Ruby's birth story.

August 20th, I had a routine weekly doctor's appointment @ 9:15. My gran was in town and I had already asked her to go. It was a big help to have her there for Reyna and plus, I just wanted her there. The night before, I was up half the night with horrific acid issues. I couldn't even lay down. It was awful. I kept thinking, "I am just DONE! This pregnancy has got to be over now."

All the way to the doctor, I kept wondering how I was going to hold it together without bursting into tears to Laura about how awful I felt and just wanted to deliver this baby. Hormonal, I was. :)

The waiting room at the doctor was a serious zoo. There were kids running wild everywhere, mama's to be, daddy's, grandma's. You name it. I had never seen this place so insane. Finally, we were called back.

We went thru the routine stuff...bp, urine, heartbeat. She checked my cervix and I was dialted to a 3 and 90% effaced. The first thought that went thru my mind was, "why am I not in labor???" She went ahead and stripped my membranes as I cried to her how miserable I was. Dr. P. came in checked me and told me there was no way I could be sent to labor and delivery to be induced. They were swamped up there and he also informed me that he was leaving for vaction. The next thought in my mind? I am going to preggo forever.

This was a Thursday and he told me that if I was able to be induced the following morning, he would come in. If they couldn't schedule it until the afternoon, he wouldn't be able to because he would be leaving for vacation.

I left this appointment almost in tears. For some reason, my thoughts were he wasn't going to be able to induce me the next day and I really didn't want to be induced to begin with.

I dropped Reyna and my Gran off at my parents, but then decided I wasn't going to work. I was tired and not feeling so well and what do you know, but I started having contractions! I started timing them and after an hour decided to call Jade and head to the hospital.

I guess I should mention another part of this story. Nicole was going to be in the room with me so she could take pic's. I called her when I started having contractions, but they were getting ready to leave for Silver Lake on vacation. More on this part in a minute. Back to leaving for the hospital.

I get to L&D, Dr. P. was paged, I was now at a 4. If the nurses would have checked me, they would have made me walk. Dr. P. broke my water. It was babytime! I am a serious dork. After he broke my water, I start bawling that I am in labor. Why? I don't know. Hormones, I guess. My phone rings and it's Nic. They have turned around and she is heading to the hospital. Poor Ryan.

My water was broke @ 12:15. By 2ish, I am starting to have some pretty hard contractions, but have already told my nurse that I do not want an epidural. At 2, I am still at a 4. They hooked me up to some pitocin, but ended up not needing it because soon later I am almost fully dialted. Around 4:30, I start pushing. I hear the words posterior out of Dr. P's mouth. Shit.

Dr. P. manually tried to flip her twice in which both times, I thought I was surely going to pass out from pain. After an 1 1/2 of pushing, they decided she probably wouldn't come on her own and ended up sucessfully extracting her with the vaccum. I thought she was a boy. I saw the cord. Remember, I was tired. I couldn't even see straight. :) I heard the words, "it's a girl" when they took her over to clean her off.

Overall, labor was not horrible. I went pretty quick but, it was the pusing that was worse this time around. I thought 45 minutes with Reyna was bad. Boy was I wrong.

In the end, I didn't have to be induced, I went into labor the day I was "ready," Dr. P. was there to deliver her and was able to have Nicole there.

I don't know why, but it feels like forever ago that we brought her home. Ruby, you complete this family.

checking in.

Yes, it's been a week and a half since my last post. Opps. I can hear my brother now, "yeah les, that is some blog you have. you never update the damn thing!" He's right.

Is this the part where I tell you all the wonderful and exciting things going on in my life?

My life has been so fun and exciting, I just haven't had time to blog.

Was that believeable? No, I didn't think so either.

It's pretty sad, but this unborn baby has been consuming most of our time, thoughts and conversation. Everyday I wake up thinking, "is this the day?" We have been talking to Reyna about cool it's going to be when she becomes a big sister. I still don't think that we have her convinced. Jade is looking forward to taking some time off.....when the baby arrives. I am still heading to work on a normal basis. That part is hard b/c I don't have a lot that fits or looks flattering anymore. I am not supposed to wear flips to work, but have been. They don't care. I have the best boss. My gran has made arragements to fly in a week from today and stay for two weeks. The thought keeps crossing my mind, "if I don't deliver prior to her arrival, how long will she be here before it happens?"

Besides baby talk, Reyna is doing pretty well PT'ing. She has the peeing thing down (minus the incident we had at the Hosmer house today...Maria, I am sooo sorry), but the pooping thing is another story. I guess I should be thankful she doesn't just go in her pants, but she asks for a diaper or waits until it's naptime or bedtime. I will admit, we have bribed her with many things. Horrible, huh? I know, she will do it when she's ready.

We are so thankful to finally have summer here in Michigan. It's hotter than hell out (and worse since I am preggo) but, we are trying not to complain. I think the plan is to take Reyna swimming one day this week. She loves to be in the water. I am hoping to get some pic's of her swimming. This will be an easier task this week since Jade will be joining us.

Jade is pretty much done working second shift. I think I mentioned in a previous post, but his hours at work have been less than normal. I am not complaining since he is still employed, but it sure as heck doesn't make things easy around our house. Like I said, we are just thankful for his paycheck each week.

:) I'll post some pictures later...Yes Bobby, I promise! Hold me to it!

Sick babes and potty training makes for a busy week

It's been a crazy-busy week around here. I don't know about you, but I am sooo ready for the weekend. I still have a few things that I really want to accomplish this evening, but I don't know if I can manage to stay awake.
Because I am sure you are all dying to know what's going on around here:) .....I leave you with a few bullet points of our week.

• Last Friday, Reyna & I were at my parents when she decided that a diaper was not acceptable anymore. Today is Thursday and we are still diaper free! I am so stinkin' proud of my little lady, I could just jump up and down. She has done extremely well and even goes pee w/out you having to ask her. We have had maybe an accident a day, but today, she was accident free...even during naptime. Now, I mentioned the word "pee," but haven't mentioned poop. Yes, this is where we are struggling. I would love some (any) advice all you mama's have to offer. She went poop on the potty Sunday with Jade, but hasn't gone since. Tuesday night, I knew she had to go and was upset...I put a diaper on her and she went in that. Ever since, she hasn't gone. I told her I would rather put a diaper on her to go, as opposed to her holding it in, but she doesn't want a diaper on anymore. Today is Thursday and she hasn't gone since Tuesday. Are we the only ones struggling with that part of potty training? I would love some advice.
• Reyna woke up throwing up this morning. Needless to say, it was a day full of puke, sanitizing, lots of Noggin and snuggling on the couch. By the afternoon, she was starting to perk up, thank goodness. It is never fun dealing with a sick baby.
• Our schedules have been all messed up. Jade has been working second shift for a couple of weeks now. It's not every night, but it's enough to screw us all up when it comes to our daily life/routine. He worked Monday night and Tuesday night, but had the pleasure of staying home all day on Wednesday. We lounged in our jammies all day, cooked bacon,eggs and toast for lunch, played outside and all laid down for an afternoon siesta. Jokingly, I asked him why he had to work for a living and that I wished everyday could be like that...:)
• I am so ready to have this baby. Not to whine and complain, but I am big, tired and ready to wear something else besides: Motherhood, Mimi or Liz Lange. I went to Kohl's with my mom the other night and bought myself and non-preggo shirt. I cannot wait to do a little shopping for myself after the baby is born.

I would like to end this post and tell you that I am going to go record reciepts and balance the checkbook and finish up dishes but, I am thinking my DVR'd recordings and new magazine that showed up today is sounding a little more enticing. What do you think?

A recap of the day...

It was a good birthday. I spent the day with family and couldn't have asked for anything else.

We started our morning by making doughnuts. Reyna loved them!

I could have eaten the entire plate, but managed to limit my intake.

I gave this little lady a bath. That is a yawn. It was close to nap time.

We gave Reyna a nap at home. While she napped, so did we. I must have been tired because I zonked out on the couch, which never happens.

I had Emilie take a belly shot pic....I keep forgetting I don't see my Florida family that often and they have been asking me to post one. Here it is. All 30+ pounds! :)

My mom prepared one of my fave summertime dishes...chicken,steak and veggie kabobs. Did I mention that they were delicious?!

Yikes, please disregard my double chin! I took this while my dad was grilling dinner. Reyna played in her pool and screamed when we made her dry off for dinner....

I admired my swollen preggo feet.

Reyna watched the Laura Berkner band special on Noggin. She had her blankey around her neck while she danced. It was too cute.

We enjoyed a homemade chocolate cake made by my grandma. It was tasty. Afterwards, I opened cards. :)

It was just a really good day.

Baby stuff, washers and everything in between

Once again, haven't blogged in FOREVER! It's only 8 and I could fall asleep right here at the computer desk. I would, if I didn't hear the lovely sound of a knocking coming from Reyna's room. I put her to bed @ 7 and she is still awake. She's exhausted, but fighting it. Most of the evening, she has not been herself. I don't think I have ever heard her whine so much in my entire career of mommyhood. This isn't something I care to deal with everyday either. Her molars are coming thru, so there is her valid excuse, I guess.

• It has been a screwy week. Today, Jade was off during the day (is working tonight) and I had today off, too. It felt weird running errands during the day and just hanging out at home for the rest. When I am out and about, I always see couples together during the day and wonder why they aren't at work. We were that couple today. It was kind of nice. Everything went well at the doctor. The stats are too depressing to type twice, so if you are interested, head on over to our baby blog!
• I am extremely looking forward to next weekend. Not this upcoming, but the following. Jade and I are going on a date! We are seriously overdue for this. It has been a while since we went out and I cannot wait to sleep in the morning. Briarwood will also be on our list of stops, as well. :)
• I am starting to feel slightly ready for this baby to come. Today, we stopped and purchased this beast of a machine. The best part? Our insurance covered it. I guess it pays to ask. I have also restocked our supply of baby washcloths, baby bottles and I am stopping @ Toy House tomorrow for a few things we need to replace. Oh, and I stopped @ Kohl's yesterday with my 30% coupon in hand and I couldn't pass up a couple of outfits for baby. I bought two boy and two girl. I am pretty sure two out of the four will be joining us at the hospital to be used as our take home outfits. They are simple, yet cute. I still need to clean out Reyna's closet, do a little organizing and some shuffling around and haul down our carseat and a few other baby items to make everything "official."
• Still listening to Reyna knock on her door..Go to sleep little one!
• We camped last weekend....I have a few pic's and many stories, but I'll save that for another post that you will probably see next year sometime. Just kidding. Maybe. :)
• What kind of washer/dryer brand do you have? Two nights ago, our washer decided to take a crap on us. Did I mention it is only 5 years old? The service man came out today only to report that it is going to be a whopping 300 bucks to fix! They don't make stuff like they used to, do they? I guess 5 is the new 30. Anyway. I would love to hear what brand you have and if you like it or not.

There you have it. That pretty much sums up what's been going on.

Retail therapy, maybe?

When I was pregnant with Reyna, I was prepared. Well, as prepared as you can get for labor anyway. We had her crib, dresser, bookshelf and bedding purchased before we even had her ultrasound. Looking back, it was jumping the gun and a little too prepared, but whatever.

When we had our ultrasound and found out we were having a little lady, I shopped. Then I shopped and shopped more. I mean come on, Reyna couldn't come home from the hospital without her drawers stocked to the hilt! Not really, but looking back, buying and "stocking up" made me feel prepared for having a baby. I think. That's the conclusion I am coming to anyway.

Lately, I have been feeling a little panicked like, "oh my gosh, we are having a baby and I haven't done a damn thing to prepare!"

I feel like I need to do something to put my mind at ease and the only thing that comes to mind is to go shopping. But for what?! We don't need anything. I am planning on picking up a couple of random items that are looking a little worn and tattered, but I don't want to until we find out if we are having a little man or a little lady. I guess I could go with something gender neutral, but what fun is that? :) Just kidding.

In the next couple of weeks to come, I will make a Target run and stock up on those ever-so-soft swaddlers that I secretly wish came in my size. I will buy a package of newborn size paci's, not because we need them, but they will put my mind a little more at ease.

And really I do have a good hubs. We were @ Target last Saturday and while cruisin' thru the baby dept. I started to panic. He laughed it off and told me that he will be waiting for his list when the baby arrives and wherever I need him to go pick up baby items, I just need to tell him where.

Check it out

Hey everyone! I just posted an ExpectNet game online. Please take a look at our babysite, click the link for ExpectNet and make a guess. It's fun and easy and you don't have to login to make a guess.

There will be a giveaway to the person who is the closest.

And, for those of you who don't think I blog that often(hi bobby...love ya!!), I expect to see your guess appear on there asap. :))

A video and please, bear with me. :)

This video is for Uncle Bob. And you say I never post. :) Love ya!

Bear with me. We were sick last week and I am still not myself. I had a sinus infection, which seemed 100 times worse being preggo. We were out of town, had family in town. Life has been hectic and everytime I want to blog or feel like I should blog about something, I end up doing something else. Reyna is sleeping and I still need to go switch her carseat around in the car and scrap the bubble gum that is stuck inside of our dryer. Fun stuff, huh?

So, in a day or so, I promose to fill you in on all of the fun, exciting and juicy details going on in our lives. :) For now, I leave you with a video of our little fishy. Reyna loves swim class. We have one more session and I am hoping to continue her lessons after this.

One last thing....stay tuned...I am putting up an expectnet pole this week. I am anxious to see all of your guesses on what this little peanut is. Yes, there will be a prize involved. :)

24 hours w/out Reyna and Jade consisted of the following:

I dropped Reyna off with Kristin and Travis around 9:30ish. I headed to Briarwood for a little shopping. My plan was to stay there until lunch, go to Olga's and then head back to Jackson.

My first stop?
Starbucks. I had a caramel latte calling my name. As I was waiting in line, there was a lady who had baby (and I mean itty bitty) lambs, bunnies, chicks and goats with her. There weren't many, just a couple of each. It was around the Easter display and kids could pet them or hold them. So, my good ol' hormones got the best of me b/c there I was, waiting for my latte tearing up b/c Reyna wasn't there and would have loved the animals.

I called Jade. No answer. It made the situation worse. He immediately called me back and made sure I was okay because he could tell my my tone of voice, I was upset in my message. I tried to shrug it off, but after talking with him, I felt much better and headed to Children's Place. Those damn hormones, they get me everytime. :)

I found Reyna 4 shirts and a hoodie for spring/summer. Lucky lady gets a newly replenished wardrobe every season because nothing ever fits her from the previous year. I have most of what she need, minus a couple of pairs of shorts, a couple more shirts, sandals and pj's. But, if you are familiar with Michigan's climate, you will know I still have an ample amount of time before she will need flips and shorts.

Next stop? Von Mauer. I wanted to check out their shoe section. I almost bought Reyna a pair of shoes, but after a little thought, realized she probably wouldn't keep them on her feet. They were cute, but just not her. I have decided I am going to invest in these cute things for the summer. They will be easy on/easy off and better yet? Easy to clean. I think my aunt who works for Disney is going to pick them up for her. ((Thanks, Aunt Nettie...You are the best.))

I walked around a little more w/out buying anything else. I was hoping to find something @ Sephora, but just wasn't in the mood. Also, I was looking for a denim jacket for Reyna, but had zero luck. I headed back to Jackson before lunch to meet my brother @ my parents. I had lunch with my dad, rested for a while and then Bobby & I ventured out to do a little more shopping.

That evening, we dined @ a local Italian restaurant. The food was delish! It had been a while since I had been there and throughout dinner, I couldn't understand why we don't dine there more often.

While we were tossing around ideas where to eat, I kept craving wings. Not sure why, but they sounded soooo good. Bobby made the joke during dinner if I still wanted wings, he would buy. Well, he said this to a preggo chick with lots of food cravings... Guess what we had after a huge dinner??? Wings. We headed to a local wing joint similar to Buffalo Wild Wings. When we pulled in the parking lot, it occured to us that the U of M basketball was on. It was packed, but Bobby had a beer and I still had my chicken wings. Isn't he sweet for putting up with me??? Yes, I think so.

I went home that evening, watched a little TV and crashed before 10. I slept in the next morning, showered and went and picked up my little lady. I will be honest, it was so strange not having either one of my family members around. Did I enjoy the time to myself? Yes. Did I have a good time with my brother? Yes. But, it was still strange.

Thanks for all of your comments on what would you do w/out a hubs and baby for one whole night. I enjoyed reading the answers.

PS....I am still looking for a denim jacket. If any of you come across one at a store, please tell me where. I will order! Thanks ahead of time.

Recap of the weekend

Bullet style....

• Friday-I stayed home from work due to the oh-so-lovely morning sickness. I was sick off and on throughout the day. My house was trashed and Reyna & I were still in our jammies when daddy came home. The bummer part? I wasn't able to scrapbook that night.
• Saturday-Jade had a class in Manchester all day. I woke up out of a dead sleep @ 5 am heaving (I know, tmi..sorry) and it just got worse from there. Spent most of the day in the ER, couldn't get a hold of Jade. Thank God my parents were around, mom stayed with me and dad picked up Reyna and took her to get food and a nap. After fluids and meds, I started to feel better, just tired. That night, we just hung out at home. I was in bed by 8.
• Sunday, I felt pretty good. No throwing up...that was a bonus. We just hung around the house until 3 when we decided to make a trip to good ol' Meijer. We declined an invitation to a super bowl party due to the fact I was tired and we just felt like being at home. We picked up a rack of ribs, made au gratin potatoes and nachos for an app. I watched most of the game and then decided to head to bed. The upside to the weekend???? I won 125 dollars in a super bowl pool. How exciting, huh? I will be putting that money to good use. :)

That was the weekend. Nothing too exciting. I will be at the end of my first trimester this upcoming Saturday and cannot wait!

*****

Jade & I have decided to spend a weekend in Chicago. Just us. I am so excited. We haven't had a chance to really get away since Reyna was born. Everytime we go somewhere, she has been with us. I am currently looking for hotels and would love some imput. Any suggestions? We are wanting to stay right on Michigan Avenue due to convenience. If you have places you would recommend, please let me know. There are way too many to choose from and I would like to stay somewhere different. Oh, and food. We are looking into doing a nice dinner for Saturday night. Suggestions? We were thinking seafood, but are up for anything. Thank you, in advance.