The Brogden Report

Eli 6 mo

2012-03-25T22:15:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it's been a full month since I posted…I am not sure where the time goes. I do know that it flies by and I am busy even on the days when I think I have nothing to do. There is absolutely nothing I love more than being with my baby. He shows me something new every day. I never thought I could live on so little sleep. He goes to sleep so well and in fact he sleeps about 6-8 hours straight a night. They just aren't the hours I want to sleep. I am learning to try to relax during that time. 9 pm is not the time to sew or organize. It's the time to take a bath or watch a movie. I am getting used to work again and actually even enjoying it some of the time. I still miss him but I am able to do other things because I know he is cared for. This weekend I will go on my first overnight trip away from Eli. It is getting too close and scary now but it is something work related and I committed to it so I am going to follow through. It will be good for us both and I have been preparing for it. I know Eli and Neil will be fine, I am not sure I will be fine. I am already looking forward to the day I return.

Eli is not sitting up yet but he is very strong. He is scooting a little on the floor, pulling his legs up under him and pushing them out. He makes progress but it is slow. It is so frustrating to watch him try to get a toy and just not make any progress toward it, but I know he is gaining strength and learning daily. He loves to jump in the jumperoo. He is almost always smiling and has a sweet disposition. He likes everyone and will smile and let anyone hold him. He knows his daddy now and will put out his arms for daddy to hold him. He gets very excited to see his daddy and will kick his legs and grin when he sees him. He is getting his first tooth. We noticed it about a week ago it is on the bottom in front. He is wearing size 6-9 months in clothes. He babbles and is able to make the B sound over and over. Also he can motorboat his lips on command and spit if he wants to.

Eli 5 months

2012-02-20T22:54:00.001-06:00

Someone warned me this would happen. I have gotten too busy to blog!!! I hate that there is no spare moment in the day. I have about 10 projects going and I just can't seem to make headway. Maybe I will try to talk about one project a day so at least I will be blogging and letting the world know that I am not as lazy as it appears. Today I was so busy that I didn't take a shower until 930 pm!
Eli has started growing so big! He is 5 months old and weighs about 16 lbs. He is a very happy baby. He is eating oatmeal cereal and drinking lots of mother's milk! He sleeps about 6-7 hours continuously at night but still wakes up to eat about once a night, then again around 6 am! He is sleeping in his own bed. He is now able to roll from front to back and back to front, although he quickly got bored with that trick and doesn't do it very often anymore. He likes to jump in his jump-er-saucer and likes to watch tv. He is noticing things around him now and is easily distracted when eating. He will examine his toys for minutes at a time and wants to fit everything into his mouth, getting very frustrated when it won't fit or if he can't make it reach. He has found his toes and curls his legs up to his chest often when on his back. He also is good now at putting his fingers into his mouth one at a time. His favorite thing to do is pull his pacifier out of his mouth and turn it around and put it back into his mouth, but so far he mostly puts it in the wrong way. He has a short temper and has recently shown that he will hold his breath if he does not get what he wants. He is unhappy to be put in his car-seat most of the time, but once he is settled he likes to ride in the car. He is happy to listen to music or look out the window. He loves to be spoken to and will smile with his mouth open and a big grin on his face. He has been to the nursery at church the last two weeks, which was very stressful for mommy, but good for both of us.
I am working 3 days a week and on those days Eli stays with Nana at her house. Next week Eli will get to go on his first airplane ride and on his first ski trip with the family. We will be excited to report on that experience.

16 weeks

2012-01-17T23:24:00.000-06:00

Well here we are! We made it to 4 months…I am so happy to be writing this from home. Last week at this time we were in the hospital. Eli began wheezing while my mother was keeping him last Tuesday. His little cold turned into a full blown battle with RSV. He had to get an IV and breathing treatments. He became too weak to nurse. It was very difficult to see him in that condition. We handled it well and somehow he managed to keep a smile for the majority of the time there. He did let us know LOUD and CLEAR on Thursday morning that he had developed and ear infection. We are now on antibiotics but have discontinued breathing treatments. He is doing MUCH better!

We started a new bed time last night in hopes of having more time for Neil and I to spend together before our bed time. He woke up an earlier than usual but overall he slept well and went down easily for me. On the eve of his 16 week birthday, he rolled over in his bed. I don't know if he could do it again but he did it once. I was so proud you would have thought he sang his ABC's.

Sick baby

2012-01-09T12:15:00.001-06:00

We had our first sick visit to the doctor today, two days after Eli was dedicated to the Lord at church. He really started getting sick on Friday, but Saturday night it was evident that he was not getting better and he started running fever. Oh it broke my heart that my tiny little peanut was feeling so bad. I love our pediatrician's office, it is a big practice with many doctors and they are open 7 days a week, although only for an hour on Sunday. They got us right in and even though Eli's normal doctor wasn't there, we liked the doctor that saw us just fine. He has an upper respiratory virus so there is nothing to do but make him comfortable. Now that we are home, he and I are having our first campout in his room. My mom helped me drag a twin mattress in his room and I have the humidifier running in here and he is cozied up in his carrier, to keep him upright. When he wakes up I will switch him into the nap nanny. They gave him a good dose of tylenol at the office because his fever was 100.5…of course it spiked while we were in the waiting room and I had elected not to give him tylenol prior to leaving the house so that they would get an accurate reading.
We got no sleep last night as he was up all night wiggling around and only wanted me to hold him. He stayed in the room with us and our room is so big that he humidifier seemed not to work as well, which is why I am in his room now instead of in my comfy bed. I am planning on joining him in a nap, but if I wake up or get some time later before the big game, I will post some pics of the Dedication. I wish I had gotten some of the whole group that was with him, I think now that we will want to remember that. Oh well I am the world's worst at getting distracted or overwhelmed in those situations. For some reason I was nervous and my whole neck was broken out in hives!
Family will be over tonight to enjoy the LSU vs.Alabama BCA championship bowl. I am nervous!!!! but can't wait to watch my Tigers play! Maybe after an afternoon nap Eli will get a warm bath and put on his gameday gear! pics to follow...

14 weeks post partum

2012-01-05T23:05:00.001-06:00

I am 14 weeks out from my C-section which means my baby, Eli, is 14 weeks old too! I am back to work 3 days a week now and it is so tough. When I am actually at work, I am okay, and I know that Eli is okay, too. Dropping him off and driving away is the hard part. My mom is so sweet to him and she loves him as much as I do and cares for him perfectly and meets his every need. He is going to love going to Nana's house when he is old enough to know where he is going. He already smiles at her when he sees her or hears her voice which is sweet. I love that little guy more than I could ever imagine that I could love someone. I am so in love with my husband but I can't even explain how different this love is…totally unconditional. Everything he does is amazing and I think he is the smartest 3 month old on earth of course! I could kiss his little cheeks a million times a day! I usually like to dress him like a baby not with grown-up clothes but when I was cleaning out his drawer of the newborn sizes and putting in the new stuff I found this onesie I had forgotten about. I love that it is a tuxedo tshirt and his tiny pajama jeans are a hoot! anyway he is growing so big.

Work has been good for me. A great distraction, it allows me to talk to adults and use my critical thinking skills. I get a great sense of accomplishment from my work and it doesn't hurt that I get paid. That doesn't mean that if I had the option to stay home, I wouldn't…every moment that I am away from him I miss him! Of course I talk about him all day long to all of my patients who ask about him!

He is changing daily now. This week he started grabbing onto things when they dangle above him or gripping tightly and shaking a rattle if it is put up close to his hand. He smiles constantly. When I kiss his cheeks or tickle his chin he opens his mouth really wide and will "kiss" my cheek. He is holding his head up and turns and looks around him when he hears something going on. He is very curious and I have started to have to rock him in a room with quiet or he will be distracted. He likes to look at lights or fans or television. He loves to listen to music and will sit and watch me get ready for work and laugh at music I play from the phone or Pandora. He definitely knows what he likes and doesn't like. When he doesn't want to listen to a song, he fusses..and when he hears one he likes he laughs. When he smiles his whole face lights up and his eyes wrinkle up. He is trying to roll over but hasn't yet. During tummy time he scoots on his belly by pulling his legs up and inching forward. If on his tummy during a nap he scoots until he hits the side of the crib. He is sleeping very well at night. Right now his bedtime is 9:30ish and he sleeps until about 4, then he eats and goes back down until about 8. Once he eats at 8 he is ready to be changed and dressed and then he will got back to sleep until about 11. I am able to get a lot done during the mornings if I am able to get up on my days off. He is very happy and content when he naps and eats well. He is a great nurser except lately he wants to wave his arms over his head and push off with his legs while he is eating.

We are approaching the day he was conceived and the days of me taking Clomid and I can't help but think about how different my life was a year ago. How desperate I felt and how I was crying out to God daily for a child to add to our family. Now our lives have so much hope and we are so blessed with this little guy. What a difference 1 year can make. These have been the most blessed 14 weeks of my life.

God doesn't make mistakes

2011-12-21T00:51:00.001-06:00

There is no such thing as a child that is a mistake…God doesn't have accidents and he doesn't make mistakes. Every child that is born was intended to be a perfect child of God. There are women everywhere praying to become mothers and there are babies and children everywhere who are desperate for the love of a mother and father. A friend of mine used to say "every kettle has a lid." I believe that God intends every child he creates to have a mother and father and it breaks my heart that because of our fallen sinful world, that doesn't always happen. Every child is a gift from God. Those who don't so easily become pregnant know this so well. Remember this the next time someone tells you that their child was an accident…God doesn't make mistakes.

ELI Three months

2011-12-20T23:47:00.001-06:00

Elijah is 3 months old today (12 weeks). He is becoming much more animated and smiles all the time. He loves to lie on his back and look at his mobile in his bed or watch toys dangle above him. He likes to listen to books before bedtime and laughs as if he understands the jokes. He has found his hands and constantly puts his fingers in his mouth or sucks on the side of his index finger or thumbs. He is ticklish and curls up when you tickle or stroke his tummy. He is having much less trouble with gas, although sometimes he has gassy days, he does not act in pain like he used to act. He is sleeping in his own bed at least part of every night. He goes to sleep well in his own bed and usually will go back down in his own bed after eating during the night as well. I have to say I miss him in my room and sometimes don't bring him back to his bed after nursing him because I want him to stay in our room! Last weekend we had to attend the funeral of a 10 month old little girl, named Samantha. I won't tell her story but she wasn't supposed to die. After that, all I have wanted to do is hold Eli and thank the Lord for him constantly. I just want to hold him and kiss him and soak up all of the baby loving I can while he is little and will still let me kiss him or while he is too small to get away! I keep trying to remind myself of the fact that he is only mine to care for and love, but that I made a promise to God that he would always be His. I promised to raise him to love the Lord. I plan to be the best example I can be. Eli will be dedicated to the Lord in January and although He has always been the Lord's child, at his dedication I will make that promise public. He is such a blessing to my life. There is no better thing than seeing the smile on his face. I live for that little toothless grin!

my little reindeer

cute little grin

very serious

sweet smile

silly face

Merry Christmas!

added a little snow to that tiny hi-nee

another funny face (wondering how many more pictures his mommy is going to be taking)

Sweet baby boy! (look at that dimple)

December

2011-12-07T17:14:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it's already December! Eli is officially 10 WEEKS old! First I will tell you about his 2 mo visit to the doctor. He actually went at 9 weeks of age. He cried with his shots of course but then he was so good. He just wanted to sleep that night. In addition to 2 shots in one leg and 1 in the other leg, he also got a painful procedure on his little penis! Yikes. It's fine now but I just felt so sorry for him with all that torture! We also talked to her about the gas situation. She gave us something to try…something I would consider worse than gas…but anyway when he is having bad gas we are supposed to stimulate his little bottom to try to help him go. It has seemed to help a little but also in general he seems to be better. I think that since it has been a full 3 weeks now that I have been lactose free all of the milk is out of my system and out of his and that may be helping too. There is an option to put him on a prescription medicine but the doctor recommended using that as a last resort. It is used as for stomach cramping in adults so I assume a muscle relaxer. So as long as he is making progress we won't pursue the rx. I am hoping that like most babies, by four months he will be much better and able to go more smoothly. He weighed 11 lbs 1 oz (25-50%) and was 24 inches long (50%).

Yesterday was the next big event since he arrived. I had to start back to work. I am fortunate though, only part-time. It was very difficult to leave but once I got there I was able to work. I was happy to return home and I missed having him close to me! I was able to pump at work and so I will keep my milk supply up. Eli did well with my mom keeping him. She fed him two bottles and he ate them with no trouble. Also he slept well and even took a nap in his bed. She was nice enough to make us supper also! The worst part of the day was when I was getting ready for work and I kicked Eli's bouncy chair. The room was dark and I banged into it. He was in the bed sleeping so I had to be quiet but I fell down to the floor and rolled around for a little while. I limped around work all day and joked with Neil that it hurt so badly that I couldn't think about missing Eli. (I really did miss him) My toe is broken, it's the middle toe and it is black and blue but not as painful as it was yesterday. I will be able to walk a little better tomorrow!

I will be working Tuesdays and Thursdays for December and then I plan to go to three days a week after that. I am hoping that I will be able to stay at 3. Here's hoping!

Getting things done

2011-11-14T12:04:00.001-06:00

Last week and continuing this week, I have been putting emphasis for myself on getting things done around the house: helping with cleaning, dinner, personal hygiene, clipping coupons again, taking care of the dogs, helping with dinner and even starting to work out again. I am incredibly excited to start working out again, whether it is running or working out with Neil. That is one thing that we have bonded over whether it is P90x or Insanity, which I am really looking forward to trying, we both do better when we work out together and when we have a goal to work toward.
Last Friday, I finally got a real bath, including shaving everywhere that needed shaving, not just armpits, washing my hair, and even scrubbing my face with exfoliators. It was fabulous. Eli is a good sleeper, but I was having trouble managing my time. I would jump in and out of the shower if I had a chance to do that or I would watch him sleep or hold him instead of getting something done. I am learning to allow him to fall asleep in his bouncy chair or put him in his bed and not hover over him. It's tough though I just want to kiss every inch of his face every five minutes. I can't imagine being more in love…(as much as I love my husband--this little guy is still so perfect in my eyes--he is an amazing combination of the both of us) I want to spend every second taking care of him and showering love on him. But I also know it is important for Neil and I to have couple time and we have been on a few dates, letting my mom keep him for us. That is helping me to mentally prepare for the big step of going back to work. I am starting slow-two days a week- but that is overwhelming to me! It will be helpful in getting back to normal though.
Yesterday I took the giant step of going through my closet (continuing today) and getting out the maternity clothes for storage and exchanging my summer for winter clothes. Then I got to try on those winter clothes to determine if I had anything to wear. The answer was…not much. The things that fit definitely looked different. I am not complaining. Eli was worth every pound and every ounce of sweat it takes me to get back in shape. I just know my body is a totally unrecognizable to me. I can't wear the same types of things or sizes I used to. Some of it is my Dolly Parton boobs, the other seems to be a combination of hips/thighs. I have always had some body issues--enjoying my pregnancy belly was a learning process but it was so special because of the blessing that was growing inside. Now there's nothing in there but uterus and fat stores. Looking in the mirror, I hardly recognize the mom-body that I see. Some of that is miraculous…the amazing ability to make milk and feed my baby..some people are unable to breast feed and so I feel completely blessed for the abundance of milk. Some is just a product of too much yogurt and expanded hips that had to carry around this peanut. So I get to shop for some temporary clothes (I hope) to wear for now.
On the Eli front…the gas had really begun to be a problem, he was in severe pain, shrieking and crying out when he toots and tries to poop. It was heart-breaking. It continued despite my giving him milocon, watching my diet, and burping him during feedings. After calling the doctor's office, I learned I am supposed to give milocon prior to feeding not after or during which is what I was doing. (duh…I am a moron.) Also they encouraged me to do dairy free as well as watch for all of the foods that can cause gas in infants--cabbage, cucumber, peppers, citrus, caffeine, carbonated beverages and pretty much anything that could give me gas or that I am allergic to…whew that doesn't leave a lot. HOWEVER, when I am SO careful my Eli is a different baby…I made an agreement with myself that I would try their advice through the weekend…Friday was tough, I almost gave up, but then Saturday there was no crying at poop time and no tooting! Sunday was great also. Both nights were 4+ hours of sleep at a time because he wasn't waking up with gas and he slept in the packn' play without crying, putting himself to sleep. So it is officially worth it! I am on the most non-productive diet on the planet. It makes my baby happy though so I will do it. I just have to learn what I am allowed to have and plan my meals better in advance…and hope he grows out of this like most babies who have allergies. I feel certain it is the milk as I had a little lapse in judgement and ate something that had milk mixed into it…and we experienced a little setback this morning because of it. I wouldn't have gone down the dairy road except that I have a cousin who had two little ones with milk sensitivities. Both of her kids grew out of it and she did formula with one and nursed the other. I am committed to nursing but I am definitely going to do my best to find out for sure which foods are to blame through process of elimination or testing if necessary.
Luckily, he is a great eater despite his discomfort. He has certainly gained weight and is thriving. This morning he woke up in a great mood and smiled and flirted with me for a few hours. Here are a few pictures from this week and last.

HUG magnet---yes he is!

Cute little outfit from some church friends! Thank you Millazzos! He hasn't flown with daddy yet but maybe next year!

Snuggling with mommy

Cool cat..ready for our morning walk

Stop number two at Cracker Barrel on his first road trip with Lucy and Ethyl.

He looked just like Neil with his expression…or maybe it was the snoring! HA!

Snuggled in tight in his carseat.

Stretching after the long trip. Loved being held by Great-grandmother Sue

Learning to smile..it's hard to catch on camera

Razorback knit cap from Aunt Courtney…He can't wait to wear it.

the kids these days

2011-11-10T01:42:00.003-06:00

Something strange happened to me tonight…yes I am posting this at 1:30 am…I was awake, holding my newborn son and I had the overwhelming urge to pray (that isn't so strange but the subject of my prayer is…) for my son's future wife. Yep you read correctly, I fully believe that Christ allows us to have feelings like that because they are needed. I pray for the future wife of my son and for her parents. I pray that they love her as much as I love him. I pray that they love Christ more. I pray that she is well-fed, that they hold her, that they give her attention and love endlessly, but that they also teach her discipline. I pray that they remain married and that they teach her about Jesus and His love for her. I pray that they show her that she is beautiful in his sight and that she doesn't need to seek physical love or degrade herself for approval of men that don't see her worth. I pray that she is a Proverbs 31 woman. Lastly, I pray that I am able to teach my son to appreciate that woman and to know her when he meets her. "Her worth is far more than rubies…" I don't know why I was prompted to pray that prayer but I know that those things are becoming far more rare these days. WOW, becoming a mom is rough…I don't have enough to worry about for today. I am worrying about something years away and someone I don't even know yet. Thank you Jesus for this precious little blessing!

Eli 6 weeks

2011-11-09T23:50:00.002-06:00

Well, as predicted, I am posting much less than before. I'd say that considering all I have to do other than blogging and the fact that showering is a luxury right now that it is no surprise. Eli and I were able to accompany my mom on a trip to Kansas for a long weekend. This was his first out of town trip and he did incredible. There were some issues with not wanting to go to bed on time the second night we were there and again tonight after sleeping all the way there and all the way home, but who could blame him. I am always a little off after a trip too. He also got to ride in the Moby all over Ikea, which was a blast for mom and Nana. He got to meet lots of family that hadn't seen him yet. He is still super gassy and after experimenting a little on my own, I decided to call and talk to a nurse today. The verdict is continue with the anti-gas diet and also no lactose…Milocon prior to eating and see what happens. I wouldn't care so much about the obnoxiously loud toots if he weren't also in pain with the gas and with a BM. That will break your heart because there is so little you can do to help!. We just recovered from a slight meltdown, let me tell you this little guy has a temper. Everyone is listing their things they are thankful for on facebook right now and I have to say mine tonight is the Moby wrap. This thing is a miracle worker. Little man cried off and on for an hour (thanks to me having caffeine plus time change plus recovering from the trip) finally after holding and nursing and rocking and a million times putting pacifier in and rocking the vibrating chair…I went and got the Moby and wrapped this peanut up. I kid you not he was barely awake long enough for me to pee, change into pj pants and brush my teeth. (all of those things seem to be a luxury now). The kid is unconscious now…I am just wondering how I am going to get him out and into his bed to sleep! It should be interesting to see what kinds of things we give in to just to make him happy. Never say never---I have learned that quickly! I was thinking the other day how life and your decision making process changes. I never thought I'd have to make a choice between the risk of waking the sleeping baby vs. trying to hold in your pee overnight(can you say bladder infection?) Also he makes the funniest faces and I just know he is going to have a hilarious personality! He also got his first haircut tonight. Just a trim over the ears but he has needed it since he was born. Of course I saved the hair for his scrapbook! Another choice to make…get up to get the cord and load pics or wait and try to do it tomorrow. See ya tomorrow friends!

Eli 1 month

2011-10-28T16:43:00.001-05:00

Eli is so precious to us already. I am finding it hard to believe that he is 4 1/2 weeks old already! Right now he loves to eat. He will take short spans of time in his bouncy chair, but mostly he likes to be held close to mommy. He likes baths and will lie very still with wide eyes while you bathe him or sprinkle water on his tummy. He is very good at spraying mommy with pee-pee during the night or when he gets into the warm bath. He is very gassy! Little Eli toots a lot! and big Man burps after eating. Mom has to make sure to burp him well so that he doesn't have lots of pain with tummy gas.
This month we are starting to work on our sleep patterns. Eli is a good sleeper if he is being held but does not like to sleep in cradle or crib alone. I am re-reading Babywise for some encouragement on my technique for training him. Round one at nap time today went poorly. It ended with both of us crying and me holding Eli for his nap. I talk a mean game but when your baby is crying so hard he chokes and is beat red because he is so mad, you pick him up. So Eli: 1 Mom: 0----I have decided that we won't try again until I have some moral support. Also maybe we will start working our way up to nap time alone by doing small stretches of time in bed without being held.
The thing is I hate it because I want to hold him and snuggle him all day long, but nothing gets done that way. And he needs to learn how to sleep and fall back asleep and soothe himself during the night on his own. I can already see that shots aren't going to go well… his cries just break my heart even if it is for his own good!
One thing I have learned already is that I will never criticize someone's parenting decisions---you don't know what you will do until you have your own child. If it weren't dangerous I would just let him sleep with me but that wouldn't be best for our marriage or for him; it would just be the easy thing to do.
Also I am already dreading going back to work in December, even though it is just part-time. It will be tough to leave this little guy. It is still so amazing to me that he is mine…that I have my very own child. I just want to sit and look at his little face all day. I could kiss him a million times and stroke his cheek and change his diapers and hold him forever. I love this age. I love him so much and I can't imagine anything more precious. God gave me this little guy to care for and he outweighs any other task. I can't even bare to think about going back to work and how much I will miss him!
I left him with my mom while Neil and I went on a dinner date a week or so ago. It was tough but I see the need for spending time with my hubby. I am looking forward to being able to work out again so Neil and I can run or work out together. I think it will help me emotionally and physically to feel better if I can get back to my old self and my old size. Right now I just look like I have a beer gut and that can't be attractive. Also I am ready for Eli to get his shots so we feel more comfortable about taking him places. I am ready to go back to church and I am ready to show off my little peanut.
For now here are his one month pictures, I took several photos.

Little Tiger Fan

Halloween picture/1 month, Little lamb is bigger than he is! I bet that doesn't last long.

Silly Faces!

How it went down

2011-10-14T15:22:00.000-05:00

I didn't talk much about how the C-section happened and what it was like. I was so nervous and excited that I didn't sleep much the night before. Neil's parents came into town and we had a nice dinner. I took a bath and went to bed early but couldn't sleep. At around 3 in the morning, I had to get up and go to the restroom, I was having lots of cramping so I took another bath and tried to relax. Finally at about 3:30 am I got back in bed and slept for about 30 minutes. Then it was time to wake up and get clothes on to get to the hospital for my 5 am call time! I was so nervous that I took us to the wrong floor first. We went to the nursery floor and then had to take the elevator back down to Labor and Delivery. They got me a room very quickly then gave me a gown and hooked up my IV and monitor for the baby and contractions. All that stomach trouble was because I was contracting fairly frequently but Eli was doing great---he had one little heart-rate drop when I almost fainted during the IV fiasco. It had to be replaced and part of it came loose and I bled like a stuck pig. (I think I could watch someone else bleed to death but if I see my own blood, it is all over!) About that time the family all made it there, and we hung out until it was time to go to the operating room. Once in the OR, I moved over to the operating table. Instead of an epidural, I got a spinal injection to numb me from the waist down. It was not bad at all. I felt a few tiny pricks then some pressure. Almost immediately my legs got numb and I relaxed. There were several nursing students (I found out later) watching my surgery and they ended up helping to take care of me the next day. It was kind of cool, but at the time of surgery it was weird. As soon as my legs started to numb, they pulled up my gown and started the catheter. Modesty was not an option ; ) Everyone in there saw all of my business. Then Neil was allowed into the OR and they started very quickly. My doctor and another one came in and talked to me while they were working. They allowed Neil to watch it all over the curtain and even told him he could take pictures, which I vetoed. I felt a lot of tugging and pushing/ pulling but no pain. I have never been so happy to hear a cry before. My doctor said something about him pooping and then immediately said he was peeing too. "All the pipes are working!" Then they moved him to the side of me so I could see and weighed and measured, performed his APGAR test (9). Then they let Neil carry him back to the recovery room. After they were done with me, Neil, Eli and I were able to bond for a little while and I was allowed to nurse Eli. HE did great, latched right on and has been a great little eater. Then our family was allowed to come in and visit and get to see Eli. They took great care of us. All of the nurses were so good to me and made me comfortable the entire time I was there. I was comfortable enough to want to stay an extra night just to make sure I was good to go home. The only bad spot of Eli's birth was that he had a terrible case of baby acne. It was so severe around his eyes that his little eyes were swollen shut almost and very red and splotchy. It was the worst on the day of his circumcision; that was a tough day for both of us. He was not himself due to the anesthetic they used and his baby acne made him look pitiful. I cried and was emotional all day and even a week later looking at pictures of that day. He looks perfect now and there is no sign of the baby acne bumps that were there. Honestly, the pain was minor and there was never a time when I would say my pain even went above a level 5…I did take some Lortab a few times to keep it low. In all the C-section was no problem and I would do it again for sure. I don't have anything to compare it to but it was quick and my baby was delivered safely and relatively pain free. I feel so blessed to have this little guy here.

Neil and I getting ready to go to the OR. Neil in his fancy outfit.

Me getting to hold Eli for the first time. Neil is a proud dad!

Looking at his little face…still can't feel my legs at this point ; )

My mom holding Eli.

Sweet little face. already sucking on his little fingers.

JO JO holding baby ELi

Neil is watching over Eli very closely!

getting footprints for the baby book

finishing getting dressed, ready to go home

not happy

Mom and Dad soothing Eli

Proud parents!

Packed up and ready to ride

waiting for dad, who pulled up in…A NEW CAR!!!!

Dad loading Eli into the new car to go home

Mom getting in back seat to ride with Eli. Going Home!!!

Week 1 Baby Eli

2011-10-04T22:57:00.002-05:00

Well, Eli is here and everything else seems pale in comparison. The Csection went well. I am recovering slowly but thats because I am a busy-body and refuse to slow down. I am leaning that I need to make us a priority. I need to rest so I can care for him. Eli was born 7lb 10oz and 20 1/2 inches long. H had a bad case of baby acne on Day 2 and 3 but he looks much better now. My baby is one week old! we have our first doctors appt in the morning! pictures will be posted soon!

Here are some things we know about Eli: He loves to nurse..he was born with a great suck reflex! yay!
He can sleep through a freight train.
I think he already has a great sense of humor, he plays little games and smiles about them to himself.
Broccoli makes him have gas.
He will pee or poop upon removal of diaper!

Thanks for the prayers!

tomorrow, tomorrow

2011-09-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that the last two weeks have flown by! I have really been so busy getting ready for Eli that I just didn't realize how quickly the days were going after I quit working---I have been off for two weeks and I don't know what I would have done without that time. All of his and my and Neil's clothes are washed and folded and put away and all thank you's are mailed and all supplies are organized, carseat is in the car along with all the bags except what I need in the morning to get ready. I even had the car detailed today so it would be clean! yes--full nesting mode! (Thank you to my mom for helping with all of that including cleaning my house top to bottom and even the baseboards at my direction!)
I am so excited for Eli to come into this world, but I also wonder about what it will be like…how will he act, what will he look like, how will I feel when I no longer have him in my tummy, what will Neil think of me, of Eli, how will our lives change….? I am worried I will cry, I already am as I am writing this, when he is born. There is so much emotion, so many feelings that I can't even express. Most of all I feel blessed. I am blessed to have become pregnant, blessed to have carried this little guy, so blessed to live in a time where medical technology is available to help Eli and I both to survive this process of breech birth with a C-section, blessed to have good doctors and hospitals, BLESSED to have such an awesome group of friends and family who would shower us with gifts and meals and visits and LOVE US! so much…We serve an awesome GOD who orchestrates all parts of our lives and who is able to weave together people and time and create such special circumstances for his glory. This will be my last post before baby Eli is born tomorrow. In less than 12 hours, I will be a mommy and I can't wait to see what scary, awesome, amazing, and indescribable things that means for me. I will try to have pics up ASAP but I can't post well from my phone so it might be Friday before that is possible, although I should be able to post to facebook from the hospital. For everyone following me…thank you SO MUCH for your prayers and love and kind wishes and just for thinking about us. WE are SO blessed to have each one of you as friends and are SO thankful for this time.

the Latest

2011-09-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

I decided today that it was my last day of work…I am just worn slap out. Unfortunately, partly due to my crazy genes (apparently I get it from my mom's side) and partly due to my nesting instinct, all I want to do is clean and paint and organize. Since I am too tired and my stomach is too big to allow me to do everything I want to do I am just planning all the things I will do when I am able. These projects include but are not limited to organizing my pantry and creating some way to allow for more storage in there!, repainting and organizing my laundry room(thanks pinterest), cleaning and painting all of my baseboards and some of the trim, dusting all of my shades and window-sills, and reorganizing my craft/sewing room. I wonder how I will manage all of that with a newborn : ) I bet Lucy(my mom) will help me…first I have to finish all of the projects I have already started including finishing making my hostess gifts for my shower this weekend (YAY!) I can't believe it is already time for my shower…I thought the day would never come---and now it is almost here! I will post pictures and info on the hostess gifts afterward, I don't want to ruin the surprise. However, I will go ahead and post some of the other projects I worked on the last two weeks.

Football Season wreaths for a house divided.

gift for a friend---monogramming and I finally learned to applique'

I used scrapbook paper and mod-podge to cover the top of this dresser for Eli's closet. planning to use a pinterest project to make drawer liners too.

close-up of the top

This closet is the most organized room in the house! Look at all those clothes! Those are just the nicer things, everything else-like sleepers- are folded and in drawers, organized by size…yes I am neurotic!

Quilt…made for Eli by me and Alicia and Olivia helped too! I love the colors-- you can't quite tell how vivid it is from this picture…lots of green, turquoise, and brown.

Is she cute or what? she's a natural with that measuring tape

The back is animal-print minky dot…love it! Did I mention how many poses I get when Neil is taking my picture?

halloween onesie for Eli

That just shows you the half of all the projects I want to do. I can't tell you how much sewing is going on over here! : ) but I will show you soon.

And finally, C-section scheduled for September 27, unless Eli decides to start coming sooner. It's definitely possible….

Coupon deals and Guess who?

2011-09-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

Well here's the latest look at preggo belly

Not the greatest shot, can't blame anyone but myself for that face! It is a good indication of how big the belly really is! HAHA!

I had some professional pics taken on Wednesday by the great people at Three Nails Photography (hit them up if you need some pictures soon) and can't wait to see how they turn out--could be a couple weeks before we get to see but I will happily post some when I have them!

Here is a look at the coupon deal I ran this week for some stuff we actually really need and use…deodorant, dishwashing detergent, toothbrushes, body wash, candy!, and a couple other little things. My Swiffer stick broke (I have had it since early college so I think it was well worth paying for again---I got it free for being a demonstrator in Kmart) and I was able to get a new one in one of the deals at Walgreens this week. Here is a shot of all I got and a breakdown on what I spent..3 transactions.

There are 7 deodorants, 2 battery toothbrushes, 4 big bags of M&Ms, a 2pk of avent pacifiers, Mr Clean magic eraser 2pk, 2-15ct Cascade dishwashing inserts, 1 swiffer starter kit, 4 large men's body wash, and a tiny candy pack of cherry drops (25 cent filler item). spent total of $61.77 after coupons including tax, got $10 back in RR to use at next trip and SAVED $66.01 and that was on things we need and will use ( I don't mind spending a little for the brands and products we would be buying anyway--it's really nice to save on them too and for some reason my hubby will only use this particular deodorant)

I coupon to be a good steward of money and so that if I want to splurge on something that is a bigger or more expensive item I won't feel too guilty. My husband and I work hard and we like to do fun things and have nice things--this makes it easy for me not to feel as if I am throwing away money. If I want something nice, I will shop around, check prices, and look for ways to save. Once I think I have a good deal or a good price I might wait a short time to make sure something else (like a discount site or a big sale) doesn't come up, but then I buy it. Sometimes after I buy the item a better deal comes along (oh well) or I see it cheaper but I know that I have saved in other ways that make it ok for me to spend money on something that is nice, that I really want, and that will hold up and is not cheap. Not everyone is able to say that but we are blessed to be able to.

My point is this----I have watched and waited and been patient and last week I was able to order my stroller….he arrived yesterday and I am SO happy to introduce to you our new addition….BOB!!!!

Isn't he handsome! I can't wait to get to use him! I chose orange--I think it looks very sporty and will be fine for boy or girl so I can use it for a long time! I put it together last night and I have just been admiring him ever since then! See ya on the trails in October- suckas----hopefully (or as soon as my doctor says I can run again!).

35 weeks

2011-08-30T21:17:00.000-05:00

I have 35 days left until my due date, however it looks like we will be scheduling that C-section sooner. I have a tentative date for September 26 if nothing changes. As of today, baby Eli had swapped sides and managed to bring his other leg up into "frank breech" position, with his little booty straight down.

I am getting bigger and less flexible each day. I still feel great, with less energy than usual but that nesting instinct is in overdrive!!! I am mostly frustrated by the things I am unable to do alone. I am not used to needing help to move the couch or bathe the dogs and that is frustrating.

A few new confessions about the joys of pregnancy for you...I have developed a ton of little skin tags (basically a tiny wart no one else can really see them) mostly in places where my clothes rub, like around my bra lines, but they get on my nerves. Good news is I guess they are common (with all the growth hormones) and they go away afterward. The other really awesome thing is that since I have a large basketball with me at all times I now get to have not only armpit-stains from sweating so much but I get a nice sweat line under by boobs and under my belly---very attractive---this heat is crazy! I love Louisiana but seriously, how many 107 degree days can we have in one summer?

Still really thankful to be where I am. Really thankful for a healthy, growing baby. Thankful for a great doctor and a great husband, mom, family, friends, and to have a job and a home to bring my baby back to. I will never forget the desperation of wanting a baby and to know what it is like to have that baby growing inside me. God has truly blessed me and this miracle of life is one I will never take for granted. I cherish every day and every irritation, every movement and every trip to the bathroom. It is amazing and I pray daily for those I know who want children and are unable---there will forever be a place in my heart for the infertile and BLM.

BiGFOOT

2011-08-29T11:57:00.000-05:00

My feet are fat! So fat that I can not wear shoes except I can barely fit in my tennis shoes and some flip-flops. I know why…It's swelling and some flattening out due to weight gain, but now I wonder.."Will my 7 1/2s still fit after the big day?" Will all of my cute boots and heels fit when I am skinny again (and I will be skinny again!) Here's hoping!

I have had some really productive days lately. I have several projects going at home. Some wreaths for football season that Lucy helped me search high and low for parts for yesterday, a mod-podge top for Eli's closet chest (can't wait to show that off), learned to applique' with my machine (finally) this weekend, and made some really cute taggies too. I plan to post pics here later, but I don't want to spoil the gifts for some people I haven't delivered to yet. Presents are in the mail!!!! so I will post pics later this week of all of the projects.

On the baby front…He is still breech and getting pretty heavy!!! 5 weeks to go and I have another appointment tomorrow. My first check of the cervix (yay!) I can't wait to comment on that for you tomorrow. Eli is so big now that I feel him all the time and I love that. He wiggles his foot which is right down on my bladder and his head which is up under/over my rib cage. I know that when he is born I will miss feeling his little movements constantly. If he remains breech we will be scheduling a C-section (or sea-section as a patient commented on their health history-HA) that will mean two things that make me happy 1. No episiotomy (I know it is a much bigger deal to have abdominal surgery but somehow I feel like I can recover from that--crazy huh--I am a mental case I know) 2. We can schedule it!!! Hubby's parents can come into town ahead of time and be here for the birth and no water breaking or waiting game. Somehow with a C-section the unknown becomes a little more comfortable--and do-able--even though it is not the "normal" way--lots of people have them and everything is fine. So I won't care either way we go but I am looking forward to having a plan and getting more knowledge tomorrow about that plan.

Tomorrow I am having some preggo pics taken by a photographer whose work I have admired for a while---can't wait! It's gonna be an early morning shoot to try to stay out of the heat so prayers for no rain (considering we have been in a drought-picture day for rain would be about right!) Can't wait to show you some of those images too!!!

saving $$$$

2011-08-16T19:52:00.000-05:00

I have been into couponing for a couple years… thanks to my cousin who taught me all about it. But recently I have gotten into a lot of other ways to save as well, especially with a baby on the way. Between looking online at sale sites, blogs, groupons, and other saving sites and garage sales with my sister-in-law, the queen of garage sale-ing, I am a save-aholic! Two weekends ago I got to find some great deals at a once-a-year early morning sale at Ladies in Waiting, then to a great birthday party for my birthday buddy, Olivia Mitchell (it was her first b-day!), and then I got to take advantage of some garage sale shopping for Eli and some super couponing/sales at some local pharmacy stores.

$25 for all this and with $3 ECB to spend on my next trip!

Got all of this and some precious clothes for about $25

I didn't take pics of the specialty outfits (mostly john-johns) that I got for Eli. Next post I will show my work-shower--so sweet of everyone there to show their love for our sweet boy!

Just Beachy...

2011-08-16T19:34:00.000-05:00

Well I am big and pregnant and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the weekend than with our friends at the beach! We got invited to go to Perdido Key with our friends, the Carrolls, and stay in their uncle's cabin-for FREE! It was so fabulous…and a great 2 1/2 days on the beach. Here are some pictures of our trip…

We ate some awesome food. I even ordered (and loved) crab cakes! The seafood was so fresh and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and our friends. It was tough to return!…but back to work and reality today!

Birthday weekend

2011-08-02T21:00:00.000-05:00

First, an official update I have 9 weeks…that's only 63 days left until due date!!!! I can't believe it! except that I feel enormous! or E-nor-moose-like it says on the game at cracker barrel! HaHa..It has been super hot here--heat index around 114-119 the last couple days, which is making me retain a little water so I am trying to slow down a little at work and put my feet up and make sure I drink plenty of water. Pregnancy is so cool--I am feeling Eli a lot more as he moves and kicks my ribs and stretches in the tiny space that is his home right now. I am so ready to see his precious little face and hold him, I can hardly wait! Next week at my doctor appointment we will get to have our last ultrasound and a sneak peek at his little face and how he is positioned!

This weekend we had a really fun experience for my birthday. We took a trip to Memphis for a special babymoon (another one!), but really so we could celebrate our god-son's birthday with our special friends, the Shumates! It was a blast to spend some special time with good friends. Friday was a tough day at work so I was really tired (and so was Neil) by the time we made it to Memphis. There was a lot going on in Memphis--so much that we could barely find a place to park to give the car over to the valet. Neil let me out by the door so I could go and check in and he waited with the car. I am not sure if I just looked really tired or super pregnant or both and the person checking me in was so nice. I asked what all was happening in the hotel and at the Fed-Ex Forum and as we talked the man said, "Well don't worry, you won't hear any of this commotion. I am going to put you on the top floor in our Presidential Suite." Of course I said thank you so much and we made some small talk about my pregnancy and his little boy and he showed me some pictures on his phone of his little cutie. When Neil came in he jokingly asked if I had gotten an upgrade because we had talked about me just wanting to take a jacuzzi bath when we arrived, and I said, "yep, we are in the Presidential Suite." of course he didn't believe me until we got to the room…the most amazing hotel "room" I have ever stayed in. Seriously, picture the suite that the movie star or rock stars stay in on tv. It had a large living and dining room with a dining room table. In the living room there was a flat screen with surround sound and a DVD player and a bathroom in the hallway. There are windows that are floor to ceiling in both the living/dining room and in the bedroom. The bedroom is large with a king bed and a sitting area, a desk and flat screen tv. THEN the bathroom! oh the bathroom! There was a walk-in closet, a double vanity, a HUGE jacuzzi tub with candles around the edge, a GIANT walk-in shower--with a bench you could lay on and several shower heads and a second bathroom toilet area. That suite was as large as some homes!---The views from our room were of Bealle street and the Fed-Ex Forum, million dollar views, and we are pretty sure that that suite would have cost somewhere between $500-$1000 dollars depending on the night. I am sure that it isn't open on a night the Grizzlies are in town playing. We got super lucky and what a special treat on my birthday. Neil had actually booked our original room using points we had accrued on previous stays and so after we rented a move, charged a couple of power-aides and cokes to the room, and valeted the car---the weekend stay cost $53…can you imagine! God really blessed us with a special and memorable time and a romantic weekend before our baby is born!

Fireman Dad by Betsy St. Amant

2011-07-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

I was fortunate enough to have the chance to read an advance copy of a book by a Christian writer that I happen to know from childhood…It was AWESOME! I can't believe I know this girl--she's fabulous. I really enjoy reading Christian books and one of my favorite authors is Karen Kingsbury. I happen to think that Betsy St. Amant is every bit as good of a writer and able to paint an incredible story with her words. I can't wait to read more of her work! Here is my review/summary that I posted on Barnes and Noble's website. I hope you get a chance to read it too.
Betsy St. Amant paints the story of love-hungry, conflicted, and hurting Marissa Hawthorne. Marissa is a mother of a young son, widow of a fire-fighting husband, and daughter of the Fire Chief. She has plenty of experience with the difficulties and hardship involved in a life revolving around fighting fires and she has promised herself that she will not allow her young son to experience any more of that type of pain. Unfortunately for Marissa, her plan becomes more difficult when handsome Jacob Greene offers to help change her flat tire. When Marissa discovers that Jacob is a fire-fighter, she gives him the cold shoulder. Jacob doesn't want to take no for an answer, until he finds out that Marissa's father is his boss, and the last guy who talked about her in the firehouse got transferred out of state. The attraction they feel toward each other is undeniable, but will Jacob risk it all to try and win Marissa's affection? Will Marissa allow Jacob to get close to her with her young, impressionable son in the mix? The writing makes you feel the conflict of each character, and the desperation of wanting the love story to have a happy ending. I appreciated a story of love that didn't have any raunchy love scenes, but instead showed characters with good values and learning lessons about the definition of real love. I read this book in two days, couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more by St. Amant and would recommend this book, as well as her others, to adults and teens without fear.

Let them eat cake!!

2011-07-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all for the prayers…I passed the glucose test and I can eat as I please…Everything was great including my iron and hemoglobin levels so that means I have actually been doing pretty well with my diet. Weight gain is good still and I am feeling good. The sole exception is a terrible bout of heartburn/indigestion and an internal beating from Eli's kicking last night after eating an especially rich meal at a restaurant. But I am good again this morning!

I noticed something this week---(I love being pregnant) People are really nice to pregnant women. They open doors, say HI to you, offer to help you carry things, smile and ask about your baby and how you feel. It's nice---I really want to meet and hold Eli but I love being pregnant-I love this tummy and I actually and starting to feel less bloated and more cute in my little preggo clothes. I got some new stuff to wear to work and I am really enjoying myself.

Third Trimester

2011-07-05T11:57:00.000-05:00

I am so happy and relieved to say that I have made it to the BIG 3….third trimester. It feels good. We are in the double digits of days left until due date! I suddenly feel huge and baby Eli is kicking up a storm now.
Last week I had another doctor's appointment and my stomach is measuring just right, my weight gain is right on ( I was pretty close with my guess-a total of 14 lbs.) and that little heart is beating away. He kicked the doppler probe several times while she tried to check it…just really swimming around in there! One piece of bad news is that I failed my initial glucose screening so I have to go back this week for round 2--the three hour tour (set to Gilligan's Island theme song tune). It is not going to be a fun time but I just plan on going and relaxing, reading, and making the most of it. I really don't want to find out that I have it because it will mean I am high risk and might have to deliver early, not to mention diet restrictions and what it means for me later in life (a higher chance of having type II DM) and what goes along with that. If you think about it say a little prayer for us on Friday, that's when I think I will be able to retake it, and our results.