Baby #3: 17 Weeks

Has it been a crazy few weeks OR WHAT!? My last update was at 14 weeks. The day before I hit 15 weeks, I felt like I was getting a cold. The next day (day I turned 15 weeks) I had 100+ degree fever for 3 days. I was MISERABLE!!! I finally went to the doctor and found out that I had influenza, an upper respiratory infection and a slight ear infection. From Thursday until the next Wednesday I was laid out in bed. All I could take was my antibiotic and Tylenol. I am still trying to fully recoop from the bug. I still have a consistent cough, which I was told took a while to get over. I just wish I could take some good cough medicine. But, I will power through with no meds. A few days ago was the first day I was able to get up and do things around the house without having a coughing fit and be out of breath. I am still staying pretty relaxed and not doing much to make sure I get over this 100%. But, let me tell you, it's been awful.

However, Baby is kicking up a storm and at my 16 week appointment the heart beat sounded wonderful.

Here are some updates for 17 weeks:

About Baby: The baby is about 5 inches in length and weighs about 5 ounces. (About the size of a turnip, according to babycenter.com) He/She is kicking up a storm and moving and wiggling. I feel more and more movement every day. We set the date for our ultrasound, which is June 9th, to find out the gender. The day before we fly up to Idaho for a few weeks.

Weight Gain: (From starting weight) 2 pounds. I was gaining weight pretty steadily, but for about a week I had no appetite and felt like crap, so I lost some ground. I'm hoping to gain some weight this week.

Symptoms: Nothing too significant. I can't stop coughing, so my ribs are hurting and my stomach muscles are achy. I don't know if I should blame that on Baby or the coughing. Baby Kicks are the biggest one right now.

Sleep: Horrible sleep. I am up in the night coughing. And, I can't just cough laying down... Oh no... I have to sit up on the side of the bed to really get a good cough in. I'm hoping once I stop coughing as much I will start getting better sleep, because I am exhausted most of the day.

Best Moment: Hearing the heart beat at the doctors appointment last week. I was a little concerned about Baby with how sick I have been, but the doctor said everything sounded and looked good (Besides my weight gain)

Looking Forward To: Gender Ultrasound!!!!

There is a little update at 17 weeks. I've just been trying to survive the last few weeks. More updates next week!

17 weeks down.... 23 to go!

Baby #3: 14 Weeks

14 weeks down! Whoo hoo! Time is flying. The Haines house is super busy this time of year, so there is no time to slow down. Which makes the weeks go by so quickly. This last week was busy busy busy!!! Friday I had my blood drawn at the lab for my 1st pregnancy blood draw. Saturday I was at a wedding all day taking photos, Sunday there was church in the park (I was too exhausted to go since I got home so late from the wedding), Monday and Tuesday was editing days and catching up on housework, Wednesday was youth group (2 lasagnas and 5 dozen cookies made) and a family session, and today I have a preschool meeting for Alden's new preschool class next fall. WHEW!

*To check out the photography from the wedding this weekend, head over to my photography page stacyhainesphoto.blogspot.com

Here is an update on the little one who is growing like crazy and trying to keep up with this family!

About Baby: Size: 3 1/2 inches (About the size of a lemon... But much sweeter of course!) and weighing in at a whopping 1 1/2 ounces!!! Small little thing in there, but definitely growing like crazy!

Weight Gain: 4 pounds (From starting weight) 2 pounds (From last week) GROWTH SPURT!!!! I was shocked when I stepped on the scale this morning. I was a little surprised, but a little happy also knowing that morning sickness is almost a thing of the past and weight gain is a sign that baby is growing and mommy is taking good care of the little one.

Symptoms: Bulging Belly. There is a sign that there is a baby in there. I am showing MUCH sooner this pregnancy... Which I was warned about. Aching Hips. With how much I've been on my feet this last week, it's not surprising that by the end of the day my hips are starting to ache. After laying down for bed, the pain goes away. Aching Feet. Same reason for the hip pain. Nightmares. I have nightmares almost every night. They wake me up and I have a hard time falling back to sleep. If it isn't a nightmare, it is a extremely vivid, strange dream. Morning Sickness seems to be almost gone. If I do too much during the day, I get a slight feeling of morning sickness right before bed, but nothing too intense.

Sleep: I've been getting a good 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Other than the nightmares, I have been sleeping pretty good. I've been adjusting myself in the night more from side to side because of my hips. This happened at this point with the other pregnancies, and it keeps going (And gets more intense) until I deliver.

Cravings: Nothing too crazy yet. Again, Eggs. I crave scrambled eggs in the mornings. I think my body just needs that extra boost of protein in the morning.

Best Moment: Feeling the kicks and wiggles. Obviously nothing on the outside, but I love feeling the little wiggles. Also, surviving my first wedding of the season. It was a 10 hour wedding, so I was EXHAUSTED by the end! But, it was so much fun!

Looking Forward To:Feeling more kicks and wiggles. And of course, scheduling that ultrasound to find out the gender!!!!

14 Weeks down, 26 To Go!!!

Until next week!!!

Baby #3- 13 Weeks

13 weeks!!!! 2nd Trimester!!!!! YAY!!!!!!

I know that things can still go wrong within pregnancy, but hitting that 2nd trimester is such a relief and I feel like I can take a deep breath and start connecting more with this little lady/little man inside of me. Now the realization is REALLY hitting... I'm going to have 3 KIDS!!!!! I'm officially going to pass the national average of children. Crazy.

Here are some updates on the little one!!

About Baby: Size- The baby is 3 inches in length and weighs 1 ounce. About the size of pea pod. Baby is growing like crazy and now that it's major development is complete, it's time to GROW GROW GROW!!! Which makes sense why I am so hungry all of a sudden! Baby is kicking up a storm in there. I feel flutters here and there. Last night I was making a meal at church for youth group and there was a definite kick down low. I know what that is!!!! Obviously, nothing you can feel on the outside, but I love this stage. It's like my own little secret with the baby. I know it's kicking, but no one else does. Our own little connection. I love it.

Weight Gain: Still 2 pounds. No weight gain this week. I've been watching my weight gain a lot more this pregnancy. In the first trimester, I was supposed to gain 2-5 pounds. I gained 2. So, I'm right on track. I have also been exercising to keep myself healthy and eating extremely healthy. Lyndon, the boys, and I have been walking for about 45 minutes to an hour each night (The boys ride their bikes). We have a walking path a block from our house, so it is so nice. We feel comfortable letting the boys ride their bikes without worry of cars. I have been walking 1- 1 1/2 miles per night. It helps with my energy also. I am eating very clean this pregnancy, unlike the last two. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean meats. Obviously I have treats here and there, but they are TREATS! Not something I eat all the time.... unlike the last 2. :)

Symptoms: Morning Sickness has pretty much subsided. I feel so much better and things are looking up! Thank goodness. Exhaustion has slowly subsided also. I obviously have days where I am more tired. I still have a 4 and 2 year old in the house, but for the most part I have energy again. Other than that, I've been feeling good.

Sleep: Sleep is good. I have been getting pretty good sleep this last week. Other than the boys getting up occasionally, but I feel rested. The only thing I am dealing with this pregnancy that I didn't with the last is very vivid dreams and nightmares. Some nightmares will wake me up in a cold sweat and out of breath. I can't seem to fall back to sleep right away. Bathroom breaks are another problem. I get up at least once a night to go to the bathroom. I guess that means I'm getting enough hydration during the day!

Cravings: Eggs. Peanut Butter. Not together. Scrambled eggs in the morning is usually my go-to meal. I make it into a breakfast burrito with some cheese and salsa. Delicious and healthy. Peanut butter is my go-to snack. Either a half sandwich with peanut butter or apples and peanut butter, but I'm craving that peanut butter and eggs.

Best Moment: Feeling that little KICK! I've been feeling flutters, but that kick was a 'MOMMY! I'M HERE!" Kick. Absolutely in love.

Looking Forward To: Finding out the gender in a month and a half. I still have a feeling it's a girl, but you never know!!!!

13 weeks down! 27 to go!

So happy I'm in the 2nd trimester!

Baby #3: 12 Weeks

12 Weeks down! Can you believe it? Almost done with my first trimester! And, very excited to get out of the first trimester! Here are a few updates on Baby #3!

About Baby: Size: A little over 2 inches. The size of a lime. And weighing in at 1/2 an ounce. I've felt a few more flutters here and there. Usually late in the evening when I'm completely relaxed. Best feeling ever. Baby is wiggling up a storm! I had another ultrasound this afternoon at my appointment and the doctor could barely register the heart rate because the little stinker was wiggling everywhere. It took him a good 5 minutes to get everything he needed because the baby was too busy moving around. He was even impressed at how much the baby was moving this early.

Weight Gain: 2 Pounds. I gained a pound this last week. Good sign that morning sickness is going away!

Symptoms: Morning sickness seems to be almost a thing of the past. Fingers crossed! I have only had a few days this past week (Which was only a few hours at a time) of some slight nausea. Nothing compared to what it was. I am able to eat pretty much everything again. Not much is turning my stomach at this point. However, Exhaustion has not left. Mid-afternoon I hit a wall and usually feel the need to take a nap. But, that never happens with two kids running around. I try to sit back, drink some ice water, and relax for a while to get some energy back. Other than that, everything seems to be going pretty good. Just a little tired, but I can handle that. Early pregnancy symptoms are starting to go away, Praise the Lord!

Sleep: Sleep is getting better. Not too much insomnia in the middle of the night anymore. However, I have been having crazy VIVID, random dreams! I've read that it is completely normal, but my goodness, some of those dreams are crazy. But, I do feel like I'm getting rest at night. Collyn's cough is getting better. We are thinking it's just allergies, so he is sleeping better at night.

Cravings: Nothing too crazy yet. I'm just happy to be eating again. I think protein would be the one thing I crave. I love to have scrambled eggs in the morning. I try to keep breakfast a very HIGH PROTEIN and LOW CARB meal. I've noticed lots of carbs in the morning make me shaky and feel not great. But, nothing too weird with cravings yet. Food tastes good again. That is a plus!

Best Moment: Seeing Baby on the ultrasound this afternoon!! Nothing beats seeing that little one wiggle all over! Feeling little flutters are always wonderful!!!!

Looking Forward To: My next appointment! At either that appointment OR the next one we get to find out the gender!!!! :)

12 Weeks Down!!!! 28 To Go!!!!! Time is FLYING!

Here is my bump picture this morning... Week 12

With a surprise ultrasound this afternoon, I was able to see Baby again!! Absolutely in love already. Heart rate was 175. This little one was all over the place. This was the clearest picture he could get because the wiggler wouldn't sit still for a second!

Until Next Week!

Stacy, Lyndon, Alden, Collyn, and Baby #3!

Chores: How it works in our house

My kids are 4 and 2 1/2. Obviously at the age of being able to help around the house. After explaining to multiple people our family chores, I had mixed replies. Some thought I had the kids doing too much and some thought it was completely appropriate. However, I thought I would break down how chores work in our house.

Obviously, our chores are age-appropriate. Some chores result in a small payment of money, some are every day chores that doesn't receive a reward.

First, what chores does each child do?

Alden: Age 4

Every Day- (No compensation received):
MORNING
1. Make bed
2. Brush teeth
3. Get himself dressed
4. Take pull-up to trash can, Take PJ's to laundry room
5. Living room clean-up- Either pick up toys OR pick up clothing and shoes (This chore switches every day with his brother)

EVENING
1. Set table for dinner
2. Clean plate after dinner, scraping food in trash can and putting plate, silverware, and cup in sink
3. Help mom or dad with dishes (Putting silverware in dishwasher or help clear the table)
3. Put on own pajamas and pull-up
4. Brush teeth

Random chores that he earns money for is:
*Taking pajamas from laundry room and putting them in drawer in bedroom
*Stripping bedding off his bed and bringing all bedding to laundry room
*Helping clean up toys off lawn outside so daddy can mow
*Finding all laundry around the house (Bedrooms and bathrooms) and bringing them to laundry room
*Picking up toys in bedroom so mommy can vacuum
*Cleaning preschool room (Room with all their art supplies and little tables.... It's technically a breakfast nook we've made into a 'preschool' room)

Each chore earns 50 cents to $1.00. This sounds like a lot, but these chores (Plus others I can't think of) are how he earns different toys he wants. He is at the age of 'I want that toy!" every time we head to the store. I have no problem buying the toy for him... usually one toy a month (Since they are usually between $5-$10) but he has to EARN the toy. The boys have also learned that if they both want a toy, they can put their chore money together and get a toy they both can use.


Collyn: Age 2 1/2

Every Day-
MORNING
1. Brush teeth (Which I brush them for him)
2. Get Dressed without a fight
3. Take diaper to trash can and take PJ's to laundry room
4. Living room clean-up- Either pick up toys OR pick up clothing and shoes

EVENING
1. Put napkins on each plate for dinner
2. Clean plate after dinner, scraping food into trash can and putting plate, silverware, and cup in sink
3. Put on Pj's without a fight
4. Brush teeth

Random chores that he earns money for is:
Same as brother's, since they usually do these chores together

KEEPING TRACK OF CHORE MONEY:
At the very beginning of chore's I gave each child the amount of money they earned, in cash, and they were able to put it in the piggy bank or a zip-lock baggie to save, however, we lost a lot of money that way. Now, mommy is a banker. I keep track of all chore money on the white board in our kitchen. Alden has his "account" and Collyn has his "account". Each time they earn money, we go to the board and add the amount of money onto what they already have. It is also easy when we go to the store, since I don't add in tax to their toy. If they want a $10 toy and they earn $10, we pay for the tax. When they had cash-in-hand it was a scramble at the register to find coins in my wallet to pay for the rest of their amount. Now, I pay all together and don't have to worry.

Every few months we add or take away a chore based on age. With our growing family, every little bit of help I can get helps. I want to teach them young that for a home to run successfully, every person has to contribute. Also, I want them to learn that they don't just get things, they have to earn things, like toys.

What are some chores your kids do and what are their ages? I would love to hear your feedback, since I'm obviously still learning.

Baby #3: 11 Weeks

Another week down! Time is FLYING! Things are getting better, symptom wise, which I am SOOO happy about! Fingers crossed it keeps getting better and better from here on out. Here is a little update about the Haines Baby #3.

About Baby: Baby is about 1 1/2 inches long (About the size of a fig) It is moving and grooving in there. I felt a teeny flutter the other day when I was completely relaxed, but other than that, I haven't felt any movement. I'm not supposed to for a few more weeks, but with this being the 3rd pregnancy, I know what to feel for.

Weight Gain: Still 1 pound. No weight gain this week. I'm expecting some weight gain in the next couple weeks, since my appetite is coming back. Thank goodness.

Symptoms: Morning sickness is subsiding. I had 2 or 3 evenings where I didn't feel great, but I ended up just laying in bed watching Netflix and sipping Sprite, which helped. Other than that I have felt pretty dang good this past week. No real complaints. Food is sounding good again. My exhaustion is getting better. I don't feel the need for a nap in the middle of the day and I'm not crashing into bed at the end of the day. Sleep is always wonderful, especially with little ones in the house, so I never complain about a good nights sleep. Alden had an ear infection this week so I wasn't getting much sleep with that. Hip Pain has begun, just like my last pregnancies. My hips go back after every birth, so my body has to re-stretch to make room for baby. Stretching, walking and yoga has helped this pain immensely! I've had a little bit of nesting. I decided I needed to organize the laundry room, leaving Lyndon confused where everything was, but it was nice to have the energy to want to organize!

Sleep: No complaints with sleep. No discomfort at all when moving around at night. I wake up remembering not to lay flat on my back and I am starting to really enjoy my body pillow again. Other than that, I am feeling like I'm getting enough rest, most nights.

Cravings: Iced Tea with Lemon. I drink LOTS of water and iced tea during the day and my mom introduced me to this powdered lemon (Actual lemon) and it's DELIGHTFUL! No serious cravings yet. Just thankful food sounds decent.

Best Moment This Week: Family in town. Alden's last T-Ball game. Feeling a tiny flutter. And, getting a little bump. Good things are happening in there and in our home!

Looking Forward To: Next doctors appointment next week. Soon we will be scheduling an appointment for another ultrasound to find out the gender! It's crazy how fast this pregnancy is going!

11 Weeks Down, 29 To Go!

Until Next Week!

Family Visit!

Since February, we have had a guest in our house at least every few weeks. And, we wouldn't change it for the world! It is so nice to have family in town, since we don't get to see them that often. In February, Lyndon's grandma Kay and his brother Kolton flew down for a long weekend trip. In March, my sister Susan and her family came down for a long weekend, over Easter weekend Lyndon's parents drove down for a long weekend, then Tuesday after Easter my mom and grandma drove down for the week and on Friday we picked up my dad and my brother Johnny from the airport to spend the weekend with them.

On Sunday afternoon, Lyndon's parents headed back to Idaho.

On Tuesday morning, my mom and grandma drove 10 hours down here. They got here late afternoon and surprised the kiddos. The boys were a little shocked, but were very excited that they came. I made a lasagna, bread, and salad that night for dinner. Lyndon had a fire meeting, so he didn't get home until late. We sat and talked in the evening and we called it an early night since they were both exhausted from the long drive and I was just exhausted, like normal.

Wednesday was very relaxing. I was having some morning sickness so I didn't want to do much that day. It was cold and rainy so the boys weren't able to play outside, but we were able to spend some more time talking and catching up. We started a fire in the fireplace during the day which was nice. Youth group was that night, so we all headed to the church and my mom and grandma helped me make the dinner, Loaded Potatoes. Which was such a great help because I still wasn't feeling amazing. We ate dinner there and headed back home while the boys stayed with Lyndon at youth group, playing in the church nursery. We stayed up late that night talking. It was lots of fun.

On Thursday, again, we just spent time with one another. The boys played outside, showing my mom and grandma there backyard and their trampoline. We went and bought some groceries and my mom got the boys the BIG plastic balls to play with. Of course they had to take them on the trampoline. That night, I was feeling up to it so I made dinner. Meat loaf, homemade scalloped potatoes and my mom made a really good salad. Alden also had T-Ball practice so we went and watched his very last practice of the year. The whole team (Including Collyn) got goodie bags for a job-well-done. They did a great job this season.

Friday morning, we headed to the airport to pick up my dad and my brother Johnny. Then, we headed straight to the Sacramento Zoo. However, it was spring break and EVERYONE was at the zoo. Across the street from the zoo is Fairytale Town. So, we went there instead. We all had a wonderful time. We will definitely go back again.

After Fairytale Town, we headed back home, but stopped at In-N-Out Burger for lunch before. Once we got home, some people took naps, but we all rested from the busy day. That night we snacked for dinner, since we had a late lunch.

Saturday morning, we headed to the t-ball fields for Alden's very last t-ball game. Almost every family member was able to see him play this year, which makes my heart melt! I was so afraid with being so far away that we weren't going to be able to share the experience with anyone, besides videos. But, they did! Lots of family got to see him play! After his game there was the closing ceremonies for T-ball and he got a trophy. I'm so proud of my little guy and happy my family got to see him experience it!

After the game, we came home, changed our clothes and headed to Chico. We took the family to the Italian Cottage for lunch and went to the movie theater to watch 'Home'. What a cute movie! After the movie, my mom grandma and I went to Goodwill to find some good deals and the boys went to Sportsman's. After we came home we made a BBQ dinner and talked for a while before everyone headed to bed.

They all left early this morning to head back to Idaho. It was a wonderful week!