Evergreen contracts Bella Baby Photography to do a newborn photo shoot - complimentary! Buying the photos is optional... but who can really say no to buying these first photos?? They turned out great, so we went ahead and bought the CD & rights...
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Elin's Baptismal Day
I Was There to Hear Your Borning CryI was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell. When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong. If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I'll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun. In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun. When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes, I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise. I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
Elin's baptismal service began with this song and as if on cue, the tears started welling up.
It was an incredibly special day to have Elin begin her life of faith. We were blessed to share it (and our church service) with the Trujillo's and our church family (that we are incredibly fond of). And, in keeping with what seems like tradition, it was a blessing to have PG perform the baptism.
Bella's Three!
I can hardly believe Bella is a whopping THREE years old! We have a three year old. She'd been counting down to her birthday since before Christmas. She would say, "Jesus' birthday, then Lula's birthday, then my birthday!"
As you can imagine, my plan to plan her party didn't really materialize what with working full time, being incredibly uncomfortably pregnant, then having Miss Elin, and then adjusting to life with Elin. So, when Memaw offered up her already purchased luau party supplies and ready-to-go theme, I jumped on it!
On the guest list, of course, was our ABQ family: Jacob, PG, Memaw, and Great-G'ma. Of course her bff's Ravenna & Araya (Josh & Lina) and our extended Seattle family & friends. Grass skirts, necklace & wrist leis, centerpieces, wall decor, butterfly pinata and a Hawaiian lei cake completed our ensemble. Our menu was simple: tropical fruit salad, Hawaiian pizza, chicken dumplings, pina coladas (both virgin and un-virgin), Sweet Onion Hawaiian Chips, tortilla chips with Mango & Peach salsa, Hawaiian rolls... all to fit our tropical theme.
Bella had a GREAT time with her girlfriends. It's so fun to watch them play and at the same time, they can play somewhere in the house completely unsupervised. When one of us checks on them, they insist they are fine and imply that we're intruding on their games! They are at the point where they just play hard until they crash. It's really great to know Bella will grow up with such great friends - they are way too cute together.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Two Weeks
It's been two weeks that we've been a family of FOUR and I have LOVED every minute of it (even those first two nights)...
What has happened these past two weeks?
Well, the milk man took his sweet time to deliver, so Elin and I suffered through the first few nights on minimal sustenance. We caved and gave 1.5 oz. of formula over the course of the first three days to get by... barely enough to make a difference, but sufficient to snag a solid hour of sleep for both of us. By day 5.5, the milk man decided to show up and our nights significantly improved.
Of course, because of the lack of beverage, Elin lost weight and we did the same song & dance we did with Bella... daily weight checks at the doctors. However, I'm happy to report that on day ten, Elin weighed 8 lbs, 4 oz - almost back to birth weight. Crisis averted.
I've examined every detail, every curve, every line of Elin's face, hands, legs, eyes and all I see is God's perfect design. I can't believe I ever worried about having enough LOVE for this little one - how ridiculous - but I couldn't have known.
She's a very different baby, but the same can be said for Charles and I as we are different this time around as well. We're "experienced", we're more confident, less stressed, less easily shaken, more relaxed and I know Elin feeds into and responds to that. She's pretty mellow so far.
She has Asian eyelashes - also known as practically none - and the few that she has are short, stick-straight, and oh so fine. Charles thinks she looks like my brother in a lot of her expressions. Her skin is a shade darker. Her feet are skinny & long. Her legs are "spindly" (as Papa G describes) whereas Bella's were chubby from the start.
Then there are things that are the same: she smells delicious, she's warm and wonderful to cuddle with, her cry is endearing. Her skin is silky, her eyes are big and dark.
And Big Sister Bella? How is she adjusting?
Well. Very, very well. (But every time I tell someone this, they say, "Well, it's only been 2 weeks. Just wait until she realizes that baby sister is sticking around." Or something like that.) Anyway, Bella has nothing but love for little sister, Elin. She voluntarily and spontaneously declares how much she loves Elin. She wants to hold her and does so pretty well. She doesn't mind when I have to hold her (but every moment I'm not holding her, Bella is quick to hijack my lap). Bella talks constantly about sharing with her and doing things with her. She's always concerned about where she is and why she might be crying. My heart feels like it might burst there's so much love.
I'm also proud to say (but hesitant at the same time) that since we've brought Elin home, Bella has made HUGE strides in the potty training department. She has been in undies since we came home from the hospital and has had very few accidents. The last two days have been flawless even as we've been out and about in public places. In the last two days, we haven't had to remind her - she's now telling us on her own accord. Praise God! We're so proud of her. I'm sure it helps that she is rewarded with trips to the pool with daddy! :) Bribery... I know, we're not proud, but it is working...
Papa Goofy arrived on Tuesday to check out the new bambino; Memaw, Great-Grandma Cora, and Uncle Jake arrived late last night. They've come to spend time with the grandkids, celebrate Bella's 3rd birthday (tomorrow), and baptize Elin on Sunday! Busy weekend!
It's been a wonderful and amazing two weeks. We are so blessed!
What has happened these past two weeks?
Well, the milk man took his sweet time to deliver, so Elin and I suffered through the first few nights on minimal sustenance. We caved and gave 1.5 oz. of formula over the course of the first three days to get by... barely enough to make a difference, but sufficient to snag a solid hour of sleep for both of us. By day 5.5, the milk man decided to show up and our nights significantly improved.
Of course, because of the lack of beverage, Elin lost weight and we did the same song & dance we did with Bella... daily weight checks at the doctors. However, I'm happy to report that on day ten, Elin weighed 8 lbs, 4 oz - almost back to birth weight. Crisis averted.
I've examined every detail, every curve, every line of Elin's face, hands, legs, eyes and all I see is God's perfect design. I can't believe I ever worried about having enough LOVE for this little one - how ridiculous - but I couldn't have known.
She's a very different baby, but the same can be said for Charles and I as we are different this time around as well. We're "experienced", we're more confident, less stressed, less easily shaken, more relaxed and I know Elin feeds into and responds to that. She's pretty mellow so far.
She has Asian eyelashes - also known as practically none - and the few that she has are short, stick-straight, and oh so fine. Charles thinks she looks like my brother in a lot of her expressions. Her skin is a shade darker. Her feet are skinny & long. Her legs are "spindly" (as Papa G describes) whereas Bella's were chubby from the start.
Then there are things that are the same: she smells delicious, she's warm and wonderful to cuddle with, her cry is endearing. Her skin is silky, her eyes are big and dark.
And Big Sister Bella? How is she adjusting?
Well. Very, very well. (But every time I tell someone this, they say, "Well, it's only been 2 weeks. Just wait until she realizes that baby sister is sticking around." Or something like that.) Anyway, Bella has nothing but love for little sister, Elin. She voluntarily and spontaneously declares how much she loves Elin. She wants to hold her and does so pretty well. She doesn't mind when I have to hold her (but every moment I'm not holding her, Bella is quick to hijack my lap). Bella talks constantly about sharing with her and doing things with her. She's always concerned about where she is and why she might be crying. My heart feels like it might burst there's so much love.
I'm also proud to say (but hesitant at the same time) that since we've brought Elin home, Bella has made HUGE strides in the potty training department. She has been in undies since we came home from the hospital and has had very few accidents. The last two days have been flawless even as we've been out and about in public places. In the last two days, we haven't had to remind her - she's now telling us on her own accord. Praise God! We're so proud of her. I'm sure it helps that she is rewarded with trips to the pool with daddy! :) Bribery... I know, we're not proud, but it is working...
Papa Goofy arrived on Tuesday to check out the new bambino; Memaw, Great-Grandma Cora, and Uncle Jake arrived late last night. They've come to spend time with the grandkids, celebrate Bella's 3rd birthday (tomorrow), and baptize Elin on Sunday! Busy weekend!
It's been a wonderful and amazing two weeks. We are so blessed!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Elin Hannah Hall
Where do I begin? I've been mentally composing this entry for a week and if my mind were a chalkboard, you would see words crossed out from left to right, top to bottom, clouds of chalk dust furiously flying off the board.
I feel I have an interesting perspective now having had one birth experience with an epidural and one without. (I still can't believe I've had TWO birth experiences, two little girls...) More on this later.
It started on Wednesday after my 40 week check up. Dr. Gong asked, "Do you want me to stir up some trouble?" I nodded, eagerly, in agreement.
Shortly after, the contractions came on, nice and steady. As we sat through dinner at Olive Garden, I had my trusty Contraction Master Application on my iPhone (there's an app for everything!), logging in the contractions every 2-4 minutes. I started having to breathe a little through them. Whatever Dr. Gong did must be working, I thought!
That night we had Josh & Lina pick up Bella again - certain this must be the time. We called the L&D triage and they agreed that it sounds like it might be time! Car loaded, we headed into the hospital. Upon exam, I was found only to be 3.5 cm, unchanged from my afternoon check up. Disappointed, we negotiated to walk for an hour and a half to see if we could get things going. The contractions were still nice & steady, frequent, strong.
Here is where I have to tell you that I doubted whether or not I was the kind of person to have the "drop-to-your-knees-can't-breathe-or-talk" type of contractions. Afterall, with Bella, my pitocin was up to 22 and I could barely feel it. I was convinced that if that was what they wanted to see as a sign of impending delivery, I just wouldn't have it. I told Charles that I thought I had a high pain tolerance... (oh if I only knew what was to come...) Also, I should mention that we wanted to have a natural delivery (i.e. no pain meds), but we were not opposed to augmentation such as pitocin or manual water breaking to get things going a bit faster. If we could just get to 4.5 cm, we would be admitted and we could get things moving right along!
So, back to triage for another exam. Still unchanged. We were sent home. Thursday my contractions waxed and waned throughout the day. I stayed home from work after having been up all night. At some point that day, Mom Z decided she was going to come join in on the fun. Plane ticket was purchased last minute and Charles picked her up at the airport at 0130 Friday morning. Hooray! Memaw was here! In the wee hours of the morning, we showed her around the house, visited briefly, shared Bella's morning routine, and hit the hay.
At 0600 Friday, Dec. 31st, we checked into Evergreen. An hour and a half of admission process. At 0800, IV had been started and pitocin started dripping away at 2 U/ml. My contractions continued, gradually getting stronger. Totally tolerable. I'm telling Charles and my nurse that I think I have a high pain tolerance, again, with Bella, I had received pitocin at alarmingly high doses and had felt little. Dr. Gong arrived and did an exam an hour or so later and offered to break my water. I said, "Sure, let's get things going! I'm ready to meet this baby!" She broke my water (again I was shocked - AMAZED - at how much water there is!) and notched up the pitocin to 3 u/ml. Around 1000, we turned up the pitocin to 4 and I was really starting to feel them. I always told myself that I wouldn't be a moaner, that I would breathe and labor silently. But honestly, I was getting pretty loud at this point. I was laughing at myself for thinking that I wouldn't have those "hit-the-ground" kind of contractions, but here I was feeling like my body was not my own as it did what it was made to do. The contractions stopped me mid-sentence and to my surprise, almost brought me to my knees. My pitocin was eventually turned up to 5 u/ml and my contractions were on top of each other. I begged for a break - from who, I don't know - how, I don't know - but I was pleading for rest. Charles says I was pretty funny, asking for a break, debating on turning the pitocin down myself (we use the same pumps at Children's)... I was in and out of bed, the rocking chair, and swaying with Charles.
All the while, my nurse, Kerstin, was AMAZING. I felt like I had my own personal nurse, doula, champion, coach, friend. She was with us from admission through the birth. She encouraged, supported, breathed right along with me. She didn't leave the room but twice. When she did, she left an equally amazing nurse in her place. I couldn't have asked for a better team. Dr. Gong checked on us frequently, also encouraging and supportive, helping me transition from place to place around the room.
Finally, the contractions were so strong and relentless they started notching it down 1 unit at a time. I have to be honest, it helped to vocalize. I laugh now, thinking that I could labor in silence. Ha! Bella and Memaw had checked in with us sometime between 3 and 4 units of pitocin. They didn't stay long as Charles and I didn't want Bella to really see me in the state that I was in. They roamed the hospital, Memaw knowing that I was close... they stayed nearby.
I asked Dr. Gong for an estimate of when she thought I'd give birth and she said sometime between noon and two in the afternoon. That gave me some encouragement, but even though I didn't want to hold onto that time frame, I held onto it for dear life.
The pitocin had been turned off, but my body knew what to do. Just before noon they checked me again and I was entering the transition phase - the part of labor known for being the most difficult, the most painful. I was 7 cm. I was encouraged by the fact that transition is the most difficult, but also the shortest phase of labor. They began bringing all the equipment into the room which further reassured me that the time was coming. Then again, I wondered if that was just the purpose - keep me focused on the end.
Around 1230, she checked me again as I reported feeling like I wanted to push. 10 cm!!!!! Everyone quickly sprang into action, I moved back into the bed. Everyone assumed their positions: Charles at my left, Kerstin on my right, Dr. Gong front and center, an additional nurse to help with baby.
9 minutes and 3 contractions was all it took to bring little Elin into the world. I pushed 5 times. 9 minutes - I can't get over it.
Elin crowned and then stopped. They said to wait for the next contraction, but it seemed like FOREVER before the next one. I panicked out loud that I didn't think there'd be another one, so Dr. Gong said I could try to push without one. Charles says I pushed so hard at the go ahead he worried I wouldn't breathe and that I would pass out. With that one last push, I felt Elin come the rest of the way and I was elated. Exhausted. Excited. Never did have that last contraction.
I heard Dr. Gong tell Charles to look to see if we'd had a boy or a girl. He checked and almost said what the baby was. Then he checked again to be sure, before announcing that we'd had a little girl: Elin.
She was on my belly in a split second and crying vigorously - the sweet, sweet sound of crying. Love. More love than I could have imagined. Charles was so moved by all of it, he actually said, "We have to have more." Everything else went smoothly after: the check up, the bath, the shots, etc, etc, etc.
Memaw and Bella came back. We told Bella that the baby had come out and she responded, "Oh good, now you can pick me again like daddy!" Oh, to be a big sister.
Josh, Lina & the girls came that night, sparkling cider in hand (as well as my favorite thai food). Some big wigs stopped by and dropped off real champagne. It was a celebration; the mood & spirit in the room reflected that. I felt amazing. Elin was perfect. Couldn't have asked for more and wouldn't change a thing. It was our perfect birth.
And that is Elin's birth story.
I feel I have an interesting perspective now having had one birth experience with an epidural and one without. (I still can't believe I've had TWO birth experiences, two little girls...) More on this later.
It started on Wednesday after my 40 week check up. Dr. Gong asked, "Do you want me to stir up some trouble?" I nodded, eagerly, in agreement.
Shortly after, the contractions came on, nice and steady. As we sat through dinner at Olive Garden, I had my trusty Contraction Master Application on my iPhone (there's an app for everything!), logging in the contractions every 2-4 minutes. I started having to breathe a little through them. Whatever Dr. Gong did must be working, I thought!
That night we had Josh & Lina pick up Bella again - certain this must be the time. We called the L&D triage and they agreed that it sounds like it might be time! Car loaded, we headed into the hospital. Upon exam, I was found only to be 3.5 cm, unchanged from my afternoon check up. Disappointed, we negotiated to walk for an hour and a half to see if we could get things going. The contractions were still nice & steady, frequent, strong.
Here is where I have to tell you that I doubted whether or not I was the kind of person to have the "drop-to-your-knees-can't-breathe-or-talk" type of contractions. Afterall, with Bella, my pitocin was up to 22 and I could barely feel it. I was convinced that if that was what they wanted to see as a sign of impending delivery, I just wouldn't have it. I told Charles that I thought I had a high pain tolerance... (oh if I only knew what was to come...) Also, I should mention that we wanted to have a natural delivery (i.e. no pain meds), but we were not opposed to augmentation such as pitocin or manual water breaking to get things going a bit faster. If we could just get to 4.5 cm, we would be admitted and we could get things moving right along!
So, back to triage for another exam. Still unchanged. We were sent home. Thursday my contractions waxed and waned throughout the day. I stayed home from work after having been up all night. At some point that day, Mom Z decided she was going to come join in on the fun. Plane ticket was purchased last minute and Charles picked her up at the airport at 0130 Friday morning. Hooray! Memaw was here! In the wee hours of the morning, we showed her around the house, visited briefly, shared Bella's morning routine, and hit the hay.
At 0600 Friday, Dec. 31st, we checked into Evergreen. An hour and a half of admission process. At 0800, IV had been started and pitocin started dripping away at 2 U/ml. My contractions continued, gradually getting stronger. Totally tolerable. I'm telling Charles and my nurse that I think I have a high pain tolerance, again, with Bella, I had received pitocin at alarmingly high doses and had felt little. Dr. Gong arrived and did an exam an hour or so later and offered to break my water. I said, "Sure, let's get things going! I'm ready to meet this baby!" She broke my water (again I was shocked - AMAZED - at how much water there is!) and notched up the pitocin to 3 u/ml. Around 1000, we turned up the pitocin to 4 and I was really starting to feel them. I always told myself that I wouldn't be a moaner, that I would breathe and labor silently. But honestly, I was getting pretty loud at this point. I was laughing at myself for thinking that I wouldn't have those "hit-the-ground" kind of contractions, but here I was feeling like my body was not my own as it did what it was made to do. The contractions stopped me mid-sentence and to my surprise, almost brought me to my knees. My pitocin was eventually turned up to 5 u/ml and my contractions were on top of each other. I begged for a break - from who, I don't know - how, I don't know - but I was pleading for rest. Charles says I was pretty funny, asking for a break, debating on turning the pitocin down myself (we use the same pumps at Children's)... I was in and out of bed, the rocking chair, and swaying with Charles.
All the while, my nurse, Kerstin, was AMAZING. I felt like I had my own personal nurse, doula, champion, coach, friend. She was with us from admission through the birth. She encouraged, supported, breathed right along with me. She didn't leave the room but twice. When she did, she left an equally amazing nurse in her place. I couldn't have asked for a better team. Dr. Gong checked on us frequently, also encouraging and supportive, helping me transition from place to place around the room.
Finally, the contractions were so strong and relentless they started notching it down 1 unit at a time. I have to be honest, it helped to vocalize. I laugh now, thinking that I could labor in silence. Ha! Bella and Memaw had checked in with us sometime between 3 and 4 units of pitocin. They didn't stay long as Charles and I didn't want Bella to really see me in the state that I was in. They roamed the hospital, Memaw knowing that I was close... they stayed nearby.
I asked Dr. Gong for an estimate of when she thought I'd give birth and she said sometime between noon and two in the afternoon. That gave me some encouragement, but even though I didn't want to hold onto that time frame, I held onto it for dear life.
The pitocin had been turned off, but my body knew what to do. Just before noon they checked me again and I was entering the transition phase - the part of labor known for being the most difficult, the most painful. I was 7 cm. I was encouraged by the fact that transition is the most difficult, but also the shortest phase of labor. They began bringing all the equipment into the room which further reassured me that the time was coming. Then again, I wondered if that was just the purpose - keep me focused on the end.
Around 1230, she checked me again as I reported feeling like I wanted to push. 10 cm!!!!! Everyone quickly sprang into action, I moved back into the bed. Everyone assumed their positions: Charles at my left, Kerstin on my right, Dr. Gong front and center, an additional nurse to help with baby.
9 minutes and 3 contractions was all it took to bring little Elin into the world. I pushed 5 times. 9 minutes - I can't get over it.
Elin crowned and then stopped. They said to wait for the next contraction, but it seemed like FOREVER before the next one. I panicked out loud that I didn't think there'd be another one, so Dr. Gong said I could try to push without one. Charles says I pushed so hard at the go ahead he worried I wouldn't breathe and that I would pass out. With that one last push, I felt Elin come the rest of the way and I was elated. Exhausted. Excited. Never did have that last contraction.
I heard Dr. Gong tell Charles to look to see if we'd had a boy or a girl. He checked and almost said what the baby was. Then he checked again to be sure, before announcing that we'd had a little girl: Elin.
She was on my belly in a split second and crying vigorously - the sweet, sweet sound of crying. Love. More love than I could have imagined. Charles was so moved by all of it, he actually said, "We have to have more." Everything else went smoothly after: the check up, the bath, the shots, etc, etc, etc.
Memaw and Bella came back. We told Bella that the baby had come out and she responded, "Oh good, now you can pick me again like daddy!" Oh, to be a big sister.
Josh, Lina & the girls came that night, sparkling cider in hand (as well as my favorite thai food). Some big wigs stopped by and dropped off real champagne. It was a celebration; the mood & spirit in the room reflected that. I felt amazing. Elin was perfect. Couldn't have asked for more and wouldn't change a thing. It was our perfect birth.
And that is Elin's birth story.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Charles and I just before his Christmas Party...
Bella's Christmas Day
Bella'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.
Monday, November 22, 2010
What this Mama is Reading
I've added two new links to blogs I follow and I hope you'll peruse them once in a while as well. Seattle Mama Doc is a pediatrician at Seattle Children's and a mother to young kids. Here's a bit about her blog:
Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
Most importantly, he's also a parent! Here's an excerpt from his book intros:
Seattle Mama Doc: A Blog by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson
This blog caters to one principle I’ve learned along the way: parents just want to do what is right. The desperate love we have for our children can shock us into good and sometimes bad decisions. I believe parents search for and sincerely desire simple answers to the How-What-Why-Who of parenting, the essence of doing right for their children. Often it’s not a simple, isolated situation, or one as complicated as it may feel. And, the abundance of online noise invokes fear in all of us when making decisions for our children. Over time, I hope to illuminate the reality that in pediatrics, doing less is often more. Prevention reigns.
Parents just want to do what is right.
It’s the defining what’s right that, on occasion, remains elusive.
We all want information to facilitate decisions that let us rest easier at night. Having my own two children makes this reach for what is right palpable. I want to help you decipher some of the current medical news I juggle in my life as both a pediatrician and a mother. I will share my stories and tell how it all feels to me. I will ask my colleagues, peers and friends for help, and uncover powerful lessons to share. I’ll offer online helpful resources, and share methods I learn from patients, friends and family, both in and out of the field of medicine, to help me find answers.
Read. Listen. Trust. Speak.
Uncover your instincts.
Do what is right for your children.
Speak up. Keep me posted on what you think.
Brain Rules for Baby
The second blog I'm reading is from :
Most importantly, he's also a parent! Here's an excerpt from his book intros:
What’s the single most important thing you can do during pregnancy? What does watching TV do to a child’s brain? What’s the best way to handle temper tantrums? Scientists know.
In his New York Times bestseller Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina showed us how our brains really work—and why we ought to redesign our workplaces and schools. Now, in Brain Rules for Baby, he shares what the latest science says about how to raise smart and happy children from zero to five. This book is destined to revolutionize parenting. Just one of the surprises: The best way to get your children into the college of their choice? Teach them impulse control.
Brain Rules for Baby bridges the gap between what scientists know and what parents practice. Through fascinating and funny stories, Medina, a developmental molecular biologist and dad, unravels how a child’s brain develops – and what you can do to optimize it.
I hope you'll read along with me once in a while and share what you think!Sunday, November 21, 2010
BH2 Updates
Dear BH2,
We've got potentially six more weeks before we get to look into each other's eyes...and I just can't wait.
We "nested" this weekend. That means we spent the weekend getting ready for your big arrival! We took inventory of all the baby gear we have, the clothes, and the necessities. We spent time setting up your room and imagining you in it. We have your car seat ready to go, too (can't wait to bring you home from the hospital)! I forgot how small you're going to be... I was looking at onesies that seemed to fit some of your sister's dolls! I looked for "going home" outfits this weekend, but haven't found anything yet...
I have to admit, while we were sorting through clothes, I kind of wish we knew if you were a boy or a girl. We are stocked to capacity if you're a girl, but we'll be heading to the store quite quickly if you're a boy! Don't worry, your room is pretty neutral (lots of greens & yellow), so I hope you like it. Not to worry, we'll move you into a more boyish/girlish room eventually.
You're womb-home is exercising a lot lately, practicing for your big exit/entrance. I wonder what the contractions feel like to you. I enjoy them because I can really feel your shape and identify bony prominences. I like to trace the outline of your little knees, your back, your head, maybe your arms. As the contraction nears completion, you like to kick or punch your way out and I really look forward to feeling you stretch to make space.
What's different about your pregnancy versus your sister's? You're low...WAY low...to the point where it hurts to even move my legs sometimes. Everything happened much sooner with you than with your sister. I found the best prenatal vitamins this time around and I actually enjoy taking them...yeah, they're gummy prenatals! With your big sister I was rounder, fuller, and fluid overloaded by this point. With you, I'm way out front and again, WAY low. So far, no kankles or carpal tunnel... hopefully I didn't just ask for it. You seem to be a lot more active...but I don't have a great memory for that. I'm a lot more confident, naturally, with you being our second little miracle.
You seem to really like my massage chair. Yeah, it's the iJoy...I know, I can't believe we have one either! It was free, no less. I look forward to sitting in it all day while at work...for the muscle relief and because I know you'll be really active while I sit in it. Your movements have begun to wake me up - you're getting so strong! You've poked up under my ribs a few times while I'm sleeping and it's woken me up with a start - but it's a pleasant start.
Thanksgiving is this week, so I'll be eating a lot. (I know, no surprise there.) So enjoy! There'll be a lot of hustle and bustle as we host 30+ for lunch and dinner.
Your sister saw a 1 week old baby girl at church today and she's paid extra attention to you today. I think she's really excited to meet you. I'm pretty sure she knows it is coming soon. She has bonded with you and I have no doubt you'll be close.
We have a check up on Tuesday this week, then we'll be seeing the doctor every week until you are born!
See you soon little one!
Lots of love,
Mom
We've got potentially six more weeks before we get to look into each other's eyes...and I just can't wait.
We "nested" this weekend. That means we spent the weekend getting ready for your big arrival! We took inventory of all the baby gear we have, the clothes, and the necessities. We spent time setting up your room and imagining you in it. We have your car seat ready to go, too (can't wait to bring you home from the hospital)! I forgot how small you're going to be... I was looking at onesies that seemed to fit some of your sister's dolls! I looked for "going home" outfits this weekend, but haven't found anything yet...
I have to admit, while we were sorting through clothes, I kind of wish we knew if you were a boy or a girl. We are stocked to capacity if you're a girl, but we'll be heading to the store quite quickly if you're a boy! Don't worry, your room is pretty neutral (lots of greens & yellow), so I hope you like it. Not to worry, we'll move you into a more boyish/girlish room eventually.
You're womb-home is exercising a lot lately, practicing for your big exit/entrance. I wonder what the contractions feel like to you. I enjoy them because I can really feel your shape and identify bony prominences. I like to trace the outline of your little knees, your back, your head, maybe your arms. As the contraction nears completion, you like to kick or punch your way out and I really look forward to feeling you stretch to make space.
What's different about your pregnancy versus your sister's? You're low...WAY low...to the point where it hurts to even move my legs sometimes. Everything happened much sooner with you than with your sister. I found the best prenatal vitamins this time around and I actually enjoy taking them...yeah, they're gummy prenatals! With your big sister I was rounder, fuller, and fluid overloaded by this point. With you, I'm way out front and again, WAY low. So far, no kankles or carpal tunnel... hopefully I didn't just ask for it. You seem to be a lot more active...but I don't have a great memory for that. I'm a lot more confident, naturally, with you being our second little miracle.
You seem to really like my massage chair. Yeah, it's the iJoy...I know, I can't believe we have one either! It was free, no less. I look forward to sitting in it all day while at work...for the muscle relief and because I know you'll be really active while I sit in it. Your movements have begun to wake me up - you're getting so strong! You've poked up under my ribs a few times while I'm sleeping and it's woken me up with a start - but it's a pleasant start.
Thanksgiving is this week, so I'll be eating a lot. (I know, no surprise there.) So enjoy! There'll be a lot of hustle and bustle as we host 30+ for lunch and dinner.
Your sister saw a 1 week old baby girl at church today and she's paid extra attention to you today. I think she's really excited to meet you. I'm pretty sure she knows it is coming soon. She has bonded with you and I have no doubt you'll be close.
We have a check up on Tuesday this week, then we'll be seeing the doctor every week until you are born!
See you soon little one!
Lots of love,
Mom
Thursday, November 18, 2010
November?
November? Where'd you go?
I feel like I just wrote that Trick-or-Treat entry...how on earth is it three weeks later, already?
Well, I suppose we've had a very full month already.
The first weekend of November, the Seattle Halls hopped (two) planes and zipped over to visit the Santa Fe Halls. Originally, Charles and Bella were going to go on their own while I stayed back to work, but I managed to get some (well-deserved) time off. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get on their flights either way; so, between the three (four) of us, we took four planes each way! Yikes! After all the craziness at work, I must admit I was glad to have some quiet time to read and sleep on my flights.
I should also point out that I traveled with a carry on suitcase and the only - the only - person to offer to help me put my luggage up was a former Marine (should've figured it would be a military boy). I had no problem doing it, but still... where's the kindness?
We had a GREAT time in NM with the Halls! We missed the Swansons by hours as they were off on their own adventure to the UAE. Rodger & Barb's new home is stunning, spacious, and comfortable! We enjoyed our time there as we spent time watching Bella with her grandparents, exploring the Natural History Museum with Bella's cousin Abbie, seeing Elisa, David, and Jacob. We managed to squeeze in a surprise breakfast with Aunt Wardie and Bella's Great-Grandma! She was shocked to see us! It was a great, relaxing, long weekend!
Surprising Aunt Wardie & Great Grandma at Breakfast
Sharing a DCCF @ Starbucks with my favorite girl
So, no in flight delivery...
Three more LONG days of work during which I was in the middle of executing my departments first competency and skills week. (I've never told you about my new job...I'll get to that...) Anyway, I am quite proud to have proposed, planned, initiated, coordinated, and taught our first, ever, competency and skills week. The days were long but fulfilling and the feedback was great.
Then, on Thursday I decided to live on the wild side and take another trip to San Fransisco for work! My doctor's official advise was to stay grounded, but I couldn't miss this opportunity for face time with all the hospital's leadership and my boss. And, really, how often does a nurse get to go on business trips?! I was really looking forward to a quiet night in a king size bed with my kindle! The trip was fast & furious, packed full of conferences and on-site visits, though we did kick it off with a trip to the mall to kill time before the hosting group was expecting us. Can we say, exhausting? Looking back, going was probably a mistake as far as going in my 33rd week of pregnancy...I was tired and it was hard to keep up with all the activity. Not to mention I was really uncomfortable on the plane this time.
So, I flew home on Friday night and Charles, Bella, and Jake picked me up on the airport. From there we drove towards Portland, OR with the intention of checking out OSU and U of Oregon for Jake (he's looking at schools though he's pretty set on going to UW). I was pretty exhausted and uncomfortable from the flight, so we didn't make it all the way down. We ended up staying in some small city Quality Inn. The next morning we continued our journey to OSU where - "coincidentally" - the Cougs were playing! We caught the game and had a great time despite the drizzling rain! The COUGS WON!
After the game we headed down to Eugene to U of O where we stayed for the night. We'd been promising Bella some time in the pool, so after dinner, Charles, Bella and I went down to the pool. I wasn't about to get into a whale of a swim suit, so I sat pool side as Bella and Charles got into the ice cold (but indoor) pool.
We weren't there but 15 minutes when we encountered probably the scariest minutes of our parenting lives. (The stitching incident was the hardest, but this was the scariest...)
Bella got out of the pool and took a few steps in my direction (I was only, like, 4 feet away from the pools edge) when she slipped and her feet went out from under her. She landed on her back and it didn't seem like she hit her head that hard. Of course I grabbed her and picked her up when I realized something wasn't right...she hadn't made a noise...she wasn't breathing...she couldn't breathe... her face was contorted as she struggled to get air...
In just seconds Charles was out and holding her as we witnessed her fade in and out of consciousness...her eyes rolled back and her body became limp...Charles was talking to her, begging her to stay awake and answer... I frantically covered them up with towels to keep her/them warm...I called the front desk to call 911...then called Jake to bring down Charles' clothes...Bella, stay awake...Bella, wake up...
In what seemed like an eternity later (but was only probably a minute), Bella slowly, sleepily started answering - mumbling - slurring - answers. Her enunciation slowly improved. Eventually she was able to count to ten, tell us when her birthday was, sing her ABC's...
We called off 911...
That night we kept her awake asking her questions every few minutes to make sure she wasn't more affected by the head injury. She remained groggy, but gave us no cause for concern for the rest of the night.
Seriously - I'm going to bubble wrap this kid.
Sunday we drove back home after walking around U of Oregon and then hanging out in Portland a bit. Then Charles and I launched into another hectic week at work. Our hospital had an unannounced visit from The Joint Commission which put the hospital into a frenzy - it's the regulatory body that could shut a hospital down.... they left today (Thursday), so I'm quite relieved.
For the remainder of the pregnancy we've vowed to stay put and relax, get ready for baby, and spend the last few weeks as a family of three quietly... after our Thanksgiving dinner for 30 next week, that is.
I feel like I just wrote that Trick-or-Treat entry...how on earth is it three weeks later, already?
Well, I suppose we've had a very full month already.
The first weekend of November, the Seattle Halls hopped (two) planes and zipped over to visit the Santa Fe Halls. Originally, Charles and Bella were going to go on their own while I stayed back to work, but I managed to get some (well-deserved) time off. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get on their flights either way; so, between the three (four) of us, we took four planes each way! Yikes! After all the craziness at work, I must admit I was glad to have some quiet time to read and sleep on my flights.
I should also point out that I traveled with a carry on suitcase and the only - the only - person to offer to help me put my luggage up was a former Marine (should've figured it would be a military boy). I had no problem doing it, but still... where's the kindness?
We had a GREAT time in NM with the Halls! We missed the Swansons by hours as they were off on their own adventure to the UAE. Rodger & Barb's new home is stunning, spacious, and comfortable! We enjoyed our time there as we spent time watching Bella with her grandparents, exploring the Natural History Museum with Bella's cousin Abbie, seeing Elisa, David, and Jacob. We managed to squeeze in a surprise breakfast with Aunt Wardie and Bella's Great-Grandma! She was shocked to see us! It was a great, relaxing, long weekend!
Surprising Aunt Wardie & Great Grandma at Breakfast
Sharing a DCCF @ Starbucks with my favorite girl
At the museum with Barnana, Grandpa Hall, and Abbie
Of course, a trip to New Mexico wouldn't be complete without off-roading with Daddy in Grandpa's Jeep
On my last plane to Seattle was where the kind Marine took care of my luggage. He hesitatingly asked when I was due... I told him not until New Year's Eve. Then he proceeded to reassure me that if I were to go in labor, he did deliver a baby in the back of the car during one of his deployments in Iraq... Phew! Good to know...So, no in flight delivery...
Three more LONG days of work during which I was in the middle of executing my departments first competency and skills week. (I've never told you about my new job...I'll get to that...) Anyway, I am quite proud to have proposed, planned, initiated, coordinated, and taught our first, ever, competency and skills week. The days were long but fulfilling and the feedback was great.
Then, on Thursday I decided to live on the wild side and take another trip to San Fransisco for work! My doctor's official advise was to stay grounded, but I couldn't miss this opportunity for face time with all the hospital's leadership and my boss. And, really, how often does a nurse get to go on business trips?! I was really looking forward to a quiet night in a king size bed with my kindle! The trip was fast & furious, packed full of conferences and on-site visits, though we did kick it off with a trip to the mall to kill time before the hosting group was expecting us. Can we say, exhausting? Looking back, going was probably a mistake as far as going in my 33rd week of pregnancy...I was tired and it was hard to keep up with all the activity. Not to mention I was really uncomfortable on the plane this time.
So, I flew home on Friday night and Charles, Bella, and Jake picked me up on the airport. From there we drove towards Portland, OR with the intention of checking out OSU and U of Oregon for Jake (he's looking at schools though he's pretty set on going to UW). I was pretty exhausted and uncomfortable from the flight, so we didn't make it all the way down. We ended up staying in some small city Quality Inn. The next morning we continued our journey to OSU where - "coincidentally" - the Cougs were playing! We caught the game and had a great time despite the drizzling rain! The COUGS WON!
After the game we headed down to Eugene to U of O where we stayed for the night. We'd been promising Bella some time in the pool, so after dinner, Charles, Bella and I went down to the pool. I wasn't about to get into a whale of a swim suit, so I sat pool side as Bella and Charles got into the ice cold (but indoor) pool.
We weren't there but 15 minutes when we encountered probably the scariest minutes of our parenting lives. (The stitching incident was the hardest, but this was the scariest...)
Bella got out of the pool and took a few steps in my direction (I was only, like, 4 feet away from the pools edge) when she slipped and her feet went out from under her. She landed on her back and it didn't seem like she hit her head that hard. Of course I grabbed her and picked her up when I realized something wasn't right...she hadn't made a noise...she wasn't breathing...she couldn't breathe... her face was contorted as she struggled to get air...
In just seconds Charles was out and holding her as we witnessed her fade in and out of consciousness...her eyes rolled back and her body became limp...Charles was talking to her, begging her to stay awake and answer... I frantically covered them up with towels to keep her/them warm...I called the front desk to call 911...then called Jake to bring down Charles' clothes...Bella, stay awake...Bella, wake up...
In what seemed like an eternity later (but was only probably a minute), Bella slowly, sleepily started answering - mumbling - slurring - answers. Her enunciation slowly improved. Eventually she was able to count to ten, tell us when her birthday was, sing her ABC's...
We called off 911...
That night we kept her awake asking her questions every few minutes to make sure she wasn't more affected by the head injury. She remained groggy, but gave us no cause for concern for the rest of the night.
Seriously - I'm going to bubble wrap this kid.
Sunday we drove back home after walking around U of Oregon and then hanging out in Portland a bit. Then Charles and I launched into another hectic week at work. Our hospital had an unannounced visit from The Joint Commission which put the hospital into a frenzy - it's the regulatory body that could shut a hospital down.... they left today (Thursday), so I'm quite relieved.
For the remainder of the pregnancy we've vowed to stay put and relax, get ready for baby, and spend the last few weeks as a family of three quietly... after our Thanksgiving dinner for 30 next week, that is.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Trick-or-Treat 2010
Baby Builder's, Inc. "Under Construction" (Complete with a WSU hard hat)
Bella the Bumblebee and a Green-haired Penguin, Araya
Bella's ready for trick-or-treating with her Minnie Mouse basket from Memaw
Attempting to round up 15 kids for a pre trick-or-treating picture...Not so much.
Trick-or-treating with DaddyHalloween Weekend Fun 2010
Bella's school director, Michelle, helps Bella in Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin
The kids lining up for games
Story time with Mr. Pat
At the end of the party, we found Bella traded in her bee costume for the Princess DressBella had a blast - all the kids really enjoyed being dressed up and having free reign at the school. They ran the hallways and the dining room until they were all tuckered out. As we left, Bella asked, "Are we going to a party again?" She always wants to make sure that we'll see her friends again.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A Stitch in Time
Bella, in the dentist's chair, for the x-rays.I received a page while at work on Monday, around lunch. I didn't recognize the number and it made me nervous to return the call. I waited a minute before picking up the phone, then dialed the number.
Michelle, Bella's school director, answered the phone. Initially, I was relieved to hear a friendly voice, then it struck me that she was paging me...and there's only one reason she would page me.
She tells me that she just got off the phone with Charles and that he's on his way to the school. What? Why? Is Bella ok?
Michelle: Bella fell on the playground and hit her face. It's pretty messy, she was bleeding a lot from her mouth and her nose...but it's slowing...she's starting to calm down now...we've given her popsicles and we tried to put ice on her face, but she's not tolerating it very well.
What? Huh? Is she ok?
Michelle goes on: Well, with you and Charles being the experts in health care, I just called Charles so he could take a look at her and decide what to do.
I couldn't get off the phone fast enough to call Charles.
Me: Charles. What happened? He tries to calm me... You call me the instant you see her. I'm heading into a meeting, but page me the instant you see her.
Nervously sit through first twenty minutes of meeting. Pager goes off.
Charles: We're headed your way.
Me: What? Huh? Why?
Charles: She looks pretty bad, but she's having a popsicle now. Bleeding's stopped. I just want to make sure she doesn't have a broken nose. I'm glad you weren't there to see her initially - it was pretty bad.
Me: Oh.my.goodness. Page me the second you are here.
Another half hour goes by before they arrived.
I met them in the ER and my heart just about broke in half. I'm pretty sure I heard it tear into a million pieces. The left side of her face was puffy and swollen, blood was oozing from her mouth and nose. She looked like Rocky after a fight....
I'll spare you all of the details of the painful exams by various folks, the sound of Bella screaming, the look of horror on her face as we held her down, hearing her cry "I don't want to" from twenty feet down the hall... I completely get why we always ask the parents to leave... I completely get the neurotic parent that we nurses roll our eyes at... I get it. My compassion meter went through the roof.
They ended up "attempting" to stitch up the lacerations under her top lip. It was horrible. I actually left because I knew I wouldn't be able to let it happen. They bundled her up so she was completely restrained. Charles stayed with her. I came back too soon and I could hear her screaming from down the hallway.
Needless to say, she didn't handle it well, there was too much blood, she didn't sit still (obviously) and Charles put a stop to it all. They got one stitch in and we decided to take her home and monitor it ourselves.
She passed out afterward, we packed her up, and went home. I picked up a soft/liquid diet for her of popsicles, apple sauce, yogurt, pudding and I made jello. I also picked up Toy Story 2.
It was quite honestly the hardest four hours of my parenting life thus far. Without a doubt.
Today is Thursday. The swelling has improved somewhat, but the bruising persists. Her lip is back to normal though there are a couple of abrasions.
We follow up on Monday. I'm anxious to see what she remembers of it all and how she'll handle being back in the dentist chair.
And now I want to put my child in a bubble. I hate that I can't always protect her. It's the worst feeling.
Friday, October 22, 2010
BH2: 9 more weeks
On my 30th week and 6th day of this pregnancy I went in for an ultrasound to check on BH2’s health and development.
My OB had expressed concern because I was measuring too small. (Which of course, catapulted me into a feverish state of worry and research and more worry.)
In the days that I waited for my ultrasound, I was incredibly intentional about my nutrition, dietary habits, sleep positions, rest, hydration status, physical activity and cautious during my play with Bella. I had convinced myself that I could fix this measurement problem in the week before the ultrasound. Ha!
I had really wanted Bella to be there for the appointment, unfortunately Charles and I both got held up at work too long to allow us to pick up Bella before my appointment.
All in all, BH2 is doing great!
Weight: 3.4 lbs
Percentile: Just over 50th percentile
Heart rate: 140s
Amniotic Fluid: 15.5 (normal: 5 – 25)
Position: Head angled down by my right leg, facing forward. Legs bent and crossed at the time – directed to my left shoulder. BH2’s spine is on top of mine.
Measurements: matching my weeks
Est. Due Date: Still New Year’s Eve!
Gender: One of them for sure.
My OB had expressed concern because I was measuring too small. (Which of course, catapulted me into a feverish state of worry and research and more worry.)
In the days that I waited for my ultrasound, I was incredibly intentional about my nutrition, dietary habits, sleep positions, rest, hydration status, physical activity and cautious during my play with Bella. I had convinced myself that I could fix this measurement problem in the week before the ultrasound. Ha!
I had really wanted Bella to be there for the appointment, unfortunately Charles and I both got held up at work too long to allow us to pick up Bella before my appointment.
All in all, BH2 is doing great!
Weight: 3.4 lbs
Percentile: Just over 50th percentile
Heart rate: 140s
Amniotic Fluid: 15.5 (normal: 5 – 25)
Position: Head angled down by my right leg, facing forward. Legs bent and crossed at the time – directed to my left shoulder. BH2’s spine is on top of mine.
Measurements: matching my weeks
Est. Due Date: Still New Year’s Eve!
Gender: One of them for sure.
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