Andrew Grier "rocks it out" with Daddy!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Pics: Thanksgiving and Snow
First snow this fall.
My first snow since I'm big enough to play in it with my big sisters. My first real snows were when I was a very little baby last spring.
Helping Mom and Dad with the leaves - they rake 'em, I eat 'em!Pics: Yoga Time!
Hiking in the foothills - saw my first ELK!
"Boat", aka, Superman!
Hanging out, after rolling all over the room.
The perfect plank - always up on the toes only, flat back, bum tucked, and concentrating so hard!
October 12 - 6 months old!Pics: Aug-Sept
Meeting Dad's best friend, Aaron, and little Keyes over Labor Day. I look like a giant compared to a 3-week old!
Lake Mcoughaghy, NE
First waves ever for the Colorado pups!
It's never too early to go camping:)
Lake M., August 2008Pics: June-July
First overnight trip in a hotel, Colorado Springs.
Swimming by myself - I promise I was excited about it!
Learning to sit up - apparently, life is good:)
July 12 - 4 months old and my eyes are more blue than ever!
First swimming. Everything's alright.
Pics - March - May
First nap on the beach - Pawley's, SC. I just need a beer in that right hand! 
My first sweatshirt, courtesy of Frank and Mary Longwell:) - Grandma Susan's Crabfeast at home on the river, Memorial Day.
Daisy's settling in to life with a little one around - thank goodness, more blankets for her to sleep on!
First peaceful rest after delivery.
"Oh Boy, Andrew!"Thanksgiving
It proved to be a memorable first Thanksgiving for Bluey. He was diagnosed with his first ear infection a few days before, but that didn't stop him from pressing forward in attemps to translate yoga into crawling. Having perfected the downward dog, boat, "superman" (as we call it), cobra, and rocking like his life depends on it, he decided he was ready for more. All it took was the caring touch of two Dr's on Thanksgiving...Dr. John Bell, Jr. (our minister, who married us and baptised Andrew), and Dr. John Bell, Sr., whose medical hands must have helped the ear infection. Andrew decided he was well enough to crawl! He performed a couple of one-time sequences where each hand and knee would move forward once. But on Friday, while skyping with Richmond, he decided he simply must have the cell that was speaker phone. That was the first time he made it across the carpet. It wasn't until we had the Christmas tree up on Sunday that he decided he must get across the whole room. Oh, boy!
He was rough-housing with Dad tonight on the floor and, not even a week later, was pushing up off of his legs into a leaning over but standing position. Of course Mom wasn't around to witness, but evidently 2-3 times, Andrew's weight was all on his feet and his hands weren't on anything. He was supporting himself. Help!
He was rough-housing with Dad tonight on the floor and, not even a week later, was pushing up off of his legs into a leaning over but standing position. Of course Mom wasn't around to witness, but evidently 2-3 times, Andrew's weight was all on his feet and his hands weren't on anything. He was supporting himself. Help!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Month 6 & 7 - Yoga time!
I write on November 12, 2008. 8 months ago today, Andrew became our reality. As crazy as that feels, it is probably harder to believe that 6 years ago today Miss Sarah Katherine was born:) Happy Birthday, Sarah!
The last two months have been filled with new things that only a parent can truly be mesmerized by day in and day out - baby yoga! About 2 months ago, Andrew starting doing planks ALL the time! These planks are exactly what our instructors in gym class have us do to work our abs. Bluey perfected the plank the first time I saw it. From his tummy, he raised himself onto his palms and his feet - more accurately, onto just his big toes. His back was flat, tail tucked - truly the perfect plank! He stared at the ground in total concentration until his weight became too much for his wrists. Then he'd come down into what I have learned is the yoga term "boat". In our household, boat is affectionately called "superman". With legs fluttering behind him like freestyle, Andrew raises his arms off the floor, too, elbows at a 90 degree angle. He had been doing superman for a while---and push ups, too---so once he added planks, he had a great 3 position routine. I kid you not, Andrew would rotate between the three positions for hours! He wanted no toys to rattle, no books to eat, no arms to hold him. He merely wanted to do his yoga routine, seemingly curious about his own abilities.
What would be next? The baby rock. Eventually, the planks gave way to knees on the floor. Once the knees dropped, oh the rocking that began! Just like his mother (or so she's told), Andrew will rock on his knees with quite some force. When he's in his pack n play (a favorite past time for independent play time, usually leading to nap time), he can literally move the whole thing with one of two moves: the rocking on the knees will get so energetic that the whole pack n play will inch across the wood floor. The other move is the leg banging. Apparently it's enormous fun to lay on one's back, exercising the voice quite loudly, passing Woodstock from hand to hand to mouth, while tossing the legs up in the air just to thrust them into the pack n play as hard as possible. I realized how loud this particular routine was when I went to the mailbox one evening. While I wasn't surprised to be able to hear the constant commentary, I could do nothing but smile when I realized some of our neighbors could probably hear the leg banging as well. Little boys start early - what could possibly be more fun than making noise?!?!
When sharing joys and concerns recently with our young parents fellowship group, I said that Andrew being so close to crawling is both my current joy and concern! I look forward to it with the wonder of a child at their first amusement park, but it "scares" me a bit, too. It feels like my little baby is no longer a baby. Long gone are our infant days. We have a little man on our hands.
Now that he has turned 8 months old, he has an entire yoga routine down - planks, boats, downward dog, cobra, etc. I never thought I'd learn yoga from a baby, but sometimes the most innocent among us are our best teachers. In many respects, we really should take after our young more. Does life really have to be as complicated as we let it become?
The last two months have been filled with new things that only a parent can truly be mesmerized by day in and day out - baby yoga! About 2 months ago, Andrew starting doing planks ALL the time! These planks are exactly what our instructors in gym class have us do to work our abs. Bluey perfected the plank the first time I saw it. From his tummy, he raised himself onto his palms and his feet - more accurately, onto just his big toes. His back was flat, tail tucked - truly the perfect plank! He stared at the ground in total concentration until his weight became too much for his wrists. Then he'd come down into what I have learned is the yoga term "boat". In our household, boat is affectionately called "superman". With legs fluttering behind him like freestyle, Andrew raises his arms off the floor, too, elbows at a 90 degree angle. He had been doing superman for a while---and push ups, too---so once he added planks, he had a great 3 position routine. I kid you not, Andrew would rotate between the three positions for hours! He wanted no toys to rattle, no books to eat, no arms to hold him. He merely wanted to do his yoga routine, seemingly curious about his own abilities.
What would be next? The baby rock. Eventually, the planks gave way to knees on the floor. Once the knees dropped, oh the rocking that began! Just like his mother (or so she's told), Andrew will rock on his knees with quite some force. When he's in his pack n play (a favorite past time for independent play time, usually leading to nap time), he can literally move the whole thing with one of two moves: the rocking on the knees will get so energetic that the whole pack n play will inch across the wood floor. The other move is the leg banging. Apparently it's enormous fun to lay on one's back, exercising the voice quite loudly, passing Woodstock from hand to hand to mouth, while tossing the legs up in the air just to thrust them into the pack n play as hard as possible. I realized how loud this particular routine was when I went to the mailbox one evening. While I wasn't surprised to be able to hear the constant commentary, I could do nothing but smile when I realized some of our neighbors could probably hear the leg banging as well. Little boys start early - what could possibly be more fun than making noise?!?!
When sharing joys and concerns recently with our young parents fellowship group, I said that Andrew being so close to crawling is both my current joy and concern! I look forward to it with the wonder of a child at their first amusement park, but it "scares" me a bit, too. It feels like my little baby is no longer a baby. Long gone are our infant days. We have a little man on our hands.
Now that he has turned 8 months old, he has an entire yoga routine down - planks, boats, downward dog, cobra, etc. I never thought I'd learn yoga from a baby, but sometimes the most innocent among us are our best teachers. In many respects, we really should take after our young more. Does life really have to be as complicated as we let it become?
Month 5-6
Having mastered rolling over, it's now on to sitting up! We found that Andrew wasn't a big fan of the bumbo chair, so he didn't learn to sit up in that and then have those "training wheels" removed. In fact, he would joyfully stand with assistance until his legs gave out, but he wasn't a big fan of the bumbo. So we just worked on sitting for seconds here and there, hit our head on the floor a few times, and before you know it, there it was! Sitting, although a bit wobbly at times, for minutes at a time. Many had told me what a fun stage this is - sitting up so that you can interact with them easily, but not mobile yet.
Sitting up brought a whole new world of excitement to Andrew. His most important discovery by far? Daisy and Molly! It was as if he woke up one morning and noticed they were there! More accurately, I should say that he noticed Daisy. Molly has been trying to lick up Andrew since we brought him home from the hospital - she shares my sentiment that he couldn't smell any sweeter:) I refrain from licking him constantly, but Molly shows no such restraint. But I suppose that while Andrew was busy soaking in the concept of Daisy, he also learned that there is more to Molly than her tongue.
Andrew's eyes would follow the girls around the room until they'd do something as boring as lay on their bed for a nap. By month 6, they were funnier than they ever knew they could be! If one of the girls would so much as walk by when he sitting in the middle of the room, he would cackle like he just learned to laugh for the first time. Now, whenever they are around, life is a bit more entertaining:) Molly and Andrew will be great friends before too long. Daisy remains patient and a bit uninterested, but Molly truly has a friend in the making. So far, so good with the grabbing and holding on it! Molly just tries to take him for a while (which goes over fine until head hit hardwood, but such is life!).
Sitting up brought a whole new world of excitement to Andrew. His most important discovery by far? Daisy and Molly! It was as if he woke up one morning and noticed they were there! More accurately, I should say that he noticed Daisy. Molly has been trying to lick up Andrew since we brought him home from the hospital - she shares my sentiment that he couldn't smell any sweeter:) I refrain from licking him constantly, but Molly shows no such restraint. But I suppose that while Andrew was busy soaking in the concept of Daisy, he also learned that there is more to Molly than her tongue.
Andrew's eyes would follow the girls around the room until they'd do something as boring as lay on their bed for a nap. By month 6, they were funnier than they ever knew they could be! If one of the girls would so much as walk by when he sitting in the middle of the room, he would cackle like he just learned to laugh for the first time. Now, whenever they are around, life is a bit more entertaining:) Molly and Andrew will be great friends before too long. Daisy remains patient and a bit uninterested, but Molly truly has a friend in the making. So far, so good with the grabbing and holding on it! Molly just tries to take him for a while (which goes over fine until head hit hardwood, but such is life!).
Month 4
Everyone tells you that it all just keeps getting better and better. I guess they know what they are talking about:) At 4 months, Andrew starting rolling over. It was fascinating to watch this process. He'd get half way over with relative ease, and then get stuck on his poor little right arm long enough to turn the whole thing purple. As a first time Mom, it was hard not to run to the rescue and push him onto his stomach, but then how would he learn to achieve his objective on his own? Once he mastered the technique, tummy time was all he wanted. He discovered that he could soak up more of the world from his belly than on his back where straight up was his only view.
Bluey, as we still affectionately refer to him, found his favorite sleeping position on his tummy. From the time he could consistently roll over, he has found comfort in sleeping on his tummy. We put him on his back and he giggles and smiles, having finally learned that bedtime is the greatest part of the day!. He puts "Skip It" in his left hand, rolls right, stuffs that right thumb in the mouth, and makes the funniest little contented noises while he begins his journey. The journey remains a bit of mystery to Mom and Dad. Within a few minutes, this child---who is not quite crawling---intentionally gets himself from the middle of the crib to the top, back corner. Every night, without fail, he manages to wiggle himself into that same corner. He presses his head so tightly into the corner that the Pooh bumper is finally worth the purchase for more than aesthetics. Once comfortably smashed into the corner, he raises his little bum into the air, crosses his ankles, and slides his hands underneath his hips. There is not a thing about the position that looks comfortable, but it works for him, so Lord knows it works for us!
Bluey, as we still affectionately refer to him, found his favorite sleeping position on his tummy. From the time he could consistently roll over, he has found comfort in sleeping on his tummy. We put him on his back and he giggles and smiles, having finally learned that bedtime is the greatest part of the day!. He puts "Skip It" in his left hand, rolls right, stuffs that right thumb in the mouth, and makes the funniest little contented noises while he begins his journey. The journey remains a bit of mystery to Mom and Dad. Within a few minutes, this child---who is not quite crawling---intentionally gets himself from the middle of the crib to the top, back corner. Every night, without fail, he manages to wiggle himself into that same corner. He presses his head so tightly into the corner that the Pooh bumper is finally worth the purchase for more than aesthetics. Once comfortably smashed into the corner, he raises his little bum into the air, crosses his ankles, and slides his hands underneath his hips. There is not a thing about the position that looks comfortable, but it works for him, so Lord knows it works for us!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
My Mommy Loves Me
I'm the cutest Killian boy West of the Mississippi. My mommy loves me soooo much
I love her too...but while she is busy staring into my beautiful eyes, I just want to bounce!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
First 3 months
The first three weeks were wonderful, except for all of the catch up I felt had to be done immediately since we weren't quite ready for Andrew Grier. He slept and ate. That was it. While I slowly began to feel more exhausted, I told everyone I knew, "I understand why people get addicted to having babies! He's the most amazing thing in the world and I can't imagine my life without him. He's so easy, I'd get pregnany again in a heartbeat if I didn't know a little about what's to come!"
Months 2 and 3 were a different story. Right at 6 weeks, I hit my brick wall. Everyone said I would, and I slammed right into it with full force. I cried and cried and promptly booked a plane ticket to go see Mom and Dad. Momma can fix anything, right?!? While that's not exactly how it happened, I sure felt that way. Mom had been in the hospital herself the week after Andrew was born and was home recovering from surgery and an infection, but unable to fly. I couldn't stand it any longer, so Andrew and I went to her. At 6.5 weeks, he was a perfect angel. He ate and slept on the flights and that was all. What a dear.
Our trip to Richmond was exactly what I needed. A little TLC from Mom and Dad was all I needed and I loved the introduction. They also introduced me to the concept of rice cereal in a nithgtime bottle, which I loved even more! At 7 weeks, we cut out one middle-of-the-night feeding and never looked back.
Though we started to get into a bit of a routine, our evenings were rough. Nothing seemed to calm Andrew and I stressed that all Michael saw was a fussy baby. In retrospect, it was just exhaustion, but tired parents were very frustrated not to be able to encourage a tired baby to sleep instead of cry.
My time off work ended with a busy streak of family and travel. We went to Baltimore for Memorial Day and enjoyed great visits with the Killians. Susan hosted a fabulous crab feast during which most family and friends were able to meet baby Andrew. The Killian and Ebert little bitties enjoyed trying to help Andrew sleep by tossing all of their stuffed animals into his pack n play:)
Then Andrew and I drove to Vienna for a few days with the Jones. Kate was a wonderful aunt and Chris was a precious uncle:) Sarah and Abby stole the show, though. They were SO excited to help with baby Andrew. Abby, naturally, insisted on picking out his clothes each day while Sarah proved that she was old enough to hold Andrew AND feed him all by herself! They really were cute with him.
Andrew's first introduction to Alex certainly showed a difference a year can make! While the boys weren't terribly interested in each other (just give that some time, I'm sure!), we had a great dinner in Arlington and headed back to Vienna.
Next stop on the tour was Richmond. Andrew began to prove that he was sleep anywhere I schlepped him. We loaded all the cars, aquired Em, and head to Litchfield for a week at the beach. Michael was finally able to join us again and we enjoyed some much more favorable beach conditions than 2007 at Pawley's! Anne journaled that included in our busy week was a baby starting to sleep through the night. 6 hours on vacation (between the beginning of feedings) didn't quite seem like sleeping through the night, but I was welcoming it!
Months 2 and 3 were a different story. Right at 6 weeks, I hit my brick wall. Everyone said I would, and I slammed right into it with full force. I cried and cried and promptly booked a plane ticket to go see Mom and Dad. Momma can fix anything, right?!? While that's not exactly how it happened, I sure felt that way. Mom had been in the hospital herself the week after Andrew was born and was home recovering from surgery and an infection, but unable to fly. I couldn't stand it any longer, so Andrew and I went to her. At 6.5 weeks, he was a perfect angel. He ate and slept on the flights and that was all. What a dear.
Our trip to Richmond was exactly what I needed. A little TLC from Mom and Dad was all I needed and I loved the introduction. They also introduced me to the concept of rice cereal in a nithgtime bottle, which I loved even more! At 7 weeks, we cut out one middle-of-the-night feeding and never looked back.
Though we started to get into a bit of a routine, our evenings were rough. Nothing seemed to calm Andrew and I stressed that all Michael saw was a fussy baby. In retrospect, it was just exhaustion, but tired parents were very frustrated not to be able to encourage a tired baby to sleep instead of cry.
My time off work ended with a busy streak of family and travel. We went to Baltimore for Memorial Day and enjoyed great visits with the Killians. Susan hosted a fabulous crab feast during which most family and friends were able to meet baby Andrew. The Killian and Ebert little bitties enjoyed trying to help Andrew sleep by tossing all of their stuffed animals into his pack n play:)
Then Andrew and I drove to Vienna for a few days with the Jones. Kate was a wonderful aunt and Chris was a precious uncle:) Sarah and Abby stole the show, though. They were SO excited to help with baby Andrew. Abby, naturally, insisted on picking out his clothes each day while Sarah proved that she was old enough to hold Andrew AND feed him all by herself! They really were cute with him.
Andrew's first introduction to Alex certainly showed a difference a year can make! While the boys weren't terribly interested in each other (just give that some time, I'm sure!), we had a great dinner in Arlington and headed back to Vienna.
Next stop on the tour was Richmond. Andrew began to prove that he was sleep anywhere I schlepped him. We loaded all the cars, aquired Em, and head to Litchfield for a week at the beach. Michael was finally able to join us again and we enjoyed some much more favorable beach conditions than 2007 at Pawley's! Anne journaled that included in our busy week was a baby starting to sleep through the night. 6 hours on vacation (between the beginning of feedings) didn't quite seem like sleeping through the night, but I was welcoming it!
Going Home
Shortly after he was born, Michael and I debated our last two names---fitting disciples Andrew and Luke. While Watson grinned that David was a wonderful name, we explained that David was already the first born boy on one side. Luke being too short to offer Michael the plethora of nicknames he needs, we settled on Andrew. Andrew Grier Killian.
Our days in the hospital were crazy. You wonder where on earth the time goes, but it certainly goes somewhere! Michael slept at home on my orders and was with us except to go to lacrosse practice. The girls wondered where Mommy was, but Dad swooped in to feed them each day and take them to run at practice, so they weren't overly concerned.
Discharge from the hospital Friday was an unexpectedly emotional experience for me. I thought I'd be excited to get back to my own bed, but I was suddenly feeling clueless. What would we do without all of our friends here, all of the people with all of the answers, all of the people that take Andrew away so I can sleep and help me feed him with a tube since my milk isn't in? It's not an easy transition, but Michael had worked hard to get the base in the car that morning and he & Cigna said we were going to use that carseat whether I cried about it or not!
You can't imagine the feeling of walking into your house the first time with your first baby. It's as surreal of an experience as pregnany and childbirth are. Andrew was asleep, so I settled in for a nap, too. The next week is a blur. It was nothing more than cycles of crying, feeding, and sleeping...for everyone. Until my milk arrived for my starving boy Sunday night, feedings were a family affair involving syringes, tubes, and formula. Michael never knew he'd play a role in "breast" feeding! I hadn't realized how early on we would be tricking Andrew in order to protect him:)
Our days in the hospital were crazy. You wonder where on earth the time goes, but it certainly goes somewhere! Michael slept at home on my orders and was with us except to go to lacrosse practice. The girls wondered where Mommy was, but Dad swooped in to feed them each day and take them to run at practice, so they weren't overly concerned.
Discharge from the hospital Friday was an unexpectedly emotional experience for me. I thought I'd be excited to get back to my own bed, but I was suddenly feeling clueless. What would we do without all of our friends here, all of the people with all of the answers, all of the people that take Andrew away so I can sleep and help me feed him with a tube since my milk isn't in? It's not an easy transition, but Michael had worked hard to get the base in the car that morning and he & Cigna said we were going to use that carseat whether I cried about it or not!
You can't imagine the feeling of walking into your house the first time with your first baby. It's as surreal of an experience as pregnany and childbirth are. Andrew was asleep, so I settled in for a nap, too. The next week is a blur. It was nothing more than cycles of crying, feeding, and sleeping...for everyone. Until my milk arrived for my starving boy Sunday night, feedings were a family affair involving syringes, tubes, and formula. Michael never knew he'd play a role in "breast" feeding! I hadn't realized how early on we would be tricking Andrew in order to protect him:)
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Narration Begins
It's simply too difficult to believe that it has been more than 6 months since Andrew Grier blessed us with his adorable presence! My only regret? That I did not begin blogging this journey any sooner. In backtracking, I can only hope to capture at least the most profound moments of his first half year.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
"I was there to hear your borning cry..."
While we consider Mother's Day to be Andrew first official smile, we quickly stopped taughting us and was smiling more obviously. Two days after our tour back East, Mom was finally able to come out and help us work on that smiling! The timing was for Andrew's baptism, scheduled for June 15---Father's Day. We enjoyed a rare few days together and were soon joined by Susan, Jim, and Dad.
We've been blessed to see Ernest Thompson over the years since his daughter and son-in-law, Julia & Peter Kalan, teach our Sunday school class. Each quick visit has been so special, so we asked him if he'd participate with John Bell, who married us, in Andrew's baptism. How neat ot have him baptism mother and child! While he initially whole heartedly agreed, he was sadly unable to make it due to health reasons. Regardless, we enjoyed a touching weekend.
Having family there was amazing and all grandparents were able to participate. John was pleased to allow Mom and Susan to be our elder representatives. Susan dedicated the church's quilt to Andrew and Mom charged the congregation with our responsibilities in raising Andrew. Dad beautifully lead the congregation in "I Was There to Hear your Borning Cry". I don't think there was a dry eye in the Sanctuary that morning.
John Ylvisaker
"I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell."
"When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun."
"In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise."
"I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,to see your life unfold."
We've been blessed to see Ernest Thompson over the years since his daughter and son-in-law, Julia & Peter Kalan, teach our Sunday school class. Each quick visit has been so special, so we asked him if he'd participate with John Bell, who married us, in Andrew's baptism. How neat ot have him baptism mother and child! While he initially whole heartedly agreed, he was sadly unable to make it due to health reasons. Regardless, we enjoyed a touching weekend.
Having family there was amazing and all grandparents were able to participate. John was pleased to allow Mom and Susan to be our elder representatives. Susan dedicated the church's quilt to Andrew and Mom charged the congregation with our responsibilities in raising Andrew. Dad beautifully lead the congregation in "I Was There to Hear your Borning Cry". I don't think there was a dry eye in the Sanctuary that morning.
John Ylvisaker
"I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell."
"When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I'll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun."
"In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun.
When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,
I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise."
"I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized,to see your life unfold."
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
8:15 pm - "You're probably not quite there yet, but we'll call you 4 cm. We'll go ahead and admit you." Thank goodness! By that point, I was in no condition to do anything else but wait for Baby K (and medication!). A mere 30 minutes later, the nurse asked me how I felt about the epidural that I had made clear that I wanted at some point, and I proudly told her I was ready any time! Having been told many times in life that my tolerance for pain is fairly high, I was only 4 cm but I darn sure I was ready for help getting through these contractions! Once I was certain that my epidural couldn't "run out" and there was not "too much" I could get, I ordered the aenesthesiologish arrive as soon as he was available!
10:15 pm - HEAVEN! I'm in heaven! "Why would anyone NOT do this!" is all I could think. I told the doctor I loved him - it was clearly not the first time he had heard that. The nurses said we should settle in for the night. Michael curled up on his loveseat and I was strapped in to several monitors next to some beeping machine, with everything shifting whenever I rolled to my side---the only way to rest in my exploded state---as we awaited the immenient birth of our first born, and we were supposed "to rest"?!? Michael and I found much comedy in the moment as we attempted to drift off before... POP!
March 12, 2:22 am: "Ha! I know I've never been through this before, babe, but I'm pretty sure my water just broke! If it wasn't already, it's official now that this baby is coming!". It sounded like a balloon bursting and it woke Michael up, too. Obviously I could feel what it was, but the sound, too, was clear as the Colorado sky. Even a first-timer can't mistake that experience! The nurses changed my bedding and said, "try to go back to sleep again, if you can!".
6:00 am: Watson had called in at 4:45 and they explained that I was here to stay. "Okay, we're probably going to have you start pushing within the hour. Watson's having breakfast with his family and will be here soon." "Great!", I thought. "That means Watson can help me and still get to his office for his 9:00 appointment!" But I tried once and failed miserably. I really couldn't feel anything at all.
8:30 am: Before I knew it, it was 8:30 and Watson bounced in grinning from ear to ear like he does. "Hey There! Are you ready to have a baby? Let's do this!". I couldn't help but laugh. Michael and the nurse held my legs as I had to ask Michael to warn me of contractions because my lovely epidural was still in full force. I could actually feel some pressure, so the three of us worked together with each contraction....and I worried about whether Em should be in the room or not. I had left the decision up to her. I made her promise me that nothing she saw would influence her decision on whether or not have children. Dr. Watson interrupted my concern, "You're doing great, Elizabeth! And the baby is acting like a girl!"....meaning??...."the baby's cooperating - really making progress with each push."
I'm glad he said that---though I wasn't sure I believed him---so I persevered. Soon, I could see a head, and the next thing I knew, Watson calmly said, "Reach your hands down, Elizabeth." I did as instructed and unbeknownst to me he handed me a small, wet child....my tiny little baby...our precious baby. I had no idea we were that far along. I shed my first tears as Watson proclaimed, "And you little girl has a penis!".
10:15 pm - HEAVEN! I'm in heaven! "Why would anyone NOT do this!" is all I could think. I told the doctor I loved him - it was clearly not the first time he had heard that. The nurses said we should settle in for the night. Michael curled up on his loveseat and I was strapped in to several monitors next to some beeping machine, with everything shifting whenever I rolled to my side---the only way to rest in my exploded state---as we awaited the immenient birth of our first born, and we were supposed "to rest"?!? Michael and I found much comedy in the moment as we attempted to drift off before... POP!
March 12, 2:22 am: "Ha! I know I've never been through this before, babe, but I'm pretty sure my water just broke! If it wasn't already, it's official now that this baby is coming!". It sounded like a balloon bursting and it woke Michael up, too. Obviously I could feel what it was, but the sound, too, was clear as the Colorado sky. Even a first-timer can't mistake that experience! The nurses changed my bedding and said, "try to go back to sleep again, if you can!".
6:00 am: Watson had called in at 4:45 and they explained that I was here to stay. "Okay, we're probably going to have you start pushing within the hour. Watson's having breakfast with his family and will be here soon." "Great!", I thought. "That means Watson can help me and still get to his office for his 9:00 appointment!" But I tried once and failed miserably. I really couldn't feel anything at all.
8:30 am: Before I knew it, it was 8:30 and Watson bounced in grinning from ear to ear like he does. "Hey There! Are you ready to have a baby? Let's do this!". I couldn't help but laugh. Michael and the nurse held my legs as I had to ask Michael to warn me of contractions because my lovely epidural was still in full force. I could actually feel some pressure, so the three of us worked together with each contraction....and I worried about whether Em should be in the room or not. I had left the decision up to her. I made her promise me that nothing she saw would influence her decision on whether or not have children. Dr. Watson interrupted my concern, "You're doing great, Elizabeth! And the baby is acting like a girl!"....meaning??...."the baby's cooperating - really making progress with each push."
I'm glad he said that---though I wasn't sure I believed him---so I persevered. Soon, I could see a head, and the next thing I knew, Watson calmly said, "Reach your hands down, Elizabeth." I did as instructed and unbeknownst to me he handed me a small, wet child....my tiny little baby...our precious baby. I had no idea we were that far along. I shed my first tears as Watson proclaimed, "And you little girl has a penis!".
At the Hospital
I'll fly throw these boring details, but as this experience is someday for Andrew and his siblings, I'll note a few things here that they should know.
On the way to work from my 9:00am appt on March 11, I told Mom yet again that I just didn't think I would make it to April 3. I knew that people could walk around for weeks at 3 cm, but I just didn't think I would. Her only feasible response was "well, if you can't wait until April 3, you'll have to give Dad company on March 23." Mom had figured out that of the 9 adults in our immediate family and 3 grandchilden---at the time---that all 12 people had birthdays on either the 3, 7, 11, or 12 of the month, except for Dad, who is a 23rd. So to keep Mom's recordkeeping easy, Baby K, as we had deemed him early, just had to be born on the 3, 7, 11 or 12. It would be acceptable, however, to "join" Dad on the 23rd. But I reminded Mom that the 23rd was Easter this year and that I didn't want to miss church on Easter with the inspiring choir Wellshire has and the huge orchestra they always bring in for the big day. Her response was simple. "You go into labor anytime after noon and still have the baby by midnight!". Only hours after this conversation, I would be in labor. The date was the 11th. Baby K may not be here by midnight, but that's okay as the 12th follows the 11th.
March 11, 7:00pm - Arrive at the hospital - pain is sufficient to disallow speech during contractions. Completely deflated when told, "you are still only 3 cm. We typically don't admit patients until they are 4 cm." "Well what on earth do I need to do to make THAT happen!?!? I am NOT going home in this state. What would I do?!?! I am clearly NOT going to work tomorrow...or to sleep tonight!" Walk the halls for an hour and see what happens.
8:00pm - "Em? We're at the hospital. I don't know if anything is gonna happen----silence for 45 seconds----tonight or not, but I wanted to put you on dog alert in case is does." "I'm out the door right now! I'm going to get Daisy and Molly, bringing them to my house and coming to the hospital.". "But it's too early...". "Bye!".
On the way to work from my 9:00am appt on March 11, I told Mom yet again that I just didn't think I would make it to April 3. I knew that people could walk around for weeks at 3 cm, but I just didn't think I would. Her only feasible response was "well, if you can't wait until April 3, you'll have to give Dad company on March 23." Mom had figured out that of the 9 adults in our immediate family and 3 grandchilden---at the time---that all 12 people had birthdays on either the 3, 7, 11, or 12 of the month, except for Dad, who is a 23rd. So to keep Mom's recordkeeping easy, Baby K, as we had deemed him early, just had to be born on the 3, 7, 11 or 12. It would be acceptable, however, to "join" Dad on the 23rd. But I reminded Mom that the 23rd was Easter this year and that I didn't want to miss church on Easter with the inspiring choir Wellshire has and the huge orchestra they always bring in for the big day. Her response was simple. "You go into labor anytime after noon and still have the baby by midnight!". Only hours after this conversation, I would be in labor. The date was the 11th. Baby K may not be here by midnight, but that's okay as the 12th follows the 11th.
March 11, 7:00pm - Arrive at the hospital - pain is sufficient to disallow speech during contractions. Completely deflated when told, "you are still only 3 cm. We typically don't admit patients until they are 4 cm." "Well what on earth do I need to do to make THAT happen!?!? I am NOT going home in this state. What would I do?!?! I am clearly NOT going to work tomorrow...or to sleep tonight!" Walk the halls for an hour and see what happens.
8:00pm - "Em? We're at the hospital. I don't know if anything is gonna happen----silence for 45 seconds----tonight or not, but I wanted to put you on dog alert in case is does." "I'm out the door right now! I'm going to get Daisy and Molly, bringing them to my house and coming to the hospital.". "But it's too early...". "Bye!".
The Beginning of it All
Early August, 2007, Michael and I confirmed that we were indeed expecting our first child. Hesitant to share the word beyond family until reaching the presumed "safe zone" of the second trimester, we quietly waited to spread our enthusiasm. By mid-September, we were telling anyone who cared enough to listen that on or around April 3, we would be proud parents---perhaps ignorant, but proud none the less.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008: 2 cm dilated - hmmm.
Friday, March 7, 2008: Sold the Mustang. Told the baby they were worth it. Cried.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 9:00am: 3 cm dilated, 70 % effaced.
Dr. Watson smiled, "If you'd like to have the baby this weekend, that'd be fine because I'm on call! I'll be at the hospital anyway!" to which I could only reply, "That'd be fine - I can watch the ACC while I'm there."
I was a little concerned that I hadn't felt the baby moving as much in the past week as I previously had. Watson's suggestion: drink something sweet if during a time of usual movement you don't feel anything. If that doesn't spur obvious movement, come on back in.
10:00am - Bought chocolate milk at 7-11
1:00pm - What was that? I don't feel quite right - oh, what a stomach ache.
2:00pm - Meeting - "So, I don't feel great and I'm not saying that anything's going to happen, but just in case, here's how we need to progress while I'm on leave....".
3:00pm - Ok, I've been trying to go to the bathroom, but nothing is happening and this stomach ache is only getting worse. It's making me squirm - I can't sit still.
3:15pm - Email to Michael before he leaves work for lacrosse practice: "I'm either extremely constipated...sorry for the honesty...or having contractions. Ha! Call me when you leave the field."
3:30pm - What do you know? Since I started paying attention, it appears that I am squirming in my seat about every 3 minutes. "Crap! If I'm in labor, I have a lot to do before I leave work!"
4:00pm - Ok, there is no doubt I'm having contractions - but I have too many loose ends to tie up!
5:00pm - Give my manager an update on the morning's appointment. "I haven't felt quite right this afternoon. I'm not saying anything's going to happen, but just in case, here's where I am on things...".
5:15pm - On the lightrail, definitely having contractions and, desperately trying not to let on to the train full of strangers around me.
5:30pm - Driving home and should not be driving at all. Why is there so much traffic TODAY?!?!
5:45pm - That bag they kept talking about...maybe I should pack it. Where's my list???
6:00pm - Michael calls and doesn't have a chance to speak, "Are you on your way home?!?!" "Yes - are you okay?" "Yep...pause...but it hurts and I'm definitely in labor." "Ok, just lay down and relax." Silence. "I am." "Time the contractions and write down how far apart they are." "....yep....deep breath...I'm doing that." "Ok, I'll be home in 10-15 minutes. I love you.".
6:15pm - So this is happening! Maybe... I think we need to call the answering service. Let's both shower first. It may be a while before we can again.
6:30pm - Watson calls, excited, "Hey Elizabeth! So your contractions are 2-3 minutes apart lasting 45-60 seconds? Sounds like you should come on in! I'll see you at the hospital."
Tuesday, March 4, 2008: 2 cm dilated - hmmm.
Friday, March 7, 2008: Sold the Mustang. Told the baby they were worth it. Cried.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 9:00am: 3 cm dilated, 70 % effaced.
Dr. Watson smiled, "If you'd like to have the baby this weekend, that'd be fine because I'm on call! I'll be at the hospital anyway!" to which I could only reply, "That'd be fine - I can watch the ACC while I'm there."
I was a little concerned that I hadn't felt the baby moving as much in the past week as I previously had. Watson's suggestion: drink something sweet if during a time of usual movement you don't feel anything. If that doesn't spur obvious movement, come on back in.
10:00am - Bought chocolate milk at 7-11
1:00pm - What was that? I don't feel quite right - oh, what a stomach ache.
2:00pm - Meeting - "So, I don't feel great and I'm not saying that anything's going to happen, but just in case, here's how we need to progress while I'm on leave....".
3:00pm - Ok, I've been trying to go to the bathroom, but nothing is happening and this stomach ache is only getting worse. It's making me squirm - I can't sit still.
3:15pm - Email to Michael before he leaves work for lacrosse practice: "I'm either extremely constipated...sorry for the honesty...or having contractions. Ha! Call me when you leave the field."
3:30pm - What do you know? Since I started paying attention, it appears that I am squirming in my seat about every 3 minutes. "Crap! If I'm in labor, I have a lot to do before I leave work!"
4:00pm - Ok, there is no doubt I'm having contractions - but I have too many loose ends to tie up!
5:00pm - Give my manager an update on the morning's appointment. "I haven't felt quite right this afternoon. I'm not saying anything's going to happen, but just in case, here's where I am on things...".
5:15pm - On the lightrail, definitely having contractions and, desperately trying not to let on to the train full of strangers around me.
5:30pm - Driving home and should not be driving at all. Why is there so much traffic TODAY?!?!
5:45pm - That bag they kept talking about...maybe I should pack it. Where's my list???
6:00pm - Michael calls and doesn't have a chance to speak, "Are you on your way home?!?!" "Yes - are you okay?" "Yep...pause...but it hurts and I'm definitely in labor." "Ok, just lay down and relax." Silence. "I am." "Time the contractions and write down how far apart they are." "....yep....deep breath...I'm doing that." "Ok, I'll be home in 10-15 minutes. I love you.".
6:15pm - So this is happening! Maybe... I think we need to call the answering service. Let's both shower first. It may be a while before we can again.
6:30pm - Watson calls, excited, "Hey Elizabeth! So your contractions are 2-3 minutes apart lasting 45-60 seconds? Sounds like you should come on in! I'll see you at the hospital."
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