As a first time mom, who had a ... let's call it interesting labour and delivery, I find myself a little more protective of Amelie than I thought I would be. Okay, lol, that's a total lie and I knew I would be a crazy mama bear :-) Luckily, and gratefully (is that how that's spelled?) everyone has ... okay, most people have given the space required for me to adjust and relax. As all you moms out there know, it's a big change. And ... I'm totally lying about how hard Amelie is, she's a sweetie pie (she has her moments of diva attitude, but don't we all?) I think the biggest adjustment was dealing with everything that happened immediately after she was born. It was incredibly overwhelming and traumatic.
A lot of people had hurt feelings because of things we said or did, or even perhaps things we still do. I suppose I'm a little surprised (I'm so not that surprised ... I'm not exactly classified as cute and cuddly) that anyone took offense. Most of the people that took offense are moms themselves and although I understand everyone's experience is different, surely most emotions are similar. I find that I don't exactly embrace large events and get a bit nervous if I have a lot of time to think about it, luckily ... Amélie is a cool cucumber and can handle my nerotic behavior with ease. It's also been a blessing that nobody has pushed the separation issue with us.
It is true that the very first time you leave your baby with someone else ... you're a wreck. I was only gone 90 minutes (to get my nails done) and I was very nervous. I've been able to take it one step at a time without being rushed. I've been to the movies with Tanya and been able to run errands, mostly stress free. Of course, I will always be worried, aren't all moms? I've been able to calmly watch other people handle Amelie and never been pressured to give her to someone for them to hold. I've been extremely lucky, that most people will either, ask if I need them to hold her or wait until I ask them. For that, I'm grateful (again ... is that a word?) it's made things a lot easier on me, Amelie and Corey.
I might even be able to leave Amélie with someone other than Corey and go to a movie. All in due time ;-) You know ... I don't know why I called this perspectives ....
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Monday, September 01, 2008
4 months old!
It kinda sucks that all her smiley pictures are blurry, but I'll take what I can get.
This is Amelie practicing for *Showgirls* lol
Watching TV
It seems that every month I'm more and more surprised by how much she grows. She rolled over for the first time today. From front to back and I was very excited. Let's see.... accomplishments ... well, she can pull herself to stand if you give her your hands, she giggles, and sits in a high chair. Sleeps through the night. HOORAY .... and is seriously long. She's doing very well, grabs toys and we are investing in an exersaucer although I'm starting to think i won't need it for very long. Oh well :-)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Camping at Weyakwin
It was interesting to say the least. I highly enjoyed seeing all the aunts and uncles and cousins and spending time with Dad and Dawn, but I don't think I really got the meaning of it lol. Amelie decided to start teething that weekend and so it ended up with a lot of walking and soothing. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all like that, she always had smiles for everyone. She's pretty easy to please actually ... well most of the time. We slept in a tent with a heater, but it only really worked on our last night, which should have been great, except we all came home with colds.
On the upside, we saw everyone and Corey got his boat working. We've also made plans for next year with a toddler. I'm excited and planning on planting my butt on the beach or in the boat. Amelie can come with us, or she can stay with Grandma and Grandpa lol. All in all, I suppose it wasn't that bad. I didn't realize how frustrating it would be to be away from the things I normally use to keep my baby a happy baby. She likes the water ... but not cold water lol. Sigh. now I know ... I should have packed the kitchen sink ... ;-)
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Corey's Boat
The Boat. Yup. There it is. Corey's GREAT buy .... at least it floats. It's a work in progress, but he got a good *deal* It obviously needs help but once the motor is fixed we should be ready to go boating :-)
3 months already?
I can hardly believe it's been 3 months, but I can. I can honestly say that I've been blessed with a GREAT baby, but I yearn to sleep 8 hours straight ... even just once. Amelie is such a snuggler that in the morning we can snuggle in bed while she nurses and we usually fall back asleep. She laughs and grins, and talks and talks and talks. Honestly, I don't know where she gets it from ....
She now weighs 12 lbs 5 ounces and is 23 1/4 inches. That's 1 1/2 inches taller than at week 5 for those of you who are curious. Yah .... she's gonna be tall. I was also told that she's acting more like a 4 month old ... she can hold her own head and pull herself up (with our help of course) and she loves to jump on your lap and sing (courtesy of her memere) Now I have to listen to her *sing* to her mobile at night lol.
Right now she's going through a growth spurt (which leaves me up all night) and she's broken out into a rash (a heat rash/ a bit of exzema) Other than that, she's happy, healthy and adorable ;-)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
10 weeks old
I can hardly believe how fast time is going - yet it seems to be going SO slowly. Of course, it's hard to tell what's really happening because my days and nights are mashed together and I never know what day it is. It's not uncommon for me to refer to the day as friday when it's actually tuesday.
Amelie has grown so much already, but I still think she's little. She is QUITE the chatter box and once she gets started it's hard to get a word in. She has BIG smiles, but not really laughing yet. She likes to shriek and is extremely dramatic about everything. Seriously, I don't know where she gets that from. Probably Corey. Amelie has also learned to catch things that are hanging over her, but she has a problem coordinating the *letting go* part and gets upset (hence the dramatics begin) She does not like to be on her tummy, unless it's in her bed or on one of us. She'd much rather sit up or stand up (assisted of course). She also has this hilarious look that actually reminds me of mom. I'll get a picture of it and post it. It's a look like she's calling your bull crap.
Amelie loves her bath time and it's also a fun time for me - since I can coordinate it with MY shower time. She can be crying her little head off and I turn the shower on ... and it's blissfully quiet. Although, it is VERY rare that I have to try something different to quiet her. I can count on one hand the nights I got ZERO sleep. She's also starting to go to bed at a decent time - 9-11 pm and sleeps anywhere from 2-6 hours at a time. Yeah!! This is great for two reasons. 1. I can pump for the days I am out (like my upcoming golf game day with the girls) 2. I can sleep
She's also not a normally shy kiddo and likes people - except when there are too many hands on her. She doesn't like to be handled and passed around. And to be honest, I don't like it when she's handled and passed around. It's also getting a lot easier to pack her around, even though she's heavy as heck ;-). So be ready for visits, we hate staying home.
Amelie has grown so much already, but I still think she's little. She is QUITE the chatter box and once she gets started it's hard to get a word in. She has BIG smiles, but not really laughing yet. She likes to shriek and is extremely dramatic about everything. Seriously, I don't know where she gets that from. Probably Corey. Amelie has also learned to catch things that are hanging over her, but she has a problem coordinating the *letting go* part and gets upset (hence the dramatics begin) She does not like to be on her tummy, unless it's in her bed or on one of us. She'd much rather sit up or stand up (assisted of course). She also has this hilarious look that actually reminds me of mom. I'll get a picture of it and post it. It's a look like she's calling your bull crap.
Amelie loves her bath time and it's also a fun time for me - since I can coordinate it with MY shower time. She can be crying her little head off and I turn the shower on ... and it's blissfully quiet. Although, it is VERY rare that I have to try something different to quiet her. I can count on one hand the nights I got ZERO sleep. She's also starting to go to bed at a decent time - 9-11 pm and sleeps anywhere from 2-6 hours at a time. Yeah!! This is great for two reasons. 1. I can pump for the days I am out (like my upcoming golf game day with the girls) 2. I can sleep
She's also not a normally shy kiddo and likes people - except when there are too many hands on her. She doesn't like to be handled and passed around. And to be honest, I don't like it when she's handled and passed around. It's also getting a lot easier to pack her around, even though she's heavy as heck ;-). So be ready for visits, we hate staying home.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Tamind the Wild Jesse James
As I was walking down the road not that long ago, I noticed my 3 year old bay gelding in the cattle shelter. I called out to him, finding it strange that he wasn't with Tinky (we didn't name him). J.J. came out and neighed to me, but when he started to walk, I felt my heart sink. He wasn't putting any weight on his right hind leg. Damn. Not feeling like wrangling a horse with a baby in my arms, I went into the house and called my neighbour - Tanya. She would know what to do. She came over and after putting my sleeping baby to bed - we went outside and we called him over. Seeing as to how he's not broke yet - he eagerly came up to us (grin) We haltered him and got a good look at it - I felt a bit useless because it's been a while since I've done anything with my horses - but Tanya - luckily - had it under control. After establishing the damage we went inside and I called mom to come watch Amelie so that I could help clean and tend to the wound.
Once mom got there we went back outside, haltered J.J. - who's never been properly halter broke but acted like he's been halter broke - and really assessed the damage. We decided to get some things from Tanya's house. Before leaving though Tanya wanted to give him some medication - which went rather unceremoniously, then we whisked over and were back in a jiffy. We ran cold water over his leg. I might add that he also stood tied as if he'd been tied his whole life. Of course, this is his 2nd injury - last year he had a horrible looking gash on his shoulder - which Tanya also helped me with - so this wasn't exactly new. After Tanya had cleaned it all up, we turned him loose in the upper pen.
Yesterday - Tanya told me that J.J. was out. I peered at her curiously, then realized she meant he'd escaped into the larger paddock. I just laughed and we went back outside and called him back up. He - of course being the wild horse that he is - immediately came to see us. After cleaning his leg again, Tanya gave him some more meds - which this time he did not appreciate. Today is his last day for meds and hopefully it goes well. I wonder if I just get on him one day if he'll just act like he's been broke his whole life :-)
Once mom got there we went back outside, haltered J.J. - who's never been properly halter broke but acted like he's been halter broke - and really assessed the damage. We decided to get some things from Tanya's house. Before leaving though Tanya wanted to give him some medication - which went rather unceremoniously, then we whisked over and were back in a jiffy. We ran cold water over his leg. I might add that he also stood tied as if he'd been tied his whole life. Of course, this is his 2nd injury - last year he had a horrible looking gash on his shoulder - which Tanya also helped me with - so this wasn't exactly new. After Tanya had cleaned it all up, we turned him loose in the upper pen.
Yesterday - Tanya told me that J.J. was out. I peered at her curiously, then realized she meant he'd escaped into the larger paddock. I just laughed and we went back outside and called him back up. He - of course being the wild horse that he is - immediately came to see us. After cleaning his leg again, Tanya gave him some more meds - which this time he did not appreciate. Today is his last day for meds and hopefully it goes well. I wonder if I just get on him one day if he'll just act like he's been broke his whole life :-)
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Sleep Deprivation VS Sleep Deprivation
Everyone has always and still always says that when you have a baby you can say goodbye to sleeping. I'm still undecided whether I got more sleep before Amelie was born ... or after. While pregnant, especially in the last two months, I was so stressed ... I could sleep two or three hours and then Amelie would wake me up, kicking ... or ... I suffered from restless leg syndrome. Do you know how to get rid of that? YOU CAN'T! ;-) I would walk and walk and stretch ... and need I remind everyone I gained a few pounds so it was never easy. (My knees suffered a lot) Luckily I went on mat leave early and I SO needed it. I slept during the day.
Then Amelie was born - and the sleep deprivation started while in labor thank you very much. I still remember watching Lisa and Corey trying to doze lol. I kept glaring at them, but it was dark so I don't think they noticed (hunh - shrug) Now that Amelie is here ... I still don't sleep, but it's SO ingrained in my mind that when she goes for a 4-5 hour sleep ... I can't. I toss and turn and ... clean and try a billion things ... then just as I'm falling asleep ... she wakes up and doesn't go back for a nap for .... the day ,.... or ... the night lol. THANKFULLY, she's usually pretty cool with just vegging in the living room watching Nanny 911, Star Trek Voyager ... or ... Shrek the Third (we've seen it at least 10 times in June). We get into some great discussions about how she's going to raised and where her time-out corner should be. (she suggested her swing) Of course, NOW I'm awake and we start to play - she usually quits after twenty minutes and either falls asleep on the floor or demands to be fed - or carried around so she can inspect the house. Ya'll think I'm kidding, but she likes to look around at things. I know I'll regret saying this, but I can't wait until she can walk. Yup.
Amelie doesn't have a schedule either. Her schedule is whatever she wants and for those of you who have successfully put your babies on a schedule ... you must be baby whisperers. Amelie just blinks at me like ... maman ... I'm going to take your need to have everything planned and EAT it. (nod) But I've been told it gets better. Once she gets older then I can get my revenge, as my parents did to me ;-) We'll see who's sleep deprived THEN!
Then Amelie was born - and the sleep deprivation started while in labor thank you very much. I still remember watching Lisa and Corey trying to doze lol. I kept glaring at them, but it was dark so I don't think they noticed (hunh - shrug) Now that Amelie is here ... I still don't sleep, but it's SO ingrained in my mind that when she goes for a 4-5 hour sleep ... I can't. I toss and turn and ... clean and try a billion things ... then just as I'm falling asleep ... she wakes up and doesn't go back for a nap for .... the day ,.... or ... the night lol. THANKFULLY, she's usually pretty cool with just vegging in the living room watching Nanny 911, Star Trek Voyager ... or ... Shrek the Third (we've seen it at least 10 times in June). We get into some great discussions about how she's going to raised and where her time-out corner should be. (she suggested her swing) Of course, NOW I'm awake and we start to play - she usually quits after twenty minutes and either falls asleep on the floor or demands to be fed - or carried around so she can inspect the house. Ya'll think I'm kidding, but she likes to look around at things. I know I'll regret saying this, but I can't wait until she can walk. Yup.
Amelie doesn't have a schedule either. Her schedule is whatever she wants and for those of you who have successfully put your babies on a schedule ... you must be baby whisperers. Amelie just blinks at me like ... maman ... I'm going to take your need to have everything planned and EAT it. (nod) But I've been told it gets better. Once she gets older then I can get my revenge, as my parents did to me ;-) We'll see who's sleep deprived THEN!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Breastfeeding 101
How to breastfeed 101
1. Get your baby and get comfy
2. Give her the breast
3. Relax as she drinks while watching some television or somethin'
4. Check to see why she's making gurgling and choking sounds.
5. Be careful when you take her off to check her out ... probably going to get squirted with milk here.
6. Rub her back a bit and sit her up to help her out.
7. Take off your shirt, your bra, probably your pants and place a towel on the chair - these will most likely be soaked in milk.
9. Get a breastpad and some receiving blankets.
10. Start over
11. Burp your baby
12. Clean up the mess as she throws up everything she just ate - since it poured in her mouth she'll probably puke ;-)
13. Start over if she wants to.
14. Save yourself from constantly doing laundry and invest in a nipple shield. It also helps you from getting chomped on and really helps them learn to latch. :-D
Things I can do while breastfeeding :-D
Talk on the phone
Talk to company
Walk around
Type lol ... with BOTH hands (proud smile)
Sleep or at least nap
Put clothes away
Change the channel on the TV
Get iced tea out of the fridge from a jug that you have to squeeze a little button
Open a bottle of sprite
Eat
hmmm ... I guess mom's are pretty talented.
1. Get your baby and get comfy
2. Give her the breast
3. Relax as she drinks while watching some television or somethin'
4. Check to see why she's making gurgling and choking sounds.
5. Be careful when you take her off to check her out ... probably going to get squirted with milk here.
6. Rub her back a bit and sit her up to help her out.
7. Take off your shirt, your bra, probably your pants and place a towel on the chair - these will most likely be soaked in milk.
9. Get a breastpad and some receiving blankets.
10. Start over
11. Burp your baby
12. Clean up the mess as she throws up everything she just ate - since it poured in her mouth she'll probably puke ;-)
13. Start over if she wants to.
14. Save yourself from constantly doing laundry and invest in a nipple shield. It also helps you from getting chomped on and really helps them learn to latch. :-D
Things I can do while breastfeeding :-D
Talk on the phone
Talk to company
Walk around
Type lol ... with BOTH hands (proud smile)
Sleep or at least nap
Put clothes away
Change the channel on the TV
Get iced tea out of the fridge from a jug that you have to squeeze a little button
Open a bottle of sprite
Eat
hmmm ... I guess mom's are pretty talented.
Postpartum Depression
I thought I'd write about a serious issue before getting on to some of the more fun parts of being a new mom. I do believe that every first time mom gets the blues, some more than others. Although I had told myself I would not get them, by the time I was in my 8th month of pregnancy I was already getting the blues. I was simply overwhelmed, as I'm sure most first time mom's are. I was SO sick of people calling to see if the baby had been born, especially people who *suddenly* had to be a part of our life. I know that everybody cared and still does, but I don't think everyone realized to what extent it was affecting me. Of course it never helps that my hormones were so out of whack that everything including the dog's drool made me upset.
Maybe nobody else has felt this way, but I know I have. As my sister gets ready for her wedding, it's so hard not to just take over *because I know what's best*. I'm glad I can restrain myself and I hope I can when she has her babies too. I hate to break it to those who've thought they could BOND with me when I became a mom ... if you didn't bond before, you ain't bonding now. While I was in the hospital, I was absolutely furious at the visitors who didn't call (except Grandma and Grandpa Gareau) - who felt they just needed to show their support - and the lack of privacy when I needed it. It made a delicate relationship even more fragile - and I'm not talking about mine and Corey's. Although I was desperately glad for Corey's support, what I needed most from people, was my privacy and I didn't get it because ... they felt they knew what I needed ... and to be honest, I think that hurt more than anything. Nobody ... will ever know me more than I will know myself. I wish I had been believed when I said I wanted no visitors ... I wish I had believed myself too - except for those I explicitly phoned to come and see me. In the hospital ... I had the worst birthday of my life so far. By the time we left the hospital, I craved sleep and solitude ... I got some sleep between incessant phone calls, and no solitude. I got plenty of offers of help ... with Amelie, but none to clean or cook for me. I was getting worse and trying to hold it together.
I can honestly tell you all, that I did not feel like a happy new mom. In fact, I felt like a babysitter because everyone knew what was best and would say stupid things like *oh you do everything by the book* and *that's not normal* or my favorite *she's part of OUR family you know we have every right to see her* ... I'm sorry, but she is a part of Mine and Corey's family ... and everyone else is our extension. Our family comes first, and our family was suffering because I was so unhappy, in turn making Corey unhappy and he certainly didn't understand what was wrong with me. In retrospect, I wish someone had taken him aside and pointed out that he needed to show support, even if he didn't agree with my protectiveness. I so needed to bond with Amelie and I felt like no one cared. Luckily for me, I had Tanya and I am so grateful that God made her my neighbor because she knew exactly what I was going through. She'd had many of the same issues that I'd had. She'd been plucked from her home in Alberta and set in a strange setting with a new family and then found herself with a new baby where everyone critisized and commented. I called her so many times during the first week or two, needing to talk about my feelings.
I'm also thankful that my sister Gayle would call and ask to come visit, then when she got here, she'd make something to eat. She even drove out here JUST to make me something to eat and that meant so much, because then I could just take care of the baby and try to learn to become a mom without interference. I've learned so much in the past two months and one thing is ... to appreciate the help ... and sleep when I can ;) There's no way to battle postpartum blues when you're crabby that's for sure.
I do thank everyone for their support and thoughts because I know I didn't appreciate any of it at the time. For those of you who've respected our privacy thank you so much, and although now I'm a bit easier going with Amelie, it's always safer to call first because as you all know ... with a baby things can change in a hurry. I'm so grateful for my mom who could just take Amelie and play with her so I could spend some time with Maddie - who usually had to be convinced to spend time with me lol. Silly Maddie. I know it was the hardest on her to stay away because she just wanted to take care of us, and although she didn't always ... she did her best. And thanks Memere and mom for cleaning the house before we got home, I'm sure the house appreciated it and is wondering when you'll be back :-)
so I hope nobody takes offense to this, I've revised it because some people did. I just want to make sure that everybody understands why I may have and may still be a little on the recluse side. Just be patient and let me be a new mom ... I won't have my firstborn as a baby forever and I want to cherish those smiles and giggles for a while before sharing them. Feel free to call and chat, and if you want to visit - make an appointment (jk) It's just better for everyone if you call ahead - it's easier to walk around topless when you're breastfeeding ... just so you know. :-D
Maybe nobody else has felt this way, but I know I have. As my sister gets ready for her wedding, it's so hard not to just take over *because I know what's best*. I'm glad I can restrain myself and I hope I can when she has her babies too. I hate to break it to those who've thought they could BOND with me when I became a mom ... if you didn't bond before, you ain't bonding now. While I was in the hospital, I was absolutely furious at the visitors who didn't call (except Grandma and Grandpa Gareau) - who felt they just needed to show their support - and the lack of privacy when I needed it. It made a delicate relationship even more fragile - and I'm not talking about mine and Corey's. Although I was desperately glad for Corey's support, what I needed most from people, was my privacy and I didn't get it because ... they felt they knew what I needed ... and to be honest, I think that hurt more than anything. Nobody ... will ever know me more than I will know myself. I wish I had been believed when I said I wanted no visitors ... I wish I had believed myself too - except for those I explicitly phoned to come and see me. In the hospital ... I had the worst birthday of my life so far. By the time we left the hospital, I craved sleep and solitude ... I got some sleep between incessant phone calls, and no solitude. I got plenty of offers of help ... with Amelie, but none to clean or cook for me. I was getting worse and trying to hold it together.
I can honestly tell you all, that I did not feel like a happy new mom. In fact, I felt like a babysitter because everyone knew what was best and would say stupid things like *oh you do everything by the book* and *that's not normal* or my favorite *she's part of OUR family you know we have every right to see her* ... I'm sorry, but she is a part of Mine and Corey's family ... and everyone else is our extension. Our family comes first, and our family was suffering because I was so unhappy, in turn making Corey unhappy and he certainly didn't understand what was wrong with me. In retrospect, I wish someone had taken him aside and pointed out that he needed to show support, even if he didn't agree with my protectiveness. I so needed to bond with Amelie and I felt like no one cared. Luckily for me, I had Tanya and I am so grateful that God made her my neighbor because she knew exactly what I was going through. She'd had many of the same issues that I'd had. She'd been plucked from her home in Alberta and set in a strange setting with a new family and then found herself with a new baby where everyone critisized and commented. I called her so many times during the first week or two, needing to talk about my feelings.
I'm also thankful that my sister Gayle would call and ask to come visit, then when she got here, she'd make something to eat. She even drove out here JUST to make me something to eat and that meant so much, because then I could just take care of the baby and try to learn to become a mom without interference. I've learned so much in the past two months and one thing is ... to appreciate the help ... and sleep when I can ;) There's no way to battle postpartum blues when you're crabby that's for sure.
I do thank everyone for their support and thoughts because I know I didn't appreciate any of it at the time. For those of you who've respected our privacy thank you so much, and although now I'm a bit easier going with Amelie, it's always safer to call first because as you all know ... with a baby things can change in a hurry. I'm so grateful for my mom who could just take Amelie and play with her so I could spend some time with Maddie - who usually had to be convinced to spend time with me lol. Silly Maddie. I know it was the hardest on her to stay away because she just wanted to take care of us, and although she didn't always ... she did her best. And thanks Memere and mom for cleaning the house before we got home, I'm sure the house appreciated it and is wondering when you'll be back :-)
so I hope nobody takes offense to this, I've revised it because some people did. I just want to make sure that everybody understands why I may have and may still be a little on the recluse side. Just be patient and let me be a new mom ... I won't have my firstborn as a baby forever and I want to cherish those smiles and giggles for a while before sharing them. Feel free to call and chat, and if you want to visit - make an appointment (jk) It's just better for everyone if you call ahead - it's easier to walk around topless when you're breastfeeding ... just so you know. :-D
Friday, June 20, 2008
Update
Hi everyone! I know it's been a long time, so I thought I'd do some updating real quick.
Amélie was born on May 5th, 2008 weighing 7 lbs 13 ounces. She was born at 6:24 AM and was 21.5 inches long, after 20 hours of labor. Everything went great and it was a natural and unmedicated birth. About an hour after she was born it was apparent she was turning a tad on the purply side so we went to the hospital where she was put on oxygen. While there, she was unable to breastfeed for 24-28 hours so she was connected to an IV and we had to stay in the hospital for a week. To be honest, anything after she established breastfeeding was a crock of crap, but let's not get into that quite yet. I'd like to just enjoy my baby girl :-)
Amélie now weighs over 9lbs and is over 22 inches long. She is 7 weeks old and smiles a lot and is very cuddly, like her daddy. She's a great baby, especially if I can stay away from Jellybeans lol and rootbear. I never had cravings like I have now tee hee. She has so much personality ... kind of like mine though (yes be warned she likes it her way) and eats ... whenever the hell she wants lol. She mostly sleeps anywhere from 2-4 hours in a row and is starting to get a set schedule, but we aren't holding our breaths. She used to sleep in her bassinet, then slept with mommy in the big bed and is now in her own room in her crib.
I can't believe how quickly she's growing and I'm always surprised when I have to put her clothes that are too small away and pull out new ones. She's growing up so fast, but I can't help but be excited for her to be 6 months old :-)
Amélie was born on May 5th, 2008 weighing 7 lbs 13 ounces. She was born at 6:24 AM and was 21.5 inches long, after 20 hours of labor. Everything went great and it was a natural and unmedicated birth. About an hour after she was born it was apparent she was turning a tad on the purply side so we went to the hospital where she was put on oxygen. While there, she was unable to breastfeed for 24-28 hours so she was connected to an IV and we had to stay in the hospital for a week. To be honest, anything after she established breastfeeding was a crock of crap, but let's not get into that quite yet. I'd like to just enjoy my baby girl :-)
Amélie now weighs over 9lbs and is over 22 inches long. She is 7 weeks old and smiles a lot and is very cuddly, like her daddy. She's a great baby, especially if I can stay away from Jellybeans lol and rootbear. I never had cravings like I have now tee hee. She has so much personality ... kind of like mine though (yes be warned she likes it her way) and eats ... whenever the hell she wants lol. She mostly sleeps anywhere from 2-4 hours in a row and is starting to get a set schedule, but we aren't holding our breaths. She used to sleep in her bassinet, then slept with mommy in the big bed and is now in her own room in her crib.
I can't believe how quickly she's growing and I'm always surprised when I have to put her clothes that are too small away and pull out new ones. She's growing up so fast, but I can't help but be excited for her to be 6 months old :-)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Amelie's birth story ~ the edited/soft version
Amelie was born on May 5th, 2008 @ 6:24 AM.
It was My 4th when I went into labour, believe it or not I thought it was kinda funny. Trust me ... it didn’t last too long, but surprisingly through my whole labour I did keep my sense of humor ... mostly. By the time Lisa, our doula, got there, it was 6:00 pm. Seriously ... I thought she would NEVER get there and I was definitely in active labour. We had decided I would labour at home as long as possible. So, ... it didn’t look like I was going to have a 6 hour labour lol. Meh. I can shrug it off now, but ... at the time there was no shrugging. Labour continued on, making me wonder why women ever had children, why men were so annoying ... why Corey kept trying to rub my back after I threatened to kill him at LEAST twice ... I also pondered Lisa’s sanity at being a doula. She must be insane to deal with women like me all the time. They kept lying to me to keep my spirits up too. Almost done. Almost done. Right. I totally believed them every time too. POFFFFFT. Lisa kept making me move around. I hated her at this point, but I knew she was right. I again wondered at her sanity, but she kept at it and Corey kept at it and I seriously had no choice but to keep at it lol. I remember asking JellyBean for a time out and I did get a few. Finally, my water broke – okay I broke it with a push around 3 ish (I know you’re all dying to know about this lol) And I mean 3 am on May 5th by the way. Corey kept telling me I was doing great so I figured I was. And then I had to push and push I did. I didn’t get those on TV urges and I seriously could not hold my breath and push. Who DOES That anyways? I would have passed out for sure lol. It took 2 hours and 20 minutes, some very cool positions, Lisa and Corey telling me ONE more push (again .... they were lying) and FINALLY Amelie was born. If you ask Corey to tell you the story of Amelie being born, it’s very hilarious lol. I remember looking down and seeing my BEAUTIFUL little girl, and immediately feeling smug that I was right. Mom’s always know and now I know what my mom means when she says she ALWAYS knows.
We went to the hospital after a quick bath and cuddle and Amelie got the little extra help she needed with oxygen. She was put on antibiotics (turns out she didn’t need them) and and an IV. There was nothing scarier than seeing your little angel being poked and prodded, but she’s a fighter and she did great. 24 hours later, she got jaundice ... joy ... FINALLY, after the inquisition of nurses, doctors, strangers ... and after the ridiculously long and pointless stay in the hospital we FINALLY got to take our little miracle home, where she was born. I am very upset by our treatment in the hospital, but when I look at my baby girl I know one thing for sure. They can never take away the most amazing birth story ever. And they can NEVER, ever take away how special she is to us. And no matter what they accuse us of, Amelie will always know the truth, and that we did the best thing for her. God gave us instincts and I used mine. The best thing I did was have her at home, then bring her to the hospital. Now when I look at her, sleeping in bed as if she’s sunbathing, I think about how she’s everything we’ve ever wanted. A homebirth, a healthy and happy baby ... and so far ... daddy’s little girl and mommy’s little angel.
Friday, March 14, 2008
JellyBean guesses
Hey everybody if you want to guess JellyBean's stats head over to JellyBean's website and make a guess!! :-D You have until April 18th then we'll see who wins :-)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
32 week checkup
Well ... that was fun :-) Other than the stunning 10 lbs weight gain lol. I have to admit I was stunned. I had been under a lot of stress, wasn't eating, nor sleeping and I thought for sure I wouldn't gain more than a few pounds. Boy was I surprised lol. Oh well. JellyBean is facing down, butt towards my belly button and legs out to my right side, kicking and elbowing and kneeing and ... all that stuff. I'm thinking ... 7 lbs ... 7lbs 10 ounces I think. Heartbeat is 132 so for all those people who are making guesses ... that may help, and JellyBean is carrying very low, ... trust me lol.
Other than that, the renovations are coming along :-) Check out the pictures on facebook ;-) tee hee.
Other than that, the renovations are coming along :-) Check out the pictures on facebook ;-) tee hee.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The LIST :-)
Finally, the list everyone's been asking for. http://jellybeanbabylist.blogspot.com/
The link will also be on the side ... where it says links ... lol ... and will be updated/changed regularly.
The link will also be on the side ... where it says links ... lol ... and will be updated/changed regularly.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
7 months
Only 10 weeks to go!! Hooray!! Although it looks like JellyBean is actually a basket ball ... I'm pretty sure he/she isn't. I have already gotten to my 130 lbs goal tee hee. So I decided to CHANGE it to ... 140 lbs. A nice round number.
JellyBean has turned head down and is lying very low in my body lol. Sometimes I think JellyBean is trying to escape! This has prompted quite a few people to guess that JellyBean will be born before my due date. I don't know. I have no guess for that ... but I don't think I'll be super late ;-).
I am very tired and a very tiny amount of patience for things. It doesn't take much for me to get frustrated, but luckily I am easily placated with a tomato sandwhich, goodie rings, strawberries and lemon water. Yes ... I realize these are all strange to eat in combination, but you're just going to have to trust me when I say it's very good. We are very excited for JellyBean and can't WAIT to meet our little baby Linfitt.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Oubliette
Now ... if anyone isn't familiar with what an oubliette is ... it's a deep, dark whole where mean people would put bad people to forget about them. These days, we call it prison, but ... there are also the though oubliettes, which float around aimlessly and prey on innocent people like me. I seem to be forgetting where I put a lot of things, which has led me to believe ... I have an oubliette floating in my house.
It wouldn't be so bad if I was only forgetting where I put something .... it's that I'm forgetting where I put something and that I can't even remember what I'm looking for lol. So you see ... sometimes it takes a while for me to find something, luckily it's usually in a pretty obvious place and someone else usually finds it for me. The more popular items for me to lose are my cell phone, my work keys, my car keys and my cup of water or my banana. Corey has taken to simply putting everything in my work bag (minus the water) and then he knows where it is when I start to look for it.
It's also come to the point where I will eat something and forget I ate it ... or do something ... then try to do it again. I guess I get a lot of walking done as I try to remember things :-) Hopefully my memory comes back once JellyBean is born or this ... could be a bit of a problem. I might need to invest in a beeper for my baby lol. (just kidding)
It wouldn't be so bad if I was only forgetting where I put something .... it's that I'm forgetting where I put something and that I can't even remember what I'm looking for lol. So you see ... sometimes it takes a while for me to find something, luckily it's usually in a pretty obvious place and someone else usually finds it for me. The more popular items for me to lose are my cell phone, my work keys, my car keys and my cup of water or my banana. Corey has taken to simply putting everything in my work bag (minus the water) and then he knows where it is when I start to look for it.
It's also come to the point where I will eat something and forget I ate it ... or do something ... then try to do it again. I guess I get a lot of walking done as I try to remember things :-) Hopefully my memory comes back once JellyBean is born or this ... could be a bit of a problem. I might need to invest in a beeper for my baby lol. (just kidding)
Monday, February 04, 2008
Advice
I know there are a lot of pregnant people out there who feel the same way I do. Especially first time moms. Now ... I know my dreams probably seem unrealistic to a lot of people. Corey and I want a natural birth with zero interference. Corey and I also want a healthy baby with a great birthing experience. I don't know why so many people are adamant that THAT is impossible. Believe it or not ... it is a realistic dream. It will take determination, heart and a the right support. Corey and I have hired a doula, her name is Lisa and this is her website. http://www.birthrhythm.com/ You can read up on doula's on your own time.
I am SO sick of hearing that ... I don't know what I'm in for. My experiences in the hospital (2 of my 3 miscarriages) were horrible. If they are anything like what my birth experience is going to be like, I'd rather stay home. The labor itself wasn't so bad, but I will admit I did ask for pain medication and I am SICK AND TIRED and ready to snap at the next person that says I'll need an epidural because of this. There is a WORLD of difference between laboring for a baby you will be taking home ... and laboring ... only to go home empty handed and broken hearted.
I am dreading the hospital. I don't want to be controlled and I do not want strangers touching me in any way shape or form. Although I am prepared to need help and I am prepared to accept help, I am not prepared to deal with any rudeness, or lack of respect while I am there. I firmly, very firmly believe, that birth is a private miracle that the hospital is PRIVILEGED to host. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that there have been so many advances in medicine because there is always the what ifs. I know there are great nurses and bad nurses. I know they've seen a lot of labor and usually have good advice, and if they are suggesting a position or possibly helping me breathe ... I hardly think I'll be annoyed ;-) On the other hand, if they start trying to push an epidural or criticising... I might lose my cool.
I AM nervous about childbirth and labor and I DON'T need to hear horror stories. If you have a story about how you dealt with nosy nurses or if you have a story about how wonderful the nurses were I'd LOVE to hear it ... but I don't just want to hear how great they were I want to know WHY they were great. I want to know if I ask them to leave the room, if they will. I want to know how they deal with people who don't want certain procedures until absolutely necessary, such as an IV, although I know an IV can be a great way for hydration, let's just say I would rather not at the time. I want to know how many nurses are there during delivery. I know these questions can be asked at the hospital, but I want to hear the truth from people who have experienced it. And when someone tells me that I'll hardly notice how many people are there ... let me tell you ... I have NEVER forgotten how many people invaded my privacy during my miscarriages and I will NEVER forget how disrespected I felt. If I had to compare it to something I would compare it to rape.
I have decided to stay away from negative influences or people who are having a bad time of things. I don't need the extra stress or tension and prefer to surround myself with supportive and positive people. I know this all seems rude, ignorant and ... arrogant but if you take a minute to look at it from my point of you I think you'll understand why I feel the way I do. I want to be as relaxed and confident as possible going into this experience because it is the most important thing I am going to do for my baby. No matter what the outcome, natural, medicated or C-section ... it's very important to me to feel as if it was Mine and Corey's labor experience and that everyone else was just there to help when we needed it.
Since I don't want to get off on the wrong foot with the nurses there, they are the ones who will be monumental in my experience, I am VERY open to hearing advice on how to word things so they aren't insulted or angry. I am VERY excited to hear of anyone who has good things to say and even if you had a bad experience I don't mind hearing about it and how you would have changed it. I don't want to hear ... how you ABSOLUTELY needed the epidural ... I want to hear how you were treated every step of the way. Is it too much to ask for ... to be respected during one of the most natural and amazing experiences of a person's life? I know things won't be perfect and I'm not refusing any type of help that I may need if absolutely necessary to save my baby. I am not willing to get a procedure just to speed things up. So please, if anyone has a good story ... I really could use the cheering up. In the end, it's in God's hands, but he gave me a mind, strength and a heart for a reason.
I am SO sick of hearing that ... I don't know what I'm in for. My experiences in the hospital (2 of my 3 miscarriages) were horrible. If they are anything like what my birth experience is going to be like, I'd rather stay home. The labor itself wasn't so bad, but I will admit I did ask for pain medication and I am SICK AND TIRED and ready to snap at the next person that says I'll need an epidural because of this. There is a WORLD of difference between laboring for a baby you will be taking home ... and laboring ... only to go home empty handed and broken hearted.
I am dreading the hospital. I don't want to be controlled and I do not want strangers touching me in any way shape or form. Although I am prepared to need help and I am prepared to accept help, I am not prepared to deal with any rudeness, or lack of respect while I am there. I firmly, very firmly believe, that birth is a private miracle that the hospital is PRIVILEGED to host. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that there have been so many advances in medicine because there is always the what ifs. I know there are great nurses and bad nurses. I know they've seen a lot of labor and usually have good advice, and if they are suggesting a position or possibly helping me breathe ... I hardly think I'll be annoyed ;-) On the other hand, if they start trying to push an epidural or criticising... I might lose my cool.
I AM nervous about childbirth and labor and I DON'T need to hear horror stories. If you have a story about how you dealt with nosy nurses or if you have a story about how wonderful the nurses were I'd LOVE to hear it ... but I don't just want to hear how great they were I want to know WHY they were great. I want to know if I ask them to leave the room, if they will. I want to know how they deal with people who don't want certain procedures until absolutely necessary, such as an IV, although I know an IV can be a great way for hydration, let's just say I would rather not at the time. I want to know how many nurses are there during delivery. I know these questions can be asked at the hospital, but I want to hear the truth from people who have experienced it. And when someone tells me that I'll hardly notice how many people are there ... let me tell you ... I have NEVER forgotten how many people invaded my privacy during my miscarriages and I will NEVER forget how disrespected I felt. If I had to compare it to something I would compare it to rape.
I have decided to stay away from negative influences or people who are having a bad time of things. I don't need the extra stress or tension and prefer to surround myself with supportive and positive people. I know this all seems rude, ignorant and ... arrogant but if you take a minute to look at it from my point of you I think you'll understand why I feel the way I do. I want to be as relaxed and confident as possible going into this experience because it is the most important thing I am going to do for my baby. No matter what the outcome, natural, medicated or C-section ... it's very important to me to feel as if it was Mine and Corey's labor experience and that everyone else was just there to help when we needed it.
Since I don't want to get off on the wrong foot with the nurses there, they are the ones who will be monumental in my experience, I am VERY open to hearing advice on how to word things so they aren't insulted or angry. I am VERY excited to hear of anyone who has good things to say and even if you had a bad experience I don't mind hearing about it and how you would have changed it. I don't want to hear ... how you ABSOLUTELY needed the epidural ... I want to hear how you were treated every step of the way. Is it too much to ask for ... to be respected during one of the most natural and amazing experiences of a person's life? I know things won't be perfect and I'm not refusing any type of help that I may need if absolutely necessary to save my baby. I am not willing to get a procedure just to speed things up. So please, if anyone has a good story ... I really could use the cheering up. In the end, it's in God's hands, but he gave me a mind, strength and a heart for a reason.
Friday, February 01, 2008
6 months :-)
6 months FINALLY. Honestly ... is it May yet? I know. I shouldn't complain and ... I feel a tiny bit bad about complaining, but I can't help it. It's like I've been pregnant for 2 years ... SERIOUSLY. This month has definitely shown some growth ... outwards and ... sideways. JellyBean is lying transverse currently ... how do I know this ... because of the punches and kicks I get on either side of my stomach right now. I'm a bit relieved that the rib kicks have stopped, but I hope JellyBean turns the right way in time for delivery.
I'd like to point out that I am carrying low ... not high. I had a debate about this with some ... family members ... ;-) I compared my picture to OTHER people and have decided, whether y'all like it or not ... that I'm carrying low. I will compromise to ... in the middle. I have developped what might be called a craving for cucumbers and tomato sandwhiches. I've always liked them, but ... last night I had to wake up at 2 AM to have a tomato sandwhich. It was ... SO good, just so you know.
Although I have heard of this ... nesting phase thing ... obviously nesting has never been implanted in me. Well possibly in spurts or when I'm ... ready to deliver it might kick in. Now that we've finished renovating the new office, I look at the old office in dismay. It will eventually be the baby's room, by far the most important, but I get started in there and ... wander somewhere to hide after about 30 seconds. Or I get distracted by pictures. Or I get hungry ... Or I need to pee. There is endless possibilities really. Corey said he doesn't mind right now because he'd like to pay off some of the office renovations before starting on the baby's room and this gives him a little break. (He's not allowed to touch the papers in the office so he can't help. That and he gets distracted as easily as I do right now ;-)
On the work side of things, I seem to get spurts of ambition and spurts of ... non ambition if that's a word. I honestly miss the repeating work of numbers and calculations. I LOVE my preschool class, don't get me wrong ... but I don't thing event coordinator is my strong point. I'm pretty sure it's not. Yup ... definitely not. Obviously ... since I should be coordinating something right now and instead I'm here ... sigh.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Sugar Drink
Simple. Right. Drink this juice and wait and see how your blood handles it. Okay. I can do that. Other than it's a pain in my butt to sit at the hospital for an hour when I could be working. I was supposed to do it last week, but I didn't get around to it until yesterday. This ... is how it went.
I got to the hospital around one o'clock. Very unconcerned and feeling pretty positive about the whole thing. It was just a routine test after all. I put my paper in the little metal basket and had a seat. About two minutes later a nurse called me back and had me drink this super sugary orange pop. It was very carbonated. I mean seriously. Did I drink this as a kid? So feeling very hyper within seconds and a little lightheaded from gulping it down lol ... she told me I had to sit in the waiting room. No walking, eating ... drinking ... or chewing. So ... I sat.
Within about twenty minutes, I was dizzy and hot. very hot. So I took off my jacket and my boots. I know. Strange. Within another twenty minutes I was ready to throw up. I stood up and went to find a nurse, only to need to sit down. I sat there and told her I needed to lie down immediately. She called for another nurse who attempted to take me to a bed. I say attempted because we never made it ;-). I decided to lie down on the floor. Once on the floor I felt a lot better I have to admit. Within a few minutes I was up and in the room, lying down. I felt a whole lot better, although vibrating because of the sugar and JellyBean was on a sugar high too. Great.
When she came to take my blood I was doing better, but still very uncomfortable. I was told to stay until I felt better. Well ... I decided I felt better. I got my jacket and boots back on and left to go outside feeling very depressed that I had gestational diabetes. I was SO bummed and sad and blamed myself for eating chocolate. SIGH. I called the doctor and asked that he call me with the results on my cell phone tomorrow because I wouldn't be home. Sure thing. The receptionist even sounded bummed for me when I told her what had happened. The other receptionist passed on the message that I should walk and stay in the fresh air for a bit, try to keep walking so my blood works the sugar out a bit quicker.
The whole day I walked and walked and got fresh air trying to burn off that extra sugar. Finally, about the time we needed to get to my niece's birthday I was starting to feel decent. Luckily Corey was with me all afternoon so that if I felt like I needed to walk he could walk with me. We shopped for office furniture (that's another story lol) We went to the birthday and by about eight o'clock I was feeling very tired. On a downward spiral actually I think.
We were leaving and I talked to Deanna who mentioned that sometimes when you're really sick it means your body is handling the sugar properly. I felt a glimmer of hope. I went out to the car to wait for Corey and saw I had a message. I checked to see who it was. THE DOCTOR had called. I panicked. He called quite late in the evening. Something must be wrong. I checked my messages and grinned! I had a GREAT result! I shouldn't worry and if I had questions to call him back. I ... was SO relieved! Corey looked over at me and guessed the result. We were both very happy, well ... he was just because I told him if we had to get rid of all the sugar in the house he was going to have to suck it up. lol.
It was an interesting experience to say the least. PHEW. Glad it's over with lol.
I got to the hospital around one o'clock. Very unconcerned and feeling pretty positive about the whole thing. It was just a routine test after all. I put my paper in the little metal basket and had a seat. About two minutes later a nurse called me back and had me drink this super sugary orange pop. It was very carbonated. I mean seriously. Did I drink this as a kid? So feeling very hyper within seconds and a little lightheaded from gulping it down lol ... she told me I had to sit in the waiting room. No walking, eating ... drinking ... or chewing. So ... I sat.
Within about twenty minutes, I was dizzy and hot. very hot. So I took off my jacket and my boots. I know. Strange. Within another twenty minutes I was ready to throw up. I stood up and went to find a nurse, only to need to sit down. I sat there and told her I needed to lie down immediately. She called for another nurse who attempted to take me to a bed. I say attempted because we never made it ;-). I decided to lie down on the floor. Once on the floor I felt a lot better I have to admit. Within a few minutes I was up and in the room, lying down. I felt a whole lot better, although vibrating because of the sugar and JellyBean was on a sugar high too. Great.
When she came to take my blood I was doing better, but still very uncomfortable. I was told to stay until I felt better. Well ... I decided I felt better. I got my jacket and boots back on and left to go outside feeling very depressed that I had gestational diabetes. I was SO bummed and sad and blamed myself for eating chocolate. SIGH. I called the doctor and asked that he call me with the results on my cell phone tomorrow because I wouldn't be home. Sure thing. The receptionist even sounded bummed for me when I told her what had happened. The other receptionist passed on the message that I should walk and stay in the fresh air for a bit, try to keep walking so my blood works the sugar out a bit quicker.
The whole day I walked and walked and got fresh air trying to burn off that extra sugar. Finally, about the time we needed to get to my niece's birthday I was starting to feel decent. Luckily Corey was with me all afternoon so that if I felt like I needed to walk he could walk with me. We shopped for office furniture (that's another story lol) We went to the birthday and by about eight o'clock I was feeling very tired. On a downward spiral actually I think.
We were leaving and I talked to Deanna who mentioned that sometimes when you're really sick it means your body is handling the sugar properly. I felt a glimmer of hope. I went out to the car to wait for Corey and saw I had a message. I checked to see who it was. THE DOCTOR had called. I panicked. He called quite late in the evening. Something must be wrong. I checked my messages and grinned! I had a GREAT result! I shouldn't worry and if I had questions to call him back. I ... was SO relieved! Corey looked over at me and guessed the result. We were both very happy, well ... he was just because I told him if we had to get rid of all the sugar in the house he was going to have to suck it up. lol.
It was an interesting experience to say the least. PHEW. Glad it's over with lol.
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