-My kid is so freaking cute. I mean, I know everyone thinks their kid is cute...but really, this kid is darling. Is it bad to admit I was scared that he wasn't going to be cute? -Life with a newborn is hard...but it has gotten much better. We enjoyed the safety of the hospital for 5 days and that first night home was insane. INSANE. Tears from everyone (and howling from the dog). Looking back at that night, it is kind of funny. Kind of. What were we thinking? We didn't really have a plan and just thought we were going to "go with the flow." Ethan said NO WAY to that flow. He had to be attached to this stupid bilirubin lamp all night so we couldn't walk around with him to calm him down. This caused a lot of frustration and a lot of screaming (from Ethan...not us). I think he sensed our fear (can't animals and newborns do this?). -Ethan is now 7 weeks old (time is flying) and I can't believe I will be back at work in 5 weeks. Where has the summer gone? -I hate when people ask me if I'm breastfeeding. Especially when it's a man. Or a stranger. It's weird to me. Mind your own business and stop looking at my chest. -Mike took newborn pictures of my beautiful little man. You can see them all HERE. Clary also came over to take some family pictures. Love! -How do you get your kid to sleep anywhere than your arms? He ROCKS at night (we are well rested parents...thanks Ethan) but the days are tough. He won't sleep flat so the bassinet and crib are out. He loves the Rock & Play at night but when I try to get him in it during the day, he wakes right up. I might have to start swaddling for naps. I love cuddling with him in my arms all day but it's not going to be possible when I go back to work. -My kid is the spit-up champ. I date any baby to try to spit-up more than him...you can't. It really is crazy and I'm not sure what to do about it. The pediatrician isn't worried because he's gaining weight and isn't upset or in pain. She said that we can add rice cereal to his bottle but I think he is still too young for that. I guess he will just live in bibs. Hoping the spitting ends soon. -His smiles melt my heart. We get to start each day with about 20 minutes of smiles for Mommy and Daddy in bed. Then I'll randomly get them throughout the day and a lot during playtime and diaper changes. He started really smiling at 4 weeks and they were definitely at us at 5 weeks. I can't wait till he starts to laugh.
In February, I posted my nursery inspiration. It is so interesting to see what actually happened and what didn't (most of it didn't!).
Let's start with some pictures that Mike took and posted on his blog.
1. Babyletto Mercer Crib
2. Ikea Hemnes dresser
3. Rocker and Ottoman from Walmart
4. Ikea bookshelf and wall shelf
5. Rug from Garden Ridge
6. End table from Target
7. Art custom made by my hubby in Ikea frames
8. Chachkis on the shelves from Etsy, Target, World Market, Urban Outfitters, and books
Please remember that our nursery was started when I was 7 months pregnant! Crazy, I know! My husband did ALL of the work in this room. I told him what I liked and what I wanted, and he did it! He also designed and painted the beautiful mural above Ethan's bed. I'm a lucky, lucky lady. Again, I have vision but the man has talent.
Luckily it all came together in time for Ethan's arrival (we bought the rug the night before my water broke). We wanted a simple, calming room with a classic feel. I think we pulled it off.
Oh man...I have a screaming baby so I have to go. I don't know how so many of you blogger mommies blogged everyday with a newborn! Yikes!!!
We are 3 weeks into this whole parenthood thing and we are finally starting to know what works and what doesn't. I really appreciated other mommies blogging about their favorite baby products so I am going to do the same. These items have helped save our sanity through the last few weeks. They are in no particular order.
Graco Swing- It vibrates, it swings, it makes wonderful noises like ocean waves, babbling brooks, and classical music. I love this thing and so does Ethan. Actually he is sleeping in it right now as I type this out.
Sleep Sheep On the Go- This little guy is another sound machine. He is only $2 cheaper than his full-sized friend but I like him because he can strap on to the car seat and stroller. I'm not sure if his white noise is more soothing to us or to Ethan but this guy is always nearby. Itzbeen Baby Timer- This thing has helped us keep track of Ethan's feedings and diaper changes. It is especially helpful overnight when Mike and I change shifts and try to figure out when it's time for the next bottle. I know there are apps out there that do the same thing, but with 2 of us, it is just easier to keep the timer clipped to the side of the bassinet. Also, I feel like my phone has constantly been needing to be on the charger and I'm sure that using an app would drain my phone even faster. Miracle Blanket- Oh "baby straight-jacket", I love you so. Mr. Ethan is a big boy and he is VERY strong. He can maneuver his way out of any swaddle. We have tried big muslin blankets, hospital blankets, and other special swaddlers with velcro, and the little man busted right through them all. The Miracle Blanket is our night time swaddler. The regular blankets will do during the day but this is the only thing that will keep him wrapped for hours so we use it at night. It really is a miracle! (I went back to buy another. I might go get a 3rd.) Happiest Baby on the Block DVD- Oh. My. Goodness. This thing is a must! Watching this video, Mike and I couldn't help but think "yea right" as this man put babies into an almost hypnotic state by shushing and putting them on their sides. But the first time we tried the techniques with Ethan, they instantly put him into zombie-baby mode and it was AMAZING. The glazed and calm look in his eyes is just incredible as he receives ALL FIVE S's. Thank you, Dr. Karp!
Fisher Price Rock & Play Sleeper- For the first 2 weeks, Ethan did not like to sleep anywhere other than our arms or the swing. I didn't feel comfortable falling asleep with him in the swing, which means that we took turns sleeping on the couch, holding E. He WOULD NOT sleep flat in his bassinet. Thankfully, a wonderful friend let me borrow this product. Hallelujah! Ethan loves it, will nap in it, and has even allowed us to sleep in our bed this past week. YAY! These are our MUST-HAVES for the first 3 weeks. I'm sure I will have a lot more items in the future but for now, these are what we could not live without!
On Friday, May 13th, I woke up around 6:30 am and was excited that I had not gone into labor overnight.With my doctor out of town and family leaving town, we hoped to get through the weekend.I went back to sleep and at 8:30 am, something told me to get up and get out of bed.After 2 steps on the way to the bathroom, my water broke.Mike was in the shower as I burst through the door and told him the news.I waited a few minutes to make sure that it was actually my water that had broken and then called my mom while Mike called the doctor’s office.I took a shower, did my hair and makeup, and threw last minute items in my hospital bag, all while waddling around the house with a towel between my legs.The car ride brought my first few contractions, which were both exciting and not too painful (nothing compared to what was to come).
last belly picture. ready to go to the hospital.
We arrived at the hospital at 9:45 am and were immediately admitted.The hospital was busy and we got the very last labor and delivery room.At 10:25 am, I was dilated 4 cm and 90% effaced.Everything seemed ready to go and we all predicted a pretty fast labor.The nurse said that we were definitely going to have a baby today.
waiting for the epidural
Contractions were picking up quickly and at 12:00 noon, a nurse anesthetist came in to give me the epidural.I had to lie on my side, I couldn’t hold Mike’s hands, and I was absolutely terrified.She had a hard time finding the “space” and commented that I am a “very small lady.”After a bit of a struggle and a lot of tears, the epidural was in but relief never came.I knew immediately that nothing was happening and the nurses were telling me that it would take 15-30 minutes to kick in.Time passed slowly and contractions were coming faster and faster.The pain was horrible and Mike helped me through each contraction.Since we weren’t planning for a natural birth, we had not practiced breathing and relaxation techniques to help us through the contractions.Fear set in that I was maybe immune to epidurals or I would have to go through the terrible experience of an epidural again.
contractions close and very painful. they had to turn the machine so i couldn't see them coming.
At 1:45 pm, after almost 2 hours of very painful contractions, the anesthesiologist entered the room and re-did my epidural.I sat up, was curled over, holding Mike’s hands, and was completely calm.He easily placed the epidural, I felt instant relief, and was a much happier person.
At about 3 pm, I was 6 cm dilated and was started on Pitocin to speed up my contractions and further dilate my cervix.The next 6 hours were calm and while waiting to dilate, we spent time with family and friends.
waiting
still waiting
We met Dr. Manny, who would be delivering our baby and by 9:25 pm, I was dilated to 10 cm. FINALLY, after 13 hours, I was ready to push.We were so excited that we were going to meet our son soon…or so we thought.
time to push. there are a few pushing pictures but those are not going on the internet.
I began pushing at around 9:30 pm.After my first round of pushes, I was surprised at the difficulty of pushing.I could feel the pressure of contractions coming, but I didn’t feel like I was pushing “the right way.”I immediately was feeling frustrated and after each set of pushes, I felt defeated.I watched the minutes and hours pass on the clock; I pushed and pushed, and didn’t make much progress.Baby boy wasn’t able to get past my pelvic bone and he was facing up toward the ceiling.I was determined to have a vaginal birth and asked if I could continue pushing.I was told that as long as the baby’s heart rate stays stable and he doesn’t go into distress, I could continue.I have never wanted anything so badly in my life.With each sets of pushes, I knew that if I didn’t get him out, a c-section would be in my near future.I pushed on my back, I pushed on my side, and I pushed on my hands and knees…nothing.Finally, at around 12:30 am, after 3 exhausting hours of pushing, it was decided that a c-section was necessary for the safest delivery for baby and mommy.I cried.And cried.And cried.I felt like a failure and I was terrified of the surgery.Since we were not in an emergency situation, we needed to wait until an operating room was available and at 1:40 am, I was brought into the operating room.
last picture as a family of 2. scared, crying, and shaking.
21 minutes later, I heard the most beautiful noise my heart and ears have ever heard.I stared up at the look on Mike’s face as he watched our son taken from my body, and tears ran down my face.At 2:01 am, on Saturday, May 14th, Ethan Michael entered the world.
big, beautiful boy
All of the doctors and nurses were talking about how big and long he was and about all of his blonde hair.I watched as he was cleaned and weighed and couldn’t believe it when I saw 9 pounds, 4 ounces on the scale.My eyes were swollen and exhausted from the pushing and the crying, and I remember saying “Does that say 9?”
Touching and seeing Ethan for the first time is a moment I will never forget.He was the most perfect and beautiful thing I had ever seen and I was completely overwhelmed with joy, relief, and love.
tears, tears, tears
our first family picture. i will never forget this moment for my entire life.
About 30 minutes later, we were wheeled back to the labor and delivery room, where we were given private, family bonding time.For about 45 minutes, we did skin-to-skin and tried breastfeeding, as Ethan latched right on and knew what to do.It was another incredible moment that I am so lucky that we had together as a family. I watched as Mike and the nurses gave Ethan his first bath. Adorable.
Finally around 4 am, I was brought into the room where we would stay for the next 4 nights.I was so hungry (you can’t eat when in labor and you can’t eat 24 hours after surgery) and exhausted, but couldn’t sleep.The events of the day kept playing in my mind as I watched the sun rise from my room.
Recovery from the c-section has been surprisingly easy.I was worried about the long recovery time but I was feeling about 80% after a week and 100% by 2 weeks. I had heard horror stories and I am glad to say that it really isn't that bad at all. I think having a 9 pound baby was going to hurt either way he came out! I ended up experiencing a bit of natural labor and an epidural, as well as labor with contractions and pushing and a c-section. What a well-rounded experience, huh?!
We was extremely happy with our stay at Missouri Baptist.The nurses and doctors were wonderful and we received excellent care.It was definitely the most amazing day (well, 2 days) of my life.Although it was not what I envisioned Ethan’s birth story to be, it is a beautiful story that ended with my perfect man in my arms.We are so thankful to God, our friends, family, and wonderful medical professionals to have helped us through this trying pregnancy.We are truly blessed.
Ethan Michael was born on May 14th at 2:01 am. He was 9 pounds, 4 ounces and 22 inches. BIG BOY! He has a head full of blond hair and looks just like his daddy. After my water broke on Friday the 13th, I was in labor for 18 hours with 3 hours of pushing, and ended up with a c-section. I am feeling great (recovery was much easier than I expected) and Ethan is just amazing. I'm working on my birth story so I'm sure that will be the next post...whenever that may be. Until then, I'll be snuggling with the new man in my life. We feel so thankful and blessed with this incredible, new life in our home. We appreciate all of the love, support, and prayers our family, friends, and even "internet-friends" gave us that truly helped us through this rollercoaster of a pregnancy.
Cell phone pictures are all I have quick access to right now. As you can imagine, we already have SO many pictures of this little man.
Right after being born... Blondie... During his newborn photo shoot... Read more...
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! We made it! I will get to deliver a full term baby! Words cannot describe how elated we are to have made it this far through this rollercoaster pregnancy. What started out as a poppyseed is now a watermelon!
It amazes me that THIS is what is going on in my body!
We are going to get to meet our son sometime within the next 3 weeks. I'm just so excited (can you tell?)!!!
Haven't done this in a long time, so here we go!
How Far Along: 37 weeks Size of Baby: Approximately 6.5 pounds Total Weight Gain/Loss: +32 pounds...YIKES!!! Maternity Clothes:Of course! I'm really getting excited to go shopping for normal clothes though. Movement: Movement is still constant and I'm trying to soak it all in. Everyone tells me that I'll miss the kicks the most when I'm not pregnant anymore. Symptoms: I've really been lucky with pregnancy symptoms. Other than this big old belly, I can't complain. Obviously, it's harder to move around and I'm moving a lot slower, but that seems pretty normal at this point. I will say that my crotchal area is pretty sore nowadays. What I Miss: Same as before...Shaving my legs without having to sit down, not getting winded from walking up stairs, shopping, and most of all, drinking. Girl or Boy: BOY! Belly button In or Out: Innie. It's not going to pop but it is almost flat. I knew I had a deep belly button! Stretch Marks: Oh yes...they graced me with their presence at 36 weeks. I have a few red ones on each hip and clear ones on my belly. Cravings: Nothing much. Still need juice every morning but I've expanded from just orange juice to apple and grape juice too. Anything will do...I'm just so thirsty! Best Moment This Week: Meeting this final milestone and being able to be completely "normal". I went to the grocery store for the first time in 20 weeks on Sunday! It was amazing! I went to the doctor yesterday and found out that I am 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. I know that those numbers don't mean that I'll go into labor any minute, but my doctor was happy and excited about it. She even called my cervix "favorable". I was just so thrilled that my cervix was actually doing something RIGHT for once!
We are pretty much finished with the nursery. We still need some decor items and knickknacks for the shelves but those will probably just be added and collected after the little guy is here. Hoping to have some pictures soon!
So, the real countdown is on! On Monday, I hit 35/35...35 weeks down and 35 days to go. That makes today my 35/33. Crazy since the doctor's last goal for me is 36 weeks. So close I can taste it!!!
Totally survived the wedding. I joked so long about going into labor on the dance floor and the fact that it could have been a reality was kind of crazy. But thankfully it didn't happen and we enjoyed a beautiful day with wonderful friends. Here's a few pictures... I'm going to the doctor tomorrow. Not sure if I want her to check my progress or not (but I might not have a choice if I'm a preterm laborer). At 35w4d, I still feel like it's early and knowing that I was 1 cm dilated, really freaked me out. I'll have another appointment next Thursday so maybe she will just wait and check me then.
I still need to post pictures of my showers. They were so wonderful and I got some amazing gifts. I am always overwhelmed by how generous people are. It really is such a great feeling to be "showered" with so much love by the people you love the most.
I did receive some cloth diapers from my mom and mother-in-law. They got me some BumGenius 4.0s. I'm not fully committing to exclusively cloth diapering. I feel overwhelmed by the whole process, all of the options/choices/products, and I wasn't able to go to Cotton Babies during my semi-bedrest state. So I have a start and I look forward to learning more and giving it a shot. Oh...by the way...I know I am big. Yes, I'm sure I'm not having twins. No, I'm not due next week. Yes, Mr. Custodian, I heard you say "woah" under your breath when I walked by. And no, I'm not about to pop. But thanks.
Tonight, I'm going to go downstairs and do my first few loads of baby laundry! So exciting!
On Wednesday, I walked confidently into my high-risk doctor's office, ready to "graduate" and have my final cervical length ultrasound. I have been feeling great...best I have this entire pregnancy. I told the tech that I have had more energy, less contractions and pressure, and I've been able to run a few errands and get stuff done around the house. The moment the ultrasound flipped on the screen, I knew that it didn't look so good, and let out a little "uh oh". My cervix was short...but I couldn't believe how short. 1.8 centimeters! Now, at this point in my pregnancy, that doesn't mean much. I was 2.9 cm the week before and 3.6 cm a week before that. It is totally normal for the cervix to shorten at the end of pregnancy. But this quick shortening was a sign that I might be dilating. So I got checked...
Yup. 1 centimeter dilated and soft. The nurse practitioner said that she touched his head! Yikes! Of course, I was worried and nervous...but my doctor wasn't. They are so proud that we have gotten this far and they feel like baby boy is going to be just fine. This weekend, I am a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's wedding. I am so honored to "stand up" next to her but unfortunately, I won't be standing. My doctors told me that I can attend the wedding and walk down the aisle but I need to be sitting at all other times. I'm sad about that, and nervous about going into labor at the wedding. But there is a little bit of me that is excited to be meeting our son soon. (Another pre-term labor thing happened last night that makes me think the little man is coming sooner than later. Hint...its pretty gross and rhymes with shmucus bug.)
If I make it through this weekend without going into labor, the next goal is 36 weeks. For some reason, my high-risk doctor feels that 36 weeks is full-term and wouldn't require much/any NICU time. SOOOOO...36 weeks is only 10 days away. I don't usually ask for prayers but I'm going to ask for them now. If you could please pray that I can get through this weekend and then to 36 weeks, that would be wonderful.
Here's a picture from the awesome rehearsal dinner last night at Flamingo Bowl. (34w3d) Just days away from 35/35...a milestone that I so badly want to meet!
