Instant Weight Loss

When I got pregnant, my starting weight was 126.

I gained a total of 33 pounds with Ethan.  When I came home from the hospital, I only lost 10 lbs.  Doesn't make sense to me.  I delivered an 8.5 baby and all the other junk and fluid too and that's all I lose?!


 I compared my photo from the week of my birth to that of a former one.  My body after delivery was the size of when I was 24 weeks pregnant. 

Since, I have lost 21 pounds.  I only have ten to go!  Woo Hoo!

Here is me at 17 weeks pregnant and 2 weeks after Ethan.  Looks the same to me.  Breast feeding rocks!  Go Ethan Go!

Baby war wounds

I wasn't prepared for all of the pain I would obtain from having a baby.  Let's begin with check in.  My labor and delivery nurse was putting in my IV and pricked my left hand.  She missed and left a bruise. 

She then pricked my right forearm.  There she left the monster of all bruises.  Finally she got another nurse who was able to find my veins.  Phew. 

There is there is the birth itself.  I had a third degree tear and whew.  That is super painful.

After delivery, I experienced swollen ankles.  Yuck!  My feet felt like bricks.  I couldn't even bend my toes.  My swelling was in my knees, ankles, and feet. 

Plus, I have blood on my bra and tank top from breast feeding.  I don't need pain killers for my tear, I need pain pills for my boobs! I prepared myself for the pain, but I didn't prepare myself for the throbbing pain when I wasn't feeding. 
Yes, there was some pain involved in child birth, but I can honestly say after one look at his beautiful face, I melt.  All pain is gone and I only feel love. 

Belly Pics

I can officially post my last photos of the growing belly.

35 weeks

36 weeks

37 weeks

38 weeks

39 weeks

40 Weeks

Ethan Andrew Is Here!

Ethan was due Valentine's Day.  As we all saw, he didn't come Monday. I had a doctor's appointment and she had me set an induction date.  She thought Ethan was a nice size.  Around 7 or 7.5.  I set the date for February 28.  (The latest she would let me go)

Tuesday came and still no baby.  It was amusing to my students that I showed up.  They were very confused.  Apparently to them babies have to stick to the due date.  That evening, on my way to homegroup, I stopped by Sonic and got a corn dog and jalapeno poppers.  Yummy.

I was exhausted so I went to bed pretty early.  Around midnight I woke up to pee and saw Jason wasn't in bed.  I figured I tossed and turned so he tried for one good night sleep in the guest bedroom.  At 1:00 I woke up and felt a squirt in my pants.  Eeeh, I totally knew my water broke.  I got up and looked for Jason.  He wasn't in the bedroom or bathroom.  I found him watching TV in the living room.  I was soo sad for him.  I told him I wish he would have gotten sleep because now he is going to be super exhausted because well, my water broke.  He got ready, took a shower, packed and I took a shower and packed as well.  I was very antsy about our bedroom not being vacuumed.  I wanted it clean for Ethan when he arrived because he would be sleeping in the playyard in our bedroom.  So we were all packed and ready to go while Jason stopped to vacuum.  Then we were ready.

We got to the hospital around 2:15 and I started getting "cramps."  I groaned to Jason, "Oh man the Jalapeno poppers are turning on me.  I got serious cramps.  I need to poop I think."  We checked in and got settled.  I was told I was dilated to a four at 4:00 AM.  I didn't realize that meant I could get an epidural.  I sat with Jason in labor and delivery while these "cramps" kept getting on my nerves.  I told Jason how stupid I was to eat something that hurts my tummy.  He helped me go back and forth to the bathroom because I kept thinking I had to poo.  We watched my contraction monitor and it kept saying I had contractions but I didn't feel them.  All I felt was the "cramps."  After a while I realized that the "cramps" were contractions.  I just didn't realize it. 

When I realized I could get rid of the contractions, I called for an epidural around 5:25.  Wow!  Who knew you could feel so great.  They checked me and I was a 5. 
Jason and I tried to get as much rest as we possibly could.  We were exhausted.  We woke up around 7:30 and I was told I was a 9.5.  I couldn't believe how quick everything was going.  I was going to meet my baby soon! 

At 9:30 our nurse told us we were fully dilated.  She had us try a practice push when the doctor came in.  She checked me and told me to stop pushing because I was only an 8?! 

We slept some more and by now I am hungry, tired, and dehydrated.  I snuck a lollipop and Jason got the nurse to give me a Popsicle.  All I could have were ice chips and they just weren't cutting it.  At around noon they announced I was indeed fully dialated and I started pushing at 12:15.  I thought this would be a breeze and was very excited about delivering.  Each contraction I pushed for ten seconds three times.  The doctor commented that my contractions were pretty long and I could go four times if I wanted.  I did that and then decided I could go three times but longer.  I was hard core.  I stayed at that pace for a while. 

After hour 2 of pushing I was slowing down.  I kept praying out loud and quoting scripture but I was getting discouraged.  My doctor, nurse, and Jason were great cheerleaders, but I really needed a prayer warrior in there so I called my mom in and they brought in another nurse.  My mom sat in the corner praying and I was able to push another hour.  During the contractions I tugged on a sheet with the other nurse through the contractions trying to push and pull to get him out quick.  The nurse was impressed that after three hours of pushing I was still able to have that much strength and energy.  I told her it was because after every push the doctor told me that this was it.  Almost there.  Just a little more.  And I believed her every time.  I think the doctor got worried because she called in the NICU nurses and had them on standby.  Once they came in, I called them my lucky charms because NOW this baby was coming out!  Praise the Lord when he came through I was so excited! 

Ethan Andrew born 3:37
February 16, 2011
8 lbs 5 Oz
21 and 1/4

Over the due date 1 day

This might be my last post with no child.  Weird.  What is it like being married with no kids?  Kind of boring.  Jason is in the living room watching TV and I am in the bedroom playing on the computer.  I check Facebook, The Bump, Blogger.com, and email on a daily basis.  I play words with friends and do a whole lot of nothing.  Here lately, I get home from work and take a nap.  Jason usually plans out our meals and we spend the evening watching DVR.  Our nights are very uneventful. 

Once Ethan gets here, I think it all is going to change for the better.  And I am so excited for that.  I look over at the playyard and imagine him in it.  He is going to have so much love from his family.  I feel him kicking a lot now.  They are stronger and slightly painful. 

I have made arrangements to induce, but really don't anticipate that happening.  I think he is going to come a lot sooner and on his own.  That's what I'm hoping for anyway. 

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ya, Tomorrow!

Baby Ethan is due tomorrow.  I'm ready.  I hope he decides to come.  I am ready to be face to face with my little one.  And it wouldn't be a bad thing if I wasn't stared at every where I went.  Jason and I were walking in the mall when a man looked at me and said, "Jesus!"  It made me sad.  Jason quickly recovered for him and said, "You didn't hear him finish.  He said, 'Jesus please watch over that woman and her unborn child.'"  What a sweet husband.  I'll keep him. 

Still no baby...due in two days

Ethan is happy in my belly.  I played him music this morning and he was dancing all around.  Jason and I love to watch him go.  It's funny the mixed feelings we have.  We want him now, but then again we have a few more things to buy so maybe if he can wait.  Either way, I am excited to see my baby.  Who will he look like?  I hope Jason's blue eyes with my dark hair and skin.  I can't wait to see him!

The Rings and less than 4 days...

Pregnancy has changed me only through the belly and my face is fuller.  And my fingers have expanded so that my rings no longer fit.  My engagement ring stopped fitting in October, and my wedding band stopped fitting in November.  Very sad.  I love my rings.

So for my maternity photos I really wanted to wear them so I smashed them on.  Please admire them in the photos below.

Thank you.  Now I know my pain wasn't in vain.

39 weeks 2 days and still no Ethan...

I think my doctor was wrong.  She said early labor, but the books say that only lasts 2-24 hours.  I'm guessing I just may make it to my due date after all.  Tough to know.  Personally, I am fine with whatever day he wants to come.  Though my buddy and maternity pic photographer is sick and I really wanted her to be there.  So maybe Ethan should wait a bit. 

Hello Early Labor and less than 5 days???

Looks like I may be in early labor.  I went to the dr. today after an early morning scare and Jason and I thought Braxton Hicks or false labor was our result.  I am much happier to hear it's early labor.  Makes me feel like it wasn't for nothing.  I am 90% effaced and 1.5 cm dilated.  Baby could come today, tomorrow, tough to know for sure.  One thing I do know is I need to catch up on some rest before he comes.  3 hours isn't going to cut it. 

Every pregnancy is different and 5 days remaining

This morning I woke up to what I thought was a tummy ache.  Then an hour later I started thinking it was contractions and timed them.  An hour and a half of consistent contractions and then they just stopped.  Jason and I are so unprepared for this phase.  We had no idea if we should go to the hospital, call the doctor, go to work, or what.  We are new to ALL of this.  And so now it is 7:00 AM, I've been awake for four hours, living on three hours of sleep, and I am very confused.  What just happened?  How can they call that false labor?!  That felt very real.  Oh well.  Another day another dollar. 

Thoughts and 9 days remain

This is going to be a long ramble.  I felt Ethan moving around like crazy and it made me laugh.  I talked to him and he was wiggling so cute.  It is weird to feel him so active and think in a week I will see him so active.  I'll get to hold him and rock him and give him lots of kisses.  I look over at the playyard and realize he will be in there!

This week I went to school Monday and work was tough.  Walking hurts so bad!  I teach one class that is upstairs on the opposite side of my classroom.  I call it the walk of pain.  I went to the chiropractor and he adjusted me and helped me some.  The biggest help was the ice storm we had Monday night.  I was able to be on voluntary bed rest this entire week thanks to the ice and snow that the Superbowl Steelers and Packers brought with them.   I've gained weight too.  Which is good because I lost a lb at my last appointment. 

I made a to do list I wanted to complete before Ethan arrived.  I think I was procrastinating the list because if I had nothing to do then he could come at any time and I had all the time to stress and get nervous.  But the truth is, I am ready.  He could come at any time and it would be ok.

My sister Cindy had her son two weeks early.  By this time he was already home.  So weird that if that were me I would already be holding Ethan right now.  Sigh.  I love my baby.  I can't wait to meet him.

10 days til Ethan and Nursery Complete!

It has been a long process starting Christmas break, but two months later it is 100%  finished.  Well, except for the changing pad so 99%.  I couldn't imagine a more beautiful nursery.  It is perfect!  Just add Ethan.

Made with love

I have zero craftiness and lack patience to make something handmade.  To me, that very gift is the most loving, sweet thing someone can do.  I picture the effort to buy, and create.  Time is such a generous gift.  Jason and I have been given so many beautiful items and I wanted to take the moment to recognize those beautiful people  who created them and show our gratitude.

Holly Plunkett created these adorable letters that we love so much.  She is amazing. 

Crystal Sullivan AKA my best teacher friend made this and I so am taking it with me to the hospital to hang on our door.

Julie Williams a co-worker, friend and one of my shower hostesses created these adorable handmade burpies, onesie, and towel.  I love them all!

My best friend from middle school and high school has the most talented mom, Sandi.  She created these adorable matching bonnets and blankets.  I love them so much. 

Lanae, my bible study leader from last year made me this gorgeous blanket with matching hat.  It's very soft too.  She's such a sweet and godly woman.

A co-worker  Kim Sullivan, whom I love made this cute blankie.  You can't see it real well, but it has hints of green which make it just that much more special. 

When I left my job in Irving, I missed my kids and went back to visit them.  I met their new drama teacher Stephanie Ball and immediately fell in love with her.  She is fabulous!  And extremely talented.  She made me this fabulous blanket!  I love her. 

I work with such amazing and talented people and Mandy Ginn is no exception.  She made me these fabulous receiving blankets with matching burp clothes.  And notice that they are embroidered.  She is sooo much fun.  And sweet.  And wonderful. 

This blanket was made by Jason's adopted grandma Mickey.  We love her. 

My sissy Valerie made me this blanket for Lil Ethan.  I love how it is two sided with a ribbon detail.  Very fun.  She also hostessed my shower and made a very adorable and delicious cake.  Jack of all trades. 

Jason's grandma "Honey" gave us these gorgeous handmade blankets made by Jason's second cousin Peggy. 

My sister in law Teresa, made this cute baby size blanket for lil Ethan.  He'll be so cute carrying it around. 

Jason's Aunt Patti is so amazing.  She is quite handy with a sewing machine and made me these cute receiving blankets and soft blanket for us.  We love her so much. 

My sissy, Cindy,  painted these for me and they are so precious.