Sweet Little Davin

Sweet little Davin is nearly seven months old. We went for his six months just a few weeks ago and here's his stat:

Weight= 13.5lbs

Height= over 26 inches

Head circumference= 16.5

He's still in the low 20-30 percentile, but his weight is below, if he was only one pound heavier we wouldn't need to monitor his weight but if doesn't gain a few pounds, the doctor wants to do blood test. To help in his weight gain, I've added baby food and mixing formula with this breast milk. Its not like he doesn't eat. He is exactly like big brother with food, ravenous.

Besides his weight he's a pretty normal growing baby. Excellent motors skills. He's about to crawl now. He can sit alone with no support for minutes at a time. He grabs for things. He can follow objects with this eyes and he baby talks a lot. He got his six month shots. So for the next month, we're going to focus on a more regular feeding schedule, baby food and mixing in formula here and there for that added fat. Its hard right now though since he sick. He has a horrible cold and cough. At his age they can't really do much so we're just letting it pass.

Kingston Milestones

Kingston my big boy, melts my heart everytime I see him taking steps to be independennt. I love to see it all happen but then I step back and say to myself that it needs to slow down, everything is happening way too fast. The latest milestone is Kingston's first day of playschool. Its nearly two hours of free play with songs, storytime, and group play in between. The first day I couldn't take him away from the trains and block station. All the kids kind of did their own thing.
Here's a picture of Kingston's first ever fat lip. He fell down while playing with daddy. Can you believe it, it took him 20 months to get a fat lip. I'm sure there's going to be more of those, you know how boys get. This summer although, was nice, we only had a few 80-90 degree weather, so we had to let him use this very cheap kiddie pool before summer ended. This day was pretty warm, I think 85 degrees. He had a blast, as you can tell by his face. Lastly, his hand me down big boy bed, which he won't use until after his 2nd birthday in January. I just had to pull it out and let him try it out. I think he likes it, bought him animal print sheets to match all the deco and accessories in his bedroom.

Beach Time

For our 3rd year wedding anniversary Ned and I had brunch at Salty's on Redondo Beach. It was the best brunch ever. The weather was beautiful and we had a view of the beach. We had alone time for 3 hours. The sun was out and we started seeing families at the park, walking at the pier, and playing in the sand. So instead of enjoying alone time we decided to go home and pick up the boys and Red and just have a day at the beach.

I know we're crazy. Perfect chance to be alone but we go ahead a ruin it by picking up the boys. Plus my sister hardly offers to watch the boys so we should have taken advantage but most of our conversation was about how far we've come and how our family has grown just made us miss the boys and picking them up to enjoy the weather with us just felt right. This was Davin's first trip to the beach. Kingston's first time on the sand since he learned to walk. We live in Seattle so beach trips are rare.

The following weekend we met up with Casault grandparents at Seahurst beach park. Kingston had a blast playing in the sand with me and grandpa Rick.

July, August, and now September

I have no idea where summer went, but its officially gone. Actually, forget summer, more than half of 2010 is gone. I've been gone from my blog for a minute too. Well let me give you the updates on my boys.

Kingston will be 20 months this month. Its crazy how fast everything is going. In May, I signed him up in a co-op preschool in Burien. He starts next week. Its really a playschool. Kids from 1 year to 2 years in one room for three hours. One parent will be with their child the whole time so its really a playgroup but in a classroom atmosphere. I've met some of the moms already. Most of the moms have 2 or more kids a few years apart, either part-time or stay at home moms. It should be interesting.

Davin will be 5 months this month. We had our 4 month appointment. Currently, Davin is 11.10lbs and 24 inches. He's a little baby but strong. He's rolling over, kicking a lot, and reaching for things. Davin is a sweet little baby. My youngest boy loves to cuddle and be held. I can't wait to see how much more he'll grow and develop.

I think that I mentioned the Ned has started a new job with Pacific Rail and he loves it. He gets a lot of OT which is helping him catch up for the 2 months he was just working on Gary's car.

As for me, I'll be going back to school either this quarter (wait listed) or winter quarter. I'll be going back to work the end of the month but only limited part-time. Yahoo!!!! 2 days a week but full 8 hours shifts. I don't care though, I get more time with my boys.

My life is getting busier and busier but I'll always try and update when I can. I guess thats a life of a mother and a wife.

Busy June

It's been a minute since I've posted anything. I had a very busy June. I had something going on every week of June.

• Dinner and Dancing with the Cousins
• Dinner and Dancing for Leigh's birthday
• Date Night
• Small BBQ for Ned's birthday
• Marquel's 7th birthday party
• House Warming

I drank quite a few times and didn't lose much weight. I really need to focus on my diet. I have to go to a wedding in September and I want to fit into a nice little dress. I decided to not drink beer or liquor until the wedding. I have 10lbs to lose. I just need to focus. I have to utilize my time better. I did have a fun month so it was totally worth it.

Brotherly Love

So its been a few months now and I can honestly say these boys are BFFs, well at least for now. Kingston is very loving towards his little brother, lots of hugs and kisses. But like all toddlers they have short attentions spans so those hugs and kisses are short lived. Who wants to hug and kiss little brother when you can throw plastic blocks against the wall or bang on a big metal bowl with a big plastic spoon. But I know before I know it Kingston will be showing Davin all his favorite play time activities. And with two boys I hope that the brotherly bond will not be loud, rough, and costly activities. Yeah right, well a mom can dream. Enjoy the pictures.

One Month Report

I can't believe my sweet little Davin is one month old. I have a feeling he will be mama's boy. He is a cuddler which my cutie pie Kingston, never really cared for, and he always wants me close to him. I can't say yet what kind of personality he has yet because sleeps about 20 hours a day. I can't really image any of it because Kingston is not what I thought he was even 2 months ago. They both are so young still and developing. I do know I feel blessed and excited to just watch them both grow. Davin does the cutest thing, he laughs a lot. Not just with a smile or he actually makes a sound. He sounds like he would have a husky or raspy voice. I can't wait for him to talk.

He is a light sleeper. He's still sleeping with Ned and I, but every time we move or adjust the blanket he gets startled and throws his hands and legs up in the air, its the funniest thing. He is a love mama's milk. He is as ravenous has big brother.

Physically he probably weighs 7lbs now and I know for sure he's gotten taller because he can't fit any of his premie clothes, the pants look are high water now. He has been breaking out with baby acne but doctor said its normal. He has beautiful light brown eyes. He is his daddy's son for sure, he has more Casault features. He is very lean and long. But with infants everything is always changing. I'm sure it will be a different report next month, maybe next week.

10 Days Later

Rare moment, he's awake!!!

Just a quick update on the family:

-Davin is doing great. He sleeps about 22 hours a day, feeding well, and seems to be gaining weight. He's umbilical cord just fell yesterday, I wanted to keep it but it freaked me out.

-Kingston is getting use to little brother. He loves to give Davin lots of kisses. I think I need to stimulate him more with educational activities. Is 15 months too early for flashcard games? I feel like he should know more than 5 words. Dada, Mama, Baby, Stinky, and Banana are ones I hear him say a lot. Please if you have recommendations leave me a comment. Thanks.

Kingston looking at the fishes at the doctor's office. This was Kingston's 15 month checkup.

-Mama is doing great. My back still hurts but I have medicine for that =P. I can fit my jeans again =P. Breast milk is flowing and I'm actually freezing some already. I might not be able to stay out the 6 months I wanted =(. Its okay, that's the sacrifice you have to make for your family.

-Papa is great help. Ned works in the morning and helps me when he gets off. He's unemployed and working on his friend's car for a paycheck. I'm a little worried because he was suppose to apply for a position at Metro but he dropped the ball on turning in the application on time. I'm not going to lie, its very irritating that he wasn't on top of it with that job because he could have gotten it or at least gotten a interview. It was hinted to him to apply for a mechanic position. Now he just has to sit there and wait. I'm not comfortable with the instability we have right now. It really stresses me out. Another stress I don't need, I'm already worried about who's going to to watch my boys when I go back to work.

Welcome Davin Zatique Casault

Davin Zatique Casault

Born 2:33am

Weight: 6lbs

Height: 19inches

So I didn't make my May due date. I knew I wouldn't, but thought I'd make my 37th week but I was 2 days short. It was a short labor. I felt contractions all day but I didn't feel the stronger contractions til 8pm. Went to the hospital around 10pm and gave birth at 2:33am. Although this was a more painful than my first pregnancy, it was a quick one. a short 15 minutes of pushing and there he was latching on to the breast and feeding for about 1 hour. Yes, I said an hour. Davin is one week old now and feeds very well.

I said more painful for one reason and one reason only, Dr. Martin had to reach inside me to get my placenta out, yup I said it, go inside and reach for my placenta. It hurt worst than the contractions. It was the worst 5 minutes ever. I felt every movement. She reached for the placenta three times. Dr. Martin must of known it was not going to be easy because the whole time she kept apologizing. When she was done she was picking at the pan of placenta and goo to make sure she didnt leave anything inside. I must admit I was scared because my aunt died of complications with the placenta, they must of left pieces inside because she kept bleeding.

Okay, enough of the bad stuff, something funny happened, well I think its funny. My water didn't break so Dr. Martin had to break my water and it gushed out and splashed on Dr. Martin, the nurse and Ned's mom, Debbie. I was like I threw a bucket of water at them. LOL...

Kingston's ready for Little Brother

My little Kingston knows something is happening. I show him my belly and say "baby", which is one of the first words he actually learned and signed. He gets excited and kisses and lays his head on my belly every time. It melts my heart.

I wonder how long all the love will last (haha). Does he truly have any idea?!? I do notice how his face lights up when he sees kids play, especially my cousin Elaine's boys. I'm not worried I think Kingston will be a GREAT big brother. I see bits of his personality coming out and he is very friendly, funny, and creative. I think my two boys will keep each other busy.

Now update on Kingston's growth and health. He is growing at a healthy pace. He has his 15 month appointment on the 30Th. Uh oh, shots (hehe), he's not a fan. His big boy teeth, the canine and first molars are coming out on top and nothing really visible on the bottom. He's a drooling machine and a bit fussy at times but it comes with the territory. More updates later and I will most definitely update when baby #2 comes.

Prayers do get Answered

From my previous blogs you can see my sister was my stress and followed by my baby. After I got my two cents in, I decided to just have my sister marinate my experience and knowledge and leave it up to her to do whats best for her. I had a few close friends that reminded me that I'm a good sister to at least care and there's only so much I can do. I agreed and just wiped my hands of unnecessary worries and stresses. I prayed and prayed right after we had our talk and I think it went well. If I've convinced her to look at her life in a different way even if she doesn't do what needs to be done right away, I feel like I've succeeded as a big sister.

So the other worry I had was baby boy #2. I'm desperately want to make it to 37 weeks and I'm HAPPY to announce I'm at 36 weeks. I'm but a short 7 days away from my prayers to be answered. I had another doctor appointment today and I'm still 3cm dilated and haven't dropped much either. Sugar, blood, and measurements are all normal. I have minimal aches and pains, most importantly less contractions. I just want to be healthy and the baby to be healthy. I know Dr. Martin can't see him but she says my stats are great and his heart beat is normal so I'm VERY optimistic that I'll make my 37 weeks maybe even surpass that and labor will be quick and normal. =) Thank you God for hearing my prayers.

YouTube has Everything

So I was wishing I could check out my cervix and see if I've dilated some more so I googled dilated cervix and this video on http://www.youtube.com/. I'm sharing this video because in the end the lady says you can send the pictures to her. WATDAWAT?!?!? Why??? LOL, plus her props are funny. Look for the boobies in the background. Oh and I learned a camera function.

Then my search got me scared. I stayed on youtube and kept looking at "childbirth" experiences and when you're ready to pop one out yourself you shouldn't scare yourself. I shouldn't be scared' I've been through it already. But all this "every pregnancy is different" has got me a little paranoid especially since this pregnancy has really been a breeze. I'm way too uncomfortable and can't sleep, am I sure I want to make it to May? See crazy talk, of course I do. Hehe, okay good night, no more I'll just stay away from youtube and pregnancy searches.

May 17th Due Date, NOT!!!

I had a doctor's appointment today and she informed me that I'm 3cm dilated. She doesn't think I'll even make it to May. I am disappointed. I really wanted to make it to may but if he wants to come sooner than that's what he's going to do. I have a baby shower April 25th, which is 2 weeks from now so I hope I at least make it til then. I am not as prepared as I thought. I guess I should be glad that my work has signed me out this week. Kingston's room still isn't ready, but since baby brother will probably be sleeping with us for a few months I have a bit more time. Well next time I write I might have pictures up, but you never this one might hold on a bit longer, I know "...yeah right". Well I have to keep praying, women can be dilated for weeks and weeks. =)

Oh Grow Up

I must vent again. I'm not a fan of using my blog to vent, but I'm been feeling so overwhelmed. Nope, not with my son, dog, or even my husband but with my little sister. Well not so little, nearly 27 years old.
I feel that if you're "fucking up" (excuse my language) your parents have the right to tell you so, but since my parents now live in the Philippines and we only speak to them once a month, someone being me or my brothers should be able to tell her to grow up and put herself together.

To be fair and defend her, she was in a nine year relationship that went sour and unfortunately didn't have a back-up plan to what she could do if the relationship didn't work, which many many people are guilty of doing when in a long term relationship. It has been nine months since she's moved in and she still has no plans. Since she's lived here, she's only worked 2-3 months at Amazon (got laid off), that was month and a half ago. She stays out all night and sleeps until 2pm. How do you find a job like that. She says depressed and maybe she is but maybe she needs a good kick in the ass. I don't know but I've HAD IT!!! She's ungrateful, lazy, and not as helpful as I thought she'd be.

I'm going to speak to her. I've thought about it for a week now to try and see how I can go about doing it. Mature adult, sister to sister, parent to child, friend to friend, but I'm just going to say what I feel. I'm about to have another baby and I'm not really up to worrying about a grown ass girl, yup a girl, not a woman, well maybe a bitchy bratty teenager.

AAAAHHHHH better now!!!

Mama Update

Hello everyone!!! I just welcomed the third trimester. I wish I could say I'm doing great but unfortunately I'm a big ball of pain and discomfort. I've heard it said that each pregnancy is different but I truly didn't think it would be too different. For example, heartburn, pretty common in pregnancy. I had it with Kingston and it was moderate, with baby #2 not so moderate. Ligaments pains didn't have it with Kingston, but with baby #2, constant pain. I work for Costco and at four months I was getting it already. Now, at seven months, I can really only work 4 hours without being annoyed by it. The ever so common back aches, moderate with Kingston. I'd say it was a good seven to eight months before I even felt the back ache. I'm quite uncomfortable every time I get up or if I don't have my back brace on, which started at four months. The back pain I feel now is worst then when I was cashiering, and that with lifting, carrying, bending, twisting, and moving around bulk size items. The list continues with baby #2 with getting gestational diabetes two months into my pregnancy, thank goodness for Dr. Martin who studied my family history and that it would be wise to get it checked, "just in case", and she was right. MIGRANES MIGRANES MIGRANES!!! Need I say more?!?! Then found out I’m anemic, so I’m taking iron pills, TWICE a day, WARNING TMI: I'm constantly constipated. I complained and they said take stool softener, so now my stomach is a mess.
Here’s a short list of baby #2 body reaction: super dry skin, acne breakouts, lack of sleep, and craving anything sweet, which is a torture when you have gestational diabetes.

OH MY GEE, I just vented. Let me end this on a positive note, so if baby #2 ever reads this and is sadden by mom’s displeasure of carrying such a problem child, I’m happy that my feet aren’t swollen, ecstatic that I’ve yet to have stiff legs, Charlie horse, or leg cramps. Overjoyed that my blood pressure has stayed normal. Baby #2 I just want you to know that all the problems listed are normal in pregnancy. It really is, some will get it and some will. For some it will mild or moderate pain and some it will be level 10 on the pain scale, but in the end, it all so very worth it.

MAMA says you’re worth it and I’d do it all over again if I have to.

Party Party Party

 I would just like to thank everyone who came to celebrate Kingston's first birthday with him.  There are over 200 pictures of Kingston's special day.  Please check it out!!!
I was bitter/sweet for me.  My parents didn't come like they wanted.  I wish the Philippines was close.  My dad has yet to meet my little boy, and now I'm 3 months away from having baby Zatique.  Please God help them sell their house.  Ned's mom go sick and didn't want to infect guest so she stayed home. 
Having a bunch of my dad's relatives there made it a lot better.  My dad's sisters call him Romeo and they love him so much.  Ned and I felt so blessed that there were so many people that came to show their love for our little Kingstons.  He's a lucky little boy and we are too for having him in our lives.

Happy 1st Birthday Kingston

 
Today I was filled with so much joy and happiness, that I cried about four times.  The tears of joy are the best tears to shed.  Today is Kingston's 1st Birthday.  To him it was just an oridinary day but for me it was another milestone in his life that I was blessed to witness.  I'm looking at his one year calendar and its filled with many milestones I'll always remember.  This very first bath, first visit to the pedertrian, his first giggles and frowns, his first baby word, first time we crawled, then when he took his steps, and now he's developing into his own little person.  I know when he's a little bit older and I tell him these things it won't be a big deal, he'll probably even give me a "ah mom, you wrote those down", but to a parent watching their child grow its probably the most important thing, to be able to witness those precious moments.  Raising a baby is hard but I love the rewards.  I can't wait to see what else this little boy has in store for me and Ned (well maybe I can).  Happy birthday to my little boy, Kingston, who has made me and his dad, the happiest people in the world on this day one year ago and still very happy.  WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS!!!

Costco Holiday Party 2009

Kingston's 1st Christmas 2009

Kingston's first Christmas was busy.  Christmas morning we headed to grandma and grandpa Casault's house for breakfast.  He opened the wooded toy he got from grandma and pretty much didn't care for the rest.  He didn't really play with the pretty wrapping papers.       

Kingston's not really caring about the gifts.  Maybe next year.

 

Grandma just enjoying it all!!!

Grandpa enjoying his gift.

Christmas evening we headed to my sister in-law, Sherryann.  She had a buffet of goodies and of course my blood sugar numbers were off the hook and we all had the best secret santa gift exchanges.  I don't have pictures of Christmas Eve, but we also headed to my aunt's house.  I will have to steal some pictures from my cousins and post them later.

These guys have the spirit!!! What a great holiday season it was.

Laughing his Butt Off

I just have to share this funny video of Kingston laughing at my sister's dog, Bellah, while she was playing with her doggie toy. 

Kingston Update

Mylene's 2nd birthday party

I'm seriously sluffing on posting.  I have some Thanksgiving and Christmas pictures I'll post as soon as my netbook returns to me in a few weeks.  But since I'm updating you, let me just say how super excited I am for my little boy to turn ONE years-old.  It is crazy how fast a whole year has gone.  Kingston has made major advances, since I last updated.  He's taking steps not fully walking about at least he's got his balance.  We are going to his ONE year check on next week so I'll share everything the doctor tells me about his progress.  I'm goin to post a few videos for the steps and his favorite new thing to do, clapping his hands.