Benjamin's Birth Story

It's possible that having a baby in the car might be every pregnant woman's worst fear. I think it was a reasonable worry for me in particular based on a few factors - 1) My labor with  with Alexander was relatively quick for a first born and 2) If fast labors are genetic then baby Benjamin hit the jackpot - both Arthur's mother and mine actually DID give birth to our younger brothers in the car! So why was I driving alone, 30 minutes away from home on the day I went into labor...

My entire pregnancy Benjamin was measuring "big"...meaning the size of my belly didn't correspond to the projected due date based on my cycle. I had no health issues, the pregnancy was progressing normally, and according to my ultrasounds he wasn't fat, just long. Even so, my OB was predicting a baby as much as 2 lbs bigger than Alexander! But I knew my body and this baby just didn't feel that much bigger. In fact, I had a hypothesis that this baby wasn't bigger but older. Arthur and I had a running bet that I would go into labor either March 7th or 8th. And I told anyone who asked that I thought I would have this baby before my doctor's predicted due date of March 15th. A bit of an unwise approach, I began to think, as I entered into the last few weeks of my pregnancy. What if I DIDN'T have him before the 15th? Or even worse, what if I went past the 15th!? Would I have a 10 lb baby!? So of course, like any woman in her last month of pregnancy...I tried to stop obsessing about when it would happen and just go about my life. Which is why that afternoon I decided to head out alone to run an errand about 30 mins away from home.

About 10 minutes after I left the house I had my first labor contraction. I looked at the clock, 4:29 PM, but didn't turn around. I thought it could have been a strong Braxton-Hicks. But 10 minutes later I had another one. And another one 10 minutes later, this time stronger. I decided at that point that I should probably head home. The contractions kept coming and I kept an eye on the clock...10 minutes apart each time. And then I called Arthur. I think I said something along the lines of "I'm about 90% sure I've started labor contractions so you might want to get Xander some dinner in case we have to leave tonight." As you can imagine, Arthur was NOT very pleased with me for driving around while having contractions!

When I got home we sat down to dinner with Xander. Arthur made our traditional Sunday night pizza but I wasn't feeling like eating much so I had a piece of peanut butter toast. I figured if I was going into labor it would be wise to have something in me for energy. As with my first labor, I was concerned about getting to the hospital too soon. But the contractions started to ramp up quickly and I knew that it was probably time. Arthur gave Xander a quick bath, put him to bed, and called our friend Laila to spend the night with Xander. I was bent over the car, breathing through a contraction when she arrived and I was so grateful to see her because I knew I wouldn't have to worry about Xander any more!

Saying goodnight to Xander as we were about to leave for the hospital.
Don't let that smile fool you...I was having contractions during this picture!

As we headed to the hospital I remember asking Arthur between contractions, "Do you think we're going too soon?" I was terrified they'd turn me away for some reason. Arthur just laughed at me. I guess it was obvious to him that we were definitely NOT too soon. When we arrived Arthur wheeled me up to the natural birth floor, the same floor we had Alexander only 19 month prior! It was comforting to be in a familiar environment this time. Much to my relief, I was admitted around 8:30 PM. It took about 30 minutes for us to get into our room and the contractions were INTENSE while I waited.

We finally got into our room around 9 PM and let our midwife know that I wanted to labor and possibly give birth in the tub. I tried the tub with Xander's labor but only stayed in for about 30 minutes. But I really wanted to try to have a water birth this time...for many reasons. So Arthur ran the bath for me and I got in. Oh man, the hot water felt amazing. The room was quiet and dark and our midwife basically stayed out of the way. I got the impression that she felt like we knew what we were doing. She was around if we needed her but otherwise she was really in the background. I really liked that!

View from our 7th floor room. If it was day
you would be able to see the fjord in the distance.

I can't say enough about how wonderful it was this time to labor in the water. It felt safe, and because it was so big there was only really one side where people could reach me. About 45 minutes after getting in the water I felt the urge to push. Arthur alerted the midwife who, true to form, quietly and calmly showed up with 2 other midwives. While giving birth in the water is allowed at the hospital there are a few precautions that must be taken and only a certain midwives that feel comfortable with this type of birth. But I feel like they trusted me to know what to do...and I trusted them too.

Our room and tub shortly after Benjamin was born

After 7 loooooooong minutes of pushing he was here! I was shocked that it went that fast, to be honest. They laid him on my chest and he was perfect. And he was loud! He came out with a voice and an opinion! Although he was born 9 days earlier than his predicted due date, he was only 1.5 hours earlier than the due date I had predicted! And although he was born quickly, at least he waiting until we got to the hospital!

At this point, we were just in bliss that he was finally here. I was quickly rinsed off and wrapped in warm, clean clothes and then crawled into bed with my little newborn. Arthur laid in bed with us and we marveled at our perfect son.

Benjamin Terry Stautzenberger
born March 6
Stavanger, Norway
3.99 kg ~ 51 cm

Read about Alexander's birth story here: Part 1 and Part 2

Benjamin's Birth Announcement Video

Introducing Benjamin Terry Stautzenberger

See Alexander's announcement video HERE

Snowy Days

It's been a while since I've posted anything that didn't have to do with updates on Xander or baby #2. But I had to share a quick post with pictures from our recent snow days. It's a gorgeous, sunny day here now but after the holidays were over in January we were all dreading dealing with another dark and wet month! Boy did we luck out this year :)

When I first pictured our life in Norway I imagined it would involve A LOT of snow! But that's not exactly been the case. We live on the southwestern coast of the country which is actually known more for it's copious amounts of precipitation in the form of rain. This time of year is typically dark, cold, and dreary so having snow on the ground for much of January was such a bright and welcome sight!

Xander had so much fun playing out in the snow almost every day.

 He loved sound his boots made when he stomped.

 Thank goodness his mom bought him these amazing warm, waterproof gloves with soft fleece on the inside. Too bad he REFUSED to wear them and instead would only wear his thin, fabric mittens that did nothing to keep the cold out! I have no idea where this kid gets his stubborn streak...

 Crunching in the snow

 Making snow balls to throw at Dada :)

 I mean...is there anything more lovely than snow and sunshine!?

 Making his first snow angel!

  Afterschool snow selfies with Dada

 There is a word here in Norway that doesn't really have a direct translation into English. "Koselig" means that warm, loved, secure feeling you get snuggling up on a cold winter day with candles, and blankets, and people you love. Our January, and the weeks of beautiful snow, was totally koselig! :)

35 weeks - Small Fry #2

Before I start this post, I just want to take the opportunity to thank you guys for being my cheerleaders throughout this pregnancy. You may not realize it, but I'm pretty selective who I share our little family blog with (the Facebook posts are only shared with a restricted list of friends). So if you're reading this, it's because I know you've got my back. So thank you!!! Thank you for the prayers, the messages, the "just because" checking in's, the shoulder(s) to cry on, and the unwavering encouragement. It really has meant so very much to me. I'm grateful for each and every one of you special people in my life and in the lives of my children. OK...Mushy is OVER...time for the post :)

See my 35 week post with Xander here!

How many weeks: 35 today (YAY! I'm posting on time!)

What size is baby: honeydew melon, 18 inches and 5.25 lbs

Movement: Fortunately, he's been head down now for some time now. Unfortunately, that means consistent feet in the ribs. It's interesting to me that he doesn't seem to be as much of the mover and shaker that Xander was at this point...is that foreshadowing that #2 is going to be our "chill" kid? Occasionally I get what Arthur and I call "Alien Belly" which is just random body parts pushing waaaaaay out of my tummy. Usually it's a baby butt lol. And hiccups every night like clock-work...just like his big brother.

New symptoms: Pregnancy hunger has returned! Usually it's just around dinnertime and because I'm lucky enough to be married a world class chef that usually means I get second helpings of some pretty delicious and healthy food. Last night it was curried cauliflower, soy and honey glazed salmon, and roasted asparagus spears.

Cravings: Still sugar...get in my belly!

Sleep: Yeah...no. This isn't really happening for me this time. Not sure why I'm having trouble sleeping but I seem to have a lot of just general insomnia. At least I'll be used to it when the baby comes!

Rings on/off: on...but barely

Best memory of the week: Getting more baby items for him ready. We now have a crib (for his room) and a cradle (for our room). We've also got a baby "command station" in our room that just needs to be stocked with Xander's handmedowns! This week we also received an incredibly thoughtful gift from a friend of ours here...the softest, cuddliest, baby blanket embroidered with his name and a scripture (thank you again Sandy!!!) Since we didn't decide on Xander's name until shortly after he was born we didn't have any personalized items for him. But this one has had a name picked out almost from the start so it's so fun to have some special things ready and waiting for his arrival!

Looking forward to: NOT BEING PREGNANT ANYMORE! Seriously though, I'm very aware that being able to grow and healthy child inside my body is an incredible gift. However, my body does not handle pregnancy all that well. And while I'm not one of those women that loves being pregnant, I am still trying to make as many memories of these last few weeks as I can because I know this will be the last time I ever feel what this feels like. Although it's a little bittersweet, I really am ready to be done with this stage of my life and move on to being an active healthy mommy to TWO busy, crazy little boys!

Christmas in Norway 2015

This was the first Christmas in my life that I haven't gone "home". Although, now that I'm an adult with a family of my own, the concept of "home" has gotten a little confusing. Where is home really? Home is where I'm from, where I was born, grew up, and where all my family and closest friends are. Home is also where Arthur is from and where his family is. Home used to be our cozy little place in Denton. Well, now home for us is in Norway. And although we missed family terribly and the hustle and bustle of an American holiday, it was nice to have a quiet, peaceful holiday without any jet-lag!

I was so impressed that Xander's class had a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments that the kids helped hang. Keep in mind these kids are aged 1.5 to 3 years old. They said the kids were all good and didn't mess with the tree at all! Xander is in the grey shirt...the one messing with the tree :)

His class also had the equivalent of a Christmas party, called a Julebord.The kids were allowed to pick out what they wanted, family style, and serve themselves. As usual Xander had seconds and thirds. I never worry about this kid going hungry. I only worry how we will afford his teenage years!

 

Xander had so much fun decorating the tree with us. He's at this incredible stage where he loves to help. So if we can figure out a task that he can do independently (like taking ornaments from me to Arthur) he is a happy boy.

Only one ornament was broken in during tree decorating and it was Arthur who broke it! Can't believe my little guy was barely crawling last Christmas and this Christmas he picked out ornaments and hung them all by himself! He can say "tree" and of course is not happy when we forget to turn the lights on. He cracks me up because he will count down to the lights turning on "two two TWO" and then cover his eyes when we switch them on as if they are incredibly bright. Always a bit of drama with this one!

 Another great thing about this age is that we took Xander to the toy store with us when we went Christmas shopping for him. He had no clue that the cool dump truck and bouncy balls he picked out were some of his Christmas presents. He was so good in the store and Arthur had so much fun figuring out the perfect dump truck for his little boy!

Christmas morning takes on a completely different meaning when you've got an excited toddler. I have to say, I was so excited to have Christmas with Xander this year that I was the one waking up at 5 AM! Although he is still too young to really understand what Christmas is, it didn't take him long to realize that there was a lot of cool new stuff from him under that bright Christmas tree. We were SO blessed by friends and family who really surprised us by showering our little family with love and thoughtful gifts! Thank you all for your kindness!

One of the gifts we were most excited about was Xander's play kitchen. He can now cook in the kitchen while his dad cooks! He can say "stir", "whisk", "mix" and knows the proper tools for chopping and baking. He even puts dishes into his pretend oven and will bend down to check if they are ready by peeking in the little window. His imagination and creativity is so much fun to watch! I sometimes wonder if we are raising a little chef!

  The tradition in our family is the youngest passes out the gifts to everyone. Xander's new play shopping cart was extremely helpful in this task!

 

 

 Each time Xander opened a gift he wanted to play with it. In fact, he loved everything he got so much that it took him 3 days to get through all his gifts. I can honestly say that he was grateful and excited about everything he got this year. Even if he had no idea what it was he would say "WHOA!!!" and hold it up for us. My brother, Uncle Mason, got him one of the coolest gifts. A bag of toy cars. This little video shows just how excited he was :)

And you certainty can't have a Christmas without a fabulous Christmas spread. Arthur and my mom, our extraordinary chefs. made us a wonderful meal...fried turkey and gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing and apple crumble a la mode for dessert!

 If the saying is true, that "home is where the heart is", then home is with these lovely folks!

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope you got to spend it with those that make your heart feel joyful and loved! 

Nana & Papa in Norway - Dec 2015

With holidays approaching we began to realize that yet again my body was not doing well handling pregnancy. Travel is hard on anyone, but at 28 weeks pregnant and barely able to walk a few steps, a travel back home to the US for Christmas was really not even an option. So we were incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have my parents come here! 

The best part of having them here was watching Xander enjoying their attention! He was ALL about Nana and Papa and the feeling was mutual! He loved to read books with Papa.

 He made peperkake cookies with Nana not once but TWICE!

They also made a gingerbread house that turned out REALLY cute. And to my surprise Xander did a really good job not eating too much of the candy during the house construction. Aren't they just the cutest?!

We went to the park one very cold morning to feed the ducks.

Xander made silly faces while I took one too many pictures :)

We treated my parents out to a fun dinner in Stavanger Sentrum to experience an authentic julebord. Xander was so good and sat on Papa's lap for at least half the meal watching the cars go by and the lights in the harbor.

It was another cold windy night in Stavanger

A rare quiet moment with Nana watching "Row Row Your Boat" for the millionth time most likely.

Fun trip to the Candle Factory to enjoy the beautiful drive and the good food and pancakes!

My mom and I even had a chance to sneak away to shop. We contemplated buying matching traditional Norwegian Marius sweaters until we realized they were almost $300 each. And who has use for a heavy wool sweater in Texas anyway!

One last book and cuddle with Papa before they hopped on the plane to head home.

It was hard to say good-bye but we will see them again in Norway again in March. We are so lucky that they're coming back to help when Baby Stautz #2 makes his arrival.

30 weeks - Small Fry #2

See my 30 week post with Alexander HERE

How many weeks: 30!!! (although this post is 2 weeks late...I'm actually 32 weeks now)

What size is baby: head of cabbage, 15.7 inches and 3 lbs. My doctor says he is measuring a little big, at least his torso measurement is very long. I'm OK with another long skinny baby though :)

Movement: Much like his older brother at this point, our little guy is quite the mover. However, since I feel like my ab muscles pretty much gave up the ghost before the pregnancy test dried, he seems to have a little more room to move around than Xander did at this point.

New symptoms: Since I found out I was pregnant I've been dreading these last few weeks. Although my entire first pregnancy was uncomfortable, the last ten weeks (and the months following) were pure torture. The kind of pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I've been very proactive this time and taking it VERY easy to avoid rupturing the discs in my back again. My doctors told me that the ligaments and discs that tore previously are weak spots and could basically give out at any point. I've had a ton of soreness and stiffness but so far I'm not as bad as I was last time. I still feel like I'm holding my breath, waiting for it to get really really bad...and it could. But I'm trusting that my body is being held together by God's grace and prayers. My little boys deserve to have me at my best and I'm praying that they'll get to have an active mommy!

Cravings: Sugar...especially sugar and peanut butter. A HUGE thanks to my sister-in-law Charlotte for the peanut butter cookies and peanut brittle. A pregnant woman's DREAM!

Sleep: I would LOVE to be getting 8-9 hours each night but my body wakes me up like clock-work at 7. So if I went to bed at 10 then I'm awake by 5 AM! And my hips ache so much that it's hard to lay in bed for long after I'm awake. Poor Arthur!

Rings on/off: on

Best memory of the week: So my mom and I were too busy playing with Xander to work on the baby room like I had planned. Sorry #2...you're already second in line haha. But she did get to feel him moving a few times while she was here.

Looking forward to: making it to 35 weeks. I feel like every 5 week chunk allows me to relax a bit, that I'm not getting as bad as I was. I'm ready to get this baby out and be on the road to recovery. In case you're wondering...we are 110% certain this is my last pregnancy! We are so thankful for this baby but we're ready to move on from all this!