Cozey 7 for little ones.

We find some of the most innovative products on Kickstarter. Recently, I was introduced to an adorable new line of cozy, outdoor-wear for little ones. Cozey 7 is a line of high-performance outerwear for kids, designed by a grandmother in Colorado. Jill Winckler and her son Jake have teamed up to design a line of high-performance body suits, that can be worn over your kiddo's regular clothing. These suits give little ones added layers of warmth and protection from outdoor elements, and are super easy to slide on and off. We ordered a blue Cozey 7 for Linna, so she can run and play outside in Minnesota's unpredictable weather conditions, and we'll be able to hand this Cozey 7 down to Baby Jimmy.

Linna is used to playing outside every day in sunny Singapore, and we want her to do the same here in Minnesota (as much as we can, minus the freezing, cold, snowy days). Even during Minnesota's most chilly days, it's important to us to let our kids get outside to play, and get some vitamin D. Cozey 7s makes this possible, without weighing our kids down with bulky winter coats during the fall and springtime. Check out the Cozey 7's Kickstarter page, and consider contributing to their development plan. They have just over 2 days to reach their goal of raising $7,500.

One week of baby jimmy.

Mama Saigh loving every newborn snuggle.

It seems like yesterday that I was walking around with a gigantic pregnant belly. Now, Jameson (AKA Baby Jimmy) is already a week old, and time is flying by.

For those of you who have asked, Jameson Marshall Saigh was named after a few people. My dad's middle name is James, Papa Saigh's grandpa's name was Jimmy Saigh, and we have always loved the name Jameson. Marshall is Papa Saigh's dad's name. So, Baby Jimmy has a lot of love and background behind his name. Although we've had our challenging moments with Linna, and we're slowly adjusting to our new life as a family of four, I am honestly enjoying every moment. Baby Jimmy is the sweetest little boy, and his big sister loves him so much. I just wish I could freeze time.

While I'm still adjusting to my new sleep schedule, I'm also adjusting to a new life of changing diapers that involve a tiny penis with a mind of its own. Up until a few days ago, I was going though at least 2 diapers, 10 wipes, and at least one clothing change per diaper change. Baby Jimmy is exclusively fed breast milk (via pumping and bottles), so his poop is super seedy and runny. Getting all of the poo out of his little privates, while trying to control his crazy legs, and avoiding a huge mess from his sporadically peeing penis, has been a whole new challenge. We decided to not have Baby Jimmy circumcised (more on this later), which I'm thankful for, because I can't imagine having to deal with that healing on top of this new diapering adventure. I'm slowly mastering a diapering "plan of action" that works for us, and have to make diaper changes quick because Baby Jimmy HATES being cold (it's the only time he really cries).

Happiest big sister with her baby brother.

Baby Jimmy in the Moby Wrap, while Linna takes a bath.

Can't get enough of this little man..

Jameson is pretty much on his own schedule. He sleeps a LOT, and eats, pees and poops when he feels like it. I think his days and nights are backwards, because he'll sleep 4 to 6-hour stretches during the day, but just 3-hour stretches at night. Last night, however, Baby Jimmy gave me TWO 4-hour stretches of sleep. It was fantastic. I pump about every 3 hours, but will go up to 5 hours if I'm out doing something, or sleeping. I'm pumping about 6-8 oz. each session, while Jameson eats about 3-5 oz. every 3 hours, or so (I'm already freezing my milk). We don't wake him up to eat, but let him eat however much he wants when he's hungry. Baby Jimmy sleeps with me in the master bedroom, and Papa Saigh is sleeping with Linna in her bedroom. We are so proud of Linna because she goes to bed alone in her room every night (we read and lay with her for a few minutes). One night last week, I told Linna that Baby Jimmy could sleep in the Bassinest, so she could sleep in our bed with me. But, the thought of having Baby Jimmy waking her up at night sent her straight back to her own bed. My sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and Papa Saigh have been extremely helpful getting up with Linna between 7 and 7:30 a.m., so I can sleep in a little bit, since I'm up at night with Jameson. After experiencing postpartum depression with Linna, I realize how important sleep is. So far, I feel pretty well-rested, going to bed around 10 p.m., waking up a couple times a night to pump, feed, and change Jameson, then getting up around 7:30/8 a.m.

Big sister snuggles after The Wizard of Oz show.

Baby Jimmy loves his hand-me-down Wubbanub from his big sister Linna.

First bath after his umbilical cord fell off.

Baby Jimmy is still in his newborn clothes, and went from his birth-weight of 7 lbs. 12 oz., to 7 lbs. 4 oz. at his 1-week pediatrician check-up. His umbilical cord fell off at 8 days old, and I'm slowly realizing that his newborn days are numbered, which makes me SO sad. I've had my emotional moments, but allowing people to help me this time around has really made a difference in the "sanity" department. I struggle with my doctor's orders to "take it easy", but when I don't listen, I feel it... BIG TIME. I'm still healing, which is tough when you have a 4-year-old, a newborn, and a house to take care of. My sister-in-law, Holly, gave me one of the greatest gifts, cooking and preparing our family freezer meals that I can just pop in the oven or crock-pot. Not having to cook or menu-plan during the first week has been an incredible help. My mom has also been helping me out by picking Linna up from school some days, and taking her for the afternoon. My sister, sister-in-law, mother and father-in-law have also been incredibly helpful with Linna, and the household chores. I am so thankful for all the help from everyone, so I can spend time bonding with Baby Jimmy. I honestly couldn't do this without all the help.

Papa Saigh listening to blues music with Baby Jimmy, just like he'd do when he was in my belly.

Another perfect Minnesota Baby.

I know we're just at the beginning of Baby Jimmy's life, but I am loving our life as a family of 4. I know I said I was "done" having babies just a couple weeks ago, but I want 5 more (Papa Saigh, are you game?!)! Here are a few of my favorite baby products/gear that have helped us through Baby Jimmy's first 12 days...

Boudreaux's Butt Paste - With all Baby Jimmy's pooping, we ran into a little bit of a red bum. I'm not joking when I say that this thick paste cleared things up in a day. Plus, it's only about $5 at Target,

Kiinde Bottle System - I will write more about this amazing system later, but this bottle-system is a game changer. I can literally pump into the Kiinde bags, and the bags pop into a fast and easy bottle-feeding system. I can freeze the bags of breast milk, or feed Baby Jimmy right away after pumping. These bags can also be used as pureed food squeeze-pouches when Baby Jimmy gets older.

Moby Wrap - I don't know why I didn't use this baby carrier with Linna more often. I love snuggling Baby Jimmy, but I also have a 4-year-old to pay attention to, and work to get done. The Moby Wrap allows me to get things done around the house, while holding my baby close. Love being hands-free!

Zutano Booties - Baby Jimmy's tiny feet and ankles don't hold socks or booties very well, but Zutano's booties are one of the only booties that will stay put. I'm so glad I ordered a couple pair of these booties, because Jameson is in them all the time.

Medela Freestyle Double Electric Breast Pump - This breast pump is worth its weight in gold. Since I am exclusively pumping and bottle feeding (Jimmy can't figure out how to latch onto Mama Saigh's enormous boobies), this pump allows me to be completely hands-free while pumping my liquid gold. The pump is so small and powerful, and attaches to my clothing, or my hands-free pumping bra. At 12 day postpartum, I am pumping about 6-8 oz. per session.

GIVEAWAY: The wizard of oz at children's theatre company.

4-year-old Linna and her baby brother Jameson (Baby Jimmy) at The Wizard of Oz.

We are so excited to give away a family 4-pack of tickets to the Children's Theatre Company's production of The Wizard of Oz! We had tickets booked to see this show last Saturday, but my water broke and I was in the hospital having our little Baby Jimmy. The staff at the Children's Theatre Company was nice enough to rearrange our tickets, so I could take the kids this past weekend instead. That's right, I took the 4-year-old and the 1-week-old to see The Wizard of Oz... By myself.

The show is super cute. It was a little scary for Linna whenever the Wicked Witch of the West made an appearance, but the more the witch came out on stage, the more relaxed Linna became. Linna loved all of the munchkin scenes, seeing Toto on stage (a real dog), and all of the music during the show. I thought the two stand-out characters were Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion. The actress who played Dorothy was a great singer, and did a great job making Dorothy her "own" character. The actor who played the Cowardly Lion was hilarious. He had both Linna and I laughing, and I couldn't get enough of his accent.

The show runs about two hours, and there were points in the show where my 4-year-old lost interest. However, seconds later a song would start, grabbing her attention again. We also had to miss the last 10 minutes of the show because Linna got a stomach ache from eating too much junk food the day before. Since I was in a rush to get her to the bathroom, I left behind my cooler and a bag of breast milk in the theatre, which was such a bummer. But overall, I really enjoyed my morning with my babies at The Wizard of Oz.

If you go see this show, allow at least 20 extra minutes for parking, because 15 minutes before the show is CRAZY with last-minute arrivals (especially on the weekends). We missed the first 5 minutes of the show because the ramps near the theatre were full, and we were running late. One thing about our experience that kind of threw me, was that fact that I was charged $5 for Baby Jimmy to enter the theatre. Apparently, there's a "lap ticket" that must be purchased for any child sitting on an adult's lap, even if the child is a week old. This small $5 fee was a little frustrating, but once we got into the theatre, we all enjoyed our experience.

We probably would have had better luck taking a photo BEFORE the show. Linna had
a tummy ache at the end of the show, so we had to leave 10 minutes before the show ended:(

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A FAMILY 4-PACK OF TICKETS TO THE WIZARD OF OZ... Either "like" and share our contest post on Facebook, or comment on this blog post with your first and last name, and city you reside in. If you do both, you'll double your chances to win. All entries must be received by Thursday, November 26th at 9 p.m. One winner will be randomly selected and announced on this blog on Friday, November 27th. Good luck everyone!

The Wizard of Oz
Children's Theatre Company
2400 3rd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 874-0400
Show runs through January 10th

Maternity photo-shoot with robert evans.

Baby Jimmy is now a week old, and I'm already missing my baby bump. It's incredible how I've gone from "This is my last baby.", to "Let's have five more!", in the matter of a couple weeks. During my pregnancy, I found an amazingly talented photographer to capture the final weeks of my growing belly. Robert Evans of Robert Evans Imagery captured the most beautiful photos of my first baby, Linna, and her baby brother in my belly when I was about 33 weeks pregnant with Baby Jimmy (at the time, we didn't know if he was going to be a boy or a girl). Minnesota is pretty lucky to have this talented photographer living and working right here in the Twin Cities, because he has quite the extensive portfolio.

Linna, Mama Saigh, and Baby Jimmy in my belly.

Mama Saigh and "the bump" in our unfinished basement of the new house.

Robert is the photographer who captured all the of wedding images for Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. I feel beyond lucky to have found this talented man to capture this special time in our family's life. Robert made our entire shoot so easy. He came to my home, which was great because I could just pop into my closet to select wardrobe choices for each shot, instead of having to lug everything to his studio. Robert made me feel incredibly relaxed, and had our 4-year-old daughter in and out of shots when her short attention span would allow for it. His photography partner, Nate Anderson, was also on hand to shoot video of this experience. The three of us had so much fun during our two-hour shoot, listening to Robert tell us stories from his celebrity photography experience.

Mama Saigh and baby.

I love this photo because I'm sitting on the same chair that I took all of Linna's monthly
and yearly photos in, as she was a little baby!

I received my images from Robert within a week of our shoot, and was blown away with how the photos turned out. He captured the developing bond that was forming between me, my daughter, and the growing baby inside my belly. While I was feeling swollen, uncomfortable, and just plain large during this pregnancy, Robert and Nate made me feel beautiful. It's fantastic how Robert turned simple spots in our newly purchased home, into gorgeous backdrops and settings for each photo. We had just moved into our new house the day before this shoot, and now, I love looking back on these photos to see how far we've come making this house our home.

Linna resting on Mama Saigh's baby bump. She's SO excited to be a big sister!

We had some fun during our shoot too!

It feels like it was just yesterday that I had Baby Jimmy in my belly, but now he's here and we're loving every cuddle, newborn cry, and sweet newborn smell. I'm so excited to, one day, explain to my kids that they were photographed photographing moms, moms-to-be, and families in the Twin Cities, so take advantage of this while you can, because he's sure to book up quickly!

by the man who photographed some of the biggest celebrities in America. The moments Robert captured of me and my babies will be something I will always look back on, because this pregnancy really did fly by. Robert Evans is now

Robert Evans Imagery
Email: Hello@RobertEvans.com
Phone: (818) 206-4243

Nate Anderson, Robert Evans, and Mama Saigh.

VIDEO: Linna meets baby jimmy for the first time.

This is video of Linna, her MeMaw and PeePaw meeting Baby Jimmy for the first time, just 30 minutes after he was born. We had them come to the hospital without knowing if Baby Jimmy was a boy or a girl. I love Linna's reaction. Etta was our girl name.

Bringing baby home & getting hit by the "feelings truck".

3-day-old Baby Jimmy and his Big Sister Linna. So much love.

Monday afternoon, we brought Baby Jimmy home from the hospital. We spent two and a half days at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, and when we got home, I was hit by a truck of emotions.

I'm being very careful about watching for signs of postpartum depression this time around, as I had it pretty bad with Linna. But last night, I don't know if it was the hormones, the fact that we were finally home, the exhaustion, or the overwhelming amount of love I was experiencing, but I had a good, long cry.

Papa Saigh and his mom took Linna to dance last night, so Baby Jimmy and I curled up in our bed, and I just let the tears flow. I was feeling EVERYTHING. I felt sad when I looked in the mirror, and didn't see my big pregnant belly. I felt overwhelming happiness watching our 4-year-old love up on her baby brother. I felt frustrated and annoyed by all the unfinished projects we have going on in our house. I basically just... FELT.

There's something about birth that unleashes an incredible amount of emotions in me. I wasn't a very sensitive person before I had my first baby, but these babies have turned me into a puddle of mush. Last night, Linna was being difficult around dinner time (she's been "challenging" since she turned 4), so I made her leave the table and go upstairs. She threw a fit, pushing all of my buttons, and I completely lost it with her, raising my voice more than I would have liked. Ok, I yelled at her. I made her go to bed early, but laid with her for a few minutes like I always do before she goes to bed. As we laid there, she put her hand on my face and whimpered "I love you, Mama. More than anything."

Cue Kim Kardashian ugly cry.

I laid with Linna in her bed, and cried. I cried because of the way I yelled at her. I cried because of how sweet my baby girl is. I just cried. Every emotion I was feeling came pouring out in the form of tears, and I told my daughter how much I loved her. I told her that the tears I was crying were happy tears, and that she and her baby brother made my heart feel so much happiness. I laid with her until she fell asleep, and then made my way to the bathroom to finish my cry in the tub.

I needed that cry.

I feel ya, little guy. Just cry it out.

I felt so honest with myself. I could breathe, and felt like a new person. I know my hormones are all over the place, and talking with other moms who experienced this same wave of emotions has been comforting. Unlike when Linna was born, I'm accepting the help that's being offered to us, and think I am so much more "relaxed" this time around. Finding our family's new normal has been challenging, but I am feeling so incredibly lucky to be the mama of a perfect baby boy, and one amazing little girl.

Jameson marshall saigh is here.

As I sit here in my hospital bed writing this, my precious and perfect baby boy is sleeping soundly right next to me. I know I should sleep when the baby sleeps, but I just can't stop starring at this little man. 

Jameson Marshall Saigh, AKA Baby "Jimmy".

Jameson Marshall Saigh (Baby "Jimmy") made his grand entrance at 2:41 p.m. on November 14th. My water broke at home at 7:40 on Saturday morning. I was laying in bed, having irregular contractions and slight back pain, and Papa Saigh and I were discussing whether or not we should ask his parents (MeMaw and PeePaw) to head to our house from Mankato (my parents are currently in Florida). We decided to call and tell them not to hurry, but to head to our house whenever they could, because we might head to the hospital if my contractions kept progressing. Ten minutes later, we were calling to tell them to hurry and get here, because my water broke and I was bleeding slightly (pink blood in the fluid). We decided to take Linna to the hospital with us and have MeMaw and PeePaw meet us there, because I started having pretty strong contractions at home.

(VIDEO: Telling Linna that my water just broke, and that the baby is probably coming today.)

I was immediately admitted to the hospital, gave Linna a hug "good-bye", as she was off with her MeMaw and PeePaw. I decided to start some IV drugs right away because I was already dilated to 4.5cm and 80% effaced, and we had the epidural guy on stand-by. And now, the worst part of my entire labor experience. The nurses tried to administer my IV not once, not twice, but THREE times... AND they weren't successful until the FOURTH attempt. I hate needles, so along with a lot of tears came a few f-bombs (and some other words that don't need repeating). I was so upset. I had to get into the bathtub to remove myself from the situation, and try to relieve my back pain. Once the nurse successfully administered my IV drugs, I had an epidural started as well. My epidural with Linna went very smoothly, and other than a little bit of pressure, I didn't feel any pain during her birth. This time around, was very different.

Last "bump" photo, in the elevator at the hospital.

Last pic as a family of three.

From the very beginning, my epidural was "odd". I literally felt so high, and was not only numb from the legs down, but from my chest down. I couldn't keep my legs from falling off the bed (which, of course, I found hilarious in my "high" state), but I also couldn't cough properly, which was extremely frustrating. I went from 4.5cm, to 6cm, then 8cm, in about an hour. When I got to 8cm, they called the doctor to come in, because I was literally crossing my legs to keep from pushing the baby out. I can't tell you how difficult this was. When the doctor finally arrived, they set me up to push, and I immediately knew that this birth experience would be different from my birth experience with Linna.

I could feel... EVERYTHING.

Snuggling my little man.

Baby Jimmy isn't sure what to think of his new world.

The doctor game me a local anesthetic to make the experience a little bit better. The pain wasn't excruciating or anything, but the pressure was intense! Papa Saigh and I were able to watch the birth from a mirror that the nurses set up, which again, was an incredible thing to see. While I probably would have rather been a little more numb, I felt pretty amazing after experiencing the feelings of pushing my baby out. I only pushed for about 20 minutes, and when they placed the baby on my chest, I immediately asked what it was. Papa Saigh said, "it's a boy!", as his eyes filled with tears. I couldn't believe it, and I still can hardly believe it. Baby Jimmy had a great set of lungs, and didn't stop crying until they brought him back to me after they weighed him and checked his vitals. I fell in love from the moment I looked at his full head of hair and perfect little face.

We called MeMaw, PeePaw, and Linna, and told them to head to the hospital, without telling them if the baby was a boy or a girl. Linna was beyond excited to meet her new baby, but when we told her it was a boy, she said, "but I wanted an Etta (our girl name)". Her disappointment didn't last very long, as she cuddled right up to her baby brother. Watching the two of them together has made my heart double in size. I can't believe I am the mama of TWO babies... A gorgeous little girl, and perfect little boy. I was pretty worried about how I'd ever love another baby as much as I love my first born, but it's unreal how much love is pouring out of me right now.

My heart.

Baby Jimmy after his first bath. Look at all his hair!

I seriously can't stop cuddling and starring at Baby Jimmy. He is unbelievably cute, and beyond sweet. I love his newborn cry, and his precious whimper when he sleeps. He's not even 24 hours old yet, and he's already pooped twice, figured out how to latch on to my massive boobs (with a nipple shield), and is pretty alert when he's awake (although he sleeps a lot). I'm pumping a good amount of colostrum with my new Medela breast pump, and feeding it to Baby Jimmy via a bottle. He's taking a pacifier, bottle, and the boob with no nipple confusion. He is absolute perfection, and I want five more of him. Man, how things change!

Papa Saigh is staying with me and Baby Jimmy in the hospital until Monday, and I am enjoying every minute of my "vacation". I think I desperately needed a little bit of a break from the 4-year-old, and I know it's just a matter of time before I have to go back to "real life" as a new mom of two (with no nurses to help). I am soaking up this precious time with my little man, because I know he's going to grow up just as fast as Linna has. We are so thankful for all the love we've received from all of you, and I am feeling like the luckiest person in the world right now. 

Now, time to enjoy some more snuggles with my little guy!

Baby saigh #2 pregnancy: Water broke at 7:40 a.m. on saturday morning.

It's time! I just got to the hospital after my water broke this morning at 7:40. Papa Saigh and I were laying in bed, contemplating whether or not we should have his parents drive up from Mankato because I was having some contractions and back pain. Ten minutes later, my water broke. Going into labor the second time around is MUCH different, as we have a 4-year-old to consider. Linna decided to have a melt-down this morning, so instead of tending to me, Papa Saigh got to deal with the kiddo. Anyway, I'm bleeding a little bit with my water leakage, so we decided to head to the hospital with Linna and have my in-laws meet us there. Papa Saigh is currently in the waiting room with Linna and we are just waiting for his parents to get here. I'm all hooked up to monitors, listening to the baby's heartbeat, and waiting for an IV to get some drugs for my back-pain and contractions. I'm a wimp when it comes to pain, so the epidural guy is standing by too. Can believe we'll be meeting our newest baby today (hopefully)!

Linna has glasses.

4-year-old Linna in her new glasses.

At her ophthalmologist's recommendation, we decided to get our 4-year-old her first pair of glasses. How adorable does she look in these Ted Baker frames from the Glasses Menagerie in Minneapolis?! She is SO excited about her new eye-wear, and I am just happy that she is happy.

Since Linna was about two years old, we've been seeing Dr. Sonal at the Singapore National Eye Centre, for what we called her "wonk eye". The medical term for Linna's "wonk eye" is a "divergent squint", or a "lazy eye". Her eye really only drifts if she's tired or spacing out. We tried using an eye patch to strengthen the muscles of her weak eye, and followed-up with Dr. Sonal every 3 months. Linna's vision has been excellent. But, at this point her ophthalmologist in Minnesota (Dr. Erick Bothun) doesn't want her eye muscles to become any weaker, so he recommended that Linna try glasses.

The glasses are supposed to help her KEEP her focus when she wears them. That way, she'll continue to train her brain to keep her eyes together when she looks off into the distance.

Dr. Sonal and Dr. Bothun have been incredible helping us fix Linna's eye issue. Linna looks forward to going to both doctors, and is so excited to have a new pair of glasses that look just like Papa Saigh's glasses. At Dr. Bothun's recommendation, we went to Glasses Menagerie in Uptown, as they apparently have the largest selection of children's frames in the Twin Cities. Other than the initial sticker-shock (their glasses aren't cheap), we were very pleased with our experience there. The staff was very sweet, patient, and helpful with Linna, while listening to Mama Saigh's opinions as well (I didn't want anything too "kiddie").

It took less than a week to get Linna's glasses finished, and the staff at Glasses Menagerie showed Linna how to care for and clean her new glasses. She is SO excited to wear them to school tomorrow! If the glasses don't work, we'll have to consider surgery to correct the issue. Let's hope she continues to like and wear her new glasses, so we don't have to go the surgery route.

Linna being fitted for her first pair of glasses with the staff at Glasses Menagerie. 

Baby saigh #2 pregnancy: 37 weeks.

Mama Saigh at 37 weeks and 6 days with Baby Saigh #2.

I'm beginning to wonder if I will EVER have this baby. Last week, I was CERTAIN that he or she would make her debut before 38 weeks. But here I sit at 37 weeks and 6 days, and I'm STILL pregnant. I've been dilated to 3cm and 70% effaced for at least two weeks, having lots of pretty strong contractions (but nothing regular), pressure in my nether-regions beyond belief, lots of baby movement... But no active labor. My water broke at 38 weeks and 1 day with Linna, but I guess this baby needs some extra time to "cook".

This week, I've been incredibly uncomfortable and super crabby. But, on the morning of the last day of my 37 weeks, I literally feel completely normal. No vag pressure, no strong contractions... NOTTA! Could this be the calm before the storm?! I'm so anxious for my water to break, and I think about it all the time. Will I have painful contractions before my water breaks, or will my water just break without any regular contractions like it did with Linna? We have family on stand-by to come stay with Linna whenever I go into labor, but I seriously worry about not making it to the hospital in time for my epidural. I can't imagine having this baby without one, as I had one with Linna, and her birth was a very pleasant experience. Earlier this week, I was having a lot of strong contractions and cramping, where I thought "this is it", but then they just tapered off. I am also vomiting every night before I go to bed. It's so gross, but as soon as I lay down in bed, I have to get up to throw up. It doesn't matter if I only have water a few hours before bed, or a meal. I still puke, and it's awful.

The baby is incredibly low, so it's like I'm walking around with a bowling ball between my legs. This makes for a pretty sexy walk. While I'm feeling better since I caught a horrible cold over a month ago, I still have my cough. On a positive note, Linna is now sleeping in her own bedroom every night and ALL the way through until morning. We are so proud of her. I'm actually able to share our bed with my husband again. I have my 38-week check-up Thursday afternoon, and I'm anxious to see if I'm progressing at all. My doctor says that I can schedule an induction on Thursday for when/if I reach 39 weeks, and I'm not sure what I want to do. I was all about being induced with Linna because we were so excited to meet her, but I feel like I'm a little more relaxed with this baby. I know the baby will come when the baby is ready, but I also don't want to push out a 41-week, 10-pounder (the doctor says the baby is measuring right on track). Plus, I'd love to enjoy Thanksgiving Day (my due date and FAVORITE holiday) with my family and the new baby... NOT in the hospital. We'll just take it one day at a time. Every day is a waiting game around here!

New christmas jammies tradition.

The kids' 2015 Christmas jammies from Hanna Andersson.

This year, we're going to start a new Christmas Eve tradition. I got this idea from a mommy pal of mine, and I think it's so cute. I recently ordered the 4-year-old and the new baby (Due Thanksgiving Day 2015) matching Christmas jammies from Hanna Andersson because they were having a great sale. I ordered the Night Night Baby Sleeper in Pure Organic Cotton for the new baby in red and white, and the Organic Cotton Long John Pajamas in green and white for Linna. They are absolutely darling and incredibly soft! On Christmas Eve, we'll let the kids open one gift (their Night Before Christmas Box), which will be their new Christmas jammies, hot cocoa, a holiday movie, and treats, and we'll all snuggle up together as a family for a movie night. Then, the kids will be in their Christmas jammies on Christmas morning when they open their gifts. Doesn't that sound like fun?! I may be overly excited about being back in Minnesota for Christmas this year, after spending the last three years in hot and sunny Singapore. Bring on the snow!

Next weekend, Hanna Andersson is having a fantastic sale at their Mall of America store. If you shop on Saturday, November 14th between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., you'll get 40% OFF their sleepwear (baby, boys, and girls)! I hear they'll have holiday snacks for shoppers too. Plus, now through January 3rd, Hanna Andersson is giving away a $100 gift card every week to customers that share their #HannaJams moments, by posting photos on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. I'll be entering for my chance to win.

Happy Christmas jammies shopping everyone!

To my "original" minnesota baby.

Well, I am officially sobbing as I write this.

Deep breath.

Photo courtesy Robert Evans Photography

My sweet Linna Jane.. For four years, you have been the sole pride and joy of our lives. You are the little life that inspired this blog, and you're the reason it's continued for over four years. Very soon, we'll be adding another little baby to our family, and you'll finally become the big sister. While I can't wait to see you shine in your new role, part of me is sad to see you growing up so fast.

Since the day we found out that we were going to be having a little girl, every moment of our lives has revolved around you. You have captivated our entire family with your infectious smile, wit, sass, charm, and personality. Your resilience to change has been remarkable, as we took you half-way around the world to live more than 10,000 miles away from your grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and cousins. You'll never know any different, but your first few years of life were something most adults only dream of. People from all over the world have been able to follow your journey from the very beginning, all the way to Singapore. You are such an incredible little person.

Your fourth year hasn't been an easy one for your Mama and Papa, but let's face it, you are your Mama's daughter. Talking to you, arguing with you, and reasoning with you, is (I'm assuming) what it's like to reason with me... And THAT is no easy task (ask Papa Saigh). You are so smart, and I'm amazed every day by the things you're able to figure out. Even when you wake up WAY too early, or on the wrong side of the bed, my mornings are brighter because you are here. Although I need a break from you every now and then, I hate being away from you. You've helped me experience emotions and feelings that I never thought were possible, and you gave me the ultimate gift of becoming a mom. You are the reason behind everything I do, and I can't imagine a life without you in it.

Within a matter of days, we'll go from our little family of three, to a family of four. We have no idea if your sibling is a boy or a girl, but we're so excited to welcome another version of YOU into our lives. From the moment we told you that you were going to be a big sister, not a day has gone by where you haven't talked to, hugged, or kissed your baby brother or sister in my belly. The amount of love you have for this baby makes my heart melt.

4-year-old Linna snuggling with Mama Saigh's 37-week baby bump.

There will be times where you'll be frustrated with me, because I can't give you all the attention and affection that you're used to receiving. I want you to know that the thought of this breaks my heart, because having my undivided attention is all you've ever known. But you are such a resilient little girl, and I know you'll adjust well to this huge change. I will always be here for a cuddle, kiss, or just to talk to. Life is about to change, and it may seem difficult at first, but it's a change that will make our family complete. I can't wait to watch you snuggle your baby brother or sister, and eventually stand by, as the two of you laugh and play together. My hope is that the two of you will be the best of friends.

My darling daughter, I love you more than I will ever be able to express with words. You are my entire heart, and I hope that one day you'll realize how incredibly special these last four years have been. We lucked out when you came into our lives, and no matter how crazy you may make me at times, I wouldn't change a thing about you. We're now entering the next chapter of our story. Whenever you feel left out or unheard, always know that you are our "original" Minnesota Baby. You're the inspiration behind the last four years of our lives. You are going to be the best big sister, and the little baby in my belly is so lucky to have you to look up to.

Are you ready, Bugaboo?! There's no turning back now. It's a big change for all of us, and I promise I will be there for you every step of the way.

I love you, Linna Jane.

Baby saigh #2 pregnancy: 36 weeks.

36 weeks pregnant with Baby Saigh #2.

I'm eating the 4-year-old's Halloween candy as I write this (shhhhhhh...). I can't believe I'm full-term on Thursday (Nov. 5th)! While this pregnancy has been pretty rough during my last trimester, and I am trying to savor every moment and ENJOY my pregnancy. I'm loving my nights in the tub, where I can just chill with this baby, and watch him or her move all over the place. It's so crazy that we don't know if this little one is a boy or a girl.

At my 36-week check-up last Thursday, my doctor told me that I'm already 3 cm dilated, and 70-percent effaced. I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions all over the place, and at times I feel like this baby is just going to fall out. I was cooking dinner on Sunday night, and there were a few times that I had to stop, cross my legs, and check to see if I had any little limbs coming out of me. Tonight, on the way home from Linna's eye appointment, I actually thought we might have to head to the hospital to have the baby. I was having a lot of contractions, but nothing painful or breath-taking. As I type this, I'm still having them, but again nothing major. I'm actually kind of nervous that I've forgotten what "real" labor contractions feel like. With Linna, my water broke at home, without me having contractions. The contractions started in the hospital, a few hours after my water broke. What if the baby just falls out?! There's been plenty of times with this baby that I've felt like he or she was going to break my water with all the movement and pressure. My nether-regions are taking the brunt of this.

I still have my cough, but it's gotten much better. We've finally gotten Linna to sleep in her own bed at night, which was a struggle at first, but she's on night #4! Papa Saigh sleeps in there with her, so I've had our big California King to myself, and I've actually been sleeping 7-8 hours straight. My belly button has almost completely flattened out, and my belly has definitely gotten bigger in the last two weeks. I'm waddling around like I have a bowling ball between my legs, and have really slowed my pace. It's so funny hearing all the comments from the other moms and teachers every day at Linna's school...

"Oh, I think you've dropped!", "Not much further to go!", "Here comes the waddler!", "Any time now, huh?!"

The "Big Sister" doctor scrubs I ordered for Linna from About Me Baby on Etsy. Under $25, shipped!

It will be interesting to walk in one day with a newborn. I have my 37-week appointment on Thursday afternoon, so I'm excited to see if I've dilated any further. We have neighbors and family on standby to be with Linna when I go into labor. If I had to guess, we'll have our new addition here by the end of the weekend!