Saturday, May 30, 2009
Last hours of pregnancy...
Before we left for the hospital, I insisted that we take some pictures! I was starving and so ready to go in these pictures, but I tried my best to smile!!
Big Brother and Big Sis
Aaron and Claire were so excited about Hannah's arrival. The day before I delivered, we were in Walgreens getting diaper rash cream and Aaron told an employee excitedly, "We're having our baby tomorrow!"
Tuesday morning we took it easy around the house--I got things cleaned up, the kids got packed and ready. Claire kept asking, "Is it time to go yet?" They were headed to Jennifer and Beth's house, where Aunt Judy was going to be keeping them while Jen and Beth were at work. They love going over there!
That night they got to come to the hospital with Jennifer, Beth, and Aunt Judy. They walked in the room and were looking all around, taking it all in. I could tell they didn't like the looks of me in the hospital bed with the IV and stuff hooked to me. They immediately laid eyes on Hannah and just got wide eyed! Chris said their expressions looked like it wasn't quite what they had expected.
But look at these grins! They were so proud!
Aaron giving kisses
They could hardly wait to hold her. Aaron looks experienced, doesn't he?
One of my favorites...
Claire really wanted her Mommy, so we finally let her climb in bed with me.
They crowded around whoever was holding the baby!
Claire got to hold Hannah by herself this time...
And Aaron got another turn.
The next day, they were supposed to come over after lunch, but Aunt Judy called around 10:00 and said she had held them off as long as she could! They were chomping at the bit to come back to the hospital. When they came back, we got our first picture as a family of five.
Now that we are home, the kids are consumed with taking care of Hannah. They love to be my helper--getting diapers, wipes, burp cloths, boppy pillows, alcohol wipes, whatever I need! They even like helping change her diapers. Aaron wants to learn how to do it by himself, but I told him for now Mommy or Daddy would be doing it. They love to watch me feeding her and always ask lots of questions about what she is going to eat.
Aaron seems very protective of her. The kids were at the hospital Wednesday when Hannah was getting her hospital pictures made, and she was crying because it was close to her feeding time. Aaron told the photographer, "That baby is HUNGRY!" He wanted her to stop messing with his baby! He is learning that sometimes we have to do things to her that make her cry, like wiping her cord with an alcohol wipe, or changing her diaper, so he just reassures her that it will be okay.
Friday morning when Aaron woke up, I met him in the hallway and the first thing he said was, "Where's Hannah?" They always want to know where she is or what she is doing. They love to just gaze at her, playing with her fingers or feet while they hold her. They love it when she grips their fingers! Seeing their love for her is one of the sweetest things I've ever experienced.
I'm glad they are doing well as big brother and sister. One of our challenges has been keeping them entertained in these first days at home since we're not really going anywhere. My friend Tammy brought them new markers, crayons, and coloring books. My mom bought them an inflatable pool that is filling up as I write this so we can swim this afternoon. Chris took them to the playground at the school down the street. It's going to be a fun summer!
ETA:
This picture sums it all up. Claire is counting and admiring Hannah's toes, while Aaron has my phone trying to take pictures of her.
Tuesday morning we took it easy around the house--I got things cleaned up, the kids got packed and ready. Claire kept asking, "Is it time to go yet?" They were headed to Jennifer and Beth's house, where Aunt Judy was going to be keeping them while Jen and Beth were at work. They love going over there!
That night they got to come to the hospital with Jennifer, Beth, and Aunt Judy. They walked in the room and were looking all around, taking it all in. I could tell they didn't like the looks of me in the hospital bed with the IV and stuff hooked to me. They immediately laid eyes on Hannah and just got wide eyed! Chris said their expressions looked like it wasn't quite what they had expected.
But look at these grins! They were so proud!
Aaron giving kisses
They could hardly wait to hold her. Aaron looks experienced, doesn't he?
One of my favorites...
Claire really wanted her Mommy, so we finally let her climb in bed with me.
They crowded around whoever was holding the baby!
Claire got to hold Hannah by herself this time...
And Aaron got another turn.
The next day, they were supposed to come over after lunch, but Aunt Judy called around 10:00 and said she had held them off as long as she could! They were chomping at the bit to come back to the hospital. When they came back, we got our first picture as a family of five.
Now that we are home, the kids are consumed with taking care of Hannah. They love to be my helper--getting diapers, wipes, burp cloths, boppy pillows, alcohol wipes, whatever I need! They even like helping change her diapers. Aaron wants to learn how to do it by himself, but I told him for now Mommy or Daddy would be doing it. They love to watch me feeding her and always ask lots of questions about what she is going to eat.
Aaron seems very protective of her. The kids were at the hospital Wednesday when Hannah was getting her hospital pictures made, and she was crying because it was close to her feeding time. Aaron told the photographer, "That baby is HUNGRY!" He wanted her to stop messing with his baby! He is learning that sometimes we have to do things to her that make her cry, like wiping her cord with an alcohol wipe, or changing her diaper, so he just reassures her that it will be okay.
Friday morning when Aaron woke up, I met him in the hallway and the first thing he said was, "Where's Hannah?" They always want to know where she is or what she is doing. They love to just gaze at her, playing with her fingers or feet while they hold her. They love it when she grips their fingers! Seeing their love for her is one of the sweetest things I've ever experienced.
I'm glad they are doing well as big brother and sister. One of our challenges has been keeping them entertained in these first days at home since we're not really going anywhere. My friend Tammy brought them new markers, crayons, and coloring books. My mom bought them an inflatable pool that is filling up as I write this so we can swim this afternoon. Chris took them to the playground at the school down the street. It's going to be a fun summer!
ETA:
This picture sums it all up. Claire is counting and admiring Hannah's toes, while Aaron has my phone trying to take pictures of her.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Hannah's here, and here's how it happened...
Sweet Hannah Rose has made her arrival! I love to read birth stories, so here is mine.
Tuesday, May 26th we were supposed to be at the hospital at 2:30 pm to allow for 2 hours of triage before my 4:30 pm c-section. I was not able to eat or drink anything all day, and I was getting shaky and weak, so we dropped the kids off with Aunt Judy and came to the hospital early, shortly after 1:00. They started me on some IV fluids to help me feel better. They hooked me up to monitors--baby's heartbeat and a contraction monitor. After an hour or so, I asked the nurse how frequent my contractions were. I had noticed I was having contractions fairly regularly, and a couple of them had hurt very mildly. She checked the chart, and said I was contracting every 4-5 minutes! Wow, nothing like coming to the hospital to put you in labor!
A few minutes later, right about 2:30, my water broke!! I was in shock! I was so thankful it had not happened when I was at Hobby Lobby. (Just before we came to the hospital I had Chris let me run in Hobby Lobby to get a couple of things! Priorities, right?) Of course once my water broke, my contractions got REALLY painful and more frequent. I was getting very irritable as I had not refreshed myself on how to handle labor pains--I didn't think I was going to do that this time. The nurse reminded me not to hold my breath, and to take deep breaths through the contractions. I just kept saying, "This isn't fair! I wasn't supposed to do this this time around!"
Here's the irony--Monday night as we were going to sleep, I told Chris I was kinda sad about having to schedule Hannah's birth. I felt sad I was going to miss out on labor, which to me feels like a rite of passage to getting your child. Chris reminded me that I had said that, as I was in labor pains, and I had to wonder--WHAT WAS I THINKING?
I couldn't get my spinal block until the doctor arrived ready to do the c-section, and mercifully, my doctor showed up 10 minutes early, at 4:20. They wheeled me back to the OR and got me all numb, and before I knew it, they were pulling out sweet Hannah Rose! She had the cutest little cry, and I couldn't wait to see her! As soon as they brought her around the curtain so I could take a peek, I noticed she looked so much like Aaron!
Of course I cried and cried as soon as they took her out. I did it with the other two as well. It's like all this emotion just comes pouring out when I realize the baby is no longer inside of me. Very bittersweet.
She weighed in at 5 lbs 13 oz, which is just about what they were estimating last week. She is such a little peanut, and I just love holding her.
Right after delivery they took her to the nursery to finish all her measurements, evaluations, and to have her first bath. Chris went up with his mom, dad, and grandmother to watch her through the window, then Chris came back with me to triage, where I was waiting to make sure I was stable before heading to my recovery room. We made lots of phone calls!
When we got to the room and they brought her in, I got a chance to really look her over. I can hardly believe how beautiful she is!
She started nursing like a champ as soon as we started. She is such a good baby! We got a picture of the 3 of us before the rest of the family came up.
Later that night the kids came...I'll have a separate entry about that! They just love her to pieces.
Tuesday, May 26th we were supposed to be at the hospital at 2:30 pm to allow for 2 hours of triage before my 4:30 pm c-section. I was not able to eat or drink anything all day, and I was getting shaky and weak, so we dropped the kids off with Aunt Judy and came to the hospital early, shortly after 1:00. They started me on some IV fluids to help me feel better. They hooked me up to monitors--baby's heartbeat and a contraction monitor. After an hour or so, I asked the nurse how frequent my contractions were. I had noticed I was having contractions fairly regularly, and a couple of them had hurt very mildly. She checked the chart, and said I was contracting every 4-5 minutes! Wow, nothing like coming to the hospital to put you in labor!
A few minutes later, right about 2:30, my water broke!! I was in shock! I was so thankful it had not happened when I was at Hobby Lobby. (Just before we came to the hospital I had Chris let me run in Hobby Lobby to get a couple of things! Priorities, right?) Of course once my water broke, my contractions got REALLY painful and more frequent. I was getting very irritable as I had not refreshed myself on how to handle labor pains--I didn't think I was going to do that this time. The nurse reminded me not to hold my breath, and to take deep breaths through the contractions. I just kept saying, "This isn't fair! I wasn't supposed to do this this time around!"
Here's the irony--Monday night as we were going to sleep, I told Chris I was kinda sad about having to schedule Hannah's birth. I felt sad I was going to miss out on labor, which to me feels like a rite of passage to getting your child. Chris reminded me that I had said that, as I was in labor pains, and I had to wonder--WHAT WAS I THINKING?
I couldn't get my spinal block until the doctor arrived ready to do the c-section, and mercifully, my doctor showed up 10 minutes early, at 4:20. They wheeled me back to the OR and got me all numb, and before I knew it, they were pulling out sweet Hannah Rose! She had the cutest little cry, and I couldn't wait to see her! As soon as they brought her around the curtain so I could take a peek, I noticed she looked so much like Aaron!
Of course I cried and cried as soon as they took her out. I did it with the other two as well. It's like all this emotion just comes pouring out when I realize the baby is no longer inside of me. Very bittersweet.
She weighed in at 5 lbs 13 oz, which is just about what they were estimating last week. She is such a little peanut, and I just love holding her.
Right after delivery they took her to the nursery to finish all her measurements, evaluations, and to have her first bath. Chris went up with his mom, dad, and grandmother to watch her through the window, then Chris came back with me to triage, where I was waiting to make sure I was stable before heading to my recovery room. We made lots of phone calls!
When we got to the room and they brought her in, I got a chance to really look her over. I can hardly believe how beautiful she is!
She started nursing like a champ as soon as we started. She is such a good baby! We got a picture of the 3 of us before the rest of the family came up.
Later that night the kids came...I'll have a separate entry about that! They just love her to pieces.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hannah's room is done!
I was really starting to think we wouldn't get Hannah's room done until sometime after she was born, and I was coming to terms with that. It's not like she'll really need her room the first few weeks, since she'll be sleeping in my room. Right? But what mother doesn't want a pretty nursery to bring her baby home to, even if it is a 3rd child and the baby doesn't know any different...
So last night we finally got the wall in Hannah's room painted (it only needed painting because I had messed up the sheetrock taking down Claire's name...oops!). That meant I could finish the room--hang up her name, put the furniture back in place, and get things cleaned up and ready. I stayed up late working on some of the details, then finished it this morning. It was only 2-3 hours of work, so I don't exactly know why we put it off so long. Getting it done the day before delivery is certainly as last-minute as it gets!
I'm very pleased with how it turned out!
It's basically the same room Claire came home to, except I bought a different letter style for Hannah's name, I got a new painting from my friend Joy, and the dresser has a runner on it, which I made about a year ago in leiu of painting that antique dresser!
The gift from Joy--it matches so well!
I'm looking forward to rocking a sweet baby girl in that comfy glider!
Hannah, I think we're officially ready for your arrival!
So last night we finally got the wall in Hannah's room painted (it only needed painting because I had messed up the sheetrock taking down Claire's name...oops!). That meant I could finish the room--hang up her name, put the furniture back in place, and get things cleaned up and ready. I stayed up late working on some of the details, then finished it this morning. It was only 2-3 hours of work, so I don't exactly know why we put it off so long. Getting it done the day before delivery is certainly as last-minute as it gets!
I'm very pleased with how it turned out!
It's basically the same room Claire came home to, except I bought a different letter style for Hannah's name, I got a new painting from my friend Joy, and the dresser has a runner on it, which I made about a year ago in leiu of painting that antique dresser!
The gift from Joy--it matches so well!
I'm looking forward to rocking a sweet baby girl in that comfy glider!
Hannah, I think we're officially ready for your arrival!
Meeting Dora!
One of Claire's best friends, Allie Rae, had her 3rd birthday party Saturday, and Claire was so excited to go to her house. It was a cookie party--the kids got to decorate cookies, then play, then some special guests arrived--Dora, Boots, and SpongeBob! (It was a joint party with Allie Rae's older brother!)
Claire and Allie Rae greet one another...
Claire loved Allie Rae's cozy coupe!
She was very serious about decorating her cookie. She used every last bit of her sprinkles!
Aaron had fun at the boy end of the table!
Claire could not stop smiling and jumping up and down when Dora arrived! She got Dora to hold her several times.
And she loved Boots too!
Boots got Allie Rae!
I just have to share this one--the look on Chris's face is so classic of him, when I point the camera at him!
Claire wouldn't even step away from Dora for the family picture!
More sugar! Popsicle time!
What a fun party!!
Claire and Allie Rae greet one another...
Claire loved Allie Rae's cozy coupe!
She was very serious about decorating her cookie. She used every last bit of her sprinkles!
Aaron had fun at the boy end of the table!
Claire could not stop smiling and jumping up and down when Dora arrived! She got Dora to hold her several times.
And she loved Boots too!
Boots got Allie Rae!
I just have to share this one--the look on Chris's face is so classic of him, when I point the camera at him!
Claire wouldn't even step away from Dora for the family picture!
More sugar! Popsicle time!
What a fun party!!
Friday, May 22, 2009
We have a plan!
Sweet Hannah Rose has gotten her eviction date! She will have to pack it up and move it out on Tuesday, May 26th at 4:30 pm. I can hardly wait to meet her!
She was almost born this past Tuesday. I went to the doctor that afternoon for my regular appointment, and had an ultrasound to check the baby's growth against her numbers from two weeks ago. She had only gained 8 ounces (now estimated 5 lbs 6 oz) and this small size and lack of growth concerned my doctor. She sent me over to the hospital for another ultrasound on the better machines, and said if they were concerned at all she was going to deliver the baby that night.
The ultrasound machines at the hospital were able to get images of the cord and monitor the blood flow through it, to make sure Hannah was getting enough blood and nourishment. They also did a bio-physical profile--watching things like her movement and heart beating. They determined everything looked fine--Hannah is healthy but just small--and with my history of having small babies, the doctor on call decided to send me home.
I went back to see my doctor on Thursday, because when I left the hospital Tuesday I still didn't have a date scheduled for the c-section. It was so frustrating not knowing what the plan was. Even more frustrating when my doctor said, "You mean we didn't already have something set up?" Um, NO, I've been asking you at every appointment when we were going to do this and never got an answer! (I didn't say that, but I was sure thinking it!)
Today I got my house spic-and-span while the kids were at Mimi's...I cleaned bathrooms, did laundry, swept and mopped, and roasted some chicken for some casseroles for the freezer. Talk about nesting! Honestly I was hoping if I worked really hard I might put myself into labor so I don't have to wait until Tuesday! But alas...no serious contractions yet.
We're lining up our plans for who is keeping the kids next week while we're in the hospital. It would be so much more convenient to have Hannah this weekend when everyone is off work, but it will all work out next week too. We have such a great family and everyone is pitching in to make sure the kids are well taken care of. Hannah is going to love being in our family!
She was almost born this past Tuesday. I went to the doctor that afternoon for my regular appointment, and had an ultrasound to check the baby's growth against her numbers from two weeks ago. She had only gained 8 ounces (now estimated 5 lbs 6 oz) and this small size and lack of growth concerned my doctor. She sent me over to the hospital for another ultrasound on the better machines, and said if they were concerned at all she was going to deliver the baby that night.
The ultrasound machines at the hospital were able to get images of the cord and monitor the blood flow through it, to make sure Hannah was getting enough blood and nourishment. They also did a bio-physical profile--watching things like her movement and heart beating. They determined everything looked fine--Hannah is healthy but just small--and with my history of having small babies, the doctor on call decided to send me home.
I went back to see my doctor on Thursday, because when I left the hospital Tuesday I still didn't have a date scheduled for the c-section. It was so frustrating not knowing what the plan was. Even more frustrating when my doctor said, "You mean we didn't already have something set up?" Um, NO, I've been asking you at every appointment when we were going to do this and never got an answer! (I didn't say that, but I was sure thinking it!)
Today I got my house spic-and-span while the kids were at Mimi's...I cleaned bathrooms, did laundry, swept and mopped, and roasted some chicken for some casseroles for the freezer. Talk about nesting! Honestly I was hoping if I worked really hard I might put myself into labor so I don't have to wait until Tuesday! But alas...no serious contractions yet.
We're lining up our plans for who is keeping the kids next week while we're in the hospital. It would be so much more convenient to have Hannah this weekend when everyone is off work, but it will all work out next week too. We have such a great family and everyone is pitching in to make sure the kids are well taken care of. Hannah is going to love being in our family!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Mommy and her mini-me
I always thought Aaron was my mini-me, and that Claire looked more like Daddy. That is, until I saw this cute little picture of Claire, and it reminded me of a picture of me at age 2, wearing a blue dress and holding my Strawberry Shortcake doll. I dug the picture out of a box, and couldn't believe the resemblance!
I found a few more of me that look like Claire looking back at me!
Age 3, I think
age 4
age 2, the full picture
I found a few more of me that look like Claire looking back at me!
Age 3, I think
age 4
age 2, the full picture
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
My baby girl...for a few more days
Claire is getting ready to be a big sister! For a few more days, she's still my baby girl.
I'm really not sure at this point how she's going to handle it. The last 2 or 3 months she has reverted to a very clingy stage, where she clings to me when I drop her off anywhere or when we are at birthday parties or playdates. Sometimes at home she wants to just sit next to me, suck her thumb, and rub her fist on my arm (she calls this "getting the tired off"--I have no idea where she got that). Sometimes even sitting on me is not close enough and she will whine, "Mommy, I want you," even when she is right there with me.
She is fiercely independent at times, too, wanting to do things for herself as much as possible. a few nights ago she decided she wanted to start wearing underwear to bed instead of a pull up, and she told me with this sassy voice while rolling her eyes, "But if I need to go potty I'll get out of my bed and go, silly!" Well, then, Miss Priss...she hasn't had an accident yet so I'm crossing my fingers that night training was just that easy!
She loves to pretend to have phone conversations with her friends Allie Rae, Emma Kate, and Maylee. She feeds her dolls nice round meals consisting of mac and cheese and ice cream. She enjoys socializing (more than Aaron does), but usually takes a few minutes to warm up to a new social situation. She loves pink and all things girly--hair clippies, princess socks, sparkly things.
Aaron and Claire are the best of friends, although they do fight and whine at each other quite a bit. She is going to be so lost when Aaron is not home this fall to play with her!
This last one is Claire with her preschool teacher, Mrs. Stephanie. She is already missing Mrs. Stephanie and her classmates since school let out. She just loved going to school every Tuesday and Thursday, and asked to go on other days too! She'll start again in September, in the 3 year old class. What a big girl she is becoming!
I'm really not sure at this point how she's going to handle it. The last 2 or 3 months she has reverted to a very clingy stage, where she clings to me when I drop her off anywhere or when we are at birthday parties or playdates. Sometimes at home she wants to just sit next to me, suck her thumb, and rub her fist on my arm (she calls this "getting the tired off"--I have no idea where she got that). Sometimes even sitting on me is not close enough and she will whine, "Mommy, I want you," even when she is right there with me.
She is fiercely independent at times, too, wanting to do things for herself as much as possible. a few nights ago she decided she wanted to start wearing underwear to bed instead of a pull up, and she told me with this sassy voice while rolling her eyes, "But if I need to go potty I'll get out of my bed and go, silly!" Well, then, Miss Priss...she hasn't had an accident yet so I'm crossing my fingers that night training was just that easy!
She loves to pretend to have phone conversations with her friends Allie Rae, Emma Kate, and Maylee. She feeds her dolls nice round meals consisting of mac and cheese and ice cream. She enjoys socializing (more than Aaron does), but usually takes a few minutes to warm up to a new social situation. She loves pink and all things girly--hair clippies, princess socks, sparkly things.
Aaron and Claire are the best of friends, although they do fight and whine at each other quite a bit. She is going to be so lost when Aaron is not home this fall to play with her!
This last one is Claire with her preschool teacher, Mrs. Stephanie. She is already missing Mrs. Stephanie and her classmates since school let out. She just loved going to school every Tuesday and Thursday, and asked to go on other days too! She'll start again in September, in the 3 year old class. What a big girl she is becoming!
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