Monday, December 16, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Henry's list of registry must-haves
It has been fun looking back at my pregnancy and recording the things that I have learned. Now that I have made it through the newborn stage, I can see which items I appreciated having, and which items were not used.
During my pregnancy, I enjoyed spending hours scouring the internet and doing research for my registry. When it comes down to it, every baby and mama like different things. So while this list will be generally helpful, your baby may or may not agree.
1. Video monitor. These suckers are expensive but extremely helpful. If I didn't have the video monitor, I wouldn't bother with a sound one at all (unless you plan to have your baby in a room not within hearing distance). In the early days, every sound you hear will lead to a glance at the screen. Every sound you hear with your sound only monitor will lead to a trip to the nursery. Now, that's tiring!
2. My Breast Friend- Get this AND the Boppy. One will be for nursing, the other for holding your wee one. The breast friend is a MUST have for nursing.
3. Burp Cloths-Pick your style and design. Have lots on hand because a baby's spit-up power is no joke. I loved these.
4. Swaddles- Expensive, but awesome for your newborn. SO soft, and so snuggly! For the older wigglers, you will need these. The swaddling debate is that some babies like to be swaddled and others do not. Dr. Sears says this is not true- that even when a baby acts like they don't like swaddling, they actually do (If you don't know who Dr. Sears is, don't worry, you will). I don't have an answer for this. What I do know is that studies have been done to show that the REM deep sleep cycle in babies is proven to be longer in swaddled babies. Sounds good me!
5. Baby Pants-You will be given more onesies than your baby can wear. Your baby's dresser will be filled with them. For some reason, no one really likes to give pants. Stock up. I've officially warned you.
6. Baby bath- You will see many cute bathtubs. Baththtubs that are "niftier" or cuter. DON'T DO IT. This ugly bathtub has good reviews for a reason. Buy it.
7. Pacifiers. Duh. I'll even go so far as to say only get Nuk. Others may challenge this. I still say they are the best. Get as many as you can. They have magical powers. They disappear without a trace, never to be found again.
8.The swing-Your baby will without a doubt love this swing during the evening fussy period. Henry was a super happy baby, but even happy babies have their moments. His moment would almost always be during dinner. I set this swing up in the kitchen for him to lounge in during meals, or any other moment when I needed my hands. He would almost always immediately stop crying. I grew to love the music it played and Henry loved to watch the birds fly over his head. Even now at 7 months, Henry loves to hang out in his swing when he needs some down time.
9. If you like to sleep, you need to get this. Go ahead and do a little research. You will see that every parent kisses the ground this rocks on. It is literally a womb on legs. In the words of Levar Burton, "don't take my word for it".
10. As my friend calls it, the pooping chair , is another must have. Henry loved that just a little wiggling could get the seat bouncing and..er..other things moving. He also LOVED this chair. Take your pick. You really can never have too many seating options.
11. Get this mat. Henry adores the little creatures that hang from it and at 7 month he still loves to sit on it and enjoy the tactile stimulation it offers.
12. When the time comes, you will love having this space saver. I love that we can take it with us, it cleans like a dream, and Henry loves to sit at the table with us during meal time and watch us as we eat.
13.Get this and this. You will love having the snap and go for the mall and grocery store. I couldn't live without it.
14. It's disgusting, I know. But get it. The bulb sucks...or doesn't, whatever. Plus, it grows mold inside. Eeew. Thats grosser.
15. When I designed my nursery, I was adamant about wanting a chair glider. I ended up getting this one. It has turned out to be one of my favorite purchases thus far. Henry and I have spent some of our most precious moments snuggled up together while reading, playing, nursing and singing in this glider. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything! **
16. Last but certainly not least, is The Stroller. I am doing you a huge favor here. All of the research has been done. There have also been months of use to back this up- with a new baby and an older baby. You will not find a better stroller in its class. I promise. Besides cornering like a dream, having both a bassinet and a toddler seat, a rain shield, mosquito net and a roomy storage basket, it can be converted into a double stroller. Wham. Can your stroller do that? But let's not forget how beautiful it is. Utterly gorgeous. I may or may no have a love affair with this stoller. Watch out, you might find me on you-tube making one of those dorky instructional videos. **
** When you have the Deal Ma$ter for a husband, you learn to never pay list price for anything. Thanks to him, and myself, these items were most assuredly NOT purchased for the prices listed. So stop judging. I know you were.
At the end of the day, all your baby really needs is love. And a boob. And and some warm clothes. Other than that they really could sleep in a laundry basket and not give a hoot. My sister-in law would even swaddle her Houdini baby in a sports bra. But in the highly likely event that you purchase a gazillion things for your baby like we did, just know that these items are tested and approved. Oh, and do yourself and everyone else a favor and register at Amazon.
During my pregnancy, I enjoyed spending hours scouring the internet and doing research for my registry. When it comes down to it, every baby and mama like different things. So while this list will be generally helpful, your baby may or may not agree.
1. Video monitor. These suckers are expensive but extremely helpful. If I didn't have the video monitor, I wouldn't bother with a sound one at all (unless you plan to have your baby in a room not within hearing distance). In the early days, every sound you hear will lead to a glance at the screen. Every sound you hear with your sound only monitor will lead to a trip to the nursery. Now, that's tiring!
2. My Breast Friend- Get this AND the Boppy. One will be for nursing, the other for holding your wee one. The breast friend is a MUST have for nursing.
3. Burp Cloths-Pick your style and design. Have lots on hand because a baby's spit-up power is no joke. I loved these.
4. Swaddles- Expensive, but awesome for your newborn. SO soft, and so snuggly! For the older wigglers, you will need these. The swaddling debate is that some babies like to be swaddled and others do not. Dr. Sears says this is not true- that even when a baby acts like they don't like swaddling, they actually do (If you don't know who Dr. Sears is, don't worry, you will). I don't have an answer for this. What I do know is that studies have been done to show that the REM deep sleep cycle in babies is proven to be longer in swaddled babies. Sounds good me!
5. Baby Pants-You will be given more onesies than your baby can wear. Your baby's dresser will be filled with them. For some reason, no one really likes to give pants. Stock up. I've officially warned you.
6. Baby bath- You will see many cute bathtubs. Baththtubs that are "niftier" or cuter. DON'T DO IT. This ugly bathtub has good reviews for a reason. Buy it.
7. Pacifiers. Duh. I'll even go so far as to say only get Nuk. Others may challenge this. I still say they are the best. Get as many as you can. They have magical powers. They disappear without a trace, never to be found again.
8.The swing-Your baby will without a doubt love this swing during the evening fussy period. Henry was a super happy baby, but even happy babies have their moments. His moment would almost always be during dinner. I set this swing up in the kitchen for him to lounge in during meals, or any other moment when I needed my hands. He would almost always immediately stop crying. I grew to love the music it played and Henry loved to watch the birds fly over his head. Even now at 7 months, Henry loves to hang out in his swing when he needs some down time.
9. If you like to sleep, you need to get this. Go ahead and do a little research. You will see that every parent kisses the ground this rocks on. It is literally a womb on legs. In the words of Levar Burton, "don't take my word for it".
10. As my friend calls it, the pooping chair , is another must have. Henry loved that just a little wiggling could get the seat bouncing and..er..other things moving. He also LOVED this chair. Take your pick. You really can never have too many seating options.
11. Get this mat. Henry adores the little creatures that hang from it and at 7 month he still loves to sit on it and enjoy the tactile stimulation it offers.
12. When the time comes, you will love having this space saver. I love that we can take it with us, it cleans like a dream, and Henry loves to sit at the table with us during meal time and watch us as we eat.
13.Get this and this. You will love having the snap and go for the mall and grocery store. I couldn't live without it.
14. It's disgusting, I know. But get it. The bulb sucks...or doesn't, whatever. Plus, it grows mold inside. Eeew. Thats grosser.
15. When I designed my nursery, I was adamant about wanting a chair glider. I ended up getting this one. It has turned out to be one of my favorite purchases thus far. Henry and I have spent some of our most precious moments snuggled up together while reading, playing, nursing and singing in this glider. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything! **
16. Last but certainly not least, is The Stroller. I am doing you a huge favor here. All of the research has been done. There have also been months of use to back this up- with a new baby and an older baby. You will not find a better stroller in its class. I promise. Besides cornering like a dream, having both a bassinet and a toddler seat, a rain shield, mosquito net and a roomy storage basket, it can be converted into a double stroller. Wham. Can your stroller do that? But let's not forget how beautiful it is. Utterly gorgeous. I may or may no have a love affair with this stoller. Watch out, you might find me on you-tube making one of those dorky instructional videos. **
** When you have the Deal Ma$ter for a husband, you learn to never pay list price for anything. Thanks to him, and myself, these items were most assuredly NOT purchased for the prices listed. So stop judging. I know you were.
At the end of the day, all your baby really needs is love. And a boob. And and some warm clothes. Other than that they really could sleep in a laundry basket and not give a hoot. My sister-in law would even swaddle her Houdini baby in a sports bra. But in the highly likely event that you purchase a gazillion things for your baby like we did, just know that these items are tested and approved. Oh, and do yourself and everyone else a favor and register at Amazon.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Taking a step back
This morning the Lord granted me something I deeply needed. Perspective. Somewhere between begging God for sleep and "yelling" at my husband (he calls it yelling, but I think that is up for debate), I had divine clarity.
Henry is currently teething...and growing...and learning...and well, being a baby. He has made it abundantly clear that he does not need or want the amount of sleep that I so graciously bestow upon him. And while seemingly every child around me loves to sleep, I am left with the most wide-eyed baby known to man.
I will never forget the words of Henry's pediatrician, "this is the most tired you will ever be!", just three days after Henry was born. False. False, false, false. Newborn babies sleep so much better than older babies. Older babies are so aware of their surroundings. They have mastered the cognitive concept of "object permanence". What a beautiful thought that my baby knows I still exist after I leave the room. And what a horrible reality for sleep. They have come to realize that they are powerful, tiny humans with great say.
I was not prepared for the reality of night wakings in the later months. I had always assumed it would only get better. And though ultimately I know it will get better, I am still left feeling exhausted and frustrated. I am mainly frustrated with myself, wondering where I may have gone wrong in our sleep training (or lack thereof).
It is in these moments of frustration that the Lord tugs at my heart. When He whispered Isaiah 40:28-31, it reminded me of my utter need for strength from my savior. Not just in the sleepless nights, but in every aspect of motherhood. I know that there will be many more moments where I will question which direction I am to take and whether I have made the right decisions. Ultimately, I will face larger parenting hurdles that have greater consequences than lack of sleep. But what better time to practice relying on my Father than during these small hurdles. I know that I have a God who never grows tired and he has offered to pick up my burden and carry it for me.
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
One day I will look back at this tiny moment in my life and I will see beauty. Those nights of rocking my sweet boy will have vanished, but I know that I will still remember the way he felt in my arms. My sweet bundle of needy joy is such a picture of how I need my Father. He is teaching me daily to follow his lead and give grace and patience to Henry. I am thankful that even when I have a spirit of frustration, the Lord reminds me of the brevity of this season. He reminds me to draw on his strength. All of the sudden a sleepless night isn't so scary.
Henry is currently teething...and growing...and learning...and well, being a baby. He has made it abundantly clear that he does not need or want the amount of sleep that I so graciously bestow upon him. And while seemingly every child around me loves to sleep, I am left with the most wide-eyed baby known to man.
I will never forget the words of Henry's pediatrician, "this is the most tired you will ever be!", just three days after Henry was born. False. False, false, false. Newborn babies sleep so much better than older babies. Older babies are so aware of their surroundings. They have mastered the cognitive concept of "object permanence". What a beautiful thought that my baby knows I still exist after I leave the room. And what a horrible reality for sleep. They have come to realize that they are powerful, tiny humans with great say.
I was not prepared for the reality of night wakings in the later months. I had always assumed it would only get better. And though ultimately I know it will get better, I am still left feeling exhausted and frustrated. I am mainly frustrated with myself, wondering where I may have gone wrong in our sleep training (or lack thereof).
It is in these moments of frustration that the Lord tugs at my heart. When He whispered Isaiah 40:28-31, it reminded me of my utter need for strength from my savior. Not just in the sleepless nights, but in every aspect of motherhood. I know that there will be many more moments where I will question which direction I am to take and whether I have made the right decisions. Ultimately, I will face larger parenting hurdles that have greater consequences than lack of sleep. But what better time to practice relying on my Father than during these small hurdles. I know that I have a God who never grows tired and he has offered to pick up my burden and carry it for me.
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
One day I will look back at this tiny moment in my life and I will see beauty. Those nights of rocking my sweet boy will have vanished, but I know that I will still remember the way he felt in my arms. My sweet bundle of needy joy is such a picture of how I need my Father. He is teaching me daily to follow his lead and give grace and patience to Henry. I am thankful that even when I have a spirit of frustration, the Lord reminds me of the brevity of this season. He reminds me to draw on his strength. All of the sudden a sleepless night isn't so scary.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Body After Baby Part 1
Please bear with me. As I write, I have a 6.5 month old grabbing the computer. Therefore, I type quickly.My thoughts may sometimes be scrambled, and there may be spelling errors. No judgment please!
Believe it or not, the road to the recovery of my pre-Henry body actually happened before Henry was even born. Being the research fiend that I am, I spent a good amount of time reading about pregnancy and post-pregnancy fitness. I didn't want to have any "I wish I had known that!" moments.
I started the first few weeks of my first trimester like many pregnant women: afraid to move. I didn't want to jostle my new resident. My common sense and everything that I had read told me that this was silly; he was in there protected by my squishy womb bubble. At around 12 weeks, I let go and fully realized that my nugget was in the Lord's hands. He was knitting him together in my womb, after all. I then got moving.
Because my financial situation did not allow for a gym membership or paying for expensive classes, I really relied on at home exercise.
I started doing this video daily. I also did lots of walking. I can't stress enough how important walking is. Especially when you don't feel like moving, it really energizes you! I also loved Amira's belly dance and yoga video.
Being pregnant also inspired me to eat better than I ever had in the past. I certainly splurged from time to time, but I did not use the pregnant license "I can eat whatever I want".
It should be noted that I did NOT watch my weight gain during pregnancy. I truly believe that you can do everything right and gain a lot of weight. Your body is going to do what it is going to do. You need to trust that. Watching the scale is great in the beginning when you don't gain much weight, but after that it really goes downhill fast.
I ate when I was hungry and attempted to make healthy choices. Due to my serious aversion to meat, I relied on protein shakes and eggs to help fill me up while meeting mine and baby's protein needs.
My favorite pregnancy protein shake (rough measurements):
8 ice cubes
1.5 bananas
1/4 cup almonds
3 TBS peanut butter
1 TBS honey
1/2 cup almond milk or regular milk
1 scoop whey protein
As I neared the end of my pregnancy I continued to walk, do yoga videos and belly dance. I also did pregnancy appropriate ab workouts. This is really important for the success of ab rejuvenation after baby. I loved these videos.
Zoom ahead to Henry's birth, one week postpartum I started wearing The Bellybandit. There are many mixed reviews on the matter of belly binding, but I must say that for me, it worked. I wore it every day for 2 months. On days that I didn't wear it I noticed my belly slowly go back out over the course of a couple days. After weeks of wearing it I noticed my belly eventually didn't go out again and my waist was back to its pre-baby size. Would it have done that with out the binding? Maybe. But it did shrink awfully quickly! I believe that over time it would have done this on its own-but the binding certainly expedited the process.
7 Weeks postpartum:
In my next post (and I PROMISE it will not take so long this time!), I will share my postpartum secrets I used along with the belly binding in the first weeks after baby.
Believe it or not, the road to the recovery of my pre-Henry body actually happened before Henry was even born. Being the research fiend that I am, I spent a good amount of time reading about pregnancy and post-pregnancy fitness. I didn't want to have any "I wish I had known that!" moments.
I started the first few weeks of my first trimester like many pregnant women: afraid to move. I didn't want to jostle my new resident. My common sense and everything that I had read told me that this was silly; he was in there protected by my squishy womb bubble. At around 12 weeks, I let go and fully realized that my nugget was in the Lord's hands. He was knitting him together in my womb, after all. I then got moving.
Because my financial situation did not allow for a gym membership or paying for expensive classes, I really relied on at home exercise.
I started doing this video daily. I also did lots of walking. I can't stress enough how important walking is. Especially when you don't feel like moving, it really energizes you! I also loved Amira's belly dance and yoga video.
Being pregnant also inspired me to eat better than I ever had in the past. I certainly splurged from time to time, but I did not use the pregnant license "I can eat whatever I want".
It should be noted that I did NOT watch my weight gain during pregnancy. I truly believe that you can do everything right and gain a lot of weight. Your body is going to do what it is going to do. You need to trust that. Watching the scale is great in the beginning when you don't gain much weight, but after that it really goes downhill fast.
I ate when I was hungry and attempted to make healthy choices. Due to my serious aversion to meat, I relied on protein shakes and eggs to help fill me up while meeting mine and baby's protein needs.
My favorite pregnancy protein shake (rough measurements):
8 ice cubes
1.5 bananas
1/4 cup almonds
3 TBS peanut butter
1 TBS honey
1/2 cup almond milk or regular milk
1 scoop whey protein
As I neared the end of my pregnancy I continued to walk, do yoga videos and belly dance. I also did pregnancy appropriate ab workouts. This is really important for the success of ab rejuvenation after baby. I loved these videos.
Zoom ahead to Henry's birth, one week postpartum I started wearing The Bellybandit. There are many mixed reviews on the matter of belly binding, but I must say that for me, it worked. I wore it every day for 2 months. On days that I didn't wear it I noticed my belly slowly go back out over the course of a couple days. After weeks of wearing it I noticed my belly eventually didn't go out again and my waist was back to its pre-baby size. Would it have done that with out the binding? Maybe. But it did shrink awfully quickly! I believe that over time it would have done this on its own-but the binding certainly expedited the process.
7 Weeks postpartum:
In my next post (and I PROMISE it will not take so long this time!), I will share my postpartum secrets I used along with the belly binding in the first weeks after baby.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Henry's Story
As I sit and look at Henry sleeping in his swing, it feels like we've known each other forever. Something that no one ever told me (maybe I'm different), is that your baby really is a stranger. A sweet little stranger, but you really don't know them. You meet them for the first time and it truly is as though someone hands you a baby out of nowhere and says "here, this is yours". There really is nothing like it. And now, I almost can't remember life before him.
Here is Henry's story to the best of my memory.
On Sunday, June 24th (Henry's due date), I thought my water had broken. I never realized before becoming pregnant that there could be any confusion about such a thing. I was on the phone with my mom, and told her I felt a small gush of water. We both "obviously" thought this was my water breaking. Will and I packed up the car and headed to the hospital. There I was checked by a midwife who, after performing a quick test, told me that no, my water had not broken. We headed home. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed. Days passed, and what I had thought had been my water, continued to drip (NOT normal).
On Wednesday, June 27th, my good friend Esther and her mom stopped by. Esther knew I was less than pleased with my current pregnant state. They lifted my spirits through gifts for Henry and prayer. Against Esther's mom's better judgment, I did not go straight to the hospital (she suspected that my water had in fact broken). I instead waited for my OB appt. the next morning.
On Thursday, June 28th, I went to Mercy Hospital to the Advanced Fetal Care Center. Because I was overdue, they needed to check my fluid levels and count Henry's movements over the course of an hour (everything checked out fine). I received two ultrasound photos, one of which I noted Henry looked a bit alien-like. The nurse said, "well, we don't actually know what aliens look like".....alrighty then.
I then headed over to my OB office next to the hospital. I told her the story from that weekend about my suspected water breaking. She was concerned and decided to do the test again. She looked up at me and said "it did break!..you need to go to the hospital today-we are going to induce you!" I was thrilled and horrified all at once.
I rushed home to shower, eat and pack the car. Will and I arrived at the hospital at around 3:00pm. After being checked into our room, the doctor came in to talk to me. Because my water hadn't fully broken (why it was leaking, not a "gush"), she could either break it all the way, or start me right away on Pitocin. Looking back I wish we had just cut to the chase and started Pitocin. My water being broken did nothing. All it did was start useless contractions that caused pain but no progress. My doctor gave me until 12am. If at that point I hadn't made any progress I would start Pitocin.
Me before things got REAL
walking the halls, trying to get things moving...look at that unsuspecting smile...
At midnight, I hadn't made any progress. This is where it got really fun. The Pitocin did its work of causing a pain I've never felt. What it didn't do, was actually cause progress. After 2am I still was no further dilated. At this point the pit was making me nauseous and I was throwing up. The doctor gave me phenergan for the nausea. I was so out of it that I didn't realize that she had given me demerol. This made me extremely loopy. At around 2:30am I cried uncle and asked for the epidural. Honestly, getting the epidural was not that bad. I have heard horror stories, but nothing compares to being in labor...this was child's play.
After receiving the epidural, I unfortunately wasn't able to relax. I could still feel the contractions, just at nowhere near the same intensity. The epidural caused my blood pressure to drop frighteningly low, and I was given oxygen (Will has recapped most of this to me as I was so out of it). Because of my low blood pressure, it also caused me to continue to throw up. At around 4:30am I was checked again and had only made it to 4cm (insert me miming wrist slitting).
At 6:30am I called the nurse in as I felt like I needed to go number 2. This was actually the urge to push! Wahoo! I was 8 1/2 cm. At around 7am I called the nurse in and said "I need to push NOW". I was fully dilated, praise the Lord! I started pushing at 7:10am and Henry was born at 7:28am on Friday, June 29th.
He entered the world screaming and flailing those precious little arms and legs. I will never forget looking into those deep blue, alert eyes. I was just so surprised at how alert he was; looking right at Will and me. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
When mothers say that you forget the pain when you see your child; they are so right. The moment you have your baby in your arms you realize that it doesn't matter how they got there. The only thing that truly matters is that they are alive and well.
I had some very wonderful images in my mind as to what I wanted my labor to look like. Just about everything I didn't want to happen, (short of a c-section) ended up happening. And yet, it doesn't even matter.
Henry is here, and we are so loving life.
The. End.
Will followed him everywhere. Even to his circumcision.
First diaper change...
And not happy about it.
"Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be"
Psalm 139:16
Coming soon...
First few weeks with baby and How I got my body back
Here is Henry's story to the best of my memory.
On Sunday, June 24th (Henry's due date), I thought my water had broken. I never realized before becoming pregnant that there could be any confusion about such a thing. I was on the phone with my mom, and told her I felt a small gush of water. We both "obviously" thought this was my water breaking. Will and I packed up the car and headed to the hospital. There I was checked by a midwife who, after performing a quick test, told me that no, my water had not broken. We headed home. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed. Days passed, and what I had thought had been my water, continued to drip (NOT normal).
On Wednesday, June 27th, my good friend Esther and her mom stopped by. Esther knew I was less than pleased with my current pregnant state. They lifted my spirits through gifts for Henry and prayer. Against Esther's mom's better judgment, I did not go straight to the hospital (she suspected that my water had in fact broken). I instead waited for my OB appt. the next morning.
On Thursday, June 28th, I went to Mercy Hospital to the Advanced Fetal Care Center. Because I was overdue, they needed to check my fluid levels and count Henry's movements over the course of an hour (everything checked out fine). I received two ultrasound photos, one of which I noted Henry looked a bit alien-like. The nurse said, "well, we don't actually know what aliens look like".....alrighty then.
I then headed over to my OB office next to the hospital. I told her the story from that weekend about my suspected water breaking. She was concerned and decided to do the test again. She looked up at me and said "it did break!..you need to go to the hospital today-we are going to induce you!" I was thrilled and horrified all at once.
I rushed home to shower, eat and pack the car. Will and I arrived at the hospital at around 3:00pm. After being checked into our room, the doctor came in to talk to me. Because my water hadn't fully broken (why it was leaking, not a "gush"), she could either break it all the way, or start me right away on Pitocin. Looking back I wish we had just cut to the chase and started Pitocin. My water being broken did nothing. All it did was start useless contractions that caused pain but no progress. My doctor gave me until 12am. If at that point I hadn't made any progress I would start Pitocin.
Me before things got REAL
walking the halls, trying to get things moving...look at that unsuspecting smile...
At midnight, I hadn't made any progress. This is where it got really fun. The Pitocin did its work of causing a pain I've never felt. What it didn't do, was actually cause progress. After 2am I still was no further dilated. At this point the pit was making me nauseous and I was throwing up. The doctor gave me phenergan for the nausea. I was so out of it that I didn't realize that she had given me demerol. This made me extremely loopy. At around 2:30am I cried uncle and asked for the epidural. Honestly, getting the epidural was not that bad. I have heard horror stories, but nothing compares to being in labor...this was child's play.
After receiving the epidural, I unfortunately wasn't able to relax. I could still feel the contractions, just at nowhere near the same intensity. The epidural caused my blood pressure to drop frighteningly low, and I was given oxygen (Will has recapped most of this to me as I was so out of it). Because of my low blood pressure, it also caused me to continue to throw up. At around 4:30am I was checked again and had only made it to 4cm (insert me miming wrist slitting).
At 6:30am I called the nurse in as I felt like I needed to go number 2. This was actually the urge to push! Wahoo! I was 8 1/2 cm. At around 7am I called the nurse in and said "I need to push NOW". I was fully dilated, praise the Lord! I started pushing at 7:10am and Henry was born at 7:28am on Friday, June 29th.
He entered the world screaming and flailing those precious little arms and legs. I will never forget looking into those deep blue, alert eyes. I was just so surprised at how alert he was; looking right at Will and me. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
When mothers say that you forget the pain when you see your child; they are so right. The moment you have your baby in your arms you realize that it doesn't matter how they got there. The only thing that truly matters is that they are alive and well.
I had some very wonderful images in my mind as to what I wanted my labor to look like. Just about everything I didn't want to happen, (short of a c-section) ended up happening. And yet, it doesn't even matter.
Henry is here, and we are so loving life.
The. End.
Will followed him everywhere. Even to his circumcision.
First diaper change...
And not happy about it.
"Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be"
Psalm 139:16
Coming soon...
First few weeks with baby and How I got my body back
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Su Casa Updates
For every guest that enters my home, I get a "wow, I love your dining set!". I can honestly say I have never had a piece of furniture so widely noticed and loved by all!
When I'm not eating at my beautiful Su Casa table, I am playing with it. How do you play with a dining table? Well, you try out your new baby gear on it! Not only will I need a grown baby for this chair, but I'll need a baby in general...and I know this (so no making fun). What else can you do when you are 9+ months preggo? Pretty soon you will find me placing baby dolls in my stroller, bouncy seat, etc...UNLESS I go get Diggy....:).
What a beautiful picture that is! AND, the wood is so nice and sturdy that I know it will not be easily scratched by the seat. I'll feel pretty good about putting my little cherub here :).
I will admit that I am meticulous about keeping this table clean. I know that once my little man is eating at it, it will take on a new "loved" form. OH, and did you know that Su Casa also sells baby gear?? They have a beautiful baby section that is DROOL worthy. Gliders, clothes and other treats that will spoil any babe!
Here is my friend, Emily, trying out one of their oh so cozy gliders!
In other dining table news, my bench will be delivered tomorrow! I have been eagerly awaiting this beautiful piece since they picked it up to be fixed (due to a small scratch). I will update on this development tomorrow!
When I'm not eating at my beautiful Su Casa table, I am playing with it. How do you play with a dining table? Well, you try out your new baby gear on it! Not only will I need a grown baby for this chair, but I'll need a baby in general...and I know this (so no making fun). What else can you do when you are 9+ months preggo? Pretty soon you will find me placing baby dolls in my stroller, bouncy seat, etc...UNLESS I go get Diggy....:).
What a beautiful picture that is! AND, the wood is so nice and sturdy that I know it will not be easily scratched by the seat. I'll feel pretty good about putting my little cherub here :).
I will admit that I am meticulous about keeping this table clean. I know that once my little man is eating at it, it will take on a new "loved" form. OH, and did you know that Su Casa also sells baby gear?? They have a beautiful baby section that is DROOL worthy. Gliders, clothes and other treats that will spoil any babe!
Here is my friend, Emily, trying out one of their oh so cozy gliders!
In other dining table news, my bench will be delivered tomorrow! I have been eagerly awaiting this beautiful piece since they picked it up to be fixed (due to a small scratch). I will update on this development tomorrow!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Good Eatin'
Eating is one of my husband's and my favorite past times. We enjoy cooking together and creating yummy little masterpieces. My husband is also a master of the grill; one of the many reasons I love the summer. He basically gives me every summer off from cooking and takes over. What a man :) And what better way to enjoy our meal than on a new dining table. It just makes it that much more enjoyable!
And Let's not forget breakfast :)
Besides beautifully crafted furniture, Su Casa also sells some other cool loot. For all of you Baltimore Ravens fans, you can get a pretty sweet grill set for the man in your house!
And Let's not forget breakfast :)
Besides beautifully crafted furniture, Su Casa also sells some other cool loot. For all of you Baltimore Ravens fans, you can get a pretty sweet grill set for the man in your house!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Nursery Tour
Baby Guthrie's Nursery
Source:
Crib: Eden Baby Madison crib
Bedding: Not a peep by Land of Nod, Orange blanket by Ambajam (softest little blanky in the world!)
Stuffed Animals: Orange Ugly doll (gift), blue bear (gift), robot and elephant (homemade gifts!) Paddington bear (husband's as child)
All wall art: Etsy
Wall bookshelves: IKEA
Chest of drawers: IKEA
Changing pad: Land of Nod
Cloth Diapers: Lotus Bumz and JungleRoo (stash to be expanded once I know what I like!)
Glider: Harmony Kids glider by Newco International
Source:
Crib: Eden Baby Madison crib
Bedding: Not a peep by Land of Nod, Orange blanket by Ambajam (softest little blanky in the world!)
Stuffed Animals: Orange Ugly doll (gift), blue bear (gift), robot and elephant (homemade gifts!) Paddington bear (husband's as child)
All wall art: Etsy
Wall bookshelves: IKEA
Chest of drawers: IKEA
Changing pad: Land of Nod
Cloth Diapers: Lotus Bumz and JungleRoo (stash to be expanded once I know what I like!)
Glider: Harmony Kids glider by Newco International
Waiting for Baby
Being 39 weeks pregnant, there isn't a whole lot that I feel like doing. Between the contractions and the rather large state of my belly, I find it pretty hard to get comfortable. One thing I really do appreciate, though, are my walks with Will and Diggy. While I hope it will induce labor, I am loving the quiet time with hubby before the craziness ensues. There are some beautiful walking trails by our house that Diggy loves to frolic in. Will has also had fun with our new camera!
As I wait for our little boy to get here, I am savoring the peace and quiet. As amazing as this next chapter will be, I sometimes forget that I really love the one that I am in right now. These are our last days as husband, wife and dog. It is a sweet and simple time that I am thankful to appreciate before it is too late.
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven"
Ecclesiastes 3:1
As I wait for our little boy to get here, I am savoring the peace and quiet. As amazing as this next chapter will be, I sometimes forget that I really love the one that I am in right now. These are our last days as husband, wife and dog. It is a sweet and simple time that I am thankful to appreciate before it is too late.
"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven"
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Friday, June 15, 2012
It's Here!
Su Casa came promptly on delivery day with my new dining table. It felt like Christmas! Besides the fact that I received the nicest piece of furniture that I have ever owned, I noticed other perks unique to their company and their quality of service.
For anyone who has ever purchased a piece of IKEA furniture, I bet you know how frustrating assembling their furniture can be. No matter who clear their instructions seem to be, there is always one mistake made along the way which requires one to take apart the progress made and start over. The very respectful servicemen came in (who were clean I might add, a feat not often accomplished), and immediately began to assemble the furniture. They were quick, and even cleaned up after themselves! I have never had anyone assemble my furniture! God bless their hearts! They were even nice to my dog, Diggy ( a sure way to win me over).
Besides the fact that they were efficient and prompt, another event really blew my mind. On the bench there was a small scratch. One of the men told me he noticed it (before I did), and had Su Casa call me after he left to arrange a pick up for it to be fixed! When does a company point out a defect on their own! I was really amazed with this quality of service. Su casa called me within the hour, and came to pick up the bench.
I have never been treated with such service through a furniture company. I may be a new believer in not just nice furniture, but in the service that comes with a company like Su Casa...if there even is one!
Pictures of the final product coming soon when the set is complete!
For those who have purchased high quality furniture, have you noticed this similar service?
Besides the fact that they were efficient and prompt, another event really blew my mind. On the bench there was a small scratch. One of the men told me he noticed it (before I did), and had Su Casa call me after he left to arrange a pick up for it to be fixed! When does a company point out a defect on their own! I was really amazed with this quality of service. Su casa called me within the hour, and came to pick up the bench.
I have never been treated with such service through a furniture company. I may be a new believer in not just nice furniture, but in the service that comes with a company like Su Casa...if there even is one!
Pictures of the final product coming soon when the set is complete!
For those who have purchased high quality furniture, have you noticed this similar service?
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Su Casa Blogging Competition
As many of you may remember, I was chosen to compete in Su Casa's blogging competition. I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my chosen dining set (coming today!!!).
The dining area in a home is so important. It is where loved ones congregate and enjoy a functional yet pleasing activity. Some of us (myself included), enjoy this activity a bit too much. I will, however, unashamedly say that I am proud to be a foodie. I am proud to find indulgent pleasure in the most beautifully and artistically created meals (all while craving a bowl of Velveeta mac and cheese on the side). I enjoy cafeteria food, will never turn up my nose to a 7-11 taquito (yes, while being completely sober), and don't even know where to start on my love of Sheetz (if you don't know what that is then you are sorely missing out). I always wondered why friends say they love to watch me eat. I suppose this stems from the vigor and passion I display during mealtime. I truly enjoy eating. It comes with little surprise then that I would be chosen to review dining furniture.
Before we begin, let us look at the
current offender:
Although this humble Craigslist table has served us well, it is clearly not meant to enthrone mealtime (only Diggy the dog). What will take its place? Stay tuned. In the meantime our dining area now looks a bit sad.
Where does mealtime take place in your home? At the dining table? Or in front of the TV?
Before we begin, let us look at the
current offender:
Although this humble Craigslist table has served us well, it is clearly not meant to enthrone mealtime (only Diggy the dog). What will take its place? Stay tuned. In the meantime our dining area now looks a bit sad.
Where does mealtime take place in your home? At the dining table? Or in front of the TV?
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