Holy hiatus! Having a toddler an a newborn at home has this mommy feeling extra tired! At night, instead of doing things like blog updating, I am trying to sleep as much as possible between feedings. Thus, the blog has fallen towards the wayside lately. Anywhooo, as most (all) of you probably know, Leighton is here! She arrived at 7:59 am on May 24, and we are absolutely head over heels! I can't believe it has taken me this long to get around to posting her birth story, but here's how everything went down...
First things first, if you remember B's birth story, you know that I ended up with an emergency C section because he was sunny side up, and hours of pushing got me nowhere. However, my doctors (long story, I had two this go 'round because one ended up having to take a leave of absence during my pregnancy), were willing to allow me to do a VBAC if that was my choice. Had there been a guarantee that I would have been able to deliver via VBAC, I would have totally gone for it. I'm confident barring any unforseen complications, I could have done it. But, the unknown is what held me back. The last thing I wanted was a delivery experience like I had with B. I felt AWFUL afterwards. It was exhausting, and with him at home to take care of on top of a newborn, I just could not bring myself to fully commit to a VBAC. If I had gone into labor on my own before my scheduled surgery date, I probably would have attempted it, but that wasn't the case. The week before my surgery and L's birthday, I talked to my doctor one last time. Since it was looking like I would make it to my surgery date without going into labor, she let me know she was actually glad I chose a repeat C because she did not want me to have any chance of going through what I did with B, and due to his size, there was a good chance L might be bigger. In that case, I would have ended up with a C, anyway, because my frame is simply not large enough to birth a baby that size. Now, back to the birthday of our sweet, sweet L.
Barry and I awoke at 4 am to get ready for our 5:30 arrival at Presby. I showered, blew out my hair, and put on a little makeup. We had packed the car the night before, and we made the 20ish minute drive with no hiccups. I was immediately admitted to Labor and Delivery and into a pre-op room. My IV was started, they did a little bloodwork, and we just kind of hung out there until about 7 when we were taken back to my pre-surgery/post-op recovery area. I was a little nervous. I've never had surgery other than my other C, and I didn't even have time to think about being nervous for that! I was taken into the OR first to get my spinal block and they brought Barry back soon after once surgery was getting underway. There were no complications other than a tiny bit of nausea from the anesthesia. It was a routine C, and at 7:59 am, Leighton was here! My first reaction to seeing her was that she looked exactly like Branner did when he was a baby with more/darker hair. It was love at first sight for both Barry and I. He was a goner from her first second of life. I can only imagine how tightly she will have him wrapped around her little finger from here on out. Once I was out in recovery, she latched immediately with no complications (yay!!) and I was monitored and pretty quickly moved to the room where we would spend the next few days. My surgery went absolutely as well as could be expected! That afternoon, family and friends filled my room to meet sweet L. It was amazing. I felt great and was up moving around a little by that night. We left Monday morning to go home.
Since then, I have made a full quick and painless recovery. Leighton has settled into our crazy quite nicely. She is the most easy going, sweet baby imaginable. We feel so blessed and would like to thank all of those who called, texted, sent Facebook messages, brought meals, visited, sent gifts, and prayed for our little family!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Birthday Wish List
I turn 32 on Thursday, and while this year's birthday is going to be super low-key and a bit overshadowed by the birth of L, I still have a few things I want! After buying maternity/big girl clothing since last Fall, a couple of clothing items made my wish list. I cannot WAIT to buy some non-maternity clothes.
The list:
Found this while perusing the net for maxis a few weeks ago. I've been daydreaming of cute clothes for a while!
Rebecca Minkoff Baxter Sunglasses (I want Grey/Rose)
Because you can never have too many pairs of sunnies.
So cute, will work with breastfeeding, too! Score!
I still have my old diaper bag, but kind of want a new one in a fun, girly color...
Weeks 33-38 // Random Thoughts and The End
 |
| Top Row: Weeks 33-35 Middle Row Weeks 36-37 Bottom Row: Week 38 |
Well, here we are, just days away from Leighton's birth. After one missed bumpdate post, I got overwhelmed and took a little long break from the blog. I also had 4,748 things to get done, so it worked out. My lengthy to-do list has been completed. The nursery is finished (minus three pieces of dresser hardware that are en route--Barry accidentally ordered all hardware the same size, when the top three drawers required a smaller piece). Hospital bags are packed. My house is clean and organized. We are stocked up on all necessary household goods (and unnecessary ones, too). I've done my grocery and Target shopping for the week. We're as ready as we're going to get.
My mom comes to town tomorrow afternoon. We'll celebrate my birthday at some point Wednesday or Thursday. Right now, I'm just trying to make sure Branner is having fun and spending my time soaking him up. I'm trying not to think too much about Friday. I don't want to get nervous or scared or anxious. The only surgeries I've ever had are my wisdom teeth removed (does that even count?) and my other "emergency" c-section. So, knowing that I'm going in for a procedure could be a little scary if I allowed myself to think too much about it. My plan is to roll with the punches and worry about things once she's here. I'll have help for at least two weeks.
I saw my doctor for the last time before L's birth last Friday. Everything looks great. According to her, my weight gain is perfect, my blood pressure is great, and I'm measuring right on target (I was measuring ahead with B at 37 weeks, and he ended up being huge, so this was somewhat comforting). We talked about the scheduled c-section procedure. I feel so good about my decision. She told me she truly thinks it's the best thing for my situation and is actually glad I didn't choose to attempt a VBAC even though I am a good candidate. With Branner's size and complications, it's not a risk I am interested in taking. If you've labored and pushed only to end up in surgery, you understand what I'm talking about. It's not pretty and recovery isn't fun. I need to avoid that at all costs with another little one at home to take care of.
Lately, I haven't really felt up to the gym or working out. So, I'm giving myself a break. I think I need (and deserve) it! I busted my ass this time in the gym, and it certainly paid off. I have had a much, much easier pregnancy all around, and I credit it to making my fitness a huge priority this go 'round. I plan to pick it back up, ASAP, too! I'm already looking forward to going back to Cardio Dance and getting back into using weights like I was.
The past several weeks, I've been wearing mainly maternity clothes plus several of my regular maxi dresses that are somehow working with the bump. I've already ordered a couple new maxis for after L's arrival. I plan to live in maxis all summer long.
Overall, this pregnancy has been much easier than B's. I'm so thankful. We can't wait to meet our girl on Friday! By the end of this week, our family will be complete, and that is a super exciting thought!
My mom comes to town tomorrow afternoon. We'll celebrate my birthday at some point Wednesday or Thursday. Right now, I'm just trying to make sure Branner is having fun and spending my time soaking him up. I'm trying not to think too much about Friday. I don't want to get nervous or scared or anxious. The only surgeries I've ever had are my wisdom teeth removed (does that even count?) and my other "emergency" c-section. So, knowing that I'm going in for a procedure could be a little scary if I allowed myself to think too much about it. My plan is to roll with the punches and worry about things once she's here. I'll have help for at least two weeks.
I saw my doctor for the last time before L's birth last Friday. Everything looks great. According to her, my weight gain is perfect, my blood pressure is great, and I'm measuring right on target (I was measuring ahead with B at 37 weeks, and he ended up being huge, so this was somewhat comforting). We talked about the scheduled c-section procedure. I feel so good about my decision. She told me she truly thinks it's the best thing for my situation and is actually glad I didn't choose to attempt a VBAC even though I am a good candidate. With Branner's size and complications, it's not a risk I am interested in taking. If you've labored and pushed only to end up in surgery, you understand what I'm talking about. It's not pretty and recovery isn't fun. I need to avoid that at all costs with another little one at home to take care of.
Lately, I haven't really felt up to the gym or working out. So, I'm giving myself a break. I think I need (and deserve) it! I busted my ass this time in the gym, and it certainly paid off. I have had a much, much easier pregnancy all around, and I credit it to making my fitness a huge priority this go 'round. I plan to pick it back up, ASAP, too! I'm already looking forward to going back to Cardio Dance and getting back into using weights like I was.
The past several weeks, I've been wearing mainly maternity clothes plus several of my regular maxi dresses that are somehow working with the bump. I've already ordered a couple new maxis for after L's arrival. I plan to live in maxis all summer long.
Overall, this pregnancy has been much easier than B's. I'm so thankful. We can't wait to meet our girl on Friday! By the end of this week, our family will be complete, and that is a super exciting thought!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
31-32 Weeks // Single Digits
 |
| 31 Weeks and ready for Cardio Dance! |
 |
| 32 Weeks—Girls Night Out! |
The due date countdown has now reached single digits. This is really happening, y'all! We're going to be a family of four, like, soon. I'm slightly nervous about the first few weeks, but I'm confident we'll figure it all out. We did it once before, we'll do it again. Plus, we'll have my mom here to help and Kiki's coming, too! I'm getting a little more excited and a little more scared by the day about having a girl. I cannot wait to dress L!!!
Maternity clothes? YES! I am wearing everything maternity at this point except workout shorts/pants and the occasional maxi/stretchy dress. I even broke down and bought maternity workout tops, which should arrive in my mailbox any day now.
Sleep: Still OK to decent. Not waking up much in the night. My lower back is sore when I wake up.
Best moments lately: Getting L's nursery and dresser painted, her "new" glider being finished, lots of movement from her!
Food aversions: Sometimes meat.
Pregnancy symptoms: Lower back pain, sciatic nerve pain, frequent bathroom trips, fatigue.
Exercise: I'm still at it 3-4 times a week! Doing a mixture that varies of my MOMS class, Cardio Dance, and my prenatal pilates DVD. I am convinced this has kept the swelling at bay and the reason I am still feeling relatively good these days.
What I miss: Champagne, red wine, raw sushi, medium rare filets, my waistline, buying cute non-maternity clothes, my regular Spring/Summer wardrobe, and being able to shop at my favorite stores.
Weight Gain: No clue. I quit looking at the doctor, and scales are forbidden in this house.
Maternity clothes? YES! I am wearing everything maternity at this point except workout shorts/pants and the occasional maxi/stretchy dress. I even broke down and bought maternity workout tops, which should arrive in my mailbox any day now.
Sleep: Still OK to decent. Not waking up much in the night. My lower back is sore when I wake up.
Best moments lately: Getting L's nursery and dresser painted, her "new" glider being finished, lots of movement from her!
Food cravings: Smoothies, salads, tuna melts, iced tea, cooked sushi.
Food aversions: Sometimes meat.
Pregnancy symptoms: Lower back pain, sciatic nerve pain, frequent bathroom trips, fatigue.
Exercise: I'm still at it 3-4 times a week! Doing a mixture that varies of my MOMS class, Cardio Dance, and my prenatal pilates DVD. I am convinced this has kept the swelling at bay and the reason I am still feeling relatively good these days.
What I miss: Champagne, red wine, raw sushi, medium rare filets, my waistline, buying cute non-maternity clothes, my regular Spring/Summer wardrobe, and being able to shop at my favorite stores.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
29-30 Weeks // Homestretch
 |
| 29 Weeks |
 |
| 30 Weeks |
I'm knocking on the door of 31 weeks at this point (giving me a little over 8 weeks to go), and after a weird/terrible week of yet another sickness capped off by a visit from some sort of stomach bug, I'm feeling good again! Although I feel like a whale, this time around random people have been so complimentary and nice to me in the comment department.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers
I tried a new recipe last night that I was really impressed with! Not only was it easy and fast to make, but it was delicious. This is also a kid-friendly recipe. I modified some from the above recipe.
Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers
2 c chicken broth
2 c quick cooking brown rice
1 lb ground turkey (could use chicken or beef)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1 can tomato sauce
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
Bring chicken broth to a boil and cook rice in it according to directions on package. Once cooked, spread on the bottom of a 9x14 pan. Brown turkey meat with onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Drain and add tomato sauce. Mix well and pour over rice. Top with cheese and bake for 45 minutes at 350. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)