Holidays

I know - it's February!
Well, I'd still like to tell you about our holidays because we had so much fun this year with Penny and being home for a few weeks. 

P saw all her grandparents and was of course, spoiled rotten as any little one should be on their first Christmas!

Before we made the trip home we had a small Christmas at home with our felt tree and lots of wrapping paper!

Penelope loves jingles bells and got so excited when they were ringing.  She couldn't contain herself.

Some of the gifts this year included matching strawberry hats for P and me, fun stuffed toys, books, and if you look further down you'll see Gorman, a puppet animal that Nolan gave Penny for story time.

I made cookies this year when Nolan and Penny left for NV.  Shortbread snowmen, salt carmels, and my mom's famous espresso logs! Because of school, I stayed behind while Nolan and Penny flew to NV.  I was on my own for a whole 4 days and didn't sit to enjoy it much as I cooked/baked/cleaned my 4 days away.


When I arrived in Nevada, Nolan's family had a fun holiday party to Christen their new home in Sparks.  They'll be so close when we finally make our way home this year.

 Lots of gifts

Packing all the essentials

 I flew into the sunset!

 Penny and Grandpa Terry

 We were lucky enough to spend some time with my brother and his wife, Alicia who just had a little girl in October.  It was a joy to see the two cousins together!

 My Dad's side of the family!

In Las Vegas we visited Nolan's family who had 2 polar bears mounted and a gigantic great dane who LOVED Penny!

 

 

 Finishing the Holidays with some fun sparklers and our new little girls!

Birth Story - Part III

You can read 

Part I

or

Part II

I’ll preface this post by saying; things start to get hazy at this point.  Instinct takes over by this point and I think you partially black out with adrenaline and a rush of dopamine after the baby comes.  So, I know for sure it didn’t take long from the time my mom left to Penny’s arrival, no more than 15 minutes!  Those few minutes were full of intensity in every aspect and from all corners of the room.

The room started to fill up; a telling sign that baby is near.  More nurses, more docs, more lab coats, more trays, more talking, more activity, more instructions, more EVERYTHING!

The doc finally showed up as my mom left.  She barely had enough time to suit up and sit down before Penny came bursting into the world!  Two quick and painful pushes and we welcomed our daughter at 6:23 PM.

I watched her head appear beyond my legs and a blur of activity as she began to scream.  Simply put, I was in amazement and complete bliss for the next half hour as the flurry of activity settled.  Nurses cleared her airways, began to wipe her down and asked Nolan if he’d like to tell Mom the sex of the baby.  I laugh as I write this because I still remember looking up to her tiny body being exposed to him and his head shaking and shrugging his shoulders.  He stuttered and finally said he didn’t know.  To his credit, newborn genitalia, not matter the sex is very swollen.  Chuckles erupted around the room and finally the doctor said, “It’s a Girl.”  Nolan cut the umbilical cord after.  He was shaken and overwhelmed at that moment, I remember thinking he was so sweaty for not having done much physically! 

To help him regain his composure, I asked him to go tell my mom!  They came back in the room a few short minutes later as the doc was tending to me and I was finally holding our little girl.  I remember shaking uncontrollably.  I have never felt so much relief as I did in those hours after Penny was born, it was a 13-hour build up after 41 weeks of pregnancy and our little girl was with us!

The nurses were off shift at 7, so I was their last for the day; they later thanked Penny and me for making it all happen before they left.  Just enough time left for the clean up, photos, and paperwork!  I think it might have been quite the cluster if our nurses would have all changed out in the middle – I’m curious how that happens!?

One of the nurses even offered to take photos for us, which I was so grateful for so Nolan could be apart of them.

Things I learned after the fact:

Nolan is silly and before he was asked to actively hold my leg he was near my head and started whispering and humming the lyrics, “oh baby, baby, oh baby, baby” – you know, the beginning of “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa!  Please press play below to remind yourself of this 90’s hit and why he stopped when a few of the nurses gave him the stink eye!

Be persistent – if you want to meet the other doctors in the office, make it happen.  My doctor did not deliver Penny, even though she said she delivers 90% of her patients. I asked to meet the other docs at least once and she reassured me that I didn’t need to.  Really, I just wanted to put a face to the name so if (when) it came down to someone else handling my daughters birth, I’d know their face.  It all turned out great so I can’t complain too much but it is something of an “I told you” moment.

I wish I had someone take a picture of Penny and her delivering doctor and nurses. 

The room is full but everyone seems to know their small part in the chaos that is the delivery room. 

There is a LOT to clean up! Haha, I know that is probably obvious but more than that I was surprised how quickly it happens!

Our little cooler was a miracle idea!  We brought a cooler of PB&J sandwiches, fruit.  Had the hospital kitchen been closed, that food is all that I would have eaten unless Nolan or my mom would have gone to get something and that would have taken away from our time. 

After I scarffed down a Belgian waffle we were escorted to the recovery floor where Nolan stayed with Penny for her bath and Mom and I figured out how to put on my nursing bra with an IV in! 

It was a magical night and I think back on that time fondly – it was an amazing experience and I am so glad I did it without drugs and wouldn’t have changed a thing about it. 

Visiting Nevada

Nolan and I spent a few summer weeks in Nevada.  Our tour de Nevada began in Vegas, traveled up to Reno where we spent a week at Nolan's family's cabin over the 4th and a few days staying with my brother.  Here are a few photo highlights of our time in Las Vegas.

While in Vegas, my Uncle Robbie and Aunt Denise visited from Catalina!  We had a BBQ with a few friends and family while we were there.  The highlight was of course, Penny. Penny was 5 weeks when we were in Vegas.

Uncle Robbie

Aunt Denise

Delicious drinks!

Amazing food - including lobster from Catalina!!!

Linda Thompson

Lacie Jackson

Besides the BBQ, there was of course, lots of playing!

 

 Mom's shar peis were curious about the little person, but Squirt guarded her wherever she was!

 Lots of naps were taken!

 

 With the exit of one group of family members another wave came along.  Aunt Gloria, Mimi, and Ellyn showed up from Fullerton to spend a few nights.

 

 The last night Susan came to visit and we took the time to play Kynect boxing on Vince's Play Station.

 

THE LEAD UP...

4/28/11 (Two weeks to due date)
Doc appointment.  My first internal exam.  I pretty much expect to be dilated - and dilated for a while.  I guess I think of my friend's birth stories as mine at this point.  I am relating to their pain and anxiety so it seems natural to take on their stories as well.  Well, nothing.  No dilation.  We'll see if anything changes next week.

5/1/11 (One week, 4 days to due date)
I'm buying milk which has a later due date stamped on the jug than my own... odd!

5/3/11 (One week, 2 days to due date)
I can't help but have an internal countdown clock to my due date.  It is such an arbitrary date that is decided upon between your last menstrual cycle and how big the baby is during the first ultrasound, but May 12th has now become THE DATE I tell everyone, not my usual Mid-May answer to people's burning question, "When are you due?"  Everyone asks now - the hair dresser, the dry cleaner (who cleaned and preserved my wedding dress says to me this morning, "Looks like your marriage is going good!" in his thick Eastern European accent), the mail lady, the lady walking past me down the street, the neighbor, EVERYONE!

It's strange that now I think of May 12th at this big day because for the most part during the last 9 months I forgot how many weeks along I was until my weekly email showed up on Saturdays.

5/5/11 (One week to due date)
Dear little Baby,
Happy Cinco de Mayo - one day you'll celebrate this day with too much tequila and beer margaritas that you'll no doubt learn how to make from your Auntie Jackie.  Yep, she'll show you all the stuff I won't.  She might even clue you in to how cool I was back in the day!  How I used to spend my days... well maybe I shouldn't divulge too much yet.  You'll hear stories about your father and me from time to time straight from those who witnessed the events.  May I suggest that you still don't believe them?!

5/6/11 (6 days to due date)
Yesterday Nolan and I went to my weekly appointment.  Dr. Kim said everything is normal but still NO DILATION!  ARG!!!  We were discussing my size because I feel like I am smaller than most 9 month pregnant women.  Yes, I know I am tall but should I be bigger? The doc tells me I have the room to hold more baby than most women so that's good.  Not that I want to be bigger if I don't have to be but I'd like to know if I should be worried.  So after a short discussion, we scheduled an ultrasound an hour later.

Julie, the tech lady measured the baby, all the measurements were right on track, the machine even guestimates (give or take a pound) the current weight of the baby - 8lbs 2oz! It could gain up to a 1/2 lb a week right now!  YIKES!  So it, theoretically could be 9lbs RIGHT NOW and could be 10(!!!!!!) by the time I deliver... 10! 10!  Did you hear me? 10lbs.  C-Section sounds pretty nice right about now.  I'd like to get this show on the road now, because if it bakes any more - well, I don't know what, I'll pass out? give up?  go home? decide not to have the baby?  Hm, I guess I don't really have a choice... Mr. Internet, How may I induce labor?  Otherwise, I might birth a 1-year-old?

5/8/11 (4 days to due date)
Mother's Day is fun for a VERY pregnant woman.  It's pretty obvious that your pregnant therefore people aren't as hesitant to wish you a happy mother's day or even ask when you're due.  Nolan and I have been walking the last few mornings to try and kick start this labor thing we've been anticipating!  Every walk I feel new sensations but nothing drastic happens.  In the back of my mind I see my water breaking like Charlotte in the Sex in the City movie, on the street in front of everyone.  


I encountered a lady on my walk this morning who enlightened me to the phenomena that when you're about to go into labor your lips swell, both sets!  Hm?  It's amazing what perfect strangers will share. The munchkin has been doing some big adjustments lately - some feel like I was just sucker punched from the inside. Nolan leaps into action with any move these days.  He's ready!

We also took a trip to Walmart today to finally pick up a crib and mattress!!!! It went straight into the storage unit since we will just be using the pack-n-play's bassinet until the babe gets a bit bigger!  On a side note, Nolan and I decided that we never want to work at a Walmart and if we don't have to, go to one anytime in the near future, especially on a Sunday, especially when I am 9 months pregnant!

5/10/11 (2 days to due date)
I get a kick out of people's faces when I tell people I am due on Thursday!  Saying a date in the future is completely different than saying "Thursday."  Some people don't know how to react, but most just stare in confusion and ask why I am doing what I am doing (walking, shopping, standing, breathing) - like yesterday at the grocery store.  The Indian checkout lady and Nolan were waiting for me b/c I went back to grab another bag of carrots, her look of surprise as I rounded the corner turned into reprimanding Nolan for allowing me to get them instead of him.  I shrugged my shoulders and asked why not.  I also just threw in something about how I am trying to walk the baby out!!!!

Nolan returns to the boat tomorrow - it makes me nervous.  I want him to be closer but an hours drive is pretty close, I guess.  He can leave when I say "GO," so that makes me feel better.  I just don't know how things are going to work out and for someone who makes vacation time lines is having some issues not having an idea of how things are going to unfold.

Mom, Vince and I Skyped last night for 40 minutes.  How did older generations live without email and Skype?  It was nice to touch base and I think Mom's feeling a bit like I am - hoping she could plan more, especially sense her planning involves a 4 hour plane ride!

5/10/11 (5 hours since my comments above)
Dear Sweet Baby,
Please come soon, everyone is waiting for you!  Your Aunt Ric among others have been bugging me in every way possible; texts, Facebook, emails, phone calls, smoke signals.  Since last week the communication has exponentially increased!
Love,
MOM!!!!

5/11/11 (1 day to due date)
Well last night as I lye in bed I was reading Annie Lamott's Operating Instructions and experiencing some sensations I wasn't used to.  I had 3 intense cramp-like feelings.  So I asked Nolan about when he had to call in.  He got pretty excited with the thought that it might be time, he said, "Good Luck" with an accompanying thumbs up.  I fell asleep not long after our conversation and his thumbs up but never felt the sensation again.  A fleeing moment of "this might be it."

I am working from home today so we'll see if anything happens today - I hope it doesn't happen today though because Nolan's work sent him 100 miles South when he was supposed to stay in the harbor so we have to wait a bit so when it does happen, he can get home quickly!

5/11/11 (just a few hours since the last post)
The mirror just showed me stretch marks.  They were hiding under the belly, I was happy thinking I had gotten away with minimal skin marks but then today - the bastards just appeared, so sad!

5/13/11 (1 day past due date!)
Well,  Mr. Due Date has come and gone without any signs of change.  I visited the doc yesterday and without any dilation we devised a plan of what we'll do.  I would LOVE for my little buddy to come on its own but I will be delighted to just get it out soon!

Tuesday, if I don't go into labor before that, I scheduled a couple tests - a stress test and an ultrasound to make sure that an adequate amount of fluid is surrounding the baby.  If either of those tests show any negative signs I will be induced that day.  If not, Thursday I will be induced no matter what.  Oh - I hope it wants to make it's grand entrance on it's own!  I really fear the thought of being induced.  Mainly because the strong correlation of having a c-section with induction.

I chatted with my childhood friend, Rachel this morning, she was heading into her classroom and we shared some pre-labor feelings (her son was born March, 2010).  I can't tell you how good it feels to share anxieties, truthful fears, and stories with someone who is so open about her experience.  She rarely holds back which makes our conversations full of laughter and gratitude knowing my thoughts and feelings are not alone or unusual!

5/16/11 (4 days past due date!)
Induction is seemingly closer now, along with all its complications I was hoping to avoid.  Maybe that mind set has me scared and the babe!?  So scared it thinks my uterus is much safer place than the big bad world.

Last night Nolan came home for the night after he dropped a coworker off at the Greyhound Station.  He tried to coerce the baby to make its grand entrance soon.  It seems like it was playing with Nolan as I tried to drift off to never never land; kicking his hand as he rubbed and poked the belly.  "We just want to play with you," Nolan begged! 

So, my dear baby - I am at work this morning because you didn't show up this weekend.  I'm not sure if I'm mad or sad or too exhausted to have just one feeling, all I know is that I am so ready for you to be here and so is everyone else!  We got lots of calls this weekend from your grandparents, aunts, and uncles wondering where you are!

It amazes me how in tune to my body I am.  I notice all the squirms, kicks of the little buddy in my belly but I also notice each muscle, organ, nerve, and bone's twitch or cramp that my body produces.  It is really miraculous.  I've never paid attention to my body this much.  With every movement my mind asks, "Is this it?!!!!?"  So far, I can only answer NO!

5/17/11 (5 days past due, 8AM)

A few more trips to the bathroom than usual got my head spinning last night - thinking labor was closer.  My intuition was correct by 5am I was experiencing my first set of contractions.  I experienced 4 while lying down and thought, "is this real or fake?"  Enter my trusty iPhone on the night stand (something I never keep close but have lately knowing I'd want to call Nolan at anytime).  Mr. Google told me the slight differences between false and real labor and what contractions will generally feel like.  I was well on my way to having the wave-like, cramp-like reverberations from back to front.  The one distinction from false to real labor was that contractions would subside if you move positions so I headed to the front room to sit on the couch.  As I felt the same thing - I made the call to Nolan.  He packed his things and headed home.  Mom got my second call and lucky enough she made her flight reservation for today!  

With a bowl of grape nuts I felt I could last the morning, I sat on the couch listening to the news/traffic report thinking of this day; knowing I'd want to remember everything.  I want to remember making the bed, the contraction that made me double over in pain as I ended the call with my mom, getting in my clothes that I set out for myself a month ago - clothes that I'll wear to the hospital to go have my first child.  I want to remember how Nolan came home and we hugged and remember how he told me he loved me and was so glad that I married him and so glad we were having a child together.  

We love our couch surfers!

July saw many visitors, most recently my dad came for a week and Nolan's nephew, Nick was here last week!

Dad arrived before Nolan got off the boat so we enjoyed quality father-daughter time.  We visited the Decatur area in Southern Illinois where he grew up.  We saw many of the Roney clan!  We took in a ball game at Wrigley Field and had lots of good conversation and laughter!  He played tourist a few days and was able to get to know our neighborhood.  We loved having him as a couch surfer!

Unfortunately, he was the one taking photos so I don't have to share.

Nick arrived last Monday and stayed til Friday.  Nolan greeted him at the gate and started the adventurous week long boarding around our neighborhood, eating classic Chicago cuisine - HOT DOGS!  Because I work and have school I was only able to play a few nights.  They were busy touring the Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and saw a White Sox game.  I was able to enjoy Navy Pier with them eating at Harry Carry's and riding the Ferris Wheel. 

Nolan and Nick flew back to Nevada together on Friday.  I get to join them in a few short days! 

Some photos of Nick's adventures! 

Visitees and Visitors!

The last couple weekends Nolan and I have enjoyed visiting friends in Colorado and I hosted the fourth of July for a couple of my rugby friends!  Be prepared for LOTS of photos!  :)

Colorado was amazing!  Nolan had never been and I had only been there a few times but never in the summer.  We loved the weather - hot and DRY!  What a contrast to our typical humid days in Chicago.  We spent 3 days visiting with my Great Aunt and Uncle on Friday and exploring the Denver area with my friends, Rachel and Matt - you might remember her face as my MAID OF HONOR!

Here are a few photos!

Denver - a view from my uncle's home

Uncle Clint (my maternal grandmother's younger brother), Aunt Pat, Camille, Nolan

Brewfest in Ft. Collins

 All empty!

 BBQ time!  Yum!

 Large rocks to climb!

 Someone was envious of Rach's technique!

 Matt and Rach

This is why Rach is so BUFF!  :)

 Nolan trying his hand at it!

Cory making sure I didn't fall!

 We miss the mountains!

 The mountain we climbed!

 The clan we spent the day with

Tricia - Rach - Nolan

Camille - Cory - Matt

 My turn!

We had an unbelievable time!  We just went with the flow and let the weekend transpire.  It turned out to be a funfilled weekend meeting lots of good people!

Last weekend was the fourth of July!  I had three very special visitors!  Kerrie, Shorty (Christine), and Aubrey - sometimes I forget to tell people Shorty's real name when I introduce her - so I tried really hard this last visit to be conscious of it! She's still just Shorty to me!

Kerrie and Aubs came into town Thursday and we had a low key night - Pho and drinks!

Friday we went to the Taste of Chicago - ate lots of food and ended at Plymoth lookin over part of the city.

We went to Second City on Friday night - finally all the girls were in town!  Oddly enough we called it a night fairly early - at 11pm, although it wasn't a trend for the entire weekend!

The next day, Saturday we went to a Cubs game!  They won - I swear I've yet to be to a game when they've lost!  I swear I am good luck! 

Enjoying some beer and singing the 7th Inning Stretch!

 A cubs game wouldn't be right without a stop to Ian's Pizza - home of the baked potato pizza and steak and fries pizza!  Kerrie wasn't kidding when she said for me to break out my Thanksgiving pants for this trip!  Yikes!

That night we went to Greek food and then out to a club I'd never heard of but it fit us so well!  The Hangge-Uppe is a dive bar/club with 2 floors; one floor with 90's music, the other 80's music - we stayed on the 80's floor where the boys were screamming songs from Grease as we walked in at midnight!

The reason she's called Shorty!

Waiting for the train - heading downtown.

Drinking and Dancing!

Leaving at 5AM!  "Hello college!"

Cleaning our plates since Angela's was closed!

That would be the sunrise! 

 Nothing better than walking home with all the girls you went out with!  Love it!

  Sunday, 7/4, we got up to see a Chicago Movie Tour - that was by all means - mediocre.  We returned to my apartment and we slept A LOT.  That night we made an awesome dinner and attempted to see the fireworks, but were kicked out of the cab - he was a grouch!  So we went to Galway Bay, a favorite bar of mine.  It's a basement bar known for its darts, video games, and $1.50 PBRs!  Delightful!

 Everyone enjoyed their 4th!  Gradually the girls left, 2 Monday, 1 Tuesday and I slowly returned to a regular schedule!  

Next up- Dad visits this week when we'll take a trip to Southern Illinois, see a Cubs game and have a great time!