Wesley has captured some fantastic moments from Theo's first week of life. More photos to come soon!
There are over 100 photos in this slide show. If you would rather, you can view them on facebook or by clicking Here
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Theo
Theodore James was born at 10:11pm on Saturday, September 4. He weighed 5 pounds and 5 ounces at birth and was 18 inches long. Theo is in perfect health and as beautiful as beautiful can be. He sleeps peacefully and is alert and curious when awake. He has his dad's facial expressions- the most amusing of which is how he furrows his brow when he sleeps, just like Dad. I read a quote today that said "The littlest birds make the sweetest song." This rings so true. His every little squeak, chirp, and even cry is a precious sound to me.
It all began at 4AM when I woke up having contractions every 2-3 minutes. They did not hurt and it was not uncommon for me to have Braxton-Hicks (false labor) contractions at night. However, these did not stop like the others eventually would. I started timing the contractions about 4:30 but didn't wake Wesley up yet. I just wasn't sure. Then at around 6AM they became stronger and started to actually hurt. Something clicked and I knew I was in labor. My first thought was to wake Wesley up. My second thought was how grateful I was that I would not have to be induced. I woke up Wesley and we called the doctor. She said that it sounded like labor and we should pack the bags (no, they weren't packed) and head on up to the hospital. Wesley got the bags packed while I kept counting contractions. I didn't labor at home for as long as I thought I would because the contractions were still coming 2-3 minutes apart, closer than normal for the first stage of labor.
We got to the hospital and were taken to an observation room where they watched my contractions to make sure I was in labor. They also watched Theo's heart rate so they could know if he was in any distress. He was never in distress at any point during they day. My OB said he did beautifully and was a strong baby.
Around 9AM we were moved to the birthing room. I walked from one room to the other without much difficulty. Our room was nice and spacious and had a great view from the window. Wesley and I both lamented that the window could not be opened and wished we could have had some fresh air that day. We set up camp and met our nurse. Cheryl was a blessing. She was experienced, patient, and calming. She was willing to sit and talk with us early on in the labor, willing to help coach and provide pain relief by pushing against my lower back later in delivery, and was generally just wonderful.
I had decided during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy to try for a natural birth. I told myself that if I just couldn't take the pain I would get an epidural. I met with the CRNA who would have done the epidural while I was still in the early stages of labor so that if I needed her later she would already have the information she needed. I never called her back. I gave birth with no epidural, no anesthesia, no drugs. And I survived.
I never thought I would be one to give birth naturally but more and more reasons kept popping up. Once labor started I somehow knew I would be able to do it. It wasn't some heroic choice or need to be "all woman" or anything like that. I just knew that I had the support and the inner strength to do it and that outweighed the risks of the epidural.
I labored for sixteen hours. Once I hit the second stage (of three) of labor the endorphines and adrenaline kicked in. It was like being drugged. I was aware of what was going on but also a little out of it. I knew I was in massive pain but it was Ok. It is amazing how my body knew what to do to take care of me and Theo during delivery. I have heard people say that but never really understood it until I experienced it.
Wesley was at my side the entire time, always ready to help me with whatever I needed. He helped me control my breathing. He held my hand. He spent hours providing pressure to my lower back which helped immensely. His favorite thing about the day (well, second favorite thing) was that I was so out of it during the second stage of labor that I let him listen to six hours of Phish. Six hours of one of my least favorite bands. That should tell you something. I'm glad it happened that way though. Wesley says that listening to Phish was really good for him during that time.
I moved around a lot during labor. I used the bed, the chair, and the giant tub to help me through the pain. Each had their place and each stopped doing the trick after a while.
Transition (the third stage of labor, right before pushing) is as painful as they make it seem. This was the only time when I wanted to give up but I knew I was close and that kept me going. That and being able to hang on Wesley's arm when the contractions hit. Ok, those two things and shaking the arm to the bed like I was trying to break it off. Ok, those three things and making bizarre growling noises until my mouth felt like a dried out sponge. Regardless, I made it through.
I pushed for 45 minutes- it felt like 10. The room went from being quiet and serene, very still, to a space of commotion and excitement. Everything seemed to get brighter. My little boy was born. Perfect. Everything was just perfect.
It all began at 4AM when I woke up having contractions every 2-3 minutes. They did not hurt and it was not uncommon for me to have Braxton-Hicks (false labor) contractions at night. However, these did not stop like the others eventually would. I started timing the contractions about 4:30 but didn't wake Wesley up yet. I just wasn't sure. Then at around 6AM they became stronger and started to actually hurt. Something clicked and I knew I was in labor. My first thought was to wake Wesley up. My second thought was how grateful I was that I would not have to be induced. I woke up Wesley and we called the doctor. She said that it sounded like labor and we should pack the bags (no, they weren't packed) and head on up to the hospital. Wesley got the bags packed while I kept counting contractions. I didn't labor at home for as long as I thought I would because the contractions were still coming 2-3 minutes apart, closer than normal for the first stage of labor.
We got to the hospital and were taken to an observation room where they watched my contractions to make sure I was in labor. They also watched Theo's heart rate so they could know if he was in any distress. He was never in distress at any point during they day. My OB said he did beautifully and was a strong baby.
Around 9AM we were moved to the birthing room. I walked from one room to the other without much difficulty. Our room was nice and spacious and had a great view from the window. Wesley and I both lamented that the window could not be opened and wished we could have had some fresh air that day. We set up camp and met our nurse. Cheryl was a blessing. She was experienced, patient, and calming. She was willing to sit and talk with us early on in the labor, willing to help coach and provide pain relief by pushing against my lower back later in delivery, and was generally just wonderful.
I had decided during the last couple of weeks of pregnancy to try for a natural birth. I told myself that if I just couldn't take the pain I would get an epidural. I met with the CRNA who would have done the epidural while I was still in the early stages of labor so that if I needed her later she would already have the information she needed. I never called her back. I gave birth with no epidural, no anesthesia, no drugs. And I survived.
I never thought I would be one to give birth naturally but more and more reasons kept popping up. Once labor started I somehow knew I would be able to do it. It wasn't some heroic choice or need to be "all woman" or anything like that. I just knew that I had the support and the inner strength to do it and that outweighed the risks of the epidural.
I labored for sixteen hours. Once I hit the second stage (of three) of labor the endorphines and adrenaline kicked in. It was like being drugged. I was aware of what was going on but also a little out of it. I knew I was in massive pain but it was Ok. It is amazing how my body knew what to do to take care of me and Theo during delivery. I have heard people say that but never really understood it until I experienced it.
Wesley was at my side the entire time, always ready to help me with whatever I needed. He helped me control my breathing. He held my hand. He spent hours providing pressure to my lower back which helped immensely. His favorite thing about the day (well, second favorite thing) was that I was so out of it during the second stage of labor that I let him listen to six hours of Phish. Six hours of one of my least favorite bands. That should tell you something. I'm glad it happened that way though. Wesley says that listening to Phish was really good for him during that time.
I moved around a lot during labor. I used the bed, the chair, and the giant tub to help me through the pain. Each had their place and each stopped doing the trick after a while.
Transition (the third stage of labor, right before pushing) is as painful as they make it seem. This was the only time when I wanted to give up but I knew I was close and that kept me going. That and being able to hang on Wesley's arm when the contractions hit. Ok, those two things and shaking the arm to the bed like I was trying to break it off. Ok, those three things and making bizarre growling noises until my mouth felt like a dried out sponge. Regardless, I made it through.
I pushed for 45 minutes- it felt like 10. The room went from being quiet and serene, very still, to a space of commotion and excitement. Everything seemed to get brighter. My little boy was born. Perfect. Everything was just perfect.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Is it a train? No, but I imagine it's going to feel like one when the kid comes barreling into the world.
More doctor's visits, more news that Baby DB is doing well. More bedrest and more Boost shakes (blegh!).
They have scheduled me for an induction on September 14th. The eviction notice has been served. Kid has eleven days to pack up his things and move out or he's getting the boot. It feels good to have a definite deadline. It's easier to stick to the bedrest orders when I can count down the days. I want the kid to bake for as long as she needs, but I hope I can go into labor right before the 14th so I don't have to be induced. That hurts. A lot. And I won't be able to move around. If I am induced I will have to lay in bed, strapped to monitors and gadgets. No walking, rocking, or whirlpool tubs for me. But! If I can manage to get labor going on my own, which seems highly possible with some laps around the mall, then I will have much more freedom and decision about how my labor is going to go. Plus, I will be able to labor at home for a little while instead of the whole process being in the hospital setting. Who knows how this thing is going to go down. We'll just have to wait and see.
Another reason I don't really want to be induced- the big reason- is that my chances of needing a c-section are dramatically increased with induction. The doctors seem to think I will be easy to induce, but the risk is still there. I really, really, really don't want a c-section. The recovery is longer and the risks for me and Baby DB are greater. Cross your fingers for us that it doesn't come to that. But, if it does, I trust my doctors and know that they will take good care of me. Whatever happens, I trust that we will be ok. I just know my order of preference.
In other news, I ate dinner last night. Real food. And then... I ate real food again today for lunch. Two ACTUAL meals in less than 12 hours. This is a big deal. It makes me happy. Feeling hunger makes me happy. Being able to eat when I'm hungry makes me ecstatic. I have a whole new appreciation for hunger and food. Not just nutrition- but the enjoyment of food too. Thank you Wesley for making yummy, yummy pot roast. You're a king.
And Julia- you are a queen. Those tampanadas were might tasty! Thank you for sharing your cooking talents with us. I look forward to returning the favor when Nicolas makes his appearance!
The Ipod is loaded and I am going to start packing my bag this afternoon. Then all there will be left to do is wait. Here we go! I am so excited about meeting Baby DB soon!
T minus 11 days!
More doctor's visits, more news that Baby DB is doing well. More bedrest and more Boost shakes (blegh!).
They have scheduled me for an induction on September 14th. The eviction notice has been served. Kid has eleven days to pack up his things and move out or he's getting the boot. It feels good to have a definite deadline. It's easier to stick to the bedrest orders when I can count down the days. I want the kid to bake for as long as she needs, but I hope I can go into labor right before the 14th so I don't have to be induced. That hurts. A lot. And I won't be able to move around. If I am induced I will have to lay in bed, strapped to monitors and gadgets. No walking, rocking, or whirlpool tubs for me. But! If I can manage to get labor going on my own, which seems highly possible with some laps around the mall, then I will have much more freedom and decision about how my labor is going to go. Plus, I will be able to labor at home for a little while instead of the whole process being in the hospital setting. Who knows how this thing is going to go down. We'll just have to wait and see.
Another reason I don't really want to be induced- the big reason- is that my chances of needing a c-section are dramatically increased with induction. The doctors seem to think I will be easy to induce, but the risk is still there. I really, really, really don't want a c-section. The recovery is longer and the risks for me and Baby DB are greater. Cross your fingers for us that it doesn't come to that. But, if it does, I trust my doctors and know that they will take good care of me. Whatever happens, I trust that we will be ok. I just know my order of preference.
In other news, I ate dinner last night. Real food. And then... I ate real food again today for lunch. Two ACTUAL meals in less than 12 hours. This is a big deal. It makes me happy. Feeling hunger makes me happy. Being able to eat when I'm hungry makes me ecstatic. I have a whole new appreciation for hunger and food. Not just nutrition- but the enjoyment of food too. Thank you Wesley for making yummy, yummy pot roast. You're a king.
And Julia- you are a queen. Those tampanadas were might tasty! Thank you for sharing your cooking talents with us. I look forward to returning the favor when Nicolas makes his appearance!
The Ipod is loaded and I am going to start packing my bag this afternoon. Then all there will be left to do is wait. Here we go! I am so excited about meeting Baby DB soon!
T minus 11 days!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
OB Visit #1,273
I'm skipping over a month's worth of Braxton-Hicks contractions, a wonderful baby shower, a visit to Nashville where I had a fantastic time with some of Wesley's family, and mundane details about late pregnancy and how adorable my nursery is. Oh, and insomnia. Most of you have been able to read about these things on Facebook.
I am here to update you after my latest OB visit. Last week they put me on twice weekly visits to check fetal activity and heart rate (non-stress tests, for those interested), and fetal growth. Baby DB is measuring small so we are under a careful watch to make sure s/he is still growing and doing well. Baby DB IS doing well and all signs so far point to good health, just a tiny baby. As one of my doctor's put it, "I wouldn't wish a big baby on you." Yeah, me either!
We go for another growth ultrasound on Monday where they may or may not decide to induce me. As long as Baby DB is growing, they'll let us keep baking. I have been put on modified bedrest- bedrest where I am not confined to the bed 24/7- and ordered to drink three Boost shakes (like Ensure, but tastier) a day. I don't expect to be told they will induce next week based on the information I have gotten from the two visits so far this week.
Today's visit was positive. Baby has plenty of fluid to swim in and the non-stress test was reactive, meaning normal. I am 2cm dilated and 75% effaced with Baby DB at station 0 (think of it as the starting line of a race). My OB today said that she thinks I will go 39-40 weeks then have a quick labor based on what my body is doing. I was encouraged to hear that labor wouldn't likely be a drawn-out affair. Now if we can just get to that day!
Here is a picture of fetal stations. It's easier to show you where Baby DB is than try to describe it.
I am here to update you after my latest OB visit. Last week they put me on twice weekly visits to check fetal activity and heart rate (non-stress tests, for those interested), and fetal growth. Baby DB is measuring small so we are under a careful watch to make sure s/he is still growing and doing well. Baby DB IS doing well and all signs so far point to good health, just a tiny baby. As one of my doctor's put it, "I wouldn't wish a big baby on you." Yeah, me either!
We go for another growth ultrasound on Monday where they may or may not decide to induce me. As long as Baby DB is growing, they'll let us keep baking. I have been put on modified bedrest- bedrest where I am not confined to the bed 24/7- and ordered to drink three Boost shakes (like Ensure, but tastier) a day. I don't expect to be told they will induce next week based on the information I have gotten from the two visits so far this week.
Today's visit was positive. Baby has plenty of fluid to swim in and the non-stress test was reactive, meaning normal. I am 2cm dilated and 75% effaced with Baby DB at station 0 (think of it as the starting line of a race). My OB today said that she thinks I will go 39-40 weeks then have a quick labor based on what my body is doing. I was encouraged to hear that labor wouldn't likely be a drawn-out affair. Now if we can just get to that day!
Here is a picture of fetal stations. It's easier to show you where Baby DB is than try to describe it.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Baby Food
Wesley's mom sent my this photo of an article she wrote for the Natchez Garden Club cookbook in 1980 (Wesley's first year). I posted a link to it so you can zoom in and read the article. It would have been too small if I had placed it directly in the blog.
Thanks for sharing, Lucy. What a great piece of family history- and good article too!
Thanks for sharing, Lucy. What a great piece of family history- and good article too!
Mish Mash
Wesley and I received a gift from his cousin Jessica and her husband Brandt this week. Baby DB is now the proud owner of a hand-crafted tie-dyed onesie, a staple in every kid's wardrobe, I think. Kid also got a very fuzzy teddy bear and some stacking cups. Mom got a book on introducing purees and solids to baby's diet.
The book is written very simply with small words and big pictures. I am guessing they took the sleep deprivation into account when they designed the pages. It makes it seem so easy to puree and freeze your own baby food. The book tells you when to introduce what and how to prepare it in easy steps and large batches. I didn't think I was interested in making my own baby food but now I am curious. It seems easy enough and would definitely be cheaper than buying jars of baby food.
So Moms, did you make your own baby food? How did it go? What were the benefits and drawbacks and would you do it again? Any expert tips on the matter? I think it would be fun to get together with at least one other mom of an infant and prepare batches of freezable baby food together once every two weeks. Everything is easier when it's social, right? Plus, it would provide me with some accountability if I had a mish-mash partner. Thoughts?
The book is written very simply with small words and big pictures. I am guessing they took the sleep deprivation into account when they designed the pages. It makes it seem so easy to puree and freeze your own baby food. The book tells you when to introduce what and how to prepare it in easy steps and large batches. I didn't think I was interested in making my own baby food but now I am curious. It seems easy enough and would definitely be cheaper than buying jars of baby food.
So Moms, did you make your own baby food? How did it go? What were the benefits and drawbacks and would you do it again? Any expert tips on the matter? I think it would be fun to get together with at least one other mom of an infant and prepare batches of freezable baby food together once every two weeks. Everything is easier when it's social, right? Plus, it would provide me with some accountability if I had a mish-mash partner. Thoughts?
Friday, July 30, 2010
Up to Speed
Ups and downs
Highs and lows
That's just the way
Pregnancy goes
Highs and lows
That's just the way
Pregnancy goes
Things have been hopping around here lately. My mom came for a visit just over two weeks ago. It was fantastic to have family around. Especially the day she helped me deep clean the house! I can't tell you how much Wesley and I appreciated that. Mom and I did a little "touristing" as well. Her favorite part of the trip, I believe, was going to Jonas Gerard's studio, where we got to meet him and attend a live painting. He was quite a trip. Neat guy. Pretty darn good at what he does too. Wesley and I took Mom up to Mt Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi, where it was a cool 62 degrees. I think she would have stayed up there all summer if she could have! Truthfully, I would have too. It felt good to get out of the heat. Even if Asheville is cooler than Mississippi (by a long shot), it has still been too hot this summer. I'm ready for fall- for more reasons than one!
Not long after my mom left, Wesley's mom Lucy and brother William came up for a short visit. Lucy insisted we stop by her "summer home" and make sure things were running smoothly in her absence. I commiserated that it is so hard to find good help these days... We had a very nice visit and again, it was great to see family.
I am proud to report that both moms approve and, dare I say, like the nursery. Hooray! I have commissioned my favorite artist to do a painting with a peacock theme for the nursery but I hear she is quite busy lately with other (better paying- I offer hugs and gratitude) commissions and an Artist's Reception at Southern Breeze, the premier art gallery in Jackson. Go Mom!
On the other side of the coin, Wesley and I had a little adventure last Friday. In the wee hours of the morning I woke up having contractions. I'm pretty sure they had been going on for a few hours and I never quite woke up enough to realize what was happening until I groggily stacked all my pillows and crouched in a way that we learned about in birthing class. It was that realization that finally woke me up. I woke Wesley up and we timed the contractions. I laid on my side and drank water like they say to do. Then we called the doctor. He told us a couple of more things to try and said to head to the hospital to be checked out if things did not get better. We did end up going to the hospital, but not before Wesley ran around the house packing our bags for what we were concerned could be "the big stay" at the hospital. I must say, he did a darn good job. He even remembered my exercise ball (for sitting on) and a onesie for the critter.
We got to the hospital and had a fantastic nurse. She was just awesome. I ended up getting a bag of IV fluids and a drug called terbuteline. Let me tell you. Terbutaline is not fun. They gave it to me to relax the uterine muscle and stop the contractions. It did what it was supposed to do, which was great. It also sped up my heart and made it feel like it was going to pound out of my chest. I felt like crap for a couple of hours. Then it passed, the contractions had stopped and we got word that baby was doing great and not going anywhere for a while.
Since all that has happened something has changed and I have been able to eat a lot more food than I had been able to before. In fact, I ate a family sized bag of fruit loops by myself in about 24 hours earlier this week. I have also eaten healthier and more balanced meals than that but my own need to devour all that cereal and milk amazed me. I haven't eaten like that since way, way early in the first trimester before I started getting sick. Yeah food!
On Sunday Wesley and I went to Looking Glass Falls and sat on the rocks like lounging lizards. There was quite a crowd and I enjoyed people watching. We left there and went up the Parkway to Graveyard Fields in hopes of picking some blueberries and blackberries. They weren't quite ready yet but you could see the fruit beginning to bud. We sat by the stream there too. The water was refreshingly cool. We heard thunder overhead after a while and headed back to the car to wait out the storm. They often don't last long in the mountains. We had a phenomenal view of the storm rolling East over the mountains. It was simply stunning. Once we headed home we saw 3 or 4 rainbows in the valleys surrounding the Parkway. Wesley got some great photos that he has shared on Facebook. You should really check them out.
Today's agenda started with a coffee break with Jody Burnett, an old friend of ours from Hattiesburg who is now a priest outside of DC. It was great to see Jody and meet his friendly dog Charlie. They make a fine pair. Jody blessed the Bump, the first priest to do that. I think it's pretty special that baby's first blessing comes from such a good friend of Mom and Dad.
My next stop is the pool with Kelly and her kids. I am looking forward to floating in the cool water and taking a nap- if it's not too loud, which it may be. I've never been to a public pool before. I'm not sure what to expect but I imagine I'll get splashed. Bombs away!
Not long after my mom left, Wesley's mom Lucy and brother William came up for a short visit. Lucy insisted we stop by her "summer home" and make sure things were running smoothly in her absence. I commiserated that it is so hard to find good help these days... We had a very nice visit and again, it was great to see family.
I am proud to report that both moms approve and, dare I say, like the nursery. Hooray! I have commissioned my favorite artist to do a painting with a peacock theme for the nursery but I hear she is quite busy lately with other (better paying- I offer hugs and gratitude) commissions and an Artist's Reception at Southern Breeze, the premier art gallery in Jackson. Go Mom!
On the other side of the coin, Wesley and I had a little adventure last Friday. In the wee hours of the morning I woke up having contractions. I'm pretty sure they had been going on for a few hours and I never quite woke up enough to realize what was happening until I groggily stacked all my pillows and crouched in a way that we learned about in birthing class. It was that realization that finally woke me up. I woke Wesley up and we timed the contractions. I laid on my side and drank water like they say to do. Then we called the doctor. He told us a couple of more things to try and said to head to the hospital to be checked out if things did not get better. We did end up going to the hospital, but not before Wesley ran around the house packing our bags for what we were concerned could be "the big stay" at the hospital. I must say, he did a darn good job. He even remembered my exercise ball (for sitting on) and a onesie for the critter.
We got to the hospital and had a fantastic nurse. She was just awesome. I ended up getting a bag of IV fluids and a drug called terbuteline. Let me tell you. Terbutaline is not fun. They gave it to me to relax the uterine muscle and stop the contractions. It did what it was supposed to do, which was great. It also sped up my heart and made it feel like it was going to pound out of my chest. I felt like crap for a couple of hours. Then it passed, the contractions had stopped and we got word that baby was doing great and not going anywhere for a while.
Since all that has happened something has changed and I have been able to eat a lot more food than I had been able to before. In fact, I ate a family sized bag of fruit loops by myself in about 24 hours earlier this week. I have also eaten healthier and more balanced meals than that but my own need to devour all that cereal and milk amazed me. I haven't eaten like that since way, way early in the first trimester before I started getting sick. Yeah food!
On Sunday Wesley and I went to Looking Glass Falls and sat on the rocks like lounging lizards. There was quite a crowd and I enjoyed people watching. We left there and went up the Parkway to Graveyard Fields in hopes of picking some blueberries and blackberries. They weren't quite ready yet but you could see the fruit beginning to bud. We sat by the stream there too. The water was refreshingly cool. We heard thunder overhead after a while and headed back to the car to wait out the storm. They often don't last long in the mountains. We had a phenomenal view of the storm rolling East over the mountains. It was simply stunning. Once we headed home we saw 3 or 4 rainbows in the valleys surrounding the Parkway. Wesley got some great photos that he has shared on Facebook. You should really check them out.
Today's agenda started with a coffee break with Jody Burnett, an old friend of ours from Hattiesburg who is now a priest outside of DC. It was great to see Jody and meet his friendly dog Charlie. They make a fine pair. Jody blessed the Bump, the first priest to do that. I think it's pretty special that baby's first blessing comes from such a good friend of Mom and Dad.
My next stop is the pool with Kelly and her kids. I am looking forward to floating in the cool water and taking a nap- if it's not too loud, which it may be. I've never been to a public pool before. I'm not sure what to expect but I imagine I'll get splashed. Bombs away!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Dear Nausea
Dear Nausea,
We have been together for over seven months now, long enough to get to know each other pretty well. After six months of being in my face all of the time, keeping me from my friends, and dominating my life, you finally got the hint and gave me a little space. But now, when we do hang out you make me twice as miserable.
I missed a fantastic meal prepared especially for me last night because of you. Your jealousy is making me sick. I just can't do this anymore. I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Delete my number. I'm unfriending you. Really, it was just a fling that got dragged out too long. All those times you embarrassed me in public- remember the parking lot screaming matches? That time at the restaurant? I'm over it. I'm a stronger woman than that and I won't tolerate it anymore. Don't beg. Just go. It's over.
Sincerely,
Eryn
We have been together for over seven months now, long enough to get to know each other pretty well. After six months of being in my face all of the time, keeping me from my friends, and dominating my life, you finally got the hint and gave me a little space. But now, when we do hang out you make me twice as miserable.
I missed a fantastic meal prepared especially for me last night because of you. Your jealousy is making me sick. I just can't do this anymore. I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Delete my number. I'm unfriending you. Really, it was just a fling that got dragged out too long. All those times you embarrassed me in public- remember the parking lot screaming matches? That time at the restaurant? I'm over it. I'm a stronger woman than that and I won't tolerate it anymore. Don't beg. Just go. It's over.
Sincerely,
Eryn
Monday, July 12, 2010
Childbirth Classes
Wesley and I have attended two of six in a series of childbirth classes. We go on Tuesday nights. Our classmates are an interesting hodgepodge of people and our teacher is stellar. She is a mother of four and an obviously very experienced labor and delivery nurse. Her knowledge is extensive and she discusses things in a way that are easy for everyone to understand but not patronizing.
Our first class was basic anatomy and physiology. Wesley and I didn't get much new information out of that one but we did get a good review of when to call the MD and when to go to the hospital. It was the second class that I really enjoyed and felt like we both learned something. We discussed the stages of labor and the different aspects and needs for each. We talked about different comfort measures and what emotions and reactions we can both expect to have during the delivery.
Chalayne, our instructor, also showed us a video with real births. The video was very edited to only show these women breathing calmly and looking peaceful as they endured contractions and birth. I call BS, but whatever. I am proud (though not surprised) to say that Wesley didn't bat an eye. The guy next to him, however, turned three shades of green and slipped down in his seat a little. In fact, he got woozy at a line drawing of the vagina that Chalayne drew on the marker board. That man has a looong day ahead of him in the not-so-distant future!
Chalayne sent us home with a few worksheets to spark discussion about how each of us deals with stress and discomfort and what Wesley can do to help me through the birth. We went to our local Greek restaurant Apollo Flame and had dinner while going through the worksheets after class. It was a great discussion that I think not only helped us prepare for the birth but helped us learn more about each other. I really enjoyed our conversation and I think it helped us both feel a little more at ease in a time when we are both feeling exhausted from the challenges and stressors of this pregnancy.
I am looking forward to class tomorrow night and what we may learn from it not just about the delivery but about ourselves and our marriage. I hope that every pregnant couple out there gets the chance to attend such a useful childbirth class.
Our first class was basic anatomy and physiology. Wesley and I didn't get much new information out of that one but we did get a good review of when to call the MD and when to go to the hospital. It was the second class that I really enjoyed and felt like we both learned something. We discussed the stages of labor and the different aspects and needs for each. We talked about different comfort measures and what emotions and reactions we can both expect to have during the delivery.
Chalayne, our instructor, also showed us a video with real births. The video was very edited to only show these women breathing calmly and looking peaceful as they endured contractions and birth. I call BS, but whatever. I am proud (though not surprised) to say that Wesley didn't bat an eye. The guy next to him, however, turned three shades of green and slipped down in his seat a little. In fact, he got woozy at a line drawing of the vagina that Chalayne drew on the marker board. That man has a looong day ahead of him in the not-so-distant future!
Chalayne sent us home with a few worksheets to spark discussion about how each of us deals with stress and discomfort and what Wesley can do to help me through the birth. We went to our local Greek restaurant Apollo Flame and had dinner while going through the worksheets after class. It was a great discussion that I think not only helped us prepare for the birth but helped us learn more about each other. I really enjoyed our conversation and I think it helped us both feel a little more at ease in a time when we are both feeling exhausted from the challenges and stressors of this pregnancy.
I am looking forward to class tomorrow night and what we may learn from it not just about the delivery but about ourselves and our marriage. I hope that every pregnant couple out there gets the chance to attend such a useful childbirth class.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Sneak Peak
Wesley and I have spent most of today cleaning, organizing, and taking care of "honey-dos" around the house. With our progress I am finally ready to show you what the nursery is shaping up to look like. There still isn't any art on the walls and that crib skirt is a nice stack of cut fabric waiting to be sewn together, but there is still something to show for our work so far. I'm stoked with how the room is coming together.
Also, my good friend Kelly came over last week and helped me organize the plethora of baby items that I now have thanks to the folks in Mississippi. Seeing all those baby items nested in their proper places in Baby DB's nursery makes it all just a little more real.
Without further adieu, here are pictures from the nursery.
For those reading this through email, if you cannot see the slideshow, go to www.babyduffeebraun.org to view the photos on the website.
Also, my good friend Kelly came over last week and helped me organize the plethora of baby items that I now have thanks to the folks in Mississippi. Seeing all those baby items nested in their proper places in Baby DB's nursery makes it all just a little more real.
Without further adieu, here are pictures from the nursery.
For those reading this through email, if you cannot see the slideshow, go to www.babyduffeebraun.org to view the photos on the website.
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