Charles and I just before his Christmas Party...
Bella's Christmas Day
Bella's First Christmas Outfit
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Charles and I just before his Christmas Party...Bella's Christmas DayBella's First Christmas Outfit
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Dec 21
Had a check-up today. 3 cm dilated, 40% effaced.
Really trying to stay positive and not feel sorry for myself.
Feels like broken glass between all the bony prominences of my hips and pelvis.
Really trying to stay positive and not feel sorry for myself.
Feels like broken glass between all the bony prominences of my hips and pelvis.
The Infamous Dec. 18th
Dec. 18th:
Oh, what a day. We got up early with high ambitions of finishing our Christmas shopping - and lo' and behold, we actually did make it out of the house before noon on a Saturday. The day started out with an open house at Charles' competitor's new emergency department. Bella got to see Santa, have her picture with Rudolph, decorate cookies, have her face painted, and enjoy the festive merriment. Charles got to check out the competitors and mix-n-mingle with all those suits. From there, we dared to head downtown in the name of Cougar Gold Cheese...which is like gold around here. We snapped up several at the WSU store, along with new gear for Bella and baby or course. Lunch in the food court, followed by scrumptious Mrs. Field's chocolate chip cookies and the Hall family was stuffed. Off to another shopping center where I scoped out a truly ridiculously and unnecessary baby bag...
Phew, that night we relaxed, wrapped presents, and cozied up to the fire as a family. After Bella went to bed I took up my usual spot on the sofa (all pillows present and accounted for) to watch a Lifetime Christmas movie while Charles went out to work on the garage. That's when the contractions started...and they were different...as in signs of impending labor. They persisted for several hours and by midnight we had Josh & Lina picking up Bella in anticipation of our departure for the hospital. I called the L&D unit where the triage nurse advised me to stay home as long as possible if a natural labor was what I wanted. So we did and I tried to get some shut eye. All the while, my contractions were 2-4 mins apart, 1 min or longer, and now for 5 hours. I fell asleep and when I woke up - NOTHING. Sunday morning I had maybe 1 contraction an hour or so apart... painless. Talk about disappointing!
Charles and I decided to try to walk the contractions back at Green Lake in the city. Round trip, the trail is 3 miles. Round and round we went. ZERO contractions. By 5ish I was in excruciating pain in my hips and I could barely make it to the car. We headed for Josh & Lina's to pick up Bella. We all went out for Thai food...I even ate some that was 3 out of 5 stars spicy...now if that doesn't say how desperate I am, I don't know what does.
Nothing.
The rest of Sunday went without any excitement and the wind had left our sails.
Oh, what a day. We got up early with high ambitions of finishing our Christmas shopping - and lo' and behold, we actually did make it out of the house before noon on a Saturday. The day started out with an open house at Charles' competitor's new emergency department. Bella got to see Santa, have her picture with Rudolph, decorate cookies, have her face painted, and enjoy the festive merriment. Charles got to check out the competitors and mix-n-mingle with all those suits. From there, we dared to head downtown in the name of Cougar Gold Cheese...which is like gold around here. We snapped up several at the WSU store, along with new gear for Bella and baby or course. Lunch in the food court, followed by scrumptious Mrs. Field's chocolate chip cookies and the Hall family was stuffed. Off to another shopping center where I scoped out a truly ridiculously and unnecessary baby bag...
Phew, that night we relaxed, wrapped presents, and cozied up to the fire as a family. After Bella went to bed I took up my usual spot on the sofa (all pillows present and accounted for) to watch a Lifetime Christmas movie while Charles went out to work on the garage. That's when the contractions started...and they were different...as in signs of impending labor. They persisted for several hours and by midnight we had Josh & Lina picking up Bella in anticipation of our departure for the hospital. I called the L&D unit where the triage nurse advised me to stay home as long as possible if a natural labor was what I wanted. So we did and I tried to get some shut eye. All the while, my contractions were 2-4 mins apart, 1 min or longer, and now for 5 hours. I fell asleep and when I woke up - NOTHING. Sunday morning I had maybe 1 contraction an hour or so apart... painless. Talk about disappointing!
Charles and I decided to try to walk the contractions back at Green Lake in the city. Round trip, the trail is 3 miles. Round and round we went. ZERO contractions. By 5ish I was in excruciating pain in my hips and I could barely make it to the car. We headed for Josh & Lina's to pick up Bella. We all went out for Thai food...I even ate some that was 3 out of 5 stars spicy...now if that doesn't say how desperate I am, I don't know what does.
Nothing.
The rest of Sunday went without any excitement and the wind had left our sails.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A Bella Update
Bella is at such an interesting stage developmentally. It's equal parts hilarious, endearing, charming, and frustrating.
Words to describe her lately: honest, demanding, perceptive, comedienne, mischievous, smart, rational, logical, impersonator, technological... I could probably go on but my pregnant brain is on duty - permanently.
Tonight as she was having quiet time in her room, playing with her play dough I could hear her singing Christmas carols.
She has quiet time and plays by herself. In her room. For great lengths of time.
I can leave her in the tub for short amounts of time during her bath to do some other chores nearby. (I remember thinking I'd never do that...)
She will find my iPhone, hide somewhere, unlock it, scroll through videos and pictures or find her games. If she hears me coming, she tells me, "Mommy, can you go wash the dishes?" or "Did you want to go upstairs?" to buy herself more time with my phone.
She tells me more about her day at school. I'll ask, "What did you do today at school, Bella?" And she used to just say, "Play with my friends." Now, however, she'll tell me entire stories about how they played and what they did. Today it sounded like they enacted a scene from Toy Story.
If she says something with a demanding tone, I'll say, "Bella, be nice. It's not nice to tell, you have to ask." She'll say, "I was being nice. I was just talking."
She is quite skilled at games of memory... possibly even better than me. She always wins!
She likes to "blow kisses" backwards. As I leave her room we exchange blow kisses properly (i.e. kiss hand and blow kiss). As I back out and exit the doorway, we do a few backwards (i.e. blow and then kissy noise). If I do it the proper way, she tells me, "No backwards mama!" So, I do, and then she says "Good night!"
Tonight, as I put her to bed, she asked me to stay (which is typical as well). I usually respond that I have to go downstairs, but that I'll check on her in a little bit. Tonight, however, I made the mistake of saying that my tummy hurt and that I couldn't lay down. She then asked me if I would just sit at the end of her bed. I told her I couldn't and reiterated that Daddy and I would look in on her later. She pondered this and then said, "I want Daddy to take care of your tummy."
So many wonderful stories and memories with my Bella girl.
I don't quite know how to express what I'm about to type...so I'll just ramble. So, it's not that I'm sad about having the baby -- that goes without saying. Obviously, we can't wait and we love this little baby. But, there's a sadness for Bella that I have... she'll probably never remember being the only child...which isn't a good or bad thing... but I'll remember because of all those firsts... and all the time and attention we were able to give her...and at the same time, I'm sad that this baby and the others we'll have won't ever get that undivided attention we were able to give Bella... and not that any of the kids will ever know the difference... and I just want to make sure that all of our kids feel equally loved and special and important... k. I said it.
Words to describe her lately: honest, demanding, perceptive, comedienne, mischievous, smart, rational, logical, impersonator, technological... I could probably go on but my pregnant brain is on duty - permanently.
Tonight as she was having quiet time in her room, playing with her play dough I could hear her singing Christmas carols.
She has quiet time and plays by herself. In her room. For great lengths of time.
I can leave her in the tub for short amounts of time during her bath to do some other chores nearby. (I remember thinking I'd never do that...)
She will find my iPhone, hide somewhere, unlock it, scroll through videos and pictures or find her games. If she hears me coming, she tells me, "Mommy, can you go wash the dishes?" or "Did you want to go upstairs?" to buy herself more time with my phone.
She tells me more about her day at school. I'll ask, "What did you do today at school, Bella?" And she used to just say, "Play with my friends." Now, however, she'll tell me entire stories about how they played and what they did. Today it sounded like they enacted a scene from Toy Story.
If she says something with a demanding tone, I'll say, "Bella, be nice. It's not nice to tell, you have to ask." She'll say, "I was being nice. I was just talking."
She is quite skilled at games of memory... possibly even better than me. She always wins!
She likes to "blow kisses" backwards. As I leave her room we exchange blow kisses properly (i.e. kiss hand and blow kiss). As I back out and exit the doorway, we do a few backwards (i.e. blow and then kissy noise). If I do it the proper way, she tells me, "No backwards mama!" So, I do, and then she says "Good night!"
Tonight, as I put her to bed, she asked me to stay (which is typical as well). I usually respond that I have to go downstairs, but that I'll check on her in a little bit. Tonight, however, I made the mistake of saying that my tummy hurt and that I couldn't lay down. She then asked me if I would just sit at the end of her bed. I told her I couldn't and reiterated that Daddy and I would look in on her later. She pondered this and then said, "I want Daddy to take care of your tummy."
So many wonderful stories and memories with my Bella girl.
I don't quite know how to express what I'm about to type...so I'll just ramble. So, it's not that I'm sad about having the baby -- that goes without saying. Obviously, we can't wait and we love this little baby. But, there's a sadness for Bella that I have... she'll probably never remember being the only child...which isn't a good or bad thing... but I'll remember because of all those firsts... and all the time and attention we were able to give her...and at the same time, I'm sad that this baby and the others we'll have won't ever get that undivided attention we were able to give Bella... and not that any of the kids will ever know the difference... and I just want to make sure that all of our kids feel equally loved and special and important... k. I said it.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Christmas Story
Bella's school has an annual Christmas program. It's always the Christmas story, but it's never the same! It's hilarious... you never know what's going to happen when you've got 2 and 3 year olds running the show! It's always adorable...
Bella and Claire being silly in their angel costumes before the program...
Bella and Claire being silly in their angel costumes before the program...
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Thanksgiving Recap
Pictures to come.
Despite being 35 weeks pregnant, Charles and I still wanted to share our home to friends on Thanksgiving. We didn't entertain as many as last year's 40, capping out at about 30 this year. Josh, Lina and the kids came over the night before so we could start preparing early in the morning.
Everything was amazing, the food, the company, the conversation. We ate our first Thanksgiving feast around 2, everyone stayed, played games, cards, napped, watched slide shows, and ate in 3 hour cycles. Then around 7, the turducken (yeah, that's right. A chicken stuffed in a duck stuffed in a turkey) was finished, so we ate another big meal!
It was a lovely evening.
We have so much to be thankful for, so many blessings in our lives.
Despite being 35 weeks pregnant, Charles and I still wanted to share our home to friends on Thanksgiving. We didn't entertain as many as last year's 40, capping out at about 30 this year. Josh, Lina and the kids came over the night before so we could start preparing early in the morning.
Everything was amazing, the food, the company, the conversation. We ate our first Thanksgiving feast around 2, everyone stayed, played games, cards, napped, watched slide shows, and ate in 3 hour cycles. Then around 7, the turducken (yeah, that's right. A chicken stuffed in a duck stuffed in a turkey) was finished, so we ate another big meal!
It was a lovely evening.
We have so much to be thankful for, so many blessings in our lives.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Count Down Diary
Dec 1st:
We are now within the month of your birth, BH2, and to commemorate the occasion, we went in for our 36 week appointment! Your belly home is measuring right on target, your heart rate is thumping away at just the right pace, and lo' and behold, I'm 1 cm dilated! Dr. Gong said despite that, there's really only 10% - 15% chance that I'll go into labor this week and she'd prefer it if I grow you for at least one more week. What do you say we keep you in the belly for another week-two weeks and we call it?
Dec 2nd:
I'm really tired dear baby H2. I was almost asleep on the sofa, but I really wanted to start your countdown journal before it got to be too late and I forgot. I feel that you are moving lower and lower by the hour. I did your first load of laundry today, washed the bouncy seat fabric, the fuzzy warm bundle me blanket for your car seat, and several neutral sleepers, onesies, and blankets. Phew. We're slowly starting to prepare for your arrival...
Dec 3rd:
Tonight was your sister's Christmas program; though it's always the Christmas story it's always different and it's always hilarious. Your sister LOVES her school and she's made great friends there. We love seeing her run around with her friends, hand in hand, laughing and giggling together.
Today, one of my co-workers joked that you were already hanging halfway out... you're so LOW, have I mentioned that yet?
I can't wait until you get here!
Dec 4th:
I ditched out on some holiday parties so that I could truly enjoy an evening of Christmas fun with my family. I spent the day nesting and preparing for said holiday parties, but it simply wore me out... then I had yet to drive there, I was already running late... in the end, I decided to do what's right for you & I, BH2: I cancelled in the name of rest. I knew we had big family plans in the evening and a probably late night, so I wanted to save my energy for time I was going to spending with my family. We had our annual trip up to Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach with Josh, Lina, friends & family. I'm so glad I chose to rest that afternoon because we walked around enjoying the sights & sounds of Christmas for several hours in the cold. Your sister was enthralled by all the lights, decorations, trains, Santa, snowmen, craft-making, donut-eating, and horseback riding. Of course, she loved being with her friends. We can't wait to have you along on all of our "family traditions".
Dec 5th:
Didn't leave the house at all today and loved it. No sleep and scratchy throat = lounge clothes all day. Your dad and Bella left to make some purchases for you: onesies, hampers, nursing equipment, etc. I stayed home, did another load of your laundry and put it away in your new closet equipment. Your father thinks I should wash all of our 0-3 month clothes - all the girl clothes, too. I gotta tell you though - I finally have a hunch and I think washing all the girl clothes will be a waste of our energy efficient washer and dryer.
Dec 6th:
Start of another week on less than 4 hours of sleep. Had trouble driving in today and actually, the last several days heading to work. Your dad and I finally agreed its time to cut back my hours. I have no idea how on earth I worked full time all the way until we had your sister and my job involved way more physical labor than it does now. So, I'm going to cut down my hours and it feels so good...
Dec 7th:
Total and complete meltdown by the end of the day. Sad.
Dec. 8th:
Had weekly appointment today and to my dismay, was not found to be in labor. How is it possible to feel like the baby is SO INCREDIBLY LOW and yet the doctor to find me quite high still? And still just a centimeter dilated. Ok, this is where I'm going to turn it around: I get another week to smother my Bella with mama love before my attention must be shared...
Dec. 9th:
Another blurry day at work...
Dec. 10th:
Finally: a Friday! We completely and utterly relaxed today once we got home from work. Your big sister and I cuddled up for old school Christmas cartoons...the kind that were even old school when I was a kid. I'm not even sure what kind of animation it was, clay? Bella enjoyed them and has a greater understanding for Santa Clause. I'm thankful to whomever bought us the Christmas TV classics collection...
Dec. 11th:
Got an early start today to run errands and wrap up Christmas shopping... I'm thankful that I was able to sleep upstairs for a change. Sent some packages out and then braved Toys-R-Us to pick out some gifts for your sister. It's easy to hide presents at this stage and even shop with her along. I imagine in no time at all we're going to have to go to great lengths to go secret shopping and find hiding places and battle parents at the toy store...
In the evening we attended our neighborhood progressive dinner. Really interesting to get to know the neighbors more. Your dad and I were by far the youngest of them all as they all had kids in college. But I like the idea that they've all grown up on this street for 15+ years... their kids all went to school together, played sports together, and the women were besties. Your dad and I have always been so mobile, so willing to relocate, it's hard to imagine staying put anywhere that long. But, that is what I want for you kids - to really be part of the community and have a solid group of kids in the neighborhood for you to be a part of... They all had stories of their kids dating, drama, learning to drive together, getting in trouble, etc...
Your sister was with Pastor's daughter, Kendra. She was so cute and excited to have a friend over to play!
Dec. 12th:
Sunday...phew. Woke up to your sister wandering around downstairs yelling, "Where are you?" looking for Kendra. She managed to undo the gate at the top of the stairs and turn on the lights downstairs. She's never gone downstairs alone! Went to church this morning. Ever since I became pregnant with you, I've recurrently been light headed at church. Not sure what it is...I have a feeling it's my hydration status...I drink water like a champ while at work as I carry my nalgene everwhere (sometimes 4 or 5 refills throughout the day), but then during the weekend I don't keep water around me as well. So my theory is that by Sunday morning I'm completely dehydrated. Great sermon on not comparing ourselves to others and being envious... it's like saying God made a mistake as He created you and in His plan for you.
Dec. 13th:
Didn't go to work until late because of my late meetings. Got to work and folks thought I'd either be in labor or on bedrest since I didn't come at my usual time. Today, my dear baby, I'm achy and terribly uncomfortable - which is all accentuated by the fact that I'm still going to work. However, had some great meetings with our VP and other high profile folks - so that made me feel good. What do you say we meet each other soon?
Dec. 14th:
???
Dec. 15th:
Had your daddy's work Christmas part at a swanky place in Bellevue. I can't believe this is our third Christmas party with Evergreen! I got all dolled up (how often do I really get to do that) and even dared to wear little heels (which I eventually regretted). Your sister had her friend (babysitter) Jamie over to play and she was so excited. Your sister insists all her babysitters do all of her puzzles with her - over and over again. Jamie's great and excited to meet you, too, BH2! By the end of the night, my kankles made their first appearance. Luckily, with a little overnight elevation, they disappeared by morning!
Dec. 16th:
Daddy was given a baby shower at work and mommy's work decided to start a baby's weight, gender and delivery date pool.
We are now within the month of your birth, BH2, and to commemorate the occasion, we went in for our 36 week appointment! Your belly home is measuring right on target, your heart rate is thumping away at just the right pace, and lo' and behold, I'm 1 cm dilated! Dr. Gong said despite that, there's really only 10% - 15% chance that I'll go into labor this week and she'd prefer it if I grow you for at least one more week. What do you say we keep you in the belly for another week-two weeks and we call it?
Dec 2nd:
I'm really tired dear baby H2. I was almost asleep on the sofa, but I really wanted to start your countdown journal before it got to be too late and I forgot. I feel that you are moving lower and lower by the hour. I did your first load of laundry today, washed the bouncy seat fabric, the fuzzy warm bundle me blanket for your car seat, and several neutral sleepers, onesies, and blankets. Phew. We're slowly starting to prepare for your arrival...
Dec 3rd:
Tonight was your sister's Christmas program; though it's always the Christmas story it's always different and it's always hilarious. Your sister LOVES her school and she's made great friends there. We love seeing her run around with her friends, hand in hand, laughing and giggling together.
Today, one of my co-workers joked that you were already hanging halfway out... you're so LOW, have I mentioned that yet?
I can't wait until you get here!
Dec 4th:
I ditched out on some holiday parties so that I could truly enjoy an evening of Christmas fun with my family. I spent the day nesting and preparing for said holiday parties, but it simply wore me out... then I had yet to drive there, I was already running late... in the end, I decided to do what's right for you & I, BH2: I cancelled in the name of rest. I knew we had big family plans in the evening and a probably late night, so I wanted to save my energy for time I was going to spending with my family. We had our annual trip up to Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach with Josh, Lina, friends & family. I'm so glad I chose to rest that afternoon because we walked around enjoying the sights & sounds of Christmas for several hours in the cold. Your sister was enthralled by all the lights, decorations, trains, Santa, snowmen, craft-making, donut-eating, and horseback riding. Of course, she loved being with her friends. We can't wait to have you along on all of our "family traditions".
Dec 5th:
Didn't leave the house at all today and loved it. No sleep and scratchy throat = lounge clothes all day. Your dad and Bella left to make some purchases for you: onesies, hampers, nursing equipment, etc. I stayed home, did another load of your laundry and put it away in your new closet equipment. Your father thinks I should wash all of our 0-3 month clothes - all the girl clothes, too. I gotta tell you though - I finally have a hunch and I think washing all the girl clothes will be a waste of our energy efficient washer and dryer.
Dec 6th:
Start of another week on less than 4 hours of sleep. Had trouble driving in today and actually, the last several days heading to work. Your dad and I finally agreed its time to cut back my hours. I have no idea how on earth I worked full time all the way until we had your sister and my job involved way more physical labor than it does now. So, I'm going to cut down my hours and it feels so good...
Dec 7th:
Total and complete meltdown by the end of the day. Sad.
Dec. 8th:
Had weekly appointment today and to my dismay, was not found to be in labor. How is it possible to feel like the baby is SO INCREDIBLY LOW and yet the doctor to find me quite high still? And still just a centimeter dilated. Ok, this is where I'm going to turn it around: I get another week to smother my Bella with mama love before my attention must be shared...
Dec. 9th:
Another blurry day at work...
Dec. 10th:
Finally: a Friday! We completely and utterly relaxed today once we got home from work. Your big sister and I cuddled up for old school Christmas cartoons...the kind that were even old school when I was a kid. I'm not even sure what kind of animation it was, clay? Bella enjoyed them and has a greater understanding for Santa Clause. I'm thankful to whomever bought us the Christmas TV classics collection...
Dec. 11th:
Got an early start today to run errands and wrap up Christmas shopping... I'm thankful that I was able to sleep upstairs for a change. Sent some packages out and then braved Toys-R-Us to pick out some gifts for your sister. It's easy to hide presents at this stage and even shop with her along. I imagine in no time at all we're going to have to go to great lengths to go secret shopping and find hiding places and battle parents at the toy store...
In the evening we attended our neighborhood progressive dinner. Really interesting to get to know the neighbors more. Your dad and I were by far the youngest of them all as they all had kids in college. But I like the idea that they've all grown up on this street for 15+ years... their kids all went to school together, played sports together, and the women were besties. Your dad and I have always been so mobile, so willing to relocate, it's hard to imagine staying put anywhere that long. But, that is what I want for you kids - to really be part of the community and have a solid group of kids in the neighborhood for you to be a part of... They all had stories of their kids dating, drama, learning to drive together, getting in trouble, etc...
Your sister was with Pastor's daughter, Kendra. She was so cute and excited to have a friend over to play!
Dec. 12th:
Sunday...phew. Woke up to your sister wandering around downstairs yelling, "Where are you?" looking for Kendra. She managed to undo the gate at the top of the stairs and turn on the lights downstairs. She's never gone downstairs alone! Went to church this morning. Ever since I became pregnant with you, I've recurrently been light headed at church. Not sure what it is...I have a feeling it's my hydration status...I drink water like a champ while at work as I carry my nalgene everwhere (sometimes 4 or 5 refills throughout the day), but then during the weekend I don't keep water around me as well. So my theory is that by Sunday morning I'm completely dehydrated. Great sermon on not comparing ourselves to others and being envious... it's like saying God made a mistake as He created you and in His plan for you.
Dec. 13th:
Didn't go to work until late because of my late meetings. Got to work and folks thought I'd either be in labor or on bedrest since I didn't come at my usual time. Today, my dear baby, I'm achy and terribly uncomfortable - which is all accentuated by the fact that I'm still going to work. However, had some great meetings with our VP and other high profile folks - so that made me feel good. What do you say we meet each other soon?
Dec. 14th:
???
Dec. 15th:
Had your daddy's work Christmas part at a swanky place in Bellevue. I can't believe this is our third Christmas party with Evergreen! I got all dolled up (how often do I really get to do that) and even dared to wear little heels (which I eventually regretted). Your sister had her friend (babysitter) Jamie over to play and she was so excited. Your sister insists all her babysitters do all of her puzzles with her - over and over again. Jamie's great and excited to meet you, too, BH2! By the end of the night, my kankles made their first appearance. Luckily, with a little overnight elevation, they disappeared by morning!
Dec. 16th:
Daddy was given a baby shower at work and mommy's work decided to start a baby's weight, gender and delivery date pool.
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