Well, let me start by saying that I have the most fantastic husband in all the world. You can try to dispute me on this fact, but you won't win. He definitely wins an award and has proven to me over and over again through the past several days why I love him and chose to spend the rest of my life with him. He has been an amazingly supportive husband and a phenomenal father to our little Josiah.
This recovery process has been a bit challenging. I have shared with some of you that I can't even do the most basic things that you would expect to do for your new child, like change a diaper, pick him up when he's crying, or in this case, feed him myself. I have had quite a bit of pain at my incision site, so getting up quickly and responding to a needy baby has been so hard, luckily I have a husband who is quick to jump in and deal with the task himself, or bring Josiah to me for comforting. I have had lots of problems with breastfeeding, and while we are still attempting it, I can't do it without Eric. It's a long story, and too many details for this space, but if you'd like to know more...just ask...I'd be happy to terrify all you mom's of the future with my lovely story :)
Anyway, last night was our first night home and was really hard. I took some pain meds late lat night and suffered a pretty nasty reaction in the form of uncontrollable shaking from my legs to my chest. I couldn't even hold the baby to feed him, and was pretty sure we were going to end up back at the hospital. It was a rough night, but I am feeling better now and looking forward to "freshening up", and never taking Darvocet again! So, please, pray for me over these next few days...for my strength, courage, and ability to rely on my husband who is so willing to help (which is harder for me than I'd like to admit).
We love you guys and can't wait to share some more pictures with you soon.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
We are proud to announce....
Josiah David Maring! Josiah was born last night at 7:13pm and weighed in at 7 lbs. 12 oz. and was 20 1/2" long. He is perfect and wonderful and we are enjoying the addition to our family immensely! Please enjoy the pictures that we have and we will continue to update them for you as regularly as possible.
As for me, I'm doing pretty well. The C-Section went very smoothly, although we got to a late start becuase the doctor had another delivery. The anesthesiologist was fantastic, and did a phenomenal job. We had a wonderful nurse assigned to us in triage, who upon seeing my anxiety and nerves, promptly asked if she could lead us in a word of prayer, which was much appreciated. By the time we were ready to go into surgery, her shift was over, but because I was so tense not having Eric with me (he can't be in there during prep), she stayed with me, held my hand and helped me to breathe through my anxiety. Then, since it was almost time for the big arrival, she decided to stay and see him, then made sure to tell me how wonderful he was while Eric was busy observing the working nurses.
Neither Eric nor I have slept more than 20 minutes in the past 24 hours, so we are very tired, but other than that doing pretty well. I have some soreness at the incision site. Hopefuly tonight the cathader and IV will be removed.
We are all doing well! Here are a few pictures. There will be much more to follow!
As for me, I'm doing pretty well. The C-Section went very smoothly, although we got to a late start becuase the doctor had another delivery. The anesthesiologist was fantastic, and did a phenomenal job. We had a wonderful nurse assigned to us in triage, who upon seeing my anxiety and nerves, promptly asked if she could lead us in a word of prayer, which was much appreciated. By the time we were ready to go into surgery, her shift was over, but because I was so tense not having Eric with me (he can't be in there during prep), she stayed with me, held my hand and helped me to breathe through my anxiety. Then, since it was almost time for the big arrival, she decided to stay and see him, then made sure to tell me how wonderful he was while Eric was busy observing the working nurses.
Neither Eric nor I have slept more than 20 minutes in the past 24 hours, so we are very tired, but other than that doing pretty well. I have some soreness at the incision site. Hopefuly tonight the cathader and IV will be removed.
We are all doing well! Here are a few pictures. There will be much more to follow!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It's Ranger Time
So, for those of you who know me well, you know that I don't like to do much of anything without a plan. I like a road map, a general direction, the option to change course if necessary. Well, we learned this morning that this is probably one trait little Ranger is going to inherit from his mother.
I had my standard 39 week appointment today, another one Eric wanted to attend, even though I assured him it was not necessary. Well, good thing he was there. Last week the doctor seemed unsure (or maybe it was two weeks ago?) whether the baby was head down or not, well today she was still concerned. "I think the baby might be breech" was all she had to say to send me into tears. She assured me it was going to be OK and left to find the ultrasound tech. She came back in, gave me a gown, and ushured me down the hall to the ultrasound room. Sure enough, Baby Ranger decided he didn't so much like the head down position.
So, she also informed me that there is not enough fluid to try to "spin" him around (but don't worry, I have plenty of fluid...just not where it's needed I guess?). In addition, the doc goes on vacation Thursday. She informed me that a C-Section was going to be our best option at this point (more tears...Eric reassuringly rubbing my back, telling me he's healthy and that's the important part), as she didn't think she could "spin" him without causing me great harm, and possibly causing harm to him. She called the hospital and they had no availability for a C-Section tomorrow, so she asked me when the last time I ate or drank was, and scheduled me for a C-Section tonight at 5:30! So, Ranger knew that he wasn't planning to come into the world without a big announcement, and a clear plan :)
I can't believe we are going to have a baby tonight. I am excited, nervous, and scared out of my mind. I don't know how to be a mom! Yes, I realize I have had 39 weeks to worry and wonder about this, but now that there is this sense of finality, and knowing that in less than four hours I'll be holding a baby...it suddenly seems very real. I am a bit sad that I won't get to have a "real" birth, not that the end result won't be the same...but it just seems like a bit of a loss, I won't know what a real contraction feels like, I won't know what it's like to push...I just won't have that experience, not this time anyway. He'll be here, and he'll be healthy, and that's the best part, but I am definitely going through my own grieving process.
But for now, I'm off to have a baby. But what did I do before hand, shaved my legs of course! And now we're off to the mall for another night gown, our last outing before.....
What? You really thought I'd tell you his name?? After all this time you don't think I can wait just a few more hours? Please...keep posted!
I had my standard 39 week appointment today, another one Eric wanted to attend, even though I assured him it was not necessary. Well, good thing he was there. Last week the doctor seemed unsure (or maybe it was two weeks ago?) whether the baby was head down or not, well today she was still concerned. "I think the baby might be breech" was all she had to say to send me into tears. She assured me it was going to be OK and left to find the ultrasound tech. She came back in, gave me a gown, and ushured me down the hall to the ultrasound room. Sure enough, Baby Ranger decided he didn't so much like the head down position.
So, she also informed me that there is not enough fluid to try to "spin" him around (but don't worry, I have plenty of fluid...just not where it's needed I guess?). In addition, the doc goes on vacation Thursday. She informed me that a C-Section was going to be our best option at this point (more tears...Eric reassuringly rubbing my back, telling me he's healthy and that's the important part), as she didn't think she could "spin" him without causing me great harm, and possibly causing harm to him. She called the hospital and they had no availability for a C-Section tomorrow, so she asked me when the last time I ate or drank was, and scheduled me for a C-Section tonight at 5:30! So, Ranger knew that he wasn't planning to come into the world without a big announcement, and a clear plan :)
I can't believe we are going to have a baby tonight. I am excited, nervous, and scared out of my mind. I don't know how to be a mom! Yes, I realize I have had 39 weeks to worry and wonder about this, but now that there is this sense of finality, and knowing that in less than four hours I'll be holding a baby...it suddenly seems very real. I am a bit sad that I won't get to have a "real" birth, not that the end result won't be the same...but it just seems like a bit of a loss, I won't know what a real contraction feels like, I won't know what it's like to push...I just won't have that experience, not this time anyway. He'll be here, and he'll be healthy, and that's the best part, but I am definitely going through my own grieving process.
But for now, I'm off to have a baby. But what did I do before hand, shaved my legs of course! And now we're off to the mall for another night gown, our last outing before.....
What? You really thought I'd tell you his name?? After all this time you don't think I can wait just a few more hours? Please...keep posted!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Top Fives
So, as I approach the end of my pregnancy, I have a flood of emotions, and am obviously looking forward to meeting this little guy, but there are also many things I'll miss about this time in my life. So, in my reflection, I've compiled a few Top Five lists...
The Top Five Things I'll Miss about Pregnancy:
5. Offers to open doors, carry heavy bags, and my husband pretty much letting me get out of anything I don't want to do!
4. The excuse to gain several pounds in a week or two
3. The smiles you get from everyone when they see that you are carrying new life
2. The rolly-polly mutant like movement in my belly
1. Selfishly, the private intimate connection, that I have with my son, that will now change
The Top Five Things I'm Looking Forward To:
5. Pants with out stretchy waists...and with buttons!!!!!!!
4. Less frequent trips to the bathroom
3. No more nose bleeds, well, not as many anyway!
2. No more swollen ankles!
1. Holding our precious son and showering him with love
This has been such a wonderful time for me, I have loved nearly every second of my pregnancy, and feel so fortunate that I haven't had any major problems. But, of course, now I'm fearful about what that may mean for my delivery (eek!). Every time I think about this little baby I'm carrying, I just get so excited, and I can't wait to introduce him to you all...so stay tuned!
The Top Five Things I'll Miss about Pregnancy:
5. Offers to open doors, carry heavy bags, and my husband pretty much letting me get out of anything I don't want to do!
4. The excuse to gain several pounds in a week or two
3. The smiles you get from everyone when they see that you are carrying new life
2. The rolly-polly mutant like movement in my belly
1. Selfishly, the private intimate connection, that I have with my son, that will now change
The Top Five Things I'm Looking Forward To:
5. Pants with out stretchy waists...and with buttons!!!!!!!
4. Less frequent trips to the bathroom
3. No more nose bleeds, well, not as many anyway!
2. No more swollen ankles!
1. Holding our precious son and showering him with love
This has been such a wonderful time for me, I have loved nearly every second of my pregnancy, and feel so fortunate that I haven't had any major problems. But, of course, now I'm fearful about what that may mean for my delivery (eek!). Every time I think about this little baby I'm carrying, I just get so excited, and I can't wait to introduce him to you all...so stay tuned!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Cute Baby Things
So, Eric and I decided to go and paint a piggy bank for the baby...our first "gift" to him. However, why paint a actual pig...who decided pigs needed to be the chosen bank for small children? So, we opted for the elephant instead...a fantastic choice I think. To top it off, we painted his initials on the bottom of the elephant's feet...so his name is set in stone. But what are the initials?? Well, for that you'll have to wait a few more weeks, but here's a peek at the bank in the mean time.
And, on our way to pain the bank the mall was having Sidewalk Sales, and there was a store selling some ADORABLE Stride Rite shoes...for 75% off! So, what were originally $45 shoes (really, $45? Does anyone pay that much for children's shoes???) we got for $11! I think that my friend Carrie would be proud...not only because I got them for so cheap, but because he won't even be able to wear them for another year! But look at how cute they are...could you have resisted?
Creative Corner II
So, a few weeks ago, my friend Lisa came over and helped me paint some canvases for the baby's room. I think she was planning to have a little more creative freedom in the process, but those of you who know me, know that I don't do well with "creative freedom". Therefore, since I am fortunate enough to have an architect for a husband, he was able to draw up some "plans", create a template, and then trace that onto the canvases. We even determined what color each square would be on the computer! So essentially, Lisa and I had a Paint-by-Number afternoon! We had a good time, and I was so grateful for Lisa's help.
A close up shot of the freshly painted canvases...
The finish product hung perfectly on the wall!
A close up shot of the freshly painted canvases...
The finish product hung perfectly on the wall!
And...the quilt hanging on the wall. It didn't turn out quite like we had planned, and hopefully when he gets much bigger and stronger he won't pull it off the wall!
A Growing Belly
Let me start by saying I apologize that it has been SO long since I have posted any pictures of my belly. I wrote this post like 3 1/2 weeks ago, and just never added the pictures, so I added more to it today and am finally posting it. Sorry I've been so negligent!
So, I've reached the Point of No Return. That's right, people are finally saying "Wow, you look like you could pop at any moment" and "You've got how long left?!" There is no more "You're so tiny", and I have to say, Eric's right, that was much nicer than the newest comments. Don't people realize there is an actual human growing in there??? They get bigger, they need room, they can't stay "tiny" forever!! Give me a break...Anyway, I haven't posted any pictures in while, and so here are a couple:
Here I am at 33 weeks and 2 days. Today the baby was moving a ton, which is so fun. No more kicking really, just squirms and rolls. One day last week I'm sure he was itching his little bottom on my belly...it was so funny! Watching my belly move is my new favorite hobby!
34 weeks...dressed for court, where attorneys are notoriously honest, which doesn't really fit the profile, since in the court room they can be so scandelous! One attorney told me she couldn't believe I was still around, and one told me I hadn't gained an ounce. Gotta love the difference in opinion...people are so weird!
35 weeks and 3 days, no story.
Here is a picture taken today at 37 weeks. This morning was a catastrophy and a moment when I was wishing I would no longer be pregnant. I am at the point of boiling most days, so I am having trouble finding short sleeve shirts that still cover my ever protruding belly! But my poor husband tried to give me a hug while I was feeling depressed, and I told him, "No! A hug won't help right now." And being the sweet man that he is, when I got home I was greeted by flowers. What an amazing husband he is and father he will be! We saw the doctor today as well, and unfortunately no news, but she will "check" again next week, and hopefully there will be more encouragement!
Along with my growing belly, I've also been fortunate enough to experience the growing love and support of my family and friends for Eric, myself and baby Ranger. My mom has tickets to come for a few weeks in September and help us out, my best friends Autumn and Lindsay are coming all the way across the company to meet Ranger in October, and my sister called me this week and will be coming to stay with us for the month of September. I feel so blessed to be loved by so many, and am so happy that Ranger will get to experience and feel all this love from the moment he arrives!
So, I've reached the Point of No Return. That's right, people are finally saying "Wow, you look like you could pop at any moment" and "You've got how long left?!" There is no more "You're so tiny", and I have to say, Eric's right, that was much nicer than the newest comments. Don't people realize there is an actual human growing in there??? They get bigger, they need room, they can't stay "tiny" forever!! Give me a break...Anyway, I haven't posted any pictures in while, and so here are a couple:
Here I am at 33 weeks and 2 days. Today the baby was moving a ton, which is so fun. No more kicking really, just squirms and rolls. One day last week I'm sure he was itching his little bottom on my belly...it was so funny! Watching my belly move is my new favorite hobby!
34 weeks...dressed for court, where attorneys are notoriously honest, which doesn't really fit the profile, since in the court room they can be so scandelous! One attorney told me she couldn't believe I was still around, and one told me I hadn't gained an ounce. Gotta love the difference in opinion...people are so weird!
35 weeks and 3 days, no story.
Here is a picture taken today at 37 weeks. This morning was a catastrophy and a moment when I was wishing I would no longer be pregnant. I am at the point of boiling most days, so I am having trouble finding short sleeve shirts that still cover my ever protruding belly! But my poor husband tried to give me a hug while I was feeling depressed, and I told him, "No! A hug won't help right now." And being the sweet man that he is, when I got home I was greeted by flowers. What an amazing husband he is and father he will be! We saw the doctor today as well, and unfortunately no news, but she will "check" again next week, and hopefully there will be more encouragement!
Along with my growing belly, I've also been fortunate enough to experience the growing love and support of my family and friends for Eric, myself and baby Ranger. My mom has tickets to come for a few weeks in September and help us out, my best friends Autumn and Lindsay are coming all the way across the company to meet Ranger in October, and my sister called me this week and will be coming to stay with us for the month of September. I feel so blessed to be loved by so many, and am so happy that Ranger will get to experience and feel all this love from the moment he arrives!
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