Thanks for introducing oatmeal cookies - I am loving every bite!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Happy Birthday Baby Boy!
1 year ago today:
1:30am - I have a super painful contraction that wakes me from a deep drug induced sleep. I guess it was instinct, but I immediately jumped out of bed just in time for my water to break (SO glad about that).
This is where it goes fuzzy for me again - I only remember bits and pieces.
Carl and my Dad had just gone to bed after watching a movie, so they got VERY little sleep (as if I got more). Carl went to wake my mom and then I insisted on getting in the shower; even in the state of mind I was in, I knew it was imperative to be clean before going to the hospital (you taught me well Mom!). Carl called his parents and they headed up to the hospital.
The next thing I remember is my Dad taking some pictures and then we were in the truck. The ride to the hospital was painful, I felt every bump in the road as if I was being dragged behind the truck. When we got to the hospital it was after hours so we had to go through the emergency room. THEY MADE ME CHECK IN AND SIGN PAPERS STANDING UP! To this day I still have trouble believing that I had to do this. I remember tying my jacket around my waste because apparently your water does not just break once, but it keeps coming (too much information for some of you, I know, but you'll survive). Please note the series of pictures of this event - and notice the lady in behind the window - it sure looks like she is telling me to calm down, doesn't it?
Then I jump ahead to getting in bed and getting all hooked up, only to find that I still had not made any progression. I asked for the epidural and then I think after I got comfortable and we knew there was no hurry, we sent the grandparents home to try and get some sleep.
They brought Carl a cot and we both tried to get some sleep - not much luck, knowing what was ahead.
Later that morning, grandparents come back and still no progression on my part. Dr. Sara Robert came in and explained that there was a window of 12-18 hours after the water breaks that the baby needs to be delivered or the risk of infection gets too high.
At this point John's heart rate would drop with every contraction. Due to this and no progression, the Dr. asked us if we wanted to have a c-section or wait a couple more hours and potentially have to have an emergency c-section. In the case of an emergency, Carl would not be able to be in the room. So the choice was clear; c-section it was. Although I was sorely disappointed, as I did not want a c-section. But, in hind site, his head is perfectly round and my recovery was super fast.
We get all prepped and they wheel me back. While they are prepping me for surgery, Carl had to wait outside. The anesthesiologist kept poking me with a pin around my waist and asking me if I could feel it - I kept saying yes. Although I think it was in fear that he would not give me enough drugs, I really don't think I felt it. I deeply regretted the amounts of medicine they gave me for the next 2 days.
I can not explain to anyone what a c-section is like. I was so nervous and was on so much medicine - all I could do was talk, I remember that I just kept talking. I don't really remember what I was talking about, but I just kept talking, and talking. There was no pain - but the pressure - OH THE PRESSURE - It truly feels like an elephant is sitting on top of you. It is the utmost, with out a doubt strangest feeling in the world. All the while, I am asking the Dr.'s to stop pulling my insides out for one second so I can lean to the side and puke in my little pink bucket (that pink bucket and I became very good friends)
Carl had the video going for some of this, and taking pictures during the rest of the time. He only peeked around the scary blue curtain a couple of times.
2:48 - Dr. Robert says "he has such big feet" and then... the most precious sound in the entire world - John's first cry. They brought him to me and then Carl says the Dr. nodded to the anesthesiologist to knock me out; he must have, because I really do not remember anything else until we wheeled out into the waiting room (although I think these memories are more from the pictures than my mind).
Next thing I remember is everyone standing in the hospital room and Carl handed me John for the first time - it was a moment that I will cherish forever and never forget. I cried, Carl cried, well, everyone cried except John. It was a moment of pure bliss. Then...enter pink bucket! UGH! It was constant.
The next memory I jump to is his first feeding - just a couple hours into this world - he latched right on like he was a pro. Breastfeeding is one of the hardest things a woman can do, but wow - that moment was incredible. Oh except I had to interrupt him and give him back to Carl several times so I could lean into the little pink bucket.
We stayed in the hospital just 2 more nights - and I remember it being SO HOT, we had broken our air conditioning and it was the first few days of hot weather in Texas, so the window did not help either. I remember not eating ANYTHING until about 4:00 in the morning, the nurse brought me some yogurt that I was able to keep down. Carl's cot was the most pitiful thing I had ever seen.
The day you were born was the most incredible day of our lives, sleep deprived, but running on pure love!
We love you!
1:30am - I have a super painful contraction that wakes me from a deep drug induced sleep. I guess it was instinct, but I immediately jumped out of bed just in time for my water to break (SO glad about that).
This is where it goes fuzzy for me again - I only remember bits and pieces.
Carl and my Dad had just gone to bed after watching a movie, so they got VERY little sleep (as if I got more). Carl went to wake my mom and then I insisted on getting in the shower; even in the state of mind I was in, I knew it was imperative to be clean before going to the hospital (you taught me well Mom!). Carl called his parents and they headed up to the hospital.
The next thing I remember is my Dad taking some pictures and then we were in the truck. The ride to the hospital was painful, I felt every bump in the road as if I was being dragged behind the truck. When we got to the hospital it was after hours so we had to go through the emergency room. THEY MADE ME CHECK IN AND SIGN PAPERS STANDING UP! To this day I still have trouble believing that I had to do this. I remember tying my jacket around my waste because apparently your water does not just break once, but it keeps coming (too much information for some of you, I know, but you'll survive). Please note the series of pictures of this event - and notice the lady in behind the window - it sure looks like she is telling me to calm down, doesn't it?
Then I jump ahead to getting in bed and getting all hooked up, only to find that I still had not made any progression. I asked for the epidural and then I think after I got comfortable and we knew there was no hurry, we sent the grandparents home to try and get some sleep.
They brought Carl a cot and we both tried to get some sleep - not much luck, knowing what was ahead.
Later that morning, grandparents come back and still no progression on my part. Dr. Sara Robert came in and explained that there was a window of 12-18 hours after the water breaks that the baby needs to be delivered or the risk of infection gets too high.
At this point John's heart rate would drop with every contraction. Due to this and no progression, the Dr. asked us if we wanted to have a c-section or wait a couple more hours and potentially have to have an emergency c-section. In the case of an emergency, Carl would not be able to be in the room. So the choice was clear; c-section it was. Although I was sorely disappointed, as I did not want a c-section. But, in hind site, his head is perfectly round and my recovery was super fast.
We get all prepped and they wheel me back. While they are prepping me for surgery, Carl had to wait outside. The anesthesiologist kept poking me with a pin around my waist and asking me if I could feel it - I kept saying yes. Although I think it was in fear that he would not give me enough drugs, I really don't think I felt it. I deeply regretted the amounts of medicine they gave me for the next 2 days.
I can not explain to anyone what a c-section is like. I was so nervous and was on so much medicine - all I could do was talk, I remember that I just kept talking. I don't really remember what I was talking about, but I just kept talking, and talking. There was no pain - but the pressure - OH THE PRESSURE - It truly feels like an elephant is sitting on top of you. It is the utmost, with out a doubt strangest feeling in the world. All the while, I am asking the Dr.'s to stop pulling my insides out for one second so I can lean to the side and puke in my little pink bucket (that pink bucket and I became very good friends)
Carl had the video going for some of this, and taking pictures during the rest of the time. He only peeked around the scary blue curtain a couple of times.
2:48 - Dr. Robert says "he has such big feet" and then... the most precious sound in the entire world - John's first cry. They brought him to me and then Carl says the Dr. nodded to the anesthesiologist to knock me out; he must have, because I really do not remember anything else until we wheeled out into the waiting room (although I think these memories are more from the pictures than my mind).
Next thing I remember is everyone standing in the hospital room and Carl handed me John for the first time - it was a moment that I will cherish forever and never forget. I cried, Carl cried, well, everyone cried except John. It was a moment of pure bliss. Then...enter pink bucket! UGH! It was constant.
The next memory I jump to is his first feeding - just a couple hours into this world - he latched right on like he was a pro. Breastfeeding is one of the hardest things a woman can do, but wow - that moment was incredible. Oh except I had to interrupt him and give him back to Carl several times so I could lean into the little pink bucket.
We stayed in the hospital just 2 more nights - and I remember it being SO HOT, we had broken our air conditioning and it was the first few days of hot weather in Texas, so the window did not help either. I remember not eating ANYTHING until about 4:00 in the morning, the nurse brought me some yogurt that I was able to keep down. Carl's cot was the most pitiful thing I had ever seen.
The day you were born was the most incredible day of our lives, sleep deprived, but running on pure love!
We love you!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Week: The Day Before
I am sure I will tell this story for many years to come and I am sure that it will change a little bit every time. Hopefully I will look back and this and remember what REALLY happened (if it has not changed too much after just 1 year)
Note: John was born on a Sunday.
Saturday morning about 6:30am I woke up with some small contractions and I was extremely uncomfortable. It was not unusual at this point in a pregnancy to not sleep well, so I really did not think anything of it. I proceeded to get up quietly and go into the kitchen to start my routine. To my surprise, I was having the contractions pretty regularly; so. I started to count, sure enough they were about 10-12 minutes apart. I could not wait any longer, I woke up Carl; I had a special feeling.
I could only restrain a little while longer before calling to wake up our parents. My Mom knew too, she started planning and getting things ready for what was to come.
Carl and I tried to go about the day, but of course were too nervous and excited. Carl decided we needed another recliner THAT DAY, so he rearranged the living room furniture and off we went furniture shopping. Who does that?!
All the while, I have been jotting down the contractions on a piece of paper and they were consistently 10-12 minutes apart, but they were not getting stronger or faster.
My Mom and Dad got in the car and headed to Texas about 6:30 pm.
Around 9:00 I decided to call my doctor to tell her about the day. She had me go to the hospital right then.
This trip to the hospital I remember vividly. We calmly and collectively got the bags in the car, kissed the dogs goodbye and headed out the door. We went straight to labor and delivery as it was not past hours yet. They checked me in and I signed all paperwork while I was comfortably in a bed, what a great idea?!?!
I was not in a lot of pain, uncomfortable, sure, but not pain; so I did not even think abut drugs at this point. They checked me and I was not dilated at all. They kept us for 2 hours and then checked again, still no progress. My Mom and Dad were at the hospital by this point. The doctor gave me the option of staying or going, I opted to go (don't regret). They gave me an option of a sleeping pill or not, I opted to have one (regret).
This is where it all gets a little fuzzy and any reminders would be helpful.
The next thing I remember is Carl putting me in bed. It is about midnight on Saturday night.
To be continued....
Note: John was born on a Sunday.
Saturday morning about 6:30am I woke up with some small contractions and I was extremely uncomfortable. It was not unusual at this point in a pregnancy to not sleep well, so I really did not think anything of it. I proceeded to get up quietly and go into the kitchen to start my routine. To my surprise, I was having the contractions pretty regularly; so. I started to count, sure enough they were about 10-12 minutes apart. I could not wait any longer, I woke up Carl; I had a special feeling.
I could only restrain a little while longer before calling to wake up our parents. My Mom knew too, she started planning and getting things ready for what was to come.
Carl and I tried to go about the day, but of course were too nervous and excited. Carl decided we needed another recliner THAT DAY, so he rearranged the living room furniture and off we went furniture shopping. Who does that?!
All the while, I have been jotting down the contractions on a piece of paper and they were consistently 10-12 minutes apart, but they were not getting stronger or faster.
My Mom and Dad got in the car and headed to Texas about 6:30 pm.
Around 9:00 I decided to call my doctor to tell her about the day. She had me go to the hospital right then.
This trip to the hospital I remember vividly. We calmly and collectively got the bags in the car, kissed the dogs goodbye and headed out the door. We went straight to labor and delivery as it was not past hours yet. They checked me in and I signed all paperwork while I was comfortably in a bed, what a great idea?!?!
I was not in a lot of pain, uncomfortable, sure, but not pain; so I did not even think abut drugs at this point. They checked me and I was not dilated at all. They kept us for 2 hours and then checked again, still no progress. My Mom and Dad were at the hospital by this point. The doctor gave me the option of staying or going, I opted to go (don't regret). They gave me an option of a sleeping pill or not, I opted to have one (regret).
This is where it all gets a little fuzzy and any reminders would be helpful.
The next thing I remember is Carl putting me in bed. It is about midnight on Saturday night.
To be continued....
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Happy Birthday Week: Changes
John - you have changed and bettered our lives in so many incredible ways. The most important is how you have filled our lives and our hearts with a new kind of love and joy that only a parent can share with their child. Our days are brighter, our smiles are bigger, our love is stronger, and our hearts are yours!
Other life changes since you were born:
- I have much more sympathy for parents and patience for screaming kids (not sure Carl shares this change with me)
- I can not watch sad movies with children involved
- Showering is a luxury, not a necessity
- Sleeping is a luxury, not a necessity
- Laundry takes a lot longer after pre-treating EVERY baby shirt we own
- We never watch live TV so if there is a tornado, we will not know about it until the next day
- I can not sing - but I do it anyway (in public nonetheless) because the itsy bitsy spider makes you smile (again, Carl has not adopted the public part of this one either)
- I try to find the parking space NEAREST the shopping cart return thing.
- I can accomplish in a 30 minute nap what used to take me several hours
- In a 12 month period - I went through 3 bra sizes - and unfortunately the last and most recent is not the one I would have chosen!
- The house is much darker since you became mobile - no lamps (cords) or nightlights
- My homepage went from some news site to "babycenter.com"
- I put A LOT more thought into what we all eat everyday, you are a growing boy, but lately a picky eater.
- The carpet and rugs are wearing a lot faster, as it seems to be a natural tendency for everyone to sit on the floor these days.
- I do not see the outside world after 5:30 pm or so. I did not even see Christmas lights in our neighborhood this year.
- Eating a meal with only 1 sized spoon in my hand is an exception to the rule.
- I spend more on your clothes than mine.
I can not wait to see the changes the 2nd year will bring!
Other life changes since you were born:
- I have much more sympathy for parents and patience for screaming kids (not sure Carl shares this change with me)
- I can not watch sad movies with children involved
- Showering is a luxury, not a necessity
- Sleeping is a luxury, not a necessity
- Laundry takes a lot longer after pre-treating EVERY baby shirt we own
- We never watch live TV so if there is a tornado, we will not know about it until the next day
- I can not sing - but I do it anyway (in public nonetheless) because the itsy bitsy spider makes you smile (again, Carl has not adopted the public part of this one either)
- I try to find the parking space NEAREST the shopping cart return thing.
- I can accomplish in a 30 minute nap what used to take me several hours
- In a 12 month period - I went through 3 bra sizes - and unfortunately the last and most recent is not the one I would have chosen!
- The house is much darker since you became mobile - no lamps (cords) or nightlights
- My homepage went from some news site to "babycenter.com"
- I put A LOT more thought into what we all eat everyday, you are a growing boy, but lately a picky eater.
- The carpet and rugs are wearing a lot faster, as it seems to be a natural tendency for everyone to sit on the floor these days.
- I do not see the outside world after 5:30 pm or so. I did not even see Christmas lights in our neighborhood this year.
- Eating a meal with only 1 sized spoon in my hand is an exception to the rule.
- I spend more on your clothes than mine.
I can not wait to see the changes the 2nd year will bring!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Week: They change so fast!
A picture from every month:
FEBRUARY 2008
MARCH 2008
APRIL 2008
MAY 2008
JUNE 2008
JULY 2008
AUGUST 2008
SEPTEMBER 2008
OCTOBER 2008
NOVEMBER 2008
DECEMBER 2008
JANUARY 2009
FEBRUARY 2009
.JPG)
FEBRUARY 2008
MARCH 2008
APRIL 2008
MAY 2008
JUNE 2008
JULY 2008
AUGUST 2008
SEPTEMBER 2008
OCTOBER 2008
NOVEMBER 2008
DECEMBER 2008
JANUARY 2009
FEBRUARY 2009
.JPG)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Happy Birthday Week: Daddy's Labor of Love
From the moment we found out that we were having a baby boy, Carl started planning the nursery. It truly was his labor of love.
He started with a blank canvas; a spare bedroom with carpet, white walls, standard lighting and ceiling fan. To even get to scratch, he ripped up the carpet, the base boards and the ceiling fan. Then he put down hard wood floors, hand scraped them (yes, you read that right) and stained them to match the downstairs floors. Then he put up white bead board around the whole room. Painting was next; he painted the stripes in the room by hand and they could not have beeen more perfect. Lighting followed, and proved to be a bit more labor intensive then originally planned. He hung a chandelier in the middle of the room and sconces on the wall where the crib was going to go. He had to drop and rewire the electricity in the room to get these both to work on independent dimmers. Pretty cool and very useful!
When the backdrop was done, it was on to furniture and bedding. I stayed out of the nursery (fumes, saw dust, etc.) up until this point. We made a 1st time parent mistake (although I think it was a pretty fun mistake) and spent WAY too much on bedding. We got it from "The Magic Moon" in Plano and had it custom made with monogramming and all! (Note: the bumper stayed on the bed all of 1 night, the crib sheet was uncomfortable, so that came off pretty quick and the skirt went into storage at about 5 months). We also bought extra material of all the different fabrics in the room and then Nana's labor of love started. She made us a blanket that has seen a lot of late nights. She also made the window valance which completed the room.
The furniture came from "Baby World" in Dallas. We searched high and low and went to every store imaginable but we kept coming back to this one set that only Baby World had. So we knew it was the one. The 2 recliners came from there as well. We decided on 2, thinking that there would be several times that we would both be up there at night and need to lay down. Uh... NO.... but it is still nice to have extra seating.
I am not sure why Carl and I started calling John our little "monkey", but that was his name from the beginning (and still is), so we decided to go with a monkey theme in the room for all the accessories.
See pictures below, although the pictures do not do it justice; it is an amazing room. It is incredibly peaceful and functional; what more could you ask for.
He started with a blank canvas; a spare bedroom with carpet, white walls, standard lighting and ceiling fan. To even get to scratch, he ripped up the carpet, the base boards and the ceiling fan. Then he put down hard wood floors, hand scraped them (yes, you read that right) and stained them to match the downstairs floors. Then he put up white bead board around the whole room. Painting was next; he painted the stripes in the room by hand and they could not have beeen more perfect. Lighting followed, and proved to be a bit more labor intensive then originally planned. He hung a chandelier in the middle of the room and sconces on the wall where the crib was going to go. He had to drop and rewire the electricity in the room to get these both to work on independent dimmers. Pretty cool and very useful!
When the backdrop was done, it was on to furniture and bedding. I stayed out of the nursery (fumes, saw dust, etc.) up until this point. We made a 1st time parent mistake (although I think it was a pretty fun mistake) and spent WAY too much on bedding. We got it from "The Magic Moon" in Plano and had it custom made with monogramming and all! (Note: the bumper stayed on the bed all of 1 night, the crib sheet was uncomfortable, so that came off pretty quick and the skirt went into storage at about 5 months). We also bought extra material of all the different fabrics in the room and then Nana's labor of love started. She made us a blanket that has seen a lot of late nights. She also made the window valance which completed the room.
The furniture came from "Baby World" in Dallas. We searched high and low and went to every store imaginable but we kept coming back to this one set that only Baby World had. So we knew it was the one. The 2 recliners came from there as well. We decided on 2, thinking that there would be several times that we would both be up there at night and need to lay down. Uh... NO.... but it is still nice to have extra seating.
I am not sure why Carl and I started calling John our little "monkey", but that was his name from the beginning (and still is), so we decided to go with a monkey theme in the room for all the accessories.
See pictures below, although the pictures do not do it justice; it is an amazing room. It is incredibly peaceful and functional; what more could you ask for.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Happy Birthday Week: The long road of pregnancy
Pregnancy is a confusing and intense time in a women's life. You find out you are pregnant and then you have the next 9 months to think about how your whole life is going to change and nothing will ever be the same as it once was. It is the worst and the best kind of anticipation that anyone can experience. It is coupled with body and mood changes that you never imagined were possible. All the while - knowing that a miracle is truly happening inside your body every minute. Amazing does not even begin to describe this experience - and yes, I am finally to the point that I miss it Only took a year and a few pregnant women to remind me of the joys and forget the woes.
A short recap of our pregnancy story -
On June 23, 2007, I woke up feeling a bit nauseated, but I figured it was from the gin and tonics the night before (oops). But for some odd reason, I decided to take a pregnancy test early that morning before anyone was awake. To my surprise it came back positive! I ran in and jumped on the bed and woke Carl up. I was crying, so he immediately thought that something was wrong - but when I told him I was pregnant - we just hugged and cried and laid there for what seemed like hours.
My parents were staying with us that weekend, as the night before we had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and we all went to 'Dancing with the Stars' with Carl's parents. It was such a fun night. At dinner I had had a couple of drinks, so I KNEW my parents were not expecting the news there were about to hear (for that matter, neither were we!).
By the time we all got up and around, I had taken another test just to be sure (this was just #2 of at least 5 tests we took). We had just finished breakfast and we told them that we had one more anniversary present for them - I handed them the pregnancy tests (in plastic bags of course)... Mom knew right away what it was, but Dad was not real sure as he started to reach in the bag. I quickly stopped him, we connected all the dots and then we had a group hug with tears and all!
Later that afternoon we called Carl's parents and told them that we needed them to help settle a dispute about paint colors in one of the rooms. So we went by with 2 paint swatches from Lowe's, one blue and one pink. We were all in the kitchen and when we pulled them out, I am pretty sure they knew right away - I just remember Carolyn saying "NO? NO?" with a tone of excitement that only a grandparent could have. We all hugged and I am pretty sure there were more tears!
That was the beginning of the long road of pregnancy.....
I was super sick the first trimester and could not do anything in the morning without taking prescription strength nausea pills as soon as I woke up.
After the sickness subsided, I was enjoying pregnancy pretty well. I ate whatever I wanted (I gained 50 pounds, literally). I tried to get on the treadmill a few times - but that did not really pan out. I did not have too many cravings, but I did have aversions to a few things. My short term memory really went by the waste side. My waist line and my chest both doubled in size. Heartburn attacked regularly, and the gas was intense (ah, the joys of pregnancy)!
Then came the kidney stones and kidney infection. One night Carl and I were watching a movie (of which he was REALLY into) and I started having the feeling of a bladder infection. I was in quite a bit of pain, then all of a sudden my lower back felt like someone was beating me with a baseball bat. We called the Dr. and ended up in the emergency room. They took me to labor and delivery. After a really mean nurse punched me in the kidney to make sure that was the problem, they admitted me for the next 3 days. Once I was on the pain meds I felt fine, but they wanted to keep me on a drip of antibiotics for a full 48 hours. Never passed the stone by the way...it is still there and we just have to hope it does not get stuck again.
So you would think that is it.... but wait....
Then I got SHINGLES?!?! WHAT?!?!? Who has ever even heard of that? It is the sleeping chicken pox virus that you get when your immune system is toast. I do not wish this pain on anyone, I can honestly say that this might have been worse than labor contractions b/c this pain was constant and there was no epidural.
During the shingles episode, I ended up going to the dentist too, b/c my teeth hurt really bad. Evidently, the shingles pain was radiating in my gums (shingles picks something on one side of your body and then attacks it - I think Summer had this as well and it attacked her ear). However, during the visit to the Dentist, it was discovered that I needed to have a root canal - so I added that to the list of issues and had the procedure done.
The Shingles pain went on for about a month - no I am not kidding, and it is coupled with a LOVELY rash on the side of your face. People were scared of me.
From the day we found out we were pregnant until the second before he emerged, John and I had a long and unforgettable road, with a lot of bumps along the way. But this is one road I would travel down again in a second!
A short recap of our pregnancy story -
On June 23, 2007, I woke up feeling a bit nauseated, but I figured it was from the gin and tonics the night before (oops). But for some odd reason, I decided to take a pregnancy test early that morning before anyone was awake. To my surprise it came back positive! I ran in and jumped on the bed and woke Carl up. I was crying, so he immediately thought that something was wrong - but when I told him I was pregnant - we just hugged and cried and laid there for what seemed like hours.
My parents were staying with us that weekend, as the night before we had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and we all went to 'Dancing with the Stars' with Carl's parents. It was such a fun night. At dinner I had had a couple of drinks, so I KNEW my parents were not expecting the news there were about to hear (for that matter, neither were we!).
By the time we all got up and around, I had taken another test just to be sure (this was just #2 of at least 5 tests we took). We had just finished breakfast and we told them that we had one more anniversary present for them - I handed them the pregnancy tests (in plastic bags of course)... Mom knew right away what it was, but Dad was not real sure as he started to reach in the bag. I quickly stopped him, we connected all the dots and then we had a group hug with tears and all!
Later that afternoon we called Carl's parents and told them that we needed them to help settle a dispute about paint colors in one of the rooms. So we went by with 2 paint swatches from Lowe's, one blue and one pink. We were all in the kitchen and when we pulled them out, I am pretty sure they knew right away - I just remember Carolyn saying "NO? NO?" with a tone of excitement that only a grandparent could have. We all hugged and I am pretty sure there were more tears!
That was the beginning of the long road of pregnancy.....
I was super sick the first trimester and could not do anything in the morning without taking prescription strength nausea pills as soon as I woke up.
After the sickness subsided, I was enjoying pregnancy pretty well. I ate whatever I wanted (I gained 50 pounds, literally). I tried to get on the treadmill a few times - but that did not really pan out. I did not have too many cravings, but I did have aversions to a few things. My short term memory really went by the waste side. My waist line and my chest both doubled in size. Heartburn attacked regularly, and the gas was intense (ah, the joys of pregnancy)!
Then came the kidney stones and kidney infection. One night Carl and I were watching a movie (of which he was REALLY into) and I started having the feeling of a bladder infection. I was in quite a bit of pain, then all of a sudden my lower back felt like someone was beating me with a baseball bat. We called the Dr. and ended up in the emergency room. They took me to labor and delivery. After a really mean nurse punched me in the kidney to make sure that was the problem, they admitted me for the next 3 days. Once I was on the pain meds I felt fine, but they wanted to keep me on a drip of antibiotics for a full 48 hours. Never passed the stone by the way...it is still there and we just have to hope it does not get stuck again.
So you would think that is it.... but wait....
Then I got SHINGLES?!?! WHAT?!?!? Who has ever even heard of that? It is the sleeping chicken pox virus that you get when your immune system is toast. I do not wish this pain on anyone, I can honestly say that this might have been worse than labor contractions b/c this pain was constant and there was no epidural.
During the shingles episode, I ended up going to the dentist too, b/c my teeth hurt really bad. Evidently, the shingles pain was radiating in my gums (shingles picks something on one side of your body and then attacks it - I think Summer had this as well and it attacked her ear). However, during the visit to the Dentist, it was discovered that I needed to have a root canal - so I added that to the list of issues and had the procedure done.
The Shingles pain went on for about a month - no I am not kidding, and it is coupled with a LOVELY rash on the side of your face. People were scared of me.
From the day we found out we were pregnant until the second before he emerged, John and I had a long and unforgettable road, with a lot of bumps along the way. But this is one road I would travel down again in a second!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Week: "Made in Mexico"
After being married on June 2, 2007, Carl and I flew off to Playa Del Carmen in Mexico to enjoy a week of relaxation and celebration of our marriage.
We stayed at "The Royal" and I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone going to this part of the Playa Del Carmen. They had a terrific beach which is what set it apart from the other hotels in the area.
Of all the fun and fabulous things we did, I would have to admit that the majority of the time was spent laying on the beach. Our room was literally on the beach, two steps off the porch and you were in sand. It was amazing. We also played some water volleyball, took walks, worked out in the mornings (yep, that's right), tried to kayak (harder than it looks), ate at all of the restaurants (several times b/c it was all inclusive), went into town to shop and eat, and went on a little adventure to Cozumel - which turned out to be my most favorite day....
On Wednesday morning, Carl had a great idea to head off to the island of Cozumel and see what trouble we could find. We packed up his back pack with survival gear (if you know Carl, you know it is perfectly normal for him to have survival gear where ever we go), some snacks, water and a camera. We did not bring a license or credit cards - just a little cash and a Visa gift card.
We took the fairy over and when we go there we wanted to rent a scooter - but of course everyone said no b/c we did not have our license with us. However, as we were in Mexico, we knew that if we had the money there were ways around the rules. So, we found a little store in town that rented us a scooter but basically said if we were caught by the Mexican police that we would go to to jail and it would take several days to process us out. So we hopped on and... "VAMANOS!"
We drove around the island (avoiding the typical traffic stops that they warned us about) and found a strip of beach to stop and eat lunch. Then we found a little shack on the beach that would take us out snorkeling. We got on this rickety old boat and headed out. I had never done this before in open water, so I was a bit hesitant. They just stopped in what seemed like the middle of the ocean and told us to jump. I was FREAKING OUT. The minute I put my head under water a huge black fish was inches from my face. Sheer panic ran through me. I started crying so hard, and I could not catch my breath, I was swallowing gallons of salt water - I was pretty sure it was the end. After Carl talked me down, I relaxed and tried again, this time I loved it! I just needed some time to adjust. We had so much fun!
After we got back to shore, we jumped back on the scooter and drove around the back side of the island where there were no hotels. We stopped to eat at this little place right off the road overlooking a rocky shoreline. It was awesome scenery.
Finally the day was coming to a close, we winded our way back through all the narrow, one-way roads and eventually found the scooter store. We made our way back to the fairy and headed home.
After that long day - we collapsed in our room for the evening, ordered room service, and, well....went about the honeymoon....We had no idea this one adventurous day would be the beginning of the biggest adventure of our lives....John was literally "Made in Mexico". ;)
We stayed at "The Royal" and I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone going to this part of the Playa Del Carmen. They had a terrific beach which is what set it apart from the other hotels in the area.
Of all the fun and fabulous things we did, I would have to admit that the majority of the time was spent laying on the beach. Our room was literally on the beach, two steps off the porch and you were in sand. It was amazing. We also played some water volleyball, took walks, worked out in the mornings (yep, that's right), tried to kayak (harder than it looks), ate at all of the restaurants (several times b/c it was all inclusive), went into town to shop and eat, and went on a little adventure to Cozumel - which turned out to be my most favorite day....
On Wednesday morning, Carl had a great idea to head off to the island of Cozumel and see what trouble we could find. We packed up his back pack with survival gear (if you know Carl, you know it is perfectly normal for him to have survival gear where ever we go), some snacks, water and a camera. We did not bring a license or credit cards - just a little cash and a Visa gift card.
We took the fairy over and when we go there we wanted to rent a scooter - but of course everyone said no b/c we did not have our license with us. However, as we were in Mexico, we knew that if we had the money there were ways around the rules. So, we found a little store in town that rented us a scooter but basically said if we were caught by the Mexican police that we would go to to jail and it would take several days to process us out. So we hopped on and... "VAMANOS!"
We drove around the island (avoiding the typical traffic stops that they warned us about) and found a strip of beach to stop and eat lunch. Then we found a little shack on the beach that would take us out snorkeling. We got on this rickety old boat and headed out. I had never done this before in open water, so I was a bit hesitant. They just stopped in what seemed like the middle of the ocean and told us to jump. I was FREAKING OUT. The minute I put my head under water a huge black fish was inches from my face. Sheer panic ran through me. I started crying so hard, and I could not catch my breath, I was swallowing gallons of salt water - I was pretty sure it was the end. After Carl talked me down, I relaxed and tried again, this time I loved it! I just needed some time to adjust. We had so much fun!
After we got back to shore, we jumped back on the scooter and drove around the back side of the island where there were no hotels. We stopped to eat at this little place right off the road overlooking a rocky shoreline. It was awesome scenery.
Finally the day was coming to a close, we winded our way back through all the narrow, one-way roads and eventually found the scooter store. We made our way back to the fairy and headed home.
After that long day - we collapsed in our room for the evening, ordered room service, and, well....went about the honeymoon....We had no idea this one adventurous day would be the beginning of the biggest adventure of our lives....John was literally "Made in Mexico". ;)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Happy Birthday Week!
In celebration of making it through the first year of this incredible journey, I am going to do a related post every day this week up through his birthday.
I did not start this blog until John was 5 months old, so I am using this as an excuse to post about a few things before that time as well.
Over the week, I will take you from John's creation through the minute he emerged into this world, including the pregnancy, pictorial on how he has changed, the nursery, changes in our lives, and many more fabulous memories.
Stay tuned!
I did not start this blog until John was 5 months old, so I am using this as an excuse to post about a few things before that time as well.
Over the week, I will take you from John's creation through the minute he emerged into this world, including the pregnancy, pictorial on how he has changed, the nursery, changes in our lives, and many more fabulous memories.
Stay tuned!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Happy Birthday Granddaddy!
Happy Birthday Granddaddy! Can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks for more fun and laughs! I love you!AT LAST!!!
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So techinically we are a week early, but who is counting? We have opened up a whole new world for John and hopefully made car rides less painful for Mom!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The newest member of the Jones Family
Daddy got John his first pet! His name is "fish", and John could not love him more! We've got him in his nursery so he can see him from his crib. He sees it and immediatly smiles and tries to say "fish" (which, at this point sounds like "sh", "sh", "sh"). Pretty cute for his first pet. Thanks Daddy!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Pictorial Update
Here are some favorite pictures as of late:
First trip to the Zoo! He LOVED it! We think he liked the elephants and the monkeys the best. We will be going back regularly.
Ryann Phillips 1st birthday party. I love this series of pictures - what a storyline!
If John is walking around the house, he has a ball in his hands. This is how I see him every day.
This books gets A LOT of use, we learn all sorts of things from it. One of very few things that keeps his attention for more than 30 seconds.
He got these mats for Christmas, but I forgot about them until now, he really likes to take them apart.
First trip to the Zoo! He LOVED it! We think he liked the elephants and the monkeys the best. We will be going back regularly.
Ryann Phillips 1st birthday party. I love this series of pictures - what a storyline!
If John is walking around the house, he has a ball in his hands. This is how I see him every day.
This books gets A LOT of use, we learn all sorts of things from it. One of very few things that keeps his attention for more than 30 seconds.
He got these mats for Christmas, but I forgot about them until now, he really likes to take them apart. Big Fluffy Series: He loves to dive head first and then roll all over him, Big Fluffy makes everything better, especially when Mom or Dad roll all over him too!
Bath Series: No matter how bad of a mood he is in, put the kid in the bath and the tears disappear. Notice him trying to turn 'off' the light - he loves this game. Oh - and the best towel EVER (thanks Renae) - but he hates when it is on his head.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Everyday Struggles
Although John is as close to perfect as they come and I cherish every day I get to spend with him - we are going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. No one ever told me that it was not all peaches and cream!?!?!?
As discussed in the last post, we have toying with one nap. I half hearted say that it is going okay. The napping (or lack there of) has caused a ripple effect on other things. He seems to be very moody, he is not eating well and he has become extra clingy. I assume all of this is due to his change in schedule, but I am not sure. I suppose it could be teething as well.
For the last week or so we have been down to 1 nap, but only about an hour and a half, which is not near enough. We struggle in the evenings, but as long as one or both of us are giving him our undivided attention (I mean it, don't even think about looking somewhere other than his direction) he is okay.
I suppose I could also attribute the disinterest in eating to mother nature. I read that around 1 year there is a significant drop in appetite; otherwise if they continued on the same eating habits, they would resemble a small blimp. I would love to fatten John up a bit, I think he is a little skinny.
The clingy thing - well that is just the most pitiful sight you have ever seen and I truly can not resist picking him up. He waddles up to my leg with his thumb in his mouth, pouty face and all, and then throws his hands in the air for me to pick him up. Dishes? who needs clean dishes? There is a pitiful baby that needs my attention.
This all leaves me to wonder if I started the 1 nap thing too early, but at the same time I am hesitant to go back at this point because we have already pushed through 1 week and we could turn a corner any day now (at least that is what I keep telling myself). I supposed this is not going to be the last time I question my parenting decisions?!?!
As discussed in the last post, we have toying with one nap. I half hearted say that it is going okay. The napping (or lack there of) has caused a ripple effect on other things. He seems to be very moody, he is not eating well and he has become extra clingy. I assume all of this is due to his change in schedule, but I am not sure. I suppose it could be teething as well.
For the last week or so we have been down to 1 nap, but only about an hour and a half, which is not near enough. We struggle in the evenings, but as long as one or both of us are giving him our undivided attention (I mean it, don't even think about looking somewhere other than his direction) he is okay.
I suppose I could also attribute the disinterest in eating to mother nature. I read that around 1 year there is a significant drop in appetite; otherwise if they continued on the same eating habits, they would resemble a small blimp. I would love to fatten John up a bit, I think he is a little skinny.
The clingy thing - well that is just the most pitiful sight you have ever seen and I truly can not resist picking him up. He waddles up to my leg with his thumb in his mouth, pouty face and all, and then throws his hands in the air for me to pick him up. Dishes? who needs clean dishes? There is a pitiful baby that needs my attention.
This all leaves me to wonder if I started the 1 nap thing too early, but at the same time I am hesitant to go back at this point because we have already pushed through 1 week and we could turn a corner any day now (at least that is what I keep telling myself). I supposed this is not going to be the last time I question my parenting decisions?!?!
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