Well my labor and delivery experience was not really at all what I had imagined. Naturally, I've decided to write a blog post about it!
1. There was no "this is it" moment.
I started feeling a few contractions that got consistent. I felt like it was time to go to the hospital but we didn't leave for another hour or so. I didn't have one of those "thunder cats are go" lines from Juno and my water didn't break. So it was rather anti-climactic.
2. My contractions never really got strong.
They started getting more noticeable and after my doctor broke my water, she suggested I go ahead and get an epidural before they started getting too painful. I did have a few intense writhing-in-pain-streaming-tears contractions, but by then the epidural had already been ordered and the anesthesiologist was coming into the room to start the process. One quick medicine change after the first option wasn't effective, and I couldn't feel from my waist down until after Elayne was born.
3. Delivery wasn't a huge production like in the movies.
There was a total of four of us in the room - doctor, nurse, Phillip, and me. That's it. No huge delivery team or nurse to take care of the baby. It was relaxed and "pushing" just kind of happened when I had a contraction. Otherwise, conversation as usual (lots of joking around and laughing) and it felt like a typical doctors appointment. It was kind of strange in that unexpected way. But still good.
4. Elayne really did arrive in one push.
I've heard it is possible but not probable. I had braced myself for a long delivery since I've heard horror stories of first births taking forever. But when it was time for the big pushes, it took once and she was born. She had one small cry and that was it. Very anti-climactic, but it made me absolutely stunned. I was completely in shock because there was no time to really work for her arrival.
5. Recovery wasn't as "gross" as online blogs had said.
Not to get into too much detail, but blogs I had read pretty much said to leave all personal belongings at home that you didn't want thrown away. Sounds graphic right? Well, all of my belonging made it out just fine. I don't know what kind of experiences these other women had.
6. We were never bored.
I didn't think we'd be bored, so I made sure not to waste my time packing magazines and books. But we really weren't ever bored - especially since I labored over night. We had a ton of visitors coming in and out, took naps as needed, and really just looked at Elayne all day to pass the time. Time flew by.
7. The epidural did come with side effects.
I was extremely shaky. I had to wear an oxygen mask to help with that and to help me breathe while I was shaking. And after the epidural was taken out, my whole body itched. Plus, it took a while to get my legs back to normal so I could walk. I also didn't really like not being able to feel my legs or toes - except when it was time to start pushing.
8. The whole process was not at all what I had prepared myself for and envisioned.
I always pictured my labor happening during the day over the course of the entire day. I figured I'd be surrounded by friends and family trying to distract me, tons of nurses coming in to "check" often, and being so ready to start the delivery process once the doctor said it was "go time". However, things were quite different since I labored over night. I slept just about the whole labor process. Things progressed really slowly and then at lightning speed. I labored pretty much alone - even Phillip slept through it. All of those relaxation techniques we learned and prepared ourselves to use weren't even touched. I didn't feel much pain at all. Completely different than what I had prepared myself for.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Learning to be a Mom
This week, my mom is staying with us to help us get our routine down and give us tons of time to rest. She has been cooking, cleaning, and taking midnight shifts to help us get used to this little person who now lives with us.
I am learning so much from her - mainly, how to be a mom. How to love your daughter so much that you'd take a week off of work to take care of a grand baby so she can sleep. How to grocery shop for someone who has no clue what she needs. How to was dishes after serving a roast to the whole family. How to let us take the lead but be there when we have no clue. How to gracefully step in to tell us we need to be feeding Elayne more formula than we think. How to love so big that none of this feels like work.
And I know exactly who she learned it from - her mom.
And I know exactly where Elayne will learn it from one day - me.
I am learning so much from her - mainly, how to be a mom. How to love your daughter so much that you'd take a week off of work to take care of a grand baby so she can sleep. How to grocery shop for someone who has no clue what she needs. How to was dishes after serving a roast to the whole family. How to let us take the lead but be there when we have no clue. How to gracefully step in to tell us we need to be feeding Elayne more formula than we think. How to love so big that none of this feels like work.
And I know exactly who she learned it from - her mom.
And I know exactly where Elayne will learn it from one day - me.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Hearing Impaired?
In the state of Texas, it is required for newborns to have a hearing screening 24 hours after birth to check for hearing difficulties. Most hearing impaired babies have parents who had no risk factors so these early tests are important to ensure early detection.
Elayne failed her first one Saturday morning. I had heard several times that it is extremely common for babies to fail their first one due to fluid in their ears, noisy rooms, moving too much, etc. So we didn't think anything of it and were put on the schedule for a second screening the next morning.
Yesterday morning, however, she failed her second one as well. Reasons for failure are the same as with the first test, but not as many babies fail this second one. Therefore, we are scheduled to go back on September 10 for a third test. If she fails that one, we go on to see an audiologist.
Since then, we have noticed Elayne doesn't cry very loud and doesn't react to loud noises. Yesterday when we turned on the vacuum cleaned next to where she was sleeping, she didn't even move. She also holds her hands to her ears sometimes - which could mean she does have fluid and/or and ear infection.
While the possibility of Elayne having hearing difficulties makes us sad, we are ready if that is the case. We think she is perfect, regardless, and will love her just the same. We will always do whatever necessary to ensure she has the best life possible - whatever situation that means we have to endure. We want her to have everything she needs and she always will.
Please pray we get peace of mind on September 10. Either relief from her passing the test, acceptance of our journey with an audiologist, or clarity for what medical issue could be behind her failing so many times. We also see the pediatrician on September 5.
As always, I'll keep you updated.
SHE'S HERE!!!!!
Sorry for the radio silence... I was busy HAVING A BABY!!!
Elayne Ruth Long was born on Friday, August 23, at 6:43 am. She weighs 5 pounds, 15 ounces and is 19 inches long.
We are absolutely in love. No questions asked. In. Love.
Thursday afternoon I had a doctor's appointment to see if I would have to be induced due to low fluid levels. Turns out, the fluid levels were back up so there was no need to induce. We had already had our bags packed just in case and Phillip came with me to the appointment. While we were a little disappointed we weren't going to for sure meet Elayne that day, we were happy nothing was wrong with her.
During the appointment, my doctor said I was seriously within seconds of going into labor and/or having my water break. In fact, she had told me not to go back to Frisco and to stay with my parents for the night. She said to walk around, eat lunch, and I would likely be back in the hospital that night or the next morning. I followed orders and Phillip went back to work for a few hours.
Heather met me over at my parent's since she was off Thursday. She made me walk around like crazy, and guess what!? Contractions started! Phillip came home from work early, I called my mom to come home, and we headed to the hospital where they instantly admitted me. This was it!
My doctor broke my water at 9:00 that night and said I would likely start pushing at 2 or 3 in the morning. I had the epidural and slept for as much as possible to get ready. However, by 3am, the contractions had all but stopped and it was looking like no progress had been made. A call to my doctor was made and she said if I hadn't progressed enough by 5am, we would start the induction process to kick start contractions. Therefore, we sent our exhausted families home for a quick nap and/or shower. They headed out the door around 3:45 or so.
At 5am, we got the surprise of our lives. After a night with hardly any contractions and no noticeable progress, the nurse was shocked to find me at 10cm dilated and ready to push at 5am. We rushed around to call our families to come straight back to the hospital. Most of them had just finished up in the shower or just fallen asleep. But they all made it back up to the hospital in record time.
When my doctorfinally walked into the room at 6am, I started pushing. Still with no noticeable contractions, we began the process. After a few pushes, it was time for the real deal. My doctor prepared me for what might be a little bit of a lengthy process. She turned her back for two seconds and I pushed Elayne out with one push - to everyone's shock! Elayne was here!!! And perfect!
During labor, the doctor noticed a heart arrhythmia in Elayne's heart. They assured us that a lot of babies have one right before birth. We had a NICU Nurse Practitioner in the delivery room who listened to her heart as soon as she arrived. Sure enough, Elayne had a normal rhythm - and has ever since. It was a bit of a stressor but we're glad the correct precautions were taken to give us peace of mind.
The rest of the hospital stay was filled with lots of visitors and watching our new baby. We are so thankful for all of the love and support.
Tons more posts to come!
Elayne Ruth Long was born on Friday, August 23, at 6:43 am. She weighs 5 pounds, 15 ounces and is 19 inches long.
We are absolutely in love. No questions asked. In. Love.
Thursday afternoon I had a doctor's appointment to see if I would have to be induced due to low fluid levels. Turns out, the fluid levels were back up so there was no need to induce. We had already had our bags packed just in case and Phillip came with me to the appointment. While we were a little disappointed we weren't going to for sure meet Elayne that day, we were happy nothing was wrong with her.
During the appointment, my doctor said I was seriously within seconds of going into labor and/or having my water break. In fact, she had told me not to go back to Frisco and to stay with my parents for the night. She said to walk around, eat lunch, and I would likely be back in the hospital that night or the next morning. I followed orders and Phillip went back to work for a few hours.
Heather met me over at my parent's since she was off Thursday. She made me walk around like crazy, and guess what!? Contractions started! Phillip came home from work early, I called my mom to come home, and we headed to the hospital where they instantly admitted me. This was it!
My doctor broke my water at 9:00 that night and said I would likely start pushing at 2 or 3 in the morning. I had the epidural and slept for as much as possible to get ready. However, by 3am, the contractions had all but stopped and it was looking like no progress had been made. A call to my doctor was made and she said if I hadn't progressed enough by 5am, we would start the induction process to kick start contractions. Therefore, we sent our exhausted families home for a quick nap and/or shower. They headed out the door around 3:45 or so.
At 5am, we got the surprise of our lives. After a night with hardly any contractions and no noticeable progress, the nurse was shocked to find me at 10cm dilated and ready to push at 5am. We rushed around to call our families to come straight back to the hospital. Most of them had just finished up in the shower or just fallen asleep. But they all made it back up to the hospital in record time.
When my doctor
During labor, the doctor noticed a heart arrhythmia in Elayne's heart. They assured us that a lot of babies have one right before birth. We had a NICU Nurse Practitioner in the delivery room who listened to her heart as soon as she arrived. Sure enough, Elayne had a normal rhythm - and has ever since. It was a bit of a stressor but we're glad the correct precautions were taken to give us peace of mind.
The rest of the hospital stay was filled with lots of visitors and watching our new baby. We are so thankful for all of the love and support.
Tons more posts to come!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
College Nostalgia
Remember when I went off to school? When I packed my millions of bags and ventured into the dorms for move-in day on that hot day in August? My crazy first roommate. Trekking from the top floor of the parking garage to my dream dorm room I signed up for in February. Our A/C that blasted too cold. The smells of college. The new people. The excitement. The terror.
Lately I've been a bit nostalgic, with the dorm sales flashing across the TV and passing the adorable coordinated bed and bath sets at the store. Plus, with this bundle-of-joy coming any day, I find myself reminiscing a lot back into the days without responsibility. That tiny little sliver of time between the rules of parents and responsibility of adulthood. A small piece of freedom with hardly any consequences.
The ups and the downs were about as dramatic as they come. I remember not meeting my first legitimate friend until the end of September - a month after moving in. I remember the homesickness I had and feeling like "this is it?" when everyone left and all I had was my weird roommate and a stack of expensive textbooks. I remember having the extreme heartache associated with being in a long-distance relationship hardly anyone truly believed in. I remember spending hours setting up the perfect organization system and decorating my side of the dorm, only to avoid the room at all costs within a month of moving in. I remember running to catch a bus only to see it drive off without me. I remember the first club rejection I ever received and being told that I was special in high school, but am now one of 45,000 special high school kids coming together - which made me unremarkable. I remember the tears, the frustrations, and the many times I wondered if it was all worth it.
But I also remember the happy times - most of them came much later than the movies showed. The movies painted a picture of instant life-long friendships, having social events every second of every day, not running out of money, and classes that seemed to be aced despite not ever attending or studying. I remember the weekends spent in Missouri and the weekends Phillip spent in College Station. I remember the student discounts and late nights with no obligations. I remember trying a hundred different organizations before finally finding my niche my sophomore year. I remember the second a huge crisis turned into an easily fixed problem. I remember nights of laughter, walking around on campus, the way sporting events took over the city, and how proud I felt packing my things up to leave. I did it. I made it through. I didn't quit.
I wouldn't have changed anything for the world. I survived and thrived. There were times I couldn't muster up the strength to keep going, and times I had to help others keep going. But I finished.
And now, I am getting my masters degree so I can help other college students down their path to success. The raw reality of college - the good, bad, and ugly - is hard for most to take in. But it's part of life. It's growing up. It's not giving in when you really could and standing on your own two feet without the safety net of your parents. It's making your own decisions. It's turning into the person you are going to be for the rest of your life.
Lately I've been a bit nostalgic, with the dorm sales flashing across the TV and passing the adorable coordinated bed and bath sets at the store. Plus, with this bundle-of-joy coming any day, I find myself reminiscing a lot back into the days without responsibility. That tiny little sliver of time between the rules of parents and responsibility of adulthood. A small piece of freedom with hardly any consequences.
The ups and the downs were about as dramatic as they come. I remember not meeting my first legitimate friend until the end of September - a month after moving in. I remember the homesickness I had and feeling like "this is it?" when everyone left and all I had was my weird roommate and a stack of expensive textbooks. I remember having the extreme heartache associated with being in a long-distance relationship hardly anyone truly believed in. I remember spending hours setting up the perfect organization system and decorating my side of the dorm, only to avoid the room at all costs within a month of moving in. I remember running to catch a bus only to see it drive off without me. I remember the first club rejection I ever received and being told that I was special in high school, but am now one of 45,000 special high school kids coming together - which made me unremarkable. I remember the tears, the frustrations, and the many times I wondered if it was all worth it.
But I also remember the happy times - most of them came much later than the movies showed. The movies painted a picture of instant life-long friendships, having social events every second of every day, not running out of money, and classes that seemed to be aced despite not ever attending or studying. I remember the weekends spent in Missouri and the weekends Phillip spent in College Station. I remember the student discounts and late nights with no obligations. I remember trying a hundred different organizations before finally finding my niche my sophomore year. I remember the second a huge crisis turned into an easily fixed problem. I remember nights of laughter, walking around on campus, the way sporting events took over the city, and how proud I felt packing my things up to leave. I did it. I made it through. I didn't quit.
I wouldn't have changed anything for the world. I survived and thrived. There were times I couldn't muster up the strength to keep going, and times I had to help others keep going. But I finished.
And now, I am getting my masters degree so I can help other college students down their path to success. The raw reality of college - the good, bad, and ugly - is hard for most to take in. But it's part of life. It's growing up. It's not giving in when you really could and standing on your own two feet without the safety net of your parents. It's making your own decisions. It's turning into the person you are going to be for the rest of your life.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Nursery Love
Three posts in one day is a bit excessive, I know, but I have a lot to say! :)
The book shelves in the corner that hold her first books and some picture frames ready to be filled with tons of shots of her sweet face. And of course, to the right is the french provincial I showed you here.
This is the perfect little couch Phillip's parents had reupholstered for us. This couch once belonged to Ruth, Elayne's namesake. What a sweet way to give Elayne a piece of her.
We will be spending lots of time in this glider, surrounded by even more cute notions from people who already love her dearly. That white blanket was my christening blanket, and the gown hanging on the closet door was an outfit giving to me as a baby by my wonderful Aunt Betty.
The crib is all finished, with the mobile hanging, Phillip's special artwork up, sheets put on the mattress, and changing area ready to go! The blanket hanging over the side is the one my grandmother made especially for Elayne. Another wonderful keepsake.
See this artwork Phillip made for her? "Is she not beautiful?" is a quote in the Wheel of Time series regarding the princess, Elayne. Her symbol in the book was a golden lilly (aka golden fleur de lis).
Another look from the door, so you can kind of see how little and adorable the space is.
My other grandmother allowed Phillip to go on a shopping spree last week - among other purchases. Every bit of this was picked out by him - my only input was on sizing when Phillip asked. He did such a great job and it was a very special opportunity for Phillip to pick things out especially for his baby girl with no rules. Notice the soccer ball pacifiers. ;)
Not a part of the nursery, but I had to brag about the Bluum box I received in the mail this week! A bottle, room spray, SPF spray, makeup wipes, and a duck rattle!
This is the official guessing calendar, if you were wondering.
This is one of the customized burp cloths we received from Phillip's mom's coworker. Personalized items are so wonderful since Elayne has a different spelling to her name. This is probably the reason I hate "funky" spelled names. However, Elayne is named after someone and therefore, that is the exception to my no-weird-spelling rule. And her daddy picked out the name so how could I say no? :)
I am also officially on maternity leave, and therefore, officially no longer an employee of Cypress ECG Project. It was a great opportunity and I'm ready to see what life has in store for me in the future.
Labor Playlist (If I Had One)
Obviously I'm not going to have a labor playlist. I have the option but I don't really want to associate certain songs with pain and will likely get tunnel vision and ignore everyone anyway. But if I did have one, I think the following songs would definitely be included....
1. Push It by Salt N Peppa
2. I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross
3. Baby Baby by Amy Grant
See? Didn't I ruin these songs for you? And by the way... people on the internet talking about labor playlists are insane. They have songs ready to play for every segmented stage of labor. They are about two seconds away from hiring a DJ. And all of this is in their birth plan. Sorry L&D nurse, you just got demoted to personal DJ. And you'd better not get it wrong because that mom will forever refer to you as the "devil nurse" who ruined the entire birthing experience for her - forget the fact that she ended up with a healthy baby...
By Thursday?
I am still progressing at an alarming rate without even starting labor yet. It's kind of crazy and unbelievable to me.
I had another ultrasound today just to monitor Elayne since some of her measurements are a little off. Nothing to be too concerned about, but something to monitor. I am going back on Thursday for another ultrasound too.
My doctor said, depending on what the ultrasound Thursday tells her, I might need to be induced. Weird, right!? I mean, an induction over 2 weeks before she's due? She MUST be ready!
Elayne is so ready and no one can believe she's lasted this long without making her appearance. She could really come any second. This waiting game we're playing is what most parents do AFTER the due date. But we're doing it so far out.
SO ready for you to be here Elayne!
Did I mention, according to the ultrasound, she has hair!?
I had another ultrasound today just to monitor Elayne since some of her measurements are a little off. Nothing to be too concerned about, but something to monitor. I am going back on Thursday for another ultrasound too.
My doctor said, depending on what the ultrasound Thursday tells her, I might need to be induced. Weird, right!? I mean, an induction over 2 weeks before she's due? She MUST be ready!
Elayne is so ready and no one can believe she's lasted this long without making her appearance. She could really come any second. This waiting game we're playing is what most parents do AFTER the due date. But we're doing it so far out.
SO ready for you to be here Elayne!
Did I mention, according to the ultrasound, she has hair!?
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Wintermelon Elayne at 37 Weeks
Well everyone, we made it to "full term" status today! How exciting!!!!
The doctor says that Elayne is fully developed now, but just packing on some extra weight and doing a bit of breathing/eating practice over the next few weeks - if she makes it that long.
I''ve been having contractions for a couple weeks now, but this week they have picked up in frequency and intensity. Still not enough to warrant a trip to the hospital but enough to let me know that my body is certainly getting ready - and could decide to bring full-on labor at any point.
Getting a little nervous about the whole laboring and delivering process, but I know I'll make it through like tons of women before me. It's just the unknown and the fact that I can't plan this one that really makes me on edge.
Can't wait for my next appointment Monday to get even more updated information and to have another ultrasound. I'll definitely give you any details as they come. And of course, I will update this blog as soon as I am able to after Elayne gets here to give you the non-gorry scoop.
The doctor says that Elayne is fully developed now, but just packing on some extra weight and doing a bit of breathing/eating practice over the next few weeks - if she makes it that long.
I''ve been having contractions for a couple weeks now, but this week they have picked up in frequency and intensity. Still not enough to warrant a trip to the hospital but enough to let me know that my body is certainly getting ready - and could decide to bring full-on labor at any point.
Getting a little nervous about the whole laboring and delivering process, but I know I'll make it through like tons of women before me. It's just the unknown and the fact that I can't plan this one that really makes me on edge.
Can't wait for my next appointment Monday to get even more updated information and to have another ultrasound. I'll definitely give you any details as they come. And of course, I will update this blog as soon as I am able to after Elayne gets here to give you the non-gorry scoop.
Sweet Baby Elayne
37 Weeks
Size: 6ish pounds, 19ish inches long (wintermelon)
Important Developments: Fat and lots of it. Can't wait to squeeze those chubby cheeks!
Noticeable Symptoms: Back labor, innie trying to become an outie, starving for tiny meals every 2 hours, lots of pressure signaling Elayne is in position!
P.S. Who knew there were so many different types of melons? And who knew those melons lined up so perfectly with the development of a baby!? Who comes up with this stuff?
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Any Day/Second Now!
I went to the doctor yesterday and got great news! Turns out, Elayne could be here any second/day!! The doctor's exact words were "see you Monday if not sooner." Yay!
Everything has been purchased. All linens, outfits, and bottles have been washed. Bags are all packed and some of it is even stowed away in the car already. Car seat bases have been installed. All the furniture and gear have been assembled. House is clean.
Now starts the waiting game. Come on beautiful baby Elayne... we're ready for you.
Everything has been purchased. All linens, outfits, and bottles have been washed. Bags are all packed and some of it is even stowed away in the car already. Car seat bases have been installed. All the furniture and gear have been assembled. House is clean.
Now starts the waiting game. Come on beautiful baby Elayne... we're ready for you.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
36 Weeks / 9 Months / Crenshaw Melon
This weekend is/was nesting weekend. Man we got so much done already and only a little more to go!
After our great shower last weekend, we neededjust a few more necessities to finish up [almost] everything on our to-do list.
Today, Phillip installed the car seat bases, assembled the swing and stroller, and helped his parents move the guest bed to our house. Hooray for having guests be able to sleep in comfort! I washed all the baby clothes and linens, organized and decorated like crazy, and supervised all of the assembly. I can't do too too much these days, you know.
Photos of everything, including the finished nursery and baby-taken-over-living-room in a post to come.
After our great shower last weekend, we needed
Today, Phillip installed the car seat bases, assembled the swing and stroller, and helped his parents move the guest bed to our house. Hooray for having guests be able to sleep in comfort! I washed all the baby clothes and linens, organized and decorated like crazy, and supervised all of the assembly. I can't do too too much these days, you know.
Photos of everything, including the finished nursery and baby-taken-over-living-room in a post to come.
Baby Elayne Ruth
36 Weeks (9 Months Y'all!!!)
Size: Crenshaw Melon (20ish inches and about 6 pounds)
Important Developments: Gaining weight, nails are all grown in, that ugly vernix stuff is starting to be shed, and little one is still very much head-down and low.
Noticeable Symptoms: Back pain, intense pregnancy brain, small contractions, only 16 pounds gained to-date (woohoo!), definitely waddle, and little baby feet that like to rest in my rib cage.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
My Baby Favorites: Part 2 (Another Pre-Baby Edition)
Since my last post was so successful (and I love sharing my "finds" with all of you readers), I've decided to conjure up another best-of post. I've been kind of toying with the idea of monetizing a separate blog in order to blog professionally, so this is kind of a way to also toy with that blogging style. More on that another time.
Ladies. [And in some cases, gentlemen.] If you've never heard of these "box" programs, you are seriously missing out!! My good friend Meredith told me about these and I am SO in love. I've seen healthy snacks, pets, beauty, baby, and more themed ones since! But my all-time favorite, and one I'm subscribed to, is the Bluum box for mamas. For $25 a month I will get a box in the mail each month containing all of the newest and best products for baby. It is tailored to Elayne's age, too! For instance, right now my boxes will focus on maternity care and newborn items. Eventually, I'll receive toddler food and toys, etc. Yes. The $25 is kind of steep, especially when you compare it to other boxes (like my second fave Birch box), but this particular one gives standard sized products instead of sample sizes like with other boxes. If you want to subscribe, please contact me so we both can utilize my friend code. If you want a birch box, my lovely sister Heather has a code for you too!
2. American Academy of Pediatrics and Healthy Children
This is really starting to become a top resource of mine, especially since we are venturing into the world of birth/care classes with several other inquiring and opinionated minds. As we hear things and wonder if they're true, we look at this nifty website. I'm still relatively new at it, but I love that it is a 100% reliable resource and links to government-created articles. The AAP website is more for professionals and the Healthy Children website is their satellite for-parents site created for all of us. I like the AAP for professional journal articles when I really want to know the nitty-gritty facts and the context in which they came about. I like the Health Children for down-to-earth articles and overviews.
3. Snoogle
I've said this before, and I'll say it again. This pillow is the best and I could not survive this pregnancy without it. Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag. And yes, I'm pretty sure you can get other brands or similar products (ie Boppy), but this one just works for me. I sleep with it every night. My arms never fall asleep - I still can't figure out that magical part, but I've accepted it as magic. The only downside is how much space it takes up, but I keep telling the hubs one day it'll be gone. I hate sleeping on my side and have never been able to do it until this pillow came along.
4. Sprout Pregnancy App
This is by far my favorite pregnancy app. I love the huge colorful pictures and key points you touch to see. It gives just the basics and helps you visualize that wonderful baby you have growing. They also have a weekly newsletter-like tab at the bottom, place to organize questions and lists, and I love their weight tracker. Better yet, it's free!
Ladies. [And in some cases, gentlemen.] If you've never heard of these "box" programs, you are seriously missing out!! My good friend Meredith told me about these and I am SO in love. I've seen healthy snacks, pets, beauty, baby, and more themed ones since! But my all-time favorite, and one I'm subscribed to, is the Bluum box for mamas. For $25 a month I will get a box in the mail each month containing all of the newest and best products for baby. It is tailored to Elayne's age, too! For instance, right now my boxes will focus on maternity care and newborn items. Eventually, I'll receive toddler food and toys, etc. Yes. The $25 is kind of steep, especially when you compare it to other boxes (like my second fave Birch box), but this particular one gives standard sized products instead of sample sizes like with other boxes. If you want to subscribe, please contact me so we both can utilize my friend code. If you want a birch box, my lovely sister Heather has a code for you too!
2. American Academy of Pediatrics and Healthy Children
This is really starting to become a top resource of mine, especially since we are venturing into the world of birth/care classes with several other inquiring and opinionated minds. As we hear things and wonder if they're true, we look at this nifty website. I'm still relatively new at it, but I love that it is a 100% reliable resource and links to government-created articles. The AAP website is more for professionals and the Healthy Children website is their satellite for-parents site created for all of us. I like the AAP for professional journal articles when I really want to know the nitty-gritty facts and the context in which they came about. I like the Health Children for down-to-earth articles and overviews.
3. Snoogle
I've said this before, and I'll say it again. This pillow is the best and I could not survive this pregnancy without it. Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag. And yes, I'm pretty sure you can get other brands or similar products (ie Boppy), but this one just works for me. I sleep with it every night. My arms never fall asleep - I still can't figure out that magical part, but I've accepted it as magic. The only downside is how much space it takes up, but I keep telling the hubs one day it'll be gone. I hate sleeping on my side and have never been able to do it until this pillow came along.
4. Sprout Pregnancy App
This is by far my favorite pregnancy app. I love the huge colorful pictures and key points you touch to see. It gives just the basics and helps you visualize that wonderful baby you have growing. They also have a weekly newsletter-like tab at the bottom, place to organize questions and lists, and I love their weight tracker. Better yet, it's free!
Monday, August 5, 2013
Baby Love
Wow. We are so blessed!
I don't know why I am always so surprised when people shower us with so much love and support. We have really great friends and family. It's no shock that the baby shower Saturday was incredible and really made us feel the love for this baby that hasn't even gotten here yet!
I don't know why I am always so surprised when people shower us with so much love and support. We have really great friends and family. It's no shock that the baby shower Saturday was incredible and really made us feel the love for this baby that hasn't even gotten here yet!
The beautiful table of goodies!
Look at that diaper cake my mom and Mrs. Bonnie made all by themselves! So impressed! Anyone wanting one for their shower can contact me for ordering info. ;)
The theme was "baby sized" treats. Aren't they adorable?
So yummy!
Lots of pink.
Of course everyone needs a girlie koozie.
Beautiful.
Refreshment station.
We played bingo and a nursery rhyme game. Naturally, the two great-grandmothers that were there won the games.
Elayne's special chair with cute ribbon background.
Due date guessing game! Almost all of those squares are filled in now. My guess would be either August 24th or September 1st. I've always thought September 1st from the beginning, but after my appointment last week, I might be leaning toward August 24th.
Two of Elayne's great-grandmothers. We missed you Linda! Elayne is so lucky to have THREE great-grandmothers to spoil her rotten!
Grandmothers too! Nana K and Grandma!
Aunt Heather posing.
I have the BEST friends ever.
And pretty awesome sisters.
And Elayne's cousin Sara!
Us Hoff women. ;) Taken for you Linda!
Adorable.
So thankful they opened up their home for this shower!
Aggie love.
So grown up! All of my sisters together.
My house guest and great friend. She helped me so much with after-shower stuff too! In case you didn't know, baby stuff has millions upon millions of tags on them to take off. And sometimes, the cute little toys are booby trapped.
Belly vs. no belly.
Twins. :)
Just for the daddy! :)
My meme knitted a very special blanket for Elayne.
She did such a great job and we will cherish it forever.
Phillip with his manly diaper bag he got from his parents. How fitting. :)
Again, so blessed!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
35 Weeks and Not Lots to Go!
Today is my baby shower! I'm so excited to see everyone celebrate this wonderful baby with me! :)
I went to the doctor on Thursday and got some exciting news. Elayne is probably coming early! Their estimate at this point is 2-3 weeks left! It's getting really close!
I feel like I need to finish everything and finish up nesting so I can sit and relax. Time to get on that!
I went to the doctor on Thursday and got some exciting news. Elayne is probably coming early! Their estimate at this point is 2-3 weeks left! It's getting really close!
I feel like I need to finish everything and finish up nesting so I can sit and relax. Time to get on that!
35 Weeks
Baby Elayne Ruth
Size: Honeydew Melon (18 inches long, 5 1/4 lb)
Important Developments: Liver and kidneys are done. Pretty much just weight gain from here on out. She is fully in position and ready to go!
Noticeable Symptoms: Miserable end-of-pregnancy symptoms are kicking in. Feet in my rib cage, belly is fully out, and I'm finally gaining a bit of weight (which I was told is likely fluids at this point). Time to get ready for this baby!
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