Dottie Lou ONE month

I'm not sure whether to say this month has gone by super fast or slow. It's kinda just been a whirlwind adapting to having three kids! So glad to have Scott home to help this whole month. Dottie has been a pretty easy going baby, I also think our babies have gotten easier because of our experience, it's like night and day with how much more relaxed I am with my third than I was with my first.

Dottie loves:

+baths
+eating
+being on her belly
+being held by Cash, she usually will fall asleep on him while he's watching tv
+being in a wrap
+hearing her brother and sister, she likes the noise over the quiet
+being outside
+her snuggle me organic
+being swaddled

Dottie dislikes:

+waiting for her milk
+getting out of the bath
+when Cash and Lolli are all up in her face, but she is very patient
+car rides, unless we are on the freeway
+not having anything on her hands, i.e. mittens or blanket
+vitamin D drops

Mommy loves:

+your round little face
+hearing people say you look like me
+your smiles
+waking up to you
+your chubby rolls
+hearing you coo
+touching your soft head
+kissing you...ALWAYS

Firsts: 

+smiles
+lifting her head up

+cooing a little already!

Facts about you:
+already surpassed birth weight at check up, last weight check was 9 lbs 10 oz
+your nails were so long at birth and I've already needed to cut the several times. 
+you didn't like your binky at first, I persisted and after about two weeks you take it

+always pooping on the towel right after getting out of the bath
+you love to be close to mom
+Lolli said to me the other say, 'don't say dottie, say dot!" 
+already in size 1 diapers
+0-3 month clothes

E I G H T months

Eight months old. Cash is getting BIG. Sometimes I look at him and feel like he's a toddler :(. He is so much fun and is a super easy going baby. Monthly pictures have been very tricky, Cash does not like to sit still at all. As soon as I lay him down and get my camera up and ready he's gone. Cash has graduated from the zippy and and now sleeps in just his jams. He is in size 3 diapers still and is wearing 12 month clothing. 

Cash loves:

+kissing sounds

+splashing in the tub

+bath time

+cheddar crunchies, he's obsessed. He could eat a whole container if I let him

+sleeping with his teddy bear

+when dad comes home

+smiling

+new activity walker

+being outside

+swinging

+touch and feel book

+sound of the tub

+looking in the mirror

+mom's jewelry

+cords, and pulling cords out of the wall

+knobs

+crawling under things

+getting tickled

+getting scared

+crawling back and forth in his crib

Cash dislikes:

+us trying to look at his teeth/gums

+bread, I can't believe it

+traveling

+sleeping in a new place

+his foam letters being taken from you after bathtime

+sitting still

+getting stuck

Mommy loves:

+your cute face when it's all wet from the bath

+your smooth skin

+your giggle

+kissing you all over your face

+laying with you in bed in the mornings

Firsts: 

+FIRST tooth!!!

+pet a dog

+eating watermelon, apples, cantaloupe, and bread

+can stand alone

+going on the swings

+sleeping without a zippy

+having a play pen

Facts about you:

+your favorite room is the bathroom, whenever the door is open you race to get in there, I think you like the rug and the tub

+You try to stand on anything and everything

+you toot whenever you cough

+You like to pinch my face and pull my hair while nursing 

+you find everything you aren't suppose to have

+you try to knock off the frames on the wall by your crib, so mom had to move your crib away from the wall

+you like to be on the move

+you are the sweetest baby my heart melts whenever I look at you

S I X months

Happy half year to our sweet, happy, smart, and active boy. Cash is such a good natured baby, I feel so lucky everyday that I spend taking care of him. I just wish I could freeze time and keep him as my little baby forever. He is in the stage where 3-6 month clothes are too small but 6-12 month are pretty loose. He wears size 3 diapers and we just switched from Pampers to Huggies. 

Cash loves:

+TAGS, he finds tags on everything and loves playing with them

+putting his hand in his mouth after he gets a spoonful of food

+screaming when he is standing up

+rolling around, as soon as I put him down on his back he rolls to his tummy

+hearing the bath water, he knows he is about to take a bath

+new things

+curious george

+being naked

+taking walks

+chewing on his binky clips

Cash dislikes:

+waiting to be fed 

+his nose being picked or wiped

+sitting still too long

Mommy loves:

+cuddling you

+nursing you to sleep

+comforting you

+taking pictures of you

+wearing you when we are running errands

Firsts: 

+Got on all fours and is scooting

+touched grass for the first time

+fell asleep on his back

+now can sleep in any position, every time I look at the video monitor Cash is in a different spot

+now eating 3 solids a day

+watched his first curious george show

+using the stroller without his car seat

Facts about you:

+you scream whenever you are standing up

+you can get on all fours and scoot and roll around everywhere, mom needs to keep a good eye on you

+you are hyper in the morning

+you want everything that you can't have

+very active, you soak everything in

+you become extra impatient when you know you are about to eat

+still sleeping in your zippy, I am wanting to transition you out of it soon

Cousins meet!

Ever since I found out I was pregnant only a MONTH apart from my sister Julie, I've been anticipating our babies meeting! I've imagined them being best cousins, sticking together, being so excited to see each other, always playing together at family get togethers, having sleepovers, matching, and maybe one day even being college roommates ;). 

This past weekend Cash and Ky finally met.
It was a super quick trip to Mimi and Papa's house in Prosser, which is halfway for the both of us.

At this age 4 & 5 months) it was more for my sister and I, the babies didn't really know what was going on. But it was still so fun, especially finally being able to take pictures of them side by side.

It was funny seeing them stare at each other while making noises. My favorite was when they would grab each other's feet, hands, and tug at each other's clothes. Also the blank stares they would give each other.
It was also great being able to be there for Kyler's blessing day! I'm so grateful that Cash has a cousin that is so close in age. I'm sure there will never be a dull moment with these two once they can run around together. I wish so badly we lived closer so we could have play dates, but living far apart makes it that much sweeter when we are able to get together! I can't wait until they get to play again :).

Bedtime routine

Bedtime is one of my favorite parts of the day. I cherish our little bedtime routine and never want to forget it, so wanted to write it down. I know one day Cash won't need me to tuck him into bed, my heart hurts just thinking about that day and how there is a last time for everything. I wish I could slow down time. 

Our bedtime routine includes lots of cuddling in fuzzy blankets, change into jammies, lotion up (we bathe during the day, I find he sleeps better without the bath at night), diaper change, read 3 books always ending with 'Goodnight Moon,' nurse, prayers, and lastly sing. Every time I put Cash down to sleep I sing him the same song, which my mom used to sing to me. I hope it always brings him comfort. 

The song:

"Come little child it's sad but true,

The suns gone to bed,

And so must you,

Leave all your toys,

Come dream and then,

When nighttime is over,

You can play again."

After Cash is asleep, I like to constantly look at the video monitor. There is just something about a sleeping babe that just makes my heart swell. I don't know how I got to lucky with such an amazing little guy.

F O U R months

Cash is getting so big, sometimes I look at him and I think he looks like a toddler...especially when he's wearing a beanie to cover that little bald baby head. He's in size two diapers and wears 3-6 month clothes and some 6-9 month! Currently battling 4 month regression :/. We are starting sleep training TONIGHT. Wish us luck...more like me luck cause I'm going to be crying right along with him.

Cash loves:

+blowing bubbles with his spit

+making noises

+squeeling

+rolling over 

+belly time

+putting everything in his mouth

+being sung to

+watching sports 

+his musical toys

+being home 

+pulling his binky out 

+reading books at bedtime

+grabbing his toes and trying to suck on them

Cash dislikes:

+getting out of the bath

+being in the car for a long time (road trips)

+getting lotion put on him...crazy kid

+going into dark rooms (knows it's time to sleep) 

+when he can't fit something in his mouth

Mommy loves:

+hugging you

+watching you learn and grow

+when you nuzzle your face on my chest

+when you're fresh out of the bath in jammies

+dressing you in new clothes

+the sweet looks and noises you make when nursing

+rocking you in the middle of the night

Firsts: 

+saw the ocean at seaside

+went to the dentist

+got his eyes checked 

+christmas 

+sat on santas lap 

+first time visiting Mimi and papas house

+first time sleeping in his crib at night

+wearing a zipadeezip, no more swaddle 

+rolls like a champ, hence the no swaddle anymore 

Facts about you:

+your eyes droop when you're tired 

+you are a drool and spit machine right now

+you go through about 6-8 burp cloths a day!

+you are good at grabbing your toys 

+you're shy, when we make you smile you quickly look away bashfully 

+you always move your hands and arms while nursing, trying to grab anything you can 

+you giggle when you get scared...BOO!

Birth story

Cash Monroe Lindquist was born on September 13, 2014 at 10:14 am, he was 21 inches long and 7 pounds 12 ounces of perfection.
Scott and I still can't believe that he came on his actual due date, but we are so happy he did!
On Friday September 12, Scott and I drove down to Vancouver (where the hospital we delivered at is) with all of our bags packed and ready to stay at Scott's parents house JUST IN CASE Cash decided to come during the weekend, which we were crossing our fingers for. With Optometry school having started in August Scott couldn't really afford to miss any school days, so him coming on a weekend was the perfect situation.
All day Friday I was thinking that this baby is definitely not coming anytime soon, all along I had a feeling I was going to be overdue for sure. I did not expect our weekend in Vancouver to end with me rushing to the hospital and delivering our sweet little boy.
It started with Scott and I taking a long 4 mile walk around town to try to start things moving along. After the walk I didn't feel any different, and decided I wanted to make brownies, buy some ice cream to go with them, and rent a movie. At 10:30pm, as soon as we were about to settle down to some dessert and a movie my water broke. At first I didn't realize what was happening, I was in denial that I was actually going into labor. Scott and I didn't know what to do, we never thought we would be in this situation. So Scott called the on call physician at my doctor's office and she told us to go to the hospital. Scott and I were both in disbelief that the time had finally come to meet our baby boy. Scott kept saying, "holy crap, we're going to have a baby!" So as calmly as possible we gathered all the things we needed to head to the hospital. I waited for Scott in the car as he went in the house to grab our overnight bag, which he managed to forget to grab after three times of running in and out of the house, it's safe to say he was a little in shock.
I was admitted to the hospital at 10:50pm and was dilated at a 2. They wanted to make sure I was progressing before given an epidural, so Scott and I walked around the hospital for a while to get the contractions going. They started coming a minute apart. Contractions were way more painful than I imagined they would be, thank goodness I had Scott there to hold onto. Every contraction I would put my arms up around his neck and breath very deep and slow. I have to admit I even had to hurt him a little to get through some of them. At 1:00am I was dilated at a 4 and wanted the epidural ASAP. So they hooked me up to an IV and started giving me fluid so they could give me the epidural. At 1:50am I was finally given the epidural. I had always been a little nervous for this part, the thought of not being able to move or feel my legs scared me! But no. Numbness. Best thing ever. I was so relaxed. After having contractions for hours I was in heaven once the epidural set in. I was hooked up to a monitor which monitored the baby's heartbeat and my contractions. At one point the baby's heart rate was slowing so they put a monitor on his head and I was given oxygen. I couldn't help but stare at the screen checking my baby boys heartbeat all night long. 
Now we waited.
All night long.
Scott's mom Velenti stayed with Scott and I in the hospital that night anticipating the arrival of Cash. We all took our guesses as to when we thought Cash would be born, I said 6:45am, Scott 7:13am, and Velenti 8:23am. Boy were we all wrong! Scott kept laughing and saying "We're having a baby! He is ours to be responsible for forever!" Which to I responded that I wasn't worried about raising him, I'm worried about delivering him!
At around 8:00am I started pushing.  I pushed for 2 1/2 hours. pure EXHAUSTION, especially from being up all night long. Scott held my leg on one side with my nurse on the other. At every contraction I would push 3 times, 10 seconds each. Scott counted up to 10 out loud for me which helped a lot. The doctor kept telling me to push harder, push harder. Once the final push arrived my doctor told me to stop pushing right away, the cord was wrapped around his neck really tight and she had to cut it. After that, I felt him slide right out and he was immediately set him on my chest for about 2 seconds before they took him away. He was chalk white. Tons of nurses rushed in immediately to help, I was so out of it I didn't know what was happening besides the fact that I couldn't hear him crying, I kept asking Scott why he wasn't crying. He laid on the baby table motionless arms and legs laying flat at his sides. After rubbing on him and working with him for what seemed like forever he made his first little cry.
His first breath really did take ours away. 
He was cleaned off and set on my chest. Words can't describe what I felt in that moment. My heart has never been fuller, having my son laying on my chest, so innocent and pure. Cash was so alert with his eyes wide open just looking up at me. Scott and I both just looked at each other and at Cash and cried with happiness. We both completely fell in love with him.
Giving birth was definitely the hardest thing I've ever had to do, and the most rewarding.

You, me, and baby

As Scott and I get closer and closer to due date I can't help but think of all the changes that will occur in our life. It has been just the two of us for so long that it is hard to imagine having a third person coming into our family. It's a little scary to think it's not going to be just him and me, but him, me, and baby as a family of three. I know that things will be totally different, but I also know that they will be way better! We will have a precious baby that is part of him and a part of me and I just can't wait for all the love we get to welcome into our home.
Now a little bragging:
Scott has been the best husband throughout my whole pregnancy, he has been so patient, supportive, sensitive, and understanding. He has calmed me through all of my crying episodes, irritability, nausea, and tiredness. He has filled in for me when I wasn't able to cook, clean, or do the dishes. He has made trips to the store for either my upset stomach or sudden cravings.
He has been my rock through these 9 months of pregnancy. I honestly don't know what I would have done without him.
He has taken part in my obsession with baby gear, registering at stores, and researching/reading all the ratings on different brands. He has listened to my constant talk about the nursery all summer. He has become an expert at putting together "baby stuff." He came with me to all my doctor appointments and was very comforting when it came to my worries. Whenever I get scared and nervous about this whole parenting thing I just remember I am in it with Scott, and we make a great team. 

There is nothing that has warmed my heart more than seeing Scott prepare to be a dad, kissing his son, reading him books, talking to him, singing him songs, and touching my belly to feel him kick. I can already see how much he loves him. I cannot wait for the moment I see Scott holding our baby boy.  I know he is going to be the best dad.

39 weeks

I really cannot believe that I am only 5 days away from my due date! This is my last bump update!
It still feels unreal that in 2 weeks or less I will have a baby, a little tiny human that is mine, and I am his mama. He will depend on me for everything. Scott and I are responsible for caring and raising him. We are both so excited and scared at the same time (me more so for the pushing), but we are so ready for this great great adventure. We sure love this baby so much already and cannot wait to hold him in our arms!!!

How far along? 39 weeks!

How big is baby? As big as a watermelon (19-22 in & 7 lbs)

Total weight gain/loss: About 30 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Getting pretty tired of wearing the same maternity clothes every week, but buying anything new now would just be a waste. So I will stick to my go-to maternity t-shirts, dresses, and sweat pants :)

Sleep: I am definitely getting prepared for baby, because I am up about 3-4 times a night to use the bathroom and have not been sleeping the best

Best moment this week: Packing our hospital bags, washing baby clothes, and getting our car seat installed for baby boy, OH and even putting in the in-sight baby mirror. Can't wait to look in my rearview mirror to see my baby looking back at me

Movement: Of course, it is getting very squished in there. I can always feel his little bum wiggling and his feet are usually poking my right side

Food cravings: Ice cream, watermelon, and water! I have been drinking sooo much water. I don't know why I have been so thirsty lately, and along with drinking so much water, I have to use the bathroom almost every 30 minutes. I have to drink two bottles of water during the night because I get so thirsty. It's crazy

Food Aversions: Nothing really, but hamburgers still sound disgusting to me. I wonder if that will change after pregnancy or not???

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: Lots and lots of Braxton hicks contractions but other than that, still not effaced or dilated

Pregnancy Symptoms: pelvic pressure, frequent peeing, my back hurts most of the time (I cannot sit for very long), swollen feet, and it is about impossible for me to bend over 

Belly Button in or out? Out!

What I miss: Oh where to begin? I will say my pregnancy has been very easy thus far and I have been so lucky, but I am ready for this baby to be out. I miss sleeping on my stomach and back, I miss being able to wear whatever, I miss being able to paint my toes and shave my legs without running out of breath, and I miss having a flat tummy. These 9 months have been great and I have loved having my sweet baby grow inside of me, but it is time to come out :)

What I am looking forward to: Seeing what baby L looks like! We haven't had an ultrasound since 20 weeks which I am super bummed about. I have been dying to see our boy again. At my OBGYN they don't do anymore ultrasounds unless there is something to be worried about, which is good and bad at the same time

Upcoming appointments/events: September 11, if I don't have the baby by my due date (Sept 13) they will induce me no later than a week after. So he will be here by the 20th at the latest!

Milestones: We are ready for you baby boy!!!