You get to do LOTS of laundry with a little baby.
While I was folding on our bed I put baby girl in front of me and just had to put the piles around her. She was so cute just watchin mommy!
While I was folding on our bed I put baby girl in front of me and just had to put the piles around her. She was so cute just watchin mommy!
Picture taken 12/4/2011
Let me tell you a story. It's a LONG story and I want to give as much detail as possible so I will tell the story in phases. To benefit you (and my arthritic hands).
The story of our baby girls birth. I don't want to forget a moment of it, so I must document it.
For about 4 weeks before the due date of our little girl our doctor had been telling me that she hoped I went into labor soon due to the size of the growing little babe in my belly. She had been measuring big, about 2 weeks bigger than she should have been. The doctor even suggested we strip my membranes to help move the labor process along. She did this 3 times. It did NOT help put me into labor. Just a few contractions here and there.
Friday September 30th was my last doctors appointment. The doctor told me that today should be my last day of work. It became surreal when I told my employers and sent an email to everyone letting them know that my maternity leave had officially begun.
The next day (Saturday 10/1), Kris had to go to a work convention in downtown Boise. In hopes to get my labor to start I decided to do my favorite Saturday morning activity, garage selling. I hit the jackpot and found so many great deals. Of course, me and my huge belly walking around caused some looks and lots of questions asking when I was due. I told them in 2 days. They all couldn't believe I was out looking at other peoples junk. At about 9:30am I found a house that was selling the most adorable girls clothes for $.50 each. I was so excited. I tried to have some self control and only picked out about 20 items. During my scavenger hunt through the clothes, I dropped a shirt. I bent down and when I stood back up with the shirt in my hand, I thought to myself "oh crap, I just peed my pants." My friends, this has happened before during my pregnancy. Sometimes, a little "dribble" would come out courtesy of the babe. So, I hurried and paid the fine lady and ran to my car. I sat down and looked (ok, I felt my crotch because I couldn't see it, obviously) and it was pretty damp. Could this be my water breaking? As I started to drive away I called Kris. I told him "I think my water just broke!" He couldn't believe it. I told him to stand by and I would rush home to confirm.
After all, it could just be my poor bladder out of control.
When I got home I pulled up to the house and got out. I don't know how else to explain it but a RUSH of water flowed out. I KNEW this had to be my water breaking. I called Kris to confirm my suspicion and asked him if he wanted to come home or meet me at the hospital (since he was already there at the conference)? He being the wonderful man he is told me he would rush home and get me. I then did what any normal technology addicted mother would do. I posted "My water just broke! We are having a baby today" on Facebook. The I called my momma (or did I call my Mom first...I don't remember) and yelled "MY WATER BROKE" followed by a scream on the other end. I got my butt in the shower because I didn't want to have yucky unwashed hair in all the delivery pictures. While I was in the shower I heard the voice of my mother-in-law Dee. She said "Steph, Kris called us to come check on you"
After I got out of the shower I had to go get a towel to put under me while I got ready to go because...the water did NOT stop coming. I would have a little rush here and a little rush there. It was a very odd feeling. While I was brushing my hair, Kris got home. I still don't know how he got home so fast. He rushes in the bathroom and says "What are you doing??? We have to go!!!" I told him to just calm down a little bit. I wasn't in any pain yet and we needed to keep calm. I told him that this whole process needed to be calm and collected. I didn't want to freak out and make the pain worse. So, I put on a little make-up and put my hair back. Kris made sure that the hospital bag was packed (we learned later that we didn't pack him enough clothes...lesson learned for the next time). He got the baby bag ready and the car seat in the car and put a towel on the passenger side seat for his waterfall of a wife. We took some pictures kissed his parents and we were off to the hospital.
The contractions started while we were driving. They were not too painful yet but just a little uncomfortable. When we finally got to the hospital after having to take some detours due to construction AND a marathon going on downtown, Kris dropped me off at the front door. I stood there for a while and the contractions started to become and little more intense and the water kept on-a-flowin. I was slightly embarrassed and I felt like everyone was looking at me.
When we got to the hospital we knew exactly where to go thanks to the hospital tour we took about a month prior. We checked in and I got to give a urine sample and then strip down to get checked. The nurse told me that a lot of women come into the hospital thinking that their water broke, but it really hadn't. Well...let me just tell you that there was NO doubt that my water broke. I am pretty sure a janitor had to come and clean the floors in my room after we left because I dribbled water everywhere!! (listen...if you read my blog we are PAST the point of TMI). As I was waiting for my nurse to come and get me to take me to my own personal room where I would deliver my contractions started to become stronger and all Kris and I could do was smile. This was crazy. We were here. AT. THE. HOSPITAL!!!
My nurse came in and was so sweet and bubbly! I was excited to get a nurse that seemed excited to take care of us and make this experience the best possible. She asked me if I could walk to my room and I said "yep!". As we were walking the strongest contraction I had yet came and I had to pause from walking. It seemed like we were in the middle of a movie. It just didn't seem real.
The story of our baby girls birth. I don't want to forget a moment of it, so I must document it.
For about 4 weeks before the due date of our little girl our doctor had been telling me that she hoped I went into labor soon due to the size of the growing little babe in my belly. She had been measuring big, about 2 weeks bigger than she should have been. The doctor even suggested we strip my membranes to help move the labor process along. She did this 3 times. It did NOT help put me into labor. Just a few contractions here and there.
Friday September 30th was my last doctors appointment. The doctor told me that today should be my last day of work. It became surreal when I told my employers and sent an email to everyone letting them know that my maternity leave had officially begun.
The next day (Saturday 10/1), Kris had to go to a work convention in downtown Boise. In hopes to get my labor to start I decided to do my favorite Saturday morning activity, garage selling. I hit the jackpot and found so many great deals. Of course, me and my huge belly walking around caused some looks and lots of questions asking when I was due. I told them in 2 days. They all couldn't believe I was out looking at other peoples junk. At about 9:30am I found a house that was selling the most adorable girls clothes for $.50 each. I was so excited. I tried to have some self control and only picked out about 20 items. During my scavenger hunt through the clothes, I dropped a shirt. I bent down and when I stood back up with the shirt in my hand, I thought to myself "oh crap, I just peed my pants." My friends, this has happened before during my pregnancy. Sometimes, a little "dribble" would come out courtesy of the babe. So, I hurried and paid the fine lady and ran to my car. I sat down and looked (ok, I felt my crotch because I couldn't see it, obviously) and it was pretty damp. Could this be my water breaking? As I started to drive away I called Kris. I told him "I think my water just broke!" He couldn't believe it. I told him to stand by and I would rush home to confirm.
After all, it could just be my poor bladder out of control.
When I got home I pulled up to the house and got out. I don't know how else to explain it but a RUSH of water flowed out. I KNEW this had to be my water breaking. I called Kris to confirm my suspicion and asked him if he wanted to come home or meet me at the hospital (since he was already there at the conference)? He being the wonderful man he is told me he would rush home and get me. I then did what any normal technology addicted mother would do. I posted "My water just broke! We are having a baby today" on Facebook. The I called my momma (or did I call my Mom first...I don't remember) and yelled "MY WATER BROKE" followed by a scream on the other end. I got my butt in the shower because I didn't want to have yucky unwashed hair in all the delivery pictures. While I was in the shower I heard the voice of my mother-in-law Dee. She said "Steph, Kris called us to come check on you"
After I got out of the shower I had to go get a towel to put under me while I got ready to go because...the water did NOT stop coming. I would have a little rush here and a little rush there. It was a very odd feeling. While I was brushing my hair, Kris got home. I still don't know how he got home so fast. He rushes in the bathroom and says "What are you doing??? We have to go!!!" I told him to just calm down a little bit. I wasn't in any pain yet and we needed to keep calm. I told him that this whole process needed to be calm and collected. I didn't want to freak out and make the pain worse. So, I put on a little make-up and put my hair back. Kris made sure that the hospital bag was packed (we learned later that we didn't pack him enough clothes...lesson learned for the next time). He got the baby bag ready and the car seat in the car and put a towel on the passenger side seat for his waterfall of a wife. We took some pictures kissed his parents and we were off to the hospital.
The contractions started while we were driving. They were not too painful yet but just a little uncomfortable. When we finally got to the hospital after having to take some detours due to construction AND a marathon going on downtown, Kris dropped me off at the front door. I stood there for a while and the contractions started to become and little more intense and the water kept on-a-flowin. I was slightly embarrassed and I felt like everyone was looking at me.
When we got to the hospital we knew exactly where to go thanks to the hospital tour we took about a month prior. We checked in and I got to give a urine sample and then strip down to get checked. The nurse told me that a lot of women come into the hospital thinking that their water broke, but it really hadn't. Well...let me just tell you that there was NO doubt that my water broke. I am pretty sure a janitor had to come and clean the floors in my room after we left because I dribbled water everywhere!! (listen...if you read my blog we are PAST the point of TMI). As I was waiting for my nurse to come and get me to take me to my own personal room where I would deliver my contractions started to become stronger and all Kris and I could do was smile. This was crazy. We were here. AT. THE. HOSPITAL!!!
My nurse came in and was so sweet and bubbly! I was excited to get a nurse that seemed excited to take care of us and make this experience the best possible. She asked me if I could walk to my room and I said "yep!". As we were walking the strongest contraction I had yet came and I had to pause from walking. It seemed like we were in the middle of a movie. It just didn't seem real.
Wishing you a VERY happy Wednesday!
xoxo
A.C.
We are just loving this girl more and more every day.
Picture taken 11/7/11
Picture taken 11/7/11
Picture taken 11/16/11
Avery just adores her Dad. She will sit there and just stare at him and smile. Just the sound of his voice seems to sooth her and make her happy. When he comes home at the end of the day she just lights up.
She also loves to just hang out in his arms and watch football with him. I am afraid this little girl already has her dad wrapped around her finger...
Picture taken 11/20/11
For Avery's first Halloween we didn't do much. We dressed her up and hung out with Nana and Papa at their house. We made pumpkin donuts and passed out candy to the trick-or-treaters. Oh, and she hung out in momma's sling.
Isn't she the cutest little leopard EVER?!
Isn't she the cutest little leopard EVER?!
WARNING: What you are about to see is offensive, wrong and NOT for children's eyes.
She owes us.
Picture taken 11/3/11
She owes us.
Picture taken 11/3/11
Here are Avery's adorable 1 month photos.
I can't believe it has been one month since our baby girl was born. It seems like just yesterday we were a family of two...but then again it seems like a lifetime ago.
Instead of the novel I could write about the past month, I will try to condense my thoughts down using bullet points.
Instead of the novel I could write about the past month, I will try to condense my thoughts down using bullet points.
- Taking care of a newborn is hard, frustrating, tiring, fun and totally fulfilling.
- Nursing a baby is also more work than I thought it was going to be. She doesn't always "get it" when I am feeding her, especially during the middle of the night.
- At her 2 weeks appointment, Avery weighed 9.3 pounds
- I takes me FOREVER to get ready to go anywhere.
- She wakes up every 2 hours to eat. It still surprises me how on the clock her stomach is. I don't ever really need to look at a clock...I know what time it is by her feeding schedule.
- Speaking of the aforementioned feeding schedule...I don't sleep much. But, I still manage to get by somehow.
- Avery is still learning how to keep her pacifier in.
- Avery is still learning how to sleep in her own bed. We made some progress last night, but with Kris sleeping, it is hard to let her fuss too much before picking her up. I am a new mom...I don't really know what I am doing. I think I need to read a book on it!
- Baby girl grunts. In her sleep and when she is awake. Always grunting!
- She has started to smile back at us. It is so fun to look into my baby girls eyes and talk to her and have her react with a big grin.
- Her dimples kill me, they are so dang cute!!
- We got professional pictures done of Avery this weekend. She did so well. I was worried that she was going to cry all the way through, but instead she slept!
- Her hair is getting a tint of red. You can really see it in the sunlight.
- Baby girl is very gassy. Sometimes she hurts and we don't know how to help her. It is hard to try and console such a little person when they are in such pain.
- She really is so fun! I love being able to stay home and watch our baby girl. Only 4 more weeks that I can do that. I am going to cherish every moment.
Here are some fun pictures from the past few weeks:
I am going to take a picture of Avery in her chair every month to see how much she has grown. Kris thinks she looks like a doll in this picture. This is her Newborn picture. I will take a picture of her 1 month soon.
Avery's first Halloween.
Lovin' the sling!
Her paci is so big!!!
Love this little girl more and more every day.
I am going to take a picture of Avery in her chair every month to see how much she has grown. Kris thinks she looks like a doll in this picture. This is her Newborn picture. I will take a picture of her 1 month soon.
Avery's first Halloween.
Lovin' the sling!
Love this little girl more and more every day.
I have less and less time these days to post anything.
When Kris comes home from work I like to use his help to allow me to: take a shower, make dinner or maybe take a nap.
Blogging has been put on the back burner; which I hate! I really will make more of an effort.
It seems like Avery grows more and more every day. I just want her to stay small so we can hold her all the time. I enjoy little things about her; the cute noises she makes while sleeping, watching her smile at me and the amazing feeling of having her lay my chest. She has also started to develop a little bit of baby acne. Poor thing!
She is SUCH a gassy baby. She passes gas so loud sometimes it startles us! Sometimes, while I am feeding her in the middle of the night, she will toot so loud it wakes Kris up! I can't believe the serious power this girls butt has!
We were lucky enough to have my brother, his girl friend and my best friend come visit us this weekend. We went to the Boise street market, made yummy food, held the baby, picked apples, watched the Boise State Game, ate pizza and stayed up way too late at night. It has taken me almost 3 days to recover!
Here are some fun pictures from this weekend.
Calee made Avery the pretty pick blanket in the pictures. It is so adorable! I know it took her a long time I love it!
When Kris comes home from work I like to use his help to allow me to: take a shower, make dinner or maybe take a nap.
Blogging has been put on the back burner; which I hate! I really will make more of an effort.
It seems like Avery grows more and more every day. I just want her to stay small so we can hold her all the time. I enjoy little things about her; the cute noises she makes while sleeping, watching her smile at me and the amazing feeling of having her lay my chest. She has also started to develop a little bit of baby acne. Poor thing!
She is SUCH a gassy baby. She passes gas so loud sometimes it startles us! Sometimes, while I am feeding her in the middle of the night, she will toot so loud it wakes Kris up! I can't believe the serious power this girls butt has!
We were lucky enough to have my brother, his girl friend and my best friend come visit us this weekend. We went to the Boise street market, made yummy food, held the baby, picked apples, watched the Boise State Game, ate pizza and stayed up way too late at night. It has taken me almost 3 days to recover!
Here are some fun pictures from this weekend.
Calee made Avery the pretty pick blanket in the pictures. It is so adorable! I know it took her a long time I love it!
I gave baby girl a little sponge bath today.
I have been neglecting it a little because
#1- I was scared
#2- I remember her screaming in the hospital when they gave her a bath and hate hearing her cry
But...today I wanted her to smell yummy because she will be meeting her Uncle Greg.
And it wasn't so bad. Sure she pooped while I was cleaning her...and peed...and cried.
But after it was all said and done she smells like a baby. Not that she didn't smell like a baby before, but now she smells like a Johnson's and Johnson's baby. I could smell the stop of her head all day long.
I have been neglecting it a little because
#1- I was scared
#2- I remember her screaming in the hospital when they gave her a bath and hate hearing her cry
But...today I wanted her to smell yummy because she will be meeting her Uncle Greg.
And it wasn't so bad. Sure she pooped while I was cleaning her...and peed...and cried.
But after it was all said and done she smells like a baby. Not that she didn't smell like a baby before, but now she smells like a Johnson's and Johnson's baby. I could smell the stop of her head all day long.
Our baby girl is very attached.
To my breasts.
I hardly can do anything during the day but nurse her. I honestly think she eats more than she sleeps.
But...milk makes her happy.
I finally caught a smile with my camera. I love this picture. You can see both her dimples and if you look hard enough you can even see a little chin dimple, courtesy of her daddy.
Yesterday, after feeding I laid her down on her back. Her and I were gazing into each others eyes (i was saying...are you done? are you finally full baby girl?). When out of nowhere...a volcano of white milk erupted out of her mouth. I hurried and lifted her up thinking she was sick. I looked at her and instead of crying...she just looked at me and smiled. We really have to work on her sense of humor.
This picture also makes me smile. The two loves of my life...
This is sorta embarrassing.
But...
I am so excited over something so little. It has practically changed my life over night.
You see this little thing? It's called a nipple shield. And, in its only 24 hours of use it has saved me from a lot of frustration and helped baby sleep really well last night!
I am truly a mother now. Whatever makes my baby happy (and full) makes me happy. And baby lovessss the nipple shield. It makes her do this:
Avery Charlotte Lloyd
I really didn't realize how much work a newborn is. She loves being held so that leaves me little time to do things that need to get done (ie: typing on my blog...brushing my teeth...going to the bathroom)
I put her in her swing today with the vibrate feature and that is how I found a little moment to log on here!
I love this baby girl so much. And seeing Kris take care of her makes me fall so much more in love with him. We are a little family now and I just couldn't be happier.
Hopefully I get the hang of being a mommy soon and I can post the whole delivery story soon before I forget it!
In the meantime, here are some pictures from the most amazing weekend of my life.
This is my 80th post! Wow!
I had contractions from 12pm until 8pm last night. Kris and I went for a long 1 1/2 hour walk to get the contractions stronger, and it worked! They were getting painful. But by the time we got home and I sat down, they disappeared. I had a few more in the middle of the night but...still no baby.
I had contractions from 12pm until 8pm last night. Kris and I went for a long 1 1/2 hour walk to get the contractions stronger, and it worked! They were getting painful. But by the time we got home and I sat down, they disappeared. I had a few more in the middle of the night but...still no baby.
I can't be pregnant forever, right??
What do you do when you stay home from work because you think you MIGHT go into labor that day?
Then you don't actually go into labor?
But, stay home anyway?
You make strawberry banana bread!
I woke up at 2am Wednesday with some pretty bad cramping. Excited I woke Kris up just to tell him MAYBE today is the day. I stayed awake for about 2 hours watching the Sandlot on TV then finally fell back asleep.
I woke up again about 6:30 with some mild cramping and moved to the couch where I stayed for most of the day.
I just want people to be HAPPY to see me again at work instead of saying "you're still here??" My boss actually said this morning, "what the HELL are you doing here??!!"
Good question boss, good question.
Then you don't actually go into labor?
But, stay home anyway?
You make strawberry banana bread!
I woke up at 2am Wednesday with some pretty bad cramping. Excited I woke Kris up just to tell him MAYBE today is the day. I stayed awake for about 2 hours watching the Sandlot on TV then finally fell back asleep.
I woke up again about 6:30 with some mild cramping and moved to the couch where I stayed for most of the day.
I just want people to be HAPPY to see me again at work instead of saying "you're still here??" My boss actually said this morning, "what the HELL are you doing here??!!"
Good question boss, good question.
When I started this blog, I had a prerequisite that I have a fairly positive writing style. Though I wanted to keep my feelings in it real, I didn't want it to contain all my deep dark secrets. Because, let's face it...this bloggy blog is out there for the whole world to see! And, someday, when I have this printed into a book for baby girl to shove into the back of her closet read, I want her to feel as though her mom always had a good attitude about being pregnant.
It's true that sometimes I try and make you laugh. Sometimes...that's all that keeps me plugging along. Laughter.
However, that just isn't real life! I don't laugh all the time, and I certainly don't always have a good attitude. (NOT a shocker to the people that really know me, I'm sure)
But, I just want to confess something without really...confessing something. I have sad days too.
Sunday morning, when I woke up STILL PREGNANT a cloud of darkness followed me as I putted around the house. Not even my beloved Cinnamon Toast Crunch could make the cloud disappear. Not even TWO bowls (and a cookie) could make me feel better.
So, I went and sat out on the back porch in the white rocking chair. The morning sun was up and I closed my eyes and I rocked. I was trying to figure out what was bothering me. Actually, I wanted to figure out why I was letting what was bothering me, bother me so much.
Sometimes, I am emotional. Maybe too emotional. But, there have been a few things that have happened in the past few months that make me cry. And damn-it, they are worth crying over. But, when Kris came to check on me outside and asked if I had been crying, I lied. I said...no I am just tired. What a typical woman answer. But, he was the one that was ultimately made me feel better. He knows me and knows when I am sad (and when I lie about crying). And he tries to make me feel better. Usually with a treat that includes chocolate.
I can't really tell you why I am writing this post because honestly, I don't really know myself.
Maybe I just want my little girl to know that...life sucks sometimes. People pass away. People hurt you. Sometimes you don't know how you're going to pay next months rent. And, sometimes, people read your blog only because they are nosey--not because they actually care about you.
Regardless, there will always be someone there for you. For me, right now and forever that person is Kris. Though he might not always agree with me, I know without a doubt that he would never do something to hurt me. When other people have pushed me to the side (or off a cliff), he is quick to remind me that I am his #1 and I always have him on my side.
And you know what? I don't deserve anything less. And baby girl, neither do you.
It's true that sometimes I try and make you laugh. Sometimes...that's all that keeps me plugging along. Laughter.
However, that just isn't real life! I don't laugh all the time, and I certainly don't always have a good attitude. (NOT a shocker to the people that really know me, I'm sure)
But, I just want to confess something without really...confessing something. I have sad days too.
Sunday morning, when I woke up STILL PREGNANT a cloud of darkness followed me as I putted around the house. Not even my beloved Cinnamon Toast Crunch could make the cloud disappear. Not even TWO bowls (and a cookie) could make me feel better.
So, I went and sat out on the back porch in the white rocking chair. The morning sun was up and I closed my eyes and I rocked. I was trying to figure out what was bothering me. Actually, I wanted to figure out why I was letting what was bothering me, bother me so much.
Sometimes, I am emotional. Maybe too emotional. But, there have been a few things that have happened in the past few months that make me cry. And damn-it, they are worth crying over. But, when Kris came to check on me outside and asked if I had been crying, I lied. I said...no I am just tired. What a typical woman answer. But, he was the one that was ultimately made me feel better. He knows me and knows when I am sad (and when I lie about crying). And he tries to make me feel better. Usually with a treat that includes chocolate.
I can't really tell you why I am writing this post because honestly, I don't really know myself.
Maybe I just want my little girl to know that...life sucks sometimes. People pass away. People hurt you. Sometimes you don't know how you're going to pay next months rent. And, sometimes, people read your blog only because they are nosey--not because they actually care about you.
Regardless, there will always be someone there for you. For me, right now and forever that person is Kris. Though he might not always agree with me, I know without a doubt that he would never do something to hurt me. When other people have pushed me to the side (or off a cliff), he is quick to remind me that I am his #1 and I always have him on my side.
And you know what? I don't deserve anything less. And baby girl, neither do you.
Last night I was on our couch laying back in the recliner sippin on some ice water when...
All of a sudden my stomach did this WEIRD moment and everything inside it seemed to be pushed down low. The top of my belly was all soft and squishy. It felt like....rising dough. Do you know what I mean?
Then, I got this weird pain that started on my right side and crept up with intensity to my stomach area. It tightened my stomach real tight, then slowly faded away.
This lasted for about an hour. Kris and I took a little walk down our street and it seemed to make my stomach even more hard and crampy.
I did some laundry and dishes (because if I was having this baby in the middle of the night I want to know my house is clean) then I went to bed. I told Kris I hoped I was going to wake him in the middle of the night ready to go to the hospital.
Well folks, here I sit.
At work.
No baby.
So...I am left wondering. Was what I was feeling last night just a result of a bean and cheese burrito that I had for lunch? Or was it something more?
All of a sudden my stomach did this WEIRD moment and everything inside it seemed to be pushed down low. The top of my belly was all soft and squishy. It felt like....rising dough. Do you know what I mean?
Then, I got this weird pain that started on my right side and crept up with intensity to my stomach area. It tightened my stomach real tight, then slowly faded away.
This lasted for about an hour. Kris and I took a little walk down our street and it seemed to make my stomach even more hard and crampy.
I did some laundry and dishes (because if I was having this baby in the middle of the night I want to know my house is clean) then I went to bed. I told Kris I hoped I was going to wake him in the middle of the night ready to go to the hospital.
Well folks, here I sit.
At work.
No baby.
So...I am left wondering. Was what I was feeling last night just a result of a bean and cheese burrito that I had for lunch? Or was it something more?
If my face looks like I am in pain....then you're right. Baby girl is strong and likes to push her hardest on me. Especially when she hears her daddy talk.
It's the weirdest thing. She will be totally calm then he starts talking and she starts doing jumping jacks.
I think they will probably be best friends. And I will be the 3rd wheel.
I was wrong.
No baby this weekend. Not even one contraction!! I can't even believe it. I was so hoping to have this baby girl on MY time. I like being in control.
Does that make me controlling?
I guess I learned my lesson. Patience is a virtue and patience when you're 9 months pregnant is torture.
It's not that I am totally uncomfortable either, because it really isn't so bad. I mean...sure I feel huge and I waddle and none of my shirts (including the maternity ones) fit me anymore. It's the excitement of seeing our little girls face and little toes and fingers that is getting to me. I just want to hold her and smell her and....sleep on my stomach again.
What? I miss it!
So, the other night I had a dream that I went into labor and had the baby at one of Kris' softball games. It was easy as pie and I was skinny as could be right after. My stomach was flatter then it was before I was pregnant.
This this is a forecast of the near future, don't you think (my flat stomach, not making the softball field my delivery room)?
Um, do I hear you laughing??
Hey Guys!
Might I point out that there is less than 20 days left on the ticker!
I'm putting my money on this weekend though! Come onnnnn baby!
Might I point out that there is less than 20 days left on the ticker!
I'm putting my money on this weekend though! Come onnnnn baby!
Just wanted to spread the good word of today's doctors appointment!
I am 1cm dilated and 50% effaced. Oh, and the doctor could feel baby girls head during the exam. WEIRD.
Effaced means that my cervix is now 50% thinned. The doctor told me this is almost a better indicator of progress than dilation. She was VERY happy to see I am already starting the open up (too graphic?) given the size of baby girl's head. She hoped for my sake we would be having this baby in the next two weeks so we don't give her much more time to keep growing that scull!
The doctor offered to strip/sweep my membranes next week when I am considered full term. Stripping my membranes means separating the membrane that connects the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus. This will causes the body to release hormones called prostaglandins, which ripen the cervix and may lead to contractions. And you know what that means :)
The only BAD thing about that is she goes out of town for a week after my appointment. So, if I go into labor, she won't be there. I don't think I want to have anyone else deliver my baby so I suppose we will just have to wait and see how I feel next week and see what progress I have made!
But...I am just really excited that there has been some progress already! You go cervix!
I am 1cm dilated and 50% effaced. Oh, and the doctor could feel baby girls head during the exam. WEIRD.
Effaced means that my cervix is now 50% thinned. The doctor told me this is almost a better indicator of progress than dilation. She was VERY happy to see I am already starting the open up (too graphic?) given the size of baby girl's head. She hoped for my sake we would be having this baby in the next two weeks so we don't give her much more time to keep growing that scull!
The doctor offered to strip/sweep my membranes next week when I am considered full term. Stripping my membranes means separating the membrane that connects the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus. This will causes the body to release hormones called prostaglandins, which ripen the cervix and may lead to contractions. And you know what that means :)
The only BAD thing about that is she goes out of town for a week after my appointment. So, if I go into labor, she won't be there. I don't think I want to have anyone else deliver my baby so I suppose we will just have to wait and see how I feel next week and see what progress I have made!
But...I am just really excited that there has been some progress already! You go cervix!
Just imagine...weightlessness. Soaking my achy feet and total relaxation. Can you picture it?
However, this is usually what happens:
I anxiously fill the tub then dip my foot in that light blue slightly steaming...HOT HOT TOOO HOT must add cold water. I think I burned my toe!
Ok. Fixed! I added some cold water. Now, I hesitantly get in that....dang it, now, luke warm bath; not even warm enough to stay in for five minutes. Ughhh. Turn the hot faucet on full blast and swirl the water around to try and make the water a perfect temperature.
Well, my feet are sure warm but my shoulders are freezing. Oh well. Just, relax! Close your eyes and let your cares fade away, Stephanie.
Deep breath.
"KRIS!! Kris come talk to me! I'm bored!"
I can only take a bath for about 5 minutes and then I am painfully bored. Even if I bring a book in with me, I somehow find a way to become uncomfortable and the steady drip of the old bath drain is all I can focus on. Drip, drip, drippppppppp. It seems to know how annoying it is and wants to get me outta there.
I try. I truly try to relax and savor this "alone" time before I become a mother. But, I fail. I fail 99 out of the 100 times.
Maybe I need to get a bathtub neck pillow?
Anyway, I apologize for a whole week of not posting. Work has been crazy busy (per usual) and I don't even want to look at a computer when I get home. But, even if I wanted too, Kris is working on it until midnight most nights anyway.
Getting my cervix checked today for the first time to see if I am dilated/effaced (whatever that means)!
Bring on those stir-up's!
Ever heard of a babymoon?
Well...it's sorta like a honeymoon only it is for a pregnant couple to spend time together before their sweet mini- me's arrive into the world. You know, one last 'hurrah' before our lives change more than we even anticipated!
Unfortunately, we are not able to take a dream vacation (ie: tropical) but we are going to make our 3 day holiday weekend our official "babymoon" weekend. Here is what I have planned...so far. So long as I have the energy and Kris has the patience.
Friday Night: Dinner @ PF Changs and a movie.
I got a gift card to PF Changs from Kris' sister Tawnya for my birthday back in May and have been saving it for a special occasion.
Saturday: FINISH the nursery. Hang up all the decor. Wash her bedding/clothes/blankets and put away. Sand, prime and paint her new dresser. Get the hospital bag and diaper bag ready (ahh...scary).
Then, since I am such a nice person and I love Kris more than anything....we will go somewhere to watch the BSU game. If you didn't already know this, Boise LOVES their football team. They worship their football team. They are some of the most loyal fans I have ever seen. It's the first game of the season. In other words...the town shuts down when there is a game so, what else are we gunna do?
Sunday: Ok, don't laugh. Promise?
Kris...don't kill me. Promise?
Promise?
Well...we are going to get pedicures. I sure hope Kris will agree to it. I know it's a "girly" thing to do but I know he will love getting his feet scrubbed and massaged. Plus, I have a half off coupon! Heaven knows my feet need some serious attention. I haven’t been able to reach them in two months now.
I got free tickets to the speedway through work. I suppose that is where cars race? I'm not too sure but I am pretty good at deductive reasoning. So, if the weather is nice we are up for it! Rednecks unite!
Monday: Sleep in! Maybe breakfast in bed? Or maybe walk down to the local coffee shop for my favorite lemon poppy seed muffins. Yummy.
Then...maybe get more stuff done around the house. Or maybe just relax. Or maybe Kris will surprise me with tickets to a local play or something? I don't know...what should we do? It's Labor Day! Too bad I won't be IN labor. Rats!
Early evening, I believe that Kris' parents will be having a BBQ at their house. And since you were wondering, I will eat BBQ food any time, any where. I love me some Bar Be Que food.
Geez...this doesn’t sound much like an exciting "babymoon" does it? Unfortunately, we are limited by a few things. One being my swollen belly and sore body. But, I try and keep up with the best of 'em.
But, honestly. I am happy to just cuddle up and
Haha...doesn't that make you just wanna throw up?
Have a happy Labor Day folks!
LARGE and in charge!
There have been a few things on my mind today.
1. I feel SO lazy when I get home from work during the week. I want to do absolutely nothing but sit my big fat butt on the couch. This in turn makes me feel pathetic because there is always something I could be doing. Like...making dinner for Kris. I made dinner exactly once this week. Sigh...
2. I have to remember I am almost 8 months pregnant. I can't be super woman. I have been working over-time every week because work is so busy...and I should give myself some slack. If I don't get to the laundry until Sunday, so be it.
3. I have such great hopes of how our lives will be in the future. But, I really need to focus on how great we have it right now. We are so blessed and I really need to live in the NOW. Live up the quiet semi-simple life we are living 'cuz it's about to change here real fast.
4. Kris is my soul mate. He is so wonderful and I don't know if I mention it enough. He is my best friend and I can't imagine my life without him. Today I noticed some newly developed stretch marks. My stretch marks have been a bit of a depressor for me and to make me feel better he just tells me how beautiful I am (pshh) and someday they will fade away. He even "pretends" he can't even see them. He is a good man who works so hard for our future little family. I don't give him enough credit. I love him more and more every day.
5. Am I ready to push out a baby? Yep...I am ready!
6. Ahhhh...there is so much to do before she comes! Will we be ready? Probably not...but that's ok, right? We will never be totally prepared. Not with my butt still sitting on this couch, we won't!
1. I feel SO lazy when I get home from work during the week. I want to do absolutely nothing but sit my big fat butt on the couch. This in turn makes me feel pathetic because there is always something I could be doing. Like...making dinner for Kris. I made dinner exactly once this week. Sigh...
2. I have to remember I am almost 8 months pregnant. I can't be super woman. I have been working over-time every week because work is so busy...and I should give myself some slack. If I don't get to the laundry until Sunday, so be it.
3. I have such great hopes of how our lives will be in the future. But, I really need to focus on how great we have it right now. We are so blessed and I really need to live in the NOW. Live up the quiet semi-simple life we are living 'cuz it's about to change here real fast.
4. Kris is my soul mate. He is so wonderful and I don't know if I mention it enough. He is my best friend and I can't imagine my life without him. Today I noticed some newly developed stretch marks. My stretch marks have been a bit of a depressor for me and to make me feel better he just tells me how beautiful I am (pshh) and someday they will fade away. He even "pretends" he can't even see them. He is a good man who works so hard for our future little family. I don't give him enough credit. I love him more and more every day.
5. Am I ready to push out a baby? Yep...I am ready!
6. Ahhhh...there is so much to do before she comes! Will we be ready? Probably not...but that's ok, right? We will never be totally prepared. Not with my butt still sitting on this couch, we won't!
I think this may be the last time wearing this shirt. I hope people at work can't see a little belly at the bottom!
Here is the chair we got for baby girl's room. I know...it's kinda like a grandma chair, but I love it!
Hopefully, my vision will become a reality and after you see the finished product you will love the chair too. I like to "THINK" I am creative and have an eye for style, but I could be wrong. This could end up being a disaster.
