A Few New Pics...

About a month ago we had some pics taken of the girls. A friend too these pics from her home. Martin and I didn't plan on getting in on the action at all, or we would have looked a little more decent. AND yes, Izzy was half naked. We wanted some pics of Ally undressed and well, Izzy needed to get in on the action too. Bad part is that most of the good ones of her are the ones when she doesn't have a shirt on. Oh well. Anyway, haven't blogged in a while, but want to share some pictures. I just find in hard to get extra time in for blogging. Seems as if my job as "mom" is never done.

We are all doing good though. Ally is still fat and happy. She has a dr's appointment next week, so I'll share stats if we get them. I think it is an appointment for immunization only, though. Izzy is officially potty-trained!!!!! Finally! The whole pee-pee thing was a breeze, but the other part was pretty hard for her. Martin and I are doing great, as well. Only 21 days and we will be on vacation in the US. I am so excited. I cannot wait to see all of my family.

Proud!!

Can you tell that someone is just a little proud to be a big sister?

One Month!!!

Can you believe I am already one month old??? I have been doing some heavy duty growing. I entered this world at 7 lbs 14 oz and I am already 10 lbs 6 oz. I think I will probably slow down for a little while. That is okay, because my mom says her arms are starting to get really tired. I like to be held...A LOT!!! Mom says that is okay too. After all, I will only need her to do this during my tiny baby days. She knows all too well that they will fly by and she doesn't mind. I think my big sister might be a tad bit jealous, but she loves me a lot too. Okay, that is enough energy wasted. I need to sleep...then eat, again. It's hard being so little. Till next time...

A Split Second...

That is all it takes to make you realize how lucky you are and how often life is taken for granted. This is what I learned on January 23, just moments after we welcomed our second beautiful daughter into the world. If you would like, continue reading. This is the story about Alina Kate's birth and what happened within minutes after she was born.

It all began early in the wee hours on January 22. I awoke to "different" contractions. These were the kind that make you stop and think, "Oh, I remember. This IS what a real contraction feels like." They continued to come, but were pretty mild and very irregular. I was able to sleep pretty well, or at least well for a 39 week pregnant woman. The day came and I started it as any other day in the Wintermantel home and Martin had gone to help a friend move into a new house. Their home is just a few blocks down the street from ours. Izzy and I decided to venture out around 10:30 or 11:00 am. I was still having contractions and thought a walk would either make them go away or they would come on faster and stronger. So, that is what we did. We walked to see Martin and I let him know that I thought Alina would come pretty soon. I stayed there at the friends house for a couple of hours (still having contractions) and even ate lunch with them. I finally decided that it would be best for Izzy and I to go home. The contractins were beginning to get a little closer together and stronger. Martin walked us home and on the way he decided that it would be best to stay with us. This was all around 2:00 p.m. This continued, but very slowly.

Around 9:30 p.m. we decided that the contractions were getting close enough together to call our midwife. We called her and let her know what was going on. She told us to try and stay at home a little longer. After all, we could rest better at home. So we waited and waited and waited. Around 2:00 a.m. I knew that it was time to go. We called the midwife back once more. She told us to go ahead and come. In the meantime Martin's sister came to spend the night with Izzy. Shortly after she arrived at our house we were on our way.

When we arrived the midwife asked how I felt and what made things feel better. I decided very fast that the best place to be was in the bathtub with warm water. I would stay in there for some time, then move to another place. This all continued for the next 7 hours or so. Amazingly, my water never broke. The midwife broke my water in the last 30 minutes of labor. She explained that my contractions would change to contractions that would make me want to push. This happened very fast. After about 20 minutes of pushing Alina was born! All natural, no pain meds or anything!! I DID IT!!!! After about 12 hours of labor and 20 minutes of pushing we met our beautiful little girl. I was able to hold her immediately and nurse her, as well. Life in that moment couldn't have been any more perfect.

Then, this is where things begin to get crazy. It was time to deliver the placenta. Only it was taking a little longer than the midwife expected and I began to bleed really bad. She said, "This isn't right." Martin had stepped out of the room to call Izzy and tell her that she was a big sister. One of the last things I remember clearly was him walking back into the room with a rather calm, but concerned look on his face. He came to my bedside and began to say, "Don't close your eyes. Breath in and out." He kept repeating this, over and over. The room began to go black and I could feel my chest getting so heavy...it felt as if I couldn't breath. Then, I started asking the midwives, "Am I going to die?" Next, I heard the siren from and ambulance, which was on its way to get me. I remember people scrambling around starting IV's of pitocin and sticking needles in me. Slowly, I began to come to. I remember one of the paramedics trying to draw blood, but nothing would come. In that moment I thought, "I don't have any blood left in my body. I really am going to die." It seemed like an eternity. I was just thinking that they needed to get me to the hospital ASAP! All I could think about was my family, especially my two little girls and Martin. As I lay there with everyone trying to get me stabalized I told God, "I am not ready to die. I have two girls that need me very badly and I will not die. Not today. I will not."

I was rushed to the hospital, which was only about 1/4 of a mile away. They were waiting and ready with blood and prepared to do an emergency D&C. Thankfully, neither were needed. The doctor was able to remove the placenta w/o the need any surgical intervention. My hemoglobin level was 6.2, which is pretty low. However, not low enough to need a transfusion. Thank goodness!

So, long story short. I had an adherent placenta with early postpartum hemorrhage. I consider myself to be one lucky person to be here today. Some women die within minutes when something like this happens. I am grateful to the midwives at our birthing center for fast thinking and for acting so quickly to get the bleeding stopped. If it were not for them I may not be sitting here today. They are the best. :o)

I spent 4 loooong days in the hospital. My hemoglobin levels are still very low, but it could take up to 3 months for it to get back to where it should be. I am very tired, but that is to be expected with a newborn. Add the anemia on top of that and you can imagine how tired I really am. To top it off, Izzy came down with something on Sat after I came home. Then, our little Alina caught a cold and I now have it too. Thankfully, my parents have been here for the last 2 weeks. So, I have been able to get some good help. I am hoping to be well enough to survive the solo days next week. In the meantime, I am trying to enjoy every second with this little newborn girl. I am not sure if I will ever be up to having another baby again after such an experience. Though, I won't cross another off my list just yet. The desire to have a baby is a strong one, but for now we are content with what we have...our two beautiful little girls.

She's Here!!!!

"He surrounds me with lovingkindess and tender mercies.

He fills my life with good things!"

Psalm 103: 4-5

Announcing our newest addition, Alina Kate Wintermantel.

Born: January 23, 2011 @ 9:19 a.m.

Weight: 7 lbs 14 oz

Length: 21.25 inches

Head Circumference: 13.9 inches

39 weeks, 2 Days...Only 5 Days Left.

We are still playing the waiting game at our house. I am still good with that, for now. Still ready in many ways, yet will NEVER be ready in other ways.

Everyone seems to be well now, so if she were to come today we have good health on our side. I am still feeling really good, for the most part. I don't particularly enjoy getting out too much at this stage and would really just prefer to keep comfy clothes on and stay at home. Izzy and I have been trying to get outside as much as possible. Yesterday, I pulled her around the yard on a sled for what seemed to be hours. She loved it, so that made me happy. Sleeping is okay. I have slept better in my life, but I actually can't complain too much. Some days I do wake up and think, "Wow, I felt better before I went to sleep last night." It's the tossing and turning and getting up for trips to the bathroom. No other real problems, except that these maternity clothes just aren't going to fit for much longer if this belly continues to grow. Oh, and the belly-button...well, it is gone now. Though, I haven't gained any weight in the last few weeks...thank goodness!!

We had another appointment with our mid-wife today. Again, everything seems good. She didn't check me to see if I was dilated or effaced. I am okay with that too. Dilation and effacement really don't tell you anything, as I learned with Izzy. You can walk around almost 100% effaced and dilated some centimeters, but take for ever to actually go into "real" labor or give birth. One good updated though. Baby's head seems to be engaged and resting on my pelvic bone. I am pretty sure that I could have told her that without her telling me though. I feel an unbelievable amount of pressure b/c of that little head, especially at night. She, the midwife, did look at Izzy and then Martin and asked, "What will you do with her if this one decides to be born tonight." So, I think she believes that it could be any day now. Only time will tell. One thing is for sure though. I cannot wait to hold this little one and love on her. :o) I love my babies!!!

Our next appointment is next Thursday. We'll see if we make...

FOR THOSE WONDERING...

We are still waiting on a baby. I am actually okay with it and hope she stays put for a couple of more weeks. We have a sick little girl in our house right now and we cannot have a newborn here until she is well. I am exhausted from taking care of the sick one and am hoping that in the next few days I can get a little rest. Also, hoping that I stay well. I felt really bad for a couple of days and just knew that I was getting it, but I think it was exhaustion taking over. Feeling better today, thank goodness!!

We had an appointment with our mid-wife last Friday and she was pleased with everything. Baby is lying in the perfect position and should stay that way from here out. She was still able to wiggle her little head from side to side a bit, which means she hasn't dropped low into my pelvis yet. Again, something that is normal with a subsequent baby and may not happen until she is ready for her birthday.

So, onto week 39 and hoping that we make it until everyone in our house is well...

My Little Snow Angel

Snow has to be one of her favorite things here, aside from Oma and Opa's barn and the horses.

Mama and Baby Update

So, today we are 36 weeks and 5 days. That means that we could have a new baby in our house within the next 3 - 5 weeks!!!

I just got home from the doctor and everything is normal. Weight gain, BP, etc was all within normal range. They hooked me to the non-stress test machine to monitor baby's heartbeat, as well as contractions. Normally, in the US this isn't done unless you are high-risk, or if you have gone over your due date. It is standard procedure here. I am beginning to have mild contractions and the doctors said that we have a very active baby. Yikes! Please, not another Izzy!!!! I am really hoping for a calm baby this go around, but you get what you get. I love my little Izzy, but she is really a handful. I am a bit effaced, but have not dilated any. I have read it is pretty normal to efface early with a second/subsequent pregnancy. However, many second time mom's do not dilate until "real" labor has begun. We'll see what happens. The doctor also did another ultrasound. She has the same cute little nose that Izzy had in her ultrasound pictures! And she is around 2650 grams/5 lbs 13 oz. I think she will be about the same size as Izzy, which is perfectly fine by me.

Despite being a bit uncomfortable I am trying to enjoy and make the most the last few weeks with Izzy as a only child. Sometimes I look at her and think, "Poor kid. She has no clue that she is getting ready to be "dethrowned."

I hope I make it at least to my due date, but even better to Jan 3oth. My parents will be here on the 29th and it sure would be nice for them to be here when the day comes. I am also thinking that Feb 1st would be a great day for a birthday, since Izzy's is Sept 1st.

No pics this time, b/c I really don't look any different than I did last time I posted one. We'll get one up in the next few days.

For those who are wondering, we have a name. It will be Alina Kate and we will most likely call her "Ally."

So, on to another week...

Snip-snip and Chop-chop

It has been a couple of months ago, but "Little-Miss-All-Grown-Up" got her first real hair cut. We talked about it before we left home. I told her that they would use the scissors to cut her hair, but that it wouldn't hurt. I told her that it would be really hard, but she would have to try and sit really still for more than two seconds. Then, I told her she would be even more beautiful than she already was. She said, "Okay, Mama!" with her little 2 year old attitude.

Here are some pictures:

It has actually grown about 3 inches since, but no more hair cuts for a while!!!

THE "OFFICIAL" COUNTDOWN BEGINS

ONLY 30 DAYS LEFT!!!

So, up until this last week I was feeling fairly good and sleeping pretty well too. I am simply amazed at how much things can change in a weeks time. I feel like my belly is literally going to explode and sleeping....well, what is that? It is also just amazing that a first and subsequent pregnancy can be so different. As my doctor told me last week, "A second pregnancy is a completely different experience." I would have to say that his words pretty much sum it up.

I can't really say that I am any bigger at this point than I was with Izzy and my weight gain is exactly the same as with her. So, I can't complain too much. The best part is that there are still NO stretch marks! Yippeeee! If history repeats itself I probably won't get much bigger from here out. With Izzy I actually lost a couple of pounds in the last few weeks. I am pretty sure that my belly button is going to be gone in the next few days.

Both our doctor and midwife say that everything seems to be going as it should. My iron was a tad bit low, which explains why I have been extra tired lately. I am beginning to feel the Braxton Hicks contractions pick up and they are much more uncomfortable than they were with Izzy. Some are actually so uncomfortable that I have to stop what I am doing and focus on the "pain." I am hopeful that my body will be more prepared for labor this time. I am pretty sure that I have served my dues in the extra long labor department...72 hours is really enough for a lifetime!

So, I present to you my 35 1/2 week belly!

The sweater just won't button anymore.....

3 New Posts

Be sure to scroll down and see them all. I still have lots of pictures to post, but catching up is taking a while. Martin's computer is officially dead. Looks like the graphic card has bitten the dust. So, we'll soon be investing in a new computer (not what we had in mind so close to Christmas.) Ughhh!!! Until then, I will be posting old stuff as I can.

The Bump - Week 27

We are getting there. Almost done with the 2nd trimester and I am feeling it. Seems like I get a little more tired each day. I feel pretty good. Aside from being tired (sleeping at night is getting pretty hard), I am feeling my muscles and ligaments stretch. I am usually pretty good for the first half of the day, but as the day progresses I begin to feel it. I know that a lot of it due to playing with Izzy and just taking care of her. Oh, and I feel huge most days. Martin and I were looking back at some pictures of my pregnancy with Izzy today. Both of us think that I didn't get much bigger with Izzy than I am right now. It feels that way too. Still no stretch marks!!! Hoping I get lucky this time around too!! Though, I don't think I will have a belly button for too much longer. Looks like it is just going to disappear.

Our next appointment is the coming Thursday. We are going to see our midwife. I hope all is well and am really hoping that this little girl is trying to turn. She has been in a "transverse lie" position for the last weeks. She still has plenty of time to turn, so I am hoping that she decides to. I think she is still a little side-ways though.

Please excuse the "rough look." I just wasn't into fixing up until later in the day.



26 weeks, 3 days

Heidelberg

We went to Heidelberg a few weeks ago. It is a really nice city. As most of you know, there is a US Military base there. It was nice to hear other English speaking people amongst the mix. We didn't do too much. We visited an old castle, which was really neat. We didn't take a tour since Izzy was with us. We just walked around the outside and enjoyed the scenery. Afterward, we walked into the city and did some strolling around. It made for a nice and short getaway.

Some pictures of the castle:









View from inside the castle:







Me and Izzy:



Izzy enjoying herself:







Taking a little ride in one of the stores:

A Little Trip...

A few weeks ago, when Martin had vacation we decided to hop in the car and drive to the Alps. Why not? It only takes about 1 1/2 hours to get there. It was absolutely beautiful. I was hoping for snow, but didn't get it. We thought it would be pretty cold, but to our surprise it really wasn't too bad.

Here are a few pics:



A view from the Saentis.



Izzy and Martin.



A view of where we were about to be.



And from the top of the mountain.





Izzy, I and "The Bump." (21 weeks and 6 days)



Izzy giving kisses to her little sister! Too sweet!!!



And...Izzy and her Papa. Two of my favorite people!!!

We had lots of fun. Maybe we will see some snow if we make it back.

LOOK WHAT IS HEADED OUR WAY...

Brrrrr....COLD!!!!!

ts Overview Hourly Tomorrow Weekend 10-Day Month Map

10-Day Forecast for Donaueschingen, Germany [ English | Metric ] Printable Forecast Forecast Conditions High °F Low °F Precip. Chance High Temperatures Low Temperatures Precipitation Wind Speed Today Oct 15 Partly Cloudy 51° 41° 20% 51°F Sat Oct 16 Light Rain 42° 37° 60% 42°F Sun Oct 17 Light Rain 41° 34° 60% 41°F Mon Oct 18 AM Snow Showers 41° 33° 30% 41°F Tue Oct 19 Light Rain 44° 33° 60% 44°F Wed Oct 20 Light Rain 42° 35° 60% 42°F Thu Oct 21 Rain / Snow Showers 43° 36° 60% 43°F Fri Oct 22 Partly Cloudy 45° 36° 10% 45°F Sat Oct 23 Mostly Cloudy 46° 36° 20% 46°F Sun Oct 24 Partly Cloudy 46° 36° 10% 46°F Last Updated Oct 15, 10:10 AM Local Time