Friday, July 15, 2011
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Ben's Birth Day.
I know there are a lot of mamas who read this blog and many of you are interested in birth stories. If you aren't so interested, you can just skip this post and wait for the next one with a cute baby picture. =)
Ben's Birth Story could be summed up in a short version:
Saturday morning - 5:30 AM the alarm goes off.
Water breaks at 5:31 AM.
Go to the hospital.
Have the baby at 10:49 AM.
Move to recovery for afternoon nap time.
Seriously, it could be summed up that simply.
But for those of you who want details, here they are...
The Longer Version:
So far, Ben has inserted himself right into our family schedule without missing a beat. My main prayer for this delivery is that it would happen in the morning because I have so much more energy in the morning. And I'm too old for all-nighters anymore. So thankfully, Ben decided he'd like to arrive on Saturday morning after a good night of sleep for Mommy. It was also the same Saturday Mimi was scheduled to arrive at noon. Perfect! When my water broke as the alarm was still going off, I immediately said a prayer of praise. We got into "go" mode and got everything ready for the boys to wake up. We arranged for a friend to come stay with the boys until our nanny came and then had a nice family breakfast together - the last one as a family of four.
It was important for me to get to the hospital well before my delivery because I needed to get IV antibiotics for Strep B. I've been positive for all three pregnancies and Henry's was so quick, I didn't get there in time for them to even get an IV. My doctor had made me promise I would show up early this time! So we got to the hospital around 8:00 a.m. We told the nurse that I was going to go very quickly and the IV should get in soon. (After the antibiotics are given, you have to wait 4 hours and get a second dose to be fully covered.) I got the dose and she said, "Okay, now all you have to do is wait til 1:00 p.m. to have this baby." She was totally serious and I laughed. I told her that I wouldn't even make it til noon.
Once we were all hooked up to the IV and settled in our room, Jason and I began breathing through the contractions. I sat on the birth ball and we took them one at a time. I started to progress quickly and when the nurse kept coming to check, I told her that we were gonna go quick here. When it got to the point that I was feeling pressure and needing to push, the nurse and the resident told me that my doctor was in a C-section and I would need to wait as long as possible to push. Now, if you are a mama, you KNOW that you cannot wait to push! They had me get on the bed on my side and try to slow things down. It wasn't working. They were getting the room all ready for delivery. Still no doctor. Only the resident. (Who, I might add, looked very freaked out by a lady in active labor in a natural delivery...it's anything but calm, folks!)
At this point, Jason told me later that he was getting very nervous that only the resident was there. She was timid and didn't say much and this made him real nervous. Finally I made it very clear that I needed to push. Then I heard a man's voice in the room that sounded like a drill sergeant. Seriously, he walked in and was in charge. It was not my doctor, but still, a clearly seasoned OB who was ready to catch my baby. Jason was relieved. And I probably would have been had I known what was happening.
Ben came out with one push at 10:49 a.m. I heard him crying. Then I heard the doctor instructing the resident on how to finish things out. Thankfully I had no injuries that had to be tended to - another answered prayer. When it was all said and done, the OB who made the guest appearance at my delivery kept saying over and over, "well, she did a d*mn good job. A d*mn good job for a natural delivery." Hey, I guess of all the things people can say to you after you give birth to a baby, I'll take it! Better than "Wow, did you see that huge kid come out of that tiny..." Never mind. You get my drift.
Ben checked out healthy and we headed upstairs to recovery just after my mom arrived for a visit. Jason, Ben, and I enjoyed an afternoon nap and my boys at home hardly missed a beat.
Three cheers for giving birth on Saturday morning! If I do it again, I'll definitely add that to my birth wish list.
But right now, I'm not thinking about doing it again. Just enjoying sweet little Ben and all his newborn-ness. =)
I know there are a lot of mamas who read this blog and many of you are interested in birth stories. If you aren't so interested, you can just skip this post and wait for the next one with a cute baby picture. =)
Ben's Birth Story could be summed up in a short version:
Saturday morning - 5:30 AM the alarm goes off.
Water breaks at 5:31 AM.
Go to the hospital.
Have the baby at 10:49 AM.
Move to recovery for afternoon nap time.
Seriously, it could be summed up that simply.
But for those of you who want details, here they are...
The Longer Version:
So far, Ben has inserted himself right into our family schedule without missing a beat. My main prayer for this delivery is that it would happen in the morning because I have so much more energy in the morning. And I'm too old for all-nighters anymore. So thankfully, Ben decided he'd like to arrive on Saturday morning after a good night of sleep for Mommy. It was also the same Saturday Mimi was scheduled to arrive at noon. Perfect! When my water broke as the alarm was still going off, I immediately said a prayer of praise. We got into "go" mode and got everything ready for the boys to wake up. We arranged for a friend to come stay with the boys until our nanny came and then had a nice family breakfast together - the last one as a family of four.
It was important for me to get to the hospital well before my delivery because I needed to get IV antibiotics for Strep B. I've been positive for all three pregnancies and Henry's was so quick, I didn't get there in time for them to even get an IV. My doctor had made me promise I would show up early this time! So we got to the hospital around 8:00 a.m. We told the nurse that I was going to go very quickly and the IV should get in soon. (After the antibiotics are given, you have to wait 4 hours and get a second dose to be fully covered.) I got the dose and she said, "Okay, now all you have to do is wait til 1:00 p.m. to have this baby." She was totally serious and I laughed. I told her that I wouldn't even make it til noon.
Once we were all hooked up to the IV and settled in our room, Jason and I began breathing through the contractions. I sat on the birth ball and we took them one at a time. I started to progress quickly and when the nurse kept coming to check, I told her that we were gonna go quick here. When it got to the point that I was feeling pressure and needing to push, the nurse and the resident told me that my doctor was in a C-section and I would need to wait as long as possible to push. Now, if you are a mama, you KNOW that you cannot wait to push! They had me get on the bed on my side and try to slow things down. It wasn't working. They were getting the room all ready for delivery. Still no doctor. Only the resident. (Who, I might add, looked very freaked out by a lady in active labor in a natural delivery...it's anything but calm, folks!)
At this point, Jason told me later that he was getting very nervous that only the resident was there. She was timid and didn't say much and this made him real nervous. Finally I made it very clear that I needed to push. Then I heard a man's voice in the room that sounded like a drill sergeant. Seriously, he walked in and was in charge. It was not my doctor, but still, a clearly seasoned OB who was ready to catch my baby. Jason was relieved. And I probably would have been had I known what was happening.
Ben came out with one push at 10:49 a.m. I heard him crying. Then I heard the doctor instructing the resident on how to finish things out. Thankfully I had no injuries that had to be tended to - another answered prayer. When it was all said and done, the OB who made the guest appearance at my delivery kept saying over and over, "well, she did a d*mn good job. A d*mn good job for a natural delivery." Hey, I guess of all the things people can say to you after you give birth to a baby, I'll take it! Better than "Wow, did you see that huge kid come out of that tiny..." Never mind. You get my drift.
Ben checked out healthy and we headed upstairs to recovery just after my mom arrived for a visit. Jason, Ben, and I enjoyed an afternoon nap and my boys at home hardly missed a beat.
Three cheers for giving birth on Saturday morning! If I do it again, I'll definitely add that to my birth wish list.
But right now, I'm not thinking about doing it again. Just enjoying sweet little Ben and all his newborn-ness. =)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Nesting....Again.
Well since my children are napping and I have a little time on my hands, I thought I'd do a nesting post...again.
If you read my family blog, you'll know that we completed Henry's early birthday party, which was pretty much the last of my to do list. The freezer is full and so is the pantry. The closets are all cleaned out. The newborn clothes are laundered and ready. The bag is packed. Nothing to do now except wait on Baby #3. I am such a list checker offer that I am so grateful that the list is done. And, of course, now I'll start some other new project to keep me busy until Baby comes. It's the task oriented human being's way, I guess.
I thought I'd start this nesting series (I have no idea how much time/energy I'll have to write too many posts, but we'll see) with a little list I've been compiling in my head for a while now...
It's called
Things You Should Never Say to a Pregnant Lady.
I'll start with the actual words that people say to me, followed by my internal interpretation of them:
"Wow. Do you know how much that baby weighs?" I hear, Geez lady, you are huge and your kid is probably going to be a fatso too.
"Do you know if you are dilated?" Seriously, stranger, are you asking about my nether regions? Cause that's just weird.
"It looks like it's dropped." You are trying to make me feel better that maybe the baby will come soon. Thank you. This one isn't as painful to hear but still...how should I respond? Thank you for noticing that my tummy is low...I guess.
"You are gonna have your hands full." Mostly this comment comes from people who see me with my two other children (ages 2.5 & 12 months). If I had a quarter for every time someone said it, I'd be paying for my children's college education. I'd love to offer an alternative. How about, "Wow, these two children are completely angelic and behaving so well in this grocery store that I'm certain your next baby will be a piece of cake."
"When's that baby due? Oh my goodness, six more weeks! Girl, are you gonna make it?" Well, yes, I will. But thank you for pointing out that it looks like I'm not gonna make it. =)
"Wow. Is there just one baby in there?!" Yes, skinny lady, there is. And if there were more, the three or four of us would gladly kick you in the shins for saying such a silly thing.
I also receive strange looks from people when I am out with Henry (my 12 mo. old) and I'm nine+ months pregnant. They look at him, look at me, look at him, look at me. Then they say, "So, when's your baby due? And how old is he (pointing at Henry)?" Then, they are certainly doing math gymnastics in their head to figure out how/when I got pregnant. One lady even said, "wow, just after the 6 week check up, huh?" Seriously, people. It creeps me out that you are thinking about the process of me getting pregnant. Just say, "oh they'll be close together, huh? They'll be best friends." That's much more positive and much less creepy.
"You haven't had that baby yet?" No I haven't. Evident by the huge tummy I'm still sporting.
I'm sure many of you have something to add to the discussion. Feel free to chime in on the comment section if you want to share something.
And here's a free PSA: If you want to say something to a pregnant woman, how about, "wow, you look great! Congratulations!" Cause that's what every pregnant lady wants to hear. Of course, you should make sure they are pregnant first. =) If in doubt, say nothing!
Well since my children are napping and I have a little time on my hands, I thought I'd do a nesting post...again.
If you read my family blog, you'll know that we completed Henry's early birthday party, which was pretty much the last of my to do list. The freezer is full and so is the pantry. The closets are all cleaned out. The newborn clothes are laundered and ready. The bag is packed. Nothing to do now except wait on Baby #3. I am such a list checker offer that I am so grateful that the list is done. And, of course, now I'll start some other new project to keep me busy until Baby comes. It's the task oriented human being's way, I guess.
I thought I'd start this nesting series (I have no idea how much time/energy I'll have to write too many posts, but we'll see) with a little list I've been compiling in my head for a while now...
It's called
Things You Should Never Say to a Pregnant Lady.
I'll start with the actual words that people say to me, followed by my internal interpretation of them:
"Wow. Do you know how much that baby weighs?" I hear, Geez lady, you are huge and your kid is probably going to be a fatso too.
"Do you know if you are dilated?" Seriously, stranger, are you asking about my nether regions? Cause that's just weird.
"It looks like it's dropped." You are trying to make me feel better that maybe the baby will come soon. Thank you. This one isn't as painful to hear but still...how should I respond? Thank you for noticing that my tummy is low...I guess.
"You are gonna have your hands full." Mostly this comment comes from people who see me with my two other children (ages 2.5 & 12 months). If I had a quarter for every time someone said it, I'd be paying for my children's college education. I'd love to offer an alternative. How about, "Wow, these two children are completely angelic and behaving so well in this grocery store that I'm certain your next baby will be a piece of cake."
"When's that baby due? Oh my goodness, six more weeks! Girl, are you gonna make it?" Well, yes, I will. But thank you for pointing out that it looks like I'm not gonna make it. =)
"Wow. Is there just one baby in there?!" Yes, skinny lady, there is. And if there were more, the three or four of us would gladly kick you in the shins for saying such a silly thing.
I also receive strange looks from people when I am out with Henry (my 12 mo. old) and I'm nine+ months pregnant. They look at him, look at me, look at him, look at me. Then they say, "So, when's your baby due? And how old is he (pointing at Henry)?" Then, they are certainly doing math gymnastics in their head to figure out how/when I got pregnant. One lady even said, "wow, just after the 6 week check up, huh?" Seriously, people. It creeps me out that you are thinking about the process of me getting pregnant. Just say, "oh they'll be close together, huh? They'll be best friends." That's much more positive and much less creepy.
"You haven't had that baby yet?" No I haven't. Evident by the huge tummy I'm still sporting.
I'm sure many of you have something to add to the discussion. Feel free to chime in on the comment section if you want to share something.
And here's a free PSA: If you want to say something to a pregnant woman, how about, "wow, you look great! Congratulations!" Cause that's what every pregnant lady wants to hear. Of course, you should make sure they are pregnant first. =) If in doubt, say nothing!
Monday, February 21, 2011
36.5
Oh man this plant run the course! I planted my "baby plant" when I was pregnant with Alex and it is now 3 years old. It has now counted all three pregnancies and kept its lovely place on my kitchen window sill. You'll notice that it has also had its share of bumps and bruises (just like the boys, I suppose.) Henry used to take his baths in the kitchen sink. That is, until he grabbed my plant and sent it crashing...now it has a permanent ding. No harm done, though. Henry now takes his baths in the big boy tub and my pot - scars and all - keeps on countin' down the weeks for Brother #3.
If you are a long time blog reader, you might also notice that the actual plant is considerably smaller than it used to be. It was getting so big that I had to transfer it to a bigger pot and transplant a smaller one to this one. Maybe someday I'll have a house full of ivy pots to match my house full of children. Hope so!
Thanks, Baby Plant, for helping Mama keep track of the days. Baby Brother, we can't wait for you to arrive!
Oh man this plant run the course! I planted my "baby plant" when I was pregnant with Alex and it is now 3 years old. It has now counted all three pregnancies and kept its lovely place on my kitchen window sill. You'll notice that it has also had its share of bumps and bruises (just like the boys, I suppose.) Henry used to take his baths in the kitchen sink. That is, until he grabbed my plant and sent it crashing...now it has a permanent ding. No harm done, though. Henry now takes his baths in the big boy tub and my pot - scars and all - keeps on countin' down the weeks for Brother #3.
If you are a long time blog reader, you might also notice that the actual plant is considerably smaller than it used to be. It was getting so big that I had to transfer it to a bigger pot and transplant a smaller one to this one. Maybe someday I'll have a house full of ivy pots to match my house full of children. Hope so!
Thanks, Baby Plant, for helping Mama keep track of the days. Baby Brother, we can't wait for you to arrive!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
My Latest Photography Gig.
My photography hobby has suffered lately in light of my extremely busy life as a Mommy. Thankfully I have managed to continue building my experience through few and far between projects. I had the chance to photograph some of our friends here in Houston back before Christmas. The goal was to get some shots that would work for Christmas cards and for photo gifts. I was really happy with the results and encouraged that maybe someday I might really have a great hobby on my hands....I mean, that someday when I have more than 12 minutes of free time a week to devote to it. =)
Thanks, Pagets, for letting me capture some great moments with your sweet little family!
My photography hobby has suffered lately in light of my extremely busy life as a Mommy. Thankfully I have managed to continue building my experience through few and far between projects. I had the chance to photograph some of our friends here in Houston back before Christmas. The goal was to get some shots that would work for Christmas cards and for photo gifts. I was really happy with the results and encouraged that maybe someday I might really have a great hobby on my hands....I mean, that someday when I have more than 12 minutes of free time a week to devote to it. =)
Thanks, Pagets, for letting me capture some great moments with your sweet little family!
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Lovely.
It's the season of love in all the stores and it seems everyone is advertising ways to "make her Valentine's Day special".
You know what? I am thankful for my husband who, 4 years ago when we were dating, gave me this lovely crystal vase - with no flowers - on Valentine's Day. The card simply said, "I promise to fill it often." He always says that it seems silly to spend big money and pull out all the stops on ONE day of the year and neglect the other 364 days. I'm grateful he has a year-round view of love. It includes flowers, dates, diapers, laundry, and a whole slew of other things that might not be as romantic to others, but are certainly Lovely to me.
And I'm thankful for the flowers he brought home this week ... on a Monday. =)
It's the season of love in all the stores and it seems everyone is advertising ways to "make her Valentine's Day special".
You know what? I am thankful for my husband who, 4 years ago when we were dating, gave me this lovely crystal vase - with no flowers - on Valentine's Day. The card simply said, "I promise to fill it often." He always says that it seems silly to spend big money and pull out all the stops on ONE day of the year and neglect the other 364 days. I'm grateful he has a year-round view of love. It includes flowers, dates, diapers, laundry, and a whole slew of other things that might not be as romantic to others, but are certainly Lovely to me.
And I'm thankful for the flowers he brought home this week ... on a Monday. =)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, December 06, 2010
I used to be a perfectionist.
There was a day when I could not sleep if there was unfinished business. Perhaps some may say this is a positive quality - like, for example, my husband who appreciates the fact that I can't go to bed angry or with a conversation "unresolved". Or, my old bosses, who always marveled at my ability to finish projects without cutting corners.
But you know what? I actually think for most of my life this might have been a borderline negative quality for me...and I'm just now admitting it. It is not until Mommyhood that I have been allowed to let go of my need to have things perfect. I now realize that it's not always possible to go to bed with all the dishes washed, all the laundry folded, and all the day's tasks completed. I understand that sometimes things get broken, messed up, and abandoned with parts undone. And, get ready, folks. I now understand that *gasp* sometimes the bread can't be made from scratch, frozen veggies will do in a pinch, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich will do for my toddler's lunch.
I am thankful that with God's help, I am coming to grips with my insane addiction to perfection. I used to think my mom was exaggerating when she said I would NOT eat a piece of broken cheese on my sandwich as a child - even if my life depended on it. Now I believe she's probably not stretching the truth at all. =)
It is a really wonderful thing to have all other things in my life become secondary to being a good wife and mom. Could I have finished my Christmas tree a couple of days ago like I wanted to? Probably. But it would have involved a late night trip to the store to get replacement bulbs to finish out the lights, a late night finishing out the cranberry garland, careful placement of all the ornaments, and probably a cranky morning after it was all done. But instead I chose to go to the park with my boys, play blocks, snuggle in the mornings, and enjoy my evenings at home with my husband...
Oh, I'm sure it will all be finished by the time the week is done, but for now this tree is a good reminder of how I am being ever-molded into a woman with new priorities. How I love the changes that come with this stage of life. I hope I never resist opportunities in life to be changed and grow. I'm thankful for God, my husband, and the little people that surround me for helping me on the path to post-perfectionism!
There was a day when I could not sleep if there was unfinished business. Perhaps some may say this is a positive quality - like, for example, my husband who appreciates the fact that I can't go to bed angry or with a conversation "unresolved". Or, my old bosses, who always marveled at my ability to finish projects without cutting corners.
But you know what? I actually think for most of my life this might have been a borderline negative quality for me...and I'm just now admitting it. It is not until Mommyhood that I have been allowed to let go of my need to have things perfect. I now realize that it's not always possible to go to bed with all the dishes washed, all the laundry folded, and all the day's tasks completed. I understand that sometimes things get broken, messed up, and abandoned with parts undone. And, get ready, folks. I now understand that *gasp* sometimes the bread can't be made from scratch, frozen veggies will do in a pinch, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich will do for my toddler's lunch.
I am thankful that with God's help, I am coming to grips with my insane addiction to perfection. I used to think my mom was exaggerating when she said I would NOT eat a piece of broken cheese on my sandwich as a child - even if my life depended on it. Now I believe she's probably not stretching the truth at all. =)
It is a really wonderful thing to have all other things in my life become secondary to being a good wife and mom. Could I have finished my Christmas tree a couple of days ago like I wanted to? Probably. But it would have involved a late night trip to the store to get replacement bulbs to finish out the lights, a late night finishing out the cranberry garland, careful placement of all the ornaments, and probably a cranky morning after it was all done. But instead I chose to go to the park with my boys, play blocks, snuggle in the mornings, and enjoy my evenings at home with my husband...
Oh, I'm sure it will all be finished by the time the week is done, but for now this tree is a good reminder of how I am being ever-molded into a woman with new priorities. How I love the changes that come with this stage of life. I hope I never resist opportunities in life to be changed and grow. I'm thankful for God, my husband, and the little people that surround me for helping me on the path to post-perfectionism!
Monday, November 29, 2010
The Season is Upon Us...
We are excited to really celebrate Advent this year as a family. After all, we are not moving to another state, having a baby (yet anyway), or traveling. We are home in Houston for this whole season - yay!
We are using this book by Henri Nouwen as our Advent guide. It is a great book complete with daily scripture reading, prayers, and daily advent activities for personal reflection and outward service. I highly recommend it.
Hope you are enjoying the beginning of this wonderful season!
We are excited to really celebrate Advent this year as a family. After all, we are not moving to another state, having a baby (yet anyway), or traveling. We are home in Houston for this whole season - yay!
We are using this book by Henri Nouwen as our Advent guide. It is a great book complete with daily scripture reading, prayers, and daily advent activities for personal reflection and outward service. I highly recommend it.
Hope you are enjoying the beginning of this wonderful season!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Sunday, November 07, 2010
A Kid-Free Vacation
Oh, how I love vacationing with just my husband. Jason and I had the opportunity to go away this past weekend, thanks to Grandma who was willing to hold down the fort in Houston for us. We have made a yearly habit out of taking a husband/wife vacation each year and it has been some of the best money we've spent in our short married life. Having 48 hours of eating meals out with no highchairs, ordering milk & warm cookies from room service, sleeping late, and leisurely sightseeing together does us a world of good!
The Riverwalk.
Good food and plenty of outdoor seating - perfect for the current Fall weather.
Lots of Old World looking charm on the Riverwalk.
A pair of cool bikes.
My dashing husband in his uber cool aviators.
Lots of tall buildings.
This Mexican food restaurant was already well lit for the holidays. Glad I'm not paying their electric bill.
Mexican breakfast complete with chips & salsa. Who could turn down chips at 7:00 a.m.? Yummy.
The panaderia was quite tempting - so many colors and flavors of Mexican sweets to choose from.
Oh, how I love vacationing with just my husband. Jason and I had the opportunity to go away this past weekend, thanks to Grandma who was willing to hold down the fort in Houston for us. We have made a yearly habit out of taking a husband/wife vacation each year and it has been some of the best money we've spent in our short married life. Having 48 hours of eating meals out with no highchairs, ordering milk & warm cookies from room service, sleeping late, and leisurely sightseeing together does us a world of good!
This year we went to San Antonio and stayed in a lovely hotel on the Riverwalk. We enjoyed the beautiful weather, to die for Mexican food, and overall time to relax together...We are already looking at the calendar for when we can book the next kid-free weekend!
The one photo we have together, thanks to the iphone and the hotel doorman. =)
The one photo we have together, thanks to the iphone and the hotel doorman. =)
The Riverwalk.
Good food and plenty of outdoor seating - perfect for the current Fall weather.
Lots of Old World looking charm on the Riverwalk.
A pair of cool bikes.
My dashing husband in his uber cool aviators.
Lots of tall buildings.
This Mexican food restaurant was already well lit for the holidays. Glad I'm not paying their electric bill.
Mexican breakfast complete with chips & salsa. Who could turn down chips at 7:00 a.m.? Yummy.
The panaderia was quite tempting - so many colors and flavors of Mexican sweets to choose from.
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