Jason's Army Send Off Party

We had a little party to celebrate and bless Jason as he prepares to head for the Army next month. He will be gone for training for several months while we stay back and live with my parents. Many of J's co-workers from the city stopped by, as well as a few family and some friends from church. The cake was made by my talented friend Amanda. It was my favorite part! :) We also had a blessing box where people wrote words of encouragement and blessings for Jason to have to take with him. We had so much fun and were so blessed by the people that came to show their love and support!

6 weeks!

My, how time flies! My baby girl (#2) is going to be SIX weeks old this saturday! I am so blessed by the sweet baby that Selah is. She has made life so much more complete for me, it's unreal. After I first had Rebekah, I never thought I could love three babies the same amount that I loved her. Now, I can only try to explain the crazy amount of love I have for each of my "babies." It's amazing what God does in a mom's heart and how each child can hold such a sweet and special place in her heart!



At 5 1/2 weeks, Selah:

-is smiling! We love it and try to make her do it more and more! I'm sure we look crazy trying!
-loves her big sister and brother! She gets quiet every time Bekah talks and sings to her!

-eats like crazy and is growing like a weed! I weighed her tonight with me and she is a whopping 10 lbs!

-loves to be talked to (and has since she was first born!) She can be crying and will usually stop when someone holds her close and talks to her. Love this!

-is great at sleeping, but we're working on consistency! She was sleeping for 4 and 5 hours straight around the same time every night. Now, she will still sleep around 3 hours at a time, but it's not on a consistent time schedule! Either way, this is WAY better than my first two! and she is letting me put her in the pack n play after each feeding to sleep, which is also better than R and N! Both of these things make for more restful sleep for both me and Jason!

-loves her swing! (This is probably one of the best gifts we've ever gotten, baby gear wise!)

I can't tell you how much more I've been able to just enjoy Selah for what she is (a newborn!) and not wish her life away like I did with Bekah and Noah (although it probably helps that she is a little more easy going than they were!) If you are a mom, you may be able to relate to what I am talking about. I think it's so easy to wish that they were just out of the "sleepy newborn" stage so you can interact with them more; wish they were sleeping through the night so you could get some sleep; wish they were just able to sit up, crawl, walk, or whatever the next milestone might be, just so they could be a little more independent. Then before you know it, they are big kids, walking, talking, and growing like crazy. And from what I hear, you blink and they are grown up and you don't remember how you got there.

I do NOT wish that for myself (or anyone else for that matter), and have been constantly reminded by the Lord that there is a season for everything and to enjoy each moment of each season - even when it gets difficult. I don't know what changed for me with this baby, but I am so glad it did. And I am grateful that the Lord is showing this to me now instead of when it's too late to change my way of thinking!

Now I realize just how precious these first few weeks are and how quickly things change! When you are going through the sleepless nights (and trust me, I have and still do) it's hard to hear a veteran mom tell you that it'll be "over before you know it". You would rather laugh in disbelief! But truly, I am seeing just how right those moms are!

Every little heartmelting smile Selah gives me, every sweet little cry, every "baby noise" she makes - are all reminders to soak her up, drink her in, and savor these moments of her little life. Because before I know it, she will be all grown up, in college, and too busy for me at times! And I don't want to miss out on what I can help in the meantime!

What do you think? Do you have any examples of how God has taught you a lesson (child-related or otherwise?) Please share!

Praise the Lord for these little (but oh so important) revelations! Hope you are enjoying your Wednesday!

New Pics

A wonderful friend of mine took some great pics of the kids at her house on the land they have in the back. They turned out so good and we ended up gifting them for Mother's Day. On that note, I had a wonderful Mother's Day this year with my 3 sweet blessings. Last Wednesday we celebrated at my sister's house with my mom and Sunday we celebrated at J's aunt's house with all of his dad's side of the family and his mom. J had to work both days but the kids and I enjoyed all the great company. :) Here are those pics (they haven't been edited, but I was too excited to share)! Thanks Kara!

How did you spend YOUR weekend/mother's day?

Check it out!

Another great giveaway at The Mommypotamus! Go here to enter and win!

Baby Naming Contest

My friend Heather is hosting a contest over at

The Mommypotamus!

All you have to do is help her with baby names! A gift certificate to Etsy is up for grabs...and who doesn't love Etsy?

Selah's Birth Story

Well, I know I said that this would be the condensed version of my birth story with Selah. But if you know me or have been following my blog for very long at all, you would know that I don't know how to tell a "short" story. :) I write how I talk, and I talk in detail. So, here it is....my birth story in all its glory. Enjoy!

The Name:

Selah (pronounced SAY-luh) is found in the Bible, mostly in Psalms. It means to "stop and listen" or "pause and reflect." It was J's idea for a name, and it quickly grew on me throughout this pregnancy. I love it because God wants us to be still and listen to Him. We cannot hear His voice unless we get quiet and stop and just listen. With all that has been going on in our lives, He has constantly reminded us of this, and we thought it was perfect for this baby's name!

Selah's middle name, Grace, was one that I had liked before she was born. We had a few others that we had been mulling over as well. We finally decided that we would decide for sure when she was born and let it go. Well, when all was said and done, my sweet friend and chiropractor said that God's grace was all over this labor story. And we decided that Grace had to be part of her name!

The Story:

I started having contractions on Friday morning(april 2) around 6am. My sister came that morning and took Rebekah to Casa Manana to see Cinderella as a birthday present. We met her for lunch to take Bekah back from her and by that time contractions were still coming, just not consistently.

However, my sis offered to take both Rebekah and Noah from us so that we could run errands and so that I wouldn't have to worry about anything while I was feeling uncomfortable. So after lunch we went to my scheduled prenatal appt. Both my midwifes agreed I could be this way for days.

They never checked my progress, but we did the litmus test to make sure my water hadn't broken (I was feeling some leakage with every contraction..sorry if tmi! ha!). It hadn't, and they said that third babies are always unpredictable, so we went on about our day expecting for this to probably be awhile.

We ate an early dinner with my parents, ran by Target (there was a robe I really wanted to buy for after the birth!) and went to pick up the kids around 7:30pm. By this point contractions were stronger but not longer or closer together...just still very unpredictable.

{This was at my sister's house Fri night - in between contractions..haha!}

Still, my sister offered to keep the kids overnight. I was relieved that she offered. I was emotionally worn out because I didn't know what to expect. The contractions would change when I stood up, walked, or changed positions in any way, and I know that this happens in early labor, but I didn't know how to plan. I thought it would be a long couple of days if we let the kids stay and then this wasn't the real thing (they don't sleep well anywhere but home), but I knew the break would be good.

We finally agreed to let her keep the kids. We went home for Jason to shower and get a few things, picked up something to eat, and then decided to stay the night at my parents' house. This is where we planned to have the baby anyway (if you are wondering it's because we live in an apartment and because everyone willing to watch the kids lives close to my parents...we are at least a 30 min drive out), so we decided we didn't want to have to drive over there in the middle of the night if at all possible. I spoke to my midwife, Cindy, once we got home and I was waiting on Jason. She urged me to rest and spoke words of encouragement over me as I confessed I was frustrated and needed reassurance of when I was supposed to call her and Donnellyn (my other midwife).

We made it to my parents' house about 12am. We got settled and I know from experience that hot showers/baths will either slow down or speed up labor depending on if it's "real" labor or not. So I ate, got in the bath for a long time and they slowed down quite a bit. I then rinsed off in the shower, drank some red wine (per midwife's recommendation :) and tried to sleep. This was around 2:30am. Jason was up late on the computer because he thought I'd have had the baby by then. But he finally came to bed around 3:30am. The whole time I was in bed I would wake for contractions then fall back asleep. When J came to bed, he helped me through a few of them and supported me....and then fell asleep. :)

Around 4am I felt wet. Now, since I had been feeling leakage since the day before, this wasn't new and I didn't know/think it could be my water. So the wetness didn't alarm me, but I figured I should go to the bathroom and change my pants at least. I had about 3 strong contractions by the time I got from our room to the toilet. (I had tried to wake J up, muttering that I wished he would be awake, but wasn't successful and gave up pretty quickly because I thought he needed to rest if it wasn't time) .

I heard my mom waking up around 4:30am and called for her and she didn't come. Finally, I saw her walk past the bathroom door. Still on the toilet (by the way, this is a great place to labor that I learned about with my second child), I called to her to help me. She let me lean on her for support during a few contractions and urged me to call Cindy again. So I talked to Cindy for a few minutes and she timed the contractions while I was on the phone with her. All I had told her is that I needed her to talk me through it and help me figure it out. I was really calm and I even talked through one of the contractions. So she urged me to get in the bath again and told me a few positions to try. She said that they might get stronger when I changed positions but to time them and call her after 20 minutes of being in the bath.

Again, I know she was thinking they'd either slow down and I could sleep, or they'd speed up and become more consistent and things would get moving so I was willing to do whatever she said. :)

So, into the bath I went. Mom thought it was crazy that no one was on their way yet. I hadn't asked them to come though because we thought this was early labor still and I didn't want them to be waiting around on me when they could be resting.

I was in the bath for about 10 minutes when things picked up rather quickly. This is where things get a little fuzzy as far as order of events. But, I might have had 3 contractions that were super strong during that 10 minutes. I knew something was changing. I called Donnellyn to let her in on what was going on and then asked for Mom to get J because I started to feel like I couldn't do it. She said to him, "Denise needs you to wake up, it's time". I panicked, "No, it's not time - don't scare him! I just need him to be my support!" ha!

He came in, talked to me for a minute and tried convincing me that he needed to air up the birth pool we were supposed to use. I immediately shot that idea down - I needed him by my side! And then this loud, uncontrollable, groan came out from me. The kind I'm familiar with, but wasn't ready to be feeling yet. The kind that indicates that your body is taking over...that pushing was soon to come. And it scared both of us.

I knew that Donnellyn was on her way from our previous phone conversation but was still probably 15 minutes away. J had called both midwives again because I was panicked. They both told me NOT to push bc I said I was feeling like I needed to. They didn't want me pushing before it was time or before they could get there. They didn't know I was already complete....and neither did I really. I did everything I could to NOT push.

Another groan came out from me and this time J was still on the phone with Donnellyn. Again, the word was "Don't push!" I think we all knew by this point...and I must have looked really dumb trying to cross my legs and get through those last contractions.

I was definitely feeling the baby's head and finally gave Jason this look and yelled, "I can't help it!" and rolled from my side over on my back (still in the bath tub) and all at once, pushed the baby out as Jason guided her out. To which Jason yelled "the baby's here!" ha! Poor guy was in shock and amazement as he watched what was happening!

My body had literally took over and pushed her out on its own. And she came out super fast. She was born at 5:23am. 7lbs, 3oz and 21 in. (This was a pound heavier than what Bekah was, and 5 oz bigger than Noah.)

{Jason got to weigh Selah}

I sat up and held her in the water to keep her warm. We were both just so shocked. I didn't cry or really say much at all. I just kept thinking - "She's here!" and "It's over!" Jason was still on the phone with Donnellyn and she told us what to look for and to make sure the baby was breathing. Since the water was warm and the cord was still attached it was better to stay in the water then to try and move before they got there. Both midwives and my birth photographer got there about 10 minutes after Selah was born.

{In the herbal bath afterwards}

{Cindy, left and Donnellyn, right}

{So much for the birth pool!}

A few sidenotes:
*I remember while on the phone with Donnellyn, J kept saying, "yes, the baby is breathing. yes, it looks good. He seems to be fine." So I'm holding the baby and it occurs to me - what is the sex?! ha! we were so stunned by her birth that we didn't even think to check and see what it was! So I announce it's a girl and that was that. :)

*We had decided on a name for a girl but not a boy. We really thought it was a girl so we were just hoping that we wouldn't need to come up with a boy's name at the last minute. Glad we knew!

*It was awesome to compare because Rebekah's labor was long and drawn out, at the hospital, drugs, etc. Noah's was natural but still drawn out because of his position being wrong for a while. I pushed for an hour and a half with Bekah, and 20 mins with Noah. Compare those to Selah's birth, and I am SO relieved we decided to do this at my parents house and that we had agreed to have my sister watch the kids that night. Could you imagine us getting in the car to go to the hospital that night by the time I knew this might be it? I would have never guessed it would go this fast! I'm so glad we didn't have the baby in the car or anywhere else! We were shocked and it was really scary at one point, but we feel so blessed that it went the way it did!

The Lord never stopped being in control and this was such a bonding experience for Jason and I to go through it together. J is so proud for having "caught" Selah and we are both loving how God has already given us a great story to tell about His faithfulness and grace and of us working together to bring our sweet baby into the world.

So thanks for sticking around to read our story! We are so blessed to have Selah here!

Baby's Here!

It's a GIRL! Well....looks like 42% of you got it right! (That's 6 out of the 14 who voted! :))

That's right! Sweet baby Selah Grace was born on Saturday, April 3rd at 5:23am. She weighed in at 7lbs 3 oz and 21 in.

To say that this was the "easiest" labor would be an understatement. We (my midwives and I) have concluded that my active labor was probably less than 30 minutes long....our midwives showed up 10 minutes after Baby Girl was born... and my birth photographer missed the whole thing! (Although she made up for it by taking all the great "after" pics!) :)

That being said, I am still in the process of writing my labor story with this one. I plan on writing a very detailed account of it for myself so I can process it, and then post the "reader friendly" version of it here as soon as I can.

We are so in love with this sweet angel that God has given us! Thank you for your prayers and well wishes for this baby!

I have a THREE year old!

My, how time flies! Our sweet Bekah Boo is 3 years old today! I can't believe it's been that long. She is such a sweet, big girl.

Rebekah,
Happy Birthday! At age 3: you take care of us and love practicing being a mama to your little brother. You love the park - especially the slide, and enjoy being outside in general. I love your sweet spirit and your willingness to always help with the laundry and other things around the house. You take pride in dressing yourself. You kiss my pregnant belly and constantly talk to the baby inside. I love your heart for worship. It melts me to hear you pray every night. You amaze me with the songs you know and can learn quickly. You can sing your ABCs and recognize them all when we write them out. You also know how to count to 20. I love to watch you with your brother as you always serve him, sing to him, encourage him, and love him. I can't wait to see where God leads you and how He uses you down the road. You are growing up so fast and we are enjoying every minute we are blessed to be with you! We pray we can be the parents God has called us to be for you and to always lead you in the right direction and be Godly examples to you. We love you SO much and are already so proud of you! Happy Birthday Rae Rae!

Rebekah Rae - barely home from the hospital!

1st Birthday

2nd birthday!

Now - 3rd Birthday!
***************************************************************************************

We celebrated Bekah at Chuck E Cheese today - just our little family. We had pizza and Cupcake Cottage cupcakes (yum!) and bought lots of tokens for games. Both Rebekah and Noah crashed as soon as we came home. It was a great day!

Flavors: Peanut butter cup, favorite chocolate, amaretto, and fiori di sicilia. So good!

Patience

Well, we are still playing the waiting game with our new little one. Apparently, he/she is just too warm and cozy in Mama's belly to wanna come out and meet us! But the Lord is faithful to provide, and we know this baby will be here in His perfect timing.

Here is an update of my weekend:

At my 40 wk prenatal appt on Friday, my iron level was showing to be quite low. It's been something I've known about and have been working on, but we thought for sure it would've come up by now. So, I've been taking blackstrap molasses (yuck!), more Hematinic (iron supplement), chlorophyll, and upping my intake of spinach, red meat, and greens to get my iron up quickly. For those of you that aren't aware, when your iron level is low you have more of a tendency to bleed more, so this can prove to be dangerous during labor. With my levels being so low, I am really glad the baby has decided to hang out a little longer until I can get everything up. I know that God is doing something great in this process. I am so glad that He knows what is going on and is always in control! **update* today I went to see my midwife to check on my levels again, and they are steadily going up. yay! So, just have to keep working hard on it!**

Saturday my wonderful sister came over and helped me get a few things done and clean around the apartment. I truly enjoyed her company and we were able to be pretty productive. What a blessing!

But yesterday proved to be yet another test for me. My skin has flared up, yet again, and I have just come off of oral steroids and antibiotics. The relief I was finally able to feel while taking it was short lived to say the least. As usual, almost the minute I came off of it, I started to break out again. I almost feel sunburned because my skin is so dry, itchy, and inflamed.

So, yesterday I woke up feeling ok (minus the skin issues). I didn't have time for breakfast because we were running late for church. So all I had was some apple juice on the go. By the time lunch came, I was with my parents at a local restaurant, and I was feeling pretty crappy. My symptoms: achy, feverish, mild headache, earache, and my spirits were just a little down. My back was hurting and my ab muscles were tense, and I didn't know what to do. I thought it might be from not eating all morning but I couldn't put a finger on it.

Then came the emotions...oh boy! I have to say that I am an emotional person to say the least. It doesn't have to be "that time of the month" or a sign of pregnancy for me to have a good cry about something. It's just the way I release I guess. However, during pregnancy those emotions are always heightened from good ole' hormones. (yay)

So when my mom asked me if everything was okay, I had a minor meltdown. We were just about finished with lunch so I excused myself to the car to wait on them to pay. I felt like such a baby, as I always do, but I know I wasn't being one.

So I visited with my parents at their house all day since J was at work. I didn't want to go home and I welcomed the help with the kids while I was feeling this way. As the day pressed on, the kids took a nap (major victory as they never sleep anywhere but home!) and I tried to take one too. But I never fully got the rest I needed. I kept waking up and just never got comfortable. At one point, I was going to get up but just couldn't move because I was so exhausted. But my mind was totally alert. Hate that! My parents were awesome though. They fed us and let the kids watch tv and Mom even took me grocery shopping. I went to bed with my whole body aching and another headache and prayed that the baby would just come on already! ha!

But this morning, I felt better. Not 100%, but most of the symptoms were gone. Hmmm...don't know what it was, but I'm hoping it means the end is sooner rather than later! ha!

I know that God is teaching me patience and His timing through all of this. I know from experience that once the baby is here, my skin will at least improve a little and I will have some relief, so in a way I am anxious for him/her to make their appearance. But in another way, I am really trying to savor every extra moment I have with just Rebekah and Noah. They are both doing things lately that never cease to amaze me and make me proud of them. They are growing up so fast!

Rebekah's birthday is this Thursday...that's right - my baby girl will be 3 on April 1st. Where has the time gone? Seriously. We have still yet to make plans because we thought that we'd already have had baby #3 here, so it's hard to know how to plan when everything is contingent on baby's arrival. We have such a small space that it would be near impossible to have a party here. Even with just family, it makes for a big party. So, we shall see what we can come up with to celebrate our girl.

Also, for those that are wondering - I have a biophysical profile (basically a high tech sonogram) scheduled for Thursday this week to check on baby if he/she hasn't come yet. This will just check to make sure baby is still healthy and comfy with fluid levels, etc. and it will let us know that we can still play the waiting game or what to do next. I am praying we won't get to Thursday! ha! But, if everything is okay, then we will wait til next Tuesday (two weeks past due) to discuss further options.

So now, we just wait. I am trying to get more stuff (neverending laundry, dishes, cleaning and organizing) done around here to keep me busy and I'm enjoying this great weather we've been having! Thanks for your continued prayers for us with everything that is going on!

And thanks for sticking with me through this very long post!

Happy Monday!

Pink or Blue?

Well, I'm still here! What do YOU think I'm having? Cast your vote in the poll on the right sidebar and/or comment right here on this post! And if you're feeling extra knowing, let me know WHEN you think he/she is coming too! I was due Tuesday, the 23rd. Rebekah was a week early and Noah was 4 days late. We shall see with this one! :)

Lots to Update and Gender Poll

Wow! So much has happened since my last post! I can't believe I am so far behind, and I am just going to stop promising to be better because it's been so hard to keep up! ha! Hopefully there are some readers still out there!

Well, I thought I needed to post on here, seeing as how my due date is TOMORROW! Where did the time go? How did that happen? Who knows! In a way, this is good to me. I haven't been anxious about labor and haven't been feeling totally DONE when it wasn't time. On the flipside, I just recently started the nesting process last week! This is something that with the other kids happened a few times before the end but not so much at the last minute! lol! Since we haven't found out the gender yet, we are still sort of solidifying names too, which has stressed me out as well!

Anyway, I haven't talked much about this pregnancy on here, and I think most of it is because we have been super preoccupied with other things going on in life right now. I would really like to document in detail on here about everything, but I will give ya'll the short(ER) version for now. :)

About a third of the way into this pregnancy I decided to get an allergy test done. I was curious to start on the road of getting answers again for why my asthma and eczema were so bad recently. Now, for those of you that know me, you know that I have lived with severe asthma, eczema, and allergies for ever and was always in and out of the hospital for asthma until high school and a few times even recently. So, getting answers has not been easy. However I started seeing a chiropractor a few years ago when I was pregnant with Rebekah. Since then, I have really been striving to do things more naturally and find ways to go around being on medicine all the time. I thought that taking the allergy test might be a little more conclusive since I hadn't had one in years.

After finding that I am, in fact, allergic to almost everything they tested me for, I sought out a nutritionist thinking I needed to have a diet plan since I was pregnant and nursing at the time. I knew if I had to stay away from most everything it would be hard to get the vitamins and nutrients that I need for my babies! Little did I know that the nutritionist I would meet would be what she was!

Here is where I will condense the last several months and say that after meeting with Dr. Perkins, I found the most hope from any "doctor" that I've had EVER. We talked about my symptoms and what I was experiencing, and I went back that week to have a full nutritional exam done. She let me know that our bodies are made to heal themselves from the inside out. We sometimes just have to encourage them! The general root of all the problems I am having boils down to toxicity, immune, and digestive issues. The idea is that if we can treat all of that, then my body will start learning how to function the way it was designed to do and the symptoms of skin and allergy stuff will go awaway!

So, I have been seeing Dr. P on a weekly basis for the most part and I've been taking whole food supplements and staying away from Gluten, Dairy, Wheat, Nuts, and Corn. And let me just say that it is one of the hardest things I've ever done! Food is such a comfort thing to me and it's just been really hard to stay on task - and it was esp hard during Thanksgiving and Christmas! However, I know that it works because I've seen results. Slow and steady, but real results! It's also been a challenge because things have gotten worse before they've gotten better. And it's a cycle that keeps happening and probably will keep happening until my body figures it all out. I went to the ER with a crazy skin infection (bacterial AND viral) and had to be treated for a few hours there to get it back under control. And just this past week it's been trying to come back, so I've been on medication again. It's nice to have medicine when I need it, but so frustrating when I am trying to come off of it! Please pray for patience as I know that for now, I have such confirmation that this is going to be the answer I've been looking for and need to stick with!

I will try to keep ya'll updated, but it is so neat because doctors have told me all of my life that there is no "cure" for everything I have going on and that I'll have to be on medication all my life to combat my symptoms. Now I know that they've been WRONG! Frustrating and exciting all at the same time! :)

Another thing going on is J's recent career change. He's always had a love for anything military related. We have had several on and off discussions about him going into the military over the 5 years we've been married, but nothing has ever been seriously decided on about it....until now. :) For the past several months, lots of praying, researching, talking to other people who have served in the military, and more praying has been done on the matter. And after careful consideration we decided that J would join the Army. He swore in a few weeks ago, and is now waiting to go to basic training soon. So, we have been getting our hearts and minds (and the apartment!) ready for what's to come. I have a feeling things are going to be moving fast and furious before we know it! But God is faithful and has provided lots of peace and reassurance about His will and provision over us.

So, please keep us in your prayers. J will get a few weeks off to be with me as soon as I have this precious baby of ours and then will only work a little while longer before training starts. Please pray for this transition for our family as well as for our overall health. As a sidenote, Rebekah has been dealing a little with some asthma-like symptoms over the past few months and we are desparately praying that she would be healed from it! Also please be praying that labor and delivery with baby #3 would go smoothly and that my team of people (as well as J and I) will have wisdom and know exactly what to do during the entire thing! I am so excited about it, and I just know there will be a great story to tell!

I am going to put a poll up to see if you can guess what we're having! Bekah has gotten tired of us asking what she thinks but for a long time has said she thinks it's a girl. J and I are voting girl but don't really care either way and the majority of the family are voting boy (except my sister and maybe one or two others!) Both Nana (my mom) and Granna (J's mom) think boy.

What do you think?

Hopefully my next post will be the reveal! :)

Happy Birthday to Noah! A Birth Story

Well I've done it again! I have neglected my blog and I really don't like it! I would love to be able to sit and write on here every day but it just has gotten so busy and hectic around here. When I have down time I try to catch up on cleaning and Noah is such a mama's boy right now and hates it when I get on the computer! ha! Oh well. I'm back. I think. :)

Today is Noah's FIRST birthday! Yes, it's been a whole year since I labored and had our precious son. What a blessing it has been to have him around. We are going to have a party tonight to celebrate the big event so maybe pictures will follow soon if I can get them on here fast enough. :) I haven't taken any pics of the kids lately, so that will be something I'll have to make sure and do tonight!

I figured that since I never posted my labor story about Noah, that today would be the perfect day to do so!

Here we go!

On December 2nd, before I went to bed, I noticed that I lost my mucous plug (I hadn't done this with Rebekah so I assumed this was a great sign). So I made sure all our stuff was ready (you never know how fast it will go) and decided to head to bed. All throughout the night I felt like something was different, and I had to pee all night. But no contractions. I know it's a weird detail to share, but all I knew was that something was different and I was hoping it would go fast. Little did I know what was in store for us!

So, I woke up on Decemeber 3rd and started having mild contractions. J was called by a friend for help with a flat tire, and we wanted to help. However I didn't want him to leave me at home, just in case this was it (she didn't live close). So we got ready, loaded the car, and headed over to help her. When we were done, I decided to call and let my midwife, Ann, know what was going on. At this point I was pretty uncomfortable but I knew it was not time.

We decided to eat at Chick fil a and walk around the mall to pass the time and hopefully stir up some heavier labor! :) It seemed to help some. My appt with Ann also happened to be on this day, so we headed over to see her, hoping that I had made some progress. Turned out I was only dilated to a 1 I think. We were supposed to go to our family lifegroup that night, but decided to just go home and get some rest. That evening and into the night, contractions came and went. They always tell you that you know it's "real" labor when contractions are "longer, stronger and closer together". But it's still hard when you are going through it to understand what your body is doing. At some point I called Ann again because I was anxious and in pain and didn't know what to make of it. I was so worried that this baby would surprise us and just come really fast. I found out at this point that she had TWO other mamas in labor at the same time! So I was encouraged to take a hot bath, relax and take it easy. (For those that don't know, this is supposed to help your body to what it needs to do. If it is real labor, nothing will slow it down - but if it isn't you will be able to relax and sleep). Jason's mom came over to help with Bekah in case things started progressing.

My friend and chiropractor, Cindy, came over and checked me and I was still only at maybe a 2. I was so frustrated. By this time I had thrown up a few times, and contractions were stronger and I really felt like things were moving along. I just kept wondering what was making my labor so hard if nothing was really happening.

We stayed up a little while and then I took a Benadryl (per midwife recommendation) and tried to sleep. I kept waking up for each contraction, and I couldn't get comfortable. As a crazy sidenote, this was also the night that an apartment building in our complex decided to catch fire. Jason is the courtesy officer at our apts so he had to go check on it. I was so irritated that of all the nights, this had to be the one where a stinking FIRE had to start. ::sigh::

So, we all (somewhat) slept for a while. The next morning, December 4th, was the same stuff. I was throwing up more (something I was grateful that Jason's mom was there for because J hates it) and I was just so exhausted and tired of being in labor. Jason was also tired of not having support, so I texted my midwife and chiropractor and then we finally decided to meet at the birth center/chiro office to get adjusted and checked.

They tell you not to come too early to the birth center because you might get turned away if it isn't real labor. The state has a crazy law that if you don't progress within a certain amount of time then you have to be transported to the hospital. We were trying to avoid this, which is the reason I hadn't gone up there yet. However, we got the go ahead to see what was going on.

So, I got adjusted which was which SO awesome and then it was time to see what was going on with baby.
(Contractions were seriously crazy at this point. I couldn't stand up or move when they came. And one side of my belly hurt like crazy - you could see a huge bulge on that side every time a one came!)

When Ann checked me, I wasn't dilated very much more. I must have been like a 3 or 4. I can't remember. This is when it was determined that Noah was asynclintic. Basically, his head was turned a little to the side. I will spare you most of the other details, but I've heard (and experienced) that this makes labor longer and more difficult than it would normally be. My body was trying to progress and couldn't because of his position. So, Ann let me know that we were going to try and do everything possible to get him to move and get me to progress, but to also be prepared to possibly go to the hospital if it didn't happen.

Then came walking stairs (Oh. my. word. This was painful), walked around outside, labored on the toilet (weird, I know, but works!). I got adjusted often (I have THE BEST chiropractors and they both worked on me during labor), took homeopathic pills, and did whatever the heck they told me to. I was so determined to not have to go to the hospital. Our family showed up in the waiting area. My parents brought us dinner. I DID NOT want to eat, but was told that I needed to if I wanted things to keep moving. So, Chick fil a chicken soup and Sprite it was. :)

Finally, baby turned the right way, (after more walking, laboring on a birthing ball, on the toilet more, and in the tub) and I was dilated to an 8! Woohoo!

The rest is kind of fuzzy for me. But I remember when my water broke and shortly thereafter got situated in the tub to get ready for his arrival. He was born not too long after that. Maybe a few hours. I pushed for 19 minutes in the tub (the most wonderful and pain relieving thing ever!), and got to walk to my bed, baby in hand right after! Jason actually caught Noah himself and got to cut the umbilical cord when it was time, too. Noah weighed 6lbs 14oz.

I had the MOST AMAZING team working with me and I know for sure that I wouldn't want to have done it with any one of them being gone. Although it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, it was definitely the most rewarding and one of my best accomplishments. :) I wouldn't change any of it for anything.

I also found out later that there had been another lady with an asynclitic baby a few months prior to me that had to be transported and that there was talk about how great I was doing for persevering, even when it got hard and I thought I was done. Thank the Lord I didn't know this while I was going through it. I kept telling myself I was being a baby and that all women have it hard. (Which is basically true) But I didn't have a clue that mine was harder than usual and that was good or I think I'd be begging to go to the hospital! haha! Also, my bleeding afterward was better than expected (as in, less), and I didn't even tear! Everything about this labor was blessed - and I didn't even have so much as a tylenol for the pain!

For those of you that don't know, Rebekah was born in the hospital. Another story for another time, but suffice to say that this experience blew my labor experience with her out of the water! What a difference having a midwife and team of supporters that love me made!

And now, one year later, we have the most precious, handsome, and funny boy around. God has provided us with the most amazing kids and I love them more than life itself!

Happy Birthday Noah!

And happy Friday to ya'll!

Update

Okay, so it's been almost a month since my last blog post! It has been such a crazy time for us! When I can find the words and the time, I want to share details about what all has been going on but for now, just know that things are going great with the Reese's and that I believe that God is leading me down a road of physical and spiritual healing. He is so good and He is providing in ways that we never even imagined. So, just wanted ya'll to know that we are alive and kicking and busier than ever! And I am halfway DONE with this pregnancy already! Where has the time gone? Be back soon!

Whole Foods Give Away!

My good friend (who also happens to be my chiropractor and midwife) has just started a new blog and is hosting her first give away! It happens to be a great one at that. Yes, a $30 Whole Foods gift card is up for grabs and you could be the lucky winner! :) Just click here and enter! There are a few different ways to get your name in the hat, so go check it out now!

And don't forget to check back often on her website for great healthy recipes, tips, and great information! I love that lady and she's always given me the best advice! :)

The Saga Continues...

Things have gotten rough again with Noah's sleep schedule at night. However, Granna and Pappy brought over a toddler bed for Bekah last weekend, and we have also been on an adventure with that! It is such a blessing to have in-laws that take such great care of our kiddos. In fact, both of our parents are dedicated to loving on us and helping us provide for them, and we are just so blessed for that.

Anyway, the hope for her new bed is that we can get her transitioned and then work on Noah going to sleep in Bekah's room in her old crib.

As for how Bekah's been doing in her own bed....let's just say that she has done wonderfully - she just has yet to learn to stay in her bed all night. So when I haven't been up with Noah, I've been up putting Bekah back to bed! Oh well! We are just praying for the Lord's provision where our rest is concerned! It will get better, I just know it!

Pictures to come soon!

Mission: Get Noah to Sleep Longer At Night

We are going on day 3 of our new mission...which is to get Noah to sleep longer at night. He sleeps great for his naps during the day, but we have been struggling with this boy at night for a little while now. At first I chalked it up to just a growth spurt.....then it was that my milk was changing (due to the pregnancy), and then to needing to feed him more... All of those conclusions were right, I think, at some point or another. But he's been waking up like every 2 hours or so lately, and we weren't seeing an end in sight.

So, we had also played around with the idea that Noah was uncomfortable in his bed. We have a two bedroom apartment. Rebekah sleeps in her own bed in her room, and Noah has been sleeping in our room in the pack n play because a)we can't afford a crib for him right now and b)we don't want him to sleep in Bekah's room yet while he's still getting up at night for fear that she'd be up too! and c)it's just easier that way! :)

Well, we had discussed getting a new mattress for Noah when I heard that they make thicker ones for the pack n plays. See, he's been sleeping on just the little mat that comes with it that we had put a blanket down on. Anyway, we haven't had the time or money to track one down, so it's simply just been something we talk about.

Sunday night, after spending a day with our family, we were all exhausted. We were on our way home and I finally just told Jason how miserable I've been. My allergies have been bothering me which was making my ear was hurt, and I was feeling whiny so I was honest with him. He suggested that we go to Babies R Us and buy a mattress right then. You can imagine just how excited I was that he was giving in and willing to help me out (even though Mr. Budget has been strict with us lately). However, it was already past 6 on a Sunday and I knew all the specialty stores would be closed.

So, we went to Walmart (where customer service had no idea what I was talking about and told me to ask the fitting room lady! because she said they would know better! How weird is that?) and they didn't have them. We almost considered buying a toddler bed for Bekah and making Noah sleep in the crib in our living room, but decided against being up all night to put the thing together! haha! Target didn't have them either. But as I confided in the lady that worked there about why I needed it now and didn't want to look online for it, we started brainstorming. She suggested buying a foam mattress topper and putting a blanket on that. In fact, she directed me to the ones they had on clearance where the college bedding/decor stuff was.

And ya'll, I walked outta there with a memory foam mattress topper for under $10!

We went home, cut it to size (well, Jason cut it and everyone else watched!), put a blanket on top of that and then put a crib sheet around both, and made our own mattress! That night Noah slept a little bit longer - a three hour stretch, I think and then a four hour one that same night.

But last night he got up after two hours and then........slept for SIX HOURS STRAIGHT! We were so excited! And Noah's naps have been longer too!

So, we are praying that this is the solution! So far, so good, and Mama and Daddy have been sleeping better too! You can't beat that! I think we are going to put one on Bekah's bed too! :)

And in case you are curious, we will probably end up getting Bekah a toddler bed anyway, moving Noah into her room when it's time (into her crib), and buying that mattress for our pack n play for the baby. But we are just wanting to wait a little longer before that whole transition!

All I Want For Christmas...

Ok, so I know Christmas is not "just around the corner" but it's still not too far away, right? We have 12 1/2 weeks to go. And it has gotten me thinking about what I want. I do believe that Christmas is about giving, but I just wanted an excuse to share. :)

So, all I want for Christmas is...

a Vitamix......

Sigh.... one can dream, right?

Oh, and I think this officially means I'm an adult... and a mom! But these things can blend anything! And I am so over our regular blender that doesn't even like it when I put frozen fruit in it! haha!

*******

Other things on my list...

1. Medela double electric breast pump.. (maybe tmi, but seriously!)

2. Combi Coccoro for Noah and the new baby! They are slim line design and so cute! I'll take one in Key Lime and Carrot Cake please! haha! (I know, I'm weird for being happy with getting something for the kids...especially carseats!)

3. sewing machine....I really really would love to channel my creativity and make some clothes and blankets and fun stuff for the kids! Not to mention gifts!

4. Some nursing tanks from www.glamourmom.com

5. makeup from the MAC counter!

6. IKEA stuff and organization for the kids' room!

p.s. Please understand this is all in good fun! I know this list is expensive and unrealistic.. and for the family reading this, I don't actually expect anyone to buy me these things for Christmas! :) I just wanted to share!

Love This Song

Heard a song at church last night... I've heard it before, but it really moved me and ministered to me this time. I can't get it out of my head, and that is just fine with me. :)

A couple from our church co-wrote and sing it. It's perfect. Couldn't find it anywhere but here. If you find a downloadable version, let me know! :) Click here and Enjoy!

Here are the lyrics (But really, it's better to listen to it!):

God Be Praised
copyright 2009 David and Alena Moore Gateway Create Publishing

you saved my life from death when i was all but defeated
you spoke your promises and brought life to my weakness
came as a conquering king and you warred for my freedom
my soul can’t help but sing hallelujah

you opened up my eyes for the first time i saw you
your love commanding life and deserving devotion
you told me who i am now in faith i believe it
my soul can’t help but sing hallelujah

you’ve made a place for me silenced all my accusers
leading me forth with peace filled with joy i will follow
your cross demands my life now your grace is my anthem
my soul can’t help but sing hallelujah

hallelujah we’re redeemed and made free
by the blood of the lamb we have won
hallelujah we will sing victory
jesus conquered the grave god be praised

Jason's Birthday Part 2

On J's actual birthday, we went to On the Border (Thanks to J's friends who gave us....uh...I mean, him a gift card!) for lunch and then back to Main Event to use up the rest of our game cards that we didn't have time to deplete the night before. As a fun sidenote, we were given free soft drinks (I would say "just because" but I know that it was a blessing from God because he does care about the small stuff!) when we tried to buy some. Noah slept once we got to Main Event, so there aren't any pictures of him after lunch. But, our little Reese family had fun celebrating J's birthday again.

Bekah was given a balloon at OTB, and she kept singing "happy day day to you, da da!" We think it's so cute because she either says "day day" or just "happy day". It's never birthday!

Our Sweet Noah

First stop at Main Event was the DDR (dance dance revolution). We'd always seen people do it, but never tried it ourselves. It was SO FUN and such a workout! haha!

Bekah danced while daddy danced...

And then tried it all by herself! (again, so nice to not pay for it, and she actually thinks she's playing! score!)

This one was like jump rope...I was terrible at it..

However, I was really good at real jump rope in school... I even did double dutch at Spring Fling! :)