3 days old

Operation Door Lock has Commenced!

Thanks everyone who commented and gave advice last week on how to deal with Carson and his new sleeping habits. I thought I'd give a little update for any interested.Our first night home with Luke was a nightmare and it wasn't because of Luke. Carson was up from 3:15 am to 6 am when we gave up on sleep and started the day. During all this Luke was up on and off (typical newborn stuff). The day before we bought a door lock, but hadn't had time to install it because we were busy birthing a baby. Anyway around 4 am Steve had had it and installed the door lock. He cried and pounded/kicked the door for about two hours. Once he fell a sleep at 6 I made the mistake of going in there wanting to turn off the light and put him in bed, but I woke him up. Stupid on my part. He had taken his diaper off during the tantrum and got poop all over the room. Anyway, a HORRIBLE NIGHT overall to say the least.

Last night we were not looking forward to bedtime obviously. Steve had a firm talk with Carson, showed him the lock again and told him he was not to get out of bed. MIRACLES of MIRACLES he didn't get out of bed once last night!! He stayed in his crib until 6:15 and knocked on the door and Steve opened it for him right away. He has been praised all morning long and got to watch a lot of Wiggles this morning as a reward. We are so happy!

Luke is doing pretty good at night. It will take him a while to learn his days from nights and he is still getting the hang of nursing, but over all it's good. I forget how easy newborns can be compared to two year olds. They sleep all the time and don't require much at first. The hardest part is the lack of sleep at night.

So hopefully last night wasn't a one night thing. Lets hope he will do it again!

Now introducing... Luke William Bonner

Right after birth

He’s here! Two weeks early, born Christmas Eve at 10:17 pm.  Luke is 6 lbs, 14 oz, 21 inches long. Here are more details about the birth story for anyone interested. 

We had just gotten home from a nice Christmas dinner and playtime at an indoor play area. We were about to put Carson to bed and I felt a popping sensation then A TON of water. My water broke with Carson, but it was just a trickle. This was a waterfall. We called the Olsen’s and sweet Anissa rushed right over and picked Carson up. (Thank you Olsens for helping Carson have such a fun Christmas!) My labor with Carson went really fast so we got to the hospital as quick as we could. I told them that I go fast and that I definitely wanted an epidural, but I guess they didn’t believe me. 

Once the contractions were about 2 minutes apart and intensifying they checked me and I was 5 ½ cm, 90% effaced. At that point they called in the anesthesiologist. She showed up 30 minutes later and was asking me questions, etc. All the sudden the contractions felt a lot different (burning, ripping, pushing sensation if we are being honest, sorry). I told them something was wrong, they said you’re fine-- until I told them that I was starting to push. The nurse checked me and said that it was too late for an epidural and that the baby was almost out. 3 pushes later and Luke was out. I couldn’t believe it. The doctor almost didn’t make it. He just plopped right out on the bed. So crazy. I’m still ticked over the whole epidural thing, but at least it was quick! I can’t believe all you poor women who do labor naturally and it lasts for hours and hours. Wow!

Proud Daddy

Happy Mommy

Ready for the ride home. They gave Luke a Christmas beanie in the hospital.

 We were discharged today and got to open presents with Carson tonight. He was very excited to come home to a baby. He loves little babies. It's a little scary though!  My Mom got here this afternoon and will be here for the week to help out. Thank goodness! My sister Laura is on a mission in Korea and we got to conference call with her today too, so much excitement!  I’m feeling good, not too sore. Thanks for all the well wishes and Merry Christmas!

Meeting baby brother for the first time.

What a sweet brother!

Update

I went to the doctor this morning. I am 2 ½ cm dilated and 70% effaced. We might end up with a Christmas baby after all, we’ll see. The back pain is only getting worse. Weekends it feels better because Steve is home chasing and picking-up Carson. I was thinking today that I would gladly trade the pain for an extra month of pregnancy! 

In other news…Carson has now decided that he doesn’t need naps or night time sleep anymore. I’ve been reading in my favorite book “Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child” that frequently around a child’s 2^nd birthday napping has to be reinforced. It doesn’t help that he can climb out of his crib now either. (Still no interest in his big boy bed.) I know he still needs a nap because he gets so tired. And I honestly don’t care if he needs one or not, because I NEED him to take one! 

The other morning he woke up at 4:30 am ready for the day to begin. Steve and I took turns placing him in his crib, standing outside his door waiting for him to jump out of his crib and walk into the hall, then placing him back in his crib- until 6 am. By 6 we stopped and started the day. He’ll also wake-up in the middle of the night and come in to get us. It’s like he forgot how to self sooth like he used to be able to. The middle of the night isn’t too bad because it isn’t very hard to get him to go back down. Nap time is definitely the hardest. 

Any advice from anyone who has gone through this? We bought a door lock (the kind that goes on the door handle) and decided that he could cry himself to sleep on the floor. The first time we tried to use this technique he used his Handy Manny plastic screwdriver to pry the thing off. And who says kids don’t learn anything from T.V. I think I might try to duct tape it. Don’t get me wrong, I hate to lock him in but I am at my wits end here. And the thought of adding a new baby on top of this… HELP FRIENDS! 

To end on a good note Carson didn’t resist or cry at nursery this last Sunday. Hooray! At least that problem is solved. =)

Not So Merry...

We had the Shell Christmas Party today. Carson loved the bounce house, popcorn machine, and treats, but when it came to sitting on Santa's lap...

That was a no go.

He was okay with taking the candy. He's no fool.

My Pity Party

Humor me for a while…It’s been a tough week! The baby is sitting on a nerve or something because for the last 2 weeks I have been having constant pain in my lower back. I met with the doctor last week and he said it will most likely get worse with the baby getting bigger.  I am having a hard time just walking let alone chasing/carrying Carson around. I still don’t feel like I’m ready for this baby to come, but if I have to be in pain 3 ½ more weeks then let’s get him out!

 Anyway, Steve was out of town for the past 6 DAYS! For 3 days of that Carson had the flu and couldn’t keep anything down. Poor guy lost 4 lbs.  (Poor mom too with the constant cleaning of diarrhea and throw-up.) So yep, it’s been a really hard week. Steve got back last night and has promised not to go anywhere else for a while. We’ve had a fun day today all together. Carson is so excited that his Dad is home and I am so happy not to be lifting, carrying, or chasing him for a whole day. All is right in the world again… Okay, my pity party is over now.  Thanks for bearing with me. 

Carson being a big "helper" today with the Christmas lights.

I love that he insisted on being on the nicer, cooler ladder.

Craft Fair

I participated in a local craft fair last weekend and I did pretty good. Due to lack of energy, mobility, etc. I tried to not go too far overboard. I used a lot of stuff I already had and made a bunch of holiday items that if they didn't sell I would be able to give away as gifts. It was fun, but I'm glad it's over!

Merry Christmas 2010!

I can’t believe how quickly 2010 flew by! Here is a short recap for all interested…

We have been in Northern California for six years now and we really like it. Steve continues to enjoy his job as an engineer at Shell Oil. I am still getting used to being a stay-at-home Mom, but feel very grateful that I am able to stay home with Carson.

Carson turned two last month and is getting very SASSY! It’s like a switch went off and now he is Mr. “I know what is best for me thank you very much.” There is never a dull moment with him around and Steve and I feel very blessed that he is part of our family. Carson’s interests and hobbies include: Playing at the Mc Donald’s play place, playing his Toy Story Guitar & Thomas trains, the Wiggles & Sesame Street, swimming, and using his season pass at Six Flags.

Steve is executive secretary at church and likes his calling. I am Young Womens president and love to work with the girls and the Young Womens leaders. Carson still hates nursery, but over the last month things have improved greatly. He is very much a Daddy and Mommy’s boy and gets his feelings hurt when we leave him there by himself.

Baby Boy Bonner is due the first week of January. This pregnancy has gone by so fast and the upcoming birth has really snuck up on us. We are in the process of switching Carson to a big boy room and getting all our baby stuff from the garage. For all of you wondering, I don’t think Carson has any idea what is going on. All I know is his world is going to be rocked! Wish him (and us) luck.

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas season as we take time to reflect on the birth of our Savior.

Love, The Bonners

#2's Baby Shower

On Thursday a few of my WONDERFUL friends threw me a baby shower. You guys are amazing. Everything was so cute, down to the labels on the water bottles and the amazing cake. The cake had a mini fondant replica of the invitation. Thanks for all the cute baby clothes, homemade blankets, diapers and wipes! I can't believe this baby is coming!