Baby Roo's Second Ultrasound...

I thought it would be a good idea for me to jot down some moments from this ultrasound while it's still fresh in my memory!

It was nice getting ready for this appointment in contrast to the rush and unknown of our first ultrasound at 11 weeks. I had forgotten however, how tough it is to drink all that water and hold it for the hour and a half. I had one glass left and 40 minutes until my appointment and I was going crazy. The thought of having them push on my bladder once I got there, let alone manage to hold it for that much longer wasn't happening. So as I danced around I asked Henry if I could pee just a little. He laughed at me and said go for it. I did have another glass to drink and enough time to make it all work. The hard part is starting and managing to stop, but it worked out and I was able to make it to the appointment without wetting myself.

We were called into our room after a few minutes of waiting and as is the usual procedure, they do measurements first then spend the last few minutes showing you the baby. Henry and I were quiet as we watched her measure our baby and smiled at each other when we caught a glimpse of recognizable features. After she had all she needed she turned the screen and showed us Baby Roo. First off I take back ever saying this baby is less active than Zoey....in the past week or so Baby Roo has made a total liar out of me! There was live evidence of that as well as we watch Roo kick, stretch, and squirm. At one point we saw baby stretch to their full length and push the limits of space. It's always surreal to see it happen on screen while feeling it at the same time. We were able to see famous Duiker legs on Roo, arms, heartbeat, and a precious face. In the quick moment we were able to see eyes, nose, and mouth, all which look perfectly unique and yet so similar to his/her sister. It all feels just a little more real and I adored getting to see Baby Roo in action and I am so excited to be able to hold him or her soon enough.

One final exciting thing, all the measurements match pretty darn close to the dates I have for a due date. I know full well, a due date doesn't mean a whole lot that often, but for some reason I've been convinced that we are not due in January. Baby might come in January, but we sure aren't due then. It was exciting to see my gut was right on this one. Henry figures I just like being right, but come on who doesn't!

Looking straight at Baby Roo's face. A little blurry but it's there!

Starting from the Left is the bottom of the Spine curving towards the head.

Legs and Knees

Teeny foot

Body and Arm raised with a teeny nose and mouth.

Legs, Body, Arm, and Head in motion

I go this week for the results from the Ultrasound and I'm eager to hear things are going well and Roo is healthy. That's really all I can ask for.

First Few Days of Potty Training....

I am happy to report that the first few days have gone really well! She's getting the hang of it slowly and we are keeping her pull ups dry for longer and longer periods of time. I'm not sure if she has figured out that pee and poo only go in the potty, but she's realizing that the potty is used for those things. We were just waiting for the first time she went in the potty to be enthusiastic and give her Smarties (the special treat she picked herself) and when it happened we cheered and clapped and she was so excited that we were excited! Over the last day and a half she is going within five minutes of being on the seat. We are still working on doing number two on the potty but in time that will happen.

I felt so stressed about this process at first and I wasn't sure why. I have helped with potty training over my years in the Early Learning field, but never spear headed it myself. But upon some reflection I realized my problem was due to the fact that I've never had a problem with diapers. I know I know....crazy! Most parents are ecstatic about the idea of no diapers to change but I'm a little strange I suppose. Even with a new baby coming I really felt no pressure to get Zoey out of them. I genuinely feel that with the 10 a day for a newborn what's the 3-4 a day she was using. But we realized with all our foot dragging, that the fights we were having in changing her diapers every time was due to the fact she didn't want to have them anymore. Zoey is a child who continues to surprise us with her ability to suddenly figure something out and just does it. She did it with sleeping, naps, eating, walking, weaning, etc. So we are learning to also take her cues and let her develop these skills when she tells us she's ready.



We were also surprised that she does not mind being on the big potty. We have a small portable one for her when she needs it, but overall we've spent most of our time on the big one and using a seat that was given to us by friends (thanks guys!!), the Bumbo potty seat seems to work great for girls specifically. The only trouble we've found with the little seat we have for her, is the hard seat obviously gets uncomfortable after waiting for over 5 minutes and Bumbo is the same soft foam from the original seats.  So overall, we are so proud and excited of our Zoey! I think in a couple day's we'll be heading out to buy her some big girl undies! That will be a big day for all of us!



So for my own future reference, here are some things I've learned in the last day or two about Potty Training:

• Make sure you have the time to dedicate to potty training. I can't imagine it would work at all if you're looking the clock for anything other than, when's the next time to sit on the potty.

•  Find a seat that is comfortable for them.

•  I think that for us, sitting on the potty should be limited to about 20 minutes. If nothing, then try again in an hour to hour and a half.

•  Talk about the potty lots! Make a big deal out of it, but never ever scold them for accidents. This one I know from my Early Learning experience, it tends to do more harm then good. You can explain gently that we want to stay clean and dry but that they are not bad for having an accident.

• Make a big deal out of successes! Have some sort of reward system, something that is of value to them. On top of any tangible reward clap and cheer and get excited!

• Have patience. I don't think I've ever spent so much time in the bathroom as I have these last few days, and waiting for that first success was tough, but I've learned in all ways children pick up on our stress and frustration. If we feel frustrated, so will them and that stalls progress. So try your best to make it a quality time project if you can!

I've read so many articles and no fail strategies for Potty Training and I think that's putting a lot of pressure on parents and kids. Every child is so unique and what works for Zoey may or may not work for you or even for Roo once that time comes. You are the expert in your own child, so gather all the ideas and advice you need and make the call based on your child and who they are! It's tough work changing gears from a whole life whizzing in a diaper where ever to having to hold it for a potty. It all will come in time and you only need to focus on your child not what others think.

I say all this to encourage others and remind myself that it's okay on the inevitable days that will feel more discouraging than today. I will keep you posted!

 

Ever Getting It Right...

Does anyone ever feel like they have no idea what they are doing in life and parenting? Anyone feel like you are royally screwing up your children? Good heavens I sure do! I'm hoping that over time that lessens as we see our children become self sustaining adults who hopefully go on to make their own good decisions.

I had a moment yesterday where I was plagued with doubts of my parenting ability. I am assuming it was brought on by a semi long afternoon of meltdowns and a need to be held every moment. In the light of a new day, even with it own challenges already, I see that while we had some 'moments' we had a great day together. We cleaned up, put away laundry together, baked snack and made some lasagna, listened to Adventures in Odyssey, she had a bath and so did the puppy. We wrapped the day at our Community Group which is always such a blessing. Zoey came with us this time and got to play with her friend who lives there. He's nearly twice her age but they do so well together it is so amazing for me to see. Since Zoey is a little shy, his personality helps direct her into an engaged playtime. So as we sat with our group wrapping our final chat about The Holy Spirit (Forgotten God by Francis Chan...read it!) Henry and I could see our quiet little girl bouncing and giggling with her friend.

It's in those moment God reminds me that despite my failings, our desire to raise Zoey and Roo in a God filled and directed household will be honored. It's shocking to think that truly, God loves our children even more than we possibly could and wants the best for them. If I want proof, really all I have to do is spend sometime just watching her play. She is beautiful, healthy, and so incredibly loving. And two.....sometimes I forget the impact that being two has on behavior and needs and it all come back into focus.

So I am trying to give us all a break and prayerfully remind myself that if I follow God in my parenting as well, Zoey will be be blessed in her future and growth. 

Up Coming Ultrasound and PUPPS....

For those who have followed along with me or heard my prayer requests, you know that I have become sadly familiar with intense itching. It has been diagnosed at Eczema but we can't really dig deep into the cause until after this pregnancy. I've been blessed with the ability to manage most flares through cream from my Dermatologist. However, on Friday last week I had what I call a flare up, but this one looked and felt different. My belly was incredibly itchy this time and it has never been before. I know better that to truly scratch as I told Henry, 'Think I have just enough marks on my belly, thank you very much". At night when I had a chance to examine my belly I noticed it looked like I was covered with Chicken Pox. 'What on earth is this!" I sighed and showed Henry. We had no idea and decided to do the best job managing it we could. I thought perhaps I reacted to Vitamin E oil I had tried that afternoon. Tuesday has come along and the rash and itch is still there. I went to see my doctor this morning to get his thoughts and his diagnosis was one I was hoping to avoid. He said it looks just like PUPPS. What is PUPPS you ask? It's a pregnancy symptom that happens to a lucky few. The belly, and sometimes legs/arms are covered in an itchy rash. There is very little they can do, and not much in the way of testing to find out for sure. The part I knew about and was disappointed about is that it disappears on it's own......after the baby is born. Baby will be unaffected, but I've got a ways to go yet and I was hoping I was sneak through the rest of my pregnancy without crazy itching and having my poor belly covered in hives. It's so superficial, but a pregnant lady, not much of your body is familiar or even yours, and we tend to love on our belly's as the proof of the amazing and huge work we're doing. So having that part of me marred is a little disappointing. However, I had my poor me moment with my sister, mom, and husband, and I am focusing on the health of my family, which I am so grateful to God! Besides, I'm used to being itchy now right!

My view at 20 weeks....it's awesome :)

20 weeks

On the horizon we have our Ultrasound next week and I couldn't be happier! Henry is going to come it with me and we can't wait to see Baby Roo and how he/she grown since the first viewing. My doctor told me this morning that Baby Roo is already a little stubborn. Roo does not want to be found when it's time for the dopplar. And when baby was found, there was a massive amount of wiggling to sneak away. It's been amusing seeing the differences between our babies. Zoey was a kicker! Always kicking and stopped at night to sleep and started wiggling right away, very true to her character. Baby Roo has been wiggly but much less so, there are fewer moments in the day and most when I lay down at night for about 20 minutes and then it's quiet for the night. When Roo logged into my Left side I couldn't for the life of me get him/her to move. I have no idea how a baby floating in fluid hangs on like that but I'm so enamored with Roo's personality.

Wore Daddy right out with all the blocks

Not sure why, but it's her new favorite spot!

After a long day of playing and healing

She saw Marshmallows in the The Lorax and she became obsessed!

Cozy coffee table

Zoey's hand is healing beautifully and I think very soon she can start playing in the dirt and on the playground again! She's been a trooper and minus some challenging days overcoming the emotional aspect of her accident, we've all landed on our feet and have been enjoying as much time together possible. Paint is going on the walls this week so we are seeing a slow wrap to this enormous project. We will be so happy to have this finished and not feel the draw of our time and energy. Until then, I will keep you updated once the colors are up!

20 Weeks and a Loooong Weekend...

Hi!

It's unbelievable to me that we are halfway through this pregnancy! On Wednesday morning I woke up and felt my belly was shifted. I looked and Baby Roo had lodged into my left side creating a lump on one side and a tilted belly on the other. It's very common occurrence as baby gets bigger, but I told Henry that it hadn't occurred to me that Baby Roo could possibly be THAT big yet! I assumed it would be another month at least before we would see that happening. It's another symptom of not fully absorbing how fast this pregnancy is flying by! At the same time I am so overly excited, it's my favorite thing about being pregnant. There are a lot of jabs and jolts that make you flinch, but there is always a bubble of joy for me with each one. Last night we just watched Baby Roo roll and flip around. We are so grateful. We are also looking forward to our Ultrasound. The first one was so emotional and fast that we are excited to see baby in a more calm setting (not that we didn't adore seeing baby so early!).

This past weekend was a long weekend and we were so excited to have some time as a family. So much effort has been going into finishing parts of our basement and it eats up a lot of free time for Henry. We know it needs to get done and we are so blessed to be able to work on it and have the help, but it really does take so much time. So even though we had plans to put some time into it over the weekend, we knew we would spend as much time as a family as possible. It was great being able to go for walks in the morning, run errands together, go to the ER....Oh I haven't mentioned that part, right.

Zoey had her first ER visit and first truly rough injury over the weekend. We were all making supper together and Zoey was happily playing with her dolly and feeding her some bread when in a split second a pot was moved and for some reason she reached over and touched the glowing red element. We wonder if she thought it was a button or something you see in every Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode. Henry scooped her up as I tried to figure out what on earth had just happened. We got cold water on it immediately and she screamed....she screamed off and on for about 4 - 5 hours. We ended up having to hold her with a container of cold water at all times. She screamed when we took the water to swap it for fresh water, and randomly cried until she finally passed out around 10pm. We debated going to Emerg that night but at the time we only saw burns on the tips of her fingers and knew it would traumatize her more. We managed to get her to take some Tylenol and after at least an hour of trying to get her to fall asleep, I needed back up. After many many prayers, begging God to help relieve her pain so she can sleep He told me to bring her to Henry. I brought her and on the verge of tears told him, "I'm not sure what to do anymore..." In that moment Zoey stopped crying and seemed distracted by my tears and we all had a family moment to breathe for just a second. She reached out for Henry and buried her face into his neck and we talked quietly about what to do to help her sleep. Since she was calmed with her Daddy we decided to let her snuggle up on the couch and watch The Heffalump Movie (one of her all time favorites). I nearly wept with relief as she started to giggle and smile at her favorite moments in the movie after about an hour Henry and I switched and Zoey was starting to give into the exhaustion of the evening and fell asleep in my arms. We were able to sneak the water bucket away and waited until we felt the deep deep sleep come over her and then laid her down in her bed. Henry and I went up to bed and just sat there together and tried to decompress after everything that had happened. We know that this happens to a lot or even most kids, but I don't think anyone would really dare to say it's an easy thing to go through with your child. Your baby in pain, pain that you can't take away is excruciating. On the positive side, she is doing better everyday. Even though it was more extensive than we originally thought, hence the ER trip the next morning, we feel like we in some crazy way are closer and have learned more about each other. We are also so grateful for God's protection over Zoey, it could have been much much worse and our prayers for relief for Zoey were answered and she slept through the night which felt like a miracle in itself.



The summer is zooming by and we are doing our best to stay cool and find something to do each day. Yesterday we went to see Henry at the shop which was lot of fun. Normally she falls asleep on the way and then is grumpy after being woken up mid nap. This time I made her nap a little earlier and she was fed and awake before we left. When we got there we made a trip to the BC Fruit truck and the Dutch bakery and after sat down at the shop for a quick lunch. Here are just a couple other things Zoey's been up too!

Family came through after camping and she taught them her new favorite game....

...It's called, Here! Pick these up!

After all that playtime she got a treat :)

Playing with the new Castle from Grammy

It's pretty awesome

Explaining why the baby needs to be bubble wrapped to Opa. I'm not convinced :)

Enjoying a treat from Auntie Bailey

All in all things have been busy, crazy, and amazing in the Duiker household, but that seems about right for us!