iPhone picture dump to catch up!!
My first Mother's Day.
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Picture Dump
Monday, June 2, 2014
Watch A & B Grow: Month 3
I cannot even begin to believe you two perfect little boys have been on this Earth for three entire months (well - over three months, because Mom is a little slow at writing these updates)!
This month has been SO FUN. It is like overnight you woke up and suddenly have little personalities and interact and know what is going on around you.
Both of you have your first real sickness as I type this. A few days ago, Daddy called me at work and said you were both acting fussy, particularly Archer. By the next evening, Archer threw up and you were both gagging from all of the mucus draining down your throat. It was a long night, as neither of you wanted to sleep and were just pitiful. After a trip to the pediatrician, you were diagnosed with your first cold/sinus infection and given antibiotics. There just isn't a lot they can do for a three month old. Despite the moments of fussiness and even screaming (we think the antibiotic now hurts your little tummies), you are still the happiest babies! Even after throwing up, you will look up and smile these huge grins, as if to say "It's okay Mom and Dad. I feel so much better now!"
Beckett, you have suddenly turned into a talking machine! You coo and babble all the time. And oh, that smile - it can melt Mommy's heart. You went from being so serious and pensive, to always smiling and downright nosey. I am here to tell you, those eyes are wide open all. of. the. time. You are terrified you will miss something. You also LOVE the television. Mommy and Daddy aren't too thrilled about that, because we try to limit "screen time." But sometimes we have to mute the TV when you are taking a bottle because you will strain and move until you can see what is going on and forget to eat. You still aren't the best sleeper, waking at least once, if not more, times during the night to fuss around. However, Daddy has gotten you on a great schedule and you take a good afternoon nap in your crib. We also started swaddling you with your arms out, and you are doing a great job and seem much more content. Those big blue eyes and long eyelashes are gorgeous, and your hair is coming in so thick and dark! You will be a heart breaker for sure. You are in all 0-3 month clothing, and Mommy just switched out your pajamas to 3-6 because they were all too short for you. At the doctor's appointment you weighed 12lbs 7oz and were 23 3/4in long - almost a two footer. We love you, Mouse, more than you know.
Archer, you giggle constantly. You laugh out loud and it is the sweetest thing I have ever heard. You even laugh in your sleep, which is precious. You talk to Mommy and Daddy all the time, and mimic some of our sounds. You are a little more laid back than your brother and while still nosey, not quite as much as him. While you still like to sleep much more so than Beckett, you get really excited when it is time to play. You will kick those little legs and move those arms like no other. When music plays, we swear you will nod your head and pat your hand to the beat. Especially in your car seat. You are a great sleeper, and LOVE being unswaddled. When we put you down at night, you may grunt and root for a while, but once you are out you are out for the count. Most nights you sleep straight through for about 10 hours. You love to eat, and take a bottle in a flash. You rolled over once from your tummy to your back. We think it may have been an accident because you were having a fit and flung yourself over, but it counts! You have started to (finally) lose some of your newborn hair, and have a ring of baldness around the entire middle of your head. It is hilarious and we can't figure out how it happened. You have huge, crystal clear blue eyes and long eyelashes too. You will be a handsome man, no doubt. You are growing like a weed, and fill out your 0-3 month clothes no problem. In fact, I think you will be wearing some 3-6 soon. At the doctor's appointment you weighed 12lbs 13oz and were 23in long. We love you, Goose, to the moon and back!
This month has been SO FUN. It is like overnight you woke up and suddenly have little personalities and interact and know what is going on around you.
Both of you have your first real sickness as I type this. A few days ago, Daddy called me at work and said you were both acting fussy, particularly Archer. By the next evening, Archer threw up and you were both gagging from all of the mucus draining down your throat. It was a long night, as neither of you wanted to sleep and were just pitiful. After a trip to the pediatrician, you were diagnosed with your first cold/sinus infection and given antibiotics. There just isn't a lot they can do for a three month old. Despite the moments of fussiness and even screaming (we think the antibiotic now hurts your little tummies), you are still the happiest babies! Even after throwing up, you will look up and smile these huge grins, as if to say "It's okay Mom and Dad. I feel so much better now!"
Beckett, you have suddenly turned into a talking machine! You coo and babble all the time. And oh, that smile - it can melt Mommy's heart. You went from being so serious and pensive, to always smiling and downright nosey. I am here to tell you, those eyes are wide open all. of. the. time. You are terrified you will miss something. You also LOVE the television. Mommy and Daddy aren't too thrilled about that, because we try to limit "screen time." But sometimes we have to mute the TV when you are taking a bottle because you will strain and move until you can see what is going on and forget to eat. You still aren't the best sleeper, waking at least once, if not more, times during the night to fuss around. However, Daddy has gotten you on a great schedule and you take a good afternoon nap in your crib. We also started swaddling you with your arms out, and you are doing a great job and seem much more content. Those big blue eyes and long eyelashes are gorgeous, and your hair is coming in so thick and dark! You will be a heart breaker for sure. You are in all 0-3 month clothing, and Mommy just switched out your pajamas to 3-6 because they were all too short for you. At the doctor's appointment you weighed 12lbs 7oz and were 23 3/4in long - almost a two footer. We love you, Mouse, more than you know.
Archer, you giggle constantly. You laugh out loud and it is the sweetest thing I have ever heard. You even laugh in your sleep, which is precious. You talk to Mommy and Daddy all the time, and mimic some of our sounds. You are a little more laid back than your brother and while still nosey, not quite as much as him. While you still like to sleep much more so than Beckett, you get really excited when it is time to play. You will kick those little legs and move those arms like no other. When music plays, we swear you will nod your head and pat your hand to the beat. Especially in your car seat. You are a great sleeper, and LOVE being unswaddled. When we put you down at night, you may grunt and root for a while, but once you are out you are out for the count. Most nights you sleep straight through for about 10 hours. You love to eat, and take a bottle in a flash. You rolled over once from your tummy to your back. We think it may have been an accident because you were having a fit and flung yourself over, but it counts! You have started to (finally) lose some of your newborn hair, and have a ring of baldness around the entire middle of your head. It is hilarious and we can't figure out how it happened. You have huge, crystal clear blue eyes and long eyelashes too. You will be a handsome man, no doubt. You are growing like a weed, and fill out your 0-3 month clothes no problem. In fact, I think you will be wearing some 3-6 soon. At the doctor's appointment you weighed 12lbs 13oz and were 23in long. We love you, Goose, to the moon and back!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
On The Night You Were Born: Part Two
Justin and I settled down for the evening on Wednesday and our parents went home. The plan was for them to come up that morning unless I progressed really quickly, which we doubted.
 |
| More than ready! |
I tried to get some rest before the induction started, but that was impossible. First, I was super anxious. The biggest issue though was how uncomfortable I was. I ended up standing most of the night until my epidural because my hips hurt SO bad.
My nurse started pitocin at midnight after starting an IV. She was such an angel that night. I was so scared and in a LOT of pain but I wanted to hold out before the epidural. Also, I knew that once it started "active labor" and got the epidural, she would break my water and I would have to start magnesium. Because I was severely pre-eclampsic I had to be on a magnesium sulfate drip until 24 hours post delivery. More on that to come.
The pitocin was slowly increased and I began to have some fairly steady and strong contractions. My back and hips hurt already from the pressure of two large babies, and I started having back labor. I was in a lot of pain but wanted to tough it out before getting the epidural so I could stay off the magnesium as long as possible. I labored for a couple of hours on a birthing ball and standing. Finally, my angel of a nurse strongly encouraged me to go ahead and get the epidural so I could rest and she could break my water. About 4:00 am on February 21st, I decided to get the epidural and get things moving. IT WAS THE BEST THING THAT HAD EVER HAPPENED to that point. Ha! I felt amazing after the epidural, was dialated to 4cm and completely effaced, and able to rest. However, the magnesium drip began at that point.
And that is where things get hairy.
From about 8:00 am forward, I barely remember anything at all. Magnesium sulfate is a horrible, scary drug. I felt like I was burning from the inside out even though I had the chills. I could not keep my eyes open and had no energy or strength. My memories of the day include waking up long enough to ask Justin if "the button was green" on my epidural because that meant I could push it for more medicine and having the anesthesiologist come in twice to push a bolus of medication because I was in labor for so long the epidural began to wear off.
I am told people were in and out of the room and if I even woke up, all I would do was stare through them. Justin stayed in the room with me the entire time. I know he was scared and nervous. By 10:00 pm on February 21st, I had not dilated past 7cm even with the pitocin turned up on the maximum drip. My contractions had all but stopped and my body was too tired from the pregnancy and labor to move forward. Because my uterus was already SO stretched out from carrying two babies, even with medication, it would not contract.
I vaguely remember my doctor coming in, sitting down on the side of my bed around 11:00pm, and saying, "Claire, it is time to get these babies out. Now." Almost 24 hours after beginning to labor, my plan of a vaginal delivery was going straight out the window.
The pitocin was slowly increased and I began to have some fairly steady and strong contractions. My back and hips hurt already from the pressure of two large babies, and I started having back labor. I was in a lot of pain but wanted to tough it out before getting the epidural so I could stay off the magnesium as long as possible. I labored for a couple of hours on a birthing ball and standing. Finally, my angel of a nurse strongly encouraged me to go ahead and get the epidural so I could rest and she could break my water. About 4:00 am on February 21st, I decided to get the epidural and get things moving. IT WAS THE BEST THING THAT HAD EVER HAPPENED to that point. Ha! I felt amazing after the epidural, was dialated to 4cm and completely effaced, and able to rest. However, the magnesium drip began at that point.
And that is where things get hairy.
From about 8:00 am forward, I barely remember anything at all. Magnesium sulfate is a horrible, scary drug. I felt like I was burning from the inside out even though I had the chills. I could not keep my eyes open and had no energy or strength. My memories of the day include waking up long enough to ask Justin if "the button was green" on my epidural because that meant I could push it for more medicine and having the anesthesiologist come in twice to push a bolus of medication because I was in labor for so long the epidural began to wear off.
 |
| Waiting it out. |
I am told people were in and out of the room and if I even woke up, all I would do was stare through them. Justin stayed in the room with me the entire time. I know he was scared and nervous. By 10:00 pm on February 21st, I had not dilated past 7cm even with the pitocin turned up on the maximum drip. My contractions had all but stopped and my body was too tired from the pregnancy and labor to move forward. Because my uterus was already SO stretched out from carrying two babies, even with medication, it would not contract.
I vaguely remember my doctor coming in, sitting down on the side of my bed around 11:00pm, and saying, "Claire, it is time to get these babies out. Now." Almost 24 hours after beginning to labor, my plan of a vaginal delivery was going straight out the window.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Happy With Less
I have been struggling lately. Feeling unsettled. Like I should be striving for more. When in reality, I think I just need to be content. We are so unbelievably blessed. No doubts about it.
I think a lot of this stems from the stress of my job. I always feel like I am not doing enough. And honestly, I don't care for conflict. What a career I have picked, right?! So I go home at night and am still worrying about all the files piled up on my desk. Because to me, they aren't just files or clients. They are people. People who have trusted ME with their life, in a way.
Then there is this indescribable want, desire, need - to be parents. To have a baby. OUR baby. Made with our parts. The old fashioned way. Not with test tubes and needles and prodding and anesthesia. I am trying SO hard to be patient. I am. But then I hear people complaining about having a child. Mad because they have to change their schedule to accommodate their baby. J & I would give ANYTHING to have the luxury of fighting over who gets to change a diaper or rock a newborn or play outside with a toddler in the sprinklers. Or I see someone who has struggled for years - YEARS - and is finally blessed only to have it all taken away in a second. I read the news and see the story about a mother who beat her toddler with a skillet. And I want to scream. To the world, to anyone who is listening - I don't have that privilege! And it is a privilege. So be happy. Enjoy it. LOVE it.
I read a story last night about adoption. J & I have always said, from the beginning, that one day we would love to adopt a child or children. And then I have this worry. Not about our ability to love the child. Because I think anyone who knows us, who sees us interact with our nieces and nephew and little cousins, KNOWS that we have the ability to love a child that isn't our flesh in the same way as one who was. But would our family? Our friends? Would there be the contact comparing of one child who is biological to one who is not? The "oh SHE/HE acts/looks/sleeps/runs just like her/his daddy" to "oh, they adopted her/him?" I don't know.
Praise God, we have the ability to have biological children, or at least, we planned ahead for that. SO the good Lord willing, it will work one way or another.
But regardless, we are still happy. Content. We love our life just the two (or three, if you count Oreo) of us. We are happy with LESS than what others have.
And, we have so much MORE than some others too. Not in a materialistic way. Although we don't want for anything. We have a beautiful home, two working vehicles (I won't say nice, per say, but they get the job done!), good food on our table, stable and dependable jobs. Good health (PRAISE GOD!). We have a life full of love, laughter, friends. Family who is always, always there. I never go a single day without knowing that there are a handful of people who LOVE me to the ends of this Earth. So many don't have that.
So when I see someone who has the honor of being called Momma or Daddy and doesn't realize what an absolute blessing it is - I cringe. I go home and cry. I cry that this isn't fair.
But God. He has a plan. A wonderful, perfectly timed, plan.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are
plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In
those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me
wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Edited to Add: I don't live in a fantasy world that being a parent will be perfect. I know better. I know their will be times when we are tired, cranky, hungry, sleepy or just want a break.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
To All the Moms
Today was one of those awesome, awe-inspiring days when I felt God speaking directly to me. I do not know why I am surprised - He has done this many times. Yet, each time I hear His voice and His message resonate exactly when I need it, I am taken a little by surprise.
As Justin and I were headed to church this morning, I told him I felt it may be a little emotional for me. Obviously, the focus today was on mothers. And obviously, I am not one, although I long to be. I just felt this tiny wave of sadness because things haven't happened as fast as I want them to.
God reminded me, though, that everything is in His timing. His perfect timing.
The preacher's message today focused on two mothers from the bible. Two mothers who, prayed and longed for a child. Two mothers who turned to God for salvation, but each reacted differently to His answers.
The first was the story of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah was very old - too old to have a child. Yet, God had promised Abraham that he would have a son. The Lord appeared before Abraham along with three men.
Hannah prayed for years to be blessed with a child. The Lord had closed her womb. (1 Samuel 1:5). She was praying feverishly for a child, and one day was at church praying when Eli saw her talking, seemingly to herself, and accused her of drinking too much. She told him no, she was just praying for the Lord to open her womb, and so Eli blessed her. But - in due time, the Lord remembered her, and she conceived, giving her first son to the Lord to do his will. (1 Samuel 1:12-20).
Hannah praised the Lord. She never gave up. She always believed that the Lord would open her womb and bless her with sweet children. Hannah prayed a song of Thanksgiving, saying in part:
After church, we celebrated with our families. We went over to Justin's grandma's house to spend time with her and his Mom and family. Then we came home and I cooked a big meal for my mom and dad. It was a very nice day filled with family, love and fun.
Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, Moms-to-be, praying to be Moms, fur Moms, and the next best thing to Mom (aka - Aunts!). My sweet Sam always says if he can't have his Mom, his Baba is the next best thing!
As Justin and I were headed to church this morning, I told him I felt it may be a little emotional for me. Obviously, the focus today was on mothers. And obviously, I am not one, although I long to be. I just felt this tiny wave of sadness because things haven't happened as fast as I want them to.
God reminded me, though, that everything is in His timing. His perfect timing.
The preacher's message today focused on two mothers from the bible. Two mothers who, prayed and longed for a child. Two mothers who turned to God for salvation, but each reacted differently to His answers.
The first was the story of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah was very old - too old to have a child. Yet, God had promised Abraham that he would have a son. The Lord appeared before Abraham along with three men.
Then they said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" And he said, "There, in the tent." He said, "I will surely return to you at this time next year, and behold; Sarah your wife will have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. Now, Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing years. Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have become old, shall I have the pleasure, my lord being old also?" And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying 'Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?"" Is anything to difficult for the Lord? ~ Genesis 18:9-14.Sarah laughed in the face of the Lord. She totally mis-perceived God's abilities. She giggled behind the tent, and did not hear what the Lord her GOD was telling her. I don't want to be a Sarah. I want to be a Hannah.
Hannah prayed for years to be blessed with a child. The Lord had closed her womb. (1 Samuel 1:5). She was praying feverishly for a child, and one day was at church praying when Eli saw her talking, seemingly to herself, and accused her of drinking too much. She told him no, she was just praying for the Lord to open her womb, and so Eli blessed her. But - in due time, the Lord remembered her, and she conceived, giving her first son to the Lord to do his will. (1 Samuel 1:12-20).
Hannah praised the Lord. She never gave up. She always believed that the Lord would open her womb and bless her with sweet children. Hannah prayed a song of Thanksgiving, saying in part:
My heart exults in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord, my moth speaks boldly against my enemies; Because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord,, Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. ~ 1 Samuel 2:1-3As I sat on the pew today, I felt like God needed me to hear these stories. Our time is coming. We will be blessed. I have faith. I have the faith of Hannah - and I know that God is capable of the completely unimaginable. So I can't wait to see what He has ready for us.
After church, we celebrated with our families. We went over to Justin's grandma's house to spend time with her and his Mom and family. Then we came home and I cooked a big meal for my mom and dad. It was a very nice day filled with family, love and fun.
Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, Moms-to-be, praying to be Moms, fur Moms, and the next best thing to Mom (aka - Aunts!). My sweet Sam always says if he can't have his Mom, his Baba is the next best thing!
Monday, April 16, 2012
I'm Back!
What a week it has been!! We had an absolute BLAST at Disney World. I am forever grateful to my sweet BFF's parents for sharing their Disney points so that we could have this opportunity. It couldn't have come at a better time - or have been a better reminder of what a wonderful, blessed life we have.
On the agenda for this week - lots of catching up at work and at home. We need to get on the ball ASAP since we have decided to put our house on the market and will potentially be making an offer on another home soon. Fingers crossed! I am praying that if this is what we need, then God will make a way for us. If you know of anyone looking for a home, send them our way. We have put our heart and soul into making this house a home, so I know it will make another family a very nice place to live one day!
Also, I have decided to learn everything I can about fertility and getting pregnant. I need to know all the options and factors, so I have bought TWO books (of course) to read and study up on. Mainly, I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to provide a healthy habitat for a little Baby G or Baby M Poley to thrive in. (Yes, we already have names). I am changing my diet, taking a whole handful of various vitamins, changing my exercise routine, taking my tempature every day. It's kind of crazy BUT worth it to know I am doing everything possible that is in MY control. And praying - a lot!
Here is the book I read first, which is amazingly informational and one that I highly recommend to ANY female wanting to know more about reproduction and our bodies in general:
This has been a great help in figuring out how my body is working and responding, especially after stopping synthetic hormones. It also has a lot of great information about talking to your doctor and looking at fertility treatments, if and when necessary.
I just ordered this book, and am hoping it works. It talks a lot about diet and lifestyle changes. It should be here today, and I am excited to read it and make the suggested changes.
On the agenda for this week - lots of catching up at work and at home. We need to get on the ball ASAP since we have decided to put our house on the market and will potentially be making an offer on another home soon. Fingers crossed! I am praying that if this is what we need, then God will make a way for us. If you know of anyone looking for a home, send them our way. We have put our heart and soul into making this house a home, so I know it will make another family a very nice place to live one day!
Also, I have decided to learn everything I can about fertility and getting pregnant. I need to know all the options and factors, so I have bought TWO books (of course) to read and study up on. Mainly, I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to provide a healthy habitat for a little Baby G or Baby M Poley to thrive in. (Yes, we already have names). I am changing my diet, taking a whole handful of various vitamins, changing my exercise routine, taking my tempature every day. It's kind of crazy BUT worth it to know I am doing everything possible that is in MY control. And praying - a lot!
Here is the book I read first, which is amazingly informational and one that I highly recommend to ANY female wanting to know more about reproduction and our bodies in general:
This has been a great help in figuring out how my body is working and responding, especially after stopping synthetic hormones. It also has a lot of great information about talking to your doctor and looking at fertility treatments, if and when necessary.
I just ordered this book, and am hoping it works. It talks a lot about diet and lifestyle changes. It should be here today, and I am excited to read it and make the suggested changes.
I am also tracking my basil body temperature and a few other body signs through a site called Ova Ova. It is really user friendly and helps keep track of all this information!
Here's hoping all this information works. =) I guess we shall see!
Also - I plan to blog about Easter and Disney in the next few days. We only have 600 pictures, give or take.
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