Concerns

Sara finally lost her "billy" (umbilical) cord, as Zack calls it, on Christmas Eve. So, 2 days later when she "blew" all over herself, she got her 1st sink bath!



Sara had a weight check appointment today since she's so little and hadn't regained her birth weight by 3 weeks. She gained 4.5 oz in 9 days, which is at the very bottom of the range of acceptable rate of gain. SO they want to see her back in 2 weeks to recheck.

Doctor's Appointment

Sara had her check-up yesterday with Dr. Sara Meyers at NW Pediatric. Everything looks great, they say. She gained 9 oz (not a lot I guess, but they said for her size, that's a good amount of gain) and 3/4 inch. She had lost so much (down to 5 lbs) in that first rough week, that the 9 oz only puts her at 5lb 9oz, so since she's still 2 oz under her birth weight, they want us to go back next week just to make sure she's reached it by then. But, other than that, all is well!

I love that little Critter!

Wow, the first 3 weeks of Sara's life have been great! I feel really bonded to her. I thank God that I read up even as little as I did on babies and raising kids, because were it not for that, I'm sure I would not be able to handle the crying very well. If you think about it logically, you can conclude that anyone's weeping is very tolerable and pitiful. Belligerent wailing, on the other hand, and incessant outbursts of frustration generate sympathy only a day or two, as you think, "it must be something I'm (Lauren's) doing wrong." But as you seek every possible way to commiserate her, you find even your most thoughtful efforts, and most empathetic words to still be met with dissatisfaction! Gradually you realize, "My best wasn't good enough!" That thought is undoubtedly the root of all parents' emotional breakdowns and frustration.

However, the books came in handy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In reading, I learned that, contrary to what I've always thought, the most important time of a human's life is their first few years! Who'd have ever imagined it?! I've always been disenchanted with babies because they can't interact, they don't care anything about YOU or your effort, so why bother with them? Little did I know (until I read... I CAN READ!!!!) that babies who aren't held after birth often become emotionally damaged - and babies that are snapped at or neglected. I also didn't know that by age 5, most little humans have pretty much settled into their idea of who God is or isn't, and how they think of Him! Wow! All that shows it's critical to overcome the natural frustration toward your baby, and critical to continue holding them and loving them, and pressing through with a proper perspective that comes from knowing you ARE making a positive difference, and that it IS worth enduring her outbursts.

Just knowing that has made all the difference for me. Though it was frustrating for a couple days during week 2, I'm realizing again, "She's just so tired she can't sleep," or, "her diaper's just dirty," or "she's hungry," or "she's overstimulated." She just can't help it.

I also find that Lauren is great at diagnosing her different shrieks. That's helped me remember sometimes that, "ah, yes, there is a REASON she's crying, and it's a reasonable one."

Though I don't day dream about Sara while at work, I do look forward to seeing her when I'm driving home! I like to call her "little crttr."

I haven't dreaded changing a diaper yet.

You ought to see the innocent-looking face she gets on her when she gets the hiccups! Little eyeballs peaking all around, to the left and right, while making that cute little squeak.

I'm very happy that we've gone haywire overload on the pictures. We've got a ton.

I'm looking forward to getting some professional portraits done of her - maybe with the money dad sent for Christmas. Dad hasn't seen her yet, nor Katie, but I know they're eagerly anticipating the first meeting.

Lauren's dad decided that since I'm the dad, I should be "Crawdad," which would make him "Crawpappy." That has provided some quality entertainment so far.

I've tried to spot her fingerprints, but I guess they're so small, I can't see them. Plus she won't leave her hands open very long.

Her favorite sleeping spot, other than Lauren, is snugged right into the couch cushions - pictures will reveal this.

I've been making sure Lauren gets her gourmet supplement pills every day, so that she and the baby get all their stuff. I also throw some odd-ball pills in there, like ginger, so that Sara will develop a taste, like her daddy, for things a little more adventuresome than her more conservative mother intakes.

So how do I feel about babies all in all? I feel great! I think it's the best! Lauren's the one who has done ALL the suffering to this point - I feel sorry for her, yet impressed at what a good job she's doing! She's the one who wakes up all the time at night, and has to be around the volatility during the day as well. Even though she's almost beat to a frazzle sometimes, she's still surprisingly positive. She even still manages to do some things around the house and cook dinner and things too.

Bigfoot

Lullabies and Playtime

We have found two things that Sara really likes -- her playtime with Daddy (see picture below -- and the video!) and having Mama sing to her. Pretty much every evening after changing Sara's diaper, Zack sings with her and plays with her hands, and she seems to really like it! At least she doesn't cry. :) But when she does cry, one thing that almost always calms her is when I sing to her. I guess she heard it for 9 months, and it's familiar to her!

Playtime with Daddy

Daddy Nightmares

The funniest thing happened this morning/last night (sometime in the middle!). I was nursing Sara in our room, and she let out a little cry which must have woken Zack up. He suddenly sat bolt right up in bed with a panicked look and said, "Oh, crud!" He started patting the covers and looking under the sheets. Here's an [almost] exact transcript of what followed:

Lauren: "What's the matter?"
Zack: "Where's the baby?"
Lauren: "I've got her."
Zack: [looking around, still dazed and worried] "Oh"
[Pause while Zack looks around more]
Zack: "So you have the 4-letter Sara?"
Lauren: [laughing] "Yes, Zackie, I've got her."
Zack: "What about the other one?"
Lauren: "What other one?"
[At this point, Zack is starting to get very frustrated that I'm not understanding what he's asking]
Zack: "The... the... doll baby one!"
[Of course, I have no idea what he's talking about, but I play along]
Lauren: "I've got her, Zackie."
Zack: "Where?"
Lauren: "Right here." [walking over to the bed to show him the baby]
Zack: [looking very confused] "But you said... you said you've got the real one."
Lauren: [patting Zack's face to wake him up] "Wake up, Zackie; you're not awake."
Zack: "Ok."

Sara in Pictures

Sara

Sara's Here!

Well, it's taken me a week to get this down on "paper," but you'll have to forgive me -- I just had a baby! That's right, my suspicions last week were correct; I was in labor. Zack got home from work around 5:30 and ate his dinner (that I cooked, thank you!), and my family came over then as well. My contractions were getting closer together and pretty uncomfortable, so we decided around 6:30 that I should go ahead and go. We ended up making it to the hospital a little before 7:00 p.m. Dr. Duke (who I would have chosen had I had the chance) was on call, checked me and said I was 4 cm dilated and 90% effaced. He wanted to go ahead and break my water, so about 45 minutes later, he came back (I was now 5cm/100%) and did just that. I had about 2 more contractions that were just uncomfortable, and then things picked up quickly! Zack has an actual time line of when things occurred, but for me, the next three hours passed in a painful blur.

Looking back, it's hard to remember very many specifics because I was trying so hard to relax, but I do know that if Zack and Mom hadn't been there, I couldn't have done it! There were a few times that I thought things like, "I never want to do this again!" and it was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done, but worth it for sure! Around 10:45, the nurse checked me and said I was 10 cm dilated and it was time to push. She had me give 2 good pushes, and then called out the door, "The doctor needs to come now!" The next contraction I actually had to breathe through because the baby was crowning and the doctor wasn't ready. That third push, at 10:53 p.m., Sara arrived! She was a nice shade of blue-gray, and Mom even says she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, but she let out her first cry and within seconds, the doctor was asking Zack if he wanted to cut the cord (which, surprisingly, he did!). He did just fantastic through the whole thing, and was pretty immediately in love :) They took her immediately over to the warmer, where she was howling, until she heard her daddy's voice. He began to talk to her, and she immediately stopped crying.

Annie didn't make it until about 45 minutes after Sara was born, even though she booked it from Amarillo and made it in a record 6.5 hours. We had lots of other visitors too -- my whole family, Laura, Bro Kenny, and Jay & Betty.

We had to stay in the hospital for 2 nights, since she was born so late at night, but now we're home!

I think it's time!

Since about 2:00 today, I've been having regular contractions (about 5 minutes apart!). At first, they were just uncomfortable, but now I'd call them painful. I hope this is the real thing!

Progress!

At my weekly doctor's appointment this morning, Dr. Hix informed me that I'm now three centimeters dilated, and 75% effaced! He said that was a lot of progess for one week, and even said, "This may be a Turkey Day baby!" He also said she is moving down well (her "station" is -2) SO, even though it could still be 2 weeks, they're thinking it probably won't be. Dr. Hix even said as I was leaving, "Well, we'll see you at your appointment next week, unless you have a baby by then!" So, more walking for me...

Doctors, Dilating & Dreams

The doctor says I'm 1cm dilated! Boy, this is really going to happen!! And I tested negative for Group B Strep, which is fantastic (no antibiotics at the birth).

We've been working a lot on Sara's room, getting the swing and stroller assembled, washing all those new baby clothes. It just makes me so impatient to have that little baby here with us! Everyone told me I would just wish away the last month of my pregnancy, and I guess I am, though not for the reasons they were meaning. People say you feel so bad the last month that it feels like you will be pregnant forever, but to me, it's not about the pregnancy part -- it's just that every time I hold up a little newborn gown or onesie, I wish there was something in it! I know that when I actually get to hold her, I will feel even more strongly, but I just can't believe how much I already love her and want her with us. God surely knew what He was doing when He chose how we humans would be brought into the world. It only makes me wish all babies were as wanted. And when I think about what a great dad Zack is going to be, it just makes me weepy. :) (not that tears are far away at any point in pregnancy!) So come on, Sara! We're waiting!!

Important Day

Today marks an important milestone -- I am technically considered full term. In a nutshell, that means that if Sara were born today, she would not be considered premature (even though I have 3 weeks left until my due date).

Help? Anyone???

Nowadays Lubsy can hardly put one foot in front of another without my careful supervision and oversight. Even simple tasks that once were done independently, like putting on socks, getting out of bed, and worst of all, tying shoes, have all become valid reasons now for Lubsy to call for help. After a quick guilt-trip, I find that I am usually able to meet the need.

We're especially excited today, because the doctor said Sara's heart rate is "perfect," and that there is no reason to expect the delivery to occur any time after the due date (12/5) - so I'm betting she'll be here right after Thanksgiving... can hardly wait for the day it all happens, and the week following when I get off work to stay home and soak it all in. I know there'll be lots of poop and probably crying and sleeping, but I'm still looking forward to it beyond words.

It's not too long now...

I had a doctor's appointment this morning, and everything looks fantastic! The baby's heartbeat was strong and steady (the doctor remarked on the "excellent rhythm -- it doesn't skip a beat!"). He also told me that Sara has dropped down into the pelvis (which explains the waddle!), and that she is head-down. (Both of these are good...) He said I'm not dilated yet, but that he wouldn't be at all surprised if by next week's visit I am starting to dilate. All of this means the end is in sight! He said there was no reason to think I'd go past my due date (and implied that it might even be earlier). So I just need to keep walking so that baby's head keeps pushing its way out! By this time next week I'll be considered full term. Boy -- I need to go get that hospital bag packed!

Nursery Progress

Boy, what a project this has been!! We decided that we would use the back corner room for Sara's nursery, so Step 1 was to clear all of the office room stuff (Zack's computer & computer desk, his regular desk, my desk and laptop, the filing cabinet, and the treadmill -- not to mention all the odds and ends!). No, I take that back -- step 1 was really to clear the guest bedroom of the bed, dresser, etc., so that we could turn it into the office! Anyway, after all of this was done, Mom came over to help me paint. I decided that I wanted to do pink (of course!) stripes, with one stripe being flat paint and one being semi-gloss, same color though. Of course, as Mom says, everything always takes longer than you expect! We started on a Friday night, but only got the first coat of flat paint done. Then, on Saturday, we got the second coat of flat paint done, worked on the trim, and painted some bedroom furniture. But then we still had to do stripes! So, Mom came over the next Wednesday afternoon since she had school off (this past one), and we got most of the stripes taped. That's right -- not painted, just taped! So Friday night, we were finally able to finish painting the stripes, and everything looks just like I'd hoped. We're just putting finishing touches on the room now, and then, we get to move in the furniture!

Click below to see the photo album.

Painting the Baby Room

36 Weeks

This belly gets bigger all the time! And yes... I'm ready for this to all happen. I've been feeling more aches and pains than I knew were possible. I'll have to get Zack to submit his thoughts on all my complaining. :) I have an appointment Wednesday, so I'll find out then if the doctor thinks there's any remote chance that Sara might get here before December 5!

Bedroom Work Day

Today is Friday, and I'm not at work! No, I've not been fired (yet). Actually, we're spending all day and tomorrow getting little baby Sara's bedroom ready! AK has our camera tonight for his Haloween party, but we plan to take some progress pictures tomorrow. Pink and white stripes, I think are what's happening, and some black mixed in somewhere. Lauren says it'll be a while before Sara actually sleeps in there, but I guess it'll look pretty in the mean time. Can't wait for the birth day!

No News Is...

I had a doctor's appointment this morning, and all is well! We listened to the baby's heartbeat, which was 155 and "strong," the doctor said. I go back in two more weeks, when I'll get tested for Group B Strep. If I test positive (10-30% of pregnant women do), I'll have to have an antibiotic drip during labor. After that visit, I'll be in there every week for the next 4 weeks (as long as I don't go late!). I can't believe there are only 6 weeks left until my due date. People try to convince me that's a long time, but when I compare it to the 34 already, it feels like it's coming fast.

Family Shower

On Sunday, October 15, Betty, Lydia, and Paula hosted a family shower for us at Grandma Mary's. There were lots of people, lots of food, and lots of fun! Annie and Katie came in for the weekend, and my whole family was there.

Click on the image below to view the photo album from the shower.

Family Shower

Sara's Dad

We're hoping she looks like me...

Free Woman

I just finished my first week at home! Friday, Oct 13 was my last day of work. It sure flies by more when I'm at home. I have so much to do: clear out the baby room, paint the baby room (Mom says she'll help...), organize baby clothes, unpack gifts, write thank you notes -- I'm feeling a little overwhelmed! Add to that the fact that I keep forgetting that I can't do as much as I'm used to, and some days I just feel like doing a load of laundry and cooking dinner is an accomplishment! But it's so fun to be preparing for this exciting time to come, and my stress level is way down now that I'm not working. I'm blessed that I have a husband who wants that for me and our kids!

Church Baby Shower

Yesterday, Sara Michael hosted a church baby shower for us at Rick's Bakery. Click on the image below to see the photo album from it!

Church Baby Shower

Bigger all the time

These days I'm really starting to "feel it." At 32 weeks, Sara moves all over the place, and creates quite an issue at night when I'm trying to sleep! It won't be long now...

Are those mine??

I was blow-drying my hair today and looking down at my feet -- they're swollen! I don't have ankles anymore. Weird.....

Getting Her Kicks

Of course, Sara is moving all over the place these days. Sometimes her kicks actually take my breath away, or I can feel the effects on my other organs. It's kind of a dull, pit-of-your-stomach feeling. Though it's really neat to think about what's going on, sometimes it's pretty weird! To know there's another human inside of me is a new thing. :) And sometimes she kicks my bladder -- which is no fun!

The funniest part is probably that she almost always stops kicking as soon as I call Zack over to feel it. He has caught her a few times though. :)

Complaints

This week I've been having horrible back pain. I've gotten adjustments twice recently, and both times grandpa has been surprised at how "out of wack" I've been. Last night around 2:00 a.m., Zack had to get up to help me go to the bathroom because it hurt too much to support my own weight!

Today we go look at a mobile home on 2.5 acres out past Mom & Dad, plus a couple of other properties. Selling/buying a house is #1 on our minds these days. This baby business has changed everything!

Week 21

I have pretty good energy right now, though I went to bed late (after 10:30 :) every night this week and slept for 5 hours today! I'm starting to feel ready to move along and on to the next stage (the baby!)... and I'm only halfway there! The queasiness is finally all gone, and I've got an increased appetite. My only craving so far -- watermelon. I did learn that watermelon is great for pregnant women, so I guess that's a good craving if I have to have one.

Rumblings

I felt Sara moving this week! It was kind of like someone flicking you with their thumb and finger, but softer and duller. (Is that a word??)

It's a girl!

Click on the picture to see a bigger image. This is our little girl! (or so they tell us :)

Something's growing...

Here's what's happening to me at 19 weeks! There's definitely something in there...

From Dad

Zack notes in his diary on May 4: "Lubsy's tired and queasy almost all the time."

Week 8 Update

I've heard that pregnant women are tired, but this is ridiculous! If I sit down on the couch past 7:00, I'm out. And I don't feel like eating after about 4:00. Most evenings I just skip dinner. But they tell me this will pass...

I'm pregnant!

We just found out Friday that we're going to have a baby! Zack wasn't home, but a girl at work told me that I needed to take a test, based on some complaints I was making (like being exhausted!). When I saw the two lines, I called Zack (who was in Yellville on an audit), and said, "Well, I won't beat around the bush. I just took a pregnancy test, and it was positive!" His response: "Rrreally... Cool!"