My Days Continue...

Well well, it's been so long since I did a proper post, in fact, it has been about 2 months since my last real post about me and what has been going on.

 

Clearly, I have been so busy being a mom that I haven't had a chance to even properly get online and just waste time. Actually, now that I am no longer working full time, I seem to have very limited personal time....if that even makes sense.

Over the last couple months so much has happened. More recently though, Alan's parents were here for Christmas, and we all had a wonderful visit. I was sad to see them leave. Sutton is becoming more aware of his surroundings and needs to be entertained. He looks at something to intently and really examines it. It is so funny to watch. It seems as though maybe he has a photogenic memory, or that he will be a genius. He is also getting so big. He has outgrown his newborn clothes already.

 really miss my old life. I miss getting up and getting ready for work, hair, make up and clothes. Teh rush of the drive to work, with a stop for breakfast. I miss sitting at my desk first thing, and doing the same routine everyday. I miss wondering what I was going to have for lunch, and then actually having an hour to do whatever I wanted. I miss packing up and taking the elevator down to the parkade everyday at 5:00pm. I miss coming home, seeing Kobe and waiting for Alan. I miss the countdown to Friday and then sleeping in all weekend, and doing nothing, or doing everything, I could do whatever I wanted. My time was that; all mine. I could do as much or as little as I wanted.

As much as I miss my old life, I love my new life. I am so blessed to be able to know who I was then, and who I am now. I am the same person, yet my priorities have changed so much. The transition from a career girl into a mom is fairly drastic, yet it has been relatively easy for me, and I have taken it all in stride. Don't get me wrong, I have had some bad moments and even bad days. But I do love being needed and loved. I love that my son needs me for nourishment, comfort, shelter and entertainment. The feeling of being depended on is a feeling that I don't think someone can truly understand until they are a parent. Being a stay at home mom and wife is better than I could have imagined. My house isn't immaculate and my homeade suppers are elaborate, but I think my expectations were far too high.

The thing that really amazes me the most is that my days do not start and end. They continue on, one day falls into the next.

Sutton and I are gradually getting into a routine. We get up at about the same time everyday, and then we have a day filled with feedings, naps, playing, cleaning, errands, diaper changes, clothes changes, and clock watching. I am always looking forward to Alan coming home. Him and Sutton have a very special Bond. I always knew that Alan would make an excellent father, but to actually see it is something else altogether. The next best thing to my son smiling at me, is him smiling at his Dad. It warms my heart to no end. I love listening to Alan talk to him and tell him stories. Sometimes he just walks around the house and talks to Sutton about everything, the fridge magnets, the pictures on the wall, the contents of his room, the dogs every move, and what I am doing. They always spy on me. The evening can be a challenge though, as that is when Sutton is needing me the most. He likes to be held in my arms and be able to nurse as often as he wants, which is usually contantly. If he is not given this special mom time, he is fussy. I love when Alan has days off because then Sutton and Alan can spend real time together when Sutton is happy and his true personality shows through.

The other night I heard Alan telling Sutton how much the Flames suck. That must mean that Toronto lost the hockey game. Cutest thing ever. Alan held Sutton inches from the TV and he watched it so intently. It was hilarious how enthralled he was with it. Sure its the colours, movement, etc, but Alan believes he is learning the game and preparing to be an NHL player, so we will go with that!

And now for pictures!!!

We have smiles.  He loves when I sing him the song I wrote for him!

Jan 16 - Swimming, he loved it!

 Jan 02 - A flying baby!

A clean baby!

All dressed up for the Passport office!

More swimming!  He looks naked here!

Jan 15 - Hockey Night in Canada!!!  He wears his Toronto hat for support!

In his outfit from the Gulleys!  So cute!  One foot says "Little" and the other says "Monkey"  He looks terrified!

Tips For New Moms!

Over the last 7 weeks I have learned a lot. 

Here are some little tips/advice/anecdotes etc. for new moms, I've come by them all honestly, some funny, and others are just plain old common sense!!   You may get a good laugh or head smack from them!

Remember though, that I am not a professional in child rearing nor am I a doctor. (Although, I do self diagnose like a pro!!!)

1.  Bibs - They can really save an outfit!
2.  Lanonlin Cream - A must have those first few weeks of breastfeeding.
3.  Bassinet - Must easier to have baby in room with you than in their room, easier for night time feedings, and a sense of security for the baby.
4.  Breastfeeding - It is hard, do research before the baby arrives, so when you need it, you have it.
5.  Diapers - Don't buy them before baby arrives, because you might need a smaller or larger size, and chances are you have thrown out the receipt.
6.  Cloth Diapers - Remember they are really puffy so make sure the clothes you buy fit over the bum, this means you might have to buy larger clothes.
7.  Your body - Let it heal after childbirth, there is always lots to do when you get home, but your body needs to heal itself as well.
8.  Pads - The ones the hospital gives doesn't have wings, they are mandatory, so bring your own.
9.  Onesies (Diaper Shirts) - We went through so many of these, so have lots on hand.  it is possible to go through several a day, especially when you haven't perfect diaper changes or the diapers are crap!
10.  Sleep Bras - If you are breastfeeding, this will be an essential item.  They are easier to get your boob out, and provide a good amount of comfort and support while you sleep.
11.  Swaddle - Learn to swaddle or use a woombie, keeps baby warm and secure.
12.  Pictures - Take lots, if possible have a nurse take pics during the birth and right after.
13.  Meals - If people offer to make you meals, why say no!!!  Someone else bringing you supper us always a bonus!
14.  Showering - I found night showers to be great.  Nice and relaxing before bed.
15.  Bassinet (Part 2) - Raise the head part if your baby seems to hate it.  This can help with reflux.  I also lined mine with blankets so it wasn't so hard.
16.  Noises - As much as this can be controversial for long term sleep habits, the Sleeping Lamb might be nice to help baby sleep, sounds of heartbeat, rain, whatever.
17.  Waking at Night - Don't wake a sleeping baby, everyone will tell you this.  If your baby wants to sleep for 5 hours, let them.  If baby is hungry, they will wake!  Of course, preemies are another story.
18.  Breast Pads - Leakage is no fun, helps to keep the lanolin cream where it should be as well.
19.  Clothing Sizes - Newborn size, doesn't always mean small, sometimes it means massive!
20.  Pets - We brought a blanket home from the hospital, so it contained my smell and the babies, when we brought the baby home, the dog was already familiar with that smell.
21.  Dancing Baby - Do not play this game after a feeding, and if you must play it, don't have the baby over your face!
22.  Puke - Where to begin.....Overfeeding your baby is possible.
23.  Nursing in Bed - Nursing in bed is a wonderful thing, BUT...you must remember to burp the baby afterwards, otherwise an air pocket forms and all milk drank will come up when the burp does, and then its a waste of the liquid gold!
24.  Pretending - your baby knows when you have no idea what you are doing...tell them you do know, and they might believe it! 
25.  Cuteness - Yes, your baby is the cutest one ever born...well, after mine of course!!!!
26.  Swing - Best baby essential we have.  Perfect for naps or to contain the baby while you are doing stuff.
27. Left Hand - Start using your non-dominate hand, because you are going to need it.
28.  Car Rides - Lots of babies love being in the car, the hum of the engine and the bumpiness put them right to sleep.
29.  Baby Book - Buy one, and fill it in before you forget all the information!
30.  Daddy - Let Daddy bond with baby as much as possible, if you are breastfeeding, you will find that the baby might prefer you, as you are their source of nourishment and comfort, Dad will eventually be able to comfort baby as well, it might just take longer.
31  Car Seat Cover - If you are fortunate enough to experience -30'C, a car seat cover is great, it will protect the baby from the elements.
32.  Strollers - I hate strollers, which is why I bought the smallest one available.  Travel systems are NOT any cheaper, and they are NOT safer then others.
33.  Baby Carrying - Baby needs practice, so do you.  Research them before buying.  Some really hurt your shoulders, and others squish the baby.  A reputable store will have some for you to try on with your baby.  Walk around with it on for 20 minutes, you will know if it is comfortable.
34.  Fussiness - It is true, some babies are fussy the same few hours of everyday.  They may not have gas, be tired, be hungry or be wet.  They might just need to be cuddled!
35.  Pumping - This can be hard or easy.  There are tricks if you are like me and have a hard time though.  Warm compress before pumping, and double pumping.  Remember that a baby sucks more efficiently than a pump pumps.
36.  Manual - The hospital doesn't give you one, seriously, they don't.  Google is a damn good resource though, as are blogs aimed at your style of parenting (which maybe you don't think you have, but you do!)
37.  Poo - I could talk all day about poo.  There is a huge difference between breastfed babies, and formula fed babies.  Your baby doesn't have to poo daily (age depending) so don't fear the worst.
38.  Stool Softeners - How could I forget, anyone who has a child vaginally, will probably advise you to take stool softeners, I will do the same!
39.  Snaps - Love and hate relationship.  I love zippers, snaps can become annoying, there are so many, and can be hard to get closed correctly when baby is squirming, or you are in a darker room.  Plus, some outfits have like 20 snaps on them, plus the diaper shirt!!! 
40.  Sleepers - Wouldn't you be more comfortable in a 1 piece outfit then an actual outfit with a shirt, sweater, pants, socks etc.  Easier for changing as well!!!
41.  Pacifiers - I shouldn't even get started on this, so I will only say, do what you want.   But know the difference in sucking a pacifier, bottle, or breast, all can interfere with eachother!
42.  Comfot Sucking - It does exist, it is tiring, but it can be wonderful for the baby.
43.  Doctors - Don't believe everything they say!  They don't know everything, and they certainly do not know your baby.
44. Plan Ahead - If you weren't a planner before kids, you might want to achieve this special trait.  This means all outing, showers, meals, etc work better with a little planning.

This is all I can think of at the moment, if I think of any more, I will add them!

Again, I must say that I am not a professional, and these are not all correct for everyone, but they are for me.  Especially the dancing baby game, over feeding, challenges of breastfeeding, a bassinet, left hand, fussiness, puke, just to name a few.

Remember that you know best.  This is your baby, and trial and error are usually the best way to figure things out.  What worked for you mother, your friend, your neighbour, etc, might not work for you and your baby.  Things change all the time over the years.  Bottle warming used to be done in the microwave, now it is practically illegal.  Feeding used to be done every 4 hours, now they say every 2-3 from the beginning of a feed (yes, this means as soon as the baby is done eating, it may be time to start again), they also say feeding on demand is best as well.  You will quickly learn when your baby is hungry or using you as a pacifier. 

There isn't a right way or a wrong way of doing things...well sometimes there is, but not for everything.  Do what works for you!  This is your baby, spend your time loving them and cherishing the moments.  And above all, remember that you are the most important person to your baby.  They love you unconditionally!!!!

Good luck everyone!!!!!

Photo Update

It is hard to type with 1 hand, so I will upload pics for now with a breif description!

Enjoy!!!

Enjoying some time with Mom is his Carrier

Daddy giving Sutt-the-Butt a bath.  He loves baths, but didn't in thispicture!

December 22 - Sutton all ready for Alan's Christmas Party, I am still in my pj's.

December 22 - Sutton's first Christmas Party.  This was the very end of the night, and he was partied out and wanted to see his Mimi and Grandad!

January 5 - Enjoying some time on his mat, with a partial smile!!!

January 05 - Sitting in his glider with his giraffe

December 30 - New Car Day!

Janaury 05 - Chillaxin with Kobe!

Auntie Pearly gave him this adorable shirt.  I love the look on his face!

January 04 - Having some Tummy Time!

Sutton is 1 Month Old....Tomorrow

I was going to do this post tomorrow, however, I have some spare minutes so I will do it now!  Can you believe it, I am actually sitting down on the computer, resting after a baking session that was a disaster, listening to Christmas music and just waiting for Sutton to wake up.

Exactly 1 month ago today I was pregnant, anticipating my due date which was the following day.  Little did Alan and I know that Sutton would start his decent in just a matter of hours.  It is amazing that this time last month I wasn't a parent, and fast forward to today...I am a parent.  The last month has flown right by.  I have been trying my hardest not to blink...at everyone's advice!

My little sweetheart has been with us for a month now.  A month filled with joy, tears, happiness, confusion, laughs, frustration and cuddles.  I guess that's the life of a parent.  We deal minute my minute and take the hard and easy days in stride.  Alan looked at me the other morning, and said "We will just chalk that up to a rough night."  Isn't that the truth.  We also praise the good nights though, as there are many.  We are trying to establish some sort of a sleeping routine.  I have read many many articles, some which state that at a month of age a sleep routine isn't possible, and others state it is.  We are picking and choosing the parts we like best, and adding them to our memory. 

Alan and I make all our parenting decisions together, and that is exactly how I hoped our life would be.  I only wish Alan came with boobs.  The other day though, I brought Sutton to my breast and made sure his mouth was open wide, and Alan pushed him on, so he helps every way that he can.  He is an excellent bather and bum changer.  My husband is the greatest husband and a truly wonderful father.  Years before Alan and I were together, we joked that we would have kids together.  When we sent eachother letters (in the mail, not email) on the return address sections we would write "The father/mother of my child."  As it turns out, we knew exactly where life would take us.  10 years later, here we are, happily married, and we have a son together, something I refer to as our "little ball of human perfection"

Sutton recently showed us he can make tears.  Heartbreaking, yet adorable at the same time.  He hasn't seemed to get sick and tired of me hugging and kissing him though...thank god!  He isn't a fan of me not allowing him to comfort suck.  At a feeding it is fine or at night time, but not just all day long for something to do.  He doesn't like his soother either.  He did suck his thumb last week though, and it was the cutest thing ever!!!!  He also got his SIN card!  What a grown up little man.

This month we welcomed Brayden James into the world.  My sister Christine gave birth to an adorable boy on December 15.  I cannot wait to meet him.  Sutton now has 4 cousins.  I often wished we lived closer to our families so that we can all be closer, especially the kids.  As much as I wish that, I am so happy here in Alberta.  It makes going to Ontario to visit that much more special.  But we live in Alberta, and we love it.  This is home for us. 

We hope to get a new vehicle soon...Alan wants a minivan.  Help me God.  I am not against minivans, I just never thought I would have one, especially before the age of 30.  However, I also had doubts I would have a child before the age of 30.  We have a list of pros and cons for vehicle choices, and the minivan is winning.

It is almost Christmas. The house is decorated, and almost all the gifts are bought.  Alan's parents (Mimi and Grandad) are coming next week, and we are very excited.  They have been in Houston the last couple weeks visiting Sutton's little cousin Penny, and will make their way here next.  We will welcome them in our parkas, mittens, toques and boots!!! hahaha

I can't upload any pictures at this time, as we have signs of life, oh wait, maybe not....Kobe was just checking on him.  I am so touched at the wonderful Bond these 2 have!  It is adorable to see Kobe interact with Sutton.  When I was showering the other day, I heard Sutton crying, and I heard Kobe run over to him, then come into the bathroom and push the shower curtain aside so he could see me, then he ran back out to Sutton, and then to me again.  He was clearly telling me that Sutton needed me.  I have been watching Pet Heroes a lot lately, and have been thinking of making my own show called "Pet Babysitters!!!"  hahaha

Here are some recent pics:

Thumb sucking Baby!!!!

Alan looks funny here, still in his work clothes, as soon as he gets home he is thrown the baby and I shower or do laundry! Sutton looks so happy being held by his Dad!!!

I love how Sutton is sitting so straight and tall.  He was probably terrified of Alan's shirt or his giant hand!

Oma was here!

My mom, Sutton's Oma was just here for 5 days days.  She flew to Edmonton from Toronto last Sunday and just left today.  What a busy week we had.  Lots of shopping, laughing, chatting and of course more shopping.

I initially didn't want any house guests until the new year.  However, as the days passed and I was feeling confident in my new role as a mother, I wanted to spend some time with my Mom before she left for 3 months holidays.  It was great having her here.  I had long showers, walked to dog, and regained some feeling from my arms which are usually numb from baby holding etc. 

We had a great time!!! Here are some photos:

Picking Mom up at the Airport!

Oma holding her Grandson!

Daddy feeding a bottle which took forever for me to pump!

3 weeks old and in a Christmas outfit.

Morning snuggles from his Oma! 

This makes me laugh.  He is clearly terrified he is being held by a crazy lady in leopard print jammies and making a babouska with a receiving blanket! haha

A New Perspective

Three weeks ago if someone asked me the definition of: love, time, patience, sleep, food, breasts, marriage and family, I would have answered very differently then than I would today.  It is amazing how your life can change in the blink of an eye.  Even though I had a full 40 week planned pregnancy, the feeling of holding your baby in your arms, is not something you can be prepared for.

I can't even describe how it feels to be rocking your baby to sleep at 3:00am, sobbing, tears falling onto his head, completely frustrated, and then to look at your baby and tell them how much you love them, and how long you waited to meet them.  Love has a whole new meaning to me now.

Breastfeeding....it is hard....it is learned...and it is trying.  Even though breastfeeding is so natural for women and children, it is by all means not easy.  It is something that the baby and mother have to learn together, by trial and error.  I have shed many tears of frustration over this wonderful experience.  Even 3 weeks later we are still working on perfecting the latch, timing and of course nursing to soothe.  I have received so much advice/opinions on all topics.  I have taken offense to some advice, and I am sorry that I let my emotions get the best of me.  I know that people mean well, but I think sometimes it can come across as overbearing and rude.
I have had a couple people tell me to let my baby cry, or to offer a soother to calm him, and also not to let him sleep in his bassinet.  Funny thing is, we didn't want a bassinet, but it was a good purchase.  It is much easier to stay in bed and gather my baby, rather than to fully wake up, turn on lights etc.  As far as rocking, soothers, etc go.  I had a friend tell me that they rock their child to sleep and don't always offer a soother.  They might offer their breast and simple comforts like being held.  I thought this was great to hear.  This friend explained it by saying that she wants her child to know that she will always be there for them.  They can always count on mom, and sometimes, even as an adult, a hug can make everything better.  How true is that!?!?!?!?!

Anyway, it has been 3 weeks since my life changed dramatically.  It is great, and definitely a learning process.  I am beginning to learn what my baby needs and when he needs it.  Sometimes it is a guessing game, other times I truly know.  I know his signs of hunger, which I presume are the same for all babies.  I think I know when he has gas, needs changed, and I know when he wants to be cuddled (which is always!!!!)  I can tell how deeply he is sleeping, and I can also tell when he will wake.  The things you learn from staring at and spending all day with someone are infinite!  But, he is my baby, and I do know him best!!!

So, from the new me, the MOM, I do want to apologize to everyone who I may have been short or harsh with.  This is an adjustment time for me, and I think all new moms learn best by following their instincts and not always by advice, which often comes across as opinions and pressure.

Birth Story....Finally

I was going to do a post on Thursday Nov 18, but wanted to wait until Friday to update a picture of me at 40 weeks exactly....I didn't ever get the photo of my pregnant belly, but I did get a photo of my son!

Where to begin......Thursday night (Nov 18), I went to bed at around midnight.  I awoke very alert at 2:30am with fairly bad cramps, I went to the bathroom several times, and couldn't get back into bed to sleep.  I waited it out a couple of hours, just standing around seeing if anything changed.  It did.  The cramps lessened and the feeling of something else came about.  I called Joelene, and we talked about timings and such and she thought I was in real labour, I think I knew I was as well.  I went online to a contraction tracker and started timing them.  The site was really helpful to determine how far apart and the length of each. (Google: contraction master).  Alan and I weren't sure if we should head to the hospital or not.  We decided when the contractions were about 2-3 mins apart and lasting over 45 seconds, we should start the car (it was -23'C or something), install the car seat, and get all of our stuff together.  Because it was 6:30am, we also wanted to get on the road before rush hour traffic as a 10 minute drive could take an hour with the road conditions and traffic as well.  We made it to the hospital no problem at all, and I was admitted into assessment.  There was no doubt in anyones mind though, that I was in real labour.
They wanted to check me, and I couldn't lie down.  With every contraction, I had to be standing, or leaning over a chair with Alan applying pressure to my lower back. Lying down was the worst feeling ever, even sitting was impossible.  With every red light on the way to the hospital, I had to get out of the car and stand.  I can only imagine what other drivers were thinking.

Anyway, they checked me, and it was the worst pain ever!!!!  I literally had to be held down and had a couple different nurses attempt it.  We discovered that I was 3cm and 75% effaced.  Still a while to go yet.  We walked around the corridors and I spent a lot of time on the toilet.  My body was cleaning itself out and prepping for labour.  I look back now and can't believe what Alan and I experienced together.  It was such an embarrassing time or was it all new experiences, I am not sure, yet neither of us even thought about that I think.  I did apologize several times to Alan though that he had to witness what my body was doing.  It wasn't me though, it was my body, and we both knew this was all part of the process we call childbirth!

The nurses asked me about pain medications, and even though I didn't want anything, I did ask what they had to offer.  They suggested morphine and the gas.  The morphine had too many risks.  I wasn't able to have the gas as they didn't have a portable tank and I needed to be 4cm to go to Labour and Delivery, and no way was I going to be checked again any time soon.  That was too much to endure.  We waited a bit longer, then they admitted me anyway.

This is when my water broke and stuff was coming out of my body like crazy.  I was standing and leaning on the bed, and the nurse suggested I get on the bed.  I was on my knees with my head and hands resting on the top part of the bed in an upright position, I still couldn't sit or lie down.  Eventually, the urge to push was so strong, and I was check and was 8cm.  Within an hour, I went from 3cm to 8cm.  I was continuously told not to push, and the noise that came out of me when trying to hold back against a push was unreal.  How you can stop yourself from that, I have NO idea.  I continued to wait, and fight each urge to push with each contraction, but continued to be sick.

Eventually, I couldn't take holding it back anymore, and was checked again, I was 10cm....so, let's get this show on the road!!!!   I stayed on my knees, as I couldn't move.  The nurse told  me how to push and how to breathe, and I missed it that time.  I had no idea what to do.  Alan was amazing though.....of course.  He told me when to breathe, and to open my legs, bear down and push for the count of 8.  Without him, I think I would still be in labour, he was so supportive and did a wonderful job encouraging me, and of course applying very firm pressure to my lower back.

The doctor came in, I pushed, and I felt something, I had to ask what it was, as I couldn't see anything, she informed me it was a head.  Then another big push, and I felt this huge gush of something large and watery, bubbly, I am not sure how to describe it.   I then asked what that was, and she said that it was the whole body.  I was done, we were done, my son was born at 10:45am.  I remember asking several times throughout the morning what time it was.  I figured I pushed for maybe 30 minutes.  A very quick 30 minutes. 

At this point, I turned around, saw Alan hand back the scissors from the cord cutting, and held my beautiful son for the first time.  I said hello to him, kissed him, and then he peed on me! 

I was pretty numb for the next hour or so.  I think the exhaustion and the high just hit me.  I didn't cry, and didn't express much for emotion.  Labour was over, and our son was healthy and in Daddy's arms.  I simply just sat and didn't think about much.  (Although, Alan informs me, I did call my mom, I don't really remember!!!)  I was so pumped with adrenaline, I was shaking.  The doctor cleaned me up, and started to examine me, and had to repair a little tear.  Funny how I was so scared of tearing.  No biggie, you don't know until after you tore, so I don't know why I was so terrified.

Something things I learned/experienced:

1.  The pressure on your bum is unreal...I literally reached back and had to feel and asked Alan to see if the baby was coming out of my bum. (Of all the stuff people told me, NO ONE mentioned the pressure on your bum)
2.  The power women gain to deliver a baby is phenomenal.
3.  I have the greatest husband.
4.  I delivered a baby naturally and with NO pain medication.
5.  Hypnobirthing is hard to practice in the moment.
6.  When at home timing contractions, I knew I was in labour but didn't realize I was having a baby.
7.  I am not quiet when delivering a baby.  With each moan/grunt, it helped me to push, and was very effective.
8.  Being naked is mandatory, and it's true, it doesn't matter at the time who's around.
9.  Sutton came on his due date!  How odd!
10. The Royal Alex staff were all superb and supportive of our birthing plan, even the last minute changing.  Nothing was done without our full comprehension and permission.
11.  I am a woman of super strength and power.
12. I have a family, I love it!

Some Timings:

Nov 19, 2:30am - Awoke with contractions
Nov 19, 6:30am - Left home to go to the hospital
Nov 19, 7:00am - Admitted into hospital
Nov 19, 9:00am - Admitted into Labour and Delivery
Nov 19, 10:45am - Sutton was born
Nov 19, 12:00pm - Sent to our room for recovery
Nov 19, 3:00pm - Alan went home to nap and check on Lewis and Kobe
Nov 19, 6:00pm - Danny, Christina, Karl, Janelle, and Maddy came to the hospital to visit
Nov 19, 9:00pm - Alan left again to go home and sleep and be with the pets
Nov 20, 10:00am - Discharged from the hospital
Nov 20, 6:00pm - First home visitors - The Springers, came with a "Birth Day" Cake

The entire experience was surreal.  It all happened so quickly, I didn't even have time to rationalize what was happening.  At times I think I told Alan I couldn't do it.  He told me that I was doing it, and I was doing just fine.  I remember afterwards saying that it was easy and wasn't a big deal at all.  Now I wonder how I did it, and am terrified to do it again. 
Neither Alan nor myself could have imagined it going better than it did.  It went better than we planned, and better than we could have hoped for.

One thing I wish I would have done differently, is to go home and rest afterwards.  I had a giant burst of energy the first couple days, and nested like crazy.  I was out doing errands the day we got home even.  My body needed time to heal and recover and I didn't allow that to happen as I should have.  I did pay for it though.  Here almost 2 weeks later, I am basically all healed up and am feeling well. 

Alan and I are parents now, this has been almost 2 years in the waiting, and finally the day came....amazing!!!



Here are some of our first family photos:

This is the position I laboured in.

The second Sutton was born.  Alan and I hadn't see him ourselves yet at the point.

Our first "official" family photo.

6lbs, 5oz of pure perfection!

A very proud Daddy holding his son for the first time!

Sutton's first meal.

Our first night together....this was fake, I didn't really sleep!

Getting ready to go home!

All bundled up and ready to go!

I am sure that I left so much out, as the entire process was a whirlwind of events and emotions.  I'll update as I remember more.

Meet my Son: Sutton William Bond

I was going to do a post on Thursday night (Nov 18), but wanted to wait until Friday to update a picture of me at 40 weeks exactly....I didn't ever get the photo of my pregnant belly, but I did get a photo of my son!

Sutton William Bond
Born: Friday, November 19,2010
Time: 10:45am
Weight: 6lbs, 5oz
Length: 18.5"

I am currently typing with 1 hand as I am nursing, so I will share his birth story and our experience at a later date. For now, I will just share some photos!!

Enjoy!

Maternity Photos

Here are some of the Maternity Photos we had done!
I LOVE them!!!!  There were so many to choose from, so it was really hard, here are a few we choose.

A Night at Emerg, and Not for a Baby!

So, it's been 3 days since I have been on maternity leave now.  Busy and lazy days all at once.
Tonight was a doozy though....Alan came home from work at around 10pm, this is when I woke up from my nap.  Actually, Kobe had woken me up a little earlier, than I was having some pre-labour cramping.  All was fine though, of course I thought I was in labour, but that wasn't the case...as it's usually not.

Anyway, from bed, I asked Alan to put my ring away for me, that's when I went to take it off, and it was stuck.  This wasn't anything but new for me. I don't normally wear my rings though because my knuckles are huge and sometimes I loose layers of skin when removing them. (They are sautered together), but I had a lunch date, and wanted to wear them!  Good enough reason don't you think?

After trying it wouldn't come off, no way was it coming off.  I started freaking out....naturally.  Alan and I googled some tips, and we tried, ice, soap, elevating the hand, Windex, etc.  I then asked him to cut if off, and he said he didn't have anything here.
He suggested we go to the fire department as it would be better than emerg, at the inter-city hospital (closest).  So, we loaded up Kobe (not sure why...) and headed to the fire department.  Turns out we didn't know where it was.  There was an accident on the road we were travelling on, and I suggested we ask the firemen there where the fire station was, as surely they would know...wouldn't they.  Turns out they did.  The one guy came across to my side of the car, and felt the ring and my finger and says "That is really stuck, and your finger is really swollen"  Ya, no shit!  hahaha  Good thing, he wasn't too hard to look at.  They were wrapping things up on the accident scene, so 2 of them went back to the station, and Alan, Kobe and I followed.  We went in, and they tried, literally for an hour to do what they could.  They mainly tried the dental floss trick.  My finger got worse and worse, and they asked what the "trauma" was from.  I guess my finger looked bruised, although it wasn't.  The rest of the guys came back, and all agreed that they wouldn't be able to help me, as they couldn't get their tool under the ring and on my skin, so they said I would have to go to the hospital.  The entire time I was there, I was shaking, my entire body, and I wasn't cold, I think I was just freaking out a little.  Alan was sweet though, he was still in his work clothes, and had his Gerber on him which did help to string the dental floss through, and he rubbed my shoulder the whole time.

So, off to emerg, with a quick back track home to drop Bitey off.

We went to triage, (after both of us going mental trying to find a way into the hospital, at night, in the inter-city, with sick people everywhere.  It was really scary!)  So, she tells me to have a seat, but also asks if I want my finger looked at.  I said no, I just want the damn ring cut off.  She then asked about the trauma.....WHAT TRAUMA!!!!  So, "Cory" the RN comes over, and looks at it, and doesn't even know if he will be able to get his tool under the ring to cut it off.  Eventually he does, and it hurt like a MoFo let me tell you.  It was a great opportunity to breathe through the pain and try to relax.  hahaha.  He cuts out a piece, and then it still doesn't come off, I now have 2 sharp pieces of gold slicing through me, so he cuts another, and nothing.  Alan suggests a better place to cut it.  By this time, I was so annoyed, and his tool had cut part of my palm as well.  So, he does what Alan says, and I am DYING of pain, the ring was slicing into my finger cutting it, and I also had no feeling in my finger.  My circulation was getting real low.  Then, all of a sudden, my ring is flying across the room, both the wedding and engagement, and the other few pieces cut from it.  We gather it all up, and I am good to go.  I have a nice size cut on my finger from the sharp edge digging into me, and his tool slicing through my hand as well.

Immediately I felt relief and was so happy, then I cried because my ring is literally destroyed.  I am sure it can be fixed....but don't know if I will.  After all, I don't have a job anymore, and I don't think it will be cost cheap, and am terrified to ever put it on again!  I left the hospital with a biohazard bag of ice, and pee cup with ring remnants in it.

On the way home, I looked at Alan and said "Only me eh?"  He agreed!
I still can't bend my finger, it's still swollen, and Alan told me not to try, and of course I want to so much now!  I better go to bed.  It is times like tonight, when a nice drink would be lovely!!!

Check out the action.  I couldn't take any pics of the fire station or the hospital of course, but here is what I did get....

Here I am back in bed, thinking there is no way out of this without cutting off my finger!



Leaving the hospital, the swelling has SIGNIFICANTLY gone down at this point.  A side profile pic would make anyone sick, my knuckle is so swollen, and feels like if I pricked it, it would leak fluid.



My precious ring, in 5 pieces....The 3 little pieces are the underneath part of the band, and the other 2 are the engagement and wedding band.



38 Weeks and Waiting...

Well, 38 weeks, and waiting. Could be today, could be weeks away still.  The waiting game is killing me.  Today was the first day of my Maternity Leave (I should apply for EI I guess).  I woke up at my normal time, as I had my regular weekly appointment.  All went well.  I hadn't gained any weight, other than a few ounces or something meaningless like that, since last week anyway.
The anticipation really is killing me though.  Other than feeling 38 weeks pregnant, I am healthy and feel well. I have a lot of pressure and cramping, and sleeping is a hit and miss activity for me. 

I have noticed a lot of changes in my body and constantly think I am in labour.  Every new movement, pain or stretch makes me think this is the beginning.  And it is, just not REAL labour.  Hard when I don't know exactly what to expect.  I have been told when it happens, I will know, and I  know this,  but it still irritates me.  Alan is waiting very impatiently too.  The other night in bed, he says to me "13 more days until your due date"  I had no idea he was counting.  Maybe he is just anticipating his week off work!  haha  He is no longer allowed to work out of town.  The overtime would be great as he suprised me earlier in the week by announcing...so casually.... that he bought a new toolbox.  I can see him taking the little one on a shop tour and stopping to show him all the new drawers of his box and explaining the tools he loves so much!  Alan also commented the other day that I am a lot more happier these days and my mood throughout the pregnancy has been great.  He was really suprised that I haven't at all been a raging hormonal bitch. Looks like men also only hear horror stories about pregnant women and childbirth.   The next person who tells me their horrible story, I am going to simply tell them to "shut it".

I have decided which photos from our professional shoot I am going to purchase, and will post them as soon as I have them in a digital form.

Here are a couple pics, the most recent anyway, at 38w0d.  (Fri, Nov 5th)

Mind the quality though, it seems to Alan that the best way to take a photo is to do it as quick as possible, focusing is optional, as is waiting for the flash to fully go off.  I look especially tiny in this pic.  Although everyone constantly says I look tiny.  I've really only gained belly weight, nothing elsewhere.  Which I think is a good thing anyway!  I am measuring well though, am healthy and the doctor isn't at all concerned, so all is good!

Perhaps the next blog I do, will contain pictures of my son????