Urban Starlings

Happy News!

2013-08-04T08:31:00.001-05:00

Hello everybody! Hope you had a great weekend so far. My favorite part of the weekend was the news of Baby Hayden Witt being born. So, so happy for our friends Drew & Shari. This is such an exciting time in your lives and I'm just ecstatic for you. I'm also secretly remembering all the feelings and emotions I had going through that whole first time experience only 7 months ago. Seriously, it has been 7 months already! How is that possible? I can remember everything so vividly as if it was only a few weeks ago.

Also, this post has nothing to do with the pictures I put up but as you guys know I hate posting a blog without pictures. These are from Thursday night. We had such a wonderful time swimming and fellowshipping with friends at the Vidorra. Zion loved the water as always. Anybody out there know how to teach a baby to swim or have any recommendations? I really want to teach him young but am having a hard time knowing where to start.

Our hostess Amanda and Shari. Love you guys!

Eric cooking up some delicious food. Thank you!

I spy Dr pepper!!

Well that's it for now so I'm just going to head off. Enjoy what's left of your weekend.

Ipsy

2013-08-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hi guys!

Just a quick blog post here with something I've been wanting to share with all of you. (because I love you) As we have already established I am a product junkie. I love trying out new things and am a freak for cute packaging. I'm what you would call a marketers dream. I will basically love anything if it's packaged in a cute way. **Bunny trail there.** Anyway I recently heard of and signed up for this thing called Ipsy. Basically if you're like me and like to try out makeup, skin, hair and beauty products then this is the way to go. Each month they send you a little makeup bag filled with 5 deluxe size samples or full sized products for you to try that are customized to your profile. Also if you love any of the products and decide you want to purchase they provide you with discounts and coupon codes. I got my first bag in July and loved it so, so much I'm really excited for my next one.

I really like all of the stuff I got except for the California collection eyeshadow palette. They're a bit dark for my taste so I don't really use them. Either way the value of the products is much higher than what I paid for.

Aside from everything else you guys have to know how fun it is to get packages in the mail. Also it come is a bright pink bubble mailer. Hello awesome! Anyway if you guys are interested go try it out. Here's the link.

Have a great day guys!

San Antonio Museum Of Art

2013-07-24T10:20:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody! Here are some pictures I snapped last night. We had a super fun evening hanging out at the San Antonio Museum Of Art with friends. In case you don't know, they have free admission and parking on Tuesday nights. Isn't that awesome! Go check it out sometime. Admittedly one of my favorite parts was the skywalk that sported an amazing view of downtown. So beautiful!

So thankful God brought these amazing people into our lives. Love them so much.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a blessed day!

Breakfast Date

2013-07-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

Hello guys! I've got a bit of catching up to do here on the blog but this post was in my drafts from a few weeks ago so I'm just going to start by posting this.

Just popping by to say hi and give you a little peek into a breakfast date we had this week. Nothing fancy. Just a down home German spot called Schilos. It's the kind of place where you get a bottomless cup of coffee and some biscuits and gravy. Maybe thats not your thing and that's ok but we go there every now and again and I like it. I've been told their chocolate chip cookies are amazing and I'm going to find out one day.

See you guys soon!

Foodie Penpals

2013-06-28T08:44:00.003-05:00

Hey everybody! I have something kind of cool to share with you today. Recently, thanks to a friend, I found out about Foodie Penpals over at the Lean Green Bean and decided to sign up. Basically each month you are paired up with a different foodie member and you mail them a box of food goodies. In return you also receive a box from someone else. June was my first month participating and it was so much fun all the way around. If you are like us and you like trying new things, getting packages in the mail and "meeting" new people this is such a great idea. Today is reveal day so I'm sharing with you guys what I got in my box. Thank you so much Kristie!!

We discovered that Kristie lives not that very far from where my Dad was born which I thought was kind of cool. Small world right?

Tried this Sweet Potato butter.....I approve! Yummy. I think I'm going to go eat some right now. :)

So excited to try this. A popcorn cob. It supposedly pops right off the cob. Whaat? How cool.

Wellness Herbal Tea for the tea drinker here.

Muth's Modjeskas. Have any of you guys heard of or tried these? They are really pretty good. I've never had any before but its almost like carmel covered marshmallows of sorts. Apparently I'm not very good at describing things but I tried.

Vanilla Hazelnut Coffee. Yum! Haven't tried this yet but I did a smell test and it smells so, so good.

To top it off Kristie added a handmade card. How sweet is that?

Anyway, I had so much fun with this. I sent my box to Becca go check out her blog to see what I sent.
If you guys want to sign up you can click on the link below. You still have time to sign up before July. If you do decide to sign up let me know about it. (If you want. :P )

LIttle Patch Garden

2013-06-27T09:37:00.000-05:00

Got to go out to the Little Patch Garden last night to help out on some projects with community friends. It was nice. I did a lot of standing around and keeping the baby cool and happy while I watched everyone else slave away in the heat. Yeah, I win. :) Ha! But thought I would share a few pictures.

Hope you guys have a wonderful day!

6 Months

2013-06-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

Happy 6 Months Zion!

Can't believe my baby is already half a year old. Whaat!! He is getting more and more fun by the day it seems. I thought I wanted him to stay little but I find that as he gets older I just love it even more. He is sitting by himself, rolling over and scootching around. I can't ever expect to put him down and come back to find him in the same place. He somehow manages to get himself into all kinds of awkward positions. He has also, much to our horror, taken a few spills off of the couch, bed and out of his stroller. :( Scariest thing ever! I think I'm learning. Yesterday he got a little bored and fussy so I pulled out some nail polishes in a box and that seemed to entertain him greatly. That's my funny boy!

See you guys soon!

Favorite Products For Summer

2013-06-24T11:50:00.001-05:00

Hello all! Hope you had a great weekend. I for one vote that it went by entirely too fast but what does that change?

For a blog post today I decided to talk about some of my favorite products for summer. I'm a bit of a product junkie and to be honest I think the husband is as well. We have a fairly large "medicine" cabinet that is stuffed full of lotions, potions and products and almost everything except medicine. :P At least I'm not alone in this right? lol! If this kind of post doesn't interest you that's just fine you can simply close this and be done with it. I on the other hand love being nosy and seeing what other people love and use and possibly learn about something new. So....let's just get into it shall we?

First off I want to talk about these products gifted to me by a dear friend. (Thank you!) I think I had these up in a previous blog post. Anyway...it's amazing! I keep the Body Scrub in my shower all the time and use it frequently. It has sea salt in it and works so great for sloughing off dry skin and rough patches. Top it off with the lotion and your skin will be super soft. Links are below the pictures for all the products.

Scrub Lotion

Let's talk sun. Whenever I get a chance to be in the sun and do a little sunbathing I will jump at the chance. I don't get the chance nearly as often as I would like these days but when I do I will undoubtedly reach for this. "Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil".This one has an SPF 4 but I think you can get different strengths according to your skin needs. This stuff smells so amazing. Mmm! It takes me to a happy place. Just saying.

tanning oil

This is an obvious and simple one but don't forget the lips. I try never to leave the house without one of these or something similar within reach. Make sure it has SPF as well.

lip care

If you do manage to get a little sun this little miracle bottle helps to accentuate the fact and give your skin a bit of a luster. "Luminous Body Bronzer" by Victorias Secret. This scent is called warm and cozy but they have lots of different ones to choose from.

bronzer

Next up: "VS Pro Lip Scrub and Balm". I just really like this. The bottom contains a lip scrub and the top holds the balm. The balm feels especially nice and makes your lips feel cool and tingly.

balm/scrub

If you follow me on Instagram you already heard me gush about this stuff. "H2O+ Face Oasis Shine Neutralizing Gel". If you're like me the hot summer sun can tend to make the oils come out on your skin. This is the perfect oil free moisturizer. The smell is again so wonderful (very spa-esque) and it leaves your skin feeling cool and tingly. (apparently I like that feeling) lol! The only down side to this is that it doesn't contain any SPF.

h20+

This product was also introduced to me by a friend. "Palladio Rice Paper Blotting tissues". Another great solution for oil/shine during the hot summer months. These contain rice powder so it gives your skin a nice finish an combats further oil production. :P

blotting tissues

Lastly, this spray that the husband purchased called "Not Your Mother's - Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray". I kind of borrowed/used some of it. So, you guys know that smell and texture your hair has after a day at the beach? Well, basically this just recreates it. I am so in love with the smell of this that I've been guilty of using it for that purpose alone.

texturizing spray

So that's it for now! Feel free to comment and let me know what your favorite products are and have a great day!

Welcome Summer Weekend

2013-06-22T21:05:00.000-05:00

Hello everybody! Happy Summer. Yesterday it was official. What are your plans this summer?

Our week has been pretty busy. The Husband has been super busy with work making up for vacation earlier this month. I have been busy with a lot of things but I can't tell you what because that is the way life is apparently for a wife and mother. I feel like I'm busy all the time but I have no idea with what. I guess I'm busy raising a child and keeping house. For those of you in those kind of shoes you know what I'm talking about right? Anyway.....all that to say, we were very glad to see the weekend. Here's a brief overview of our Saturday.

Zion dressed up in his outfit from Ang. Thank you Ang! We love it.

Artem met up with some friends earlier in the morning and helped out at the Little Patch Garden. For those of you who don't know it's a downtown community garden. Since I was home with the little guy I didn't have any pictures so I totally stole these off instagram. :( If you see this Drew, thank you!

After Artem got back we decided to head off to La Cantera to do a little shopping and try to get in on the Zara sale.

We parked close so we wouldn't have to walk far.

:P Kidding!! Thought you might appreciate it anyway.

Grabbed dinner at Pei Wei. Thank you Artem for dragging me there. It was delicious!

Artem's num num's.

My num num's.

And...my favorite part, the fortune cookie!!

Artem's is top mine is bottom. Should I be worried guys??

Zion grabbed some souvenirs. He loved those crinkly wrappers!!

Home again! Part of our haul.

Now it's time to settle down and enjoy a quiet evening at home and prepare ourselves for tomorrow. So glad God created the weekend.

Btw...we've been listening to this great series by John Nelson on MetroCalvary called "Young Marrieds". It's really good so far. I think this would be good for anyone that's married not just young married but if you think this might interest you here's a link.

Those Moments

2013-06-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you get those moments in life. You know the ones that are like perfect summer evenings that hang sweet in our memory. Those moments that even while they're happening you know that you are living what will become treasured memories held close in your heart forever. Just every now and then I feel overwhelmed with the greatness of the here and now and how much I want to pause time and stay in it forever. Overwhelmed with how blessed I am and how much I adore this little family God has given me. I know I can not stay in the moment forever but I am so thankful for these pictures. In years to come when I look at these pictures I know without a doubt my mind will take me back to this time and this place and the feelings I had. The feelings of overwhelming love, joy and thankfulness for these gifts. All I can say is God is good and his grace surpasses anything that my human mind can fathom.

Hey mom look, I can make a tiny fist.

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband!

Happy Fathers Day to our Dads!

Happy Fathers Day to all you Daddys out there!

InstaBull (Make Your Own RedBull)

2013-06-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

Guys, I officially have the best husband ever!!! Came home yesterday from a day out to find the husband was already home and did all of our laundry. Washed, folded and put away. He's unbelievable. So....I'm enjoying a nice relaxing Saturday instead of the anticipated busy laundry day. No I don't always wait til Saturday to do my laundry but unfortunately that's how it was going to fall this week. Thank you Artem!!!

So now...I just updated my facebook saying that life just got real. Why? I'll tell you. Because folks, we just made our first very own "redbull" at home.

We have had this awesome penguin sodastream from Williams-Sonoma for a over a year now and we totally love it. We got it for the sole purpose of making our own sparking water to which we sometimes add fresh lemon, cucumber or lime. It's nothing personal Perrier, we just no longer need you.

Unfortunately, the husband and I have a little addiction to this wonderful sweet nectar from heaven called RedBull. I can't tell you how often we wished to have that stuff on tap at our house. Never thought it would actually come true though. Enter soda stream Energy Syrup which says it compares to Redbull. What??! Is it true? Can you make your own RedBull?

We had to find out.

We decided to put it to the ultimate test. We picked a bottle of the Sodastream Energy Syrup and a RedBull. Back at the house we mixed up our own concoction according to the directions given. We poured one cup redbull and one cup instabull (as we decided to call it). With eyes closed we tried both to see if we could tell the difference. We both could. On the other hand we were shocked to find that it definitely tasted the same aside from the the fact that the homemade one tasted a little bit sweeter and stronger. After playing with it a bit we found that by actually adding a bit less syrup than recommended it was almost identical. After continuing to taste between the two we discovered the homemade stuff was tasting better than the actual RedBull. Shocked!!!

As you can see originally the InstaBull was mixed a bit stronger therefore appeared darker. In the next picture you'll see they are almost identical which was after we changed the ratio up a bit.

Do the math guys! This is insane.

On a side note. You have to be careful. It's never a good idea to drink this stuff without restraint. Save the speech, we are well aware of the fact that this isn't necessarily healthful for you and we wouldn't recommend drinking more than the suggested serving size.

That's it for now guys! Hope you're having a great weekend.

Baby Diet - Roasted Zucchini, Squash & Potatoes.

2013-06-13T15:52:00.001-05:00

Well It's a lovely rainy day here in San Antonio. I'm absolutely loving every minute of the unusually rainy season we've been having. If you guys know me at all you already know that I love rain.

Today I just have a quick baby food recipe to share with you guys. I'm just starting to introduce Zion to purees and I'm really excited. So, I've been doing some reading up on the matter and come to find out, baby food doesn't have to be bland and disgusting according to what I've discovered which makes me even more excited. I want to make foods that hopefully teach Zion to enjoy a large range of flavors. The key word is "hopefully". No picky eaters allowed!! lol!

Roasted Zucchini, Squash & Potato Puree

Ingredients:

Zucchini

Yellow Squash

Potatoes

Garlic Clove

Dill

Olive Oil

Prepare vegetables - wash, peel, chop

Heat oven to 400 degrees

Toss vegetables lightly with olive oil and dill

pour onto pan and roast in oven until soft

Puree in blender with garlic adding water to receive desired consistency

I didn't really add amounts because you can make as large or as small a batch as you want depending on if you're planning to freeze leftovers for future meals or not. I'm planning to store up so I can have a variety on hand at any given time.

Let's see how the little man repsonds.

I think he approves. :) According to the smiles.

Let me know if you guys have any good recipes. Or, if you have been making your own baby food let me know how it went for you.

Have a great day!

Ocho

2013-06-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

I don't have much time today guys so I'm just going to pop up this quick post. Last night my patience was tested immensely thanks to the Spurs winning and their wonderful fans taking their victory lap in downtown as always. Seriously, cars honking and people screaming for an hour nonstop. I'm not exaggerating. It wouldn't have been so bad aside from the fact that it was midnight and the baby was sleeping and those of us who have a life were trying to sleep. :( No I'm not bitter at all.

Anyway in other news...if you want a super cute, out of the ordinary place to grab a light breakfast/lunch or if you need a spot for a meetup I have the perfect spot for you. Husband took me here a while back and it was a real treat.

Introducing....OCHO!

It's a little Cuban place that's a part of the hotel Havana along the river walk. Here's a link if you're in the area and are interested.

No feet on the table! (Unless you're cute and under 2 feet)

I'm drawing inspiration for if we ever have a nice outdoor area for entertaining. Beautiful!

Alright going to sign out for now. Have a blessed day!

Sugar Pine Lake

2013-06-11T08:47:00.003-05:00

I Finally got to visit a favorite childhood spot of the husband's. Sugar Pine Lake. The water is so cold and clear you can see all the way to the bottom. Beautiful! The family comes here every single summer to camp, swim and fish. It felt special to be invited to a place where so many memories took place and of which so many stories are told. I hope we will continue to go so that Zion will have good memories of this place as well.

Trying to get cell service by climbing on top of the guard rail. Didn't work. :P

Zion wishing we would get to our spot already.

Just trying out the family photo shot. Guys it works! Really. :)

Zion pretends the water isn't like ice.

Brothers. Yeah they think a lot a like about picture taking.

The parents find a nice place to relax.

I can almost smell this right now. MMm!

Catching Miss Alina unawares.

Awe!

And again. Wait....what happened to the pants? Wilderness I tell you, that's what happened.

Natalie working hard as always.

Smile Sam!

Somebody got tired.

I imagine Zion will be running around like this by the next time we visit. Crazy!

But for now he still stays put.

I feel like this post would not be complete without a picture of these sunflower seeds. They went with us almost everywhere we went thanks to the addiction of certain people I will not mention. You know who you are!

The fish Dad harpooned.

Have a beautiful day everybody!

Golden Day

2013-06-10T10:57:00.001-05:00

Good morning friends! Here are a few snapshots from San Francisco. Every single time we go there husband and I leave simply dreaming of one day living here. It's so gorgeous!! The houses are amazing and I just love all the detail everywhere. For now we'll just settle for visiting. :)

Happened upon a cars and coffee meet up. Had to stop and have a look at these beauties.

Oh look! We know them.

My first time seeing real live swans. They're huge! I don't know if I could have lifted one of the adults by myself. Thought about snatching a baby though. :P Jk!

Lombard Street.

Have to go guys the little man is being a bit needy. :P

Zion On The Farm @ Dedushka's

2013-06-07T08:12:00.000-05:00

Although we thoroughly love our city life we are secretly very glad to have families that are as country as you can get. Especially since we have Zion. It's so fun to watch him discover new things. As my mom always said "there's no better place to raise kids than the country". I don't know but I do know there is always plenty to see, learn and do. Yeah...she's probably right. :(

Picture's of Zion being escorted around the farm by his Dedushka and Babushka in California.

I managed to snap this picture just before he caught both tiny little duck thighs in a death grip. I was so glad it wasn't the head or body because he would have killed it for sure. Man, that kid is strong when he wants to be.

Hello baby, yes this is chicken.

I "stole" the following pictures from their camera so I can't take any credit. Just too cute not to post.

Okay...kissing a cow is apparently where he draws the line of what's too much country.

Driving the tractor has brought him back to smiles.

Maybe he is a little Gaylen after all.

Zion says "Thank you for stopping by!!"

2 Months

2013-06-07T07:42:00.001-05:00

Here's Mr Zion's two month update that has been sitting in my drafts folder forever. Just thought...why not post it huh? Anyway... my baby is 5 months now already but here they are anyway. :-P

At the Dr getting his 2 month checkup.

All smiles after as if nothing happened.

Poor baby legs with bandaids. :( Those things stick like they mean business.

Have a great days guys!

Vacation Hangover

2013-06-06T21:50:00.001-05:00

Hello strangers! Ha...seriously I haven't written for so long that I kind of feel like a stranger around these parts. How many hundreds of times I thought about starting up my blog again and then never to actually do it. It's hard I guess when you don't blog for such a long time and so much water has crossed the dam. I feel like there is just so much that I have missed and I feel overwhelmed with where to start. I finally convinced myself today that the best place to start is here and now. Forget everything I missed...just start. So here it is.

We just returned from a week vacation in California to see Artem's family. (hoping to post some pictures soon) It was so very nice to see everyone again and most of all it was awesome to have them meet our little man. Today was our first day back home in our little "house in the city" as we call it. Trying to get back in the routine of normal life can be a bit dull after vacation but topping it off with dinner with the husband and baby boy and a walk around "our" city reiterates what I already know, we love our city and it's good to be home.

Not so glamourous part of unpacking.

Swing ride in the park.

Cute Popcorn cart.

Me & my sweet baby boy.

He's already 5 months guys!!

How did that happen?

The husband :)

Heritage Day Parade

2013-02-03T20:08:00.002-06:00

EDIT** The blog post I made instead of watching football because we are probably the only people ever of whom it has no affect on. **

This is what Saturdays should always be like - Relaxing, family time, gorgeously perfect weather and full of memory making. I mean, that's what they would always be like if I had a say. :) Thank you San Antonio for having such a fun parade like the Heritage Day Parade on Saturday. It was so great to get out of the house, go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful day watching the parade. Got a few pictures just for my blog readers. Enjoy!

U.S. Army Honor Guard. I just thought these horses were gorgeous and their hardware was so posh.

This clown was so sweet!! He stopped and asked us to go ahead and take a picture of him with Zion. It was such a nice gesture. Baby book material!! :)

That's it for now. Thanks for stopping by and hanging out a bit.

Btw...we were photographed by the San Antonio Newspaper. You can see the photos here and here.

Family Time

2013-02-02T08:57:00.000-06:00

Having our family visit from California happens far too little. When it does happen we take advantage of the time as much as we can. :)

Zion with his Grandpa and his Auntie.

Alina & Zion.

Zion's Great Grandma.

Exploring San Antonio via B-cycles.

Nix Hospital

Again I did not take all of these pictures myself but wanted to share them anyway. :P Hope you enjoyed. If you come to see us we would love to escort you around the city on b-cycles. It's a truly different and unique perspective of this awesome city.

Have blessed day!

Zion's Baby Dedication

2013-01-31T18:38:00.001-06:00

Hi guys! Here's just a quick little post that I've been meaning to do all week.

Some pictures from Zion's baby dedication last Sunday. It was special to have Artem's Dad and Sister there from California. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

All I can say is Thank you God! I am so humbled by these gifts from you.

Unfortunately Zion was not in the picture taking mood as you can see in ALL the pictures (Thanks son)

These next few pictures were stolen from Dad's camera. Found a few where Zion is making a horrible face. lol!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week.

Here's to a much needed 3 day weekend coming up for our little family. So happy about that right now.

1 Month

2013-01-25T20:23:00.001-06:00

Today our little man is 1 month old already.

As cliche as it sounds time really does fly by. If I would have had to wait another month for him to be born I know it would have dragged for what seems like an eternity.

This past month has been so full of challenges and changes but one thing that always makes me feel blessed and happy is the sight of our precious son. He has been such a good baby. Truth be told he has his fussy moments but I can't complain because for the most part he has been a little angel. I'm surprised with how easy it has come for us to go from being two to three. The hardest things so far have been getting to places on time, (we hate being late) and learning what all you need to bring everywhere with you. No more running out the door without thinking.

Here are a few snapshots from the past couple wks.

Snuggling with Mr Sleepy Head.

That's Mommy's blue eyed boy.

First time going out to eat with Daddy & Mommy.

Conquering wild beasts with Daddy.

Hiiyah!!

Oops! Toppled over.

Snuggling on Daddy's chest at church.

Suddenly...I'm a big boy sitting up in my Bumbo.

Sleepy boy.

Check out the cool hat Daddy got me!! I'll grow into it. :)

What!! We went shopping? I didn't even find out.

So guys...I know I've basically only been posting things about Zion. I hope to start posting more regularly but man, does your life ever change when you have a baby. For the better of course. :)

Have a good night everybody!

One Christmas Eve

2013-01-22T18:34:00.001-06:00

Hello friends!

I am finally getting around to starting this blog post about Zion's birth. I can't predict if I will finish it today or not but starting is better than nothing right?

So I'll try not to go into super detail but I always enjoy reading other birth stories so I guess I will put mine out there as well. Also I know there are certain subjects that tend to be a bit controversial but please understand that everyone has the right to make their own choices and decions and so I ask that you please respect that.

It all began on Christmas eve. Husband had some relatives come here from Houston to visit us and explore San Antonio for the day. I warned them a head of time that I probably would not be able to join them all day as I was getting to the point of being easily worn out. I joined them for lunch and then went off to do some last minute shopping with my little brother at Target. While shopping I kept getting contractions that I just assumed were Braxton hicks since I had been getting those off and on for the past few weeks. They were just strong enough for me to have to basically stop walking for a few seconds. Thank goodness for carts to lean on.

At 6:00pm we arrived back at our apartment. Husband's relatives were just heading home and we had made tentative plans to go out for Christmas eve dinner with my brother and a friend from church. The three of us were just relaxing around the apartment waiting for the time to come to go for dinner when at approx. 7:00pm my water broke. Although this is what I had been hoping and praying for it still took me by surprise and I fairly freaked out for the space of a few seconds (this was finally it!!!) while husband assured me that everything was going to be fine. Thankfully we had everything packed a head of time and ready to go and we were headed out the door to the hospital in less then 30 min. Husband had called the midwife and informed her that we were on our way in. After arriving at the hospital they checked me to find that I was dilated 2cn and admitted me to our labor and delivery room.

Contractions continued to be manageable until the baby started getting super squirmy. I have no idea why but he was giving me the most awful case of "lightening crotch" (as I have heard it referred to) that you could imagine. He just kept moving and kicking/punching me and it was making it very difficult for me to manage the contractions along with the sharp sporadic pain from him moving. I can't remember but I think it was 11:00 or 12:00 when I finally got the epidural.

After the Epi - A Smile??!!

Passing time in a more peaceful manner.

Thank goodness for epidurals is all I can say. Not just for my sake but for my husband's as well. He had been up since 4:00am that morning and was exhausted. After the epi we were both able to get some amazing sleep that night. At one point during the night I woke up and freaked out because I wasn't feeling anything and I was so afraid that the contractions had stopped and we were just waiting while nothing was happening. The nurse and midwife came in and said everything was fine but they did put me on a very low dose of pitocin just to speed things along. Christmas day came!! According to me it still didn't feel like things were all that speedy. We waited until lunch when the midwife finally said that it was time for us to start pushing. I was so happy at that point thinking that we would see our son in just a few hours. They began letting the epidural wear off a bit when I started to push. Unfortunately minutes passed, hours passed and still no baby. I was getting very tired and wore out. The midwife told me she wouldn't let me go for more than 3 hours before she asked for assistance from a Dr. She finally got the Dr who was on staff, a really sweet lady. At first she thought maybe the baby was posterior which would explain why I was having such a hard time. She asked if she could do an episiotomy and use the vacuum extractor to assist the baby in navigating through the pelvis. At this time I was quite in tears but I knew that something had to be done and soon. By this time the baby had passed meconium and they needed to bring in the NICU unit. As soon as I gave them her the ok to go a head with the new plan, people began flooding into the room. I can't remember but I believe there were around 8 people in the room besides us and the Dr. Not how I had imagined things but believe it or not I no longer even cared. After what seemed like forever and ever little Zion was finally born at 5:18pm on Christmas day.

A proud and happy daddy.

I was so extremely happy to finally see my baby. It made the 4 1/2+ hrs pushing totally worth it to see his little face and tiny hands and feet and everything be so perfect. As ridiculous the pain is it's crazy how you could think it was worth anything but of course it is. As my midwife said "It's going to be the best and worst day of your life". I think she was right.

Pardon the puffy eyes and face. :(

There goes my heart.

Getting his first bath at the hospital.

Fresh baby! :)

My gorgeous hospital bangles.

Getting ready to go home.

Just in case some of you have not yet experienced, let me be the first to tell you that the birth is not the end of your pain and troubles. Recovery has tried to kill me more than a few times but somehow by the grace of God I have survived my first month post partum. Unfortunately to this day I can't say that I am fully recovered but I am definitely on my way. I am so glad to know that not everyone has such a rough time but just in case you happen to be one of those who does I pray a blessing over you. I pray that you have a loving husband who can do literally everything for you and that you can claim strength and power through God. Without that I have no idea how I would have survived. Just as the meaning of Zion's name, God is indeed my help.

Well, it's getting late. I should go.

Thanks for stopping by.

Instagram Photo Blast - Zion

2013-01-15T09:08:00.000-06:00

So here's a quick photo blast of baby Zion. This is for those of you who don't follow my instagram @urbanstarlings or fb.

I can go a little crazy taking pictures but I guess after everything I went through to get this little guy I deserve the right to be a cheesy obsessed mama. Just saying! Take it or leave it.

Happy 3 wks baby boy!!

Introducing

2013-01-15T08:41:00.000-06:00

Ladies and gentlemen......without further adieu...the one and only

Zion Azriel Skvortsov

Well folks, here he is at last. Our very own Christmas miracle. My apologies to those of you who have been waiting and waiting to hear what's up. If you don't follow me on fb or instagram you have most likely been in the dark.

Our little man is already 3 wks old today and I finally realized that I absolutely must update my blog before any more time slips away.

He surprised us by being born right on Christmas day. Who would have guessed right? My phobia of being in the hospital over Christmas had to be overcome but by that point I was just so glad to know that we would be meeting our son very soon. I will try and post more details and all at a later time. Maybe when the baby is sleeping since typing with one hand isn't the speediest.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Blessings and Happy New Year!