Jackson Lucas Hansen

Well, as you all know, our second little man joined our family on June 17, 2013.  Jackson Lucas Hansen did NOT want to make his grand entrance on his own, so I was induced the morning of the 17th.

So, here's how to day went down... (in a nutshell)  

Midnight (Sunday) - Yes, I should have been sleeping at this time, but who can sleep knowing the next day they were going to have a baby... no matter what!  My mind was racing!  I was going to be changing Jameson's world forever, how would labor go this time (after our crazy adventure with Jameson) would I be able to do it naturally, how long would it take for me to actually go into labor this time, how long would I have to push (after pushing 5.5 hours with Jameson)... the mind game went on... and on... and on... until I actually turned my alarm off at 430 in the morning and decided to just get in the shower... no need to lay in bed anymore!  We got up, got ourselves ready and headed to the hospital... 

But not without a couple last minute pictures as a family of three

and the BIG belly!

I was ready... "Let's do this" is what I kept saying...  Bring on the contractions and let's get this baby OUT!  7:30a.m. and the pitocin was flowing...  and I was waiting... and waiting... and waiting to feel that very first painful and "meaningful" contraction...  tick-tock, tick-tock..  It's now noon and still no contractions!  GRRRRR  not only had I lost the family bet on when the baby was going to be born, but I WAS STILL PREGNANT!  So, whats next?  Well they finally broke my water just after noon and BAM...  Bring on the CRAZY contractions!  Wow!  They were intense and coming super fast!  I went from a 4 to an 8 in just about an hour!  (all you mom's out there get the idea of how that could have felt)  Now, as most of you know, my epidural did NOT work with Jameson, but I was willing and wanting to try again...  They asked if I was ready and there was NO WAY I was saying no!  

So, bring on the meds and please let this pain go away!  Well, yes, you guessed it...  No such luck again :-(  It actually did take the edge off for a little while, but not for long and I back to feeling everything.  (this coming from a girl that can hardly stand getting a shot!  Yes, not ideal and I was not a happy camper!)  Anyways, I was finally ready to push around 4p.m.  That last cm was a doozy!  

Although the delivery was not as dramatic as Jameson's, it was still tough having felt everything along the way... Not to mention, once they weighed Jackson and found out he was OVER 10lbs... Everyone was in total understanding as to why I was begging for a C-section halfway through my delivery!  haha.

But yes, Jackson arrived at 5:52p.m. weighing in at 10lbs. 2oz. and 22in long.  He lite up our world immediately!  That initial scream brought tears to my eyes and I was overjoyed to hold my baby boy as soon as he arrived (Jameson was taken to the NICU right away, so it was so much different this time).  

He has been a joy ever since he entered our world!  Although he wants to eat ALL THE TIME, he brings so much happiness and joy to our lives each and every day!  Our family is complete!  

Love you Jackson Lucas!

A visit with a dear friend... Maria!

So, one of my dearest friends came to visit me the weekend after Memorial Day.  It was SO wonderful to have girl time and catch up; just the two of us... well actually three of us, to including Jameson :-)

First, I just have to say THANK YOU to Maria for making the 9 hour drive to "the falls" to visit!!!  We had such a great time!  Luke had to work that weekend so us girls had the pleasure of entertaining little Jameson all by ourselves!  haha

Friday evening, we took Maria downtown for dinner.  It was an absolute gorgeous evening, so we were able to sit outside and enjoy some fresh air... the 4 of us :-)  (well 4.5 at that time - Jackson was still in his nice warm, quiet, cozy little home)  After dinner, Maria and I were able to get some "catch up" time once Jameson went to bed.  Again, so great to have that time together!!!

Saturday, I talked Maria into braving the Children's museum with me!  Honestly, it truly is just as fun for adults as it is kids.  The weather was not-so-nice, so it was a perfect way to spend the day.  Let me tell you, it was complete entertainment just watching Jameson.  I think Maria had more than her share of laughs just from my child alone.

**Side note**  Anyone that knows the Brookings, SD museum, knows there is the "oh so wonderful" water room.  Oh yes, an entire room filled with water... no doors... and oh so eye catching to (almost) every child.  You guessed it, Jameson (the fish that he is) is ALWAYS all about that room.  I have learned to bring extra clothes with me because he HATES to wear the water aprons and naturally tends to splash himself soaked..

Ok, so on with my story..  "Splash himself soaked" was an understatement this trip...  Yep, I am not joking.  He actually climbed up on one of water tables and put his ENTIRE head under the little waterfall.  No, I am NOT exaggerating one little bit...  SOAKED...  Not one area of his clothing was dry by the time we left the museum.  Although EVERYONE was looking at my little man with a little weird smirk, he had SO much fun and I knew we had extra clothes so no big deal at all!  We then headed across the street to my favorite little cafe for some delicious lunch!  (dry clothes and all)  :-)

This was only the beginning!  One happy little boy!

Yes, that would also be the waterfall Jameson was putting his head under

That evening Maria and I, once again, had a little girl time!  I took her on a little tour of Sioux Falls, we had our McDonalds run (no, no Diet coke this time... but YES to ice cream!) and then we headed down to see "the falls" (I mean you can't visit Sioux Falls and NOT see the falls!)

Bring on Sunday and naturally, our weekend had to come to an end.  I always hate to say GOODBYE to good friends, but it was time for Maria to head on out.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for visiting Maria!  It meant the world to have you here and to get some girl time!!  Love ya!  xoxo

Where is Abby????

Wow!  I can't believe it's been two months since I have written anything!  Life has been... well...  BUSY, CRAZY, NON-STOP!  Still, I am sad I have been so behind because SO much has happened in our lives in these two months!

Yes, as most of you know, our new bundle of joy joined our family, we've had MANY visitors, we started celebrating Jameson's second birthday and much much more!  I am going to try my best to do as much catch up as possible, but I am currently writing this post at 2:34a.m. (feeding time) and I have a feeling it will be times like this that I will have to sneak in as much writing as possible.

So, here's to TRYING to catch up on whats been going on in our lives and hopefully not fall behind again.

Can't wait to show you all many, many pictures!!!

BIG BOY Bed Update

Oh the Big Boy Bed!!!  What a transition (to say the least).  For those of you that saw the few pictures I posted in Facebook, you have a little idea of how our "adventure" began.  Yes, this has been the hardest transition with Mr. J-$ to date.

Jameson was not only transitioning from the crib to a bed, but he was also moving bedrooms.  His new room is in our basement, and honestly, I think that has been the hardest on me.  BUT, Luke and I put our "big boy/girl panties on" and ready-set-go we were ready to make this transition.

WOW!  this has been one heck-of-a roller coaster ride.  We started our training during nap time so Jameson wouldn't wake up in pitch black, middle of the night darkness and be scared.  Here is how big boy bed day #1 went.  (this picture was taken during nap time and bed time was exactly the same)

Now, I am not going to go day by day, but I do have to show a quick picture of how we found Mr. J the following evening.

Yes, he is actually SLEEPING on the chair.  I think Luke and I sat and giggled over this for an hour.

One thing I have to say, this defiantly has been difficult for all of us.  Jameson has been a GREAT sleeper since day 1.  By moving to the big boy bed, we have had some sleepless nights, loss of many hours of sleep, some great/normal nights of rest and pretty much everything in between.  We almost gave up about a week ago and just about bought another crib.  BUT, I have to say I am proud of Luke and I for sticking it out.  Jameson still tends to fall asleep at his door, but he is definitely sleeping longer, falling asleep faster and understanding that he has a new bedroom.  (oh and yes, he has fallen asleep in his bed.... twice!  - yes, only twice... but it's better than nothing) :-)

Although this has been a transition for all of us, it surely has taught all three of us a major lesson...  

PATIENCE!

Mother's Day 2013

Mother's Day 2013 = RELAXATION! 

and yes, I was A-OK with that!

We originally had all the "normal" Mother's Day traditions planned...  Go to brunch, open cards/gifts, pick up flowers to plant... you know...  BUT... the plan quickly changed early in the morning when we all felt pretty lazy and comfy in our home.

Luke kept asking me if we were doing everything I wanted and seriously, just hanging out around the house was perfectly fine with me.  We actually got a little yard work done and spent some quality time with our wonderful neighbors. 

One thing I am a little sad about is I never got a picture with my little man!

To my Jameson - 

You are the reason I am able to celebrate Mother's Day.  You bring absolute joy to my life and I love you with all my heart.  I could not imagine life with out, your energy and your heart-melting smile.  I love you more than words can express and you will always be my "Mr. Man"!

LOVE YOU!!!!!

Mommy

Baby Bumpin'

My parents were here the weekend we marked week 33!!  So, before they headed back home, my mom snapped a few pics.

Thanks mom for taking these pictures!  Although I was feeling pretty swollen and large that morning, I know I will look back and be very happy to have them!

PS...  Jameson is actually standing behind Luke and I.  We tried everything to get him in at least one picture, but he was not having it :-)  

Day trip with Mommy

Last weekend J and I took a little adventure up to the Brookings Children's Museum.  I was a little hesitant going on my own being 34 weeks pregnant with a very active toddler, but I am SO happy I made the decision just to go.

Luke had to work all weekend, the weather was yucky (rainy and cold) and it was getting harder and harder to tell Jameson NO to going outside (he would spend the ENTIRE day outside if I would let him).  So, Friday night I just made the executive decision we were GOING!  

Sound the noise of a SCREAMING 21 month old at 4:30 a.m. and you now have an idea of how Saturday morning started!  Let's just say that was NOT in my plans and I was officially worried about our day trip.  BUT...  J proved me wrong and was a perfect little boy all morning long!  

We started our trip with a quick Starbucks stop (naturally) and then it was time to hit the road!

This is exactly how the drive went for J!

FYI - this picture was taken in the Starbucks drive thru

We hadn't even left Sioux Falls!

I have to say, I was pretty happy to see him snooze for about 45 minutes considering he was so tired and up so early.  I knew he would want to play, play, play hard once we got to the museum and I wanted to make sure we would make it out to lunch (one of our favorite little cafes is right across the street from the museum) after our morning of fun.  Yes, he did GREAT during both and this was one happy mommy!!!!!

Here are a few pics from our fun day!

It was so much fun to spend the day with my little man at one of his favorite places!  I can't believe we will have TWO in just a few short weeks!  Luke and I are trying our best to make sure we spend as much quality time with Jameson before his entire world gets tossed upside down.  

Love you Jameson!!!