Little Known Happiness

Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:58:00 +0000

I know - it's February!
Well, I'd still like to tell you about our holidays because we had so much fun this year with Penny and being home for a few weeks.

P saw all her grandparents and was of course, spoiled rotten as any little one should be on their first Christmas!

Before we made the trip home we had a small Christmas at home with our felt tree and lots of wrapping paper!

Penelope loves jingles bells and got so excited when they were ringing. She couldn't contain herself.

Some of the gifts this year included matching strawberry hats for P and me, fun stuffed toys, books, and if you look further down you'll see Gorman, a puppet animal that Nolan gave Penny for story time.

I made cookies this year when Nolan and Penny left for NV. Shortbread snowmen, salt carmels, and my mom's famous espresso logs! Because of school, I stayed behind while Nolan and Penny flew to NV. I was on my own for a whole 4 days and didn't sit to enjoy it much as I cooked/baked/cleaned my 4 days away.

When I arrived in Nevada, Nolan's family had a fun holiday party to Christen their new home in Sparks. They'll be so close when we finally make our way home this year.

Lots of gifts

Packing all the essentials

I flew into the sunset!

Penny and Grandpa Terry

We were lucky enough to spend some time with my brother and his wife, Alicia who just had a little girl in October. It was a joy to see the two cousins together!

My Dad's side of the family!

In Las Vegas we visited Nolan's family who had 2 polar bears mounted and a gigantic great dane who LOVED Penny!

Finishing the Holidays with some fun sparklers and our new little girls!

Week by Week

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Inspired by another mom blogger I want to capture Sweet P, week by week.

Enjoy!

She has been rolling over a LOT!

I may have gotten busy and forgotten to take 18, 19, and 20th weeks' photos! :(

First pair of shoes - and she's not even walking!

So, there are a few weeks missing! This was a much more difficult task than I originally thought - but P's back! So here you do 33, 34, 35, and 38 weeks! Now that she's sitting, crawling and hearing NO a LOT, it is much more difficult to capture her being still and willing to look at a bright flash!

1st visit with Santa

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:48:00 +0000

Penny and I traveled into the city at the beginning of December to visit Santa.
As so many children were crying and hiding behind their parent's legs, Penny, as she does so many other things, took it all in stride. I hope her even temperament lasts through her teens!

Birth Story - Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:43:00 +0000

You can read

Part I

Part II

I’ll preface this post by saying; things start to get hazy at this point. Instinct takes over by this point and I think you partially black out with adrenaline and a rush of dopamine after the baby comes. So, I know for sure it didn’t take long from the time my mom left to Penny’s arrival, no more than 15 minutes! Those few minutes were full of intensity in every aspect and from all corners of the room.

The room started to fill up; a telling sign that baby is near. More nurses, more docs, more lab coats, more trays, more talking, more activity, more instructions, more EVERYTHING!

The doc finally showed up as my mom left. She barely had enough time to suit up and sit down before Penny came bursting into the world! Two quick and painful pushes and we welcomed our daughter at 6:23 PM.

I watched her head appear beyond my legs and a blur of activity as she began to scream. Simply put, I was in amazement and complete bliss for the next half hour as the flurry of activity settled. Nurses cleared her airways, began to wipe her down and asked Nolan if he’d like to tell Mom the sex of the baby. I laugh as I write this because I still remember looking up to her tiny body being exposed to him and his head shaking and shrugging his shoulders. He stuttered and finally said he didn’t know. To his credit, newborn genitalia, not matter the sex is very swollen. Chuckles erupted around the room and finally the doctor said, “It’s a Girl.” Nolan cut the umbilical cord after. He was shaken and overwhelmed at that moment, I remember thinking he was so sweaty for not having done much physically!

To help him regain his composure, I asked him to go tell my mom! They came back in the room a few short minutes later as the doc was tending to me and I was finally holding our little girl. I remember shaking uncontrollably. I have never felt so much relief as I did in those hours after Penny was born, it was a 13-hour build up after 41 weeks of pregnancy and our little girl was with us!

The nurses were off shift at 7, so I was their last for the day; they later thanked Penny and me for making it all happen before they left. Just enough time left for the clean up, photos, and paperwork! I think it might have been quite the cluster if our nurses would have all changed out in the middle – I’m curious how that happens!?

One of the nurses even offered to take photos for us, which I was so grateful for so Nolan could be apart of them.

Things I learned after the fact:

Nolan is silly and before he was asked to actively hold my leg he was near my head and started whispering and humming the lyrics, “oh baby, baby, oh baby, baby” – you know, the beginning of “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa! Please press play below to remind yourself of this 90’s hit and why he stopped when a few of the nurses gave him the stink eye!

Be persistent – if you want to meet the other doctors in the office, make it happen. My doctor did not deliver Penny, even though she said she delivers 90% of her patients. I asked to meet the other docs at least once and she reassured me that I didn’t need to. Really, I just wanted to put a face to the name so if (when) it came down to someone else handling my daughters birth, I’d know their face. It all turned out great so I can’t complain too much but it is something of an “I told you” moment.

I wish I had someone take a picture of Penny and her delivering doctor and nurses.

The room is full but everyone seems to know their small part in the chaos that is the delivery room.

There is a LOT to clean up! Haha, I know that is probably obvious but more than that I was surprised how quickly it happens!

Our little cooler was a miracle idea! We brought a cooler of PB&J sandwiches, fruit. Had the hospital kitchen been closed, that food is all that I would have eaten unless Nolan or my mom would have gone to get something and that would have taken away from our time.

After I scarffed down a Belgian waffle we were escorted to the recovery floor where Nolan stayed with Penny for her bath and Mom and I figured out how to put on my nursing bra with an IV in!

It was a magical night and I think back on that time fondly – it was an amazing experience and I am so glad I did it without drugs and wouldn’t have changed a thing about it.

The Elf on the Shelf

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:18:00 +0000

I so wish this would have been a part of my childhood! I am extremely jealous of all those kids out there that are experiencing this Christmas Magic!

If you’re unfamiliar with Elf on the Shelf – please view this video on their website. You can find the Elf at Target or online – which is shipped from “The North Pole!” How cool is that!? When you give your elf a name, his/her magic is “activated” so he/she can report back to Santa during the night. The fun comes when the children find the elf in a different spot every morning because maybe your elf spend the night ice skating in the freezer or had a snowball fight with your other holiday figurines!

Here are some fun photos I’ve seen recently, that make me so excited to share this Elf Magic with our children.

Who knew the elf could be naughty! haha

This one is so stinkin' cute - please view here for this one: Magic Elf Seeds!

Where the kids are instructed by Santa to plant "magic seeds" aka: cookie decorations in sugar before bed and wake up to cookies that "grew" overnight!

Scrub-a-dub-dub

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:17:00 +0000

BATH TIME!!!!!

Penny can't get enough splashing. She is even more in love with bath time now that Grandma gave her some great bath toys.

Sound Asleep

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:46:00 +0000

Penny makes me laugh with her sleep positions.

Butts up!

Bumbos are so comfy!

Model pose

Sleeping and flying at the same time!

Sleeping with Dad

I understand why bumpers were made!

With a sock in hand!

Sometimes, sleeping is hard!

With all the funny positions she finds herself in, I always love when she wakes up with this fun smile!

Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:08:00 +0000

I've discovered a whole new excitement for the holidays this year.

My smiles are bigger this year as I experience the holidays this year from a baby's view. Penny is now noticing her surroundings more, today as we waited to cross the street she was tacking the cars as they flew past her. If you didn't know better, she may have been watching a tennis match! With every new sight and sound my insides brighten with delight as I watch her learn what it is to be a part of our family. She really is amazing to watch.

In Michael's this weekend, she was overjoyed with Jingle Bells!

This year, my younger brother will be joining me for Thanksgiving. As for Christmas - we're heading WEST!!!! Yes, we were ecstatic with the thoughtful gift from Nolan's parents to be able to spend Christmas and the New Year in Nevada with our family.

She's a MACHINE!

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:44:00 +0000

Penny is growing by leaps and bounds; right on track according to our Ped - who is by any means AWESOME!

Penny is just shy of 6 months and is 26 3/4 inches long (90 percentile in height), 16lbs 3oz (75 percentile in weight). 16lbs explains my new strong arms! Her visit also included a third round of immunizations and she took them like a champ! After the first needle she grunted and yelled like a champion weight lifter would do to clear the round - HooAAAA!

Back to our pediatrician, Dr. Hall, I would completely recommend her to any first time parent b/c she eases your worries, calms your fears, explains what you're in store for, and what to anticipate. Her experience of raising 4 girls helps to back up the off the cuff advice!

Fall in Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:57:00 +0000

Fall is the most amazing season in Chicago.

As the temperature drops and the air turns crisp you know you're in for a visual treat. The leaves around the city turn burning red, orange and yellow. We switch out our summer/winter clothes and I revisit my other wardrobe that I haven't seen in 6 month (OK let's be real, 4 months). Hello vests and sweaters!

I try to encourage family and friends to visit in Fall so they can experience what we love about the city. Lots of people came to visit this Fall - finally the words is out. Nolan's family, my mom, friends all showed up this fall to enjoy the city.

In September, Nolan's mom, sister, and nephew came and well - we packed a lot into 3 full days. The six of us saw the zoo, 2 museums, an aquarium, a baseball game, the view atop the John Hancock Building, and were worn out reminiscing about it let alone doing it!

Ric, Nolan's sis, was impressed with how awesome our FREE zoo was!

We almost mistook Penny for one of the animals in the primate house! Oops!

Bob's first street performer donation.

A carousel - of course!

Look at Bob, above then at Nolan, below - think they're related?

Imagine our surprise when we headed to the Museum of Science and Industry to find that it was a FREE day!

Exploring the city

At the Cubs Game

My mom made it out this year in Mid October (apparently she needed to get a "Penny fix") and we enjoyed lots of walks, dinners, and conversation!

We visited the Chicago Botanical Gardens, 350+ well manicured acres.

SOLIDS!

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:46:00 +0000

We've embarked upon a fun new adventure with Penny! Feeding her solids from a spoon.

We took our time to find our groove by tested texture, taste, and time of day. So far we've found that twice a day works. She has warmed up to, nearly loving almost everything we've tested as long as it has some baby oatmeal mixed in; peas, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, bananas, and apples (but NOT applesauce!). She loves sucking and gumming on cold cut apples if we're eating them.

Because we usually have veggies in the house we just combined a food processor with our left over veggies and ta-da - BABY FOOD.

Her first taste was butternut squash. This is before we combined oatmeal and you can tell she isn't totally on board.

you want me to do what????!

Birth Story, Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:25:00 +0000

You can read Part 1 - here.

We left off while we were in the waiting room but I wanted to refer back to our 20 minute commute in the car.

While in the car, Neil Diamond came on the radio, “Cracklin’ Rosie.” Tears ran down my face and I KNEW for certain, I was carrying a little red headed girl! I still get a little emotional when I hear the song and think of those surreal 3 minutes of clarity.

We waited in the hallway for the nurse to reappear who eventually led us to our room. There, in the hallway I swayed to the rhythm of the contractions, holding onto Nolan’s shoulders. Before I knew it, we entered the labor room and got as comfortable as possible. I stepped into the hospital gown, bags were placed in the corners, cooler of food tempting me on the side table and the Gatorade we walked to buy earlier to help quicken labor was diluted in the hospital water jug. My first rule; liquids ONLY, instantly I desperately wanted something to eat as I only had breakfast that day. Our nurse, Nina, a red head, was busy setting things up, taking my stats and getting my record in order. She ordered a resident to come in a check my status but after a half hour, asked an attending who came in and gave me my first bit of news; I was 4.5 cm, 80% effaced. (click here for a brief explanation of dilation and effacement) Hooray – I am right on track I thought. Back to business, I hoped off the bed and on the birthing ball. I rolled in circles as the pain came and went. At the same time, both Nolan and Mom thought they needed coffee and food – so even though they asked and I agreed I was so scared as they left me alone for 5 increasing painful contractions. (The day seemed to be measured in number of contractions.) During that time, all I wanted was Nolan to look at!

Nolan came back to the room first and things progressed rapidly. The nurse wanted to get an IV in me just in case, so she attempted to insert it in my hand; NOPE, my veins were uncooperative mainly because I was dehydrated. Between her and another nurse they tried 3 places. A third nurse was asked to come in and she magically got an IV in my arm and taped it securely. Note to self: next time I’ll get an IV hep lock to save the aggravation of multiple nurses sticking me with needles as I went through contractions! Needless to say, I returned home with a few big bruises.

Once I had the IV in, I felt a bit confined and it became a hassle to use the restroom but really, it was the least of my worries. I continued to roll on the ball leaning on the bed and while I struggled with the following contractions – the ones where it was difficult to talk and thoughts of painkillers emerged. Even though I didn’t talk, I felt an ultra sense of awareness. I knew who was in the room, where they were, what they were talking about, but felt the need to stay quiet, reserving my energy to breath/scream/groan through the waves of pain.

After an hour I began vocalizing my thoughts about pain relief. In between contractions, I leaned over the bed, stared at Nina and asked, more like groaned at her to get the paperwork prepped for an epidural. I didn’t see myself making it. Nolan, by my side, squeezing my hips, encouraged me to work through it and repeated my original reasons I had chosen to go without meds. While Nolan spoke to me, Nina hopped to request even though she too was telling me how well I was doing and asked if I was sure. I was checked again to see if I still had time for an epidural; at only 6cm I could get it.

The anesthesiologist arrived a half-hour later casually rolling in his tray as they asked me to get on the bed to be rechecked. During that half-hour, I attempted to choke Nolan by decreasing the size of his shirt collar. With every contraction I tightened my fists, hunched my shoulders, squeezed my eyes shut and moaned like there was NO tomorrow! I must have really scared off the people outside the room! Because the contractions were coming on fast with little time in between I only let go when Nina finally asked me to allow him to breath. During the time I waited for my relief I found my groove. I found out how to survive each contraction, with Nolan’s collar in hand I shut my eyes and visualized my new crying baby being placed on my chest. It worked – a throw back to my visualization exercises I was taught during JV volleyball really worked!

Back to being rechecked – 9.5cm! As the anesthesiologist rolled in, he heard my progress and just as he casually rolled in the room, out he went. It was time to go!

As the contractions intensified I saw the pain and helplessness in my mom’s eyes. I was glad to have her around that day but when I got down to business I asked her to leave, which she said she was happy to do!

Visiting Nevada Part 2 - 7.4.11

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:18:00 +0000

After we left Southern Nevada we headed to Mill Creek, CA. Nolan's family owns a cabin up in the mountains and we headed straight up there from the airport. My dad picked us up and also enjoyed a night in the mountains!
Straight away, Penelope was a pretty HOT commodity! Grandpas, Grandma, and Bob were the first to get their paws on her!

That weekend we enjoyed the lake, 4th of July Parade, and lots and lots of food and drinks!!!!

My Birth Story - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:16:00 +0000

Birth Story

I realize not everyone wants to read a birth story or wants to share their own story, but for me, telling about the day Penelope arrived means a lot to me. I think of telling my story as returning the favor. Leading up to Penny’s birth I read real women’s stories (here, here, and a few others); they gave me confidence and reassurance that even if things go wrong I (and my baby) can handle anything - a very Scandinavian way of thinking of things, I know... Writing this serves a second purpose, if she so desires, Penny can read this when she is older.

I’ve written down my thoughts leading up to the day, they can be read now or separately. Some things to keep in mind as you continue to read this and that were excluded from those earlier thoughts are that my mom decided she couldn’t wait any longer after my due date (5/12/11) that she booked a flight for 5/17 (Penny’s birthday) and I had gone to work on 5/16 because I couldn’t stay home any longer and remember I didn’t know she was a she!!!!

-----------------

I went to bed Monday night with a TO DO list swirling in my head; call them, pay bills, email those businesses, design this, and do that. I woke up several times that night, not so unusual at 9 months pregnant. Although I had been on a schedule of waking up to move, adjust, pee, and the like this night was different. The baby wasn’t as active as usual (a sign Great Aunt Betty pointed out to me earlier). Meanwhile, Nolan is working his second of 2 weeks in Lamont knowing I might call him at any moment.

I woke at 430AM. Oddly, I thought, “Okay, another day. Let’s get up and get ready.” After all, I was convinced I would go into labor in the evening. Even after Penny's arrival it felt strange that the sun was shinning. My morning ritual looks a little sluggish – lie in bed for a bit, uncover one leg, lie there longer, uncover the other leg, lie there longer – THEN it happened. My first contraction! I couldn’t move; I waiting for another feeling. I wasn’t sure what it was but IT was something. So there I lie in bed and another wave of cramp-like pain, and another, and another.

I reached for my phone, the phone that had never spent a night on my bed stand before I was 8 months pregnant. Google: Braxton Hicks contractions vs. real contractions. There I found the difference, Braxton Hicks contractions would lessen or disappear if I change positions. To the couch I went. I sat for a few minutes and it happened again! HOORAY – I WAS FINALLY GOING TO MEET MY LITTLE BABY! Excitement and horror set in!

I called Nolan, “It’s happening!”

“Really, are you sure?”

Completely full of doubt, “Yes.” Like I knew what I was talking about?!

“Okay, I’m on my way.”

I called my mom who coincidently was about to wake up and get on her scheduled flight. It was 330AM in Las Vegas.

10 minutes before her alarm went off, “Morning Mom, I’m in labor.”

“Man, I knew I should have come yesterday!”

Her flight would arrive at noon and after getting her luggage and riding the train north, she’d be at our house by 2PM. Who knew if she’d even make the birth!

There I sat, I went through my packed bag in my head, I showered, and I waited for Nolan to arrive home. During that time I had begun to keep track of my contractions on my newly downloaded iPhone app, “Contraction Timer Deluxe.” I was pretty impressed by it’s capabilities; interval tracker, start/stop, history, and charts. Obviously I wasn't in too much pain as I was completely enthralled. 20 contractions later – IT ASKED ME TO PAY FOR THE APPLICATION. DAMN IT! I resorted to the NOTES application – it did the job. I typed in the time of each new contraction.

Nolan flew through the backdoor around 7AM and quickly came to hug me and we shared a tender moment. Tears well up in my eyes as I think back seeing the most excited, child-looking-at-all-the-presents-under-the-Christmas-Tree-look in his eyes. He couldn’t have been sweeter telling me he loved me and that he was so excited. He took the bags, camera, and Boppy I had set out to the car and cooked breakfast. At the time I still couldn’t eat much, not because I wasn’t hungry but because it wouldn’t FIT! After we ate a bit, Nolan filled up our mini-cooler with PB&J’s, cut up fruit, and other snacks we planned to have at the hospital – this is ALWAYS my advice when people ask me about our birth; this food SAVED me after Penny arrived!

Then it felt like a waiting game, especially when I looked at Nolan who was perched at the edge of the couch, checking the time, or rubbing my shoulders. I walked through some contractions, talked through some but it seemed manageable, I was pretty confident during this time about my NO DRUGS decision. I even started accomplishing some of my tasks on my TO DO list, including clearing up some confusion with our insurance company about automatic payments. If things progressed like this, this whole birth thing would be a cinch! Then while on the phone with my mom, who was about to depart, I doubled over during a contraction. Whoa, my first taste of true pain.

Now, as I try to remember, my mind, like many other moms out there, is fuzzy about this time. I do remember putting on an outfit I had set aside atop my hospital bag, an outfit for labor – my jersey knit skirt, comfy sports bra, tank top, and light maternity hoody. After getting dressed and making our bed I started trying out positions. I soon found I was most comfortable on a birthing ball, so comfy that the ball accompanied us to the hospital. As I sat on the ball, we listened to the radio – I can still hear a few songs that played, Nolan singing, my eyes closed, rolling my hips around during the gradually intensifying contractions. We must have sat there for a few hours, waiting for the contractions to come and waiting for my mom to arrive. As pain in my hips increased, Nolan helped by squeezing my hips from behind, a helpful pain solution we learned in the birthing class.

Mom arrived at 2 and I am glad that it was just Nolan and I for that time before her arrival. It was quiet, soothing, and intimate. We wavered on hiring a doula but ultimately after months of back and forth we decided we were confident in ourselves and really, I became more in tune with my body, trusting I would know when to say, "Let's go!" I am still really glad we decided to go without. When my mom arrived there was general chitchat and every once in a while I’d enter a time mark on my phone and do the math in my head. They were coming on quicker, so quickly I barely verbalize the decision to go – it was more of a hand gesture. By 3PM we were in the car and by 320 we walked into the hospital. Even though we called to inform them we were on our way, we still waited for a room to be cleaned – those were 10 VERY long minutes.

Visiting Nevada

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:15:00 +0000

Nolan and I spent a few summer weeks in Nevada. Our tour de Nevada began in Vegas, traveled up to Reno where we spent a week at Nolan's family's cabin over the 4th and a few days staying with my brother. Here are a few photo highlights of our time in Las Vegas.

While in Vegas, my Uncle Robbie and Aunt Denise visited from Catalina! We had a BBQ with a few friends and family while we were there. The highlight was of course, Penny. Penny was 5 weeks when we were in Vegas.

Uncle Robbie

Aunt Denise

Delicious drinks!

Amazing food - including lobster from Catalina!!!

Linda Thompson

Lacie Jackson

Besides the BBQ, there was of course, lots of playing!

Mom's shar peis were curious about the little person, but Squirt guarded her wherever she was!

Lots of naps were taken!

With the exit of one group of family members another wave came along. Aunt Gloria, Mimi, and Ellyn showed up from Fullerton to spend a few nights.

The last night Susan came to visit and we took the time to play Kynect boxing on Vince's Play Station.

Photo Shoot

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:30:00 +0000

So this week Penny and I used some of our down time to capture a few of her many faces!

Sleepy Penny

Smile-in-her-sleep Penny

Whistler Penny (My favorite!)

Contemplative Penny

Stop-bothering-me-MOM, I'm-trying-to-sleep Penny!

What-to-do-next Penny

Poop-face Penny! (aka: she'll hate me in 13 years, Penny)

Excited-about-the-light Penny!

Mischievous Penny

Yawning Penny

Content Penny

Tummy Time

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 17:06:00 +0000

So this blog will most likely be dedicated to my little Sweet P for quite some time.

What can I say, I'm a little excited to share her with the world!!!!

We try and give P some tummy time each week for help develop her neck, shoulder, and arm muscles. Dad is firming up his arms as well!

THE LEAD UP...

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:52:00 +0000

4/28/11 (Two weeks to due date)
Doc appointment. My first internal exam. I pretty much expect to be dilated - and dilated for a while. I guess I think of my friend's birth stories as mine at this point. I am relating to their pain and anxiety so it seems natural to take on their stories as well. Well, nothing. No dilation. We'll see if anything changes next week.

5/1/11 (One week, 4 days to due date)
I'm buying milk which has a later due date stamped on the jug than my own... odd!

5/3/11 (One week, 2 days to due date)
I can't help but have an internal countdown clock to my due date. It is such an arbitrary date that is decided upon between your last menstrual cycle and how big the baby is during the first ultrasound, but May 12th has now become THE DATE I tell everyone, not my usual Mid-May answer to people's burning question, "When are you due?" Everyone asks now - the hair dresser, the dry cleaner (who cleaned and preserved my wedding dress says to me this morning, "Looks like your marriage is going good!" in his thick Eastern European accent), the mail lady, the lady walking past me down the street, the neighbor, EVERYONE!

It's strange that now I think of May 12th at this big day because for the most part during the last 9 months I forgot how many weeks along I was until my weekly email showed up on Saturdays.

5/5/11 (One week to due date)
Dear little Baby,
Happy Cinco de Mayo - one day you'll celebrate this day with too much tequila and beer margaritas that you'll no doubt learn how to make from your Auntie Jackie. Yep, she'll show you all the stuff I won't. She might even clue you in to how cool I was back in the day! How I used to spend my days... well maybe I shouldn't divulge too much yet. You'll hear stories about your father and me from time to time straight from those who witnessed the events. May I suggest that you still don't believe them?!

5/6/11 (6 days to due date)
Yesterday Nolan and I went to my weekly appointment. Dr. Kim said everything is normal but still NO DILATION! ARG!!! We were discussing my size because I feel like I am smaller than most 9 month pregnant women. Yes, I know I am tall but should I be bigger? The doc tells me I have the room to hold more baby than most women so that's good. Not that I want to be bigger if I don't have to be but I'd like to know if I should be worried. So after a short discussion, we scheduled an ultrasound an hour later.

Julie, the tech lady measured the baby, all the measurements were right on track, the machine even guestimates (give or take a pound) the current weight of the baby - 8lbs 2oz! It could gain up to a 1/2 lb a week right now! YIKES! So it, theoretically could be 9lbs RIGHT NOW and could be 10(!!!!!!) by the time I deliver... 10! 10! Did you hear me? 10lbs. C-Section sounds pretty nice right about now. I'd like to get this show on the road now, because if it bakes any more - well, I don't know what, I'll pass out? give up? go home? decide not to have the baby? Hm, I guess I don't really have a choice... Mr. Internet, How may I induce labor? Otherwise, I might birth a 1-year-old?

5/8/11 (4 days to due date)
Mother's Day is fun for a VERY pregnant woman. It's pretty obvious that your pregnant therefore people aren't as hesitant to wish you a happy mother's day or even ask when you're due. Nolan and I have been walking the last few mornings to try and kick start this labor thing we've been anticipating! Every walk I feel new sensations but nothing drastic happens. In the back of my mind I see my water breaking like Charlotte in the Sex in the City movie, on the street in front of everyone.

I encountered a lady on my walk this morning who enlightened me to the phenomena that when you're about to go into labor your lips swell, both sets! Hm? It's amazing what perfect strangers will share. The munchkin has been doing some big adjustments lately - some feel like I was just sucker punched from the inside. Nolan leaps into action with any move these days. He's ready!

We also took a trip to Walmart today to finally pick up a crib and mattress!!!! It went straight into the storage unit since we will just be using the pack-n-play's bassinet until the babe gets a bit bigger! On a side note, Nolan and I decided that we never want to work at a Walmart and if we don't have to, go to one anytime in the near future, especially on a Sunday, especially when I am 9 months pregnant!

5/10/11 (2 days to due date)
I get a kick out of people's faces when I tell people I am due on Thursday! Saying a date in the future is completely different than saying "Thursday." Some people don't know how to react, but most just stare in confusion and ask why I am doing what I am doing (walking, shopping, standing, breathing) - like yesterday at the grocery store. The Indian checkout lady and Nolan were waiting for me b/c I went back to grab another bag of carrots, her look of surprise as I rounded the corner turned into reprimanding Nolan for allowing me to get them instead of him. I shrugged my shoulders and asked why not. I also just threw in something about how I am trying to walk the baby out!!!!

Nolan returns to the boat tomorrow - it makes me nervous. I want him to be closer but an hours drive is pretty close, I guess. He can leave when I say "GO," so that makes me feel better. I just don't know how things are going to work out and for someone who makes vacation time lines is having some issues not having an idea of how things are going to unfold.

Mom, Vince and I Skyped last night for 40 minutes. How did older generations live without email and Skype? It was nice to touch base and I think Mom's feeling a bit like I am - hoping she could plan more, especially sense her planning involves a 4 hour plane ride!

5/10/11 (5 hours since my comments above)
Dear Sweet Baby,
Please come soon, everyone is waiting for you! Your Aunt Ric among others have been bugging me in every way possible; texts, Facebook, emails, phone calls, smoke signals. Since last week the communication has exponentially increased!
Love,
MOM!!!!

5/11/11 (1 day to due date)
Well last night as I lye in bed I was reading Annie Lamott's Operating Instructions and experiencing some sensations I wasn't used to. I had 3 intense cramp-like feelings. So I asked Nolan about when he had to call in. He got pretty excited with the thought that it might be time, he said, "Good Luck" with an accompanying thumbs up. I fell asleep not long after our conversation and his thumbs up but never felt the sensation again. A fleeing moment of "this might be it."

I am working from home today so we'll see if anything happens today - I hope it doesn't happen today though because Nolan's work sent him 100 miles South when he was supposed to stay in the harbor so we have to wait a bit so when it does happen, he can get home quickly!

5/11/11 (just a few hours since the last post)
The mirror just showed me stretch marks. They were hiding under the belly, I was happy thinking I had gotten away with minimal skin marks but then today - the bastards just appeared, so sad!

5/13/11 (1 day past due date!)
Well, Mr. Due Date has come and gone without any signs of change. I visited the doc yesterday and without any dilation we devised a plan of what we'll do. I would LOVE for my little buddy to come on its own but I will be delighted to just get it out soon!

Tuesday, if I don't go into labor before that, I scheduled a couple tests - a stress test and an ultrasound to make sure that an adequate amount of fluid is surrounding the baby. If either of those tests show any negative signs I will be induced that day. If not, Thursday I will be induced no matter what. Oh - I hope it wants to make it's grand entrance on it's own! I really fear the thought of being induced. Mainly because the strong correlation of having a c-section with induction.

I chatted with my childhood friend, Rachel this morning, she was heading into her classroom and we shared some pre-labor feelings (her son was born March, 2010). I can't tell you how good it feels to share anxieties, truthful fears, and stories with someone who is so open about her experience. She rarely holds back which makes our conversations full of laughter and gratitude knowing my thoughts and feelings are not alone or unusual!

5/16/11 (4 days past due date!)
Induction is seemingly closer now, along with all its complications I was hoping to avoid. Maybe that mind set has me scared and the babe!? So scared it thinks my uterus is much safer place than the big bad world.

Last night Nolan came home for the night after he dropped a coworker off at the Greyhound Station. He tried to coerce the baby to make its grand entrance soon. It seems like it was playing with Nolan as I tried to drift off to never never land; kicking his hand as he rubbed and poked the belly. "We just want to play with you," Nolan begged!

So, my dear baby - I am at work this morning because you didn't show up this weekend. I'm not sure if I'm mad or sad or too exhausted to have just one feeling, all I know is that I am so ready for you to be here and so is everyone else! We got lots of calls this weekend from your grandparents, aunts, and uncles wondering where you are!

It amazes me how in tune to my body I am. I notice all the squirms, kicks of the little buddy in my belly but I also notice each muscle, organ, nerve, and bone's twitch or cramp that my body produces. It is really miraculous. I've never paid attention to my body this much. With every movement my mind asks, "Is this it?!!!!?" So far, I can only answer NO!

5/17/11 (5 days past due, 8AM)

A few more trips to the bathroom than usual got my head spinning last night - thinking labor was closer. My intuition was correct by 5am I was experiencing my first set of contractions. I experienced 4 while lying down and thought, "is this real or fake?" Enter my trusty iPhone on the night stand (something I never keep close but have lately knowing I'd want to call Nolan at anytime). Mr. Google told me the slight differences between false and real labor and what contractions will generally feel like. I was well on my way to having the wave-like, cramp-like reverberations from back to front. The one distinction from false to real labor was that contractions would subside if you move positions so I headed to the front room to sit on the couch. As I felt the same thing - I made the call to Nolan. He packed his things and headed home. Mom got my second call and lucky enough she made her flight reservation for today!

With a bowl of grape nuts I felt I could last the morning, I sat on the couch listening to the news/traffic report thinking of this day; knowing I'd want to remember everything. I want to remember making the bed, the contraction that made me double over in pain as I ended the call with my mom, getting in my clothes that I set out for myself a month ago - clothes that I'll wear to the hospital to go have my first child. I want to remember how Nolan came home and we hugged and remember how he told me he loved me and was so glad that I married him and so glad we were having a child together.

5 Haikus for the preggos!

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Fri, 06 May 2011 20:50:00 +0000

Haiku #1: The Belly and What it Wants

It doesn’t look big.
Who cares even if it did?
Yes. I bought ice cream.

Haiku #2: Waiting at the OB GYN

It’s been an hour.
Starting to get old. OK.
Won’t watch the weigh in.

Haiku #3: At Least We Know Who’s Driving

AH! Cocktail party.
Lame that you’re pregnant and all.
‘Preciate the ride!

Haiku #4: Ode to Your Cervix

Millimeters count.
Thrilled to hear 38, dear.
Victory, cervix.

Or, haiku #5: The Fortunate Son

Inside you, my dear
Yet another lucky child,
’cause he’ll call you Mom.

These are from of another blogger who wrote these for his pregnant wife.

The Unexpected

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:39:00 +0000

With pregnancy I knew I was in it for the long haul including tiredness, naps, irritability, odd cravings, constipation, less patience, and more aches and pains. I didn't know I opted in for a few other things.

HOT FLASHES - I thought this was reserved until I go through "the change."

SNOT - More than I can feasibly explain.

BLOODY NOSES - undoubtedly due to the amount of snot, thus more blowing.

A FEELING OF BEING KICKED IN THE VAGINA! Yes, for the last 3 weeks I feel like someone (I have a hunch of who) just booted me in the lady bits! Don't get me wrong, I was perfectly anticipating this feeling but thought it would coincide with an arrival of a baby. (During my doc visit this week (week 37) I learned the little one has dropped a bit which might explain the lovely feeling.)

BURPS - A lot of unexpected ones, a lot of hurtful ones (citrus be gone), ones I can't get rid of until I move b/c my innards have shifted and it takes some wiggling and adjustments to find their escape.

CURSING THE BABY KICKS - I loved when I first felt the baby move, now with it's forcefulness I want to kick it right back.

PROPOSITIONING THE PEDICURE LADY - I was so grateful when she put on my shoes and tied them that I asked if she was willing to come home with me!

GETTING HIT ON - Hi, I feel like an overstuffed turkey, I didn't know classified existed for "Men seeking Pregnant."

Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:22:00 +0000

It is about 95% done.

I still need a lamp for those late night feedings and fill a couple white frames from Ikea.

Here is the nursery just waiting for baby!

Looking in from the hallway.

Looking from the window.

Stepping in through the door.

I have a few frames that will go above the chest of drawers.

The moose that brought on the animal inspiration!

The great artwork that we received from D!

One of the projects I took on that Nolan did! He's so nice!

Before

After

Nursery Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:42:00 +0000

Trees for the animal room!

I alluded to the nursery design in my last blog entry.

Here are a series of photos depicting our before and after of the nursery wall with the trees.

Before we reveal the rest, I need to clean up a bit more and hang the curtains! I also wish I had taken photos with some other device other than my iPhone - sorry for the graininess.

PINK!

BYE BYE PINK!

The color is rightfully named 'SQUIRREL' for our forest animal room!

Nolan, happily cutting out some shapes!

Painter's tape goes up along with the shapes.

It all gets painted white.

The RESULT!!!

Nursery Room

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:06:00 +0000

Slowly over the last week we've made a LOT of progress in the nursery.

I am so excited for the outcome which will be revealed soon because I still need to take off some of the blue painter's tape.

Below is my inspiration for the room's paint job.

I was also inspired by Jen Loves Kev blog; she painted her master room with Birch trees.

Tonight we take the tape off and see how it all went!

Fun Preggo-related videos!

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:45:00 +0000

I hope you find this as amusing as I do!

Oh, and this might be my new workout regime! What do you think?
I love this!

Moving

noreply@blogger.com (Camille) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 12:31:00 +0000

As I eat cereal for the last time in my old address I contemplate life.... not really I think that's the baby kicking and me wondering what else I can stuff in my mouth.

We're moving this weekend, hooray!

My old boss allowed us to move in early even though our current lease doesn't end until 5/31. Because we have a baby on the way, I think she pitied us! So with ~6 weeks to go we're moving.

Just so you know, I DON'T SUGGEST MOVING IN YOUR THIRD TRIMESTER - EVER!

But the wonderful thing is, the new place has a 2nd bedroom, which we painted last night (yes, I will show photos). Today we move in our furniture and tonight we get to spend the night there. I am so exhausted already. Nolan, bless his heart, has moved 70% of our place already. He is amazing!

Below are photos of the new place.

The building

Our unit is the Garden Apartment

This is the beach behind the building! So excited for summer!

The man is Nolan's dad, not a guy named Beach.