Baby Boy's Birth Story Part II

After spending two hours in recovery my nurse took us to our room where we'd spend the rest of our time at the hospital. I hate that I didn't take any pics of how nice the room was. I was very impressed. There was plenty of space and my room had an amazing view. 

As you know when you're in the hospital you get very little rest. Nurses and Doctors come in to check on you and the baby the entire time. When Baby M was born his initial blood sugar was low. They checked him after every feeding for three consecutive feedings. His blood sugar was normal after every check and we were able to get some good sleep in the wee hours of Friday night. 

After a c-section it is very important to get up and walk as much as possible. Once the feeling returned in my legs I walked a little in my room. I felt perfectly fine until I sat back down in bed. I got the worst motion sickness from my little stroll. I started throwing up which hurts like crap right after you've been cut open. I had had enough walking after that and decided to try again after some sleep. The downside to my motion sickness was being put on a light diet until I could walk without getting sick. 

Saturday was probably the most important day of our time at the hospital. After a c-section the hospital staff wants to make sure that your body is returning to normal. You will be asked to pee in a white measuring cup looking thing. When I had Savannah they actually measured my urine. This time they just wanted to make sure I could go. It wasn't easy. I know I shouldn't compare pregnancies or recoveries because no two are alike but I was able to pee and poop right after having Sav. This time was completely different. 

After lots and lots of trying I was finally able to pee. Once your catheter is removed they like for you to pee within a certain amount of time. I was able to finally go with ten minutes left running on my clock. If you're not able to go within your time slot they put the catheter back in. Yikes. There was no parts of me that wanted to go through that without being numb. I was very happy that I was able to go.

I hate to keep bringing up poop on this blog but it is a part of life and a big part of recovery. Pooping after a c-section is not the most fun you'll have. It will hurt. I was a stickler about taking my stool softeners so it wasn't so bad, but I still felt lots of soreness at my incision. It took me a full week after delivery to finally poop. Not the best week of my life but if you follow this blog then you know this is one of my better poop stories. 

Okay. Back to the baby. He took right to breastfeeding. The lactation consultant said that babies born early normally start out as strong feeders. She said that they may begin to have some difficulties after a few weeks. This made me nervous. Since he was doing so well there was little advice she could offer me. I think she was surprised at how well he was doing. I wasn't. Breastfeeding is all about a positive attitude. I didn't want to allow the statistics to get me all worried.

Since everything was going so well. We were discharged from the hospital at exactly forty eight hours after my delivery. Everyone was so nice. Good nurses are everything. I hate that I didn't have my nurses gifts ready for them. I was pretty bummed about that. I had a great experience at the military hospital where I delivered. I wouldn't change anything about it. The food was actually good and my husband and I watched the Food Network the entire time we were there. I was happy to get home to Savannah. She has been an incredible big sister. (she LOVED her big sister backpack)

Part three to his birth story will be about our first week at home, breastfeeding and what my recovery has been like without all the help at the hospital. I hope you all have been enjoying hearing about our new addition.

Baby Boy's Birth Story Part I

Now that I've had a week to let everything sink in I thought today would be a great day to share baby M's birth story. On June 14 I went in to the hospital for one of my Non Stress Test. After my testing time was up I was given a BPP (bio physical profile) which was completely normal for me. A BPP is an ultrasound where the tech or doctor looks for different movements, breathing activity and measures  your fluid. Since I had gotten lots of these done during my pregnancy I was just going through the motions like I always do. 

Savannah and I were discussing what we were going to eat for lunch after I was done at the hospital. She had decided that she wanted Chick Fil-A. It wasn't until my actual Doctor came in the room that things started to concern me a little. She rarely ever comes in to speak to me after I've had a BPP. I figured since we were so close to my c-section date that maybe she was going to tell me I could skip testing next week. I was wrong. 

My Doctor was coming in to tell me that my fluid was extremely low. I had just had my fluid checked on that Tuesday (three days before) and everything was perfect. Apparently your fluid can leak and you  wouldn't necessarily know. I had no idea. And of course since I was already high risk with a septum in my uterus and a sensitive area from a previous ectopic pregnancy the only safe choice for the baby was to deliver him early. I was bummed and terrified. My Doctor told me that once your fluid leaks that it could do damage to your umbilical cord and could bring about a host of other problems. 

It was about two o' clock in the afternoon when I called my husband at work to give him the news. I'm pretty sure he flew to the hospital because he got there so fast. He took Sav to lunch and home to pack an overnight bag for her. My family wasn't scheduled to be in town until baby M's original birth date. We had to find someone to watch Savannah for the night. Luckily, all of my early planning paid off and everything for my husband and I was ready to go.

The hospital thought it would be a good idea to have someone from the NICU come in to speak with me because I was delivering early. Babies born at about thirty five weeks normally spend some time in the NICU. The Doctor said that breathing for these babies can be tough. This scared the crap out of me. I did NOT want him to go to the NICU. Then again, I didn't want him being born early. It was all happening very fast. It was very overwhelming. 

As soon as my husband got back to the hospital he scrubbed up. We went back into the operating room a little after four o' clock. The anesthesiologist did my spinal block/epidural. The room was freezing. My blood pressure kept rising and I was offered something to help with the anxiety. I passed on that offering. After everything was numb and I was in position the entire OR staff entered the room along with my husband. 

It is a very weird experience being cut open while still being awake. You can feel them pulling and tugging. There's lots of pressure on your chest and abdomen. During my c-section with Savannah the Doctors told me what was going on step by step. The set of Doctors I had this go around decided to discuss current events. I was cool with that. My husband was holding my hand and talking to me the whole time. At exactly five o' five I gave birth to a handsome little boy that looks just like his Dad.  C-sections are quick. If there are no complications you get in and out of there in no time.

Baby M's cry was so strong. After a few minutes the NICU Doctor came over to me and said, "We're sending your baby to your room. His breathing is strong. He's perfect." Music to my ears. Isn't God incredible? I may not have a normal size uterus. I may only have one fallopian tube. I may have had a previous ectopic pregnancy. Despite all of those things I have still been able to bring two very healthy babies in to this world. My tiny little ones remind me that anything is possible and that all of our steps have already been ordered. Our paths may not be what we'd like and we will definitely meet our share of challenges but if we are faithful every thing will work out for our good. 

We were wheeled into the recovery room where we spent the next two hours. I love it that your baby stays with you through out the entire birth experience now. I will share more on our hospital stay, coming home and getting started with breastfeeding later. Thank you for all of the well wishes!

Chic Bump Watch: Baby Boy is Here!

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you know that our baby boy arrived Friday evening. We are all doing well back at home. I'll share pics and our birth story as soon as I can. I'll be taking some time to enjoy my family. See you soon!

- posted from my chic iPhone

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you know that our baby boy arrived Friday evening. We are all doing well back at home. I'll share pics and our birth story as soon as I can. I'll be taking some time to enjoy my family. See you soon!

- posted from my chic iPhone

30 Things: Describe a Typical Day For You...

A typical day for me is going to sound pretty boring. However, since I am pretty sure most Moms that stay at home have the same type of day I will try not to feel bad when I read every one else's post for this prompt. So. A typical day for Savannah and I goes a little something like this...

(Assuming that the day is completely free of Doctor's appointments)

7:00AM - Savannah wakes up. We head downstairs for breakfast. I turn the TV on nick jr. and we listen to Little Bill while we both make breakfast. She likes to help me cook. We sit and eat and talk about what we're going to do that day.

8:00AM- The kitchen is clean from breakfast and we head back upstairs to get dressed. She brushes her teeth then we pick out her clothes. I get in the shower while she plays with toys and watches Team Umizoomi on my bed. It normally takes me about forty minutes to get us both dressed. (depending on where we're headed)

9:00AM- We are headed to a play date, play group, dance, library or park. 

12:00PM - We arrive back at home for lunch (unless lunch was part of the outing. in that case we're still out riding around and soaking up the summer)

1:00PM - The kitchen is clean from lunch. Now it's time for an indoor quiet activity. She normally paints, colors, creates something with Play Doh or plays with a doll. This is her independent play time. During this time I clean, start a load of laundry and begin to cook dinner. 

2:00PM - We finish cooking dinner together. At this point in the day we normally head to her room and read a couple books before I start doing some teaching. Lately, we've been working on her numbers so we'll sing number songs or read books that reinforce counting. For some reason she can identify numbers but she just doesn't like to count. I'm pretty sure she got that from me.

3:30PM - I fold and put away clothes and do any prep that needs to be done for the next day. We clean up the toys and books in her room and we head back downstairs.

4:30PM - My husband gets home from work. He changes out of his uniform while Savannah gives him a play by play of what happened today. I start setting the table while my husband gives me a play by play of what happened to him today.

5:00PM - We eat dinner and I tell my husband my version of what happened that day. There's a lot of talking at dinner.

6:30PM - My husband packs his lunch for work the next day and he cleans the kitchen. Savannah and I head upstairs for bath time. 

7:00PM - I turn on nick jr. and Savannah gets her TV time before bedtime. I take a shower and get ready for bed. By 7:45 (8:00 at the latest) Savannah is asleep. My husband puts her in her bed. 

8:00PM I enjoy some TV and time with my husband before falling asleep around ten. 

See. Nothing too glamourous but it is a typical day for us.

I'm linking up with a hop today. Join the fun if you're a blogger!

30 Things: Describe 10 Pet Peeves You Have...

Since I am in a bit of a sassy mood today it will be very easy for me to think of some of my pet peeves. Here they are in no particular order...

1. People being late. I hate waiting when I shouldn't have to.

2. Unsolicited parenting advice. So to the young girl in the beauty supply store today just know you almost caught the wrath.

3. People blowing their nose during a meal. Gross.

4. Crazy drivers.

5. A messy house.

6. Lazy people with no work ethic that talk more than they produce.

7. Constant comments on my daughter's height.

8. Fire and Brimstone. I can't stand to hear people preach in a way that frightens people about Christianity. Whatever happened to spreading the love of God and his teachings in a way that's easily received?

9. Scandal breaks.

10. The entire discussion about team natural vs. relaxed hair. Does it really matter?

30 Things: Describe Your Most Embarrassing Moment...

I've had lots of embarrassing moments. However, the most embarrassing moment of my life has to be the time I went to the ER for a laxative gone wrong. I really don't need to go in to too much detail because it will gross you out. So. In an effort to give you the story without changing the way you think of me here it is...

I had been sick and was having problems pooping. "Someone" advised me to take a laxative. I did. The laxative started working but nothing would come out. After dealing with this for a few hours we decided to head to the ER. Once at the ER things got REAL ugly. To make a long story short, I no longer had a problem getting things to come out. It was a hot mess. Literally. Poop was every where. Very embarrassing. The only thing that makes this story that much better (or worse) is that all of this went down at the hospital where my husband works. Nice.

Your embarrassing moment can not possibly beat this. Share your story in the comments!

30 Things: My 5 Passions...

In an attempt to really think about my passions I am going to exclude my husband and children from this list. Of course I am passionate about them but I don't feel the need to keep repeating that over and over. So after some thought, my five passions are...

1. Cooking - I love trying new recipes and cuisines at home. 

2. Writing - This blog and everything that has come from it has been so fulfilling.

3. Music - I love all kinds of music. I don't play any instruments but I could listen to music all day.

4. Fitness - As I've said before I am not a super healthy eater or gym rat but I do love to be in shape. 

5. Travel -Since we're constantly moving it's been tough to travel but I am looking forward to seeing more of the world. It's always nice to get a taste of different cultures and I can't wait to expose my children to that. 

The San Antonio Zoo

Yesterday we had a family date at the zoo. I had heard great things about the San Antonio Zoo and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. The zoo had ample parking and they offered a military discount.  Children two and under are free so our little morning out only costs twenty bucks. Yes!

I packed frozen bottle water and juice boxes in my bag along with some fruit. When Savannah got hungry or thirsty I reached into my bag of goodies. This kept us from being tempted by all the concession stands and restaurants. I'm always looking for ways to save money or make outings as enjoyable as possible for less money. We ended up going to lunch at Chick Fil-A after the zoo. I got the new Asian salad and it was amazing. You have to try it if you haven't already. 

Here are some pics from our visit. Overall, I was pleased with the San Antonio Zoo. Since we were there so early some of the animals were asleep but since Sav was still happy their being asleep didn't bother me. I'm always torn about the zoo. Apart of me likes taking her to see the animals but then another part of me always feels bad for the animals. Has anyone else ever noticed how sad animals look at the zoo sometimes?

aren't they twins?

Oh. And apparently when you go to the zoo as pregnant as I am you get lots of stares. People crack me up. 

30 Things: What is your dream job? Why?

Now this is a good one! And an easy one for me to answer. I would love to be a successful author. As you might remember I've been working on a children's book idea. I've also been working on another book and I'm still brainstorming ideas for its direction. Before I got pregnant I was making some pretty good strides. I can't wait to get back to a place where I can sit down and focus on those projects.

Another part of my dream job would be to do something in the broadcasting field. My major was in broadcast journalism. I knew right away that the daily news wasn't for me. My dream is to be apart of a women's panel like The View or The Talk. I co-hosted a talk show in college and I really LOVED it. It would be a dream come true to do something like that again professionally. 

What's your dream job(s)?

30 Things: If I had 3 Wishes...

If I had three wishes I would wish...

1. To be debt free.

2. To be a successful children's book author.

3. For my kids to achieve all their goals and live successful, productive and happy lives.

What would you wish for?

30 Things: 5 Things That Make Me Happy Right Now

Right now the five things that are making me most happy are...

1. Knowing that we'll meet my baby boy soon!

2. Doing fun Summer activities with Savannah. 

today at the splash pad

3. Super ice cold bottled water.

4. TV dates with my husband.

5. Peace and quiet.

What are YOU happy about right now? Share in the comments!

Chic DIY: Maternity Cut Off Shorts

Hey y'all!! This is a quick late night post I wanted to do to show my DIY maternity jean cut offs. I initially wanted to just buy some shorts but after losing several eBay auctions I decided to try something else. Over the weekend I went to Target to find some shorts while my Liz Lange coupon is still good but I didn't like what those shorts did to my butt.

Today I ventured out to Goodwill. After trying on several jeans (and some cute overalls) I finally found a pair that I liked. They fit perfectly. I knew it was meant to be when I realized they were going to get marked down an additional dollar due to their pink tag. So for $3 I'll have some super cute cut offs to take me to the end of my pregnancy. Love that!

This is what I used. You can always use chalk or a marker to mark your jeans but I already had this white pencil in my sewing bag. 

I measured 6 inches down my the inseam. You could always go shorter or longer if you want. I did 6 inches because I wanted to make sure that I didn't cut too much off on my first cut. I was very happy with the length after cutting.

Can you see the white line I used for my guide?

Voila! I haven't decided if I am going to cuff them or wear them as real cutoffs. We'll see. I tossed them in the wash after taking these pics. I plan to wear them tomorrow for a play date to the splash pad.

Just to give you an idea of the length... I could probably go shorter but I don't think I will. I think the shorts that are being sold right now at Motherhood have a 4 inch inseam. The additional two inches make me feel like I could bend over, sit down and stand up without pulling at my shorts. No one wants to see a pregnant woman's cheeks.

And these are the overalls that I just couldn't make work. They were so cute until you saw me from the side or from the back. I couldn't get them to fit both my stomach and my butt properly. It was weird. If I was pregnant during the Fall I probably would have gotten them. I just didn't think I would be happy with the results had I turned these into cutoffs. 

I hope y'all enjoyed this little mini project. I'll try to Instagram a pic of me tomorrow. Goodnight!

- posted from my chic iPhone

30 Things: 10 Things You Would Tell Yourself at 16

Before I tell my 16 year old self a few things I want to remind my 29 year old self where she came from. When I was 16 I was a junior in high school, a cheerleader and I had a part time job at Rack Room Shoes. I spent my days going to class, laughing with friends and dreaming about growing up. At 16 I baby sat my little brothers a lot and had steady dates on the weekends with my high school boyfriend. I think my time as a teenager was pretty normal. I loved my friends, Friday Night Football and Prom season. 

If I could go back and tell my 16 year old self anything it would probably be...

1. Good girlfriends will last forever. Continue to be a good judge of character.

2. Listen to your parents. Listen to your parents. Listen to your parents.

3. Popularity in high school means absolutely nothing. 

4. Don't be afraid to be your real true authentic self.

5. 19 will be a tough year for you, but with prayer and perseverance you will get through it.

6. There are people out there who will not like you for reasons that are beyond your control. Be kind to them anyway.

7. Don't be such a cry baby. 

8. Wear your glasses.

9. Appreciate how strict your parents are. Some girls aren't so lucky.

10. Don't worry so much about being in love. You'll meet your husband soon and you'll be in real love for the rest of your life.

30 Things: Describe Your Relationship with Your Spouse

Our relationship. My relationship with my husband is very easy. We are friends and we genuinely enjoy each other's company. I think that's very important. We met when I was still in high school. I visited our college (East Carolina University) for minority weekend. It was a very pretty day and I was soaking in the campus and all that college life was going to give me come Fall. My family had already gone back to Charlotte. I stayed behind with my BFF's family to continue hanging out. We decided to visit the bookstore on campus and that is where I met my husband.

Although, I never saw him coming and he kind of popped up out of nowhere that's where we crossed paths for the first time. He had a very confident way about him that I liked. We exchanged email addresses (because that's what people did in 2002 I guess) and our relationship grew from there. Now. Our dating experience in college was very crazy. At times it was nothing like the fairy tales you hear about on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress. But it's our story and I love it. Not to mention it gives us lots to laugh at these days. And we laugh a lot. Another good thing about my relationship with my husband.

our first date

My relationship with my husband has quite possibly been one of the most freeing experiences of my life. I've never had to pretend to be someone that I wasn't. I can always say exactly what I'm thinking or feeling. It's refreshing. In so many other relationships that I have I watch what I say or do. There are limits to what I share and I listen more than I speak. Not with my husband. He listens to me and I listen to him. He humbles me and I keep his confidence from turning into arrogance. 

when he met my family for the first time. it was a surprise visit during a break at school.

During my senior year of college, during my winter break, we got married. My husband had already graduated college and was beginning his career in the Army. Our wedding day was very simple and filled with love. I remember not being nervous about anything. I was positive that even at the age of twenty-one I knew I was making the right decision. We were crazy about each other and we still are. I think that's what keeps us going. There's no one else that I would rather hang out with for the rest of my life. He is one of the smartest and funniest people that I know. I'm so thankful for our love. Deep down I really feel like it was our relationship that turned me into a braver version of myself. I am stronger and I get offended a lot less. My husband gives me a womanly confidence that I appreciate more than he'll ever know. Our relationship is by far my favorite thing about this life I am so blessed to live.

our wedding day. a photo of a photo.

30 Things: 3 Legitimate Fears

Mmmm this is a tough one. Right off  the bat I'll go ahead and share that I have a legitimate fear of birds and squirrels. In high school I was swarmed by a large group of birds during a prank. It scarred me for life. I haven't liked birds since. My fear of squirrels came from an isolated incident with a family friend. She was bitten by a squirrel. I wasn't there when it happened but just hearing about it changed my whole outlook on squirrels. As luck would have it, my front yard is always filled with birds and squirrels. Not just any bird or squirrel but the crazy socialized ones. They aren't afraid of humans. Drives me nuts. I think it's God's way of telling me it's ridiculous to be afraid of these little creatures. Hopefully by the time we move (which isn't for a long time) I'll be a lot better about this silly (but legitimate) fear.

Like most Moms another fear of mine is not being around for my kids. Since I became a Mom I've tried to be a healthier version of myself. I've done pretty good with getting my blood pressure down. After the baby gets here I'll be getting back into some exercise routine. It's important to me to be able to be an active Mom. I want to attend all their events and be there for them. Taking care of myself and going to the doctor when I need to is a top priority for me. It scares me to think that I wouldn't be able to be there for them. 

I think my last fear would have to be getting into a car accident. This is a recent fear of mine. I'm not sure what sparked this fear. Maybe it's the lack of skilled drivers here in San Antonio. I swear the news reports a bad car accident every morning. Somewhere in this city, a gas station is giving out a free driver's license with every full tank of gas. That's the only explanation that I can think of for the crazy drivers. It scares me to death. I hardly ever get on the interstate here. Which is sad because I grew up driving in a city. At any rate I'm pretty sure this fear will also "fix" itself when we move. 

What are your fears?