John Paul has Arrived...

John Paul Matthias Fisk arrived on December 8, 2012 at 3:31pm (CST).

 

He weighed in at 8 lb, 1 oz and was 19.75 in long.

 

Here is the day in pictures:

 

 

My last pregnancy picture (let me know if you need sun-tanning tips)...

 

Our first picture with John Paul...

 

 Minutes old...

 
Carter meeting "John Pope" for the first time...

 
Everyone's first look (Mom was behind the camera)...

Kisses from Carter...

 
Peter isn't too sure...

 
A gentle touch...

 
Elley and her 4th grandson...

 

Daddy...

 
Some cuddle time...

 
The Next Day:

Papa and his 4th grandson...

 
A precious moment...

 

Papa and Elley...

 
Carter being silly...

 
 
Mimi and her 5th grandson...

 

Pretty sweet...

 Looking a lot bigger than he really is...

 

 

 
A dad and his boy...

 

Just some more cuddling...

 
Our fair little guy...

 
Leaving the hospital on December 10th...

 
First time in his carseat...

Dad, Mimi, Pops and John Paul

 
Bright eyed...

 
Carter dying to hold him...(lasted 3 seconds)

 
Our sweet boys...

 

Peter loves to stare at him...

And four days old...

 

 
Day 5...

 
Life couldn't be better!

John Paul: 37 weeks

Man, I am good at keeping up with this ;)

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss?  close to 25

Maternity clothes? I think I wear the same outfit every other day at this point. 

Sleep? Not so much :)

Movement? This kid is ready to get out!

Food cravings/aversions?  I just seem to eat whatever is in front of me...and I wonder why I've gained 25 pounds???

Gender? Boy

Labor signs?  Nothing to speak of.

What others are saying:  It's that time when others are afraid to ask how much longer you have because it might trigger labor right then and there...just lots of raised eyebrows now. 

What I miss: just a little sleep and a lack of anxiety.  Really, I just have little moments/times of losing my mind because the house I cleaned yesterday looks dirty again today and everything isn't always in its place INCASE the baby were to come any second.  I might be losing it. 

What I am looking forward to: holding John Paul!

Milestones: We're basically ready.  The induction is set for December 8th.  He has a place to sleep, and the boys are as prepared for this as they can be.  Now it's just waiting :)

John Paul: 31 weeks

How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? I think around 19?

Maternity clothes? Still the same...some maternity, some not. 

Sleep? Get up about once/night but it takes a really long to to get to sleep/go back to sleep because of someone moving like crazy in my tummy.

Movement? More and more throughout the day, but like everyone else, still the most at night.

Food cravings/aversions? Nothing new this week.  Food has made me feel a little yucky lately, yet I still manage to eat a lot :)

Gender? Boy

Labor signs?  The BH contractions are fairly often now...but nothing to be concerned about.

What others are saying: I haven't been around many people this week, but at the pumpkin patch, the lady made a comment about having a ton of kids, haha. 

What I miss: a full night's sleep and the easy of doing everything I need to throughout the day, but really, it isn't horrible at all!  (sometimes, I just feel the need to write an answer to these silly questions).

What I am looking forward to: having three little boys for Christmas :)

Milestones: Not a lot has been done this week.  We're only eight weeks away and are pretty much prepared.  I know the next two months will fly with the busy days on the ranch coupled with holidays.  John Paul will be here before we know it!

John Paul: 29 Weeks...

How far along? 29 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? 17 pounds

Maternity clothes? Still have a few that aren't, but for the most part, yes!

Sleep? Once he quits moving when I lay down, sleep is pretty good.  And, I only wake up about once/night at this point.

Movement? I feel the little guy the most at night.

Food cravings/aversions? Nothing new...just getting fuller faster...thank goodness :)

Gender? Boy

Labor signs? Just a few BH contractions here and there.

What others are saying: Nothing new this week.*
*This was typed BEFORE I went to the grocery store today.  Here is the conversation at the check-out:
Bagger: "You're about to hatch, aren't you?"
Me: "Well, actually, I have a little over two months left."
Checker: "Are you kidding, she gets HUGE!  You'll know.  She gets SO big (using arm motions and all).
Thanks :)

What I miss: Oh, just bending over/down as easily, but I'm still feeling great and am able to do quite a bit which I am thankful for.

What I am looking forward to: December :)

Milestones: Sometimes I think 10 weeks seems so far away, and others I kind of go into panic mode, haha.  I've made about 5-6 freezer meals this week, gotten the nursery basically ready, ordered a few new onesies for the little guy and am thinking about installing the carseat soon.  Beyond that, I just am getting a few to-do lists written and the baby book started.  Also, I'm slowly getting Christmas presents ordered and ready to go so we can enjoy December when JohnPaul arrives.  Things are good :)

John Paul: 28 Weeks...

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain/loss? With the way these few weeks have gone, probably 42. :(   I'll know more on Monday.  Seriously, I think about 18-20.

Maternity clothes? Mostly maternity...loving the semi-Fall weather so I can pull out my boots and leggings.

Sleep? Still pretty good.  Like clockwork, at 27 weeks, I started waking up in the night.  I'm just really thankful I had a full night's sleep for so long!

Movement? He is moving a bit more...especially when I am just getting to sleep.

Food cravings/aversions? I have no discipline.  I feel like I am a binge eater with no reprieve.  Not one who binges and then starves...I just do the binge part.

Gender? Boy

Labor signs? Not a thing.  I think I may have had ONE BH contraction.

What others are saying: I am always asked how I'm feeling.

What I miss: a bit of energy, but things are still pretty good in that department.  I'm trying to get as much as I can done while I still feel well.

What I am looking forward to: everything about this new little guy being here!

Milestones: We moved some things around in the nursery in order to fit a rocker in there.  John Paul's clothes are in his drawers and closet, and progress is being made.  :)

John Paul: 25 Weeks...

It's been about a month since I've updated this series.  I am on a roll :)


How far along? 25 weeks (tomorrow)!

Total weight gain/loss? I was at 12 pounds gained at my last appointment, but I have to be at least 15 or so now.

Maternity clothes? Mostly maternity, except for some tops and dresses.

Sleep? Still pretty much making it through the night which seems to be a miracle compared to my last two pregnancies.

Movement? He moves when I really rest or when I am startled, but I'm hoping the lack of movement is indicative of his demeanor???

Food cravings/aversions? I don't think there is much I don't like right now, obviously.

Gender? Boy :)

Labor signs? No.  Still haven't even had many BH contractions...they started around 20 weeks with Carter.

What others are saying: Not a lot these few weeks.

What I miss: Sometimes I get a little insecure about the body changes, but who am I kidding, I did that pre-pregnancy, too.  I have to remind myself it isn't at all important!

What I am looking forward to: Being a mom of three.  I really love babies!

Milestones: It's been fairly uneventful.  We got Peter a new carseat for when John Paul comes, and as I said before, we have most everything we need.  I did schedule newborn pictures, but that's about it.  Life is good :)

His Name...

Well, I think we have finally decided on a name for Baby Fisk #3!  After a lot of going back and forth and giving different names time to sink in, we've decided on:

John Paul Matthias Fisk

He will go by John Paul. 

In naming each of our boys, we wanted at least one of their names to be a Biblical or saint name.  We want each of our children to have a particular saint/biblical figure that they can look to for strength or ask for intercession...seeing their commitment to faith and hopefully gaining courage from the incredible path set before them.  The other name has been a family name for both Carter and Peter.  Regardless of whether we went with a family name or not, we wanted this third boy's name to mean something...to us and to him. 

Carter Thomas...Carter is my maiden name, and the last name of some great men and women in our family...my grandfather, Hoss, who passed away right as Jeremy and I started dating will always be a role model for me and hopefully will be a hero in the eyes of our boys.  Then there is my dad, Ross, who continues to be an amazing example for us and his grandkids.  And, my name is my Mom's maiden name...so we're carrying on the tradition of my maiden name with Carter.
Thomas is the patron saint of the Churches both Jeremy and I went to while dating and as a newly married couple.  There are incredible saints with the name Thomas...the Apostle, St. Thomas More, St. Thomas Aquinas.  We chose St. Thomas More to be Carter's baptismal patron saint and his story can be found here.

Peter Wallin...Peter is the rock of our Church and the Apostle to which Jesus handed over the keys to the Kingdom.  While he struggled at times, in the end, he gave His life completely to Christ, being the Church's first Pope and suffering crucifixion for his faith.  His name means "rock" and his life is discussed more here.

Wallin is Jeremy's mother's maiden name and the last name of Jeremy's grandfather who also passed away at the beginning of Jeremy and my relationship.  An incredibly joyful and faithful man, who loved people and lived life to the fullest, we just wish our boys really knew him!  However, he too, lives on in Jeremy and provides quite the example for these little guys.

John Paul Matthias...As with most Catholics our age, John Paul has played a very important part in our growing up.  A Pope loved by so many, even non-Catholics...who brought people of all faiths together under the love of God, He personified true love and devotion to Christ.  His life of service and heart for God appears unmatched, and he left behind such incredible works for the Church, especially an example of joyful suffering.  A little more about him here.

Matthias will be John Paul's second saint name.  Rather than have a family name, he will have two (or soon-to-be) saint names.  Matthias was the Apostle who was chosen to replace Judas.  Having been by Jesus' side since the beginning of his ministry, he was a dedicated follower, even without having the title of Apostle.  His faith was rewarded, and his story is here.

It's our prayer that their namesakes provide not only incredible examples for our boys, but give them strength in knowing they were named after people of great faith, courage, conviction and love.

We're ready for you little John Paul!

Baby Fisk #3: 21 Weeks...

How far along?  21 weeks!

Total weight gain/loss? I think 10 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Mostly maternity, except for some tops and dresses.

Sleep? All is well...I might get up once/night.

Movement? A tiny bit here and there

Food cravings/aversions? Don't love chicken on a bone, and still love fruit.

Gender? Boy :)

Labor signs? No.

What others are saying: I don't think I heard anything about being pregnant this week.

What I miss: Not much.

What I am looking forward to: Getting a few more things in place before his arrival.

Milestones: Carter and Peter moved into the same bedroom this week!  As with most things, I worried about it, but it has turned out just fine!  While they have lost a bit of sleep being up playing before finally drifting off, and while one may wake the other up from time to time, all is well and they seem to enjoy having a buddy.  So, the nursery is officially a nursery again :)

Baby Fisk #3: 20 Weeks...

I was too lazy to change into my gray top...

How far along? 20 weeks - over half way there!!  (we're being induced)

Total weight gain/loss? maybe 10-11 lbs? (I never know for sure until our next appointment).

Maternity clothes? I feel like I should delete this question...it will be the same from here on out.  Mostly maternity, except for some tops and dresses.

Sleep? Counting my blessings that I still get a full night's sleep unless one of the little guys has a nightmare.

Movement? I MAY have felt him once.  Come on little guy!

Food cravings/aversions? I'm trying to find some aversions, haha.

Gender? Boy :)

Labor signs? Nope.

What others are saying: I was asked if I was expecting this week.  When the lady asked if it was a girl, and I said it was a boy, I thought she might cry!

What I miss: Not much.

What I am looking forward to: Picking out a name...we are getting closer!

Milestones: Carter is praying for the baby and patting my tummy from time to time.  We got a lawn put in this week so the boys can enjoy it for years.  I am not doing much for the nursery but have ordered a few things for the wall.  I'm trying to get little things together here and there for his arrival.  Since we already have two boys, this time around is fairly simple to prepare for.

Baby Fisk #3: 19 Weeks

How far along? 19 weeks.

Total weight gain/loss? a whopping 9 lbs to date. 

Maternity clothes? Pretty much just maternity clothes.  However, I always have some dresses/tops that I can wear throughout...luckily (or unluckily) they look like maternity wear even if they aren't!

Sleep? Still good :)

Movement? Still not feeling much.  I was really worried about it until our ultrasound last week.  He's moving like a gymnast but I just can't feel it yet.

Food cravings/aversions?  Nothing specific.  I just feel like I eat all the time.

Gender?  Boy :)

Labor signs? Nope.

What others are saying: Nothing that I remember this week.

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I am looking forward to:  Picking out a name.

Milestones: Carter has determined that he has a baby in his tummy, too.  "Mommy, JONAH is the baby in my tummy.  Just like the fish!"  Ha. 
We also found out at this appointment that our doctor will induce me again at about 39 weeks...I love that.

Baby Fisk #3: 18 Weeks...

(sorry for the redundant posts at times with no changes)...

How far along? 18 Weeks (yes, I skipped a 17 week update).


Total weight gain/loss? I'm not sure I want to know. 

Maternity clothes? Pretty much just maternity clothes.

Sleep? Still good :)

Movement? I think I have felt the baby.  Thankful that I can still sleep without a sweet little elbow jab.

Food cravings/aversions? We had a girls trip for my cousin's bachelorette party last weekend.  I do not think 30 minutes ever passed without something in my mouth.  Weight gain...yeah.

Gender?  That research paper might have had more credence than some thought ;)  We're having a sweet little boy :)
Labor signs? Nope.

What others are saying: "I can't even tell you're pregnant from behind."  What does that really even mean?

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I am looking forward to:  Everything.  Finalizing a name (takes us forever)!  Getting all of the measurements at this week's appointment...makes me worry a lot less.

Milestones: Getting a peek at a very HEALTHY baby last week.  Praise the Lord.

Number 3...

Our first one looked like this, and most now say he favors his Daddy...

Our second one looked like this, and others say he looks a little more like me...

What in the world will our third little BOY look like???

Yes, we got a little sneak peak last Friday, and Baby Fisk #3 is a boy :)  We are thrilled!  Of course some people sigh and say we'll just have to try again for a girl (meaning no harm), and hopefully someday we will have a girl.  We would love that!  For now, though, we could not be happier with what God has chosen to bless us with!  Another brother for Carter and Peter, another little baby who will probably be as busy as can be, enjoying the outdoors, playing with cars, keeping us entertained and completely melting our hearts.

I've told others before that I hope for a girl someday, simply because of this...my mom, sister, and I are now best friends.  I adore the relationship we all have, and I would like to have that with a daughter of my own one of these days.  On another note, I know I'll have to "give these little guys away" someday...to a wife or the Church, and right now the thought breaks my heart.  However, I have the best example of doing just that in my amazing mother-in-law.  As she has blessed me, I, too, hope to do the same someday when my sons become husbands (or priests!).

Since those days are years down the road, right now all I can think of is wrapping my arms around another precious, little boy (who will undoubtedly be my world) and welcoming that miracle into our family. 

Here's to Baby Boy #3!

Baby Fisk #3: 16 weeks...

How far along? 16 Weeks


Total weight gain/loss? 3-5 lbs?  Or maybe 20, ha!  That's what it feels like.  Can't decide if the baby is growing in my tummy or rear end :) 

Maternity clothes? Moving closer to just maternity clothes.

Sleep?  Still good :)

Movement? I bet it happens soon.

Food cravings/aversions? My sister, friend and I have given up sweets for awhile...so guess what I'm craving???  I would crave sweets if I was pregnant or not!

Gender?  Cannot wait to find out.  I have thought it was a girl (again no conviction, just a thought).  However, I read a research article last night about sex-determination in NFP-using couples.  After that, I think there is a high likelihood, based on my chart, that we'll have another little cowboy to add to the bunch.  Again, either way, I will be extatic!

Labor signs? Nope.

What others are saying: Nothing this week.

What I miss: Nothing really.

What I am looking forward to:  Being a family of 5!  *last week I said I looked forward to days without headaches.  To clarify, they aren't horrible by any means...I really am just fine :)

Milestones: Jeremy and I celebrated our third year of marriage last week!!  Sweet Jeremy said, "The best thing about this is three kids in just over three years." - I love him!

Baby Fisk #3: 15 Weeks...

How far along? 15 Weeks


Total weight gain/loss? 3 lbs.  Went to the doctor last week and that's the total thusfar.  However, it feels like the weight is being packed on by the second!

Maternity clothes? Still just some bottoms here and there. 


Sleep?  Sleeping fine and still get to bed pretty early.


Movement? None yet.


Food cravings/aversions? I seem to be hungry a lot but am trying not to eat at every stomach growling.  Easier said than done - my self control is lacking :)

Gender?  We should know this very soon :)  July 19th is our next appointment.


Labor signs? No (I don't know why I even include this question).


What others are saying: I have gotten a few, "Oh, I can tell you're pregnant" this week but nothing else.


What I miss: I really do enjoy being pregnant and the miracle I get to experience (so much better after the first trimester).


What I am looking forward to:  Days without headaches :). 

Milestones: Not much news this week...just SO thankful to have heard the heartbeat.  I'm a worrier by nature and it was such a relief to hear that the baby was a-ok!

Baby Fisk #3 - Week 14

I skipped week 13.  There was a lot going on and not many changes.  Oh well :)

How far along? 14 Weeks


Total weight gain/loss? Maybe 2 lbs...it fluctuates.  We have an appointment on the 20th, so I'll know more then.


Maternity clothes? Still just a pair of jeans and a top from time to time.  I'm sure I'll live in them soon enough.

Sleep?  Still hitting the hay pretty early these days.


Movement? None yet.


Food cravings/aversions? Everything is about the same.  I like avocados again.  I'm not good with super sweet things (although I seem to always want them)...it just ends up giving me a bad headache.  And, I put way too much salt on everything.

Gender?  I still have a slight feeling that it is a girl but am not certain by any means.  We'll schedule the gender ultrasound at my next appointment!


Labor signs? No.


What others are saying: Nothing this week, other than the comment made by a friend of my brother's that we needed cable and a few new board games.  Those comments aren't my favorite :)

Cindy, over at the Hot Mess Munsons, is calling the baby Abe...or so she informed me yesterday.  I asked her what we'll do if little Abe turns out to be a girl.  She didn't seem worried :)


What I miss: Energy...but it is coming back I think! 


What I am looking forward to: Finding out what we're having, maybe taking the boys to the pool and spending a weekend with Jeremy in the mountains for our anniversary soon!


Milestones: Baby Fisk is having a BOY cousin...Stephen Ross Carter!!!  We just found out yesterday that my brother, Chase, and sister-in-law, Jo, will have a little boy in October.  We couldn't be happier!

Baby Fisk #3 - 12 weeks

I got this from a friend of a friend's blog and thought it would be a fun way to keep track of this pregnancy!  (I didn't take but about two pictures of my pregnancy with Peter, and I will forever feel bad about that).

There isn't a lot to report at this point...


How far along?  12 Weeks (as of last Friday)


Total weight gain/loss?  1 lb?


Maternity clothes?  Starting to realize stretch is more comfortable than squeezing into normal jeans.  So, I have a pair of maternity jeans I wear...the rest are still normal clothes.


Sleep?  Great so far, just need a lot of it.  8:30 bed time.


Movement?  None yet.


Food cravings/aversions?  Coffee doesn't sound good and sugar doesn't sit well.  There are other things that don't end up tasting great, but I'm getting over the constant nauseated feeling...still just gets worse at night.


Gender? I had a dream early on (before we even had a positive test) that it was a girl, but I don't care either way.  Boys melt my heart, and we'd like a girl someday...so whatever we're blessed with!  Gender ultrasound should be toward the end of July :)


Labor signs? No.


What others are saying:  Carter loves the 'baby in mommy's tummy."  Sometimes it's "a baby like Peter" and others it's "a baby like Gentry" (our little girl cousin) but its name is still Bingo (like my parents' puppy, ha!).


What I miss: Feeling normal, but I love knowing we have another miracle on the way. 


What I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender and getting some energy back.


Milestones: Announcing the pregnancy a couple weeks ago.

14 months...

My sister is my best friend.  Not the best friend that your mother or husband is, but the other kind :)  She is one with whom I can share anything with, any time of day or night and I can count of one of two things: 1) an honest, loving, setting straight, or 2) shared joy, laughter or tears.  Either way, she is love.  

 

Rozann and I are only 14 months apart, something that when others find out (along with the fact that I'm only 17 months behind our older brother), they exclaim, "Bless your mother's heart!"   True. I am sure there were days when she wanted to scream, others when we drove her to the edge, and moments when she cried out of sheer exhaustion. But she not only got through the harder times, she (and Dad) made it one of the very things I am most thankful for today. I truly believe our closeness in age made us close in heart. Granted, I know that's not true for everyone, but I believe it is for most. Because of my parents planning and God's timing, Chase, Rozann and I have so much to be thankful for.  Namely, each other.

 

Whether it was a built-in body guard all these years (thanks Chase) or a constant knowing that you were never alone, we had the best of times.  Even with a knocked out tooth from a punch thrown by the little sis, times when we thought we hated each other and rounds of spankings, blood was always thicker than water as they say.

That is my prayer for our little ones...that they will forever be each others' best friends.

 

We are separated by 14 months...

Chase and I by 17...

These guys by 16...

And these, God-willing, by 14.