Bishop // 6 months

6 MONTHS OLD

weight: 18 lb 2 oz
length: 28 1/2 inches

clothes: 9 months

diaper: size 3

eating: rice cereal, oatmeal, green & orange veggies, fruits

teeth: two! (bottom left on 9/13, bottom right on 9/19)

Happy half birthday little man! You bring so much joy to our family. Hudson & London are still so excited to see you every day (... sometimes a bit too excited.)

Bishop is starting to be more vocal and has his own little way to get our attention- "Eh!" like he's trying to say hi. He is the smiliest kid around. He loves his jumperoo and is starting to get up on his knees to crawl. He's a great eater & so far has liked everything he's tried, although he seems to prefer the veggies (specifically the orange ones) over the fruits. He loves squash, but makes a face when I give him cherry-flavored pain reliever. Go figure. 

Sleep has been a bit off due to teething, but I'm hoping now that the bottom two teeth are in, we get back to sleeping through the night. 

Bishop // 5 months

5 MONTHS OLD

weight: over 17 lb

clothes: 6-9 months

diaper: size 3

eating: rice cereal, green beans & carrots

How has it been 5 months already?! Bishop is doing great and is such a happy baby. He's back to sleeping through the night (for the most part). He's still drinking primarily breastmilk, with a formula bottle usually only on Sundays while in the church nursery (because it's easier to pack). He's doing great with food so far. I'm sticking to veggies for now, but will add in fruits next month.

He's rolling all over the place, trying to crawl, and jabbering quite a bit. He's also chewing on his hands like crazy, so I know those teeth are getting ready to pop through. I'm just hoping they don't cause him too much pain (or us too much disruption at night!)

We took Bishop into the pool for the first time this weekend, and although it was a little cold, he seemed to really like it!

Bishop // 4 months

4 MONTHS OLD

weight: 16 lb 6 oz
height: 27 inches

clothes: 6-9 months

diaper: size 3

eating: rice cereal

Bishop is now 4 months old and growing fast! He's actually the biggest of all my kids at this point. He has turned into a really happy and easy-going baby!! I never thought I'd say that after the first couple months we had. I think his reflux has gotten much better and causing him less discomfort.

He is eating so much!! Amanda told me he drinks 8 oz at a time, and I didn't believe it until I gave him a bottle a couple days ago. It's been hard for me to keep up with his appetite, so we decided to introduce him to rice cereal a couple weeks early (I was planning to wait until 4 months). He has done amazingly well with it. I also gave him his first formula bottle so we could slowly get his body used to that. I'm hoping to nurse him until 6 months but, honestly, this pumping business is not fun. Between pumping 4-5 times a day, carrying my pump around, and washing bottles and parts every night... it's tiring! I'm just glad I've been able to keep up with him this long.

Bishop has been waking up a couple times a night for the last few weeks. I remember London doing the same thing... she slept through the night for a couple weeks, and then started waking up multiple times again! Just when you get used to a full night's sleep. I know I'm reinforcing the waking up by feeding him in the middle of the night, but when you're exhausted and your baby is crying, it's easiest just to nurse him back to sleep. At some point I'll have to let him cry it out or self-soothe but it's tough, especially with his room being attached to ours!

In other news, he's now rolling both ways! He started rolling tummy to back a few weeks ago, and yesterday he rolled back to tummy. It's funny because I never even saw him trying to roll back to tummy until yesterday, and then he was just doing it! Quick learner. ;)

Brandon & I are still tired all the time. It's seriously so much work each and every day. It feels like there's never enough time in the day, and we don't even have the kids in any activities! I'm not sure how families do it when the kids are in sports during the week... but maybe both of those parents aren't working full-time. Anyway, we just take it a day at a time!

Bishop // 3 months

3 months: 15 lb // 26 inches

Well after a couple challenging months, Bishop has become kind of a dream! For the last few weeks, he's been on a good routine & is overall just a happy guy! (Thank you, Lord.) Of course that happened right before I returned to work... but I'll take it. He's also been sleeping great at night- usually 11-12 hours! My best sleeper yet.

Initially I was really concerned about having someone else take care of him when I went back to work because he was so fussy. (Do babies get expelled from daycare?) We decided to have Bishop go to Amanda's a few times before my maternity leave ended, and from the first day Amanda & Guillermo commented that he is such a good baby and rarely cries. I was shocked. But obviously so relieved. I've been back at work for a week and a half now, and he's doing awesome. We are so blessed to have such amazing people to take care of him... it really makes things so much easier.

However, EASY does not really describe life right now. It's crazy how much work is involved every day, before we technically start working. Since I start my job at 7 and commute 30 miles, I have to leave by 6:20. Which means I'm up at 5 to shower, get ready, pump, pack lunches, pack Bishop's bag and help dress the kids. Brandon has the fun job of loading up the kids and dropping them off at Amanda's and school. So far everything has gone smoothly, and all but one day, Bishop slept until it was time to go. I'm so grateful to have such a great partner. Brandon does so much & I couldn't do all this without him! Anyway, aside from all the work before and after work, it's good to be back at work and back in a routine. And once I'm at the office, it's actually kind of relaxing.

Hudson & London are still so in love with their brother. Every day they are excited to see him. Hudson just graduated from kindergarten this week & had a great report card and perfect attendance! He's learned so much this year & I am so proud of him. London finished her first year of preschool. She started in the 2-year-old class, and was moved mid-year up to the 3-year-old class. She is as stubborn and sassy as ever... never a dull moment with her. But the girl is definitely smart.

Bishop // 2 months

2 months: 14 lb

Man, time is flying & this boy is getting so big so fast. Bishop is definitely the most challenging baby we've had so far. I've been trying to get him on a schedule (like I did with Hudson & London) and he's just not taking to it. Every day is a little different. But luckily, nights are pretty consistent. He goes to bed around 7:00 & sleeps until about 1:00 am, then wakes up one more time around 4 or 5:00.

I go back to work in less than 2 weeks, so it will be a challenge getting back into the routine- getting up early, picking up the kids, getting dinner, doing baths, etc. but I'm sure it will get easier as we go. It's been great being home the last 14 weeks, and I've been pretty emotional about leaving Bishop. More than before, I think. But he's had a couple "trial runs" at Amanda's house, and he's done great. I know he's in good hands.

Bishop // 1 month

1 month: 11 lb 8 oz

We've made it a month now as a family of 5. Honestly, it's been a bit crazy! The first 2 weeks seemed to go really smoothly, with Bishop eating & sleeping a lot. Week 3 was a bit different. He was really fussy & wanted to be held constantly... which is difficult when you have 2 other kids and a side business to attend to (not to mention a husband & a house!) Luckily Brandon has been off work and has been a HUGE help. He even packaged all my bridgeBOX orders during that crazy 3rd week. 

Thankfully, the last week has been much better, and we've been able to get Bishop on a little more of a routine (Eat, Activity, Sleep). Nights are okay, with him usually waking up 2-3 times and going 3-4 hour stretches. He's obviously a great eater, as evident by his 3+ pound weight gain!

Hudson & London are still so in love with him, and they constantly ask if they can kiss him and hold him. I'm wondering when the excitement of a new baby brother is going to wear off, but so far it hasn't. It's really sweet to see.

Bishop Dean Myers

After my 41-week appointment, we went home and prepared for my induction at midnight that night. We picked up the kids from school, got them in bed, and had Brandon's mom come over to stay with the kids while we were gone. Around 7 or 8pm, I started having contractions that were stronger than before. The hospital called around 9 and asked if I wanted to come in early for the induction. Since we were already wondering how we were going to stay awake until midnight, we decided to go in.

We got to the hospital around 9:30 or 10, by which time my contractions were getting stronger and more frequent. When I got into my room, I was dilated 4 centimeters with contractions every 5 minutes. The nurses were pretty pleased with the fact that I was already in the early stages of labor, and optimistic that things would start moving quickly once the pitocin was administered.

Around 10:30 they started the pitocin. The nurses informed me that the anesthesiologist was going into a C-section, and that he would be unavailable for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.... so I could either get my epidural now or afterwards. Given my history with inductions (taking 16 and 24 hours) I figured I had time, and my pain wasn't too bad yet, so I decided to wait. Well, things started progressing quickly! Around 12:30 or so, I was in dire need of that epidural! The contractions were getting really intense. Luckily the anesthesiologist was in around 1:00 am and finally I got some relief. The midwife told me to get some rest, and that she would be in after an hour for me to start pushing. I don't think she was gone more than 15 minutes, and I was telling her I felt the need to push. Sure enough, she checked me and I was ready!

As I was pushing, the nurse & midwife had me wear an oxygen mask, and they asked that I not push during some of the contractions. This was strange to me, but I didn't ask questions. It turns out that the umbilical cord was wrapped loosely around the baby's head. The midwife was able to unwrap it before he came out. I'm so glad they didn't tell us what was going on, because that would have added a lot of stress to the situation! After about 20 minutes of pushing, our baby was born! Praise God for another healthy baby!

Bishop Dean Myers

3/19/14 • 2:42 am

8 lb 1 oz

21 3/4 inches long

I was expecting him to be my biggest baby since I carried him the longest, but he was actually a few ounces lighter than Hudson was. The nurses mentioned that his skin was a bit peely, which is typical of babies that go past their due date. He came out with lots of blonde hair! Everyone at the hospital commented that they had never seen a baby with so much blonde hair. Grandma Joan brought the kids to the hospital after school to meet their new brother, and as you can see, they were totally in love!!

41 weeks // Baby #3

Wow, I can't believe I passed my due date by a week! Apparently I have just made a cozy home for this baby. This morning I had an appointment and was 3-4 cm dilated. My doctor said she couldn't believe I hadn't gone into labor yet... but that it could happen at any moment. I had her strip my membranes to try to get something going before my scheduled induction tonight.

I'm officially over being pregnant. Overall, I've had a wonderful pregnancy... but the last few days I have been uncomfortable and cranky. I think the anticipation (and letdown of nothing happening) has started to take a toll. I'm grateful for the extra time I've been able to spend with Brandon before we start this new adventure!

40 weeks // Baby #3

how far along: 40 weeks

total weight gain: 36 pounds

signs of labor: dilated 3 cm, 50% effaced

I can't believe I've made it 40 weeks! Go figure that I would be pregnant the longest with #3. I had an appointment yesterday & have made some progress, but the baby is still somewhat high. My doctor thinks I'll go into labor within 72 hours... but if this baby doesn't budge, we'll be inducing on Wednesday 3/19. I'd really like to go into labor before then.

I feel pretty good and have been staying busy with work, so that's been a good distraction. But I'm definitely ready to have this baby & nervous about how big he might be if he doesn't come soon! My guess is that he's around 8 1/2 pounds right now... based on the other kids' weights. I feel like all 3 pregnancies have been really similar in terms of weight gain, size of my belly, etc.

But overall, I've had a great pregnancy and I'm so grateful to have carried this baby for 40+ weeks! He should be nice & healthy when he finally makes his debut!

39 weeks // Baby #3

how far along: 39 weeks

total weight gain: 37 pounds

maternity clothes: running out of clothes that fit

signs of labor: dilated 2.5 cm, 40% effaced (not much change since last week)

I didn't really expect to still be pregnant at this point. I'm still a week away from my due date, but I felt like since this was my 3rd baby, he'd come a week or two early. Just shows who's really in control... not me! It has been nice being off work and not having to wake up so early (5am what?!) and rush to the office. I've been sleeping in until about 6, having my coffee & taking care of the morning drop-off routine with the kids (which I'm sure Brandon enjoys since that's usually his job!) During the day I've been organizing different areas of the house that have been bugging me, working on some design projects (for clients who are flexible with their deadlines) and trying to rest.

I'm getting more uncomfortable, and sleeping is pretty rough. But during the day I feel okay. Last night I had some contractions that were about 10-15 minutes apart, but after about an hour they stopped. It's such a weird feeling to wake up each day and think, "Is today the day?" especially since I've never experience the whole "going into labor" thing (being induced with both the other kids). My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday, which is my due date, so if I'm still pregnant then, we will schedule the induction for the following week. I'm really hoping to go into labor on my own though. Let's hope this is the last bump picture I post!

38 weeks // Baby #3

how far along: 38 weeks

total weight gain: 35 pounds

maternity clothes: over it

signs of labor: dilated 2 cm, 40% effaced / irregular contractions becoming more frequent

This was my first week of maternity leave- yay! (...though technically I am still working on my stuff- just not my full-time job.) I was able to get some things done over the weekend- like pack my hospital bag, get the carseat in the car, finish the nursery- and do my taxes yesterday. I also squeezed in a couple fun things, like lunch & shopping with my sister and aunt on Tuesday, and then breakfast with a friend yesterday.

I'm feeling more and more uncomfortable, and Brandon has been sick with a nasty virus for the last 12 days or so... so while I'm ready to have this baby, I'm hoping it doesn't happen until Brandon is healthy, or at least on the mend! Today I went to the doctor and was dilated 2 cm (I was 1 cm for the last 2 weeks) and my fluid still looks good. I guess it could happen anytime!

In other exciting news, I was in the OC Register on Tuesday! Front page of the business section. I was interviewed and photographed for an article about subscription boxes... so my bridgeBOX was featured. Go figure this would all happen just as I'm about to have a baby and take a break, but still exciting nonetheless!

37 weeks // Baby #3

how far along: 37 weeks

total weight gain: 35 pounds (i guess i made up for the weeks i didn't gain!)

maternity clothes: i feel like nothing fits anymore.

cravings: girl scout cookies

missing: sleeping on my back, wearing normal clothes, my feet...

Since I had low fluid with London, requiring me to be induced at 37 weeks, my doctor checked my level this week. I was so relieved to hear it was good (anything less than 5 would mean the baby was at risk; mine was 14!) I would love to go into labor on my own this time around, even though it's so unfamiliar and a little nerve-wracking. I'm still only dilated 1 cm but Dr. Flores told me that once he starts moving, things can happen quickly! Tomorrow is my last day of work, so I'm glad I was able to make it this far. 

This past weekend was my baby shower, thrown by my wonderful mother-in-law. My sister made the desserts (which I think contributed to my recent weight gain!) and it was a great day with family and friends. My mom was able to come, since Uncle Phil's funeral was the day before, so that was really nice.

I'm feeling tired these days, so I'm looking forward to starting maternity leave and being able to rest and prepare for the baby. There may not be too many more belly shots!

35 weeks // Baby #3

how far along: 35 weeks (+2 days)

total weight gain: 30 pounds (yay for not gaining any weight over 2 weeks!)

maternity clothes: i feel like i just rotate the same 5 outfits...

cravings: a margarita! i told brandon once the baby is born, i want mexican food & a margarita from javier's!

missing: my regular clothes

This week I feel like I hit a wall. I've been so tired! Luckily I have a husband who has been doing extra things to help out (like picking up the kids from school, giving them baths, cooking, etc.) My plan is to work 2 more weeks, but it's starting to get harder. The baby is really low, so I feel a lot of pressure when I'm on my feet. Plus, he's really active, so his movements and kicks can be a bit painful at times (especially on my side!)

Tomorrow we are taking family maternity photos, and next weekend is my baby shower. I'm hoping I can just make it 3 more weeks, and then baby is welcome to come at any time!

33 weeks // Baby #3

how far along: 33 weeks (+2 days)

total weight gain: 30 pounds (so much for only gaining 25 this pregnancy!)

maternity clothes: only maternity bottoms now... which consists of about 5 options. loose shirts are getting a bit short too.

cravings: chipotle! 

missing: being able to stand up without feeling the urge to pee every 5 minutes!

Today I had an appointment with the doctor & discovered my due date is actually 3/12, not 3/18. So I guess we are about a week closer to meeting this baby than we thought! (It also means I should probably rethink starting maternity on 3/2.) Baby B has been moving around like crazy and appears to be head-down (though that could still change at this point). Everything looks great so far (no signs of him coming yet) and I'm measuring right on track. Hopefully he'll stay put for about 5 more weeks. Since Hudson was born 5 days early and was 8 lb 5 oz, I'm nervous about how big this baby could be if he comes late!

31 weeks // Baby #3

how far along: 31 weeks

total weight gain: 26 pounds

maternity clothes: yep

cravings: sweets... since we're trying to eat healthier now that the holidays & babymoon are over!

missing: sleeping comfortably (on my back) & being able to roll over without pain

Overall my pregnancy has been really easy, but a few weeks ago I started experiencing some pain like I did during my last pregnancy: hip/pelvic pain that is excruciating when I roll over in bed or sometimes when I first get up in the morning. It's been making it a bit harder to be on my feet, and sleeping is pretty tough some nights.

However, Brandon & I were able to get away last week for some rest & relaxation... and food! We flew up to St. Helena and spent 4 nights there (our longest trip ever without kids!) and we had a wonderful time exploring the area, eating delicious food, stopping at a few wineries (for the hubby, obviously), and just relaxing! After the craziness of the holidays and work, we needed the break, and I came back feeling better, physically & emotionally. I'll update pics from our trip soon.

Babymoon

early morning flight

 convertible camaro... our car for the weekend!

pastries at tartine san francisco

sweet note & salted caramels from the wydown hotel

morning coffee at napa valley coffee roasters

cream puffs from the oxbow public market 

etude winery

delicous pork belly sandwich & fig shrub soda at the girl + the fig sonoma

beringer

designated driver

st clement

st clement

selfie before dinner at COOK st helena

lunch at cindy's backstreet cafe

french blue

such great breakfast... we went back for lunch!

mom drove out to spend the day with us

etude winery

the most amazing scallops at goose & gander

last stop at boonfly cafe before heading home

Brandon and I have been talking about a babymoon for a few months now, but between work & the kids, it just wasn't happening. So right before Christmas, he took it upon himself to just book it before it was too late! He booked a 4-night getaway, which is longer than we have ever been away from the kids (usually it's 1 or 2 nights) but since we won't be taking any trips for a while... and Grandma Joan was willing... we went for it! 

We caught an early flight on New Year's Day from Long Beach to Oakland. From there we scored a pretty sweet rental car (thanks to my hubby's negotiating skills), and stopped in San Francisco before heading up to St. Helena. Brandon found the cutest boutique hotel (the Wydown) in downtown St. Helena. It was totally our style and within walking distance to lots of great restaurants. Since I obviously can't do wine tasting, we made this trip all about the food (though we did make a few stops at wineries so Brandon could taste). Our favorite spots were Cindy's Backstreet Cafe, French Blue, Farmstead and Goose & Gander. One day we headed out to Sonoma and had lunch at The Girl + The Fig, which was also delish!

St. Helena is such a cute town, and the area is gorgeous (although it's super dry right now because of the drought). It was the perfect place to go and relax... and eat. But after 4 nights away, we were SO ready to come home and see our kids! We got to the airport, anxious to see them, only to discover we had a 4-hour flight delay. Cue the tears. That was the worst thing to hear. So we spent the next few hours hanging out in the Oakland airport, watching NFL playoffs and Keeping Up With The Kardashians... and finally we were on our 1-hour flight home. We finally made it home around 5:30pm to some pretty excited kids.

Thanks to Brandon for planning an amazing trip for us! And for the 5-pound weight gain!