Monday, November 29, 2010
Winter Fun
We have been enjoying the Washington winter. Aidan has been introduced to snow and LOVES it. He helped Cliff and I make our first snow man and spent A LOT of time eating the snow. Other than that we are still just enjoying our new addition, getting out our sweaters, making hot chocolate, and taking LOTS of pictures.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
1-6
Well I fell a little behind on my blessings but that's okay....I have a good excuse.
#6- My new finished basement. It has pretty much doubled our house size. I love that it is carpeted instead of hard wood and love how much room Aidan has to play and run around. It was a pain to finish but I'm glad that we went through with it.
#5- My family. Even though they are far away in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, we remain very close and talk often. It was wonderful to have my parents here and I can't wait to see them again and my brothers in February.
#4,3, 2- My beautiful new baby girl, my energetic toddler, and my hard overworked husband. They are the joys of my life and I feel so blessed that God has chosen to give them to me. I can't imagine my life without them now and get so excited thinking about the many years in the future I will have to build memories with them.
#1- Being able to have so many blessing in my life that it was difficult to choose a top 10.
#6- My new finished basement. It has pretty much doubled our house size. I love that it is carpeted instead of hard wood and love how much room Aidan has to play and run around. It was a pain to finish but I'm glad that we went through with it.
#5- My family. Even though they are far away in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, we remain very close and talk often. It was wonderful to have my parents here and I can't wait to see them again and my brothers in February.
#4,3, 2- My beautiful new baby girl, my energetic toddler, and my hard overworked husband. They are the joys of my life and I feel so blessed that God has chosen to give them to me. I can't imagine my life without them now and get so excited thinking about the many years in the future I will have to build memories with them.
#1- Being able to have so many blessing in my life that it was difficult to choose a top 10.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Ryla's Birth Story
My little girl is a week old today and I thought I should type out the birth story before I start forgetting the details. My parents got here on a Saturday and I was having some contractions but nothing consistent. We enjoyed visiting with them without all the chaos of a new baby for a few days and it gave them some good one on one time with Aidan. Saturday night my leg was popping out of place a lot and I was starting to fall more and more. My regular doctor was out of town so we called the on call doctor who told me he wanted to admit me to the hospital for pain management. Since I was 39/40 weeks along, Cliff and I were hoping that they would just induce me while I was there. But once we got there, the nurse said she had orders to admit me until Monday morning so that they could wait for my regular doctor to give orders to induce. Cliff and I were a little annoyed because I did not want to be in the hospital that long when I could be way more comfortable at home. We were able to convince the on call doctor to give me meds that I could administer myself for the pain and to let me go home.
We had an appointment on Monday afternoon with my regular doctor (which I was very thankful for) However, I woke up that morning with signs that I had gone into labor so he had me come into the office early to check me. He said that even though I had started the labor process it still might be awhile. I batted my eyes and ask for an induction. He told me that was fine and that we could do it Thursday. I told him my parents were leaving that day and he was VERY nice and moved it to Tuesday morning. Cliff and I spent the rest of the day getting packed and hanging out with my parents.
We checked in the next morning at 7:00 a.m. They started me on Pitocin at 7:45. I was dialated to a 2 at this time. My doctor came in and broke my water at 8:30. I started really feeling the contractions around 9:30. At 10:15 I asked the nurse to check me to see if I could have something for the pain. I was only a 2 still but she gave me some drug to help "take the edge off." It did nothing for me. After 30 minutes the contractions only got worse. We paged the nurse again and she said I had jumped up to a 4 and that I could have an epideral if I wanted. She got my doctors permission and went to get the anastesiologist (have no idea how to spell that). At this time I was still able to relax myself quite a bit. Cliff even asked me if I was awake one time. I had to put myself in such a relaxed state of mind because I was about to loose it but was noticing that the more relaxed I tried to make my muscles the less it would hurt. About 5 minutes after the nurse checked me the contractions were out of control and I started to feel a lot of pressure. The nurse came back in and told me the epiderall guy was on his way. I told her he needed to hurry because I felt pressure. She told me not to worry that we had plenty of time because I was only a 4. I told her to check again. She said "oh my goodness you are an 8." She paiged everyone immediately to get ready for the delivery. They just caught my doctor before he went for lunch.
At this time I told the nurse that I needed to start pushing immediately. She told me to hold on for the epiderall. He came in very casual and started small talking with me. Lets just say I was not in the mood. I asked him as nicely as I could if we could chat later and hurry it up a bit. The epiderall was not fun this time around. I was dialated to a 10 by now and he knicked a nerve that went down my right leg. That hurt really bad. My doctor got there just as I had the epideral and checked me and said it was time to push. I tried to push once but the epiderall had not kicked in at all and it hurt so bad that I didn't have the energy to push during the contractions. The nurse said I could wait but it would be another 15 minutes until the medicine kicked in. I tried to think this though but my doctor came over and i told him to not touch me. Obviously i was very incoherent at this time....At least all he did was laugh. So i decided that this baby was going to come out more or less without meds.
Thankfully.....One push...She crowned.....Second push.....Her Head....Third push.....SHE WAS HERE. 4 Hours of labor and I had my baby girl. I probably could have skipped the epideral but it was nice to have the meds for the repair and to be able to hold her and bond with her without being in pain.
We were released from the hospital in less than 24 hours and the nurses were very surprised we wanted to leave already but it was my parents last day, since they were leaving at 5 a.m. the next morning. We were home by lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon launching with our new precious one and my parents were able to get some good one on one time with her before they left.
There it is....a little graphic maybe but I look at my blog as a personal journal for myself to.
We had an appointment on Monday afternoon with my regular doctor (which I was very thankful for) However, I woke up that morning with signs that I had gone into labor so he had me come into the office early to check me. He said that even though I had started the labor process it still might be awhile. I batted my eyes and ask for an induction. He told me that was fine and that we could do it Thursday. I told him my parents were leaving that day and he was VERY nice and moved it to Tuesday morning. Cliff and I spent the rest of the day getting packed and hanging out with my parents.
We checked in the next morning at 7:00 a.m. They started me on Pitocin at 7:45. I was dialated to a 2 at this time. My doctor came in and broke my water at 8:30. I started really feeling the contractions around 9:30. At 10:15 I asked the nurse to check me to see if I could have something for the pain. I was only a 2 still but she gave me some drug to help "take the edge off." It did nothing for me. After 30 minutes the contractions only got worse. We paged the nurse again and she said I had jumped up to a 4 and that I could have an epideral if I wanted. She got my doctors permission and went to get the anastesiologist (have no idea how to spell that). At this time I was still able to relax myself quite a bit. Cliff even asked me if I was awake one time. I had to put myself in such a relaxed state of mind because I was about to loose it but was noticing that the more relaxed I tried to make my muscles the less it would hurt. About 5 minutes after the nurse checked me the contractions were out of control and I started to feel a lot of pressure. The nurse came back in and told me the epiderall guy was on his way. I told her he needed to hurry because I felt pressure. She told me not to worry that we had plenty of time because I was only a 4. I told her to check again. She said "oh my goodness you are an 8." She paiged everyone immediately to get ready for the delivery. They just caught my doctor before he went for lunch.
At this time I told the nurse that I needed to start pushing immediately. She told me to hold on for the epiderall. He came in very casual and started small talking with me. Lets just say I was not in the mood. I asked him as nicely as I could if we could chat later and hurry it up a bit. The epiderall was not fun this time around. I was dialated to a 10 by now and he knicked a nerve that went down my right leg. That hurt really bad. My doctor got there just as I had the epideral and checked me and said it was time to push. I tried to push once but the epiderall had not kicked in at all and it hurt so bad that I didn't have the energy to push during the contractions. The nurse said I could wait but it would be another 15 minutes until the medicine kicked in. I tried to think this though but my doctor came over and i told him to not touch me. Obviously i was very incoherent at this time....At least all he did was laugh. So i decided that this baby was going to come out more or less without meds.
Thankfully.....One push...She crowned.....Second push.....Her Head....Third push.....SHE WAS HERE. 4 Hours of labor and I had my baby girl. I probably could have skipped the epideral but it was nice to have the meds for the repair and to be able to hold her and bond with her without being in pain.
We were released from the hospital in less than 24 hours and the nurses were very surprised we wanted to leave already but it was my parents last day, since they were leaving at 5 a.m. the next morning. We were home by lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon launching with our new precious one and my parents were able to get some good one on one time with her before they left.
There it is....a little graphic maybe but I look at my blog as a personal journal for myself to.
Monday, November 22, 2010
New Born Shots
Cliff and I bought a nice Canon camera about a month ago in hopes that I could learn to work with it so that we wouldn't have to keep paying for a photographer. I took these Saturday when Ryla was 4 days old. I think they came out descent. Although I like the coloring of the pink flower I think I am going to choose the one with the white flower for her birth announcement which is in the process of being ordered. I might try to take some more while she is sleeping but she pooped ALL over my bedding so it will require some energy and patience on my part. It was pretty funny though. LOL
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Comparisons
I tried to get these photos side by side but can't figure it out but wanted to show you how much they look alike. The first one is of Aidan. I think they are pretty similar.
Number 7
Today and for the last year and a half I am thankful for our house. Houses are VERY expensive on the west coast and I am so thankful that God blessed us with the finances to buy a house in July of 2009. It has been the perfect first home and I have loved making it into a home for my family. Since moving in we have put in tile in the kitchen and finished out the basement. This coming spring we are putting in underground sprinklers and focusing on landscaping in the front and backyard. Another project for my poor overworked hubby but we are enjoying the process and learning a lot.
Friday, November 19, 2010
3 Days Old!
Our little cutie is 3 days old today. She is doing outstanding. Eating regularly and sleeping like a champ. We are LOVING having her around and feel so blessed. Here are some pics I grabbed of her today right before we left for her doctors appointment. She got a clean bill of health. Birth story still to come.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
8 and 9
Today I am thankful that my baby girl and little boy are healthy and strong. I have seen too many little babies struggle in the last two years with their health. I pray for them everyday. I feel blessed that God has given Cliff and I a health baby girl and a energetic strong 23 month old boy. My continued prayer is that He continues to bless us in their health.
I am also thankful for my husband's paternity leave. Not many men are allowed this in their career. Our church has always allowed Cliff's hours to be flexible when it comes to caring for his family. I had a hard time recovering from labor with Aidan and he was offered two weeks paternity leave with him. He has been given another week to be at home with our new arrival and I am LOVING it. The best part is that he will go back next Tuesday and Wednesday and then be back at home for five days due to the holiday and that his day off is Monday. So fun for us to have this time together as a family.
I am also thankful for my husband's paternity leave. Not many men are allowed this in their career. Our church has always allowed Cliff's hours to be flexible when it comes to caring for his family. I had a hard time recovering from labor with Aidan and he was offered two weeks paternity leave with him. He has been given another week to be at home with our new arrival and I am LOVING it. The best part is that he will go back next Tuesday and Wednesday and then be back at home for five days due to the holiday and that his day off is Monday. So fun for us to have this time together as a family.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
What's Up Baby Ryla
Ryla Elizabeth arrived yesterday at 12:20 PM. She's 7 lbs. 2 oz. and 19.5 in. long. Ryla's doing great, mama's doing great, and we hope to be heading home this afternoon.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Burp Cloths
My parents arrived safely this morning. They are absolutely exhausted being that they got up at 3:30 to make their flight but I am so happy they are here. My mom brought me the burp cloths she made for Ryla. They are so cute. She made some for Aidan a couple of years ago to. Very talented woman!!!! Here are some pics.
Friday, November 12, 2010
#10
So I have really enjoyed reading my friend's blogs that tell me what they are thankful for. I don't think I have the energy or time right now to do a post everyday until Thanksgiving but I thought it would be fun to do a top ten. So here is my number 10!
My Spokane Friends!!!!
From left to right. I have known all these girls since I first moved to Spokane but have just in the last year become very close to Natalie. Natalie was in my small group in our first year with her husband Lucas and her beautiful little girls Charlie and Norah. We have found that we have a lot in common and have really enjoyed double dates with our amazing hubbies, church activities, and long texting conversations on a regular basis. She has been a wonderful example to me on what a Christian mother and wife should be and am excited for our friendship to continue to grow.
Laura and I began hanging out within a few months after being here. What I enjoy most about Laura is how we can sit with each other for hours and have such easy, honest conversations. We have playdates for the kids every week, including this morning, and I love showing up in my pajamas and no makeup and no that it won't matter. She has the kindest heart of anyone I have meant and I know we will be lifelong friends.
Amanda and I have really bonded in the last 9 months due to the fact that we are both expecting little girls on the 21st of this month. Even in the same hospital!! Although we still have many differences, I feel that Amanda and I are very much alike so it makes it very easy to talk with her during those lovely down times that we all tend to have. She keeps me humble and grounded and that tends to be very difficult to find in my life.
All together I am so thankful for these three girls and feel so fortunate that I have been able to build such Godly relationships in my time here.
My Spokane Friends!!!!
From left to right. I have known all these girls since I first moved to Spokane but have just in the last year become very close to Natalie. Natalie was in my small group in our first year with her husband Lucas and her beautiful little girls Charlie and Norah. We have found that we have a lot in common and have really enjoyed double dates with our amazing hubbies, church activities, and long texting conversations on a regular basis. She has been a wonderful example to me on what a Christian mother and wife should be and am excited for our friendship to continue to grow.
Laura and I began hanging out within a few months after being here. What I enjoy most about Laura is how we can sit with each other for hours and have such easy, honest conversations. We have playdates for the kids every week, including this morning, and I love showing up in my pajamas and no makeup and no that it won't matter. She has the kindest heart of anyone I have meant and I know we will be lifelong friends.
Amanda and I have really bonded in the last 9 months due to the fact that we are both expecting little girls on the 21st of this month. Even in the same hospital!! Although we still have many differences, I feel that Amanda and I are very much alike so it makes it very easy to talk with her during those lovely down times that we all tend to have. She keeps me humble and grounded and that tends to be very difficult to find in my life.
All together I am so thankful for these three girls and feel so fortunate that I have been able to build such Godly relationships in my time here.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Happy Birthday Harrison!
My beautiful nephew Harrison turns two today. He and Aidan are 6 weeks apart. I hope they can grow up being great friends. I love you Harrison and wish I could be with you on your special day!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Just Because He's Cute!
Here are some pics of Aidan I got last week. He is toooo cute. I love him and his squishy cheeks!!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
39 weeks
Well I am 38/39 weeks today. I go into the doc tomorrow so he can tell me again that I have made no progress...LOL. I'm ready though. I have given up on make up and anything but sweats. I am also having some problems with my right hip. The ligaments are getting too loose too soon. Something called SPD. Whenever I walk it feels like my leg is popping out of place which basically just means I can only walk if absolutely necessary. Ahh the joys of pregnancy.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Passing the Time
While I am waiting for our new little one....I have had some time on my hands. Here are a couple new cards I recently made. The pink ones are my thank you cards for Ryla and the Brown one I made for one of the ladies at our church who recently had a baby. I am still really behind (meaning that I have yet to start) on our family scrapbooks since we moved here but at least I have Aidan's first year album done. Now to start on Rylas.
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