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!

My favorite maternity pieces from stitch fix.

Click on the coupon above to get $25 off your first Stitch Fix delivery!
This offer is valid Feb 14th - 21st, 2017.

Not every piece that I've received in my Stitch Fix packages has made the cut, but it's safe to say that I'm pretty much in love with this personal styling service. When you're feeling huge and overly-pregnant, it can be difficult to try to make yourself look good, and actually FEEL good about your appearance. Stitch Fix took the work out of putting cute maternity looks together. I always aim for comfort when I'm pregnant, so I basically have been living in leggings, maxi dresses, and wrap sweaters during this pregnancy. But it's tough finding decent, comfortable, and quality maternity leggings... Leggings that a preggo can LIVE in, AND look good in. I'll be wearing all of the maternity Stitch Fix pieces I've purchased even after this baby is born, but I am looking forward to getting back into regular clothes too! Here are the Stitch Fix pieces I kept, and basically lived in during this pregnancy...

Great color in this Loveappella maternity top, paired with my navy RUNE maternity leggings.

This Market & Spruce top actually minimized my growing bust-line. And I seriously LIVED
in these RUNE maternity leggings until Stitch Fix sent me a second black pair (without the zipper). So comfy!

I will wear this navy and white striped Market & Spruce maternity maxi, FOREVER!

Love the color in this Full Moon Maternity top, and the Mavi maternity jeans (skinny)
couldn't be more comfortable. They're almost like wearing leggings!

Cool and comfortable maternity tank by Loveaappella, paired with my Mavi skinny jeans,
and a wrap sweater that I wore during my first pregnancy (Target).

Love these black maternity pants from Stitch Fix (unknown brand), paired with a simple white, striped
tank, and a wrap sweater from Fly MN Boutique.

36 weeks pregnant, wearing my comfy black maternity leggings from Stitch Fix, a white maternity
shirt from Target, and my favorite burnt orange and navy wrap sweater by Market & Spruce.

One of the great things about Stitch Fix, is that a stylist selects five pieces for you during each of your requested shipments, and you only keep what you want. There's an enclosed bag with a pre-paid shipping label that you toss your unwanted pieces in, and set them outside for your postal worker to pick up and return. Super easy! You can also earn FREE clothing by having friends and family use your referral link when they sign up for their first Stitch Fix package!