Did you just hear what I just heard?

Sorry I haven't posted much! Life with an active infant is well active! I don't have time to type unless it's while I'm feeding, and then I can only type with one hand. Most times I am on facebook is when I am feeding or naptime, just in case you wonder if I am lying! :)

This weekend was Christmas and this year we spent it up in Washington with my (Kristine's) parents. We stopped along the way to my great uncle jack and great aunt ruth's house because my parents were visiting there, and we don't have a key to get into their house without them. Jenna had a good time meeting uncle jack and aunt ruth. They both got to hold her for a bit, which was nice. I got a picture of my aunt ruth holding her. :)

I think I might cut to the chase in case Jenna wakes up while I am writing. (This seems to happen a lot...) I was holding Jenna in the family room of my parents house and we were visiting with my brother Adam. I let Jenna walk up me and she was doing her normal cooing. Lately she's been REALLY watching how I speak to try to replicate it. Well as she was walking up me, I was talking to her and I said,"Hi Jenna" and she said, "Hi!" in response! I was in shock and asked Adam if he had heard what I just heard. He did! She cooed some more and walked up and I thought hmm... this might be a fluke. Later on in that day she almost said Hello and different versions of hi that weren't as clear.

The next day I was visiting in the same room with my mom. I had Jenna walking up me (cause she loves to climb and walk up me) and I said,"Hi" and she responded,"Hi". I asked my mom if she heard what I just heard, and she did! Jenna again proceeded to say versions of hi, but they weren't as clear. :)

So yes, I think I can count her first word as,"Hi" at three and a half months because she said it twice in context. She's definitely a thinker and tries very hard to figure things out. She might not use clear words on a consistent basis yet, but they are coming!

Month Three Letter to Jenna

Dearest Jenna,

My this past month flew by! Momma almost forgot to write a letter to you about this past month. Sometimes it's hard to remember all that's happened. So I might start with what's happening lately in our lives.

Right at your three month mark you found out that you could grab your feet. Not only that, you figured out how to pull your feet into your mouth! Daddy and I have been working hard to help you get more mobile. We realized that we hadn't been doing much tummy time with you, and when momma tried it, she saw you wanted to move, but your arms weren't strong enough. So Daddy decided to start helping you pull yourself up to work those arm muscles. He lets you grab onto his fingers and moves you forward to help you sit up. Momma just started working more from that and helping you stand up on your own too. It's been fun to watch you get so excited to pull yourself up to a standing position! Once you are in a standing position, Momma or Daddy grab under your arms and help you walk.

You've become quite the walker lately too! You are so excited to walk all around the house. We just let you lead us where you want to go. One day you walked from your room into our room and found your little teddy book on the table and walked right to it! You waited for momma to pick it up and listened while I read it to you. It was so sweet! We hope to get a walker thing for you for Christmas so you can move around to your little heart's content and we can save our backs!

Speaking of backs... lately one of your favorite things to do with us is to walk on our stomach/chest while we lay on our backs. It's so sweet! You smile and grin and lately, as of today, you've started to actually laugh! It's so cute to hear you laugh. I can't wait to hear when you start to giggle some more. You try to talk more lately too and love it when I whisper to you. You sometimes try to whisper back. I am amazed at everything you are learning!

I saw a friend's baby video on the internet and realized that we hadn't done much tummy time this month. But I had a feeling you were having good head control. So Momma put you on your tummy and you could hold your head up! You only tolerate it for a little while, then it's back on your back.

This month we also got our Christmas tree! You weren't very excited to go pick it out since the sun was directly overhead and in your eyes the entire time. But now that it's decorated, you really enjoy looking at it. The other day I had you feel it with your hands and you thought that was the coolest thing. You also loved looking at the blinking snowman your great aunt and uncle gave you. It's a year full of new traditions for all of us! Momma even made you a stocking. We decided as a family to donate money from this year on, every year to a charity of choice. We want you to know how important it is to give to others above yourself. So this year we picked out some gifts on the MAF giving website to donate to MAF. You may not know about it much this year, but we hope as each year passes that you'll understand more and more the importance of giving. We also are starting something this year we hope to continue with only giving each other one or two presents under the tree. They can be meaningful presents, but only a few as to not cloud why we are celebrating the holiday. Mommy hopes to buy a children's Christmas story book soon so we can read it together. Yes, we have the bible, but I want something that will spark your interest with pictures at this young age. :)

What else to say about this month, well you were sleeping great up until you turned three months old. A couple of days before then, you started to not want to take naps or to go to bed at a normal time. Instead you want to stay up late. Momma is trying to figure out a good sleep plan for you, but it'll take some time. With Daddy having a cold, it's all momma can do to get some good sleep herself too!

I am sure there are other things I am missing, oh yeah...Thanksgiving! You had a great time with your uncles and grandma and grandpa cromie. You slept great in the bassinet, although we are working to try to figure out how to get you sleeping earlier and how to give you a nap there. It'll be an adjustment for everyone come Christmas!

Momma better get this letter out so that she'll have time to figure out what to write for the next one. We love you baby girl and love seeing you grow up, even if it seems a little fast. Some people say not to encourage you to walk so soon, or do things so soon, but we are beyond excited to help you reach life's little milestones so eventually you can become a strong independent woman who knows Christ and loves those around her graciously. Blessed are we three.

Love,

Momma

Christmas Card

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Learning how to be a domesticated momma

As I write this, I am sure Jenna will start to cry and need me....(yep) Okay...hours later here I am. I've had some sort of revelation this morning, I need to stop complaining. I am transforming into a domesticated momma and it's a painful transformation. It's all about learning how to completely care for another and changing my old ways of doing things. This includes my ways of thinking as well as how I do every day tasks that seemed so easy to do before.

I used to be able to clean a room within minutes. Now my cleaning takes most of the day because I am also caring for a little baby. I used to be able to take my time to cook an elaborate meal. Now I have to figure out the quickest way of cooking something healthy for my family. I used to be able to go out easily with friends. Now I've got to figure out how to take care of my little one while visiting and having a meaningful conversation. I used to do a lot of things, now those things are changing and it's a hard transition, but a necessary one.

Phillipians 2:14-15 says," ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^{a]" style="line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]} Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky" This is what I must do. Yes, it's hard to care for a baby all day, clean house, do laundry and make dinner. BUT this is what I am called to do right now. I know it seems old school for some of you in the new generation, but right now I am called to be a wife and mother. My life is consumed by it and I've gotta be the best wife and mother I can be. This means taking care of the baby completely, taking care of the house the best I can, making sure my husband knows he's loved and making sure there's food made for him and the bills are paid.

It also means that I am raising my child up to know important values and gender roles. This is the old school part I was talking about. She'll see daddy go off to work during the week and see mommy doing her best to be a good wife and mother by taking care of things at home. It also means daily teaching her about our values pertaining to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Every day I try to read to her out of her little bible. I'm starting to pray with her more and we sing little songs together. I want her to know the hope that I hold so dear. To understand how I am able to do what I do, the driving force behind it. The one that gives us life and life to the full. This is perhaps the most important task as a mom. As she grows I'll help teach her how to treat others with respect and kindness. She'll see how a man is supposed to treat a woman by the love between her daddy and I. Also the love her daddy gives her when he comes home from work. All these things work together for the good.

Now, while I say gender roles, I don't think it's bad that women have to work sometimes. Or if daddy is the one that needs to stay at home. There are all types of families. But I want her to know and see the respect I have for her father for working so we can have food on the table and a place to live. I want her to see and know that I don't mind doing things because I love her and her father. The love and respect part is key. If she wants to grow up to fly airplanes or be a doctor or make things for a living...that's her choice. All I can do as a parent is instill values into her so that she can make smart informed decisions about her life.

This is the process I am in now. Learning how to be a domesticated momma who doesn't complain, doesn't argue, but loves life and loves helping her little girl grow up and her husband look forward to being with his family after work. I look forward to the next chapter that potentially includes us serving overseas so that we can show her more what it means to be a servant and how to show others love and respect in Christ.

Sorry it's been a while

I am so behind in blogging it's not even funny. But when you have a VERY active two (almost three) month old, it gets hard to take the time to write out a full on blog post. I'll get better over time, because this is how I keep a record of her achievements and our life. Maybe by saving in-between and continuing when I have time, it'll get done. (Case in point, she's crying right now while Eric's changing her and I'll feed her soon after....)

*A few days/week/ I can't remember later.....

Okay here I am back again and determined to make a post. Things have been quite busy in the Reed household. To recap, we've got a Christmas tree now. We went last Sunday to get it from Century Farms in Oregon near St. Paul. We love going to that place because essentially all you have to do is point to the tree you want and they cut it down, put it on a tractor, take you back to the shed/barn area, shake it , bail it and put it in your car...all included in the price! It was the perfect place to go when you have a little one because it's hard enough wrangling her!

Jenna did great at the Christmas tree farm. I had her in my front pack with the fleece cover on it to keep her warm. It was sunny and VERY bright out there. Kinda the blinding sun that's on you wherever you go. I don't really like that sun, and neither did Jenna. I had to try to hide behind the shade of trees to appease her. It took us a while to find the right tree, but we finally did. It's a Noble Fir and just the perfect size for our house. I'll post a photo of it fully decorated soon.

In other news, Thanksgiving in WA went well. Jenna met a ton of family and friends and did relatively well considering she was tossed back and forth from person to person. It was quite tiring to momma, but we were blessed that she decided to sleep through the night there as well. I was very afraid she would be up every few hours. I still was kinda freaking out the first night because she was in the pack and play and since they didn't have a sheet, they put a bunch of receiving blankets down and of course she crumpled them up all around her. So halfway through the night when I fed her I pulled out all the blankets except one and I felt better about that.

She enjoyed meeting my best friend Sarah's little girl Elena and niece Valerie. She REALLY loved meeting my best friend Lael. She was so happy and smiley!

She slept in the car all the way from Keizer-Chehalis (where I fed her), then from Chehalis to Gig Harbor...then we stopped near Port Orchard so I could feed her. On the way home we stopped at Nikki's house so she could meet lil' Jenna. Then we went from there the back way. It was snowing and the roads were kinda sketch, but we made it to Shelton and I fed her there. Then it was to home through heavy snow, so we took our time. We were ahead of the storm until we stopped in Centralia where it caught up with us again. We made it home safely though!

Thanksgiving in Oregon....not so much of a great time for Jenna. We changed docs to one in town and got Jenna her shots the day before Thanksgiving. I had moms tell me how hard it was to see their kids in pain, and I didn't think it would be that hard for me until it happened and man...that was hard! Especially since she had to get poked three times! THREE. In those three injections were a load of shots. It was super hard to watch her in pain and I nursed her afterwards. That didn't help much and she cried most of the way home. Later on that day we had to go to Eric's family for Thanksgiving, not a good idea.

She had been doing fine until we got there. I think it was just too much for her to handle with her little body hurting. So she cried and screamed and cried and I finally decided it was time for tylenol. Only...we didn't have any! Oops. Eric went out and got some while I sat holding my baby and had his family staring at me. Now, I can't go into detail here about what I was feeling, but if you want to know... feel free to ask me. :) Eric came back with the tylenol and that seemed to help a little after a while, but she still was crabby. Long story short, that night we went home later and came back the next day for a do-over. She was a much happier baby then and we had a better Thanksgiving with his family. If you want the full story, ask me some time. It's a doosie.

It's been one roller coaster of a month. I was feeling down about myself for how I was looking. I am kinda frustrated that I have to wear glasses again. My right eye just isn't accepting contacts like it used to, so it's back to glasses for another month or so until I can get in to get it looked at. Then my hair was a mess....which didn't help things either. Sometimes it felt like why try you know? So to help my mood, I decided to get my hair cut. Something I hadn't done in almost a year! I couldn't believe it'd been that long.... guess I was too pregnant and then busy with a little one to notice. But I got it cut and I feel much better. I have a cut that looks good with glasses so I can feel a little better about myself again. Yay. :)

I figure in the next week or so I can go into depth about Jenna and her milestones since she'll be turning three months soon! I can't wait!

Okay, that's about all the time I have to spare to blog! It's a good thing I type fast! I have a feeling she'll be waking up soon.

Blessings and Love,

Kristine

Jenna's Two Month Letter

My Dearest Jennavieve,

It's been two whole months since you've been born! Time sure does fly! These days you're sleeping a little more at night, smiling a little more during the day and paying attention to everyone and anything you come into contact with. You LOVE your daddy and can't wait for him to come home so you can spend some special time with him. He loves holding you, talking with you and doing things to make you smile. He does this thing where he shakes your legs and makes a motor sound and you think it's the funniest thing ever.

You love seeing your grandparents too. Grandma and Grandpa Cromie came down to visit and you had the best time with them. You loved resting in Grandma Cromie's arms and listening to Grandpa Cromie talk to you. Grandma Reed came to visit us and even though you were sleeping most of the time, the time you were awake you seemed to enjoy her. We've visited Grandma and Grandpa Reed a few times too and you seem to like them as well. Grandpa Reed held you again and you thought that was pretty cool. We did too!

You are growing a bunch too... you are close to 11lbs now! You can track whatever you are focused on for a little bit and are starting to get better control of your hands! No more little fists all the time, instead you are using your fingers to try to grasp things. Instead now you are using your little fist to suck and chew on and drool all over. You also try to suck and chew on blankets and clothing as well my little drool monster. :) Lately you've really liked chewing/sucking on your play plastic keychain. You even try to hold the keys to bring them to your mouth!

Lately you've been paying more attention when Momma speaks and reads you books. Every day momma tries to read you from your little Animal Touch book and your little bible. Sometimes you decide to touch the pages when momma does. I hope to read to you every day. I have you on your tummy a little every day too. You don't tolerate it very well and kick your legs a lot, but you're learning a little bit to hold your head up high. You have also decided that you like your bouncy chair! Yay! You look at those little toys and sometimes bat them as well. We also do a lot of standing. You seem to LOVE to stand up with help and pretend to walk, someday you'll be able to walk for real! Every day I also try to give you a little time to yourself, because sometimes you need a break from momma. You last for about 5 minutes, then you're ready for me again.

When we go out you've decided you don't like your car seat, instead you want momma to carry you around in the front pack so you can face out and see the world. You love looking around and seeing everyone. You like chewing on the front pack, but also love chewing on my fingers as we go from place to place. Momma doesn't mind getting drool all over her. She likes that you are tolerating being out a little more, it's good for both you and momma!

I picked out some cute fabric to make you a stocking for the mantle. Soon I'll make it and hang it on the mantle when we put our other stockings out. This month we're going to go up to Washington to visit your Uncle Andrew, Uncle Adam, Grandma and Grandpa Cromie, Great Grandma Cromie, Great Aunt Patsy, Great Uncle Rich, Miss Sarah, David, Elena and your cousins Nikki, Mike, Sierra and Savannah! It's going to be quite a big trip! It'll take us 4 hours to drive up there. I am sure along the way we'll stop to eat and get out and stretch our legs. Unless of course you decide to sleep the entire time.... I wouldn't be opposed to that! We're going up to visit them for thanksgiving, it should be fun.

I am sure I'll update this letter a few more times, but we are so happy to have you in our lives little Jenna! Daddy and I love you so very much. We hope to work hard to help you succeed in everything you want to accomplish!

Love Always,

Momma

Jenna

Some photos of Jenna's first two months...

I've been neglecting the blog lately....been busy being a mom. :) Here are some photos!

New Traditions...

So having a child has made me think about what I'd like my house to be like. It's been quite the transition to realize that this little girl looks to ME as her mom. Sounds silly...but I realize she's going to grow up and I am the one (and her daddy) that's setting the stage for how she views things. That includes holiday traditions.

Luckily she's a little young to be thinking about what we're actually doing so it's given us a bit of time to figure it out. Having a child during holiday season kinda forces you to think about things a little faster though!

So here's something I thought I'd do regarding Halloween. While I know that pumpkin carving is super fun.. I also know that's a lot of food going to rot every single year. So... this is a tradition I want to start for my family. Instead of carving a pumpkin and leaving it to rot, in these first few years we'll paint our pumpkins. Then everyone can choose what type of food they want their pumpkin to turn into (Muffins, Pancakes, Fries (haven't tried this yet), bread...etc.) and we'll cut open the pumpkins and use the meat for their special food item. That way the pumpkin is used, we figure out new recipes and we get to eat too! I think this also might work with carving depending on how great I can get at scooping out the edible insides and leaving the carving on the outside.... I still don't know how I feel about trick or treating because I don't like the idea of a candy holiday. But I do like the idea of costumes, so I think this time of year is a great time to pick out a fun costume to wear that night and the rest of the year (until the little ones (or us) outgrow them).

For Thanksgiving and Christmas I still have not a clue of what we'll do. I am VERY thankful there's a little time before that has to be figured out. Right now we take things one step at a time and pray along the way!

Blessings,

Kristine

The Sweetest Thing...

So I've realized that I still haven't posted the birth story, and well might not post it due to TMI. :) But... I did want to share something sweet my husband did for me while in the hospital and when we went home.

In the hospital I had a c-section and was confined to the bed. Eric totally stepped up and took care of the baby, I've told you that. I am not sure if I mentioned that he also helped me in and out of bed and to the bathroom. He took care of both of us perfectly.

When we got home I was still in recovery from the c-section (and technically still am). It was hard to move around, he helped me put on pants and shoes and other things that were difficult for me. When it came time to sleep at night, I went to the bed but I could not get up on it. This was due to my c-section and not really being able to move my legs beyond a certain point nor use my abdominal muscles (I did have major surgery!). He went around and tried to find something for me to step on to make it easier. In the hospital I had a step stool and that really helped me get into bed. He tried a tool box and some wood thing but those didn't work because it was hard to even step up on those things.

I decided that maybe I just was going to have to sleep on the couch or something. Eric wasn't having that though and he began to think of how to help me. While I was feeding the baby in her room I heard this banging coming from the bedroom. I asked him if he was okay since I couldn't get up while feeding her and he said he was okay. When I went into the bedroom after feeding the baby I couldn't believe my eyes...he had taken the bed apart and put the mattresses on the floor! It was the sweetest thing! I could easily get in and out of bed AND get this..the bed felt tons better!

At first I thought it was because I was sitting in a hospital bed for days in and days out...but we realized the bed was finally supported the right way when it was on the floor. So on the floor it's stayed and we couldn't be happier. But.. I just wanted to share with you how wonderful and thoughtful my husband is! I praise God for him. :)

Letter to Jenna (One Month)

Dear Jenna,

Well my dear Jenna time has flown by this past four weeks. In these past weeks we've spent a lot of time together, nearly every waking moment. Mommy is so blessed to have you my little one. To think, a month ago we were in the hospital and you were coming into this world! Crazy! It was a long long journey those 36 hours, but definitely worth it to have you on the outside so we can see your pretty face and hold you close.

Lately we've spent a lot of nights together and sometimes you are sad and I don't know how to help you....but slowly you're learning how to tell me what you want and I am learning how to figure out what you need.I've been using the milk sign more often when feeding you and I think you are really looking and figuring that out. Mommy wants to teach you more signs once you are ready to help us communicate even better. I have a feel that when you learn those signs, things will go loads better and you won't be as sad or frustrated when Mommy and Daddy can't figure out what you need.

When you were born you were 7lbs 10 ounces. When we left the hospital you were 6lbs 14 ounces... yes we were having issues feeding you and you lost some water weight too! Now you are probably close to or over 9lbs and growing every day! Every now and then you give us a smile. We see you moving your head around to look at things, listening very intently to everything said and gaining more and more control of your motor functions. You are very deliberately moving your hands to try to hold things, pushing with your legs to try to move yourself where you want to be and gaining more neck strength. It's pretty cool to see. Before you know it you'll be able to hold your head up! That will be a wonderful day because it'll open new opportunities for you!

Now a letter to you wouldn't be complete without talking about your Daddy. He loves you so much! He stayed home for a few weeks after you were born just to spend time with you and to help mommy out. Now he goes to work every day so that we can have a place to live and food to eat. He comes home when he can on lunch breaks just to see your sweet face and hold you close. You'll see we have a lot of photos of you and Daddy and that's because he loves to hold you! Something he loves to do with you right now is play "Airplane/Superwoman". That's when he holds you under your tummy, supports your neck and makes you fly like superwoman. You seem to like it a lot! You also like when he moves you up and down. We have a feeling we might have a future aerobatic pilot on our hands with how much you love the movements! Only time will tell. Daddy hopes to take you up in a plane someday and teach you how to fly! But one thing at a time...for right now... it's playing airplane in the house and holding you close.

Mommy is trying to start you on more routines slowly. Like making sure you are in your jammers at night and regular onsies/pants/dresses during the day. She also has been trying to read to you out of your bible Miss Janet got you once a day. It's going to be so important that you learn about Jesus and Mommy and Daddy hope to teach you all about Him. For now it's simple prayers and short bible lessons. The fun stuff begins in a few months!

Over time I am sure you'll realize just how long winded Mommy can be. And how silly it is that she mixes up tenses in a letter to you....but your Daddy and I want you to know that we love you very much and praise God that you are in our lives. Even in the hard times when you are sad and mad at us, we love you and always will.

Love,

Mommy

One Month Old!

Jenna's one month old today! Yes, it does seem to go by fast...but honestly I am glad we are getting closer to the six week mark! She is starting to smile every now and then and respond to our voices and actions. She's a very curious girl who loves to look at the clouds and anything outside. She also loves to face out when we're carrying her so she can see the world.

Taking the Truck

Today we made a trip to the grocery store with the truck. Eric took the car so we kinda had no choice but to try the car seat out without the base. Don't worry, it's made to go in vehicles with or without the base. I saw the instructions for how to install it without the base on the side and I put it in the car. On the way to the car though the sweet older lady from across the street practically ran over to see Jenna. She hadn't seen her yet and was dying to meet her. She told me that she was making Jenna a quilt!A Quilt! Isn't that sweet of her! I need to visit that lady more often. She's got family but they live out of town so she doesn't see them that often. She's pretty busy with her clubs and things which is awesome. I can't wait to see the quilt she's making Jenna. :)

Grocery Store

I went to the grocery store with Jenna kinda awake but not screaming (a definite plus). She did pretty well in the cart and I quickly rushed around the store with my list in hand to get the items I needed before she had a meltdown. We made it to the check out line where she started to cry a little more, and I pushed her pacifier back in her mouth to help soothe her. When we got to the car she started to cry, but at least I got mostly all the groceries I needed!

Crock Pot Meals

So I've got this cook book called Fix it and Forget it. It's a book of crock pot meals. I've decided that as hard as it is to cook during the day when I am taking care of Jenna, I should at least attempt to take out the crock pot/slow cooker and see how making a week or so of meals in that works. Plus, meal planning definitely helps in the food budget. Something that's taken a hit this past month when we were in survival mode!

Right now the girl is sleeping in her swing, or at least calm.....no...she's sleeping. Yay! I might start blogging a monthly letter to her like I see other mom's do. I think later one she might really love to read them. :)

K... I am out!

Blessings,

KR

Time Flies and possible privacy change...

I've debated about this and I am still debating about making this blog a private blog. Meaning, that only those that ask permission can view it and not everyone that wants to on a whim. I'd like to post more pictures of Jenna on here, but am weary to as I don't know who's reading it. As she gets older and we take more photos, this becomes a bigger issue.

What are your thoughts? If you are a reader/follower of this blog what do you think? If you'd like to be included in the inevitable change, please e-mail me your e-mail address at kristinereed@gmail.com. I'll try to include as many e-mails as I already have so people might not have to worry...but if you aren't included just e-mail me and we'll figure this thing out.

Random tidbit of information...

Minutes can feel like hours when the baby is crying, but also when it's sleeping. :)

I should be napping right now, but the need for social interaction is winning. Blogging helps me keep sane I think. It'll also be fun to look back later and see what was going on in those first few weeks of Jenna's life. It's so weird that I have a daughter now. I think it hits home more when I say the word daughter. Her name somehow doesn't do it, nor the fact that I've held her and fed her and clothed her...but saying the word Daughter, man.

For Eric the moment she came behind the curtain in the hospital it became real. This is really happening...we have a baby. He stepped up immediately and even now when he's working, the times he's home he's more than willing to hold her, change her and if needed, feed her. Great husband and father he is!

I think things are still settling in for me in this transition period. I cannot imagine what it's like for people who just get married and have a baby right away. People do it, lots of people also divorce because of it. I am glad I had 4 years with my husband before the baby came along. It gave us time to experience some things together and to grow in our relationship enough to survive this next transition. It also gave us time to grow in our relationship with the Lord more...something we are still doing and want to be a good example for Jenna too.

It's just I think going to take longer for me for things to really really sink in. Don't worry, Jenna's going to be fine whilst I figure things out. The need to care for her and make sure she's safe is definitely there. I was just thinking the other day while we were in the mall with her how horrible it would feel be someone took her or harmed her. That's how I knew I had that protective instinct in there. When she cries I want to "fix" her problems the best I can to make sure she feels safe and secure. I just think the whole bonding thing will grow over time as she becomes more interactive.

It is however special when she hears my voice and calms even for a second. She recognizes who I am and definitely knows where the food comes from. ;) It'll be nice when her umbilical cord thing is healed completely and we can start baths. I want Eric to be the one to do a lot of the bedtime routine so he can have that special time with her. Right now things are just in survival mode until she is more regular and I figure out some form of routine that works. I have a few books to read thanks to some dear friends regarding this issue.... so those should help!

Okay... I've written quite enough. I do this for my own benefit. If people choose to read it, that's okay with me obviously because I've posted it up here. But if not it's here for me to look back and reflect upon.

Blessings,

Kristine

The sleep song :)

I think I'll be composing many songs with Jenna. Today's song:

It's okay to go to sleep, sleep

It's okay to go to sleep, sleep

Baby sleep longer to grow big and stronger

It's okay to go to sleep

When you sleep you will dream

In dreams you can be anything

You can be a princess

Or you can be a turtle

But you can't dream if you don't sleep so...

It's okay to go to sleep, sleep

It's okay to go to sleep, sleep

Baby sleep longer to grow big and stronger

It's okay to go to sleep.

I think I made up other silly verses.....but I mainly sang the chorus over and over again...

Losing weight....

We'll see how well this is one handed... I think I figured out why they say you lose weight breast feeding.... you literally have no time to eat yourself because of how demanding the feeding schedule is! :) Well that's how it's going here.

Anything for my baby girl....

Met with lactation today.... turns out baby girl has issues sucking when feeding. So that combined with my lack of supply is causing her not to get enough food when she feeds off me. Which in turn has caused her to cry more and gulp more air to have gas issues. It's a vicious cycle. They had me try out a nipple shield and that kinda helped some with her being able to latch appropriately and such better.

So... here's the current feeding plan. Feed the girl as much as I can during feeding times using a nipple shield.If she's still hungry, they want me to supplement either with formula or preferably my expressed milk. Then after I do that, they want me to pump for 20 minutes. At night I'll solely feed her and not worry about pumping. So all that plus the herbs to try to bolster my supply. If that works then great. If not, there are a few medications I can take to boost my supply. I hope it doesn't come to that...but anything for my baby girl is good.

That's the current update. Gotta make dinner...

Does it seem weird....

Okay again, I am not gonna lie...being a SAHM is hard. Particularly a breastfeeding SAHM. Today I have an appointment with lactation (almost forgot about that!) and maybe they'll give me some answers but I am uncertain. I think it might be due to my milk supply not fully coming in yet. Sometimes it can take a while with new moms, especially c-section moms like myself.

When the times get tough... I pray and then I think to myself somehow these teenage moms and single moms and junkie moms and other moms babies thrive and survive. They make it past these crazy stages in the beginning with the baby crying and feeding and sleeping. That might sound horrible to some of you....I'd also like to add I think of the many women who've gone before me who are strong wonderful SAHM's in caring loving homes that have gotten through these stages too. Sometime it helps to think of that for hope, that this stage will pass and I'll miss it. I'll miss when she was so tiny I could use one arm to pick her up. I'll miss when my husband lays her on his chest at night sometimes to sleep. I'll miss a lot of things. So I gotta take the good with the bad....

Okay baby girl is waking up... gotta go...

On being a SAHM....

Here I am, on day two of being a SAHM. Yesterday was a huge day for me because it was the first day of being here without Eric around to help out. I would be lying if I said I wasn't afriad! My friend Jill blessed me with a visit and made me some lunch. It was good to be able to visit with someone who knew what I was going through.

Yesterday morning Jenna did great...was calm and alert and active, then she hit a wall by mid day and was fussy. Eric came home around 1 something and later we went with Jenna to the hospital so she could get her foot pricked for her two week test. While we were in the waiting area at the lab there were two women there. One woman was waiting and talked about our little girl with us. The other was an older lady who noticed we had a baby and asked if it was a boy or a girl. (Since the flowery green pink daisy hat wasn't obvious....nor the brown and green and pink spotted blanket..) She went on and on about how our girl needed to wear pink, always wear pink and how we should tie a bow on our car seat so everyone would know she's a girl right away. I just smiled and nodded. What else could I do? :) The other lady was like yeah I knew it was a girl (cause it was obvious). Anyways.... Jenna and I went in and she got her foot stuck. She cried and I was trying to prepare myself for waterworks since I heard it was the hardest thing a mom would have to go through this early on or something.

Surprisingly I wasn't emotional at all. I just focused on calming my baby and being there for her. I guess I tend to take the strong approach to things like this because I feel the baby needs to see a strong calm mom to be able to calm down herself. Eventually once we got her in the car seat she calmed down. Then I noticed a huge wet spot on my shirt...and that she was wet too. Yep...she peed on me during the shot. Awesome. Glad I packed that extra shirt for myself in the car...no wait... I didn't. At least I packed an extra onsie for her. We went to the doc's office next.

Since we were at the end of the day the doc was quite backed up. We waited a good 40 minutes or so until we were in the room. Once there I changed the baby girl, they weighed and measured her and we waited a little longer for the doc. Unfortunatley Jenna wasn't cool with waiting to eat. So I made up the bottle of formula I brought with us just in case, but she needed more so I ended up breastfeeding in the room. Of course that's when the doc came in. The doc said Jenna was looking great and finally above her birth weight. The doc also approved of us giving her gas meds if she needs them and said that us having her in the swing sometimes at night is totally fine. It made me feel better as a parent haha.

Jenna did okay the rest of the day. Of course at night she decided she wanted to be fussy and not sleep.... but it's getting a little better. Ended up feeding her some of the bmilk from the fridge last night plus some formula. I hurt so much that I didn't want to nurse. Hopefully we'll get some answers on Wednesday.

Today is going alright. We went to the grocery store and she did great. Got what we needed and were out of there without any meltdowns. Came home nursed a few times and she's been in and out of the swing. It's nice to have a safe place for her to be so I can have some me time, or cook or go to the bathroom. Soon I'll figure out a carrier for her..

But things are getting a little easier even on day two. The SAHM stuff isn't scaring me as much and seems doable at this stage. I just wish I had more things that I could do with her at this stage of her development. We're trying to use sign language when we can so she sees that. I read the little bible book to her.... I think we'll start singing some more with educational songs. :) Seems better than watching TV. ALthough we do that as well.

Okay I am tired. I might take a nap while I can! Peace Out.

Oh the joys of b. feeding...

I realized I haven't posted in a little while, well that's because I've been slightly busy with a fussy little girl. :) Jenna's decided that nursing is going to be a little extra difficult. She fights me all the way until I get her latched on, then she calls a truce and plays fair. We've met with the lactation people and things were going great there, but they still want me to boost my supply so I am taking some Fenugreek to help that. Apparently it's going to make me smell like Maple Syrup.... that should be interesting.

No one talks about how difficult it is to breastfeed a newborn. Seriously...every few hours?!? And with a battle at every session it proves quite the effort to keep it up. Oh I am supposed to try to pump too.. In my spare time. :) It's kinda maddening really this whole process. But I keep reminding myself that this stage is the stage where they eat all the time, sleep all the time and wet diapers all the time. Oh and cry all the time. I remind myself that it hopefully will only last a few months, then the fun begins with her being more interactive. I've decided this stage of the baby's developement isn't for me, not my fav. Especially the crying at night part because of gas pains and nothing helping. Yeah, that's awesome.

Eric's been great about changing her diapers occasionally and holding her and feeding her from bottle when I do express some milk. But he goes back to work next week...which means it's just me and baby. I can't lie and say that I am looking forward to this alone time. It's been kinda rough for me regarding this whole process and I just hope to keep my sanity when it's just me and baby 24/7 with no help until Eric comes home from working all day. I am trying to think about how to make things easier for myself...and things are getting a little easier but it's going to take some time.

I guess I look forward to the stage when the baby is more interactive.....right now there's not much to do other than read to her and talk to her (oh and feed and change her). I am debating on joining a mom's group or helping one to start forming. I also am going to start BSF on Tuesdays since I can take her with me and see how that goes. Social interaction will be key I think to my sanity. Now if only I could figure out the trigger to these headaches...

I love my husband :)

I wasn't sure how I could love my husband more until we had our sweet little Jenna. He stood by my side during the long 36 hours it took from going into labor until she entered the world. Since I got a c-section I couldn't go with her when they cleaned her off, checked her to make sure she was okay and the other stuff they do immediately after the baby was born. From the moment she entered the world he became more my hero and I fell in love with him more.

He stepped up in so many ways. He went with her to the nursery, learned how to swaddle and change her and soothe her. He did everything I couldn't do and it was amazing to watch him naturally and wonderfully step into the role of a father. He's mastered taking the car seat in and out, opening the stroller, changing her, swaddling her, holding her, feeding her my milk from a bottle.... everything. It's really amazing.

He not only stepped up to be the amazing man I knew he could be for her, but he also stepped up for me. He helped me with my c-section stuff, made sure I had food by ordering it or cooking it, made sure I took my meds, offered to hold and feed the baby so I could rest...I say this over and over again but it's really really amazing to me. I love him more and more every day. Right now he just came back from going to the grocery store to get the long list of items we need at the house. Just anything we need as a family he steps up and does. It's amazing how having a little one changes your life. I am thankful and blessed to have a wonderful husband like Eric Reed. :)

I know that sounds cheesy....but I wanted the world to know via blog how I feel about this man. It's indescribable, yet I am overjoyed he picked me to be his wife and the mother of his child. :)

Long night...

Ah yes... we knew what we were in for when the baby slept most of the day yesterday, a long night. Baby seems to be on the opposite time schedule we are sometimes, and then other times she's right on. Last night she woke up often, was hungry often and just wanted to be held. This is all normal and fine, until you factor in that mom and dad forgot to sleep during the day when the baby slept and were completely exhausted! :)

It's hard being a milk machine. Being the only on to satisfy your baby's hunger needs. I am going to try hard to pump more today so that Eric can feed the baby too. He really loves her and loves interacting with her, especially feeding. He told me last night that if I could pump enough that he would take over a feeding so I could sleep 4 hours straight. Unfortunately last night it didn't work out that way...but tonight might!

Today I think is going to be another good lazy day around the house. We do have some things we'd like to get, but we might stick to ordering them online at this point. ;)

Well I need a nap, baby is taking a nap...so it's perfect timing. We'll write more later...

Meeting with the Lactation Specialist

I posted new photos to Facebook, soon they will be on here too. But I have a feeling I should take a nap!

We met with the Lactation specialist at the hospital today and when she weighed Jenna, it showed that she gained 5 or 6 ounces! She had me breastfeed Jenna and then weighed her again. While I breastfed she gave us hints and tips about it. When Jenna was weighed it showed that she was indeed getting enough of what she needed and if anything adding feedings would help supplement the rest until my milk gets in.

So the new plan, she told me to do the skin to skin thing and to feed Jenna often, like way often. So that my milk will come fully in. So that's what we plan on doing! I will pump some or hand express some to supplement and let Eric give that to her. She kinda showed me how to use my pump, so we'll see how that helps us.

Difficulties in Feeding

We are finally home! We got home yesterday, but it was kind of a crazy day. They weighed her and she was 6lbs 14oz.... meaning she lost 10 percent of her body weight. Which meant that they wanted to see why this was happening. I explained to them about our difficulties for the past few days with feedings and how that most likely contributed. I told them about how we were getting the hang of breastfeeding finally and felt like we had some actual success. The hospital still wanted the lactation specialist to come and weight her before and after a feeding.

They came in, weighed her and said that for some reason she wasn't getting enough milk (or colostrum right now) from me by breastfeeding. They think maybe she's not latching right or something, but they did notice that I had an okay supply of it coming out. So they suggested that I pump after I feed her with a double breast pump and feed that to her as a supplement in the next feeding. In the mean time I can supplement with formula. I said okay to that plan...afterall it was just me feeding her, then Eric could feed her the supplement while I pumped. Easier said than done!

When we got home and it was time for a feeding she was falling asleep after feeding from just one breast. We tried to wake her up to have her feed on the other side, but she wasn't having it! Which meant how could we really supplement her? Man...it's been frustrating. I tried to use my breast pump but I can't figure out how to get it to pump my breasts right..so I haven't been able to supplement that way. We've been using formula to supplement, but since I can hand express colostrum, there shouldn't be a reason for me to have to do that if I can figure out the pump. We meet with the lactation person tomorrow, and she'll look at our form to see how our baby has been feeding to see how she can help. I wish I had someone to call 24/7 that could show me how to use my pump right, and could help us figure out how to effectively feed our little girl.

Okay baby girl is up.... will write more later..

Sleep Glorious Sleep...

Yes it was only for 5 or 6 hours total...but seriously, I think we're getting the hang of things! We figured out a good combo of a bobby and rocking chair to nurse Jenna and so far we've been able to help her to latch without many problems. We fed her, then she fell asleep and slept for a good hour and a half, she was hungry, we fed her again and then she slept for another hour and a half and it continued. So we slept when she did and it was great!

She got weighed this morning and I think she was 6lbs 14oz. So she's lost quite a bit of weight. We are still on track to leave today since my incisions and stuff are looking good, but before we can go we have to prove to them that we've got nursing down and that she's getting enough food. The doctor came in this morning to check on us and her and she said she wasn't concerned about the weight, especially knowing what we'd been going through with the nursing and how we've (by the grace of God) tackled that. I think we are on the right track to help her. I told the doc about what the nurses/hospitals said about nipple confusion and she said as long as we can tell she knows the difference between the nipple and pacifier, that by all means give her one and just smile and nod to the hospital people. :) So that made us feel a lot better to have the doc on our side.

Right now she's sleeping, Eric's showering and I am taking a moment to check e-mail and update the blog. We really appreciate all your prayers and support. It's been kinda a blessing to be able to have internet here and to check comments and know that we have so many wonderful friends and family supporting our journey into parenthood. It's also been nice to share these moments with you guys as well!

We don't know when we'll be going home today, I guess it might be later after Jenna's figured out and they take out my staples. (yikes!) But we look forward to going home and being a family without the constant interruptions from doctors and hospital personnel. So I guess prayers that she gains enough weight during these next few hours from feedings. (Which I think will work since my milk is coming in....) Thanks!

Oh the joys of parenting....

Looks like we might be able to go back home tomorrow! We've been in the hospital since Friday. We would really appreciate your prayers regarding our little one. She's getting a hold of breastfeeding finally today, but when she is not eating... she's pretty much screaming. We aren't sure what's going on, whether it's gas or stomach issues or that she's scared or overstimulated... it's been quite frustrating trying to soothe her. The only way to sooth her seems to be by sticking a finger in her mouth. We wish we had a pacifier here, or that they would offer us one...but no...they don't want her to have nipple confusion. We don't think she has any confusion between our fingers and my nipples, so I am not sure what's the deal.

She's crying again... please pray that God will help soothe her and give us the wisdom about what to do in this situation so we can take care of her effectively. As you can imagine, not being able to sleep is exhausting.

The short and quick (I'll write more details later)

I'll post more details later when I get a second to write it all down. (Or add to this) But basically my water broke and I labored for 20 hours without medication and got to 7cm. Then I labored another 4 (STILL without meds) but there was no progression. So this now was 24 hours after my water broke.

Then they wanted me to do pitocin to help it get the rest of the way, so I got an epidural. I labored down for 7 hours and got to 10cm, then I pushed for 2 1/2 hours. The baby was moving down but basically got stuck and would move no further. Turns out my pelvic bone or hip bones or whatever were too narrow for the baby to make it out. Unfortunately for the last part of the pushing, my epidural wore off and I felt the full effect of the pitocin! :(

Because there was no way the baby was coming out vaginally, the only choice was to do a c-section. The baby was also face up. I had to have double to dose of the epidural because I could still feel stuff with just one. But 36 hours after the time we originally came to the hospital we had our little girl! She came out of the womb literally eyes open when they went in to get her. She was head up and was kinda crooked in there as well. :) I am so glad she's here!

Born 09/12/10, 7lbs 10ounces at 7:55am. Jennavieve Elizabeth Reed

Eric's been AWESOME throughout this whole process. He's stepped up and totally took over care of Jenna, changing her, swaddling her and whatever else she's needed while I was confined to a bed. We're still working on breastfeeding...it's kind of hard and she's stubborn, but we're hopeful. :)

Okay...this is the first chance I get to eat REAL food...so I gotta go! Write more later but those are the details.

Meet baby Jennavieve Elizabeth Reed! (Updated Photos)

I don't have tons of time to post, as you can imagine...but later when I have time I'll post the birth story. But... through 36 hours from start to finish we have our little Jennavieve! I'll post more later...especially the cute pictures of Eric and her. My camera was having issues the first day so some of the first pictures were a little blury or lined. But here are some to tide you over!

No baby yet...

After 24 hours of labor having dilated 7 cm and having sporadic contractions, for the health of my baby and me, my doctor decided I should go on pitocin. Because I'm exhausted and a little emotional I decided to get an epidural so I would be able to focus through the rest of the labor. We hope to have our little baby within the next few hours!

More Progress

Well... I am still here. It's 1:29pm and the doc and the nurse just left. The doc checked me and said that I am 7cm dilated now! The baby is still in +1 position and I am still way open. So they said that's great! I am so glad I made progress. Honestly, it's by the grace of God that I've been able to hold on this long sans medication. It's my hope and goal to make it the entire labor without it. The doc and nurse think I can do it...and I think I can too.

Let me tell you, it's been nice not having to be strapped to an IV or electronic monitoring. Soon when my nurse comes back from her break she'll monitor me a little more then let me labor in the tub. I am looking forward to that. I hear it's nice to have the warm water to soothe contractions. We'll see! These contractions sure are harder and more painful. My method of dealing with them is a mixture of prayer and singing hymns, well one hymn in general "All Creatures of our God and King". Like I said...it's by God's grace I've made it this far! Keep us in prayer I make it all the way!

Progress! :)

So here we are....it's 9:46am. Around 9:15 or so my doc came and checked me and I am at 5cm dilated, fully effaced and the baby is in the +1 position. Yay! Which means they won't make me take pitocin or be on continuous monitoring, which is such a blessing! Praise God! The contractions have been bearable..... Eric's been a great help. :) I have had a considerable amount of back pain, but by the grace of God I'm breathing through it. It's amazing what you can do with the strength of faith in Christ.

My mom is hanging out with us and my dad is hanging out at the house. Hopefully we'll progress even more. I've had another bag of antibiotics and am scheduled to have another bag then. :)

Okay, that's my progress. I wish I could just be on facebook but at least this keeps everyone updated!

In labor!

They won't let me log into Facebook, but I know this will post to Facebook! Muhahaha! At around 8pm last night my water broke and we went to the hospital. They admitted me and here I am. I've had two doses of the antibiotic for group B strep (given every 4 hours) and have so far by the grace of God alone been able to bear the contractions without medication. They checked me a long time ago and I was still only at 3cm, but... that was a while ago!

I've since gotten some rest and had some more contractions of course. They are getting progressively harder, so I think that might be a good sign that something is happening. I am letting Eric rest since he's been under the weather. My parents drove down from Washington, but instead of going to our house, they've insisted on waiting at the hospital. I couldn't change their minds so I figured whatever...it's their decision. I am going to worry about myself!

So far I've found singing through hymns and breathing deeply have helped me deal with contractions. I don't know how much worse they are going to get, or if they'll just get more intense as time goes by. I plan on trying to do what I can to deal with them by the grace of God so I can stay mobile and do what I would like to do. We'll see what happens though!

I am not sure if I'll be able to update this before later on today, but I thought I'd post something so people could know! Prayers are definitely appreciated!

Doc Appointment Update

Well today I had my scheduled appointment with my doctor. I am officially 40 weeks and 5 days pregnant. I do feel it too! I had a different nurse this time, but she was nice. I think they train new nurses from the colleges or something sometimes.

Okay here are the details. Hopefully I've left enough space so that it doesn't show up on my facebook page for those who don't want to know. :) That's mostly why I preface most entries with some intro paragraph. Cause I am sure my guy friends don't want to know the intimate details of my pregnancy. So TMI alert, if you don't want to know details...don't read further.

Things are going well! I gained 1-2lbs, which I fear is all baby weight gain and not me. The doc said the baby definitely is bigger. My blood pressure is great, pretty perfect. My fundal height is 40-41cm now and I definitely feel bigger! My cervix is lower, the baby is lower and I she said I am WAY more effaced than last time. (And last time I was 80 percent effaced.) I am also 2-3cm dilated. She said I've done most of the hard work already. :) She said my body is definitely ready for labor. Now if only the baby would get the picture and decide to trigger it!

We also talked about why she chose to have me scheduled to be induced on Monday. Turns out because this is a small hospital, many times you can't get in to be induced on the date you set. Often times she said patients have to wait a few days before being able to get induced. She didn't want to schedule me for later on in the week and then have me wait beyond 42 weeks to get induced.

When Eric and I went to get the non-stress test yesterday the hospital was PACKED and every available room was taken. We had to do the test in the nursery! The hospital of course places priority on the women who are in labor or in emergency situations. So knowing how it was when we were there, I do agree with the doctor's decision to schedule induction for Monday. At first I couldn't understand and I was frustrated, but I do understand the reasoning and why and I know of the possible complications. I also know God has a plan and will protect me and the baby. :)

So that's where I'm at right now! The doc and I agreed that prayer is the most important way I can prepare for the baby. God knows when this baby is going to come. I hope it's before I have to get induced, but if I need to get induced...it'll be okay. I am in good physical condition and have faith it will all go well.

40 weeks and 4 days. :)

Well here I am...eating my words of having an early baby. I think my baby is pretty rebellious and independent because my baby wants to come on it's own time. Just like it didn't want us to see it's gender all the way. It's got a mind of it's own and is using it!

Today we had to go to the hospital for the scheduled non-stress test. Eric went with me this time. I told him the room would have cable and a bathroom and well be a normal room. When we got there the hospital was SUPER busy. We had to wait 30 minutes for them to find a space for us. When we returned after 30 minutes, they still had no room but decided to have us go in the nursery. So here I was lying on a bed in the nursery with the probes on me and all the curtains were drawn. I am glad Eric went with me because there wasn't anything really to look at in there. He was interested in the data we were getting from the baby.

At first the baby was sleepy, so it wasn't really active. So they had me drink some juice to try to get the baby to be active. Although, as when I am home, I noticed when I started to feel like my bladder was full..the baby got really active. So they got some great data and said that the baby is doing great. :)

Tomorrow I go to check in with the doctor. On Monday I am scheduled to be induced if the baby hasn't come yet. I am hoping and praying the baby comes before then! :)

Due! :) 40 weeks pregnant

So here I am....40 weeks pregnant! Did I think the day would come, no. Am I glad it's come, well yes in the fact that it's come and the baby is still alive and moving inside of me. No in the fact that the baby is still inside of me! :) I've been trying all sorts of things (safe things) to encourage the baby out but it's just too comfortable in there. Silly baby.

We are all set for it to arrive. As I said before, bags are packed, room is ready, grandparents on standby... it just doesn't know what a rockin' time it's going to have out here where it can actually SEE what it's been hearing for nine months. Today Eric's decided he wants to get some projects done around the house (yay!) and I get to figure out something productive to do. Guess there's always more cleaning and organizing. I wish the weather was better! I wish we lived further north so there'd be something to do.

Not that where we live isn't interesting... but seriously, there's nothing really do to around here. Everything is up in Portland or Vancouver. Including mommy friends that would love to visit! Looking down I see my little one moving from side to side inside my abdomen. It's really rather interesting. I've gone beyond the creep factor into the loving it factor because it means my baby is alive and well. :)

Well I should get going, eat breakfast and figure out something to do with my day today! God Bless.

Woah Nelly...

Okay... I've had time to sit, vent and reflect upon the events of today. I think my hormones might have had a surge or something because I went crazy for an hour there! God knows when this baby will come, and hopefully it'll come before my induction date. I think I just kinda freaked out because I felt trapped, like I had no choices or flexibility in when to have the baby. I want the baby to come on it's own and to set a date for it to come "no matter what" seemed kinda scary for me. Induction is scary to me, because it does lead to other interventions typically like epidurals and c-sections. However, maybe since I am SO ready to have the baby physically, if the baby hasn't come by then it'll be okay and just progress fast and there won't be need for other interventions.

I had a chance to talk with some good friends about it and talked with some family. Nine days might be long enough and I might be ready for the induction AND the baby will probably even come before then! :) I am just glad that so far the baby is well, I am doing great and there have been practically NO complications in this pregnancy! Praise God for that! After going through the miscarriage with the first baby, all I want is to have a healthy baby. No matter how I get to that result, having a healthy baby is what I desire! :)

I think I might try to figure out good ways of relaxing and taking it easy these next days before baby comes and really enjoy my time while I have it! :) Thanks for being patient with my rants and frustrations! I'm just a crazy pregnant women trying to figure out the impossible!

Trying to chill...

I think this whole talk of induction just got me going. Most doctor's don't even mention it to their patients until they are overdue. Then they talk of their options. My doc apparently is a planner, like me, and wants to get everything in a row. I don't think waiting two more days probably would make much of a difference in the end. I just wanted the freedom to have the choice to wait I guess. It's my body, it's my choice. If the baby was in danger, I would not wait!

Maybe I can just clear my head, take a bath and relax. I feel like driving far from here. Far from even thinking about this. I just need to trust in the Lord and wait and see. I think I get worked up so easily these days, especially when it's medically related. I guess I wanted my doc to give me a medical reason for wanting it done on that day. I didn't want to hear, oh it's only because I am in the office that day and it's more convenient for me. I've known several women who've gone closer to the 2 week mark and delivered naturally and fine. But it's okay... the 13th will probably be fine. I need to chill about it.

Week 39 (and 4 days) of Pregnancy doc visit and NST

So.. I promised details to those who follow the blog and I guess I have to deliver! The doctor's visit went well overall. I still haven't gained much weight over the past couple of weeks, even though I've been eating more..which seems crazy! I am not heartbroken though. :)

The doc said everything looked great. The baby's heartbeat is strong and my cervix is low and easy to find. My baby is head down, I am still 2cm and my fundal height is still measuring 39-40 which is essentially full term.

Even though things look great, since I am close to my due date the doctor wanted to schedule the induction ahead of time. She gave me two dates, the 9th and the 13th. Out of those I chose the 13th. I thought it seemed weird that she thought that was the end all date for me..when that's only 9 days after my due date. She also scheduled a NST (Non-Stress Test) today which was weird because usually they only do that after you are due. I went through that and of course the baby was completely fine.

I called the doc and left a message asking why I had to be induced on the 13th..why that would be the last day I could wait until my baby comes. I also asked if I could wait until a little later on in the week, you know closer to the 2 week mark. They called back and said that there was no medical reasoning for the 13th date. It was just when she would be in the office. She didn't want to go beyond that date at all because that would be "waiting until the last minute". Yeah I am not happy. Hopefully this baby will come and it won't be an issue! I think I am just going to roll with it since 9 days may not be that bad and I'll probably be ready for the baby to come if it hasn't come by then. :)

Video Baby Monitor!

So I researched and talked with many friends about what they did when their baby was born regarding monitors. Some didn't use them at all, some had the baby in the room for the first few months (some still have the kid in the room), others used audio monitors and others used video monitors.

Knowing that we plan on having the baby in it's crib, we figured we needed a monitor. We went back and forth about a million times. I wanted to get a video monitor, but they cost so much! It was hard to justify a $100-$200 purchase for just a monitor. So I decided to go to Craigslist to see what they had. I saw several different monitors over the past few months. Lately I've realized just how close I am to having this baby and how we need to get a monitor ASAP. The other day I saw a video monitor out of Silverton for $40. There were no pictures. The person just said it had a tv monitor, audio monitor and video camera. I asked Eric about it and we decided to take the gamble and check it out.

I looked online for ideas of which monitor it could be that had three parts. There were some oldschool ones and new ones online. We went in person today and it looks great! They turned it on and it worked great too. Well as great as an analog camera can work. So we bought it. Here are pictures:

The Video Monitor

The Audio Monitor

The TV Monitor

This is what it is if we bought it brand new:

http://www.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Nursery-Monitor-System/dp/B00005BSXI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I think we got a pretty good deal only paying $40 for it. We figured it was a good gamble, we'll see how it works later on when the baby is here! :)

37 week 5 day doc appointment :)

Today I had my 37 week and 5 day doctor appointment. Eric went with me this time. It was a nice visit.



I am putting the details on this blog in case it's TMI for Facebook. :) So.. the baby has dropped a little which is good, it means I am making progress. I am still at 2cm and she didn't say anything about effacement so I am assuming that's the same. I am measuring at 39-40cm so that means the baby is still growing well. :)

However I got the results of the Group B Strep test and unfortunately I do have it. : ( So that means that I'll have to have IV antibiotics while I am in labor. But as I was telling Eric, there are worse things that I could have. It's good that they caught this because it means that they can treat it and help prevent the baby from getting sick with pnemonia or other illnesses that the baby could get from passing through the step. I guess 1 in 3 women get this, so it's not uncommon at all. I am not excited about the idea of an IV, but sounds like I just get a 20 minute dose every 4 hours so I should be able to still move around like I want.

Other than that things have been going normal. I've had some cramps/contractions here and there but I didn't know they were contractions until today. So that helps me to actually identify them! We've got most of the projects figured out at the house and are ready for the baby to join us. We still need to get a baby monitor... and Eric needs to finish the changing table. He also needs to pack his hospital bag. Other than that we are set. I am attempting to try to make some baby shoes to see if I can do it. :)

We'll keep you updated!

36 week 5 day pregnant doctor visit

I've been saying for weeks, perhaps even months that I have a feeling this baby is going to come early. Most people laugh at me saying,"You are silly! Most first time moms have their babies late!" Well, according to my doctor..she is very confident that I will have this baby either early or right on time.

I am 2cm dilated and 50 percent effaced. She says the baby technically could come at any time now. I've only gained around a lb since my visit 2 weeks ago. I am measuring at 38-39cm for my cervix... which could confirm the early delivery probability. :)

So today I am finishing up packing for the hospital and getting the other things done around the house that need to get done. We hope to have everything ready for the little one in the next few days. That way if the baby comes early or on time, we'll be good!

Okay...gotta jet...lots to do!

In the 37th week of pregnancy.. (36 weeks 2 days)

So this is the post I was going to type, but sometimes you just never know where your heart is going to take you when you start to write. The post previous to this one is something that needed to be said. Now on to the fun stuff!

This baby could come at any time!!!

I cannot believe that this little one could come at any time AND be healthy! What a blessing! They say by the 37th week of pregnancy the baby is considered full-term and can be born safely. Yes everyone is different and every pregnancy is different, but that's the average. I still have a feeling this baby will be coming sooner than later. I could be completely wrong, but it's such a strong sense that I have and I can't shake it. Maybe it's just me knowing that the time is coming near, we'll see when our little one arrives.

We finished more things with the baby room!

This past weekend we worked on the baby room a little more. Eric finished painting the baby room closet and it does look a ton better than it did before. I am so glad that we decided to paint the trim in that room! The dark brown looks great. He also spot stained the baby's crib where there were scratches and dents and it looks great for being used! (Remember we got the crib off of craigslist) I washed sheets and got them on the crib. He also started sanding the baby changing table. We decided to go ahead and stain it to match the crib. That is still a work in progress.

I tried to sew a cloth insert...

Yesterday I tried my hand at sewing a cloth insert to put in the baby's gdiapers. Yeah...didn't work out like I had hoped, but exactly how it was supposed to I guess. I made a flannel pocket and created a triple layer microfiber towel insert to go inside. It fit well and looked good. It even soaked up water well...but the baby would still be wet and most likely have a diaper rash. So..scratched that idea.

I tried to make a baby kimono shirt...

I also experimented with making a baby kimono. I took a side snap shirt and dismantled it and sewed other fabric over it... it turned out okay, but needs work. I figured out a pattern I think and I might go with that. I am hoping to get it done before the baby comes so that she can go home in it (if it's indeed a girl) but we'll see.

This week I am making curtains and finding baskets..

This week I am making baby curtains. We need to get the curtain rod and figure that stuff out first though, so it might take a couple of days before I can start that. Eric picked out the fabric and it's adorable. I'll show you the finished product when it's done. :) I am also going to find some baskets to put in the bookshelf that will go in the baby's room. In those baskets I'll place children's books (I have just a few....) and children's toys. On top I'll place the MP3 speaker set and the baby's airplane lamp. :)

I've gotta organize this room!

Since the baby's room is painted I can finally add things into the room again and free up the guest room! I am excited to organize things and put them where they need to be! In fact... I should go do that now! I'll post more pictures later!

Blessings,

Kristine

Remembering a year ago :)

Wow... so here we are and this pregnancy seems like a dream still. Overall other than being sore at night when I sleep and it getting harder to stand or sit for long periods of time, this pregnancy has gone fairly well. The fact that this little one really could come at any time AND will be healthy is also crazy and a blessing too. Below are the ramblings of a pregnant woman. Meaning my brain isn't quite connecting as well as I'd like to get my point across well, but I'll try my hardest. :)

A year ago a life was lost...

Yesterday as I was in church I remembered where I was at a year ago this time... in mourning for the little one lost. In case you didn't know, we lost a little baby last year at 8 weeks pregnant or so. It was devastating. God decided that little one belonged with Him in heaven and that the timing was off for us to have a little one on Earth. It was hard to understand at that time why God would take the little one from us. It took months of mourning, prayer and reflection on events to realize that God brings good even from tragedies. Here are some things I've learned:

God used this pain and tragedy to bless us and others...

By me going through this experience and being open about it, God worked through it to help others to be open about their experiences too. People I never thought had this happen opened up and talked with me about it and we were able to heal together. I now had extra time to look for work positions, and God brought me the Macy's job...but most importantly I was able to accept a temporary teaching position at a local Christian School. I was able to actually teach! That was something I'd dreamed about and worked hard toward, and God gave me that opportunity for three months or so. It was such a blessing to be able to teach and meet the wonderful staff of that school. It was an experience I'll treasure for years to come. God allowed me to work with at-risk youth through tutoring and gain experience that way as well. All these things I would not have been able to do had God not decided to take my little one early. God made me a stronger woman, a more empathetic woman and showed me that in the midst of tragedy, He is there more powerful than ever.

Every life is precious, no matter how small...

God's also shown Eric and I how precious life is. You just don't know how long you're going to have someone in your life. It's helped us to appreciate and cherish this little life inside of me all the more this time around. We loved the previous baby every moment of every day that we had with it. Every moment we have with this little one is a blessing. Every time I feel this little one kick it lifts my heart and fills it with joy. We'll love and cherish this little blessing for however long God allows us to, and I hope that's for years and years to come.

This pregnancy has been different...

This pregnancy has gone tremendously well as I mentioned before. No major sickness, no back pain (something I was seriously concerned with given my medical history, no major weight gain and other than being tired and sore from time to time...it's gone very well. I am blessed to have a wonderful doctor who believes in the Lord and cares about her patients. I am blessed to have the opportunity (thus far) to have a hospital who supports their patient's choices in the birth process, has friendly staff that love working there and is a calm peaceful environment. I am blessed to have wonderful family and friends to come along side of Eric and I in prayer support for this new blessing in our lives. The timing of this baby is perfect so that my mom can come down and spend some time visiting with us and helping out the first week.

God is the master orchestrator...

God orchestrated this pregnancy to be perfect and a blessing and something we'll never ever take for granted. We weren't ready to be parents before, and God knew that. He knew our hearts and lives and had a plan all along. He had us go through the experience before to teach us more about ourselves and to teach us just how precious life is. We were able to in turn be a blessing to others in ways we never knew we could, all because of God.