Heart Go Boom-Boom 'a happy woman's attempt to tell the world what makes her heart tick'
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Rue's Epic Birthday
Monday February 8th: I was 41 weeks and 2 days post due. I was certainly ready to not be pregnant any longer. I was aching to hold my babe! At my check up that afternoon with my midwife I asked what natural remedies we could use to ‘get this show on the road!’ Sarah, my amazing midwife, was not as eager to get things going as I was and figured he needed ‘more baking.’ She said ‘we can pull out the ‘big guns’ [ie, castor oil, sweeping your membranes] on Friday if you haven’t gone into labor yet’. But she changed her tune after taking my blood pressure. It had suddenly spiked and she was concerned about preeclampsia [of course, it could’ve been due to all the crap food I ate at the Superbowl party the night before, but there was no way to tell] An exam revealed that my cervix was thin and soft, and 2 cm dilated. She suggested sweeping my membranes to get things going. She wanted him to be born ASAP! I was thinking Hallelujah!
On my 30 min drive home I began having contractions about 6 minutes apart. It was extremely difficult to drive as all I wanted to do was close my eyes and relax. Not a good idea with tractor trailers all around. I called my husband, but he wasn’t answering. Thanks babe, great time to not answer! I arrived safely home, and a few minutes later Chris arrived. “Good news, we’re in early labor!”
My parents had invited us to join them and a few mutual friends for a dinner party. Chris and I knew that we had a long night ahead of us, so we figured eating some food and seeing a few friends would be good for both of us. My parents live right around the corner so we enjoyed walking over to their house. When we arrived everyone was anxious to hear about the checkup. They beamed when we told them that labor was beginning. We celebrated our coming baby with a ‘pre-birthday’ party.
After an hour, we said goodbye and walked home. Eager to stay preoccupied during the early labor stage we played Wii bowling for about 2 hours. I was bouncing on my yoga ball and between contractions was getting strikes left and right. Around 9 pm Chris called our midwife Sarah to let her know that we were in early labor and would call again when we needed her. By 11 Chris was tried and fell asleep. I tried to sleep sitting up in bed, because when I laid down my back and hips hurt tremendously. So I didn’t have any luck sleeping. I was walking, pelvic rocking and swaying, but when a contraction came on it felt like my hips and thighs were being torn to shreds with a lawn mower. I was not expecting the pain to be so epic. The thing that helped the most was bearing down and squatting. I would hold onto the bathroom sink, the tub, the couch or the counter top. I was starting to cry and panic a little bit…I thought if this pain got worse I might not be able to handle it. At 1 am I woke up Chris and suggested he call Sarah. Right after that I got so nauseous I vomited everything till I dry heaved. I heard that was normal so I didn’t freak out. Contractions were coming about every 5 minutes at this point. I was so happy to see Sarah’s face, and a quick checked revealed I was 4 cm. Not huge progress, but progress none the less. My mom arrived at 6 am, looking fresh and glamorous and was bubbling “Hello! We’re gonna have a baby today” And I was moaning like a cow. She quickly got the picture that this was pretty serious business.
8 am I get in the birthing pool. I labored there for 6 hours. According to my husband (I had lost all sense of time) I progressed about 1 cm every two hours. Moaning, grunting, changing positions was how I got through the hours. I needed constant counter pressure on my back and my hips. My husband was an angel. He worked really hard to help keep me comfortable. If he was gone during a contraction I had to tell myself ‘You can do this alone. You CAN.’ There was one point that I said, ‘OK, I need this to be done soon. I need to be able to push.’
By 2 pm I had dilated to 9 cm, but there was a persistent interior cervical lip that would not move past his head. Sarah tried to push it out of the way during a few contractions. Having someone’s hand up in your vagina during a contraction hurts like hell. She suggested I tried to bear down a little and push to see if that would move it out of the way, which didn’t work and didn’t feel good. I wasn’t ready yet. Then came transition. I whimpered ‘Ok. I’m done. I want to run away. I want to go to Paris with my mom. I want to go shopping, and drink wine and eat cheese, and sip coffee and eat a croissant. I’m done.’ Sarah replied, ‘awww, you want a vacation with Chris?’ And I said ‘Nooo. I didn’t say THAT. I want to go with my MOM.’ My mom said, ‘If she goes to Paris with Chris THIS {baby} will happen again!’ We all laughed. It was perfect comic relief.
After 45 minutes of no luck with the cervical lip, Sarah suggested getting out of the water and pushing on the birth stool. I was 9.5 cm. With a few pushes, I was fully dilated.
Sarah and her assistant Angela pushed in my perineum with warm rags and told me to push with everything I had. So I did. And I roared. And Grunted. And made extremely sexual noises. And screamed. And then between contractions I feel asleep, hardcore, for like 2 mins. Then I threw up some more. I felt like a lion when pushing, and a lamb when it was over. I was weak and exhausted, and yet had so much adrenaline when pushing. Sarah showed me his head in the mirror, we could only see a little bit. More pushing. It felt like I was being ripped in two. There’s now other way to describe it. Finally the crown of his head was about half way out. When she showed me with a mirror again, this time my body took over with out my brain being involved, and I began shaking and groaning. It was so guttural, instinctual and powerful it was frightening. I could feel myself tearing. Sarah told me to back off and to stop pushing. ‘Stop pushing?!’ After pushing with everything inside of, NOT PUSHING was the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done in my life. I told her I was trying to stop but I couldn’t. She told me to breath hard in her face. While I did that I was thinking ‘OMG, my throw up breath must be soooooo awful. I’m sorry sarah!!’ She told me just ‘let the pressure be there, and just let his head hang there. Just let him slide out. Holy crap…………It was music to my ears when she said, ‘his eyes are out. His hose is out…..his cheeks are out… his lips are out! His head is out!’ The next thing I knew he had slid completely out and they placed him on my chest. Chris and I began balling as I held our son. I kissed his bloody head. I welcomed him to his house, told him I was his mama. So much love welled up inside of me. I was laughing. Shocked. In awe. Amazed. Relieved. Blissed out. It was incredible. 24 hours total, 16 hours of hard labor. One hour and 15 minutes of pushing. My little Ruehl Grayson arrived 7 lbs, 8 oz. 21.5 inches long.
In a nutshell, it was the most thrilling, beautiful and intense moment of my life. 2 weeks later and I’ve already forgotten the intensity of the pain. I think it is woman’s fatal flaw to forget the pain. It wasn’t quick, and wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding! Someone asked me ‘so now that you’ve done it naturally, next time are you going to get the epidural??’ I laughed. ‘No way. Never. I’m a home birthing mama and love it that way.’
The end… [and just the beginning]
On my 30 min drive home I began having contractions about 6 minutes apart. It was extremely difficult to drive as all I wanted to do was close my eyes and relax. Not a good idea with tractor trailers all around. I called my husband, but he wasn’t answering. Thanks babe, great time to not answer! I arrived safely home, and a few minutes later Chris arrived. “Good news, we’re in early labor!”
My parents had invited us to join them and a few mutual friends for a dinner party. Chris and I knew that we had a long night ahead of us, so we figured eating some food and seeing a few friends would be good for both of us. My parents live right around the corner so we enjoyed walking over to their house. When we arrived everyone was anxious to hear about the checkup. They beamed when we told them that labor was beginning. We celebrated our coming baby with a ‘pre-birthday’ party.
After an hour, we said goodbye and walked home. Eager to stay preoccupied during the early labor stage we played Wii bowling for about 2 hours. I was bouncing on my yoga ball and between contractions was getting strikes left and right. Around 9 pm Chris called our midwife Sarah to let her know that we were in early labor and would call again when we needed her. By 11 Chris was tried and fell asleep. I tried to sleep sitting up in bed, because when I laid down my back and hips hurt tremendously. So I didn’t have any luck sleeping. I was walking, pelvic rocking and swaying, but when a contraction came on it felt like my hips and thighs were being torn to shreds with a lawn mower. I was not expecting the pain to be so epic. The thing that helped the most was bearing down and squatting. I would hold onto the bathroom sink, the tub, the couch or the counter top. I was starting to cry and panic a little bit…I thought if this pain got worse I might not be able to handle it. At 1 am I woke up Chris and suggested he call Sarah. Right after that I got so nauseous I vomited everything till I dry heaved. I heard that was normal so I didn’t freak out. Contractions were coming about every 5 minutes at this point. I was so happy to see Sarah’s face, and a quick checked revealed I was 4 cm. Not huge progress, but progress none the less. My mom arrived at 6 am, looking fresh and glamorous and was bubbling “Hello! We’re gonna have a baby today” And I was moaning like a cow. She quickly got the picture that this was pretty serious business.
8 am I get in the birthing pool. I labored there for 6 hours. According to my husband (I had lost all sense of time) I progressed about 1 cm every two hours. Moaning, grunting, changing positions was how I got through the hours. I needed constant counter pressure on my back and my hips. My husband was an angel. He worked really hard to help keep me comfortable. If he was gone during a contraction I had to tell myself ‘You can do this alone. You CAN.’ There was one point that I said, ‘OK, I need this to be done soon. I need to be able to push.’
By 2 pm I had dilated to 9 cm, but there was a persistent interior cervical lip that would not move past his head. Sarah tried to push it out of the way during a few contractions. Having someone’s hand up in your vagina during a contraction hurts like hell. She suggested I tried to bear down a little and push to see if that would move it out of the way, which didn’t work and didn’t feel good. I wasn’t ready yet. Then came transition. I whimpered ‘Ok. I’m done. I want to run away. I want to go to Paris with my mom. I want to go shopping, and drink wine and eat cheese, and sip coffee and eat a croissant. I’m done.’ Sarah replied, ‘awww, you want a vacation with Chris?’ And I said ‘Nooo. I didn’t say THAT. I want to go with my MOM.’ My mom said, ‘If she goes to Paris with Chris THIS {baby} will happen again!’ We all laughed. It was perfect comic relief.
After 45 minutes of no luck with the cervical lip, Sarah suggested getting out of the water and pushing on the birth stool. I was 9.5 cm. With a few pushes, I was fully dilated.
Sarah and her assistant Angela pushed in my perineum with warm rags and told me to push with everything I had. So I did. And I roared. And Grunted. And made extremely sexual noises. And screamed. And then between contractions I feel asleep, hardcore, for like 2 mins. Then I threw up some more. I felt like a lion when pushing, and a lamb when it was over. I was weak and exhausted, and yet had so much adrenaline when pushing. Sarah showed me his head in the mirror, we could only see a little bit. More pushing. It felt like I was being ripped in two. There’s now other way to describe it. Finally the crown of his head was about half way out. When she showed me with a mirror again, this time my body took over with out my brain being involved, and I began shaking and groaning. It was so guttural, instinctual and powerful it was frightening. I could feel myself tearing. Sarah told me to back off and to stop pushing. ‘Stop pushing?!’ After pushing with everything inside of, NOT PUSHING was the HARDEST thing I’ve ever done in my life. I told her I was trying to stop but I couldn’t. She told me to breath hard in her face. While I did that I was thinking ‘OMG, my throw up breath must be soooooo awful. I’m sorry sarah!!’ She told me just ‘let the pressure be there, and just let his head hang there. Just let him slide out. Holy crap…………It was music to my ears when she said, ‘his eyes are out. His hose is out…..his cheeks are out… his lips are out! His head is out!’ The next thing I knew he had slid completely out and they placed him on my chest. Chris and I began balling as I held our son. I kissed his bloody head. I welcomed him to his house, told him I was his mama. So much love welled up inside of me. I was laughing. Shocked. In awe. Amazed. Relieved. Blissed out. It was incredible. 24 hours total, 16 hours of hard labor. One hour and 15 minutes of pushing. My little Ruehl Grayson arrived 7 lbs, 8 oz. 21.5 inches long.
In a nutshell, it was the most thrilling, beautiful and intense moment of my life. 2 weeks later and I’ve already forgotten the intensity of the pain. I think it is woman’s fatal flaw to forget the pain. It wasn’t quick, and wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding! Someone asked me ‘so now that you’ve done it naturally, next time are you going to get the epidural??’ I laughed. ‘No way. Never. I’m a home birthing mama and love it that way.’
The end… [and just the beginning]
Friday, February 19, 2010
"Brink Party of 3..."
This is our precious Ruehl at 9 days old. I never want to forget how tiny, sweet and innocent he is. Le sigh...
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Baby Boy is Here!
He's here. He's perfect.
7 pounds, 8 ounces, 20.5 inches long.
Our little prince Ruehl Grayson Brink arrived February 9th at 4:28 pm.
It was the most amazing, shocking, & thrilling moment of my life. The labor was long and intense, but produced the most magnificent little creature I've ever seen!
Welcome to the world my little bean! I'm so in love.
[birth story and more photos to come...I have to go nuzzle for a little while]
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
the cliff
40 weeks, 3 days. Still pregnant.
Not much of a surprise there, for a first time mom to go over due.
But so many emotions to sort and process. I didn't know exactly what I was feeling till I sent my husband a text that turned into a mini novel:
'This waiting is starting to mess with my head, particularly pertaining to my courage and gumption. Can I really do this? What I mean is, you know...like...standing at the edge of a cliff. The longer you stand and wait...and don't jump, the easier it is to believe you can't jump, won't jump, OR will die if you actually do. If you would've just run up to the edge without looking and jumped, there's only room for falling, not for doubting. I feel like I've been sitting on the lefge, dangling my feet. Twidling my thumbs. Whistling. Guessing how many feet till the waters surface and how cold the water will be.'
I shared that because...honsetly... I'm a little scared. Just a little afraid of this jump into the unknown. Of course I can do it, will do, and won't die. When push comes to shove, I will enjoy the jump, the fall and the plunge. I will swim in new waters and take it all in. I just hope my little boy is ready soon because this mama is ready to take the plunge.
Monday, February 1, 2010
O.N.L.S.
As the 'end' of the pregnancy is near, I've had many people offering their words of advice and comfort. Everyone seems to have their 'thing' that starts labor: Spicy food. Spicy Bedroom Playtime. Pedicures.
In my previous post I wrote about having lots of contractions. We were excited! To see if it was real labor, we burned a path around the kitchen table. We paraded up and down the stairs, marching band style, singing and playing air trumpet. I ate lots of food. I showered. I bounced on my yoga ball. We cleaned the kitchen and living. We watched the Grammys [what a snoozefest, right?] And the contractions seemed to be progressing! At midnight, we decided to go to bed, and figured that if it was real labor they would continue. At 3:30 I woke up from a comma. No more contractions. So frustrating.
SO! I was thinking today that since he is 40 weeks and 1 day, it is time to initiate
'Operation Natural Labor Stimulation'. [Tubing...skydiving...trampoline...] ;)
Got any ideas for me?
In my previous post I wrote about having lots of contractions. We were excited! To see if it was real labor, we burned a path around the kitchen table. We paraded up and down the stairs, marching band style, singing and playing air trumpet. I ate lots of food. I showered. I bounced on my yoga ball. We cleaned the kitchen and living. We watched the Grammys [what a snoozefest, right?] And the contractions seemed to be progressing! At midnight, we decided to go to bed, and figured that if it was real labor they would continue. At 3:30 I woke up from a comma. No more contractions. So frustrating.
SO! I was thinking today that since he is 40 weeks and 1 day, it is time to initiate
'Operation Natural Labor Stimulation'. [Tubing...skydiving...trampoline...] ;)
Got any ideas for me?
it's my blog and I'll cry if I want to...
Hey doves,
Last night was a full moon and our boy's 'Due Date'. We were all hoping for baby to emerge.
And with timing 3 hours of contractions varying in intensity & frequency [just a few minutes apart], I thought I would be last night for sure!
Ok. So. No baby. [I am currently taking applications for my 'Woman's Intuition' because I fired mine.] I am TRYING to stay busy, and positive, and hopeful, but seriously...I'm so frustrated. And Bored. To tears. I feel like I can say that because....well this is my blog, and you are my friends. And you wont judge me, right? Just encourage me.
I KNOW he is going to be here soon....but I am beginning to grow so frustrated with 'false alarms'. Next time I have regular contractions I am going to ignore them until I can't walk or talk until they are over. Then that way I will know he's coming for sure. At that point I hope there will still be time for the midwife to arrive!? :)
Keep me in your hearts and prayers please!
xox, Y
Last night was a full moon and our boy's 'Due Date'. We were all hoping for baby to emerge.
And with timing 3 hours of contractions varying in intensity & frequency [just a few minutes apart], I thought I would be last night for sure!
Ok. So. No baby. [I am currently taking applications for my 'Woman's Intuition' because I fired mine.] I am TRYING to stay busy, and positive, and hopeful, but seriously...I'm so frustrated. And Bored. To tears. I feel like I can say that because....well this is my blog, and you are my friends. And you wont judge me, right? Just encourage me.
I KNOW he is going to be here soon....but I am beginning to grow so frustrated with 'false alarms'. Next time I have regular contractions I am going to ignore them until I can't walk or talk until they are over. Then that way I will know he's coming for sure. At that point I hope there will still be time for the midwife to arrive!? :)
Keep me in your hearts and prayers please!
xox, Y
Thursday, January 28, 2010
i heart recipes
Most lovely days as I make dinner at 5:00 pm, I watch Ina Garten on the Barefoot Contessa. I love to write down her recipes in a little note book I keep in the kitchen. I'm always on the hunt for new recipes. I LOVE FOOD, I just can't help it!
So, I was glad to stumble on this little gem Honest Fare by Gabi [who I gather is Cole's sister from Pacing the Panic Room] I have not made any of her recipes yet, but the pictures alone get my mouth watering!
She has some great baby food recipes that I am eager to try...guess I have to have a baby first? I'm working on that.
Buon Appetite!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Last of the Confessions Series
1. My midwife says, 'ok, could be tomorrow, or 3 more weeks!' Sweet Lord, Have Mercy.
Was that meant to be encouraging or torturous? Because it was lots of the latter. Realistic, YES. Hard to hear, YES.
2. I was brave, and went to church on Sunday. On the drive there I braced myself for the questions & comments: 'When are you DUE? You haven't POPPED YET!?!? Are you excited? You don't LOOK as miserable as you're probably feeling! You have totally dropped, it's going to be soon! Oh, you haven't dropped yet...It's going to be at LEAST three weeks.... ETC.
[for the record, I was asked nearly all those...and more]
3. As I type this, '18 Kids and Counting' is on tv. I should watch it more...it's pure birth control.
4. While I am hoping The Prince arrives soon, I really hope that I can get over this funky cold first! I sound a little drag queen-ish, I'm stuffed up, and I cough all night. Wahhh.
5. My pelivs bones feel like they are going to shatter....that's a sign he's coming soon, Right?
6. This Sunday, the 31st, is the offical due date. And, there is a full moon. I've heard that more babies are born around the full moon.....Fingers Crossed!
7. His nursery is done. It makes me happy. I'll post pictures...
8. Baby and I are both healthy.
9. Can this belly get any bigger?
10. D-day. Come soon. I want to meet you offspring!!!
Was that meant to be encouraging or torturous? Because it was lots of the latter. Realistic, YES. Hard to hear, YES.
2. I was brave, and went to church on Sunday. On the drive there I braced myself for the questions & comments: 'When are you DUE? You haven't POPPED YET!?!? Are you excited? You don't LOOK as miserable as you're probably feeling! You have totally dropped, it's going to be soon! Oh, you haven't dropped yet...It's going to be at LEAST three weeks.... ETC.
[for the record, I was asked nearly all those...and more]
3. As I type this, '18 Kids and Counting' is on tv. I should watch it more...it's pure birth control.
4. While I am hoping The Prince arrives soon, I really hope that I can get over this funky cold first! I sound a little drag queen-ish, I'm stuffed up, and I cough all night. Wahhh.
5. My pelivs bones feel like they are going to shatter....that's a sign he's coming soon, Right?
6. This Sunday, the 31st, is the offical due date. And, there is a full moon. I've heard that more babies are born around the full moon.....Fingers Crossed!
7. His nursery is done. It makes me happy. I'll post pictures...
8. Baby and I are both healthy.
9. Can this belly get any bigger?
10. D-day. Come soon. I want to meet you offspring!!!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
[insert the Jeopardy Theme song here]
Oh the waiting.
I read this a few days ago and was so deeply encouraged.
Romans 8, the Message Translation
24.That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. 25 But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. 26 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. 27 He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. 28 That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
I read this a few days ago and was so deeply encouraged.
Romans 8, the Message Translation
24.That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. 25 But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. 26 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. 27 He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. 28 That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
a new family member
We have a new family member!
He's sweet, adorable, soft, and...orange?
Ardi the Ardvark is here!! I can't believe how excited I am over my kids stuffed animals.
oh, what? was that cruel? ;)
living in a dream world
It's 2:26 am.
I can't sleep.
It's not that I ain't tired.
I just can't stop thinking about him.
When i'm awake I dream of him.
I feel like I'm cliff hanging.
It's the midnight hour.
He WILL be here soon.
I don't want to sleep, my heart is too full of excitement, and anticipation.
I feel like i will burst.
I had some tea, toast, a juicy pear, and some search time for cloth diapers.
At 2:26 am, I am exhausted and thrilled for these next few days/weeks of waiting.
I'm living in a dream world.
I can't sleep.
It's not that I ain't tired.
I just can't stop thinking about him.
When i'm awake I dream of him.
I feel like I'm cliff hanging.
It's the midnight hour.
He WILL be here soon.
I don't want to sleep, my heart is too full of excitement, and anticipation.
I feel like i will burst.
I had some tea, toast, a juicy pear, and some search time for cloth diapers.
At 2:26 am, I am exhausted and thrilled for these next few days/weeks of waiting.
I'm living in a dream world.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
let's do this! (and I'm scared out of my mind)
my friend asked me 'So, how are you feeling? Are you sad, anxious, nervous, excited, avoiding people cuz you can't bear to hear anyone else say "Still hanging in there?" Not going to church? I get it!'
That couldn't describe my feelings more! Wednesday I was a shining, smiling, giddy ball of joy and energy- so ready to meet him. The crib had arrived, the birth pool arrived (hooray!) I took some belly pictures with a friend, and even got my hair cut and colored. I WAS PUMPED. 'Ok baby, you can come now!' I said. Thursday? Thursday I cried into the simmering pot of rice and beans. I thought 'I am going to be so needed by another human being...but I still need to be taken care of. I still need my mom. The idea of that is so overwhelming'
But Wow, my SON! My first born son. I can't wait to meet this little life and grow to know who he is! What an honor.
That couldn't describe my feelings more! Wednesday I was a shining, smiling, giddy ball of joy and energy- so ready to meet him. The crib had arrived, the birth pool arrived (hooray!) I took some belly pictures with a friend, and even got my hair cut and colored. I WAS PUMPED. 'Ok baby, you can come now!' I said. Thursday? Thursday I cried into the simmering pot of rice and beans. I thought 'I am going to be so needed by another human being...but I still need to be taken care of. I still need my mom. The idea of that is so overwhelming'
But Wow, my SON! My first born son. I can't wait to meet this little life and grow to know who he is! What an honor.
I get the question 'Are You Excited?!' daily. Answering yes is the understatement of the year.
I am. I sooo am. Ready and scared shitless. But that's normal. Right? right. riiight?
Baby ticker says 19 days, but I'm feeling some deep movement, pelvis pressure, and contractions, so we'll see. Maybe sooner? (yippeee!)
xo, Y
Best of 2009
My Favorite Moments of 2009:
Buying our first house!
Moving in. Hah.
Meeting baby Naomi & becoming Auntie Yaya
Celebrating my Mom & Mom-in-law at my house on Mother's Day. Little did I know, we concieved that day. So technically I was a mom too, and didn't even know it!
The shocking second pink line.
[this would also fall under the category of most scary moment of 2009]
One year Mawwied! Weekend trip to DC
Secretly filming his parents as we reveal our big surprise
My 25th birthday bash. Pregs. So much fun!
A visit from my best friend Kate. I'm rocking my 20 week bump, and she was rocking her new Rock, from freshly proposed fee-yawn-cay, Mr. Petrick.
Going to see my friends Mute Math in concert.
My Baby Shower. The gifts were great, the female chatter was roaring, and the food was bangin'. My mom rocks.
Our trip to San Francisco!
Our 'Last-vacation-with-out-a-baby-for-a-few-years-trip' to San Fran.
2nd mawwied x-mas. First in our home, and first ever pregs.
One year Mawwied! Weekend trip to DC
Secretly filming his parents as we reveal our big surprise
My 25th birthday bash. Pregs. So much fun!
A visit from my best friend Kate. I'm rocking my 20 week bump, and she was rocking her new Rock, from freshly proposed fee-yawn-cay, Mr. Petrick.
Going to see my friends Mute Math in concert.
My Baby Shower. The gifts were great, the female chatter was roaring, and the food was bangin'. My mom rocks.
Our trip to San Francisco!
Our 'Last-vacation-with-out-a-baby-for-a-few-years-trip' to San Fran.
2nd mawwied x-mas. First in our home, and first ever pregs.
Giving my sweet man his guitar
There are many many more beautiful memories that only my heart holds.
There are many many more beautiful memories that only my heart holds.
ok, 2010. What'chu got? Bring it!
Monday, January 4, 2010
new years ressies
I am not much of a new years resolution person, mainly because I don't like not doing what I say I want/plan/hope to accomplish.
BUT. If I did have a list, it would look something like this:
Learn how to be a mom.
Forgive myself as I make mistakes as I learn how to be a mom.
Not have so much disdain for Nicholas Cage, his hairline and his movies.
Learn to love my husband more/better through his love languages.
Love doing the dishes. [cringe]
Enjoy every moment with my baby. [even the poopy, crying, late sleepless nights]
Not have so much disdain for football.
I have many more real resolutions and even more sarcastic and fake ones, but I'll keep this list short and sweet.
What resolutions did you make that you'll actually keep?
xo, Yana
Friday, January 1, 2010
'it's the final countdown'
This is it. DAY ONE of 2010.
This is the year that my first baby will be born!
I will become a mom, for the rest of my life!
Seems so surreal. He has a short few days of growth inside, and a lifetime on the outside. What a journey...what an adventure!!
When I woke up this morning the first thought on my mind [besides 'oh my back! my baaaccckkk....ugh!!!] was "it's the final countdown!" -I joke that this is the song what I want playing when I transition into the pushing stage of the delivery. May I present, a magian named GOB.
This is the year that my first baby will be born!
I will become a mom, for the rest of my life!
Seems so surreal. He has a short few days of growth inside, and a lifetime on the outside. What a journey...what an adventure!!
When I woke up this morning the first thought on my mind [besides 'oh my back! my baaaccckkk....ugh!!!] was "it's the final countdown!" -I joke that this is the song what I want playing when I transition into the pushing stage of the delivery. May I present, a magian named GOB.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Holiday Highlights
our home was christened this year by the first christmas.
some of my favorite moments are:
trivial pursit smack downs
watching christmas movies
not leaving the house for 4 days
making and decorating sugar cookies
eating said sugar cookies
christmas eve dinner
baking apple pie
staring at the tree with my dog neice Bella on my lap
giving presents to my favorite people
the endless ribbing of my sister and brother in law to produce a cousin for our baby
[amy, if you're reading this, know that it won't stop until you call and tell me you're pregnant]
being 8 months preggs kept the fawning at a maximum and the chores to a minimum [SCORE]
giving my husband the best gift ever- a beautiful guitar
it was a sweet sweet christmas indeed!!!
some of my favorite moments are:
trivial pursit smack downs
watching christmas movies
not leaving the house for 4 days
making and decorating sugar cookies
eating said sugar cookies
christmas eve dinner
baking apple pie
staring at the tree with my dog neice Bella on my lap
giving presents to my favorite people
the endless ribbing of my sister and brother in law to produce a cousin for our baby
[amy, if you're reading this, know that it won't stop until you call and tell me you're pregnant]
being 8 months preggs kept the fawning at a maximum and the chores to a minimum [SCORE]
giving my husband the best gift ever- a beautiful guitar
it was a sweet sweet christmas indeed!!!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
one month and counting...
I am SO excited to share that we have ordered our La Bassine birthing pool. Leigh from Marvelous Kiddo used the same one, and I consider her an inspirational mama and birthing guru, so naturally it was the first pool I looked at.
I'm busy collecting the remaining items we need for our home birth, and I feel like I need more time. Yet...it seems like it can't come soon enough. I can't wait to meet you Baby Brink.
le sigh!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Confessions
The 'Confessions of a Pregnant Woman' series has been really fun for me. I've enjoyed sharing the ins and outs of my pregnancy with you all. But you know what's crazy? There's only time for one or two more of them! So without further ado....
1. Every day (and sometimes hourly) I voice the same phrase as though I have never said it before: 'He is coming soon. He is going to be here soooooo sooooooonnnnn.
2. We are calling the birth 'D-Day'. Um, What? Doesn't the WWII storming of the Beach of Normandy, France conjure up thoughts of a serene home birth to you?? Ok, so not exactly. But it works for me...
3. I have been carrying my sister's dog around in my sling, to practice babywearing.
4. Baby is growing big and the room in there just doesn't seem as adequate as before!
Now I have little toes jamming into my ribs. However, his head is down which is great because it's likely he won't be breech. I will take inflamed ribs any day!
5. He has hiccups every day. So funny. I tell him not to be scared. Don't you think hiccups might be scary to a baby?
6. I am starting to get uncomfortable. Like oh god I can't breath uncomfortable. Thankfully he dropped a little yesterday so I can breathe a little better, but my bladder is not impressed!
Maybe the twice nightly peeing is the way the body prepares for nighttime feedings? It's saying get used to this sister...you have a few more months to go.
7. Honestly, I do feel beautiful. My husband tells me so every day, which helps.
8. I really miss my skinny jeans.
9. D-day is 36 days away according to the ticker, but earlier would work just fine for me.
10. I love to hate Braxton Hicks. I have them daily, and I'm glad my body is warming up. I think I might be dilating a little bit, so maybe he will come a little early? Fingers crossed!!
1. Every day (and sometimes hourly) I voice the same phrase as though I have never said it before: 'He is coming soon. He is going to be here soooooo sooooooonnnnn.
2. We are calling the birth 'D-Day'. Um, What? Doesn't the WWII storming of the Beach of Normandy, France conjure up thoughts of a serene home birth to you?? Ok, so not exactly. But it works for me...
3. I have been carrying my sister's dog around in my sling, to practice babywearing.
4. Baby is growing big and the room in there just doesn't seem as adequate as before!
Now I have little toes jamming into my ribs. However, his head is down which is great because it's likely he won't be breech. I will take inflamed ribs any day!
5. He has hiccups every day. So funny. I tell him not to be scared. Don't you think hiccups might be scary to a baby?
6. I am starting to get uncomfortable. Like oh god I can't breath uncomfortable. Thankfully he dropped a little yesterday so I can breathe a little better, but my bladder is not impressed!
Maybe the twice nightly peeing is the way the body prepares for nighttime feedings? It's saying get used to this sister...you have a few more months to go.
7. Honestly, I do feel beautiful. My husband tells me so every day, which helps.
8. I really miss my skinny jeans.
9. D-day is 36 days away according to the ticker, but earlier would work just fine for me.
10. I love to hate Braxton Hicks. I have them daily, and I'm glad my body is warming up. I think I might be dilating a little bit, so maybe he will come a little early? Fingers crossed!!
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