Christmas Card - November 2008

Christmas Card - October 2008

Christmas Card - September 2008

Christmas Card - August 2008

Christmas Card - July 2008

Christmas Card - June 2008

Christmas Card - May 2008

Christmas Card - April 2008

HE'S CRAWLING!

This morning I was updating Christian's "Firsts" Calendar Baby book while sitting on the couch. He was on the floor skooting and rock n rolling, playing with his toys. Suddenly, he noticed my light blue cup sitting on the floor by my seat. Previously, he would reach his arm, then army crawl, then roll over to grab the object he wanted. But not any more! He, like a newborn coat, awkwardly crawled toward the cup! I was so excited I let him tip it over on the carpet.

So we are now in the 'baby is mobile' stage. He already fell on his face twice this morning, so I'm sure we will have to be vigilant and also baby proof more than we have.

Just an update in between the Christmas card posts.

Christmas Card - March 2008

I don't remember much of March before the 7th. I think the birth of Christian casts a shadow over whatever mundane memories I would have. I do know that Dan and I were having problems sleeping. I was SO uncomfortable. I'm not sure if he was sick or just empathizing with me. Anyway, on March 7th we went to see the doctor for what turned out to be the last appointment with her. She let us know that Christian was about 8 pounds already! So she proceeded to 'strip my membranes' (if you are curious, look it up on babycenter.com). It is a method of induction that only works if your body is ready to start the labor process. It turns out that my body was half ready to participate. After this visit, Dan returned me to work. But I didn't feel quite right. Because of this I started researching what the procedure was and understood that I could possibly be experiencing the beginnings of labor. I left early that day. We went to Best Buy to look at laptops, but I got so cranky that we drove home. I took a nap.

I don't remember what else we did that night before going to bed. I do know that Dan took some NyQuil and not even a half an hour later my water broke.

After my water broke, we showered, ate, packed up what remaining items we needed. We looked around and thought something like, 'when we return, we will have a baby with us!' and 'Our lives will never be the same!'

On the way to the hospital we called both of our parents and friend from our small group, and she in turn would spread the news. We valeted the car, checked in and sat awhile before being admitted to the first room. There the nurse ran some tests to determine if my water in fact had broken (I was like - look around lady!) and then we were ushered up to labor and delivery.

I didn't start contracting on my own and so received Pitocin to induce contractions. This made the labor intense really fast. I tried hard for 6 hours to endure the contractions, but there was no dilation happening. SO I asked for the epidural, which I was on from 9am to around 9:30pm or pm when I started pushing. During the day, I didn't feel much because of the drugs, but when the dilation was almost at 10 I could feel Christian descending. Then no matter how much I pushed the button for more drugs there was no relief! Thankfully he was descending and I was dilated. I just needed to push! And push I did - for an hour and a half. The OB yelled at Dan to grab my leg and participate. He pushed too!

To make the long story short (too late!) Christian was born at 11-ish pm on March 8. He was 19.5 in and 8.2 lbs. He was a big baby - didn't look that fragile. The hospital stay was a weird experience - coming off the drugs, being in pain, having a BABY! in my life, friends and family visiting, trying to take showers with rubbery legs, etc. I'll spare you:)

The ride home was sweet. Dan narrated to Christian the whole way. When we arrived at home, he gave him a tour. Proud papa!

And then came the crying. ALL NIGHT. But it's wonderful - please have children! hehe

The rest of March is a blur of nursing, healing, family and friends visiting, Easter, pictures being taken, winter breaking, and crying (Christian!).

Christmas Card - February 2008

February was even darker, colder, and wetter than January - in fact it was THE darkest and coldest and wettest in 30 years or something crazy. I was getting heavier and Christian's foot started kicking my top rib. He was either trying to kick his way out (the wrong way) or was just stretching. The heart burn was pretty bad as well, but that's something I can omit here:)

Dan and I attended some more classes, including one on breastfeeding. He likes to tell people that there were other men there. The class was eye opening and very educational, but nothing compares to actually trying to do this 'natural' act yourself!

We also started going to the doctor more often - almost every week! We didn't mind, especially when the doctor let us know that Christian wouldn't be born with kidney problems (there had been some worries at earlier ultrasound screenings).

I had my second baby shower, which was thrown by the women in my small group. It was a wonderful shower - not just because of the gifts. They were just very thoughtful in the games and program - having all the guests say what characteristics of mine they would wish Christian to inherit. And the scripture and prayer were touching! These women have been such a blessing to me and I love and appreciate them!

I think that's it for February...on to the birth story:)

Christmas Card - January 2008

January 2008 was a dark, wet, and cold month, but not one without joy! It was definitely a month dedicated to learning about and preparing for Mr. Christian Peter.

Dan and I attended our birthing class, in which we watched graphic movies of women in various stages of labor and delivery. I think it was at that point that I became intensely aware of my 'condition' and that, yes, I too would be going through labor. It was a scary realization. I think I forgot about why (the baby!) and succumbed to anxiety about the unknown. We also learned baby CPR and how to care for a newborn using baby dolls. It helped conceptually but not in reality I think.

On the lighter side, I went with friends to register for baby things, which was fun but also a bit overwhelming. But, my mother's friends threw me my first baby shower so I was able to see the things I had chosen. I was so grateful for everyone's generosity! Babies, who happened to be very small people, need a lot of stuff. Cute stuff, but still stuff!!

Lastly, Dan and I attended a Bulls vs. Kings game, a sign that we were still young and hip - not yet needing a babysitter! :)

Christmas Card

So, I've decided that sending Christmas cards are so yesterday:) Instead, I will be sending y'all a link to this here blog.

To make it more like a Christmas letter, I will be posting summaries/memories of the 12 months of 2008 - so a kind of twelve days/months/posts of Christmas.

I'm not sure how it will turn out, but it's worth a try!