One month!

So I'm a few weeks late, but in combination with my being a horrible journal-er to begin with and having a newborn around the house (not to mention Billy being sick for the last week or so)...being prompt about writing was doomed from the start!! hehehe

Anyway, Big Girl hit one month December 22 and daddy and I couldn't be happier or more proud (i suppose i should include tired and distracted here too but everyone fills those in on their own). The first month was tough, a lot of working out kinks and figuring each other out but it was an adventure that was God-guided and God-blessed!

I have one piece of advice for new mom's and dad's that I'm sure many have figured out before us - don't try to do it all!! I'm not talking about the house work or laundry, which is what most new mom's hear about. I'm talking about the sleeping!! Obviously we were a bit different than some in that we are formula feeding, so it worked out for us to do shifts, but I'm sure there are ways around the nursing as well. At first I tried to take the whole night shift during the week with the intention of letting Billy do it on the weekends. That is another option for some folks, but by the end of the second week of doing this, I was not only exhausted, but discouraged and felt so alone at that time of night. That mixed with my hormones getting back to normal made 9:30 every night a cry fest - poor Billy dealing with adjusting himself to a new baby and a hormonal and emotional wife. We talked, and decided we would do well to try shifts. So we began with my going to bed around 7:30-8ish and he taking from then until about 12 or 12:30. I would then be "on call" from then on equalling both of us getting about 6 or more hours of straight sleep. I'm not sure I can describe how much of a difference that made!

!

We've also launched into a modified version of Babywise so due to that, we are both getting at least 6 hrs if not more depending on how long she sleeps and when the feedings land. Side note- if you are interested in the Babywise approach, check out the book at your local library or borrow it from a friend to scan through first to double check to see if it might be of use to you and your family or not. Some folks don't agree with the approach or it simply doesn't fit their lifestyle which is totally fine. Another thing to check out is a blog I stumbled across which has been super helpful. It's http://babywisemom.blogspot.com

She's changing

so much everyday, it's been so amazing to watch!! We stayed in town and had Christmas wit

h my family before Aunt D left for Florida. We had so much fun playing games, watching Christmas movies, decorating cookies, and adding a new tradition - creating play-dough snowmen!! hehehe Liz got a fun kitchen from mamaw and papaw and a fun first tea set from Aunt D. We (Billy and I) decided a while ago that we would like for our kids, while they're young at least, to attend Christmas Eve Servic

e at our church and wake up at home on Christmas morning. She's too young to remember this year, but we figured we should start the tradition now to get into the groove. We attended our little one's first Christmas Eve Service and were so moved. God is amazing!! Just a note to remember, Aaron (our pastor) talked about the passage from Mark that begins with the geneology of Christ (what a thing to talk about huh?!). Let me tell you... it was so eye opening!! We have no idea in our culture today what the birth story of Jesus truly tells about and how much it meant and means!! If your curious, check it out on Itunes, just look it up on the church's website at www.tpcc.org and your should find the link and directions.

We woke up Christmas morning with our little one :-) and had another new tradition, brunch with my parents at our house! So much fun!! We left for Billy's family's get-together soon after that. Lissy did really well with the car ride and even better than expected with all the new sights and sounds (believe me there were lots of them!! So much fun!!). I thought she might be super over stimulated and freak out but she did really well!! What a great little girl! She got a fun wiggly cow toy from grandma and grandpa which I'm sure she will just love here in a few months!! She gave us some huge gifts as well - she started cooing and smiling a bit in response to a face!! Ever since then it's been so fun to hear her "talk" to herself and to try and get a smile out of her!

I also started back to work, hanging out with Jackson at his house, and I think we're adjusting pretty well. Jackson is so helpful and wonderful with Liz, I hardly need to remind him to be gentle! Whenever she cries, he says "baby?" (which is all he calls her right now) and wants to go give her passie to her and rock the stroller if she's in it. So sweet! His little sister is due in about a month and though I'm sure it will be an adjustment, I don't think it will be as big as it could be. I think he'll be a great big brother. She did get herself to sleep with out any crying today, which was great because Jackson was down for a nap. I can't say it enough, God is amazing!!

The big day has arrived!

She's finally here!! It's taken a bit to get back to posting but here we are! Elizabeth Sarah Nord was born November 24th at 8:58 pm weighing in at 8.15 and 22 inches long- big girl!

It all started around 2:30 am that Tuesday morning when Rachael woke up to minor cramping. She got up, unable to sleep, and began to notice a pattern as the morning progressed. It was still pretty far apart, but eventually began to grow closer and closer together. Billy got some good sleep and when he got up, was a great help in encouraging through the contractions and helping to time them. Such a wonderful hubby!! We waiting until about 11 am or so to head in to the hospital, wanting to make sure we were far enough along they didn't just send us home!! I wasn't too sure we would be very far but at least we had been 3 cm for a bit- that had to count for something right?! We got to the hospital and when they checked, I was at 5cm already and doing well!! Yippee!!

We were admitted, then called our parents to let them know what was going on. Mom had been having dreams that we wouldn't call her until the baby was born, stemming from the comment I made about waiting to call after making sure we would be admitted :-) Needless to say, they jumped in the car and got to the hospital as fast as they could. We played the waiting game, with Billy winning the award for best support person in the world, and eventually progressed to about 7 cm before requesting the epidural. I had wanted to wait until I was farther along in labor for fear of it slowing down the progress, but when we got it- I think it took about an hour for me to make it to 10 cm!! And folks, I am a firm believer in a women being able to do it on her own if she wants to - all the power to her, but dude, for this lady- I am a "I don't have to pay for Eve's issues now so why would I chose to?" lol Note: I always had heard stories of the epidural hurting and such so I was a little nervous... totally no need to be!! Hardly felt it at all!! I think there were parts of my tattoo that were more uncomfortable than that was! Anyway, no need to worry about progressing apparently! We were feeling great and pushed for about 2 hours.

Around that time, my epidural began to wear off- not fun! I like to think I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but whoa, dude. So we requested a re-dose. From the time I requested the dose through the time I got it and it was kicking in, the dr.s noticed her heart rate showing a little distress. I was so proud of our daughter to make it this far into labor with no signs of struggle - she's such a trooper!! After that, I started to peak a fever at 101.2 (which is crazy high for my typical 97 ish), my blood pressure was steadily rising and my heart beat had picked up at an alarming rate. The dr, Billy and I finally made the decision to go ahead with a c-section.

Billy was really concerned through the whole thing about me and bless his heart, my state just made him even more so. He was able to come into the surgery room all scrubbed up and be with me. The surgery went well and Lizzie came out crying - the best sound I think I can imagine! The folks getting her all taken care of kept talking about how alert she was, and then cracking up when we poo'ed not once on the table they were prepping her on, but twice! lol That's my girl! Meanwhile, the dr is trying to get my heart rate down (which didn't go down until about 4:30 that morning) and Billy's wanting to make sure I'm ok but also see his new daughter. Rough, but God is good and got us through.

We noticed right away she's a strong little girl. She was moving her head around a bit (albeit very clumsily) and was super alert after eating. Nursing went a bit rough, and from what I heard, that was to be expected. She was a great eater but for some reason we were tearing mommy up. We knew it was going to be difficult and sore so we continued as best we could and sought help from two consultants and all the nurses who came in.

We spent Thanksgiving in the hospital, but had great food and plenty of visitors (not to mention a lot on our minds with the newbie). Coming home was uneventful and felt so good to be out and home. The first couple nights sleep were rough, but Mawmaw (Rachael's mom) came over and stayed the night and helped us to trouble shoot some stuff. After that, sleep has been pretty good!! She had her days and nights mixed up but I think we're getting that ironed out. She's going about 4 hours in between feedings so we're getting about 3 straight hours of sleep a stretch at night - which is pretty much awesome!! Part of the problem we encountered with the sleep at first was also feeding related we think.

We continued nursing at home but Rachael was in tears each time she went to nurse. We decided to give her a break and pump, giving the breast milk to Liz via a bottle instead. In the meantime we researched formula just in case it would have to come to that, and found that Rach was not producing what Liz should have been getting. When we told the pediatrician what was going on, she thought that might be part of the issue with the nursing. We talked about it and agreed that we felt comfortable going to formula, especially since Liz had gotten all my colostrum, which meant the most to me. That standing there, her sleep has regulated and she's all but lost that fussy time in the early morning.

Now all we're trying to iron out is our nap times! She's not sleeping well during the day for some reason, and we're not really sure why. She'll sleep great when she's being held by someone (note we are limiting this because we know she'll get used to it if we let her), and we're putting her down in her crib to sleep for naps to reinforce the sleep there, but she's still waking up periodically in a crying fit. Obviously we're knocking out any of the basics, food/burp/diaper/reassure. Any thoughts - feel free to voice!!

Already a goober!

So we know she's our child (already being a goober) and we also know she takes after her grandparents to some degree (my parents) - she's running late!! Hehehe! At least we know she'll work well with our church schedule! lol (If you grew up at or just familiar with Traders Point, you'll remember we have Traders Point Time - everything consistently running anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes late)

Went to the Dr today and although there's been some progress (I'm now completely 3 cm) and she is still doing just fine, went ahead and scheduled an induction date. As of now, she could still be a November baby, but if not then she'll be a December baby. The induction date is December 1 at a bright and early 6 am. The Dr tried to help it along today by messing with my membranes, but she didn't feel any change like she usually does if it's going to help.

Other than that, not a lot of change! Personally, I would love and prefer it if she would come on her own. I'm not a person who tends to follow the natural or organic trend to a very large extent, but we do try to do what we can (i.e. if I have a headache later in the day, I'm more inclined to try and sleep it off rather than take meds for it- I'm not against meds, just like to try and let my body do what it can to fight it first before using meds if possible). In this case, we'd like to have it happen without medicinal help if possible but also recognize the merit and safety in urging her to come if she hasn't by the induction date. Prayers would be greatly appreciated, not only for her to come on her own if that's in His plan, but also again just for a labor and delivery that follows His plan whatever that looks like.

any day now!

So great news is that I don't have preeclampsia...

Bummer news is that means we're playing the waiting game until she comes.

And boy is it an interesting waiting game!! I've slept wonderfully through this whole pregnancy so far (I will totally chalk it up to the sleep number bed we have - best investment we've made!!). Two nights ago, I had probably the worst nights sleep of my short life so far. Went to bed at 11:30, awake at 12:30 (for like a minute), awake again at 2:30 for about 15 min, again at 3:45 for about 15 min, and then at 4:15ish was wide awake again - so much so I didn't go back to sleep until a nap around 12:30 that afternoon when Jackson was taking a nap!! None of this from discomfort or potty breaks mind you... just awake! Funny part is, I felt pretty good until right before the nap!! The "saga" continues through last night when we went to be around 11 and I didn't wake up until my alarm went off at 7am - not even for a potty break!! And guess what!?!?! I felt like I was in desperate need of more sleep and/or major caffeine help most of today!! How does one get hardly any sleep at all and feel totally fine one night and then a solid nights sleep the next and feel like she only got an hour!? Anyway, moving on...

Last night, a friend reminded me with a great idea that my water could break at any point (although I think it's only like 8% or something of women have that happen before they get to the hospital but whatever...) and she had heard from a friend that putting a shower curtain under your mattress pad is a great, inexpensive way to help protect your mattress. I thought that sounded easy enough and great in helping protect one of our favorite belongings so Billy and I proceed to disassemble our bed to put this brilliant plan in action. Just a tidbit for those who could use it, either now or later. I'll let you guys know if it works or not!!

So now we wait...

One week to go!!

Week 39 and ready to go...

LOL So we are absolutely ready for Biz to get here, and actually it's not because I'm uncomfortable which is such a blessing!! I'm still feeling really good and the only time I truly feel huge is when I'm getting in and out of bed hehehe (which I'm sure is pure entertainment for Billy)

We had our checkup this morning and end all be all things are going well. The dr said I looked like I have dropped but I'm still measuring higher so we'll see on that one. I am almost 3 cm dilated and 50% thinned but as you guys know, that could not change for weeks so basically she could come tomorrow or a week from now, who knows! The only kicker is that my blood pressure was a bit high, so they are did some tests on me and I get the lovely pleasure of having to do a 24 hr urine sample.

(side note which might be TMI) Why do they give you a dixie cup to pee in every time you go in for a visit WHEN YOU CAN'T SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOING?!?! hello! I haven't been able to have any clue as to what's going on down there for awhile now, so what makes them think I can aim in general, much less into a tiny little cup? oye...

Anywho, even with having to do all that, God provides - I don't have to go into work today so it doesn't affect anyone but me. We'll see what it comes back as, but worse case scenario it's preeclampsia and they induce! The wonderful provision again is that I'm progressing and it's after 37 weeks so the concern is not as great. The planner in me is yet again thinking this could work out beautifully in my limited vision - she comes and we are home in time for Thanksgiving! Yippee! Most importantly though, the One who sees the big picture knows what He's doing and is never early or late, always perfectly on time. In that, there is a beautiful peace that passes all understanding in my heart knowing Biz and I are resting in our Father's loving and perfect care. We'll keep everybody up to date as we know what's going on.

4 weeks to go!

So we're 36 weeks today and we are getting so excited!! It's been established at our house that I am in nesting mode (let me clarify- nesting more than I usually do!! lol) and baby gear is popping up all over the house. We hadn't really set up a ton other than what's in the nursery but now I've been getting things out like the play mats, the diaper bin for downstairs, trying to figure out where the pack and play will go downstairs, etc. Billy informs me too that Christmas gear will be set up soon after this Saturday (let it be known I was game to wait a couple of weeks, but bless my wonderful husband's heart- he wants to make it a low key month for both of us). We're getting geared up for Christmas shopping in the next two weeks as well - I don't think we'll be thinking too much about that kind of thing after she comes!! hehehe I already have the Christmas card envelopes addressed and labeled (just have to get stamps)... pretty sad huh...

 

I've gotten some great advice concerning my last blog (about the epidural concerns and such that I had). Thanks guys, we appreciate it! Now our biggest prayer is getting her head down!! She's been doing flips for last week, head down for a bit then an hour later head and butt sticking out sideways. The dr said that by this Thursday if she hadn't flipped yet then we needed to talk about the next steps we could take. Truth be told we aren't worried about it, God has a handle on whatever happens in the next month! Lucky Guy, even knows what day and time she'll be here!! hehehe Sometimes I wish he'd let me in on that little secret but I suppose that might take some of the fun out of it. Mommy's such a planner... anyway, we'll keep it posted what's going on. Funny thing is, although I have a feeling everything will be just fine, I am totally fine with scheduling a C-section as well (that might be the planner coming out in me...)

 

We got to visit with Billy's side of the family this past weekend and every time we see them I wish we had more time. Carter, our newest nephew whose a couple of weeks old, is so darn cute and looks so much like his brother! I was way proud of Billy who seemed to take to handling a baby a lot more naturally than he has in the past. He's always done well with his other nieces and nephews, but I think he's in baby mode now and took advantage of getting comfy with something he'll be doing a lot more of in just a few short weeks. At one point after a meal I looked around and realized I didn't see Billy or Carter - they had gone in to watch some football and Billy seemed just as comfortable as could be with him! At one point everyone else disappeared outside to go look at my in-laws new camper and we were excited to hang out with lil'C inside. He starts letting something go in his diaper and being way noisy about it, all the while Billy is cracking up! I don't think he's ever heard that before! lol So I suggest we give him a few minutes and (hope against all hope) then Billy might change him... yeah... that was met with "naw, I think you should do it"... I almost had him... oh well. He did proceed to observe and critique ("are you sure you wiped enough? It's not too tight is it?" etc)

 

We spent some great time with friends (Megan and Tim) the weekend prior out at the apple orchard. My family and I have gone to Beasley's Apple Orchard in Danville, IN since I can remember and since Billy has come into the picture, we've continued the tradition with him and plan to with our kiddos as well. We thought we could spend some great time with our friends out there while multi-tasking and having Megan use her amazing gift at photography to take some maternity pics of us. We have a fun history together, going to ISU and both being a part of Cru there, her taking our wedding pics, attending the same church here in Indy, and now we are blessed enough to have her agree to take our prego pics for us. Not only does she have a great business going (megelaine images) but both she and her hubby and some of the sweetest and fun people we know. Billy and Tim kept us laughing the whole time in their efforts to find the biggest and "bestest" pumpkin and peeking in and out of the rows of corn! Since I've been negligent in my photo taking while prego, we now have these fan-shrekin'-tabulous pics that we're so happy to have for us and Lizzie later down the road. 

 

Now I need to go work on her baby book and making sure I have the diaper bag and our hospital bag ready to go and in the car. Oh yeah, and the towel to sit on in the car just in case since I'll be hanging out with Jackson up until she comes... hahaha! This could be interesting...

32 weeks!!

Yesterday marked 32 weeks and boy has time flown!! She's growing fast and running out of room!! I was just thinking last night as we sat on the couch for some down time that it's kind of sad when your stomach becomes a main source of entertainment for the two of you! I'm pretty sure she's head down now, and probably been that way for a couple of weeks (I just didn't recognize some of the signs until they mentioned it at lamaze class). Liz is certainly a hiccup girl (which I feel all down in the pelvic area) and likes to stick her booty out :-) I'll be curious to see if any of that continues after she's born. 

Lamaze has been great, better than I expected it to be. I knew I would learn and it would be helpful, but I had heard stories of ho-hum teachers who talk all about how it was done in the "old days" and/or the focus being on stuff I've already learned from various sources. If you know anyone looking for a good class like this with a good teacher, the Lamaze class taught by Rebecca at St. Vincent is where we are. 

I feel really affirmed in most of our decisions and well informed, the only thing that I'm struggling with now is the epidural. I never thought I'd say that!! LOL Well, maybe, sort of. Basically it comes down to wanting to be able to walk around, get into diff positions and such to help Liz out as much as possible, but obviously can't do that once you get the Epi. Turns out there is such thing as a low dose, or "walking" epidural, but my luck- it's not really offered in the U.S. (or at least in most of it; most important fact of that being not in Indiana). I'd really like to have a vaginal birth, but more often than not you end up with a c-section when you have an epidural. oye!!! So I think Billy and I talked about it and agreed that we will get as far as we can and then take one step at a time. If that includes meds, then so be it. If not, well hey! cool beans! 

Billy did laugh when someone warned him about the potential of me yelling at him during labor, blaming him for all of it :-) He told them that wasn't in my personality to yell at anyone, but then I corrected him...

if I yell at anybody...it'll be Eve...

Bless his heart, I just want to make sure he'll be alright. Don't get me wrong, I do not think he will faint or get sick or anything like that.  For those of you who know him well, you'll see what I mean. I get worried about him being worried about me! lol doesn't make sense sort of but it's hard seeing someone you love in pain and not being able to do much about it. He's that tender soul that I think that will affect more than many I know. 

I know for certain though that I probably won't see anyone happier, more joyful, eyes with tears, etc than him when she actually arrives. He, we both, are so excited for her to join our family and have been saying for awhile now (even before we were preggers) that the house just seems like it needs something more, that it's missing something. God is so good and had blessed us with so much that we had no clue as to what that could possibly be. Now I think we know though... we're waiting for our little girl. We've been waiting to have toys all over the house, messy meals, laughter, tears, questions, loose teeth, crazy schedules, and so much more. 

Our one prayer is this, that we continue to walk in His shadow bringing along with us our Lizzie and anyone else that might come along for the adventure...