The Little One

A Rough Week

2010-03-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Last week was exhausting.

Audrey was feeling better, but Tony's grandfather went into the hospital. He was 93 years old, so he lived a long and full life. He passed away on Thursday and we had the wake and funeral Sunday and Monday. We will miss you, Boots!

The past few years have been rough for us, especially this year. We have lost way too many people this year. I know that my mind was wondering at the funeral. We were in the same church just 6 short weeks before to bury our friend.

I kept thinking about how much we missed him. How much we had missed him in those few months before he died.

Bret was an amazing musician and friend. Unfortunately we had to cut him out of our lives. Tony and I do not do drugs and do not like to be around people that do. When we found out that Bret was using again, he was kicked out of the band and we did not hear from him much.

He went to rehab and Tony was trying to get over how many times he had hurt him. They were talking again. Bret had missed the two, most important moments of our lives: our wedding; Audrey's birth. He was using when we got married so we had broken off contact. Unfortunately, he had not come to see Audrey after he was finished with rehab.

With all of his flaws, we still loved him. I know Tony misses him more than ever. I wish that Audrey could have met her uncle Bret.

RIP Grandpa Boots

RIP Uncle Bret

She is 7 months old

2010-03-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

I seriously cannot believe that she is 7 months old. She is a little person now. She is really trying to crawl, but she cannot figure it out.

I keep thinking back to when she was first born. It feels like it was just yesterday that I first held her, but it feels like we have had her forever. I cannot believe my tiny little baby is such a big girl.

I love having a super chubby baby, my back does not agree. I have found one thing that bothers me about having a big girl, not the comments people make about her being a fat baby: she cannot fit in "baby" clothes. Aud is in 18-24 month clothing. Most summer baby girl clothes are super cute, but the little rompers and outfits like that only go up to 12 months. I found some little sunsuits, which are adorable, but I love the rompers.

I got this super cute sunsuits at Costco for $5.99. STEAL!

She likes broccoli

2010-03-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

Audrey was not so interested in baby food. I was inspired by Chrysallys's blog.

We decided to try some steamed broccoli and it went wonderfully. Although she doesn't have any teeth she was able to mash it around.

I was a nervous wreck the entire time, but she did great.

I am not sure what we will be trying next. I hope it goes as well as the broccoli. I guess we will figure that one out later.

Whoops!

2010-02-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

So she is now 6 months and I have not updated this since she was 1 week old! I suppose I should catch up!
Audrey has really grown and changed in the past 6 months (almost 7 as Tony likes to remind me). She is trying to crawl, she really only has the backward scoot down. She can pull herself up in her crib, which she thinks is hilarious.

1 month 10lbs 6oz 22in

2 months 14lbs 7oz 23in

3 months 17lbs 8oz 24in

4 months 18lbs 10oz 25in
5 months 20lbs 5oz 25 1/2in

6 months 21lbs 4oz 26in

1 week old!

2009-08-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Audrey was 1 week old on Wednesday!

This week we went out for our first outing. We went to visit everyone at work and to show her off. This was a little too much for me. I paid for it later.
Here is the cutest picture, as of right now.

Please Welcome Miss Audrey Tess!

2009-08-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

Audrey Tess was born on August 5th at 7:40pm. She weighed 8lbs 14oz and was 20 in.

My water broke around 3:30pm on August 4th, but it was just a leak. I called the on-call midwife and she told me to call her again when my contractions were 3-5 mins apart and lasting for more than 1min. Finally around 11pm my contractions were consistent. I gave her a call and she told me to go down to the hospital and she would meet us there.
They took me up to Labor & Delivery and checked me into Rm 707. Luckily we had a VERY funny night nurse names Susie. She was hilarious, which was good because both Tony and I were anxious. When Bernie, the on-call midwife, got there she checked me and guess what?! I was still only 1cm and 50% effaced! She did a test to see if it was my water that had broke, but it took an hour to get the results. Once they confirmed that it was my water that broke they asked if I wanted a sleeping pill because it was going to be a long night. Thankful I took it and I got some rest.
We had requested a doula originally, but they we thought we might not want one. Luckily Tony and I forgot to mention that and they had one of the volunteers come out. Her name was Margaret and she had already been a doula for 27 other births. She was very helpful, especially since this was our first child.
They had to start me on Pitocin in the morning because there still was no progress. I had some breakfast before they started my IV, bad idea. The pitocin made me horribly nauseus and I began throwing up. I threw up EVERYTHING, water, bile, possibly a kitchen sink. They gave me some anti-nausea meds but they didn't work. They gave me some pain meds to deal with everything, but it was really awful because I was having a ton of contractions that "didn't count". Basically I was having REALLY LONG LABOR! They increased the pitocin which of course made me sicker. They tried another anti-nausea med and that also didn't work. The contractions were getting much more intense. For some reason I had the urge to go to the bathroom, but I could not go. I must have gotten out of bed 1,000 times for nothing!
My midwife asked if I would like some more pain meds or I could try an epidural. At this point I was still only 3 or 4cm but I was about 80 to 90% effaced. I asked if I wanted an epidural later on it that would be possible and she said that it would. I decided to try to stick it out as long as I could. At that point they had me try the tub in my room. I am so thankful I did b/c I was only in there for about 45 mins and it really helped. I got out because I was feeling really sick but then I had a new feeling. I had a ton of pressure in my butt. I told them it felt like I had to push, but they said it was way too early for that. They had me on the birthing ball on all fours to relive some of the pressure. This is when it got really hard to stay calm. I kept telling them I really needed to push and everyone said it just wasn't time. I told them to get my midwife in to check me because I knew I was ready. My midwife, Cheryl, told me she would check me but she didn't think it would be anything new. I was 9cms and 100% effaced. I had dilated that much from the time I got in the tub. They told me it would probably be another 10-15mins which I did not want to hear. They started getting everything ready for me to push. I was so exhausted at this point and all I wanted to do was push. Tony was so wonderful. He kept me so calm, even when I thought I was going to scream.
Once everything was ready to go they told me I could start pushing. At first it was hard to get the hang of what exactly they wanted me to do. I would push while Tony was counting and then feel like all that work was for nothing. They had me change positions multiple times. They would ask if I wanted to try this position and I told them I would try anything.
Finally, they saw her head. At this point I had got the hang of how to push and be the most efficent. When they told me they could see hair I got a huge burst of energy. Once her head was right there Cheryl asked if I wanted to touch her head, which I always said I would never do. Of course I wanted to! I tried to reach down, but I was so exhausted I totally failed. Cheryl got us all laughing because I couldn't reach. She said, "Help her out! She has tiny little aligator arms." We were all laughing at that point, which was actually really great.
I pushed for a total of 1hr and 15mins. It really flew by though. Before Audrey had completely crowned Cheryl warned me that big babies can get their shoulders stuck on the way out. She brought in one of the OBs just for back up. They had 2 different methods they would try but luckily we didn't need any. They got her out and Tony cut the cord. Luckily we were able to donate the cord blood and placenta.
When she first came out she wasn't making any noise. I was crying and my legs were shaking because I was so happy, but everyone thought I was worried. I knew she was okay for some reason. They took her over and started cleaning her off. They gave her some oxygen and finally got her breathing. On her way out she had pooed so they were checking her breathing to make sure everything was okay. They finally handed her to me and she pooed! All the nurses were laughing because they have never seen that before. Luckily Tony got a picture of it!
We decided that she would have been over 9lbs if she had not gone to the bathroom those 2 times.

She was perfect in every way. Since my water had been broken for more than 24hrs they were a little concerned, but the only problem was her sugar was low. They gave her some sugar water and then 2 bottles of formula. I was worried that it might be a problem since I was planning on breastfeeding. It was not a problem at all.
Tony and I could not be more in love. She is now 4days old, but it feels like we have known her forever.

Yep, I'm still pregnant

2009-08-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

We had our 2nd appointment since going over my due date. The NST was fine. There is only a little change since last Friday. I am still only 1cm, but now I am 50% effaced and her head is really far down. At first I was a little disappointed that I am not dilated any farther, but once she said she was really happy with her positioning that eased my mind.
I think I have reached the point of just wanting her to get here. I think I am just ready to meet her and I know she has cooked long enough. I am still okay, I am not super uncomfortable.
Our next appointment will be Wednesday so keep your fingers crossed that something will happen.

Tomorrow is EDD!!!

2009-07-29T11:00:00.001-07:00

I am 40wks!! Yay! I just wanted to make it to 40wks so I am one happy lady. Whenever this little lady wants to come I am ready for her, or I suppose I should say "ready".
Last week at my 39wk appt I was still only 1cm but much softer so that is some progress.
Tomorrow is my due date, but my appointment will be on Friday. I will have a NST (Non-Stress Test) which is just to check that the baby is still healthy and is okay to stay in a little longer. It will be interesting to see what happens. She is still active so I have a feeling she is coming when she wants to.

39 Weeks

2009-07-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am 39 wks today. I started having contractions on Friday morning and they got to be 15 mins apart until Saturday night. They became more sporadic and more intense after that point. I think we still have a while till she gets here. As long as I make it past 10pm tonight I am okay (Tony's mom will be back by then).

Happy Birthday Tony & I'm 38wks!

2009-07-15T12:50:00.001-07:00

We just went for my 38wk appointment. Not too much has changed, but I am 1cm dilated. No baby for Tony's birthday. I think I will be getting that honor.

Links to Nursery Furniture

2009-07-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post were we got everything in the nursery since I have been getting a lot of requests.
Jenny Lind Crib (White) from Amazon.com
Jenny Lind Changer (White) from Amazon.com
Bookcase (Birch Effect) from Ikea
L.A. Baby Organic Cotton Mattress from Costco.com
American Rocker (Celery Slipcover) from Land of Nod
Drapes (shower curtain) from Target
Roman Blinds from JC Penny's Home Store
Owl Lamp from Urban Outfitters
Lamp Shade (Chocolate) from Land of Nod
Rug from Lowes
Dresser antique (was mine while I was growing up)
Wall Letters from Land of Nod
Wall Decals from Target

The wall color is Benjamin Moore Natura (zero VOC) Robins Nest

If you have questions about anything else feel free to comment!

More Wall Art

2009-07-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight we put up all the wallart. We had found some wall decals from Target ($12.99) which are ridiculously cute. Here is a complete 360 of the nursery.

This is a picture of the crucifix that Tony's mom gave Audrey. It is a Guardian Angel crucifix. We will also have the mobile, which we have to get.

These are the wall letters ($2.95) that we got from Land of Nod. Tony had the great idea of putting the bird and the owl on the ribbon. Too cute.
This is a close up of the wall letters and the birds.

These are the collages that I made. I love how they turned out.
I love the squirrel decal.

37 wks 3 days!!!!

2009-07-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

I am now 37wks and 3days. I am thankful that I am not super uncomfortable, but the weather has not been super hot. I love Mother Nature right now.
I have swollen feet, but as long as I can put my feet up here and there they don't get too bad.

I am now trying to finish up all of the wall art for the nursery.

Here are the 4 little pictures I made from the templates that artist Lorena Siminovich (Petit Collage) provided on Martha Stewart.com.

The best part is that no 2 will be exactly the same. They were super easy!!!
I used some scrapbooking paper ( leftover from creating the mobile), matte mod podge, and little framed wood ($1.99 at Micheal's).

Here are the super cute (& super affordable) wall letters from Land of Nod. They are $2.95/letter and they all have different "wallpaper" patterns. We still have to hang them, but I am planning on using a pale yellow ribbon.
I will post pictures as soon as we get everything on the walls.

3D/4D Ultrasound

2009-06-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to post the pictures from the Ultra Sound I had the weekend of the shower!
Luckily my parents, Tony's parents, and both the Colleens could be there.

35 wks and it is HOT!

2009-06-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here is my 34wk belly pic.
I am feeling large and in charge, but I am still okay. I want to keep her in my belly as long as I can. My Bracton-Hicks contractions are getting more intense, which is a good thing.
Here are the most recent pictures of the nursery. We still have to hang the wall art, but that is all that is left.

Here is the alphabet wall art I made. I love it. Right now it is sitting on the changing table, but we will be hanging it above the table.

The crib and changing table.

My new favorite hang out. I love the spot we chose for the rocking chair. There is a wonderful breeze that comes through that window.

Here is the bookcase. I am still trying to figure out the best way to organize everything, but it looks better than it did before..

This was my old dresser growing up. Tony and I sanded it and painted it. I love the way it looks.

Another view of the crib and changing table.

Another view.

More Updates

2009-06-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures from the nursery.
The blinds and drapes are done.
Great job on the drapes Mom!

The rocker came in today. I love it!!!!!

And my latest crafting project.

I saw this posted on ohdeedoh, but the original idea came from TinyDecor

More nursery pictures

2009-05-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

Here is Tony setting up the crib. I think it only took him 20mins or less. He is very efficient because of all those trips to Ikea!

Tony and the boys working hard.

And the finished product. I love it!

Here are the roman blinds from JcPenny's. My mom is hemming the blinds right now.

This is my favorite as of right now. It is a little owl from Mimishop on etsy.com. It plays Brahm's lullaby.

Crib...check!

2009-05-21T07:20:00.001-07:00

We have the crib put together! The mattress should be in sometime next week, which is very exciting.

This is the bedding, after changing my mind 8 billion times! You can see it looks super cute with the crib and in the nursery.

We also decided on the Land of Nod rocker after trying every chair in the area. It is super comfy and it will go with the rest of the furniture in our house.

Next step, the blinds and curtains. We bought beautiful roman blinds (50% off from the JcPenny's Home Store) and some unconventional curtains (photo above) to go along with them. I found a shower curtain from Target that is a giraffe print and looks great with the blinds and the bedding. I bought 2 so we can cut them down the middle. The fabric is really nice, super thick, and I think will also help with regulating the temperature in the room. The blinds are blackout/thermal so it will be nice and cozy in there.

That will be our job tonight, and by our I mean Tony's because I am completely useless. I am there simply to hold things when he needs me to and to keep the dogs from getting in the way.
I will post more pictures when we have more.

Nursery Update

2009-05-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Guess what is going to change about the nursery... just about everything!

Unfortunately there have been some fun little extras popping up around the house (ie: leaking pipes in the kitchen, a/c unit needing to be replaced, etc...) so I do not think we will be getting the glider from Costco.

We went to BRU to check out the gliders there and neither of us liked a single one. I cannot spend money on something that I think is ugly. We went to Lazy-boy and I had the same feelings.
Tony convinced me to go check out the gliders/rockers at Land of Nod and Pottery Barn kids this upcoming weekend. Although they are just as expensive there have been some grandparents who are willing to donate to help the cause (they will also be using this chair).

While we were at BRU I actually found bedding that I like! I go back and forth all the time on what I want, but I want animals and the alphabet involved. I found this and I think I love it.

Kids Line My First ABC 6 Piece Crib Bedding Set

Now to decide between the glider/rockers:
PBKids Eco Glider (Stone Twill Fabric)
PBKids Lullaby Rocker (Stone Twill Fabric)
Land of Nod Attractive American Rocker

Who knows what the nursery will end up looking like now!

Nursery

2009-05-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

So nothing new in the way of adding anything to the nursery, but I think I have found everything.
Here is the work we have done so far:

Tony getting the job done over our Spring Break.
Here is the storage unit that I thought we weren't going to use, but it has so much room. Plus then we get to save money! Yay!

This is the tiny, little closet. I have since taken all the clothes down to wash them. I have a feeling that my love for laundry may be leaving me shortly.

This is the glider that we will be purchasing. I am hoping that it works out for us, but if not, it is from Costco so we can return. I love Costco!
The question is: What color to get?
Chive? Latte?

***An added bonus is that the fabric is Crypton. We just had 2 of our living room chairs recovered in this fabric. It is basically steel! It doesn't stain and is waterproof (aka kid and pet proof). ***

The crib is on the way. I went back and forth on what I wanted, but I should always trust my gut (which I now know). We will be using the DaVinci Jenny Lind Crib.

The bedding is another thing that I picked out right from the beginning but I have been going back and forth on. I loved the Land of Nod's All Creatures Great and Small bedding.

As far as accessories go I don't have much, just a lamp
,
alphabet cards
, and a few other things here and there.

I suppose I should get to work.

21 week Ultrasound Pics @ 27 weeks

2009-04-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to scanning the 21 week ultrasound pictures... it only took 6 weeks

In this one you can see "Baby Skelator". You can see that she has her hands up by her head.

This is the shot of her "lady bits". Thankful she chilled out for 2 seconds so the tech could get the shot.

Fight Club.. in my belly

2009-04-29T11:32:00.001-07:00

So yesterday I went to the chiropractor to get my tailbone and all my other bones taken care of. Dr. Bonnie is not happy and wants me in multiple times a week. poo.
After I was adjusted she told me to ice down the butt bone and rest. Ah, comfort.

When I got home I decided to do the dishes and noticed there was a draft from upstairs. We had to turn the heat back on b/c it got so cold the past few days. We must have left the windows on the 2nd floor open. On my way down from closing them I was at the 2nd to last step and just decided that the last one wasn't cool enough for me. Of course realizing this mid-step surprised me and I landed w/all my weight on my poor little right leg. Ouch.
So all of Dr. Bonnie's work was undone. I got the ice pack for my rear and went and put my feet up.

When Tony got home he was going to say good night to the little one and of course she kicked. So he moved to a different spot on my belly and talked, she followed. He did this for about 2 minutes and every time he would say something she would kick where he had his mouth. Too funny.

Scrapblog

2009-04-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

So I cannot sleep. I have been working on a scrapblog with lots of pictures. It is still under construction.

Baby Steals, yay!

2009-04-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

BabySteals.com is one of the only websites I check religiously every day.
The first time I used it, to buy an Aden + Anais blanket, I was pleasantly surprised by how fast everything was. I ordered it, paid for it, and then got my confirmation email and shipping email within 1 minute. I had the blanket the next day. That is crazy!
I have since ordered some more Aden + Anais blankets ( I wish they had these for grown ups) and some baby slings. I love checking out what the steal will be, it is addictive.
BabySteals.com

Audrey Tess

2009-04-27T08:23:00.001-07:00

So we found out on March 20th that our little one will be a little girl.
We will be naming her Audrey Tess as long as she is an Audrey when we meet her. (I am hoping so because I do not like any other girl names)
I will post more pictures later on.

The Little One

2009-03-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would create this so that everyone can see the latest "pictures" and find out any info on the little one.
Stay tuned! We will be finding out Friday, March 20 what the sex of the baby is.
(9 Week Ultrasound)

(13 week Ultrasound)