Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since my last post. Actually, I can.
The last time I started a blog was not long after I had moved and gotten married. Being back here again reminds me of my feelings after I moved then. You see, our family has recently moved again. My husband's company offered him a job in our dream city, so 3 months after we had our second baby, we were out here house hunting. As if having a second child isn't already stressful enough, add to that, selling a house and even more stressful than that, buying one.
I'll be the first to admit. We (husband and I) like really nice things. We have certain expectations and finding that new home ended up easier than I thought it would be. We love being out here in the Hill Country. Austin simply rocks. I love the coolness of this town and even the diversity of those who are different than me. The wine. The scenery. But with this move has come something I didn't really expect, especially with little kids.
Loneliness.
Yup, that's me. Lonely. Juggling the different schedules based upon the needs of my kids has me land locked to my home most days. Granted, summer has just concluded and school started back last week. I am signed up with one mom's group (MOPs) that will begin soon. But the past few weeks since we've been here have been just that. Lonely.
Most days the only person I talk ends up being my 2 year old. You know how those conversations go?
Me: What would you like to do while sister naps, A1?
A1: Dance party. Get up, mom!
Me: How was your first day of school?
A1: {Silence followed by in his whiny voice} I want a snack! I want applesauce!
Me: We will be home in 5 minutes, you can have a snack when we get home.
A1: But I want a snaaaaaaack! APPLESAUCE!
Bless his heart. Or maybe, bless my heart. I look forward to having friends. Maybe not the process of getting them, because let's be honest. It takes a lot of work and a lot of effort. A lot of putting yourself out and being vulnerable. I sometimes am not sure if I am ready for the effort and pushing myself again.
Hopefully God puts some fun other moms in my life here that will help make this transition a little less lonely. One can have hope.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Thursday, January 24, 2013
hope in a jar
My sister-in-law, Jess, reminded me today of how much I love my new skincare products! Philosophy has changed my life. Ever since I had my little Awesome, my skin has felt dull and drab.
NO MORE.
Let me tell you. I picked up this little kit at Macy's right before Christmas:
"think beautiful thoughts" kit consisted of:
Purity Face Wash - My skin rocks after using this. My dry skills seems to come alive with this along with my Clarisonic Mia. My skin is so soft and smooth. It doesn't foam up like I prefer, but the softness and smell seem to make me forget that I don't get the foamy feel that I'm use to. But it sure cleans my face!
Hope in a Jar- I love this stuff. It's light and fluffy yet seems to give my skin nice moisture. It's not heavy either, which will be great for the summer months here in the South. Again, the smell reminds me of a spa. It's not fruity nor repulsive. It smells like healing, if healing has a smell.
Eye Hope- Ah, thank you! My eyes love you for this. It's light yet moisturizing.
When Hope is Not Enough- I've been using this every morning, not that I am using Help Me at night. I use this bad boy after Hope in a Jar and it gives my skin another level of moisturizer that it so desperately needs right now.
Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel- So in this kit I received just 1 of these bad boy pads. Seriously, a tease! I'll need to buy the product not that I'm hooked. My skin was glowing for days after. I used this product one evening after washing my face with Purity. I followed with the peel and then with my moisturizers.
A few other products not contained in my kit that I love, Help Me and Keep the Peace. Help Me is used at night and is helping to even my skintone and reduce the reduce. I'm loving it. Keep the Peace is awesome in the mornings after I moisturize, but before I apply my foundation. It helps mellow out the redness in my face and provides a nice primer for my foundation. A total win!
If you haven't checked out the Philosophy line yet, I encourage you to do. It's already made a huge difference with my skin in its texture and appearance. I normally breakout fairly frequently, but using these products have cut down on the amount of breakouts. I'm just now waiting on the discoloration and scarring to lessen. I'll keep you updated on that!
Friday, January 18, 2013
i heart coffee
Do you? I really get a thrill out of going to Starbucks or getting a cup of coffee when we go out to brunch on the weekends.
Every morning, I enjoy that cup of coffee. I grab my k-cup flavor of the morning and pop that sucker in. I normally try to enjoy my cup when my little man is down for his nap, but now that morning naps are starting later and later, I have to have my cup when he's up. But when 3pm rolls around, the Keurig is a brewing my cup of choice! I love it.
Do you own a Keurig? What are your favorite k-cups? We have a local coffee k-cup superstore that I shop frequently. They have EVERYTHING and are always great on advice on ones to try. They also let you buy the singles, which is nice. You no longer have to buy just a box and find out later how much you don't enjoy it.
I enjoy more of the light, flavored coffees like Donut House's Chocolate Covered Donut, Gloria Jeans Macadamia Cookie and any hazelnut flavors. My husband, however, enjoys the more bold, richer flavors. I'm always looking for something new to try. What do you recommend?
Every morning, I enjoy that cup of coffee. I grab my k-cup flavor of the morning and pop that sucker in. I normally try to enjoy my cup when my little man is down for his nap, but now that morning naps are starting later and later, I have to have my cup when he's up. But when 3pm rolls around, the Keurig is a brewing my cup of choice! I love it.
Do you own a Keurig? What are your favorite k-cups? We have a local coffee k-cup superstore that I shop frequently. They have EVERYTHING and are always great on advice on ones to try. They also let you buy the singles, which is nice. You no longer have to buy just a box and find out later how much you don't enjoy it.
I enjoy more of the light, flavored coffees like Donut House's Chocolate Covered Donut, Gloria Jeans Macadamia Cookie and any hazelnut flavors. My husband, however, enjoys the more bold, richer flavors. I'm always looking for something new to try. What do you recommend?
Saturday, January 12, 2013
biting and screaming? oh my!
My sweet, adorable baby boy has begun something new. And it's not so sweet and adorable; biting and screaming. He mainly bites me out of frustration, and he mainly screams when he's in his highchair and is wanting me to hurry up and give him food.
I'm at a loss at how to handle this. The pediatrician gave me one tip when he's screaming and biting. Well, we've tried that several times today, and all he does is look at me and laugh. The biting is another thing. He is currently cutting his 1 year molars, so the pediatrician just thinks he's beside himself with his mouth not feeling well. I guess my next step is time outs. It's hard to do time outs sometimes especially when it's nap time.
So for you BTDT mommas, what did you do? He's 12 months old and just as cute as can be, but I feel this is something I need to nip in the bud, especially so he's not biting other kids at church and MOPs.
I'm at a loss at how to handle this. The pediatrician gave me one tip when he's screaming and biting. Well, we've tried that several times today, and all he does is look at me and laugh. The biting is another thing. He is currently cutting his 1 year molars, so the pediatrician just thinks he's beside himself with his mouth not feeling well. I guess my next step is time outs. It's hard to do time outs sometimes especially when it's nap time.
So for you BTDT mommas, what did you do? He's 12 months old and just as cute as can be, but I feel this is something I need to nip in the bud, especially so he's not biting other kids at church and MOPs.
Friday, January 11, 2013
I got them back!
Yes, after 12.5 months of breastfeeding and 9 months of being pregnant, I got *them* back. I have to admit, this morning I was a bit sad. Okay, I may have shed a few tears that this was the end of something special. And the beginning of something new. Today was the first day that I did not breastfeed. Thankfully my little guy snuggled with me as he drank his milk/yogurt combination. So I at least got some snuggles in.
But what's a mom to do now?!
I think a trip to Victoria Secrets is in order. No more nursing bras. YAY. And for this, I am excited.
Moms, how did you get your snuggles in after weaning?
But what's a mom to do now?!
I think a trip to Victoria Secrets is in order. No more nursing bras. YAY. And for this, I am excited.
Moms, how did you get your snuggles in after weaning?
Thursday, January 10, 2013
i did it!
I can't believe it. I did what I set out to do. Lots of hard work and determination have paid off! And I'm quite proud of myself, and my son, that I was able to complete my mission.
My mission when Baby A was born was to breastfeed for a full year. And to be honest, when I first started out, it was hard work. He seemed to be attached to me ALL. THE. TIME.
There were times when I thought my supply was lacking and friends and family did their best to alleviate the stress I was under, by reassuring me that I could formula feed him. The thought of feeding him formula made me cringe, given that I could breastfeed and that he had no issues with it. I really wanted to do my part and for me, my part was providing him the best that I could. Granted, he was never colicky, never had a milk protein intolerance, never had any issues. And I'm so proud of myself that I stuck to what I really wanted. To say I was determined is probably an understatement.
When Baby A was born, we were told that he was moderately tongue tied and that he would benefit from having his tongue clipped. We had hoped to accomplish this before we left the hospital, but given the holiday schedule, no doctors were available. So our first day home, we spent the majority of the day at 2 doctors' offices and were finally squeezed in for the procedure. While I do think it helped him and will help him in the future, that day spent away from the comfort of my home, I believe it didn't set my supply off on the right foot. We were gone from 9-3, and I'm too embarrassed to say how little I was able to feed him. Then the remainder of the week was rather stressful due to some events with my in-laws.
Around the 6 week mark, I really struggled with whether he was getting enough or not. He was never a great sleeper at first. Up every 1-2 hours for the first several months. The thought of bottle feeding crossed my mind and sometimes happened to allow me some sleep. Around the 3 month mark, I remember going to see my lactation consultant to do a feed and weigh and guess what? He was getting plenty!
As my time of breastfeeding Baby A is coming to an end, due to his lack of interest, I'm left with bittersweet feelings. Granted, him biting me when done eating is making the weaning much more easier, I'm a bit sad for the morning moments when I could cuddle with him before the day actually started. He has more interesting things to discover and see!
Next go around, there are a few things I will change. While Baby A did receive a bottle of formula later into his first year for when my husband would put him to bed, I have other plans for the next kid that hope to remain formula free.
They are:
1. Stay home the entire week in the comfort of my own home, stress-free of certain relatives, and feed on demand.
2. Learn to pump sooner to help build supply and a small stash for those weekend night feeding for my husband to help.
3. See the lactation consultant sooner if I am in question of my supply.
4. Make sure my pediatrician is on board for pro-breastfeeding (granted our first pediatrician never pushed formula on me, but I'd like one who knows more about breastfeeding)
So for those mommas who were able to breastfeed, formulafree, for a year, what tips do you have for those that want to?
While I had plenty of friends and family who did have to formula feed, everyone must choose the best way for them and their baby. And feeding a growing baby is the #1 goal.
My mission when Baby A was born was to breastfeed for a full year. And to be honest, when I first started out, it was hard work. He seemed to be attached to me ALL. THE. TIME.
There were times when I thought my supply was lacking and friends and family did their best to alleviate the stress I was under, by reassuring me that I could formula feed him. The thought of feeding him formula made me cringe, given that I could breastfeed and that he had no issues with it. I really wanted to do my part and for me, my part was providing him the best that I could. Granted, he was never colicky, never had a milk protein intolerance, never had any issues. And I'm so proud of myself that I stuck to what I really wanted. To say I was determined is probably an understatement.
When Baby A was born, we were told that he was moderately tongue tied and that he would benefit from having his tongue clipped. We had hoped to accomplish this before we left the hospital, but given the holiday schedule, no doctors were available. So our first day home, we spent the majority of the day at 2 doctors' offices and were finally squeezed in for the procedure. While I do think it helped him and will help him in the future, that day spent away from the comfort of my home, I believe it didn't set my supply off on the right foot. We were gone from 9-3, and I'm too embarrassed to say how little I was able to feed him. Then the remainder of the week was rather stressful due to some events with my in-laws.
Around the 6 week mark, I really struggled with whether he was getting enough or not. He was never a great sleeper at first. Up every 1-2 hours for the first several months. The thought of bottle feeding crossed my mind and sometimes happened to allow me some sleep. Around the 3 month mark, I remember going to see my lactation consultant to do a feed and weigh and guess what? He was getting plenty!
As my time of breastfeeding Baby A is coming to an end, due to his lack of interest, I'm left with bittersweet feelings. Granted, him biting me when done eating is making the weaning much more easier, I'm a bit sad for the morning moments when I could cuddle with him before the day actually started. He has more interesting things to discover and see!
Next go around, there are a few things I will change. While Baby A did receive a bottle of formula later into his first year for when my husband would put him to bed, I have other plans for the next kid that hope to remain formula free.
They are:
1. Stay home the entire week in the comfort of my own home, stress-free of certain relatives, and feed on demand.
2. Learn to pump sooner to help build supply and a small stash for those weekend night feeding for my husband to help.
3. See the lactation consultant sooner if I am in question of my supply.
4. Make sure my pediatrician is on board for pro-breastfeeding (granted our first pediatrician never pushed formula on me, but I'd like one who knows more about breastfeeding)
So for those mommas who were able to breastfeed, formulafree, for a year, what tips do you have for those that want to?
While I had plenty of friends and family who did have to formula feed, everyone must choose the best way for them and their baby. And feeding a growing baby is the #1 goal.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
A Whaley Cute Birthday Party!
Happy 1st birthday to my favorite little man! I cannot believe how fast his first year has come and gone. Boy do we have some great memories. :) Being a first time mom, I never knew how sappy of a mom I would be, but I can tell you this, I am one of those moms! Preparing for the party was very bittersweet. I'm excited to see who my little man will become. But I sure do miss the itty bitty baby boy that he once was. I enjoy the baby stage so much. The cuddles and snuggles, 2am feedings (yes, I actually do miss this sometimes!), wondering if I'm ever going to sleep again (and yes, I did), and wondering how long he's actually going to nap at each nap.
I don't post photos of Baby A on Facebook for various reasons, but wanted to share some photos from his party for family and close friends to see. We went with the "whale" theme given a onesie he had at 3 months that said "I'm whaley cute". And I think whales are just too cute to use for a little man's birthday party!
I created this banner also on Photoshop (I love Photoshop). The sign said "Happy 1st Birthday Austin".
I created the "austin is 1" sign with my new Silhouette Cameo.
Baby A's party hat that he had no interest in wearing. I also made the sign below that says "i am 1". Yes, again, Photoshop (smile).
I don't post photos of Baby A on Facebook for various reasons, but wanted to share some photos from his party for family and close friends to see. We went with the "whale" theme given a onesie he had at 3 months that said "I'm whaley cute". And I think whales are just too cute to use for a little man's birthday party!
So without further adieu, Baby A's first whaley cute birthday party:
I made this door sign using Photoshop along with a few downloads from Etsy.
Our entry table hosted photos of Baby A from the past year and included this little whale picture that I created on Photoshop using the same graphics I purchased on Etsy.
My favorite was our mantel. Each month I took a photo of him in a white onesie with a month sticker on it. I then had them printed out from Mpix and strung them with a thick string.
I created this banner also on Photoshop (I love Photoshop). The sign said "Happy 1st Birthday Austin".
I created the "austin is 1" sign with my new Silhouette Cameo.
Baby A's party hat that he had no interest in wearing. I also made the sign below that says "i am 1". Yes, again, Photoshop (smile).
When we had our gender reveal party back in July 2011, a local bakery created the cake for us. The cake turned out so cute and was delicious that we had to use them again for his 1st birthday. They created this smash cake with a whale fin on it.
And here is the "big" cake that was layered on the inside in blue and green. The whale was made out of fondant icing.
Baby A getting ready to smash his cake!
And he loved it! We only let him have a few bites before taking it away. But he thoroughly enjoyed it.
And what party wouldn't be complete without opening a few presents? Baby A is greatly blessed and received so many fun toys and clothes!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thanks! Day 9
A little late, but that's okay!
Today, I'm thankful for Fridays. Just something about wrapping up the week, looking forward to the weekend and being lazy that I love.
We have nothing planned this weekend, which is nice. We'll get to sit back, relax and enjoy the nice weather.
Today, I'm thankful for Fridays. Just something about wrapping up the week, looking forward to the weekend and being lazy that I love.
We have nothing planned this weekend, which is nice. We'll get to sit back, relax and enjoy the nice weather.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Thankful Day 8
Today I'm thankful for a new group that I'm apart of: MOPS. It's been so much fun to meet other moms and have things to do just about every week. The group I'm apart of is very laid back but filled with other moms that I have things in common. A few of us even have kids within a few months of each other.
I'm excited to make new friends, as getting older, making new friends seems harder and the effort is that much more. Some days I don't want to put forth the effort to make new friends, but going to MOPS and attending their weekly activities forces me to build on the relationships.
Baby Awesome loves going to Moppets most days. The past 2 times now he's cried when I've dropped him. Today he was even crying when I picked him up. Poor guy was so tired from missing his morning nap. But he always seems to pass out before we can even get out of the parking lot! The above photo was taken at Baby A's first day with one of his teachers.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Thanks! Day 7
Well, folks, last night's presidential election bummed me out. And today I'm thankful for freedom of speech! I'm extremely bummed by the results, but that doesn't change the outcome. I was hoping for "change"but it looks like 4 more years of the same: our growing national deficit, the economy continuing to tank, Obamacare affecting MY healthcare and not for the better, increased taxes because our family is financially successful, and sanctity of human life not being protected.
All I can do is pray for those in leadership. Serious prayer.
All I can do is pray for those in leadership. Serious prayer.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Thanks! Day 6
Did you?
Today I'm reminded of why I love America. We are land of the free and home of the brave. And I'm so thankful to live in a country where I can help determine who will be our leader for the next 4 years. I'm thankful for what this country has stood for: freedom. And I'm thankful for the men and women who continue to fight every day for our freedom and those who have.
Tonight I'll probably be glued to the tv, folding clothes, watching to see who will lead this country for the next 4 years. Now if you haven't yet, GO VOTE!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Thanks! Day 5
Today I'm so thankful for my sister-in-law, Jess. She takes a huge load off my shoulders by helping me with Baby Awesome.
When Baby A was about 4 months old, I had a really tough day with him. Fussy, not happy, just an off day for us. And on top of that, my husband was not going to be home to help me put him to bed, and I was emotionally drained. She took time away from her family and came over to my house for an hour or two just to hold Baby A so that I could get a Momma break. When she left, I felt energized and so glad to have her in my life.
Today I was reminded again of that day many months ago. Baby A has been extremely fussy and just not himself lately. He's crying over everything from his bath, to being changed, going in his car seat and being put on the floor so I can use the restroom. Today I met my SIL and niece at Michaels so I could look around and spend money on Christmas stuff. She again took a huge load off my shoulders and carried around Baby A so I could shop. She didn't buy anything, she wasn't there to shop for herself. She kept my son entertained so I could have some downtime, and I really appreciate that about her!
She's definitely the sister I never had, and I'm so grateful that they live close by and the friendship that we have developed over the years.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thanks - Day #4
We've had more fussiness in our house over the past few days. Baby Awesome hasn't been feeling so awesome. And today I'm thankful for modern medicine. While I don't remember what it's like to have teeth coming in, I have no doubt that it's extremely painful! But thankfully for modern medicine, we can help them out while in their time of need!
While he's teething, our regime that has helped is this:
1. Hyland's Teething Tablets - Oh where would we be without you?
2. Infant Tylenol - Okay, so it's the generic version. But man, this has been a lifesaver over the past few days.
3. Stretchy Puppy - I love this little guy and so does my little man! He loves to chew on it's nose.
4. Sleep - Lots of it!
While he's teething, our regime that has helped is this:
1. Hyland's Teething Tablets - Oh where would we be without you?
2. Infant Tylenol - Okay, so it's the generic version. But man, this has been a lifesaver over the past few days.
3. Stretchy Puppy - I love this little guy and so does my little man! He loves to chew on it's nose.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Thanks! Day 3
And even while he's fussy, I still love my little man. I am so thankful that he has been such an easy baby to have! He loves to laugh and smile at me. I really can't have a bad day when he's around because he just makes me feel better. And while I'm writing this, he's taking his long (wishful thinking) afternoon nap. I'm praying to the nap gods that he will get a nice little nap this afternoon. Momma wants to go Christmas decor shopping!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thanks Day 2
While I'm not big into Facebook, I do like that I am able to "stay in touch" with old friends along with family. I'm not very active in posting on my own page, but I do enjoy following certain people. I will admit, I do keep a few people as my friend only because they keep things entertaining. Sad, huh? One person in particular complains nearly every day, sometimes multiple times a day about how rough her day has been with her child not napping, one kid being sick and feeling the need for chocolate. Seriously? There are bigger things that other people are dealing with that do not even compare. And while everyone is entitled to feel the way that they feel, I do appreciate her occasional "I really am blessed" posts.
This bring me to day 2 of what I'm thankful for and that would be my wonderful little home. I call it little because to me it feels little! My husband previously lived in this house before we were married and thankfully didn't do a lot to it. So when I moved in, let's just say, it went from looking like just a man lived here to, it looks like a woman lives here! I'm thankful that he let me take the lead and decorate to my liking. Lucky for him, I don't decorate "too girly". :)
My kitchen/breakfast area is probably my favorite part. I love the color on the wall and the white mixed with the dark brown just ties it all together.
This bring me to day 2 of what I'm thankful for and that would be my wonderful little home. I call it little because to me it feels little! My husband previously lived in this house before we were married and thankfully didn't do a lot to it. So when I moved in, let's just say, it went from looking like just a man lived here to, it looks like a woman lives here! I'm thankful that he let me take the lead and decorate to my liking. Lucky for him, I don't decorate "too girly". :)
My kitchen/breakfast area is probably my favorite part. I love the color on the wall and the white mixed with the dark brown just ties it all together.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Thanks #1
It's November! Can you believe it? This year has flown by all thanks to my new little man.
2 years ago at this time, I was on my fabulous honeymoon on the impressive World Ship.
1 year ago, we were taking our maternity photos back at Horseshoe Bay where we were married and preparing the arrival of Baby Awesome.
This year I'm at home, taking care of my 10 month old son who isn't feeling very well. Amazing how life changes, huh?
And speaking of November 1st and this little guy, for my first day of thanks, I'm thankful for the opportunity to stay home with my little man. I take for granted the opportunity to be home with him every day and get a chance to watch him grow up. My husband has given me the opportunity to do so by working so hard to provide for us, and I'm so thankful. I know that there are many days that he'd rather stay home and play with Baby Awesome than go to work! But I appreciate and am thankful for the fact that I am given this chance and opportunity.
2 years ago at this time, I was on my fabulous honeymoon on the impressive World Ship.
1 year ago, we were taking our maternity photos back at Horseshoe Bay where we were married and preparing the arrival of Baby Awesome.
This year I'm at home, taking care of my 10 month old son who isn't feeling very well. Amazing how life changes, huh?
And speaking of November 1st and this little guy, for my first day of thanks, I'm thankful for the opportunity to stay home with my little man. I take for granted the opportunity to be home with him every day and get a chance to watch him grow up. My husband has given me the opportunity to do so by working so hard to provide for us, and I'm so thankful. I know that there are many days that he'd rather stay home and play with Baby Awesome than go to work! But I appreciate and am thankful for the fact that I am given this chance and opportunity.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A Little Family Fun
This past weekend we took a family trip to Sea World with my parents and my brother and his wife and daughter. We had so much fun! Baby Awesome did awesome traveling along with sleeping well at night and while we were at Sea World. I don't know why I underestimate his awesome adaptability.
We had a great time watching the One World show (Shamu's amazing flips and tricks) and Azul with all the dolphins and acrobatic water tricks. Amazing! The kids were amazed and so were we, the adults!
While I await photos from my sister-in-law (no rush, Jess!), I thought I'd share the photos that we took.
The "kids" excited about going to Sea World:
Our attempt at a pumpkin patch photo. Poor Austin was getting poked by the hay.
Morning nap for Austin! He was such a trooper. My arms about fell off, but he was too comfy to move him.
So excited about seeing Azul!
He couldn't keep his eyes off the dolphins doing flips.
He enjoyed watching the dolphins upside down.
After getting our bellies full, we headed over to the Monster Mash to watch some of the Sesame Street characters dance and sing.
My niece loved it!
Our little thumb sucker!
I hope your weekend was as fun as ours was!
We had a great time watching the One World show (Shamu's amazing flips and tricks) and Azul with all the dolphins and acrobatic water tricks. Amazing! The kids were amazed and so were we, the adults!
While I await photos from my sister-in-law (no rush, Jess!), I thought I'd share the photos that we took.
The "kids" excited about going to Sea World:
Our attempt at a pumpkin patch photo. Poor Austin was getting poked by the hay.
Morning nap for Austin! He was such a trooper. My arms about fell off, but he was too comfy to move him.
So excited about seeing Azul!
He couldn't keep his eyes off the dolphins doing flips.
He enjoyed watching the dolphins upside down.
After getting our bellies full, we headed over to the Monster Mash to watch some of the Sesame Street characters dance and sing.
Our little thumb sucker!
I hope your weekend was as fun as ours was!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Christmas Day 2011
I've been meaning to write about this for a while. And since Baby
Awesome is down for his nap, I thought now would be a good time to talk
about it.
When I was pregnant with Baby Awesome, I had envisioned how I wanted the birth to go. My husband and I took the "Preparing for Childbirth" class at the hospital. And after the weekend was over, I told my husband, I think I'll try to go all natural. (ie no medication). He thought that sounded awesome! Of course he did! He wasn't the one bearing the pain. LOL.
My due date was December 21, but for some reason, I figured this baby would come on Christmas. Christmas Eve morning, I woke up and started having contractions and bleeding. I panicked, told my husband we needed to head to the hospital, so off we went. Now, I just want to preface by saying I was having braxton hick contractions since week 28. And these contractions were definitely different. So off to the hospital we went. We get there and the nurse says, nope, go back home. I'm only dilated 1cm, contractions by this point were coming and going, so we head back home.
This Christmas Eve, we had decided to not make any plans with family. The previous weekend, we had celebrated with my side of the family. And we had no plans (typical - the in-laws like to wing it) with my husband's family. So we spend the day at home, thinking we'd watch the Cowboys, maybe attend the Christmas Eve service at church, depending on how I was feeling. Well, that evening I spent on the couch, watching the Boys play. My husband was busy wrapping gifts and whatnot. I remember talking with my mom on the phone at one point and would have to pause every so often as I could feel a contraction. My parents live roughly 4 hours away. And they were planning on coming down once I got admitted to the hospital. Well, after our phone conversation, Mom knew that they needed to come on down and check into their hotel.
Around 8:30, I was monitoring the contractions and they seemed to be 3-5 minutes apart for a good solid hour. Awesome. I tell my husband, ok, for real this time! We head down to the hospital (thankfully only 15 minutes away) and I get brought in to the triage room. Another nurse hooks me up to the monitors and proceeds to check me. I'm a 2cm! Woohoo! But they won't admit me until I'm at least a 4 or 5cm being a first time Mom. WHAT?! By this point, my pain was picking up. Based on my phone's calculations, the contractions were every 3-5 minutes apart. Well, according to the monitor, the nurse said that they weren't steady enough. So she calls me doctor who says to go walk around for a while and come back to be checked. So, off my husband and I walk. An hour later we head back into the room to be checked. Still 2cm and my contractions still weren't consistent enough for them to admit.
What to do? The nurse says I'm a first time mom and I can be in pre-labor for days. They can prescribe me Ambien to help me sleep. It'll lessen the pain some, but to just go home and sleep.
I take Ambien at roughly 10:45pm and get home around 11pm and my husband gets me in bed. I really can't sleep. I probably dozed. I woke up and took Tylenol wondering when the pain would lessen. I mean, really? Apparently I was IN LABOR but not enough to be admitted to the hospital. (Who makes these rules, I mean, seriously?!) My husband comes into the room at one point to see if I wanted a bath to help with the pain. I remember tracking my contractions at this point. 1-2 minutes apart, lasting 60-90 seconds. Oh yes. I finally tell my husband, I guess take me back. Maybe I'll be dilated enough to be admitted. I seriously was concerned that they would send me home for the 3rd time! I thought I was going to have this baby on the floor in our bathroom.
So off we head. It's 3am! The pain was so unbearable. I thought I was going to die. I thought to myself, if I'm not in actual labor, I'm screwed because this is awful!
I barely make it into the hospital. I tell my husband to go ahead and get someone. I make it to a seat before someone is sent with a wheelchair. They wheel me back to triage to "check" me before hooking me up to a monitor. Surely they can tell by my wet hair and wet clothes that either A. my water broke or B. I'm in active labor and this baby is coming literally any minute.
The nurse (same one previously) checks me and no lie says, "You're about to have a baby!" I still think to myself, "No crap, lady!"
At that moment, things were moving so fast! I just remember them pulling me out of the little triage room and hauling me to a labor and delivery room. Once I arrived in my own little room, I was greeted by about 5 nurses. The lights were on. This was showtime! I don't remember much. They hooked me up to an IV. I remember my husband asking several questions, "Can I put my contacts in, Do I have time to get our things out of the car like our camera, I need to call your mom, Will she get an epidural."
My doctor showed up so fast. Well, this wasn't my actual doctor, but the on-call doc for my practice, who I really liked! Thankfully he lived about 2 minutes away. Merry Christmas, Doc! I remember him walking in and I was basically like, Sorry I couldn't wait, but I need to get this baby out. He said, go for it. So without an epidural, 3 pushes later and our little man arrived! The doctor called me a rockstar. I had no time for an epidural and by the time I arrived at the hospital, I was complete. I had gone through the hardest part without drugs. So the ending was honestly not as bad. You are so looking forward to just getting the baby out, that nothing else matters.
I was apparently a rockstar. All the nurses that I came in contact with along with any pediatricians or workers that came into my room knew my story. Of all their deliveries there, they had never seen anyone deliver as quickly as I did. I was told that it's called precipitous labor. That's something that they don't talk about in your child birth classes! I am thankful that they were so well staffed since my son chose to come on Christmas morning. We had one nurse that took so many photos for us, so that my husband could be at my side.
The Ambien really blurred my thinking though. While I wasn't tired from taking it, I felt drugged. I thankfully have photos that are timestamped to look back on to know when something happened (like Baby Awesome's bath), when our parents came in that day, it was 7:30AM! My son is 100% healthy. He did suffer a bi-lateral cephalahematoma that took about a month to reside.
There's a part of me that mourns the loss of the delivery that I did not have. The photos taken after the delivery of my husband, son and me were not the most flattering. I looked like a crazy woman! I had seen some of my friends with the beautiful photos after the fact. As I mentioned above, I have a hard time remembering things from the birth. I felt numb and emotionless.
While I'm thankful that my son arrived healthy, I'm having to let go of the way I wanted his birth to go.
When I was pregnant with Baby Awesome, I had envisioned how I wanted the birth to go. My husband and I took the "Preparing for Childbirth" class at the hospital. And after the weekend was over, I told my husband, I think I'll try to go all natural. (ie no medication). He thought that sounded awesome! Of course he did! He wasn't the one bearing the pain. LOL.
My due date was December 21, but for some reason, I figured this baby would come on Christmas. Christmas Eve morning, I woke up and started having contractions and bleeding. I panicked, told my husband we needed to head to the hospital, so off we went. Now, I just want to preface by saying I was having braxton hick contractions since week 28. And these contractions were definitely different. So off to the hospital we went. We get there and the nurse says, nope, go back home. I'm only dilated 1cm, contractions by this point were coming and going, so we head back home.
This Christmas Eve, we had decided to not make any plans with family. The previous weekend, we had celebrated with my side of the family. And we had no plans (typical - the in-laws like to wing it) with my husband's family. So we spend the day at home, thinking we'd watch the Cowboys, maybe attend the Christmas Eve service at church, depending on how I was feeling. Well, that evening I spent on the couch, watching the Boys play. My husband was busy wrapping gifts and whatnot. I remember talking with my mom on the phone at one point and would have to pause every so often as I could feel a contraction. My parents live roughly 4 hours away. And they were planning on coming down once I got admitted to the hospital. Well, after our phone conversation, Mom knew that they needed to come on down and check into their hotel.
Around 8:30, I was monitoring the contractions and they seemed to be 3-5 minutes apart for a good solid hour. Awesome. I tell my husband, ok, for real this time! We head down to the hospital (thankfully only 15 minutes away) and I get brought in to the triage room. Another nurse hooks me up to the monitors and proceeds to check me. I'm a 2cm! Woohoo! But they won't admit me until I'm at least a 4 or 5cm being a first time Mom. WHAT?! By this point, my pain was picking up. Based on my phone's calculations, the contractions were every 3-5 minutes apart. Well, according to the monitor, the nurse said that they weren't steady enough. So she calls me doctor who says to go walk around for a while and come back to be checked. So, off my husband and I walk. An hour later we head back into the room to be checked. Still 2cm and my contractions still weren't consistent enough for them to admit.
What to do? The nurse says I'm a first time mom and I can be in pre-labor for days. They can prescribe me Ambien to help me sleep. It'll lessen the pain some, but to just go home and sleep.
I take Ambien at roughly 10:45pm and get home around 11pm and my husband gets me in bed. I really can't sleep. I probably dozed. I woke up and took Tylenol wondering when the pain would lessen. I mean, really? Apparently I was IN LABOR but not enough to be admitted to the hospital. (Who makes these rules, I mean, seriously?!) My husband comes into the room at one point to see if I wanted a bath to help with the pain. I remember tracking my contractions at this point. 1-2 minutes apart, lasting 60-90 seconds. Oh yes. I finally tell my husband, I guess take me back. Maybe I'll be dilated enough to be admitted. I seriously was concerned that they would send me home for the 3rd time! I thought I was going to have this baby on the floor in our bathroom.
So off we head. It's 3am! The pain was so unbearable. I thought I was going to die. I thought to myself, if I'm not in actual labor, I'm screwed because this is awful!
I barely make it into the hospital. I tell my husband to go ahead and get someone. I make it to a seat before someone is sent with a wheelchair. They wheel me back to triage to "check" me before hooking me up to a monitor. Surely they can tell by my wet hair and wet clothes that either A. my water broke or B. I'm in active labor and this baby is coming literally any minute.
The nurse (same one previously) checks me and no lie says, "You're about to have a baby!" I still think to myself, "No crap, lady!"
At that moment, things were moving so fast! I just remember them pulling me out of the little triage room and hauling me to a labor and delivery room. Once I arrived in my own little room, I was greeted by about 5 nurses. The lights were on. This was showtime! I don't remember much. They hooked me up to an IV. I remember my husband asking several questions, "Can I put my contacts in, Do I have time to get our things out of the car like our camera, I need to call your mom, Will she get an epidural."
My doctor showed up so fast. Well, this wasn't my actual doctor, but the on-call doc for my practice, who I really liked! Thankfully he lived about 2 minutes away. Merry Christmas, Doc! I remember him walking in and I was basically like, Sorry I couldn't wait, but I need to get this baby out. He said, go for it. So without an epidural, 3 pushes later and our little man arrived! The doctor called me a rockstar. I had no time for an epidural and by the time I arrived at the hospital, I was complete. I had gone through the hardest part without drugs. So the ending was honestly not as bad. You are so looking forward to just getting the baby out, that nothing else matters.
I was apparently a rockstar. All the nurses that I came in contact with along with any pediatricians or workers that came into my room knew my story. Of all their deliveries there, they had never seen anyone deliver as quickly as I did. I was told that it's called precipitous labor. That's something that they don't talk about in your child birth classes! I am thankful that they were so well staffed since my son chose to come on Christmas morning. We had one nurse that took so many photos for us, so that my husband could be at my side.
The Ambien really blurred my thinking though. While I wasn't tired from taking it, I felt drugged. I thankfully have photos that are timestamped to look back on to know when something happened (like Baby Awesome's bath), when our parents came in that day, it was 7:30AM! My son is 100% healthy. He did suffer a bi-lateral cephalahematoma that took about a month to reside.
There's a part of me that mourns the loss of the delivery that I did not have. The photos taken after the delivery of my husband, son and me were not the most flattering. I looked like a crazy woman! I had seen some of my friends with the beautiful photos after the fact. As I mentioned above, I have a hard time remembering things from the birth. I felt numb and emotionless.
While I'm thankful that my son arrived healthy, I'm having to let go of the way I wanted his birth to go.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
ADD
I don't know about you, but some days, well most days, I feel like I have ADD. I can't focus on one thing at a time. Now you might say, multi-tasking is a good thing. I don't agree necessarily. The fault for trying to multitask is that I feel like I never get anything done!
Example. Do you ever get on the internet to do something in particular, say, create a photobook of your child for a specific timeframe and end up with 10 tabs on your browser open consisting of the possibility: pinterest, Facebook, online stores, etc, followed by iPhoto open with photos that have nothing to do with the project you've set out to do?
I'm a pro at thinking, if I just purchase XYZ for a DIY project, it'll complete itself. Or if I just think myself 10lbs lighter, I'll wake up tomorrow, and I'll be there. I don't lack the gift of positive thinking, for sure!
I've learned that sometimes starting a project is a lot harder than actually finishing it. Taking that one additional step once I begin the project will put me that much more closer to finishing it.
For some reason, I don't remember the whole point of this post, but that just goes to show you, my mind has already skipped ahead to something new!
Any now, back to my photobook...
Happy Wednesday!
Example. Do you ever get on the internet to do something in particular, say, create a photobook of your child for a specific timeframe and end up with 10 tabs on your browser open consisting of the possibility: pinterest, Facebook, online stores, etc, followed by iPhoto open with photos that have nothing to do with the project you've set out to do?
I'm a pro at thinking, if I just purchase XYZ for a DIY project, it'll complete itself. Or if I just think myself 10lbs lighter, I'll wake up tomorrow, and I'll be there. I don't lack the gift of positive thinking, for sure!
I've learned that sometimes starting a project is a lot harder than actually finishing it. Taking that one additional step once I begin the project will put me that much more closer to finishing it.
For some reason, I don't remember the whole point of this post, but that just goes to show you, my mind has already skipped ahead to something new!
Any now, back to my photobook...
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Pinterest Inspired: Fall Wreath
Fall is in the air. I love the feeling outside when the air gets a little cooler and a little more crisp. Since I live in the Houston area, we don't get to experience the fullness of seasons as I would like. But I can still enjoy my Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and dream of the 60 degree weather.
My sister-in-law, Jessica, and I get to see each other at least once a week. We periodically do craft days. I love them! Our last craft day consisted of making wreaths.
This is her blog write-up about her wreath.
My inspiration came from "Living with Lindsay"
Jess's inspiration came from "That's so Cuegly" blog.
How different are we? I love it!
My finished product:
Jess's finished product turned out awesome:
My sister-in-law, Jessica, and I get to see each other at least once a week. We periodically do craft days. I love them! Our last craft day consisted of making wreaths.
This is her blog write-up about her wreath.
My inspiration came from "Living with Lindsay"
Jess's inspiration came from "That's so Cuegly" blog.
How different are we? I love it!
My finished product:
While I'm not 100% satisfied with mine, I think it needs so more fillers, I am enjoying it so far!
Stay tuned for our next craft day!
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