Cheers to 2020! The best surprise....

Love is in the air! We have some BIG news to share!

Nick and I are overwhelmed with happiness as we received the surprise of a lifetime. 

I’ve been very open about my fertility struggles. Tristan was conceived after fertility treatments in my early twenties. I underwent four rounds of IVF to get Matheson in my thirties. We tried a final transfer that failed when he was 8 months old. At that point, I was done. I could no longer endure the physical and emotional stress of treatments. While my family did not feel complete, it was time to move on. 

Two days before NYE, my period was very late, not uncommon for me; however, I was feeling waves of nausea and crippling exhaustion... which I’ve only ever experienced during pregnancy. I took a home pregnancy test just to be sure before overindulging at a party we were planning on attending.

In a shocking twist of fate, a positive “pregnant” immediately popped up. My hands started shaking so badly that I instantly dropped the test after viewing the result. This wasn’t supposed to happen without medical intervention. It still doesn’t feel real to conceive the natural way. I float between optimism and realism, this baby was meant to be and that I could start bleeding any minute and it could all be over.

I have always experienced low progesterone in my pregnancies, so I quickly called and got in to my OB's office for an ultrasound and blood work. At 5 weeks, we were able to see the sac on the ultrasound. My progesterone levels were very low at 7.5. For reference, doctors want to see a number of at least 20 at this point in pregnancy. I was put on oral progesterone, but it didn't feel like enough. I contacted Dr Yeh and he agreed to monitor me weekly during my first trimester. It was nice to know everything was ok with weekly ultrasounds. He switched me to vaginal suppositories 3x per day. These weren't covered by insurance and set me back $600 for a one month supply. That didn't matter, Nick was like this is a FREE baby! haha

For right now, we are excited to share our secret surprise and look forward to being outnumbered in August 2020

#partyoffive #surprise #naturalpregnancyafterinfertility

14 Months

Times flies when you are having fun.

Matheson got another tooth this month and it was a doozy! He also had a cold on and off the last two weeks. He started clapping his hands and throwing a ball this month too. Walking has gotten more fluid and M is still into everything.

Our family pictures turned out gorgeous for the holiday card we mail every year.

13 months

This post is LATE. Why? Because we have been having so much fun!

I was even hesitant to continue writing out each month's milestones. I started this private blog to keep track of our IVF journey. I documented everything and it was a great resource for me to share with others in the same boat. I also found it cathartic to write out all my emotions in a safe space. Then, I documented my entire pregnancy and thought I would do the same for the first year of my son's life, broken down in monthly updates to look back on. As of right now, I am going to continue, but not hold myself to one month updates, just as changes occur.

So much has happened since Matheson turned one. He was on whole milk only starting on his birthday and was weaned off bottles in exactly 7 days. It was an easy, flawless transition to straw cups only. Right now, he gets 8oz of milk in the morning and with his evening dinner. Water during the day. I have also done chamomile and lavender tea at bedtime when he's had a fussy day.

I so desperately wanted my son to be walking by his first birthday, but he didn't take off until 12m3w. And that's ok. Matty is cautious and does things when he is ready. It's me that needs to let go of expectations and preconceived notions. I would say that's a character flaw of mine, but it really makes me who I am.

Everyday I am thankful that we are fortunate enough for me to stay home and raise our children. I still ache for one more child, but know that isn't in the cards for us. I am grateful that we are financially stable and my income isn't missed.

Matheson is such an easy baby. I actually enjoy taking him places. We go somewhere everyday. We go to museums and baby gym. M plays in the gym childcare center while I get an hour workout to myself. I've even brought him with me to get my hair colored and styled! Play spaces are so much fun now that he is walking. He's my shopping buddy at the grocery store. Tristan was so difficult at this age. I don't remember enjoying this age with him.

It's so hard to believe that this time last year I had a tiny baby in my arms. In a flash, I have a walking, babbling toddler that weighs 26lbs! I am grateful for Matheson every single day.

In other news, I am down 42lbs since my failed transfer in June. I go to the gym 4-5 days per week and I feel GREAT. I still have 20-30lbs to get to my goal weight and feel like that will be a slower loss. The good news is I relearned how to eat healthy and understand portion control. Exercising is now a habit and a renewed sense of self. I just started taking yoga and group classes again. I wanted to wait until I lost some weight and had strength and stamina to complete the class on a high. I am still on track to get my mommy makeover in December like I want. The only downside is the downtime that I will need. I need to find a way to make that work. From my research, I need someone to care for me and Matheson for two weeks. Nick could take off a week, but I am not sure about that second week. I wouldn't be able to pick up Matheson for 6 weeks and also no working out. Both of those are hard. I researched plastic surgeons and narrowed down to 4. I need to setup a consultation like now if I want to do this after Christmas/ early January. It takes 6 months for the full results to be seen, which will be in June, which is perfect at that is when the pool opens and I can be confident in a swimsuit again.

ONE

I didn't blink, as they say, I was there this entire year watching you grow and develop. From that first smile and giggle to sitting up and crawling. Anxiously, I awaited your first steps. I snuggled you when you let me and gave you space to explore.

You have the sweetest temperament, loveable and warm to strangers. You have become my shadow, my Velcro baby that wants to be held and has a permanent place on my hip. My social butterfly always wanting to play with other children. You are literally a mini version of your dad with a thick head full of dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Even with a cautious demeanor, you love to climb, but you will wait for me to bring you down or help you go down the slide.  You share the same birth mark with your brother and have my nose and toes. A beautiful blend of your family. 

While any transition is difficult, leaving babyhood behind for toddler hood is exciting and terrifying at the same time. I will cherish the memories and look forward to continuing this exciting adventure.

Reflections on my labor, one year ago.

A year ago today, I went to the hospital on a Saturday to turn in my 24-hour urine for quick screening. I had been showing signs of developing pre-clampsia my entire 3rd trimester. My doctor was monitoring me closely and I was already scheduled for an induction at 37 weeks. I also had a migraine for two weeks straight that Tylenol wouldn't touch. The results an hour later showed my kidneys were failing with high amounts of protein in my urine.

I was immediately admitted to L&D. Refusing a c-section, the doctor allowed me to try an induction. The magnesium drip for pre-e was the most horrid experience as it basically felt like the flu was being administered. The liquid in the IV burned and never stopped burning. My skin was on fire. With gestational diabetes, my blood sugar dropped too low and I was shaking and vomiting. I wasn't sure how much longer I could endure and I was only dilated to a 2.

*32* hours later,

I was maxed out on Pitocin and dilated to a 9, where I stalled for 2 hours. Nick never left my side and held my hand the entire time. Exhausted and delirious, I cried and begged for them to let me push. The doctor on call that night decided to let me try even though I wasn't fully dilated since I had a previous vaginal delivery. One set of pushes and she was like, "WHOA. You are having this baby right now!" and started putting on her gear.

Less than five minutes later, Matheson was laying on my chest. He was born at exactly 36 weeks at 1:37am on October 1, 2018. Perfect and healthy, Matty required no NICU time which we were grateful for.
There are a ton of emotions I’m feeling right now, but mostly, I’m feeling proud as hell. I beat infertility, survived pre-clampsia and embraced giving up my career to be a stay-at-home mom. 

11 Months Old

September 1 was Nick's 40th birthday and also the day Matheson turned 11 months and said, Mama for the first time. It was quite a day!

Matty has had the same nap schedule for months, but it just changed about a week or so ago. He will now take a morning nap exactly 3 hours after waking and the afternoon nap is much later.

6-6:30am Wake
Bottle
8-8:30 Breakfast
9-9:30 Morning nap (about an hour)
Bottle
12-12:30 Lunch
1-1:30pm Afternoon nap for about an hour
2:30-3pm Snack after waking with small bottle
5-5:30pm Dinner
6:45pm Bath and book
7pm - Bedtime

Matheson will let go and stand unassisted for about 20 seconds. He's attempted one step so far that I have seen and grabbed Doogan for balance. He crawls so fast that I don't think he has any interest in walking unassisted yet.

We stopped putting the Owlet on him as well as he was moving the monitor with his other foot causing the alarm to go off. So many changes. In just a few short weeks, I won't have a baby anymore. Sniff Sniff. I will have a toddler and I am not ok with how fast this year has flown by!

10 months old

10 months old.

This year is just blowing by so fast. Matheson is my last baby and I don't want the baby year to be done just yet.

The last week the finally arrived at the perfect 7-7 sleep routine. Down at 7pm and awake at 7am. A solid 12 hours of uninterrupted slumber.

Dada was Matty's first word. He's with mama all day and yet, dada gets the glory. He's also said dog and hi. Not often and not when prompted, but he has said them multiple times.

We started going to the little gym for babies called My Gym. There is a class at 11:15am on Tuesdays for 7-13 months. Matheson loves it! He is so social and I get to talk to other moms as well. He plays and explores the entire hour and afterwards there is open gym for children of all ages. He plays there too and is fascinated watching the big boys run and jump around. Fearless.

I am anxiously awaiting for him to take his first steps. I know, I know, I just typed I don't want him to grow up, but with his size, most people wonder why he isn't walking. It will be easier when I can put him down and he can stand and I don't have to worry about him crawling on a dirty floor.

Packing for baby's first flight

***Update. What I used and what I didn't (Links included)

Diaper Bag:

Ear Planes: plugs for air pressure for babies' ears -  Matty pulled those out in the first five minutes! Not worth it.
2 food pouches
Puffs and other baby snacks - This was the best thing ever to occupy time!
Gummi Mat to put snacks on. This worked great on the tray table and restaurant

2 new toys for flight
Small new book
Lysol wipes
Diapers, wipes
Hand sanitizer
3 bottles - One bottle during takeoff and one towards end of flight
Formula container and sample can of formula
Sippy cup, filled with water
3 binkies, one with strap
Muslin blanket - This worked well to cover him while sleeping
Saline nose wipes - Didn't use
Toss away bibs - These didn't work out well as he ripped off the paper bib that was secured only with a sticker



Car seat in Gate check bag - I bought a cheap one on Amazon that did not have backpack straps. It was difficult for Nick to haul the carseat plus all our luggage. Lesson learned. Next trip will buy the more expensive one with straps.

Stroller to check at gate - I am glad we brought the Bugaboo Bee5 rather than the smaller umbrella stroller. He spent allot of time in the stroller and the Bee is comfortable and very maneuverable.

Ergobaby carrier - This was another win! Matty was completely happy in backpack carry. We took turns wearing him when he didn't want to be in his stroller or where a stroller wasn't permitted.

Large suitcase to check:

Travel high chair- This worked great for eating in the hotel room
Several toys for hotel room
Diapers, wipes
Food pouches, formula
Travel bottle soap, bottle brush
Extra bottles
Woolino Sleepsack
Crib sheet and blanket (for cushioning) for rollaway crib
Sound machine and charger
Owlet and charger
A roll of paper towels
Pump hand soap for bathroom

9 months old and first illness

My 9 month old looks like a toddler and I am not ok with this.

23lbs/ 30" long wearing 18 month clothing.

Matty is cruising all the furniture now and pushing push toys. Naps and nighttime sleep are still consistent. Although, he has started headbanging to put himself to sleep in the crib.

The day Matheson turned 9 months old, he got his first fever. A rectal temperature of 102.8. It was also his brother's 11th birthday. Matheson was fine that morning, but felt a little warm when he woke up from his nap. We rushed off to Main Event for Tristan to celebrate his birthday with his friend.

During the two hours we were at Main Event, Matty got very sick and was hot to the touch and lethargic. The next day, I took him to the doctor. A viral infection. We were told and just push fluids and Tylenol. He stopped eating solids and was up the entire night crying. Matty was extremely fussy and cried all the next day.  The doctor called the next day as a followup and asked me to look in his mouth and sure enough, his poor little mouth was covered in ulcers! No wonder he wouldn't eat and was so miserable!


Hand Foot and Mouth Disease.

Ugh. I heard about this before, but Tristan never got it.

He also developed a rash on the side of his face and around his mouth. The 4th of July, Thursday, we made our first visit to Urgent Care. The rash was Impedigo and he was prescribed a cream, which cleared it up within the first few applications. For the ulcers in the his mouth, equal parts of Maalox and Benadryl were mixed to squirt in his mouth to help with the pain. He also had spots on his hands and legs. At this point, I was rotating Tylenol and Motrin. My poor baby's first illness was a doozy!


On day 5, he finally started eating a little again. By day 6, all blisters were gone in his mouth and on his skin. This illness knocked out our entire family! Tristan and I were ill with flu like symptoms for about 24 hours. Nick was the last to get sick and his lasted longer with some bumps on his hands and a sore throat. Apparently, adults get a very mild reaction and nothing like children.

The only public place Matheson had been prior to getting sick was the gym childcare center at Lifetime Fitness. I felt terrible! I became at stay at home mom to not put him in daycare, but I thought an hour here and there would be good for social interaction and I would get a little me time to work on getting back in shape. Ugh, you just can't win sometimes as a mom.

And it's over.

My reproductive years have come to an end with the failure of my 5th frozen embryo transfer.

I don't feel like my family is complete, but it is what it is. I tried and I suffered in the process.

Life is never fair.

Symptoms during 2WW

0dp5dt - Transfer day, no symptoms
1dp5dt - Felt wonderful. Couldn't sleep, lower back pain late evening
2dp5dt - feel great, lower back pain, slight cramping, took 2 hour nap, frequent night urination
3dp5dt - night sweats, lower back pain, cramps,
4dp5dt - tired, cramps.PM: felt crappy and exhausted, went to bed early
5dp5pt - Felt better today, only lower back pain. I tested 3 times today with 3 different types of early pregnancy tests. All stark white negative. I had a squinter by today with Matheson. I feel like I am out of the game.

6dp5dt - Both morning tests were negative. All my symptoms are gone.

I am so incredibly sad. I know it's over even though I still have three days left. All of this, all the suffering: the highs and now the lows for nothing. I was so hopeful to give Matheson a sibling to grow up with. Life is never fair. Was it my attitude, "It it works, great; if not, closure"? Did I not try hard enough? No acupuncture or pineapple core? Did I not rest enough or rest too much? Was I just not meant to be a mother of three? Am I greedy? I was lucky enough to undergo fertility treatments and have two awesome, beautiful sons, shouldn't that be enough? I type this sucking back snot and wiping away tears.

Matheson is quietly napping in the next room. Tristan is playing video games. We are missing swim class today since I can't get in the water and I am furious about this. I know it's over and I can't do something we enjoy.

AND I AM SO FUCKING ANGRY

I gave up my career to stay home and be the best mom I could be and raise happy, well adjusted sons. We are financially well off. My children don't want for anything. Why does the universe think I am not good enough to have another child? Why!???

7dp5dt - This day came with a low, a high, then another low. I had to go to the clinic for bloodwork that morning. Test was still negative. A few hours later, I took another one and forgot it laying on the bathroom counter. When I remembered about 30 minutes later, there was a distinct second line. In a matter of minutes, I called Nick, updated two online FB groups and texted two friends. About 3 minutes later, the nurse called and told me that my beta was negative. I was shocked. BUT, I'm holding a positive test????? Nurse stated it wasn't possible, so I tried another test and it was negative. For the first time in my life, I had a faulty pregnancy test. My emotions literally went from sad to estatic to completely defeated in a matter of minutes.

8dp5dt - I am at peace. Another negative test. I physical therapy on my foot today and I let the OT do the dry needling and ultrasound heat, both which I declined earlier in the week since it wasn't safe for pregnancy. I have a renewed purpose, lose ALL the weight I gained and get a tummy tuck. I would like to loose a ton before Nick's 40th birthday party in September and then family pictures in November. My goal to be in a bikini by next Summer.
I took PIO tonight, but didn't take Lovenox

9dp5dt - I didn't test today and I stopped meds. I'm not supposed to stop until tomorrow after my final labs, but it's pointless and I am ready to be off hormones.


Labs:

8 months old

Last month was the most trans formative yet for Matheson!

In May, Matheson's bottom two teeth came in allowing him to start eating bits of food. He also learned how to drink from a straw.

At the end of the month, he started crawling! And literally overnight, Matty.is.everywhere.

Simultaneously with crawling came pulling up, so he was no longer able to use the baby bath tub and now is officially using the big tub to take a bath. Bathtime is such a special time right before bedtime, so watching him splash and play is so enjoyable.

Naps and nighttime sleep are still great and consistent. Matheson loves his new sitter, Mrs Heather. I was worried that since he is home all day with me, he would be weary of strangers, but as long as someone is holding him or playing with him, Matty is good.

I transferred our last embryo yesterday, so I am technically pregnant and hoping his brother stays around for 9 months. If our transfer is successful, he will have a brother 15 months younger than him. I am so excited to watch them grow up and play ball together outside and share a bunk bed. Such idyllic notions I know, but I can't help myself!

Transfer #5 - last and final FET

Today was surreal walking into the clinic.... well, actually me running in to go to the bathroom because my stomach holds all my emotions and I needed to POOP! lol

First of all, per the usual, I couldn't sleep last night. Too excited to shut my brain off. It also didn't help that we needed to arrive at the clinic at 6am for the 7am transfer. 

We found an amazing sitter, Heather, that arrived at 5:15am to care for Matheson. Tristan is responsible and capable to get up, dressed and on the bus on time. 

I was nervous going into the transfer as I opted not to have another SIS, as is standard protocol on doing another FET after vaginal delivery. Honestly, I just didn't want another procedure, so it was a toss up if my uterus was going to be good or not.

My lining and uterus looked perfect. At this point, I joked that Dr Yeh has a map of uterus, but actually the bump/curve that I've had was no longer there. Childbirth straightened out my uterus and it was long and straight. All good things.

Our last PGS tested embryo, a male, looked beautiful. I was thinking he maybe wouldn't survive the thaw and we would need to use an untested embryo, but all went smoothly.

As the nurse gave us instructions, we couldn't help but smile and state we were veterans at this! We transferred a total of 7 embryos over 5 transfers. And I have been adamant that this one will be the last final attempt to expand our family. I can't put my body through this anymore, so I feel like I gave it my best shot and will be content with the end of my reproductive years whether it is successful or not. 

After we were done, I was actually the only transfer scheduled for Dr Yeh that morning, Nick and I contemplated our breakfast options and went to a trendy brunch spot and ate together alone, not something that happens often. I had Nutella french toast and it was glorious!

Upon arriving home, the good thing is I have too much on my plate to sit around and obsess about bodily response and when to test. Nick let me rest mostly today. I tried to nap and couldn't. So as I type this, I.AM.TIRED! Tomorrow, it is business as usual, starting with Matheson's 8 month pictures at our favorite photographer about an hour away. Next week, I also have something going on everyday to keep me busy. 

Baby boy you are wanted and loved already. I hope that fate is in our favor and you implant and stay for 9 months. We can't wait to meet you, my love!

10 days till transfer

I am one week into estrogen priming and it has been rough! It's such a different vibe this time. I don't have any issues drinking a glass or two of wine during the 3 week transfer process. Time is going by faster since I have Matheson to take care of, so I don't have the energy to obsess over everything.

Transfer is set at May 31st. I just found a babysitter today for that day. If successful, baby boy #3 will be due 2/15/20; though more than likely will be born in January.


My thyroid results came back super high which now makes sense why I can't lose any weight and I am so tired. I thought the exhaustion was just par for the course staying home and raising children. My meds have been changed from 100mg to 150mg. Hopefully, that lowers my thyroid hormone enough by transfer day.

I can't believe I am doing this again

Yesterday, I had my endometrial scratch done. I needed the nurse to hold my hand as it really hurt this time. I have been crampy ever since then. I had bloodwork done and was cleared to start hormones. I have been irritable and tired. I have a headache and Nick is in Vegas for work this week. I was crying for no reason while in the car pickup line to get Tristan and I hate that getting pregnant is this hard.

It's so unfair. I was so sure this is what I wanted to do and now I am having all types of doubt. I am only on day 2 of hormones and I am struggling. Can I even handle two small children? Another difficult pregnancy while caring for my other two sons? ALL.THE.FEELS.

Ready to try for baby #3 - HFI Consultation

OMG... I must be NUTS. I have a 7 month old and I will be transferring another embryo SOON.


Nick and I (baby in tow) met with Dr Yeh today to discuss transferring our last tested embryo. My period is due in the next few days. Once I get my cycle, I will start birth control pills to do a saline ultrasound/ scratch and then start the process ALL over again.

Dr Yeh thinks due to my history of failed transfers and this being the last and only transfer, I will ever do, that I should transfer a tested and untested embryo for success. He stated my uterus is picky and high maintenance! lol
We do not want twins this time, especially since twins and pre-eclampsia go hand in hand and I had it last time, if I get pregnant with twins, it could get really scary for me, healthwise.

We won't be inventing the wheel and will do same protocol as last time, which is below.

o Take/administer the following medication(s)
- Fri 02/16/2018: 
o Low dose aspirin 81 mg, take 1 pill (81mg) once a day
o Estrace 2 mg, Take TWO tablets by mouth to dissolve under your tongue TWO times per day
o Minivelle Patch 0.1mg 0.1 mg/dl, place 3 patches on the skin and change all 3 every 3 days (Keep on skin for 3 days change on 4th day when instructed.)
o Lovenox 40 mg, take 1 prefilled syringe subq a day
o Progesterone in Sesame Oil 50 mg/ml, give 150mg (3cc) IM each day (check to see if mixture is 100mg/1cc or 50mg/1cc)

7 months old

Time is a thief.

Matheson is seven months old and that tiny baby we brought home from the hospital is now a 20lb/29" big boy.

Teething has been happening for awhile now, which means drooling and gnawing on everything. The tip of a bottom tooth is now visible (and super sharp!), but it has not come out yet.

I have been grateful that Matheson sleeps the entire night. He is in bed between 7-7:30pm and wakes between 6-6:30am. Some nights I need to go upstairs and do a binky rescue, but the last week, I haven't needed to as he will put himself back to sleep without a binky. Naps are still pretty consistent. Morning nap is 2 hours after he wakes up and afternoon nap is around lunch time. In the evening, around 5pm, I need to walk him around the block for a quiet siesta.

The noises this boy makes is something else. Matty growls and shrieks and babbles/whines all the time. He definitely makes his presence known. My mom used to tell me that you never knew there was a baby in the house because I was so quiet. NOT my son. hahaha

Matty sits and plays with toys... ALL the toys. There is freedom in the ability to put in a shopping cart and aimlessly shop at Target. He loves to be outside. We've had nice weather this Spring. Beautiful weather with no humidity. He and I will sit outside on a blanket or I will bring the activity center and PNP on the patio. Something about watching him look up at the wind blowing through the trees and bushes makes me smile. I tease Nick that this one is going to make him go camping. Ha!

Right now, I am getting ready to turn our study into a playroom for Matheson. His toys are starting to take over the living room giving me anxiety as I don't like stuff and clutter everywhere. I am excited to start painting and decorating the room!

Thoughts on being a stay at home mom

I have been a SAHM now for 6 months and I am surprised how much I enjoy it. Granted it is harder than I imagined it would be.

Routines keep my sanity. I enjoy my coffee upon waking while watching the Today Show. After that, the TV goes off. I hate daytime TV and I don't want Matheson hearing the noise of that all day. I keep classical music on to break the silence, but with two wheaties in the house, they are always barking at something.

Some universal truths, even as a tidy person, being home all day, I am constantly cleaning up after MYSELF! Make breakfast, clean up breakfast, etc.

I need to make my bed everyday. Which takes less than a minute honestly, since we literally just have a comforter to pull up, but walking in and out of our room and seeing the bed disheveled just eats at me.

Laundry. I still do a load every other day as needed. Smaller loads more frequently keep me from never being overwhelmed.

Mid morning is when I can get out if something needs to be done as I am strict with nap times; however, as strict that I am, I still have some spontaneity. Just today, the weather was just a perfect Spring day. We had no plans and after waking up from his morning nap, I packed him up and we went to the Mercer Aboritorum Gardens to stroll through the flowers. We were back in time for the afternoon nap. Totally unplanned and I had never been there before.

I am surprised how much I enjoy the banal, mundane of domestic life. I have the time to get those repairs scheduled, make phone calls on claims, organize a junk drawer or clean out my closet. Plan dinners, even if I don't cook everyday. Pickup drycleaning, bring Tristan to ortho appointments, etc. I may not be contributing financially, but my role is just as equal. I am truly grateful that I get to stay home and raise my sons.

From the age of sixteen, I have held a job with only a lapse of maternity leave. I got into the habit of making sure before I go to bed everything is done for a clean start to the next day. This is still important to me. After putting Matty to sleep, I wash his bottles and replenish the Breeza. I do the dishes after we are done eating. Coffee is made. I pick up toys in the living room. I go to bed around 9:30pm and feel good about what was accomplished during the day.

6 months - Half Way to First

6 months old!

It's hard to imagine, Matheson was born six months ago today. So much has changed! Our little ham is weighing in at almost 20lbs! We go Wednesday for his checkup and vaccinations, so I will update with percentiles.

This morning he slept from 7:30pm to 7:20am! Which is just incredible and we are so lucky that he allows us SLEEP.

Matty loves to sit and play. We read stories to him daily and he tries to turn the pages. We haven't experienced anymore food reactions. He does get eczema on his skin that I just found the Mustela products work really on him. He laughs and squeals and loves for people to hold him.

We took Matheson to a restaurant on Sunday where we met some of our friends before Nick's softball game. He was excellent! Matty sat in a high chair then fell asleep while his dad was holding him. We then went to the ball fields and watched dad play. Nick's team didn't win, but he had the biggest smile on his face knowing we were watching him.

Last night in SNOO, First night in crib

We have enjoyed the SNOO for the past 5 months, but it was time for Matheson to transition to his crib. Matty is a big boy and was getting too big for the magical bassinet that rocked him to sleep.

Keep reading below for an update on night 2!

We tried unsuccessfully 3 weeks ago to transition him. I called SNOO customer service and was given some tips that we followed.

This time we kept him in the SNOO with the weaning mode on for over a week. I still needed to bump up to Green several times in the middle of the night when he got fussy.

Last night, I put him in his crib awake wearing the Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit at 7:30pm. The room was dark with no nightlight. I gave him his binky and Max the raccoon (his lovey). We have the Marpac Rohm portable sound machine that is turned to waves. I wish we had the same noise as played on baseline in the SNOO, but it was not available on the Happiest Baby Soundtrack. SNOO recommended track #6 for rain. I found using a wireless speaker connected to my phone wasn't the best option for us.

The first time I went in there was 10:30pm to give him his binky and reposition Max in the crook of his right arm. I did this 6 times until he woke up for the day.

Matheson woke up happy and all smiles at 6:10am. He survived his first night in the crib!

Some notations: We tried transitioning the first time during the 4 month sleep regression. Not smart. We needed to wait that out. Also, we tried after using the weaning mode for only 2 days. This time we did 8 days. The Merlin's magic sleep suit really works! Matty wore it for five days for naps in his crib to acclimate before the first full night. The sleepsuit is weighted, so it's very calming. The room is kept at 71 degrees and I only put Matheson in a onesie rather than a footed sleeper to prevent overheating. He still wears his Owlet. My son never needed the binky in the SNOO, but does in the crib. Introduce a lovey. The one we have from Hazel Village is small enough to hold, but not a suffocation hazard.

UPDATE on night 2!

Last night went better than expected. We did the normal evening bedtime routine: bath, pjs, bottle and book. We put him in his sleepsuit awake, turned on the sound machine and with no fussing, he fell sleep quickly SLEEPING ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT UNTIL 6:20AM!

I got up once at 2:30am as I kept checking the baby monitor and Owlet app on my phone and noticed he had moved himself sideways and couldn't find Max, so I quickly entered his room to give him his binky, rotate and give him his raccoon. Matty sleep blissfully in his crib the entire night and that's when I knew we had turned a corner.

Now, mom and dad were so ecstatic to have their room not occupied by a baby that the ceiling fan was on, a vent was closed and the sleeper was turned back on the TV. (This is all Nick, as I hate having a TV on in the bedroom. We compromise on 15 minutes of evening news before the timer turns it off.)

The SNOO is officially retired until we have another baby!

5 months old

Whewww! We survived month 4!

Between starting Leap four, teething, lip tie/ tongue tie revision and the four month sleep regression it was a rough month! There were endless days of crying and clinginess where afternoon naps ceased to exist unless in the car.

However, there were lots of growing and doing new things. Matheson started eating solids, learned to roll over (belly to back) and can sit unassisted for about 30 seconds. He giggles and babbles and likes when we read him books. Balloons are a big hit too. Matty is a big boy at over 17lbs. Sensory objects like the touch and feel books and feeling Doogan's fur (Daisy doesn't let him get that close) are big for him right now. All hands are in his mouth, but Matty still refuses a binky. He is now wearing size 3 diapers too.

Butternut squash and pears seem to be the running favorites right now. Carrots, not so much.

Matheson had the opportunity to meet our friend's Andrea and Luis's baby boy, Eric, born on 2/20/19. We hope they become the best bros and enjoy playing together.

Lip Tie/ Tongue Tie Revision

One week ago, we brought Matheson to West U Pediatric Dentistry to meet with Dr Piya Ganha. We noticed that Matty didn't get good suction on his bottle and would dribble while eating. This caused excess air to be swallowed and gas pains. Our pediatrician noticed he had a thick lip tie during his 4 month appointment and referred us to an ENT. TT/LT can cause speech and feeding issues, so I wanted to get the revision done quickly to circumvent this and also allow a quicker healing while he was still little.

After doing some research, I decided a cold laser was the better option at a pediatric dentist rather than scissors used at the ENT. I also joined the Facebook group, Texas Tongue Tie Support.

At our consultation, it was discovered that Matheson had both a tongue and tip tie. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the worst, his lip was a 3 and his tongue was a 2. We were able to have the procedure done the same day. Since it's not common to add a infant to your dental plan, only medical after birth, we paid out of pocket for the procedure at the cost of $1100. I am grateful we were able to make an informed decision on which type of doctor to use and afford the cost.

The first 3 days were brutal! Matty cried and cried and barely ate. It broke our heart. I needed to give round the clock Tylenol to keep him comfortable even though the Tylenol only seemed to last for about 1-2 hours. Every 4 hours, he needed mouth stretches done to prevent reattachment. He hated the stretches and would scream so hard he turned purple.  At one point, I was up with him several times in the middle of the night and I couldn't get him to stop crying or to sleep and I started crying. Nick got up to relieve me and ended up pushing Matheson in his stroller for 30 minutes until he finally doozed off.

I went for an early follow-up on Thursday just to make sure the amount of pain he was in was normal and that I was doing the stretches right. All turned out good and he turned a corner that day and by Friday, he was back to himself, eating and not needing any Tylenol. By that point, I didn't wake him up at night (even though I wasn't supposed to let him go more than 6 hours in between stretches). Matty needed sleep and we needed sleep.

It's been one week and we go back again at 3 weeks post. He is doing much better and doesn't fight the stretches anymore.

Honestly, I had never heard of ties before and Dr Penn only checked his mouth when I asked him to. It was discussed on my IVF due date group as multiple infants had the same problem.

Pictures below from Pre, 1 week and 3 week Post Revision

UPDATE

At the 3 week followup visit, Matheson healed perfectly! No more stretches! Matheson can also now suck a pacifer and not loose suction when drinking his bottle.

Transfer Anniversary

E pluribus unum (out of many, one)

From the microscopic ball of cells on the left to the 17lb baby on the right, what a difference one year can make!

On 2/9/18, we transferred two five day old embryos. Five days later, on Valentine’s Day, I was holding a positive pregnancy test. We are fortunate; IVF doesn’t work for everyone and this was our fourth transfer.

IVF was the most invasive, time consuming, expensive and emotional rollercoaster that I have ever been on.  When nature said, “No”; science said, “Yes!”.

We are so grateful for Matheson, so our #transferversary is a big day for us.

4 months old

Today, our little guy is four months old! Time really does fly.

Matheson tried mashed banana yesterday and seemed to like momma's most hated fruit!

He is wearing size 2 diapers and just moved into 6-9 months clothes. He is drinking 28-32oz of Similac Pro Sensitive per day.

Bedtime: 7:30pm-6:30am
Nap 1 is about 2 hours after he wakes for the day for about 45 minutes to an hour
Nap 2 is around 1pm for two hours

He plays with toys and babbles all day. Matty isn't rolling over yet, but will scoot during tummy time. He enjoys us reading books to him and still likes to be held all day.

Update. 4 month well checkup and vaccinations

Matheson GREW! 16.14lbs (83rd percentile) and 25.5" (69th percentile)

He took his shots like a champ and didn't cry at all. I asked Dr Penn to see if he has a lip tie and sure enough, he does, so we were referred to an ENT to get revised. Lip ties will cause more air to enter while eating as there isn't a good seal when taking a bottle. This causes gas and discomfort. Our consultation appointment is next week on Valentine's Day.

16 weeks and 4 month sleep regression

Last post was about how Matheson was sleeping 10 hours + per night.

At 16 weeks, we hit the 4 month sleep regression. Matty woke up 3 times last night and was wide awake at 5:30am. ROUGH!

3 months old

January 1, 2019

Happy New Year!

Our little one is 3 months old today! Last night, Matty slept 10 hours in the SNOO and wasn't phased by the fireworks going on nonstop. Right now, he is cooing and smiling all the time. He weighs about 14lbs and is just an adorable rollie  pollie. Today is the last day of his second leap that lasted two weeks. Poor guy has been cranky and crying most of the day. He is now back on routine that we have for right now.