the morning.

My parents and Ryan's dad are here waiting and passing the time. They will also be helping take care of the Big Sister and dog. Everyone is ready to sing Happy Birthday to Jacob.

I just hope I can sleep well. I wanted a suprised arrival this time, but I'll be setting an alarm and getting to the hospital at 6am it looks like as of now. Ryan will be in charge of uploading pics, but I'll be updating Facebook as much as I can :-)

Early Labor

I went to the hospital this am with frequent contractions. After a few exams and an hour to walk I didn't make any change so they sent me home. I have been told to rest and eat light meals, and come back when they are strong enough that I have to stop walking or talking! Maybe he'll still make it out before Wednesday's induction.

Date Night

Ryan and I went out with the Girlfriend's group here tonight. We had a great time chatting with the other mom's and dad's. We ate a lot of spicy mexican, and Jacob is now allowed to be born! Here's a picture of our last night out as a couple before Jacob comes (and a belly shot).


Natalie attended babysitting at the church while we were out, and she had fun too. She said there was no boys and she didn't hit or bite anyone...that's my girl?? She had a full day with a playdate and a night out with other kiddos. She's a little desperate for friends though, she comes on a little strong!

We Have A Date!

If he doesn't make a surprise appearance, I'll be at the hospital at 6am next Wednesday. That's a day before my due date! The end is near!

Random Happenings

Well tomorrow is my 39 week appointment at 11:30. Still no Jacob, though things are getting checked off my list like crazy of things I wanted done before he got here!

I completed a pile of sewing projects, and changed my blog around a little big (kmaedesigns.blogspot.com) to make it a little easier to access. Let me know if you think it is!

I've been running errands like trying to consolidate our bank accounts to local banks. I've also been setting up bill pays, organizing photos on the computer, and other 'office' tasks around the house.

My mom is done catsitting and her neighbor is home to dogsit, so they approve the time to have a baby is here as well! We also made it to STL the last 2 weekends for a shower/bachlorette party and a wedding reception.

Minus some minor issues Ryan is repairing with leaking in the basement, the house is painted, unpacked, and very liveable. We've also started doing some winterizing projects inside and out. Here's an album I set up of before and after shots together...http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=114961&id=501333621&l=84cc36fc60

Natalie enjoyed all the time with family and friends. She's in a new stage of rhyming EVERYTHING. Bunny Wunny, Daddy Waddy, Drakey Wakey...sounds cute...for the first 5 minutes. She's also able to spell and read several 3 letter words and loves playing with her fridge magnets. Next week starts library story time on Monday and Thursday. We do a park playgroup on Wednesday and dance class Monday night. So she's starting to meet and friend other kiddos!

Look for more news soon!

38 1/2 Weeks

Here's an updated belly pic from the weekend wedding!
Also, Lynn, Susan and I for our last group shot before any of the babies arrive!
Ryan and Sam in their uniforms for the first together!

38 Weeks

Look for an update this afternoon - I have an appointment at 11:15! I am hoping I've made some more progress and get some exciting news. We shall see.

I also need to see if I am allowed to travel for a wedding this weekend or if i need to stay put. Last weekend I had a hard time relaxing/enjoying myself because I was so worried about having to maybe deliver a baby 3 hours from home. I have a dr/hospital up there already...but I'd hate to end up with a c-section and then have to stay for a couple of weeks before I felt like making a long trek in the car. Though friends and family would be excited to have the new baby close!

Not too much going on here. Ryan has some training the next 2 weeks so he's pretty much on a laid back routine, so it would be a good time for J to make his arrival. I've gotten the sewing and house projects complete that I wanted to before I have a break to enjoy my newborn. Bags are packed, car seat is loaded. Come on baby!

**Ok** No change this week. He actually said I was dilated less, or close to what I was last week. And the effacement didn't change. He said he might be a little lower. And he said it would be fine to go out of town and he'll see me in another week. Maybe that cursed me so I'll have him early since he told me he won't come anytime soon.