Jack is Here

Tomorrow is Jack's one month birthday! Wow! I thought life was busy a month ago. Turns out I had no idea how busy Jack would make our life. In order to play catch up, I'm going to be writing a series of posts about the last few weeks, starting with this one telling his incredibly fun birth story!

I was really worried about having to be induced with Jack. Week forty came and went without any real signs of labor. I had a scheduled induction for forty two weeks, but Josh and my Mom both thought that was too long to push it. At my 41 week appointment I was going to ask to do it right away. I was scheduled for a non-stress test on Wednesday, March 14th, and I was really dreading it. On Friday, April 9th I went to a chiropractor to get an adjustment to hopefully get everything in line for his arrival. At the midwife appointment that afternoon, I was 2cm dilated and he was very low! I tried not to get too excited.

But nothing much happened over the weekend, which was a little disappointing. then Monday night, as I was going to bed, I felt a gush of fluid. My water had broken. I was excited! I instantly texted Josh, who was out with a friend. He replied, "Cool, let me finish my beer", then "JK, I'm on my way home!" We went to the hospital that night and they checked everything and let us go home and get some rest with instructions to come back around noon the next day to start induction if labor didn't start on it's own.We actually slept a little and I woke up around 7am disappointed that nothing was happening. It looked like I was facing induction after all.

We called our parents and told them to come, but not to hurry. I emailed some friends and asked them to pray that I would go into labor and not have to be induced. At 7:30, I felt the first real contraction. After two more, that were strong enough I felt like I needed to get out of bed, Josh said he thought we should go on to the hospital after our nanny arrived. I thought he was being a little over cautious, but agreed and we both got a shower and got ready to go. By this point my contractions were fairly strong and frequent. I decided I should have something to eat, and, although not hungry, forced myself to eat some applesauce while my nanny set timing my contractions. At that point they were about three minutes apart! We needed to get to the hospital.

We left our house around 8:45 and Josh debated stopping at Mc.Donalds for breakfast. At first I told him it was fine, but after we pulled in the parking lot I told him I thought maybe we should keep going, so he pulled out the other side and drove quickly to the hospital. At this point I was having nearly constant strong contractions and was starting to feel like a sissy. I kept thinking. "We are just getting started and this hurts...how in the world am I going to be able to stand this for hours". Josh was apparently thinking, "I hope I don't have to deliver this baby in the back of this rental Cadillac!"

We made it to the hospital and I, stupidly, refused a wheel chair and opted to walk up to labor and delivery. I had to stop and lean on Josh several time in the hospital lobby to have contractions. Apparently people were looking at me like I was about to deliver in the lobby. At check it, it seemed to me that the lady was going incredibly slow and I was in almost constant pain, so I finally demanded a room, or at least a bathroom (I felt like I needed to poop) NOW. A nurse took a look at me and said she would take me back and get me settled. Soon after, about 9:45 a midwife came in and checked me and said I was 8cm. She had to see another patient, but said to page her if I felt like I needed to push.

As soon as she walked out of the room I told Josh I knew she would think I was crazy, but I sort of felt like I needed to push, so he pushed the nurse button and the midwife and nurse came back in. Sure enough, he was there and ready to be born! I pushed for about ten minutes and at 10:36, little Jack entered the world screaming! It was amazing. I got to hold him right away and even try to nurse him soon after his birth. Josh got to cut the cord. My doula made it just in time to help with pushing and my Mom and Dad were texted Jacks picture just as they pulled in the parking garage!

It was crazy fast, but amazing. I felt great after his birth and not even tired or all that sore. It's the kind of birth experience I wish all women could have. I'm not going to lie and say it didn't hurt, it did, but it was so quick and all of the pain felt like it had a purpose and was bringing us our little man.

Update

I feel bad about this, but I just haven't had time to blog much lately. Life is crazy. So, in favor of making sure things don't slip by unnoticed, here is a update!

A friend is born! - On February 7th our dear friends Jon and Kelly welcomed Carter Preston to the world! I am sure that he and Jack will have many fun years of torturing Lily or following her lead to get in trouble!

Final Preparations - Final preparations for Jack's arrival are underway, such as they are. It's amazing how much less I've thought about things this time. We don't really have a bed set up for him, but I did get the pack 'n play infant napper down out of the attic so we are ready to install it. I washed the car seat cover and Josh put the seat in his car. I have things set out, although not packed, for our hospital bed. We have one pack of newborn diapers and some clean newborn clothes. Today we got our new monitor, which is awesome! Sarah is on high alert to get the midnight call to keep Lily, and our doula is on standby. Still, with all of that, I don't think it's totally sunk in that he could be here any day. I've had lots of contractions, so I don't really take them seriously. I guess he'll come when he's ready and we'll have to be ready when he comes!

Lily - I'm not sure if Lily has any idea what she is in for. When introduced to little Carter, at first she wasn't very interested. Then, she wanted to rock him in his seat. We may have to work a little on being gentle. :) Today she got a new book today called "Big Sister Blue" which is about when Blue (from Blues Clues, which she is obsessed with) becomes a big sister. She has made "baby" one of her favorite words, which is cute. I have to admit that she is so sweet and fun lately that I'm struggling with feeling a little sad about the fact that I'll soon not have as much time for her as I like. I pray that it'll be easy to find a balance.

Time Keeps on Slipping, Slipping, Slipping...

Can I just say that the months seem to be flying by. I have been so sick since before the holidays that I didn't have the energy to do more than survive. Now that I'm finally all well (thanks to finally giving in and taking some good antibiotics), I find myself super busy with all of the preparations for Jack. Thus, what follows is a brief, overview, blog post to sort of catch up with where things currently stand in the Hall house!

LILY
Unbelievably, my little darling is now sixteen months. She seems to be growing up so fast and changing every day. She has a whole vocabulary of words now, her favorites of which are, appropriately, mama, dada, hi, bye, baby, and kitty. She also likes "boo cue" (for Blues Clues) and "ish" (for goldfish), some of her favorite things! It is quite nice that she is learning how to verbally communicate her needs, but she is also quickly developing a strong sense of her own will! We have a had a few minor tantrums and attempts to escape her car seat, high chair, etc. On the whole, though, she is a pretty well behaved young lady and I consider us blessed by that. She is really quite good at listening and seems to get pure joy out of our celebration when she does what she is asked from pointing to her ears to picking up her toys.

JACK
Jack, and therefor mama, is growing rapidly! I can tell already that he is a squirmy ball of boy! At thirty-five weeks, I am starting to feel seriously huge. My midwife says all of my measurements are right on track, but she also commented on how low he is, I feel big, and people keep telling me I look like I'm ready to deliver any day. I'm not totally sure how to take that, but I have to admit that I am not sure I think I'll make it another full month. Who knows, though, he may be late like his big sister. I am, however, starting to seriously get ready. I worked hard today to get things at school to a state where I wouldn't be embarrassed for sub to come in. We've got quite a few clothes for Jack, courtesy of some very generous friends, and even bed linens. Those are all washed and ready. My sister is coming this weekend to bring his crib and I think we may go ahead and get the pack n' play and car seat out and ready. I have to admit that thinking about labor and delivery makes me a little nervous (those memories are still sort of fresh), so I'm trying not to think too much about that part. I am getting really excited to meet him, and bring him home, and see how Lily responds to him.

Things in the Hall house are busy, but I think they are about to get really interesting! :)

P.S. These photos are courtesy of a photo shoot with my amazing friend Star a few weeks ago. You can check out more on facebook! :)

To Drug or Not to Drug...That is the Question.

I am sick. I hate being sick. I have a lot to do. I like being active and productive. I feel like I have been sick for a very long time. There have been times I feel better and times I feel worse, but I have had this "cold" for well over a month now, and have been struggling with whether or not I should take any medication.

My default response is always no. I am very nervous about taking anything when I'm pregnant. I just feel like if I can survive without it, it's better for baby if I abstain from any medications. In a perfect world, I'd make it the whole pregnancy without taking anything more than a vitamin. I'm a strong woman, right. I don't need medications or rest. I can will myself to get better! :)

The last two weeks, however, I have felt like total crap. I've had a cough (which I have learned can lead to some unfortunate bladder control issues), headache, stuffy head, runny nose, sore throat, and indigestion to top it all off. I resisted taking anything, thinking I'd get better soon, but this week, I seemed to be getting worse.

On Thursday last week I took the day off work and went to see my midwife who encouraged me to try a few things like Tylenol to help with the pain and saline (or a neti pot, which Josh won't let me do) for the stuffiness. She also offered antibiotics, but I refused them at that point. She said I could take Sudafed and Benadryl too, but I read a bit about them online and got nervous and wouldn't take them.

So, for the last few days, I've been trying to "tough it out", but really just barely functioning. I've taken Tylenol, which helps for about a hour and tried saline, which just runs back out of my nose. Last night, the left side of my head and my jaw/ear began to throb. I didn't sleep. I woke up this morning resigned to taking meds. I called the midwife (thank God that Jenny, who I love and totally trust, was on both last week and today!). She assures me that both the Z Pak of antibiotics she prescribed and Sudafed are totally safe. She encouraged me to take off work and rest and take care of my baby by taking care of myself.

I know she is right, but still, as I took the pills this morning, I felt guilty. I felt weak. I felt bad about missing work. I felt worried that in some way they will hurt Jack and his last little bit of development. I know that is sort of silly, and I seriously pray that what will really happen is that I will get all better quickly and be the stronger momma that he needs to grow healthy these last few weeks!

New Year Reflections

As we begin a new year, I find myself in a rather reflective mood. Josh and I have had several conversations lately about just how blessed we are, and we are super blessed. We have both have good jobs. We have a nice house and cars that run. We have plenty of food to eat and amazing friends to share our life with. We have a wonderful family that makes the holidays a fun and relaxing, not stressful, time. We have an amazing little girl and a, hopefully equally adorable, little boy on the way. Our marriage has survived the stresses, strains, and tests of almost nine years, and our bond feels stronger than ever. We are blessed!

Last night we rang in the new year with a small group of friends discussing the high points of 2011 and our goals for 2012. I honest had a hard time coming up with a high point from 2011. It was a tumultuous yet in many ways wonderful year as I struggled to figure out how to be a good mother, teacher, wife, daughter, friend, and person. I wouldn't say I figure it all out by any stretch of the imagination, so my goal for 2012 is to, rather than worrying about it and being caught up in all of the "work" of life, take time to enjoy each moment as it comes and savor all of my blessings!

*I found this resolution by Bishop John H. Vincent online and find it quite beautiful. Maybe I'll put it somewhere to read everyday.

Cookie Monster

So, I'm not sure if the title of this post refers to Lily, or to me. I had a bit of a melt down on Christmas day at Josh's parents house...because of cookies.

Lily, who is usually a really good eater, got to a point where she wouldn't eat her breakfast or lunch because she wanted cookies. It started at my house where my dad gave her some sweets the day before and she started walking over to where the cookies were, pointing at the tins, and pointing at her mouth. It was really cute and she was super happy to get cookies, so we were all giving her a bite. On Christmas morning she had several bites at my house before we left to head to the Halls.

Once there, she had a few more bites of cookies from his family, then totally refused things she usually loves for breakfast. After breakfast I said she couldn't have any more cookies until she ate some food, and was "jokingly" called "no fun" and "bad". This made me a bit upset, but I tried to laugh it off. The family kept giving Lily bites of cookies. Then there was lunch, which Lily also totally refused, and I once again laid down the no more cookie law.

Then, I "caught" Josh's uncle trying to sneak her more cookies when I wasn't looking, and I lost it. I stormed upstairs where I proceeded to cry for about an hour and refused to come down until that uncle left. I was upset that they didn't listen to me and worried that Lily would have a sugar crash that night when we were supposed to go to Josh's grandma's. I know it was a ridiculous response. I know that one day of eating only cookies isn't really that big of a deal. Once I had the outburst, though, I felt embarrassed about having it. I blame the hormones.

Christmas - The Story of Stuff

I learned something new this Christmas. People LOVE buying for little ones, myself included. It is nearly impossible to resist all of those adorable outfits and toys that are so affordable! This Christmas Lily received no fewer than fifteen outfits and equally as many toys including several big items (a small table, a slide, a rocking horse, and a giant inflatable air swimming shark (which was actually given to Josh!) If she continues to receive gifts at the rate she did the Christmas and if we also add Jack's gifts, we are going to need another house just to store all of their toys!

It was only by the grace of God and Josh's amazing tetris skills that we were able to get everything in the car to come home. Luckily Josh's parents had delivered the little table ahead of time, and my parents are planning a trip down in the next few weeks to deliver some other big hand me down presents (a swing, a barbie jeep, and a crib for Jack). I'm still not sure where we are going to put everything, but luckily we have a decent size attic and garage to store things she has outgrown or hasn't grown into yet, and we did end up returning a few clothes in order to buy things in the next size up. No baby needs two weeks worth of pajamas in the same size!

I'm torn about the whole consumer Christmas thing. Part of me is strongly opposed. I mean, who really needs all of this stuff, and it in the end it ends up in the landfill as things break and kids outgrow them. On the other hand, I love to shop for the little ones. Josh has said several times that we really shouldn't buy presents for Lily since everyone else does, but I'm not sure I can do that. I love picking out things that I know she will enjoy! I know I am guilty of buying more than is probably necessary for my nephew and some of the other kids in my life. Shopping for them is just so much fun!

I think most of us need to find ways to scratch that shopping itch in a more moderate way. Perhaps we'll start a college fund for Lily and ask people to contribute to that instead. Perhaps I'll do more of my shopping at consignment and thrift stores next year. I also know there are lots of needy kids out there that may not get anything for Christmas, and I would love to shop for them. Convincing my family, including my husband, however, to give up buying so much for us so we can put those funds towards others, is not as easy as you might think, and I don't want to come across as high and mighty, guilt them into it, or have everyone end up spending twice as much to buy for those in need AND ourselves. Anyone have any good tips on making that transition?

Seeing Santa

It seemed like a rite of passage. It seemed like something we HAD to do. It was a bad idea. It made me feel like the worst mother ever. Yep, we took Lily to see Santa! The realtor who helped us buy and sell our house is Santa during the holiday season and has free visits and photos for his friends and clients. We didn't go last year because Lily was really tiny and it was cold and snowy the night of the event. This year I insisted, against Josh's now obviously wise resistance, that we had to take her. We both hurried out of work so we could get her changed into her Christmas outfit and get there in time. When we go to the church where the event was held, Lily was happy and playing with some other waiting children, but as soon as we entered the room where Santa was she suddenly became terrified. She refused to even go near him without screaming! We ended up holding her with our backs to Santa while he peeked in and we got a few pictures. I wish I had know that was the back up plan because I would have fixed my hair and made Josh take off his hoodie. Oh well...maybe next year...or maybe we'll wait a few years before trying again!

What's in a Name?

As I leaked in the previous post. Baby Boy Hall has a name! Jackson David, aka. Jack. Jackson because it is my maiden name, and David, which is Josh's middle name.

With Lily we kept her name top secret, but with Jack, we knew pretty early what we wanted to call him and have been calling him that as a family for a while now. Lily even knows who (and usually where) "Jack" is. She even says "Jack" as she kisses my belly, which is just adorable!

14 Months!

Today Lily is fourteen months! I know I haven't had time to post which is sad, because it is amazing how "grown up" she is becoming. She walks almost all the time now. She doesn't say a lot of recognizable words, but babbles a lot. She definitely understands what we are saying to her most of the time! It is so awesome to watch her respond to simple things like "What does a sheep say?", or "brush your hair." She is getting teeth, slowly, but surly and has three and a half now!

She is a very independent little miss, which is sometimes a bit frustrating, but overall she is incredibly well behaved. Josh and I were marveling just yesterday about how readily she responds when we say "no" and how she is learning quickly what the "rules" are around the house. Her biggest "misbehaviors" so far have all had to do with throwing her food and drink in the floor when she was finished eating, but just this week she has started saying "all done" and doing the sign or putting her cup in the cup holder on her tray and then clapping her hands and being proud she did the right thing.

This past weekend, while we were out of town for Thanksgiving, she was totally cute and sweet most of the time despite all the strangers and transitions. She is always a little shy when we are at a new place with new people, and didn't really want anyone but mom and dad to hold her (she doesn't really want anyone to pick her up...she can walk herself gosh darn it!), but she pretty quickly warmed up enough to play contentedly by herself. She ate all sorts of new foods happily and slept well in various places at various times. I know we are totally blessed! I only pray that little "Jack" is as well behaved!

*This is a picture of Lily entertaining herself at the car dealership waiting on an oil change! :)

Lily Walks!

Lily has recently been super close to walking. She was so mobile and good at pulling up and cruising that at first we were sure she would walk by her first birthday, but that milestone came and went without her taking more than a couple of unassisted steps. In the last few weeks since her birthday she has shown that she can go from sitting to standing and walk several steps on her own, but she didn't do it regularly. The first time she seemed really determined was about a week ago when she really wanted to help me sweep (we have a video that I'll post soon)! Still, most of the time she would look down and realize she could crawl faster, and use that mode of transportation.

Then, last Sunday, we went over to a friends house where another friend was with her 11 month old. That little girl was walking all over the place. I could tell Lily was watching her. Then, after they left the party, Lily kept trying to walk around. I think she was inspired. She has been walking a lot more this week and even walked about half way down our hallway. My guess is she'll be running by Christmas!

Support?

Apparently when you are expecting baby number two, especially when it's just barely a year since number one, your body goes through more physical stress. I have really been struggling lately with lower back and right hip and leg pain that are probably sciatica. It hurts some after just a normal day. If I do anything remotely physical, it hurts a lot. It's even hard to find comfortable positions to sleep in.

At my last midwife appointment she suggested I get a pregnancy support belt of some kind. I have to be honest, since I totally didn't need one with Lily, I feel sort of like they are silly. Still, having some relief would not be a bad thing. They make everything from really small and cheap ones to elaborate and expensive ones. Does anyone have any experience with one? What kind? I welcome any and all feedback!

My Pants Don't Fit! Know of Any Good Consignment Stores?

I am at a weird place wardrobe wise. Since becoming pregnant with number two I've alternated between my maternity clothes and some of my "regular" clothes that still fit. Ok, to be honest, that has been the case since Lily was born. I've continued to wear the maternity things that were cute and fit and added in things that were not maternity and fit. But, in reality, I don't have much that isn't maternity that will fit, and what does doesn't look as good as maternity clothes do. There is just something about they way they are cut that is much more flattering to the belly!

Today I attempted to wear a pair of my normal khaki pants and a shirt I had before I was pregnant to work, but it didn't turn out too well. The pants seemed ok this morning as long as I kept them tucked under my belly, but in reality were not at all comfortable when I sat down, so I ended up using the rubber band trick to expand the waist, which then led to me feeling like my pants were unbuttoned and coming off all day! As soon as I got home, I switched into my comfy maternity jeans.

My current problem is that all of my maternity things, or at least the majority of them, were for hot weather. Lily was born at the end of September. I wore sundresses right up until her birth. I have skirts, shorts, capris, tanktops, and t-shirts in maternity sizes. I do not have pants or long sleeve tops to wear to work now that it is starting to get cold! I do have some jeans, but I can't (or feel like I shouldn't) wear them for everyday at work.

I did have one friend give me some winter things, and many of the tops are great, but the pants are all a little too short, and I can't bring myself to wear high waters just because I'm pregnant. I think I'm going to have to face facts and go shopping, but I really don't love spending a ton of money on clothes that I won't wear for too long.

I looked at some things on Craigslist today. Has anyone bought clothes on Craigslist before? Something about going to someone's house to look at their clothes is a bit strange to me, but I like the idea of "gently used". Also, does anyone know of any good consignment stores in the area that carry maternity stuff? Or any recently pregnant moms who would be getting rid of size medium winter clothes?

Happy Halloween!

Last night we took Lily to a Halloween Party at the Keane's. She was so cute! We went with a family Angry Birds costume theme. We got the idea when my work decided to do Angry Birds, then we found a red bird shirt for Josh and decided Lily would make the perfect little blue bird.

I made Lily and my costume by piecing together felt (thanks to help from Lisa Meyer) faces. I wanted to make Lily a pig, but Josh said they are the "bad guys", and wouldn't let me! Amazingly, she even kept her little top "feathers" on most of the night. She had fun at the party, but was a little unsure of some of the masks.

Tomorrow, for Halloween, I think we are going to have a quiet night at home handing out candy to any little goblins that show up. Next year, the trick-or-treating will begin!

Boy Clothes!

Today I got my first baby boy clothes! I'm super excited! I've resisted shopping myself, but now our little man won't have to wear pink! :) Thanks Elizabeth and Madison!