Jude Laurence: 3 months old

Jude at 3 months:

Weight: 18 pounds

Length: 27 inches

Diaper Size: 2

Clothing Size: Carter's 6 month (but their 9 month onesies fit you fine, too) and a few 6-9 month things

Eating: Nursing 5 times a day, every 3-4 hours during the day

Looks like: You seem to have eyes like Ashton and a smile & chin like Ezra. Almost everyone thinks you look like Mommy and Grandpa Steve
Nickname: JuderBug

At 9 weeks old you started sleeping through the night! I feed you around 8:00 PM and you fall asleep shortly after. We barely hear a peep out of you until 6:30-7:00 AM! 

We took you to the Minnesota State Fair with our friends John & Rachel.  You enjoyed riding around in your stroller and eyeing up all the food you will be able to try next year...especially Sweet Martha's Cookies!  You went to your second cookout at the Peterson's for Labor Day and sat around your first campfire at Grandpa Steve & Grandma Roxie's.

You were baptized at our church by Pastor Dave and we had a yummy brunch at our house to celebrate.

We brought you to Duluth for Mommy's cousin's wedding. You were such a good boy in the van the whole way up and back. You also got to stay in your first hotel and see Lake Superior.

Love you more and more each day, JuderBug!

Stitch Fix #5 & #6

Way back at the beginning of October, I got my 5th Fix. I went back to work a week later so blogging about it got put on the back burner. This week I got my 6th Fix so I am lumping them together in one post.

So, up first my October Fix...

These purple skinny jeans were a fabulous color. So fabulous in fact, that I already own a pair in this exact shade of purple...bummer!

The lighting was not good at all, but this was an awesome navy dress. It was a little too clingy around my tummy...which is "still squishy" according to one of my 3 year olds. If I was a year out from having Jude, instead of 3 months, I probably would have kept it.

This sweater was super soft and the color was great, but my rule for keeping Stitch Fix items is that they have to be perfect. Unfortunately, the chevron pattern is not in my Element, so this went back.

This sheer navy top was the keeper in my October fix. It's perfect for work and I loved the longer length.

This shiny silver bracelet was the last item in my Fix. Not something I would get a lot of wear out of so it went back.

Onto my 6th Fix...

I loved this sweater, both the navy and green colors are in my Element and it fit perfectly. But, there was a bit of angora in the material and it made me itch like crazy so this one had to so back.

The sheer cream layer on the bottom of this sweater is a faux blouse. This was soft and comfy, but didn't really do anything for me.

This dolman top is perfect...a little wrinkly from being boxed up, but the color is fantastic and the material is super soft. This was a keeper!

Oh, the dress that could have been wonderful! When I saw the raspberry and purple colors on this dress I was so excited...but then I saw the skirt. I don't wear black. For a minute I thought maybe it was a charcoal gray, but after holding it up to several other black items in my house, I came to terms with the fact that it was black. At that point I really hoped that it wouldn't fit so it would be easier to send back, Of course it fit like a glove and was so comfortable. I'm not lying when I say that I was tempted to cut off the skirt and sew a gray one on instead. It's on it's way back to California.

These green skinny jeans were great as well. Great color (sorry, bad picture!) and they fit really nicely, but when I walk around in them for a bit, they felt like they were starting to sag down and that just gets annoying. So they went back too. (I couldn't get my cute little helper to look at the camera.)

Want to try out Stitch Fix? If you sign up using my referral link I'll get a $25 credit and we can both get a fun Fix! https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3075423

Thanks for stopping by!

~Anika

Jude Laurence: 2 months old

Jude at 2 months:

Weight: 15 lbs. 8 oz

Length: 26 3/4 inches

Diaper Size: 2

Clothing Size: 3-6 month and Carter's 6 month

Eating: Nursing 7 times a day, every 3-4 hours during the day and once in the middle of the night

Looks like: You seem to have eyes like Ashton and a smile & chin like Ezra

We brought you to the Pierce County Fair this month. You slept a lot of the time we were there, but when you were awake you enjoyed riding in your stroller. You weren't too impressed with the parade, but you watched your brothers pick up a lot of candy.

Your Uncle Mitch married Ashley so you officially gained an Aunt and a cousin in the same day! You came with Mommy and Grandma Roxie to get our makeup done, then once we got to the church your Aunt Kylee took care of you while Mommy and Daddy took part in the wedding ceremony. Then we went to the reception and your Great Aunt Margo and Great Uncle Jeff watched you for quite awhile so Mommy and Daddy could enjoy dinner. After dancing with Mommy for a little bit, you napped with Kris Deiss. You were such a trooper the whole day!

Even though Mommy is not going back to work until October, we still went to set up her classroom and get things ready for her sub. You got your first ride on Grandpa Steve's golf cart - I think you are going to love that thing just as much as Ezra and Ashton do!

Jude Laurence: 1 month old

So I am already a month behind, but I am going to post an update on our new little guy each month. They grow and change so quickly and there are so many little things I want to remember!

Jude at 1 month:
Weight: 12 lbs, 6 oz. - that's 2 pounds in a month!!
Length: 24 inches
Diaper Size: 1 (we skipped Newborns)
Clothing Size: 0-3 month, and Carter's 3 month, some of it is already getting too small
Eating: Nursing 8 times a day, usually every 3 hours, but sometimes you stretch it to 4+ hours over night and cluster feed in the evening
Looks like: I still think you look like a good mix of your brothers, the Thoner genes seem to be strong in you!

You are a noisy little guy - always grunting whether you are awake or asleep! Your big brothers have a hard time leaving you alone. They always want to touch you, kiss you, hug you and hold you, but they aren't always gentle about it. It's a good thing God made you big so they can't beat you up too much! Your naps often get cut short because one of them makes a loud noise or comes over to pester you if you are napping in your swing.

You started to smile around 3 1/2 weeks old and now you smile at us a lot...until Mom brings out the camera! You have adorable dimples. Bath time is your favorite! We have to keep your whale tub in the big bath tub because you kick and splash so much!

We celebrated your first 4th of July at Lowell and Carol Peterson's and at The Rush. You slept through the fireworks! At Peterson's your tank took first place for distance by a long shot! Mommy and Grandma Roxie took you to the Mall of America for the first time. We were shopping for clothes and shoes for Uncle Mitchell's wedding. We found you a sweet little outfit at Janie & Jack, but Mommy didn't have any luck finding shoes for her wide feet!

Family Picture at Vino in the Valley

Stitch Fix #4

I took a break from Stitch Fix while I was pregnant, however, I have since read a few blogs from ladies who have continued to get them even with a growing baby bump and they have gotten some great pieces that work even though Stitch Fix doesn't actually carry maternity clothes.

You can see my previous 3 Fixes here.

So as you may or may not remember, I am a WATER. Since I know my Element, there are many colors and patterns that I won't wear because they just don't work for me - they might overwhelm me, wash me out, etc...  It certainly makes getting a Fix interesting, but I keep my Pinterest board filled with styles and colors that do work for me so that my stylist can see what I am going for.  

Tiffani was my stylist this time, and I thought she did a pretty good job picking things for me.  I will leave her some feedback when I check out to help her more next time around.  I will start with showing you the worst and work towards the best...

(I feel like I am always apologizing for my pictures. Today, I had to take them on our back deck, which is kind of a mess, and I didn't have time to clean it up...all 3 boys were sleeping at the same, so I had to get the pictures fast because that never lasts long!)

Item #1: Whistler Graphic Print Button Front Blouse

Graphic print is not really my thing, and doesn't work for my Element either. So this was a definite no.

 Item #2: Laural Sleeveless Geo Print Maxi Dress

This dress is super soft and comfortable, but the print was not my thing and it's too short. So this will be going back too. If it was longer and a solid color in my Element, I totally would have kept it!

Item #3: Clea Colorblock Maxi Dress

The length of this maxi was better, but that cream color fabric is really throwing me off. The purplish/blue color was fantastic though! Again, this was very comfortable, but it will be going back mostly because of that cream color. (It's weird, right??)

 Item #4: Rylin Pintuck Detailed Silk Blouse

The color of this shirt is a little deeper purple in real life and it is gorgeous! It also looks boxy in this picture, but it's really not. I'm on the fence about this one. I really like it, but I'm not going back to work until October and I don't know how often I will have a reason to wear a silk blouse before that...I have a feeling silk and spit up don't work well together!

Item #5: Sam Hi-Lo Short Sleeve Tee

This shirt is so comfortable! The color and hi-lo hem are great. I usually find the "hi" hem of hi-lo shirts to be too short for me, but this one was perfect. It's being added to my closet for sure.

Want to try Stitch Fix yourself?  If you decide to do it, I would love it if you signed up through my referral code so I can get a little credit towards my next Fix! Just sign up through this link...http://stitchfix.com/sign_up?referrer_id=3075423 

Hope you are having a wonderful summer! Thanks for stopping by!
~Anika

Introducing Jude

We welcomed our 3rd son into the world on June 27th. We are so in love with our little Jude! However, he's not so little! He weighed 10 pounds, 6 ounces and was 21.5 inches long.  We were all a bit surprised by his size, but it's probably a good thing since he has two big brothers who would literally love him to pieces if I wasn't around to rescue him!

Can't believe it's taken me so long to introduce him to all of you! I will be back with more pictures soon!

~Anika

Is Baby #3 a Boy or a Girl?

When I was expecting the boys, I wrote a post about Old Wives Tales to see what ended up being true for me.  I have been meaning to do the same with this pregnancy, but just haven't had a chance.  So, since we only have 11 day (or less) until we meet this new Baby, I figured I better get it done!  Here are the same Old Wives Tales I used when I was pregnant with the boys...

Old Wives Tale: Heart Rate - If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy.

Baby's heart rate has always been above 140.  Usually somewhere between 140 and 150. 

Old Wives Tale: Shape of Belly - If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.

I have had people tell me I am carrying high and people tell me I am carrying low.  I'm really not sure.  Aside from being smaller than I was with the boys, I feel like I am carrying about the same as I did with them...we will call it right in the middle and sticking straight out.

Old Wives Tale: Shape of Mom’s Face - When your face gets fuller and rounder when pregnant, it means you’re going to have a girl. If your face is long and narrow, it’s a boy.

Again, no change in the shape of my face this time around.

Old Wives Tale : Key Test - This test involves a key. If you pick up a key at the top (the roundest part), you are going to have a boy. If you pick up the key at the bottom (smallest part), you are going to have a girl. If you happen to grab the key in the middle, congrats, it’s twins!

So I had to leave this one in the mix because I always grab a key by the middle. :)  But, we do know it's only 1 this time!

Old Wives Tale: Mayan Tale - The Mayan tale adds the mothers age at conception and the year of conception. If the result is a even number then mom is having a girl. If the result is an odd number then a boy is on the way!

29 + 2013 = 2042, even = girl

Old Wives Tale: Acne - If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones.

Yup...strange break outs...more so than I remember with the boys.  Often around my hairline and behind my ears.  Lately it's been my chin.

Old Wives Tale: Cravings - People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.

Like last time, no specific cravings...just lots of what I usually like...sweets!

Old Wives Tale: Skin under Left Eye - The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.

Still no "V" or "branches" to speak of, just one squiggly line.

Old Wives Tale: Dream of Gender of Baby - If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having.

I have had 2 dreams about having a girl. 

Old Wives Tale: Side You Most Rest On - If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.

I prefer my right side.

Old Wives Tale: Morning Sickness - If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl.

I didn't really have morning sickness this time around either, but I realized I was pregnant after getting nauseous 3 afternoons in a row.  All it took was a quick snack and some water and I felt better.  After those 3 days, I just made sure to have a snack before I started feeling yucky.

Old Wives Tale: Hair on Legs - If the hair on your legs has been growing at record speeds, you might be having a boy.

My leg hair barely grows these days.  I haven't shaved in 5 days, but my legs are still smooth.

So, there you go.  What are your thoughts this time? I should also add that Ashton (one of our boys) has been insisting that it's a girl! We will see if he has any brotherly intuition! 

Here's a picture from some recent family pictures we had taken.  Not the best "bump" picture, but it will have to do! (Poor baby #3 isn't getting the weekly bump pictures like the boys did!)

20 weeks...Halfway There!

Yesterday we had our 20 week ultrasound. Baby was a bit of a showoff - scratching it's forehead and nose, and wiggling around quite a bit.  Overall measurements put Baby in the 73rd percentile...weighing in around 12 ounces.  The heart rate ranged from 145-150 bpm.  The technician also noted that Baby has long toes; Daddy's toes are ridiculously long too. :)

While we don't want to find out the gender until Baby is born, I do enjoy guessing based on the many Old Wives Tales that exist.  Something I read recently said that if the placenta is on the right it's a girl and if it's on the left it's a boy.  So I asked the technician...mine is posterior, or smack dab in the back...so that didn't help at all, but it does explain why I felt so much movement early on.

Here is Baby scratching its nose. We also got a short video of this...so fun!

A good look at those long toes!

And here is a great profile shot...

For comparison, here is Ezra's profile at 20 weeks...

...and here is Ashton's profile at 20 weeks. (He was always wiggling so this was the best we got!)

Hard to believe we are already halfway through this pregnancy!  Praying the last half is as easy as the first half!

~Anika

Two Years Post-Op Update

Two Years! It's been two years since Ezra had surgery to remove the atypical mycobacterial infection that had settled around the facial nerve along the right side of his jaw. He is doing great; both the incision and the spot where the infection was are continuing to heal nicely.

You can see the faint line of the incision along the front of his ear, then under his earlobe and towards his chin...it stops about halfway between his ear and chin. There is still a slight depression from the gland they removed above the end of the incision; the doctor said that because of how young he was this should completely go away. He developed Frey's Syndrome because they removed that gland; he had just had a glass of apple juice before I took this picture, so the redness you see on his cheek is the effect of the Frey's Syndrome - it comes and goes with varying intensity depending on what he eats...fruit and candy cause a stronger reaction. It doesn't hurt him at all, we just have to make sure anyone who takes care of him knows it isn't an allergic reaction!

The actual spot where the infection was is in such a hard place to get a picture of. You can kind of see it here...right where his shirt, neck and jawline meet. Over the last few months we have really noticed it change from red to a light pinkish color. His doctor said we could bring him back for more surgery if we didn't like the way it healed up, but it seem so unnecessary to put a child through cosmetic surgery when it is something that very few people notice. 

 Ezra also had a "crooked smile" for a couple months after surgery due to the facial nerve being disturbed, but there are no signs of that now! Just a mischievous grin and twinkling eyes!

Last night we wanted to celebrate Two Years Post-Op, but it has been so cold here (cold enough for school to be closed the last 2 days!) that we decided to just stay in and have a little ice cream rather than venture out for a treat!

If you have more questions about our experience with Atypical Mycobacterium, please leave a comment or email me at thoner02k @ yahoo . com. You can read all my posts related to this here.

Hope it is warmer where you are than it is here! Thanks for stopping by!

~Anika