I figured it was high time to answer some of those burning questions about the current stage of life, end of the pregnancy and being a mom of three little guys. I get a variety of questions all the time but these are the most frequent ones lately (or some version of these). This is not the world’s most exciting post. You will need coffee. Perhaps an industrial sized fan or Metallica on the highest possible volume. Try not to fall asleep…I’m pretty sure you aren’t allowed to do that at work 🙂 (see what I did there with the irony?)
Ok here we go…
How was the entire pregnancy as compared to the other boys? Were your symptoms different?
The pregnancy was pretty awesome. I didn’t vomit once from morning sickness and although I did get a lot of heartburn and experienced the worst cold of my life (not exaggerating – I coughed so hard I peed myself for a solid month), it was the easiest pregnancy for me so far. I gained less weight overall (only 43 lbs vs 60-65lbs) and had only moderate swelling (vs extreme edema with the other two). I did get more stretch marks this time on the belly (before I had them only on my waist above my hips) and had sciatica pain at the very very end that was immediately relieved after delivery. You can read more about my other symptoms on this post.
Are you gonna write LJ’s birth story like you did with the other two boys?
Yes! I have already started it and am currently trying to sensationalize it with an emergency of some sort, perhaps someone bursting into the room yelling fire, or some sort of animal stampede or national emergency. Haven’t decided 🙂 No seriously though…I have started writing it and it still needs some tweaking and of course, I need to go through the hundreds of photos to add those in. And that takes a lot of time for me because I get all weepy which makes photo editing – which requires my eyes – a little difficult. And no…it won’t be six chapters long…I have three kids now and nobody has time for all those details 🙂 If you want to read Will’s birth story – click here. If you want to read Weston’s birth story – click here.
Did you have another VBAC?
I did and it was very successful. It was actually the most boring of my deliveries so far – which is in my opinion the best kind 🙂 My doctor is Dr. Joseph Tate and he is a very big supporter of VBACs and he did let me go 42 weeks and then we induced. I like to say that I had a TBAC (Tate Birth After Caesarean) because he is a very unique individual and his methods are sometimes a little quirky but Jeremy and I ADORE him and his staff and hope that our future kids will be TBACs too 🙂
What is harder – a C-section or a vaginal birth?
I think it totally varies. Just like every pregnancy and just like every kid, each delivery is different. If I absolutely had to choose, I would definitely choose doing a vaginal birth because of certain reasons that perhaps only pertain to my situation….one being that I didn’t get to hold Will (c section) until almost an hour after he was born. We had very little skin to skin time until the next day. And those first two weeks I was on medication that made everything blurry and hard to remember. As you can imagine, not being able to recall those finer details of my first born’s first two weeks of life is a little hard emotionally.
When it comes to physical stuff, both are redonkulous hard. I remember after Weston was born (1st VBAC with a fractured tailbone and a serious tear), I got mad. I felt like everyone lied to me and said a vaginal birth was easier and I just wanted to taser people’s crotches so they could feel my pain in a very non-figurative way. Now that I had LJ (2nd VBAC with one little stitch), I know what people meant by easy birth even though he was practically the same size. We did an HOUR of skin to skin in the hospital before they even weighed the kid. It just seems like there are no promises and no guarantees in that labor and delivery room.
How is breastfeeding going?
Breastfeeding is going great! With Will we had a really hard time that I blogged about (later we learned that it was due to a posterior tongue tie – you can read more about our experience with frenulums here) and with Weston, it was ridiculously easy. I compared the experiences and the second time around the boobie-block was one of the most redemptive experiences of my life. This time I knew the moment I saw LJ’s tongue that he had a tie (the tip of his tongue has a little heart shape) and so we had it assessed by the ENT folks and they called in their specialist who clipped it in the hospital when he was a day old. It was very anterior (which means it goes almost all the way to the tip of his tongue) and even though we were still in that sleepy/barely eating stage, I could tell a difference right away. Best decision ever.
When are you gonna do a nursery for LJ?
Well, geesh…if my track record proves anything….probably right before he moves out for college 🙂 We decided that we will probably start working on the nursery when Weston starts climbing out of his crib. We will probably transition him into a twin bed and have Will and Weston share a room…and then the baby will go in Weston’s nursery (which will get a makeover). That’s just a guess for now though…we are still trying to figure out the best way to use the rooms in this house 🙂
How are the boys adjusting to the new baby?
The big boys LOVE the baby…it’s actually really a big relief because I have heard some really hard transition stories. Will is very helpful and is always eager to hold LJ but Weston is like a rabid dog. All he can focus on is LJ. All he wants in his life is to touch, kiss, hold and wrestle the baby. And whenever we talk to Weston, we call LJ “his baby”. It’s a double edged sword because we adore the fact that Weston loves his baby brother…but we can’t put LJ in reaching or climbing distance because Weston will find a way….as he did here…
What is your most helpful tip to having three little boys?
Never divide. If we want to get things done around the house, we never divide the kids up. It’s better for one person to go completely insane with the three boys in tow and the other person to tackle a task. Otherwise, both of us are getting 10% done of our individual tasks while trying to keep everyone alive. We babywear A LOT more than we ever did before (I still love my Solly Baby Wrap and Jeremy prefers the Bjorn) and that is especially helpful when we go out shopping or running errands or when we are playing outside. The other tips are to utilize your freezer and crock pot more. My parents gave us their old freezer and it already is stocked up and when we are in a rush, its comforting knowing that we can throw a bag of barbeque chicken, some peas and a bag of rice in the microwave and have dinner ready in ten minutes flat. Lastly – let go of the mess stress. When you don’t worry about keeping the house or kids perfectly tidy or clean, things will get broken and go missing…you may look picture IMperfect 99% of the time…and toys will breed willy-nilly. But for me, I’ve found that I’m more patient and soft spoken and I spend more quality time with the boys…laughing and playing. I figure…the mess will always be here…but little ones grow up entirely too fast.
p.s. don’t forget – tomorrow is the PICTURE PARTY! Make sure you get your sleep photos ready and share them here tomorrow! Can’t wait to see them!
I can’t take it — you make some cute kids, KB! I just had my first in December (a little girl, Elsie) and seeing these pics of some great sibling lovin makes me want to steal my “boyfriend” away for a weekend to get to work on another. Sigh…
Um, are you for real with the cuteness of these boys?! I can’t even stand it!!!! LJ’s curls, Weston’s spider monkey moves, and Will’s sweet smile and big brother pride! I have a daughter who is 8 months old but it makes me instantly want 100 boys. Like, right now. Gahhhh!!
I feel like you were speaking to me about the house stuff. I find myself so stressed out when I’m trying to get the house “together” and the baby is cranky when really I should be on the floor with her. These moments go by way too fast!
Hi Katie! Wow thanks for the honesty! We’re having our first very soon, and I see that you have the 4moms Breeze. Would you recommend it for its price?
LJ is so cute, as are all your boys! So glad nursing is going good for you. I love the tip about not stressing over the mess. I need to get there too because I stress about it too much. But I do have my house on the market right now….so maybe I need to for now.
Katie – your family is gorgeous!! I’m absolutely crazy sauce about that picture of the boys in front of the flag – you can really see each of their personalities (and different looks) coming out in the photo. LJ has got one nice head of hair on him! 🙂
I just had my first baby two weeks ago and can totally relate to the disappointment you felt. I had an unexpected c section and was in recovery for a while. She was born at 9:34pm and I didn’t get to hold her until midnight. The worst part is that I barely remember anything about her birth because the medicine made me so drowsy 🙁 So glad you had a great experience with vbac. I’m definitely going to check Dr. Tate out for next time!
LJ looks EXACTLY like Nornie!!!
The picture of Will holding LJ and Weston looking up from his car is amazing! What a great shot you captured! Your kids are ridiculously cute. I have one little boy and I’m hoping I’ll have two more. A house full of boys would be fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Such a beautiful family and I can’t believe how big LJ is already getting. I think Will favors you, Weston favors Jeremy, but I can’t decide who LJ favors. Love what you said about the mess will always be there, but little ones grow up quickly. So true. Priorities.
HE IS SOOOOOOOOOOO adorable!!! I have a softspot for boys after having 2 myself… Congrats!
SERIOUSLY Katie—- Those are some CUTE BOYS, you got over there! I hope that you are framing that picture of the 3 boys, with the flag (the one with Will holding LJ and his face is saying, “I am SOOO NOT into this!”) I think that is my favorite picture!
I would love some Crock pot recipes/websites/books that you use — I am just starting to use my crock pot, so could use some help!
Can’t wait to hear about your non-exciting birth story — Uneventful is DEFINITELY the best!
And, my last comment today — You are SO right — when you are not stressed out, you can be so much more in the moment and enjoying those sweet boys! They are only little for such a short period of time! I am freaking out over here — my oldest is going to be starting Kindergarten in the fall! I could cry just typing it!
gem me! i’ve been hinting to my husband i would love an anniversary band at some point… this one would match my wedding ring perfectly. i tried out the different gems, but diamonds are my favorite!
http://www.gemvara.com/jewelry/victoria-band/14k-white-gold-ring-with-diamond/4c8qn
Dude. LJ’s hair is out of control cute! Glad the VBAC went well. Can’t wait to read the birth story!
this is so sweet. I love the picture of your oldest holding your baby. LJ’s face is like “really, what is going on?” Your boys are adorable. I have three myself and the hardest transition was going from 2 to 3. Everyone told me the hurtle was 1 to 2, but I think they lied. It was rough, mine are a little older now (6,4 &3) and it is easier. I always try to remember they will only be this little once, they wont ask for me to watch them do something a billion times, they wont want my kisses, I enjoy it now. Take it all in. Enjoy your beautiful family!
I’m with Weston- I wouldn’t leave lj alone either. I’m totally gaga over all the his pics. He is so freakin adorable.
Still crossing my fingers you have a girl though 🙂
Such cute photos! Congratulations again… they are all adorable boys!
I have two boys 17 months apart and I don’t know how you do everything you do with 3! I can barely get dressed most days. That LJ is adorable. He looks like such a little man with all that hair!
Love, love, LOVE the pic with Will holding LJ…The expression on LJ’s face is just PRICELESS. lol All your boys are so adorable.
I LOVE the Abby Collection rings! I actually don’t know which single one I like better than others, but one (or more) would be great to commemorate our little guy becoming a big brother!
Thanks for the “boring” post. As a momma of two I love being able to relate to others 🙂 And I can’t wait to read LJ’s birth story. They are my favorite part of birthdays. In my family, the moms resell the birthday story every year. And in my humble opinion uneventful births have such awesome details. The favorites parts of my birth story are the little things like my dad eating a chili dog and blowing in my moms face when he was helping her breathe or that my great-grandfather was doing a cross word puzzle in the waiting. Thanks for sharing so much of your family’s journey. It has been a joy and an inspiration 🙂
Katie I love hearing about your boys. Each time you post about them i find myself reflecting on my own. My girls are 14 and 16 now and the time went by in the blink of an eye. I am so proud of the young women the are becoming. Every now and then though, I will see one of them a certain angle, and Its just like I am looking at “Baby Taylor” or “Baby Julia”. It gets me every time. Thanks for sharing..
OMG LJ is SO CUTE! Can I please steal him? Adorable.
Beautiful photos of your boys!
Nope. Not boring at all.
I LOVE these posts. The ones about your sweet, gorgeous boys and your motherhood journey are my favorites!! Seriously – this is why I love reading Bower Power.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I love the pic of the 3 of them with Weston in the car – too adorable! I just had my 3rd kid – it is great but a challenge 🙂
I’m a new follower, and love your blog! I have just a simple family blog, but get inspired by your posts more recently 🙂
Dr T is the best!!! He delivered all 4 of my girls, and i am sad to not be planning any more kids for him to deliver! Silly sounding to some, I’m sure. He rocks though! Glad your latest labor/delivery was the easiest! (My 3rd was too!)
Love all these pictures of LJ. He is precious, Katie!
I’m sure that was a really nice post, but I was so distracted by LJ’s amazing hair that I had a hard time concentrating. With every picture I was like, “Is it curly? How has it gotten so long and thick already? Am I jealous of a baby boy’s hair? Can I request a post solely dedicated to his hair?” I mean, seriously — that’s a really good head of hair!!!! How fun!
Seriously, you guys make cute kids! LJ’s hair is awesome BTW.
I can’t handle the cuteness in this post! Love the pic of Will holding LJ and Weston looking up at him. That hair! Those eyes! I so appreciate your perspective too…with 3 littles of my own I’m finding that it’s really important to let the house “go” and just enjoy my blessings! Btw, I’ve been with you since Will came along…love watching your family grow and love your blog! I always secretly hope I run into you when we visit family in Georgia, haha!
Love that picture of Will holding LJ by the flag!
Liz @ http://www.shoppingmycloset.com
This post got me teary-eyed since I have two boys of my own 🙂 I Have to say the whole time I was just thinking how lucky little LJ is because he has TWO big brothers!
Amen about leaving the mess… it’s just not going to be spotless unless we stay up late cleaning and then it will only look good while we’re asleep…
I’m sorry, I stopped being able to concentrate after “taser them in the crotch”. I’m going to find a way to work that phrase into conversations. Like, every day.
LJ has the best hair of any baby I’ve ever seen! All 3 boys are adorable. Isn’t it funny hoe pregnancies & deliveries can be so different ? No 2 people are the same so why should pregnancy and/or labor & delivery be any different.
I canNOT get over that baby boy’s hair!! Does he have gel in it?? 😉 your boys are so adorable and I love hearing about how you guys are adjusting. Beautiful family!
Oh my – he looks like your sister!!
Such cute boys! Thanks for sharing. Made me think of my boys when they were little. Time does fly!
Nice post… And oh my word your kids are SO. ADORABLE. It’s just too much for one post.
How jealous is Weston of LJs lovely locks!? Wowzas!!
I love your laid back vibe. That’s me. I teach K and I have a lot of parents who want me to push their kids ahead or skip them and I’m all like “noooooo! Let them be little!!!!” So I just really appreciate your attitude regarding being with the kids!
I love that expression too. It’s probably one of my favorite ever.
xo – kb
Aww thank you! Hope we run into each other too! Hopefully when the boys aren’t completely breaking down 🙂
xo – kb
DO IT! I DARE YOU! 🙂
xo – kb
HAHA! That is actually one of the biggest questions we get from people in real life…and the answer is definitely no 🙂
xo – kb
DO IT! 🙂
xo – kb
We love it. It’s bigger than a traditional pack n play so it works for us great (we have big babies!)
xo – kb
I hope you do! He’s amazing in the delivery room.
xo – kb
Any tips for activities for the older boys while you take care of LJ? Or do you hold him while playing with the others? Cook dinner etc. our 3rd is due soon and I’m nervous for that! Any tips?
This makes me wish I had kept going so we could have three boys instead of just two 🙂 They are so adorable! My oldest(now 7) was only 17months when I had my second and he loved him a lot! I never could step out of the room because he thought he should “help” his brother all the time! It seemed like my whole job that first year was to protect baby brother from his big brothers “help” 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I hold LJ and on days where I don’t have a lot of help, I make nap time the time I get stuff ready for dinner or activities. We are on the go a lot more lately so the boys have little down time.
xo – kb
Adorable boys!! 🙂
i’m having twins (28 weeks today) and have had both vaginal birth and c-section thrown at me to be aware of. 50% of twins are born via c-section. so, i’m glad you shared your experience of the differences of both. i’m kinda equally scared of both, which may just be scared in general of delivering two babies.
and i’m obsessed with LJ’s luscious locks!! soooo cute!
Okay this is totally irrelevant to your post but what is or where is the background in your prego photos? Is that a backdrop or somewhere in your abode?
I have a maternity clothing question. I’m due in October and am having the hardest time finding any cute maternity shorts. Dresses are fine for most things, but I’d love to have one good pair of shorts. I know you’ve been pregnant in the summer. Do you have any tips or go to places for maternity shorts?
LOVE this post. Hubby and I are contemplating getting to work on Numero Dos, and this makes me so excited for another baby!
This was a great post, Katie.
Somehow, even though I know your life is chaotic with three boys, you make it all seem manageable. Even the birthing part.
I’ve been freaked out by the idea of childbirth (and I’m not even pregnant) but somehow, you make it less scary.
Or, maybe I’m getting to the point that I just want kids and it doesn’t matter how badly it will hurt to get them here!? 🙂
Thanks again,
-another Katie
Your youngest is so adorbs. It’s so odd, the first two boys look exactly alike, and the little guy looks totally different from them! I’ve got a 7.5 month old boy, this makes me want to keep having more so he can have some other cute siblings too 🙂
Yup. Your last sentence pretty much sums up childbirth for me 🙂
xo – kb
I have a hard time with that one too! In fact, my favorite pair I found on a discount rack outside of a JCPenney years ago in Pennsylvania! I do like Target shorts better than most maternity lines…I have a pair that is adjustable and still light weight fabric.
xo – kb
“taser people’s crotches”
HILARIOUS!!!
you are too funny, Katie! Thanks for the laughs 🙂
Thanks for the reply! I’ll have to check out JCP and Target!
Thanks for your thoughts on C-Section versus vaginal birth. It’s nice to hear first hand experience. My first baby is almost 15 months old. I had a attempted home birth turned c-section. Now I’m scared to death about what to do about future children although I’m pretty sure I want to try a VBAC. I don’t want a repeat of the 48+ hours of seemingly endless contractions only to end up back in the operating room. I suppose I need to focus on the fact that God is in control no matter what! 🙂