Life with 2

 LIFE WITH TWO CHILDREN????

How often I'm able to update my blog should answer that :) I only had to get up at 5:00am to feed the baby and instead of going back to sleep, which I should have done I wanted some ME time!!So I stayed awake to get some things done.

I'm going to say our life instead of my life because before I get into anything I just want to add that my husband has been amazing and such a big help to me, he makes having 2 kids so much easier....he is our rock and has made this experience so enjoyable.

As long as I know I'm no longer going to be on time anywhere, a schedule no longer exists and my house is going to be a cluttered mess and there's nothing I can do about it, then I'll be OK. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a very scheduled person who likes to have my house cleaned and organized. I guess you can call me a clean freak, not something I really  like about myself, but hey it could be worse :) It's hard enough keeping a clean house with one and with two it's near impossible!! So I give up!!

My one release has been the gym...I worked out the day I went into labor at almost 42 weeks and I was back in the gym 3 weeks after she was born. People thought I was crazy but I had an amazing recovery and felt great, so why not??? The gym to me is like a cup of coffee it gives me energy and makes me feel better, so why wouldn't I do it......

Let's start with Ashlee..hmmm she's definitely been a challenge since Reagan arrived. She started living up to the "terrible 2's" It's very understandable she was the center of our world for 2 years and now she has to share it with her baby sister who requires so much of my time. Ashlee's been a little jealous and acting out because of it. She's always been an easy kid, so for my hubby and I it's been very challenging trying to figure out how to deal with it!!

  I was very busy with her, we were always going somewhere whether it be the zoo, children's museum, or a play date at a friends house. She loves being out and about and I think that was hard for her because with a new baby you don't get out much.

Now that it's been almost 2 months and she realizes Reagan is here to stay she's doing sooooo much better!! She's finding her own little place in this family and that's just being a big sister. She loves to help out, whether it's covering her up with a blanket, giving her a bath or being the go getter for mommy :)

We started her in a pre school at a christian church, 2 days a week for 3 hours a day and she loves it!! I just wanted her to have her own little thing so she can interact with other children and I can have some time with Reagan. Trust me it's not much time..by the time I drop her off at 8 come home feed the baby, change her diaper and have some baby cuddle time,  it's already time to go pick up Ash. It's enough time for her though, she's always excited to see me and ready to see her sister when I go pick her up. I'm also getting out more and doing things with my mom's group again, so as you can see we're trying to get our life back to normal again, or at least what we consider normal :)

Now for Baby Reagan....knock on wood she has been the best baby!!! Very happy and content and pretty predictable. We have rough moments but the majority of them are great. She's been smiling since 5 weeks and just smiles at everyone especially her sister, she absolutly adores Ashlee, we always joke around like she idolizes her or something.Bottom Line is she's a wonderful baby and we're enjoying her so much!!

We absolutely love having two kids...Is it hard?? Yes it is and we never know what to expect from one day to the next but we are really enjoying our two girls and being a family of four :)

Our newest editon Reagan Lynn Goddard

She finally decided to make her debut...she was defiantly on her own schedule coming at 41 weeks and 2 days.Yes we had a girl another girl to add to the Goddard household...Jake is officially out numbered, our dogs and fish are even girls.

I am happy to announce I had a successful VBAC, and it was truly a wonderful and amazing experience all the way around. I know being patient and allowing Reagan to come when she was ready played a huge role in my success.

My Dr. leaving on an early vacation was actually a blessing in disguise. I got to meet her back up doctor which I didn't like at all, she basically told me the reason I was so over due was that my baby was too big to fit and that's why she wasn't coming. I turned around and walked out the door having no doctor for at least 24 hours and when your over 40 weeks pregnant that's a little scary.

Thanks to my wonderful friends I've connected with through ICAN I was able to find Ellen Franklin a midwife in Phoenix. We connected instantly and she took me on with nothing but positive and encouraging words. Truly an amazing person!!!!

I had to go in Tuesday Dec 6th for an NST test to make sure the baby was doing well. I got hooked up to a machine only to find Baby G was doing fine and my contractions weren't very consist ant, she told me it could still be a few days. My mom and I left the appointment and no kidding as soon as I got to the car my contractions started getting stronger but not too close together. We went to St Joe's where I'd be delivering the baby, despite what I'd heard it was a very nice hospital.

By the time I got home an hour later my contractions were about 5 minutes apart and very painful, I remember thinking where did this all come from. I had Jake take Ashlee to my parents and 9pm, then I called my doula and told her I was going to take a bath and try and get some sleep, deep down I knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep, I should've just told her to come over.

By the time Jake got home I was in so much pain contractions every 2 minutes...he started getting nervous and we decided to go to the hospital since my contractions were coming every 1-2 minutes.

It felt like the movies with Jake driving like a crazy person trying to get me to the hospital, that was truly the longest car ride ever!!! My doula met us there at 11pm in triage. They took me back and just before I get in bed my water broke and then the fun began!!!

14 hours of labor and 20 minutes of pushing out came our little girl...8 lbs 10 oz and 22 inches long

All I remember thinking was I DID IT.... and all those people who said I couldn't or who were unsupportive  can kiss my A** :) I had the most amazing and supportive team by my side encouraging me the entire time. The birth of Reagan Lynn was one of the best days of my entire life and I will never forget it. The pain and waiting was worth the joy in the end.

The day I had my c section with Ashlee I knew I would never give birth that way again, it was not for me and I did everything in my power to avoid it again. Knowledge is the most important key in getting what you want because we all know knowledge is power :)

Thank you to my wonderful husband who supported me all the way through, my doula Pam who is the most uplifting and positive person, my midwife Ellen who took me in at over 40 weeks pregnant and supported me the entire way through, my parents who have been such a huge help with Ashlee and are always there anytime we need them, and a big thanks to my friends I've made through our ICAN meetings, there friendship and support made such a huge impact on my life and birthing choices, I found strength and determination through them and all their encouraging words and wisdom.

Bottom line is I had the best support team that helped make all this possible and my successful VBAC possible. 

Reagan Lynn is a beautiful healthy baby girl and we are so blessed and fortunate to have her as an addition to our family!! Her middle name is a family name and comes from Rodger Lynn who is Jake's grandfather who passed away 2 years ago this January. Rodger was like a dad to Jake and was such a big part of who Jake is today and I'm sure Reagan will be honored to be named after such a wonderful ma;n

A watched pot never boils

Yes I'm still pregnant....as a matter of fact still very pregnant :)  I know everyone is getting so anxious so I decided to take a little time and update everyone on my progress.

I'm currently 40 weeks and 2 days pregnant, yes technically past my due date but the way I look at it is the baby will get here when he/she is ready. Like I've said before I rushed Ashlee out of me because I was impatient and didn't care about the outcome. I've told myself from the day I got pregnant I would allow this baby to come when he/she was good and ready and I would do nothing to intervene in the process.

However the birth of Baby G turns out I know I did everything I could to make it happen the way I want it to, so in my opinion as long as we are all healthy that's really all that matters in the end.

Everything still looks good, I'm making progress everyday and really feel this baby will be here within the next few days. At this point I'm just getting last minute stuff done and resting.

My husbands been home the past week and has been wonderful to me and Ashlee. I didn't realize he was so domesticated and such an amazing cook. I usually do the cooking in the family but I might have to step aside and let him do some....he's awesome!!!! He's been so good with Ash taking her to the park and letting her get all her energy out while I rest.

I do my 2 mile walk at the gym everyday..sometimes with my friend Andi who walks right by me and helps the time go by :)

I promise each and everyone who cares to know will be fully updated on the arrival of Baby G...thanks to all who have been as patient as we've had to be....all the kind words and well wishes mean so much to us!! Hope everyone enjoys there upcoming Holidays, as I know we will, especially when we are holding our new bundle of joy :)

We are ready for you :)

I can't believe I have one week left....if you actually decide to come on your due date that is :) My husband left on his last overnight today so hopefully you will wait until the weekend is over!! I finally feel ready....infant seat is installed, baby room is done, bassinet is up, and I got a much needed pedicure :) Unfortunately you can't bottle up sleep for use at a later time or that's exactly what I'd be doing right now.

I know you will come when you are good and ready and that's exactly what I want you to do!! I tried to rush Ashlee out and that didn't end up the way I wanted so I'm being patient this time. I won't lie I'm tired of being pregnant, I want to sleep on my stomach, I want to get out of bed instead of rolling out, I'm tired of waking up everyday and something different is hurting, I want to see my feet again and be able to shave my legs without holding my breath.....


On a different note I"m really trying to enjoy every last bit of this pregnancy since it will most likely be our last. I've had a wonderful pregnancy and feel very fortunate to say that. We are all just so ready to meet you and find out if your a boy or girl, what you look like, do you have hair, etc.......

I went to the chiropractor last week and she thought it would be any day, and so did my doctor, but really in the end no one knows but Baby G!!

We got our family photo's done last week and they turned out very nice. Ashlee was awesome which of course all you really want, your 2 year old to cooperate and try to smile. She was a huge ham that day and did great in every picture.

I'm really trying to enjoy Ashlee as much as I can....she has been the center of our world for 2 years and now she's going to have to share us!!! You always think you aren't capable of loving another one as much as you do your first child, even though I know I will love Baby G the same its hard to imagine.

I still want to keep her doing all her normal activities she loves to do....her life is about to change so much and I just want her to be happy. We're taking a break from gymnastics for a month or so until I can get a routine down with the baby. She will still do music class, Nana or daddy will have to take her.....Fortunately daddy gets to take a month off with us....thank god I"m going to need all the help I can get :)

We have no plans for Thanksgiving really just in case Baby G decides to make an appearance :) we are just taking it all day by day!!

Anyone who knows me and knows my birth plan please pray that everything works out for us!! I"m planning a completely natural VBAC and hope more than anything it works out. I have complete faith in myself and my body and have a wonderful support system who have been by my side since day one. I'm much more educated this time around and feel very confident that things will work out the way I want them. Thank you to all who have been there for me and helped me along this journey that is finally almost here :)

A fabulous Halloween

Halloween was so much fun this year!! Ashlee was Minnie Mouse and Baby G was a pumpkin painted on my belly :) 

 Thanks to my artist who did such a great job despite the kicking and moving around of Baby G :)

Our friends from Seattle came out for a few days to spend the holiday with us, it's kinda a tradition now, they came last year too!! They have a 2 year old as well who is only 2 weeks younger than Ashlee, his name is Gevin.

Our weather was perfect, not too cold not too hot. It was nice for them because Seattle was cold and rainy!!

Halloween started out by going to a Halloween/costume party for the kiddo's through my mom's group. We all had a blast and it was so cute to see all the kids dressed up in their costumes. It's amazing to see the transformation in only a year. This time they really enjoyed dressing up and knew who they were dressed up as.

We had people come over in the evening to take the kiddo's out and go trick or treating with us. The Olsen family came dressed as pirates and they had a new addition to there family Maddy. Our guests from Seattle were farmers and a cow...pretty funny!!

Parenting is the most rewarding and hardest job you'll ever have and anyone with kids will agree with me....Jake and I enjoyed watching Ashlee have so much fun running from house to house saying trick o treat, really having no idea what Halloween is about but understanding that her little basket is filling up with candy. Poor little thing had no idea that her mommy was going to eat most of it :)

Needless to say mommy and baby G benefited the most on the candy part of Halloween!!

Next year will be even better, Ashlee will understand the concept of Halloween even more and Baby G will almost be one, so crazy to say!!

Just thought I'd add some pictures from last year to compare how big the kiddo's have gotten

Thank you for reminding me you're 2

Just when I think I'm the lucky one and my child is not at the "terrible 2" phase....she reminds me yes mommy I am starting that phase of my life.

Lucky me 35 weeks pregnant and having to deal with a teething, stubborn,and not listening toddler!! I know it's just a phase, it's just not a fun time for me to go thru it. Hubby even decided to go to work today, I wonder why I probably would've to if I had the choice.

Poor thing has been going thru a lot of pain as she gets her 2 year molars and I'm going to blame it all on that :) Teething for Ashlee has always been hard....sleepless nights, fevers, you name it the poor child goes thru it. I'm not one to medicate but that's all that seems to keep her comfortable.

She's having so much fun testing the waters and seeing what she can get away with. She's always been so good this is all pretty new to us and finding the right punishment is very hard. Time Outs don't seem to be cutting it for us anymore, especially because she likes to put herself in it now!!

Last night we went to a local event at the ballpark and had a blast. Me and Jake were just saying how fun parenting is to watch your kids have such a good time and explore new and exciting things.

Like getting her face painted, she looks terrified but really she's having a good time :)

She even chose the picture of the cupcake to have painted on her face...anyone who knows Ashlee knows she will do anything for a cupcake.

And holding a baby rabbit, she is an animal lover so this was so cool for her.

We go to the Goodyear Park at least once a week so she can swing, she is so amused by the "big firetrucks" that pull out there all of time. So daddy took her in one and let her sit and play with some of the things. This made her night she's been talking about it ever since.

Last week a few of my close friends and mom through me a "baby sprinkle" one of my best friends from California came to visit for that event and brought her hubby and son who I got to meet for the first time..

We had such a good time with them and the kids got along well and had fun playing.

We took advantage of the nice weather and played at the park and splash pads!!

Well I guess only the guys wanted to look at the camera for this picture :) We took them to Verrado which in one for our favorite places to eat and take pictures.

Ashlee rockin her boots with Ty...I got these at a garage sale for a dollar and they are her favorite things to wear.

My friends are awesome and i had such a wonderful time at my baby sprinkle. It' was small and quaint which is exactly what I wanted. I enjoyed every one's company so much in celebrating Baby G....

 The people that made it happen....Amanda, Amber, and my mom!!

All the wonderful gifts and diapers I got....thanks guys. Check out the Winnie the pooh diaper cake, it's the coolest thing I've ever seen!! Winnie the Pooh on a tricycle!

 Part of the decor included 12 onsies with each moth on it so I can take pictures of Baby G every month...such a cool idea

Just some of the amazing food that was made...yummy!!!

Pregnancy Update

I'll be 35 weeks pregnant tomorrow and boy am I feeling it. I'm really not one to complain because overall I feel good and feel very lucky because my pregnancies are pretty non eventful and easy. I'm just getting tired of being big and pregnant in this heat.

I'm getting tired of a lot of things the more I think about it...getting up 3 and 4 times to pee is so annoying and yea I know soon it will be getting up 3 and 4 times to feed a baby, but that's a little more rewarding than getting up in the middle of the night to pee!! All the annoying pains you get in your feet hips and just about everywhere I guess. 

I can't wait to wear regular clothes again...getting tired of my maternity clothes. Rolling out of bed or off the couch is getting old.

I do love the kicking...this baby is quite the mover....I'm starting to notice a pattern, the only bad thing is this baby is awake alot more than it's asleep!!

 I'm just trying to relax and enjoy these last few weeks of being pregnant...I do enjoy being pregant I'm just coming to the end and gettng anxious to meet baby G

Ashlee's getting anxious too, she keeps telling me I'm having a boy!! She is going to be the best big sister ever, she has such a big heart and is really a kind little girl!!

I have a Dr. appointment in a few days along with an ultrasound to get babies position and weight. We always get excited to see Baby G. I will now start going every week until the baby arrives

 We can't wait to meet the new addition to our family!!!