"That Parent"

     Yesterday we had a bbq for Eric since he was in town.  We finally all got to be together for the first time in months.  So Matt was hogging holding the baby in the kitchen when all of a sudden Adrian peed all over him and mom's kitchen floor.  Thank goodness it wasn't the carpet!  Then it happened again while I was feeding him, and it just happened again today while I was holding him on my couch.  I think I know the solution but this subject has gone on long enough.  I don't want Adrian coming to me in 13 years asking why the hell I wrote about this stuff on the net.

     I'm going to do monthly pictures of Adrian on this chair, with the monkey to give a sense of scale, and because who doesn't love fun props?  Technically it's going to start at one month but I thought I would just stick a newborn picture in there too.  Kind of hard to do with such a squirmy baby, maybe I should have a back up plan.  My dad bought the monkey for him and I decided it will be his lovey.  I mean, I guess that's for him to decide but I'm sure it will turn out that way.

     Can you tell it's hard to decide which pictures to put up?  Hopefully he is plumping up, it's kind of hard to tell when I'm with him 24/7.  We have his 2 week check up at the doctor tomorrow and we are praying for a weight of at least 7 pounds and one ounce.  We weighed him on my dad's meat scale on sunday and he was 7lbs 2 oz so I think we've met our goal.  However the doctor's scale will have to agree with us.

     Matt keeps showing pictures to his coworkers.  He said he never thought he would be "that parent" but he is.  It's like that website that says "you used to be fun, now you have a baby" lol.  Except Matt is still fun, he just has new material to work with.

Getting the hang of things

We got off to a little bit of a rocky start because of my lack of self-confidence mixed with being overwhelmed by certain things, but the past few days have been really good.  Adrian sleeps for about 4 hours at a time at night. He has a couple times during the day where he is really awake and alert, but normally when he is awake he wants to eat.  He makes the funniest faces, like a deer in the headlights face that my mom calls the runaway bride look.  He makes little tiny squeaks before he starts crying.  I'm so glad that he loves the car!  I love having websites like the bump and hellobee that I can look at.  It's so nice to see what other moms have to say.  I promise I don't take medical advice from those sites    but it's cool to see how other moms do things and get recommendations for baby products.  So anyways, I finally got my camera back so here are some pictures:

Coming home from the hospital

Runaway bride look

Uncle Eric!

*Disclaimer: I promise he doesn't always have a pacifier in his face, this is a coincidence in these pictures!  He does love that thing though.

Adrian's Birth Story

So before you have a baby, everyone jokes around and says "get your sleep now, you'll need it! ha ha ha ha ha" and you're like "uh huh, as if I sleep well right now.  Can't you get a new line?"  I didn't expect to sleep a lot, but holy cow.  It's not Matt's fault but I get really jealous of him at night.  Well Adrian is sleeping right now so I'm blogging.  It would make more sense to sleep too, but I did take a nap earlier today so I would like a few minutes of me time.

I tried writing this last night but it was really dry so I decided to give it another go.  Notice the date I wrote that 39 week post about being done.  I wrote that 5 hours before I went into labor.  Figures huh?        If only I had known I would never sleep again.

I woke up at 4:10 AM with a horrible contraction.  I timed it using a calculator on the bump for a little while but they were irregular so I assumed they were false.  It hurt too much to go back to sleep so I tried a warm bath, which did nothing for me.  I ended up dealing with it for a couple hours and watching Daria, and trying to time them in case they got regular.  It was hard though, I couldn't tell exactly when they stopped because they gradually went away.  I finally called Matt at 8 (I was downstairs, he was sleeping in our bedroom) and told him to get downstairs.  Some guys came to put our new door in so Matt woke up just in time to deal with them.  Matt helped me time the contractions and I told my mom what was going on.  Finally they got to 2-3 minutes apart but not consistent and 90 seconds long.  My mom was convinced I was going to give birth on the toilet or something and told us to call the doctor and get to the hospital ASAP.  Even though Matt kept saying the same thing, I finally listened to my mom and Matt called the doctor.

We got to the hospital at 12 and Nebraska Furniture Mart called to say they would be at our house in 10 minutes with the changing table.  Good timing.  Obviously we had to reschedule.  I was convinced they were going to tell me to go home, false alarm, but nope.  I don't remember much except I was in lots of pain every 2 to 3 minutes and only 4 cm dilated.  Matt held my hand and my mom got there pretty fast.  Michelle came for support and brought a slushie, which granted her immediate entry.  Actually, being my sister granted her immediate entry.  Finally I was able to get an epidural (props to those who can handle it, but I could not) and I went to sleep for a little while.  They kept checking me and turning me from side to side.  My shoulders and neck hurt like hell and nothing would make it stop.  They were very tense.  The day is mostly a blur.  Eventually the epidural stopped working on my left side and I felt sharp pains in my back AND my front side.  It was awful.  After a long wait I got another epidural only to have it stop working around 2 in the morning.  So I got one more.  Anyways something made me sick and every time they laid me on my back I threw up, which was lovely.  The epidural slowed labor down so I got pitocin too.  The pitocin made me really shaky.  Come to think of it, pair all that with my breathing and moaning and it was kind of like the exorcist only my head didn't spin around.  And it was a positive thing happening.

So finally around 4 AM we all got to nap and at 6AM they said "time to push!"  So I had to get Matt up and he got mom and Michelle up and it was go time right away.  It took 40 minutes and I had no idea what was going on around me because I was in pain the whole time.  I kept thinking "this has to be my last push, how long can this take?" and I just wanted it to be over.  As much as everyone jokes about it, I never yelled at Matt or threw things at him. I think I was pretty calm the whole time.  I just wanted him near me the whole time.  I also wanted my mommy.  So finally he came out, and Matt cried and I heard Michelle and mom crying too I think.  Matt said his first thought was "holy cow thats a big baby.  holy shit that's MY baby!"  My first thought was that he looked just like Matt, and "thank god it's over".  Everyone says you're supposed to feel a big rush of feelings of love but I didn't.  Maybe the epidural prevented it?  I'm not sure but I know Matt got that feeling right away and I was jealous.  I never cry when I think I'm going to.  I was happy though, and I do love him so much.  I've always loved him.  I think there was just so much going on and I was exhausted.

They put him on my chest right away and said he got an apgar score of 9!  I felt bad that it took awhile before Matt could hold him.  I think I got some baby blues because I started feeling very incompetent.  I thought everything would come more naturally to me but I wasn't able to soothe him when he cried and breastfeeding took a lot more practice than I expected.  Matt has been absolutely wonderful.  You can see how much he loves his son, and he took very good care of me while I was in labor. Although my mom said he looked like he was going to pass out when I got the epidural, and one time while Adrian was coming out.  The nurse put a chair behind him.  He was also traumatized when my water broke; it was pretty epic.  I had told him it didn't gush out like in the movies (sorry, TMI) but now he keeps saying "you lied!" lol.  Matt is almost a natural, he talks so sweetly to the baby and has learned to swaddle and soothe him really well.  Every time they took him out of the room Matt was on their heels.  Matt's dad tried to convince Matt to go home and sleep one night for some reason, but thank goodness Matt refused to leave us.  Matt changes diapers and helps me get ready to feed Adrian.  I just feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband for me and a great daddy for my baby.  Now I'm going to cry, that counts right?

All I ever wanted my whole life was to be a mother and a wife. I hope Adrian will look back on his childhood as fondly as I look back on mine, that we can give him what he needs to become a good man, and that he chooses to love and follow God with all his heart. I look at this tiny little baby in my arms and I hate that he was born into a broken world; it breaks my heart that I can't protect him from everything. Love makes everything worth it though, and I can tell you this boy is surrounded by SO much love.

In conclusion, thank you mom and Michelle for all of your support during labor.  You guys are awesome!  We were very pleased with all of our nurses, they were so sweet, caring, helpful and they made me feel welcome; not like I was a burden or something.  Oh and I didn't find out until later that the cord was wrapped around his neck three times.  It's a very rare thing but thank goodness everything came out okay.  And thank goodness they kept me in the dark while it was happening.  I can't believe he has slept the whole time I've been writing this.  I don't have more pictures yet, patience grasshoppers!

He's Here!

Adrian Thomas Palmer was born on August 2, 2012 at 6:40 AM weighing 8lbs 1.4 ounces.  I left my camera at my in laws so I'll have to get more pics tomorrow but I do have a few from Matt's phone..  I think he looks just like Matt:

We got family pictures taken too so I'll get those on here.  I'll work on my birth story.  We are doing well but Adrian has to eat constantly so I don't get a lot of time.  I can't believe he will be a week old tomorrow!

39 weeks and done. Seriously, can this be over?

I didn't take a picture this week because I'm too damn tired and apathetic.  I just want pregnancy to be over and I want my baby.  Today I thought my water broke for a second but it didn't, false alarm.  Thank you, fun pregnancy surprises.  I've been having contractions all week though, all day long.  The bump has a handy contraction calculator which is awesome for those of us who suck at math. When I time them they are irregular.  Plus it's hard to time them because although it's easy to tell when they start, they gradually fade and it's hard to tell when they stop.  I suppose when it's true labor I'll be able to identify the stops and starts?

On Saturday we went to a friend's wedding.  It was at Mahoney state park, which made for a beautiful setting.  Matt was a groomsman so we got there early.  I had to tag along in case I went into labor.  By the end of the ceremony my legs were like tree trunks and they HURT.  My skin felt really tight like my legs couldn't get any bigger.  I got lots of sympathetic looks.  Thankfully, although it's been 120 degrees every day for the past month, it was only in the 90s or so and there was a glorious breeze.  I didn't even need the fan I brought that sprayed water.  I was so tired and so much in pain that we only danced to one song at the reception and left.  It was 10:00 though so I lasted quite awhile.

On some positive notes, the other day Matt had a bad day at work and he said he wished the baby had been born so he could hold him and feel better.  How awesome is that :)  Plus did I mention Matt's 86 year old paternal grandma is here from Virginia and she will get to see her first great grandson?  She has had some health scares so no one was sure if she would ever meet her great grand-babies.  Her husband passed away before Matt was even born.

On Monday I went to Target with mom and Michelle and ended up with a box of donuts, 3 pizzas, 2 tubs of ice cream, strawberries and what you could essentially call fat pants.  Isn't that a stereotypical pregnancy cart?  I got the fairly big, comfy pants for my way home from the hospital and if they fit well I can live in them while I'm recovering.  I really dislike all the pressure maternity pants put on my belly and I don't expect to fit into my normal clothes for awhile.

My next doctors appointment is on Thursday.  She said if I haven't delivered by my due date we will start discussing our options, which I'm assuming means an induction. She said babies start pooping and it can cause in infection so she doesn't like to go too far past the due date. My due date is Saturday so it would be nice if we could schedule an induction at this appointment.  Any time now Adrian!

38 weeks; Preparations and the waiting game

 Today I finished washing the baby's clothes! Not to mention his blankets, sheets, boppy cover, etc.  I am SO ready for this boy to be born.  I packed the hospital bag today.  There's a diaper bag I want at Younkers which I might pack the baby's things in, but it won't be a big deal if baby comes first.  

I'm not completely finished, but if I were to go into labor tonight I would be fine with what I packed.

In the bag:

*2 nightgowns (if they get ruined no biggie)
* light reading
*Sarah Bareilles, She and Him and Taylor Swift Cd's
*Camcorder
*hygiene essentials for both Matt and I (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, hairbrush)
*my boppy

Other things I still want to add but need to buy or that wont be put in until the last minute:

*the camera
*Matt's netbook
*cheap slippers
*some girl stuff just in case
*Matt's clothes
*insurance info etc.
*cell phone and charger
*my own pillow

Now this will be useful as I try to finish packing; I keep looking at lists on the internet for examples.  Hopefully my feet will stop swelling soon after, but I'm not holding my breath.

For the baby, we will obviously have the car seat put in the car and:

*A newborn outfit (although I'll probably have him wear Matt's pick, regardless)
*A 0-3 month outfit
*socks
*mittens (didn't realize the green ones were smaller, the big ones will probably fall off)
* receiving blanket, swaddling blanket

I've always been more of an over-packer.  It will probably be 100 degrees outside but he will mostly be in air conditioning.  Everything seems so real now, I can't wait to bring him home!

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain: 26 pounds

Maternity clothes?  I'm getting sick of them and can't wait to have my figure back and buy myself a new dress.  I deserve it after these cankles.  I mean, Adrian is the ultimate blessing and reward but a dress would be nice.

Best moment this week:  waking up in the middle of the night to Matt's hand on my belly feeling for the baby.  Also, all the insane speeches Matt gives him about geek trivia and woman advice.

Miss Anything? My clothes and feeling normal.    

Movement: He likes to stretch a lot!  I feel all kinds of movements all day long, especially when Matt comes home from work and talks to him.  One time I woke up at 4 in the morning and he was flailing about like nobody's business. 

Food cravings: Still anything cold (smoothies, ice cream, slushies mmmmm)

Food aversions: nothing in particular

Gender: Boy!

Symptoms: Did I mention the edema in my hands and feet? Also heartburn, stiffness and soreness.  I feel like an old person!

Looking forward to: The big day.  To which Matt has given the following code phrase: "Thundercats are go!" which he stole from Juno, but oh well.  He wants me to tell that to his work if I go into labor while he's there.  I don't think so dear.

A little sneak preview of the nursery.  We almost have all of the furniture but it still needs some work and some decorations.

I painted some letters to put above his crib.  So far that's the only decoration I have actually finished.  

Thankfully I am on maternity leave, so I have lots of time (supposedly) to work on making his room pretty.  If I run out of time or willpower, I don't think he will care.

Cankles and 37 weeks

We're getting ready for baby!!

I get so annoyed when people take forever to update their blogs, but here I am taking over a month.  I have a good excuse though; I’ve been trying to get my house together and for 3 weeks we stayed at my parent’s house.  They have the slowest internet ever.  I think my blood pressure goes up when I try to use it.  Plus I’ve been stuck on the couch an awful lot due to my enormous cankles.  My feet look like an elderly persons feet, and my ankles are MIA.  Only one pair of shoes fits me. This week we made it to 37 weeks!  That's full term!  I lost my camera charger and my camera died so I’ve been a complete failure on weekly pictures.  I think I have 3 from the past month and a half.  I’ll just put the recent one on here because I don’t know how to take the others off my parent’s camera. 

I'll have Matt take a better one.  Our mirror slims you down and I know my bump is bigger than this.  

My kitchen is finished, I have a lovely makeshift pantry, my living room is 95% finished and my bedroom doesn’t look much different than normal.  Adrian’s room is coming together nicely; Matt put the crib together and we got a hand me down dresser.  We are waiting for the rocking chair and changing table to come in.  I have most of what I need for the baby’s arrival; I just really need to get my hospital bag together.  We bought travel sized toiletries for it the other day and it made me feel like I was going on vacation.  Then I got slightly depressed that I’m not going on vacation.  Plus Mrs. Know it all is getting a wee bit nervous about being a parent, even though I know all about taking care of babies.  So I can only imagine what my husband must feel like.  I’m still counting down the days and once he is here I think I’ll feel better. 

We got a new couch for the living room!

It's gray with gray and yellow pillows.  I'll take pictures of the whole house when we are all finished.

So remember when I went on a whole rant about whether or not I should do childbirth or breastfeeding classes?  Then I decided not to?  Now I’m wondering if I missed something important.  We started our weekly appointments and my doctor said I’m 1 cm dilated at negative 2.  Which means baby is not stationed for take off yet. So the doctor was explaining it and she said “but you probably already learned this in your prenatal classes” and I was caught off guard so I said “…uh huh.”  Matt said I’m a bad liar.  We haven’t even done a tour of the hospital yet.  FAIL.  I need to just buy a book that’s all about bf, I’ll have support during labor and then I’ll have drugs so I think I’ll be fine.

I asked Matt what Adrian’s coming home outfit should be, and he wants him to wear this onesie that says “Daddy’s little monster”.  Aren’t I so nice to give him an opinion even though I would have chosen something different?  His first choice was a suit and I absolutely refuse to put my poor newborn in a suit, especially when it could be 100 degrees outside that day.  I think that onesie is a 0-3 month, so I’ll pick out a newborn outfit in case that’s too big and voila we have a compromise.  “Voila” makes me think of chicken voila. And now I’m hungry.

Now that things are getting settled I’ll have more time to blog again.  Then who knows what will happen when baby is born but I’ll still be blogging when I can.