Birth Story: Part 2

After finally getting to the surgery room, I felt great. I was a little scared of the spinal and I was still having contractions. But, to know there was an end in sight felt wonderful. Also, I had been to that surgery room before, when I had my gallbladder taken out; so, there was some familiarity to it all.

The spinal had a little sting to it, and I would say was very comparable to an epidural. It took a while, so I asked a few questions of the anesthesiologist. How much will I feel? Will this make me nauseous? How does it only numb me from the arms down?

I had drank some tart, grape drink before I went down to surgery. It was supposed to help with the nausea. I was hoping so. I had heard horror stories about women throwing up during their entire surgery. Nothing sounded worse than throwing up while laying on your back. Plus, talk about a moment ruiner...

I was on my back, arms strapped down, and the sheet was up before Heath was escorted into the room. They had already asked how much I could feel. It was the most bizarre feeling. With an epidural, it was somewhat scary to me. I felt completely out of control and almost paralyzed. I hated looking at my leg, trying to move it, and being unable to do so. It truly freaked me out. With the spinal, I could feel. But, I couldn't feel everything. I could feel them rubbing stuff on my belly, which I was told would normally seem cold. I only felt the movement and not the coldness. Then, she started to make the incision. I remember knowing that she was about to cut, when Heath came by the sheet. I thought for sure that he would see the blood and pass out on the spot.

When he got to me, he was feeling pretty good. He had popped a Xanax upstairs and was what I would describe as three-beer-Heath. He was invincible and when they told him that he could stand to watch, he did! I kept asking him, "Are you sure? Are you okay?"

Getting Olive out only took a few minutes. This is what I heard:

"Okay, get ready to meet Baby Olive."

"Oh, she has hair!"

"Heath, get the camera ready."

"She's no peanut."

"Here she is!"

Heath stood up the whole time, snapping pictures with the camera in one hand and video recording with his phone in the other. The video is great! :) It is kind of gross though, and so are the pictures. I thought I would spare you.

She was born at 6:42 pm.

As soon as I heard her let out her first wail, I broke down. I just cried and cried. It still wasn't quiet real to me. Nothing quiet prepares you for hearing your baby cry for the first time, or seeing them either. While I was blubbering, unable to wipe away my tears, Dr. B leaned Olive over the sheet for me to see. In her gross, bloody, crying state, she looked like Lucy. Then, as quickly as she was there, she was gone. They took her across the room to check her. Heath followed, snapping pictures like crazy.

 

We all anticipated the weight. I overheard a conversation between Dr. B and the nurses on how much they thought she'd weigh. Dr. B was pretty close, saying that she thought she would be close to 9 lbs. She was 8 lbs and 11.5 ounces. She was 2.5 ounces more than Lucy and a week early! The shocker for me was, she was 21 inches long! That was 2 inches longer than Lucy. I just kept repeating it over and over. "21 inches? Wow, really? 21 inches?"

Olive cried and cried, until Heath said something to her. It seemed as though she recognized his voice, because she immediately stopped. It was so sweet. It warmed my heart. 

Olive and Heath were off to my right and a little over my head. After about ten minutes of watching, my neck and eyes started to hurt from straining. So, I stopped and laid flat again. Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks the 36 hours of little to no sleep. I was so tired. It was like my body knew that it was over and Olive was okay. I let my eyes close a few times as I jerked them back open. Finally, I called Heath over. "I'm going to close my eyes and I might fall asleep, is that okay?" 

I felt like a jerk; but, I literally couldn't stay awake. He of course told me that was alright, as he went back to Olive. I then fell in and out of sleep for the next hour or so. I woke up once because I was nauseous. I thought I might throw up. When I told the anesthesiologist, she got me a "throw-up sleeve," as I like to call them. Dr. B heard me and said that she was pushing on my stomach and that was probably what was causing it. Thank goodness the nausea passed and before I knew it the sheet was pulled down.

While they were moving me to a bed, Dr. B went to check on Olive. She is such a caring person and you can tell that she loves her job!

Funny story about the nurse in the maroon, over Dr. B's shoulder. She was a student when I had Lucy. I remembered her, only because her name is also my middle name. When she came in for the surgery and introduced herself, I immediately asked if she was a student back in February 2010. It was her. She was present for both of my girls. :)

Once settled, I finally got to hold her too. :)

She still looked a lot like Lucy to me.

We were taken to the recovery room, where I was able to have a few guests. I asked for Heath to go tell my sister to bring Lucy down. Little did I know, Dr. B had already went to get Lucy! haha. :) I think she was excited too.

Lucy was pretty excited and surprisingly not freaked out at all by the hospital. She rubbed Olive's head and talked to her. For the first time that evening, Heath cried. My sister did too. It was a special moment.

We finally got back upstairs around 9:30 pm. Good thing we have our babies on the weekend. :)

Everyone was thrilled. I have to say though, do you see Heath's sister's boyfriend over in the corner with his arms crossed? Haha. I have a picture similar to this one, when Lucy was born. Except, then, my cousin was keeping him company. I just don't think men/boys are into this stuff as much, unless it's their baby or grand-baby.

Everyone stayed only for a while and left to let me sleep. I was able to breastfeed her downstairs in the recovery room. So, I waited until the next feeding and then let the nurse take her to the nursery. We learned from Lucy, that for us, it was better for her to go to the nursery. I didn't have any trouble sleeping and was excited each and every time they brought her in to feed.

- To Be Continued -

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I am loving...

...my new dress that I got from Target last weekend (thanks for the gift card dad and Rhonda!) Today, I paired it with a black cardigan and black tights (thanks Jeannie!). I could get used to this whole Birthday thing. ;)

...Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game (both the book(s) and the television shows!). I seriously am upset every Monday when they are over. Can't they go on forever?!

...I am still loving all of the benefits from my birthday (the clothes, the food, the books, and movie)! Plus, I love getting to see my family!

...my new iphone cover, from my hubby for my birthday! :) It's super BA ("bad-ass" for all of the non-minor ears out there). :) Who knew I would love metallic so much? Plus, it is a different brand, kind of expensive, but much thicker. The picture doesn't give it justice.

...that Lucy can almost say her prayers with me. She is getting so good at it! The other night, she didn't want to say them, so at the end I pretended I forgot what to say and she corrected me, "Amen." :) I loved it.

...Lucy's cake that her cousin Hannah made her. Hannah and my Aunt Amy couldn't make it to Lucy's party because of the weather, so they made her a cake this last weekend to celebrate. Hannah is becoming quite the cake maker! Envious....

Which reminds me...I own you all a Lucy's 2nd Birthday Party post...I'll have to get on that. :{ Anyway, on with what I'm loving...

...that we got a lot of items for Lucy's big girl room this last weekend. I will have to write a post about that too; so, I can share pictures of all of our goodies! :)

...Lucy's new book that my sister and her family got for her. It is personalized. I wish I could tell you where Nikki got it; but, I don't remember right now. Sorry! Lucy likes hearing her own name and family members' names in a book!

...American Idol. Oh no, are we back there? Yep. I obsessed over it last year and well, it's back! The talent is amazing and I have some favorites. I definitely look forward to this week's!

...fruit snacks. I never really ate these when I was little; but, Lucy liked them. Then, I got a coupon for them and I was able to price match and that is all it took. Only $2 for a regularly $4 item? Yes, please! We now have two large boxes of these, below. Delicious! :) It is a great snack. (I recommend the purple-ish/blue-ish box.)

...the geese on the little lake in town. There are SO many. Lucy loves to watch them. There are even a few ducks. Mostly you can only hear the honking of the geese though. :) And, yes, I sit in the car; because it's too cold. :[

...like always, I love my baby girl, Lucy.

... my amazing hubby, who surprises me with cleaning up the house all the time!

...my family, friends, and readers!

Have a great Wednesday! What are YOU loving? :)

Twenty-Six

Now, to my older than 26-year-old readers, I'm just a baby. Or, perhaps a young pup. Or, maybe just a year behind you or so. But, to me, 26 is...weird. I'm over the hump of the twenties. I am on the wrong side of 25.
As I was reminded though, I'm on the right side of 30. I guess I could be optimistic.

What did I think I would be doing when I was 26? What did I hope to achieve?

At one year old, I'm sure I thought that in 26 years, I would, well....be walking, talking, going to the restroom on a "potty," and being able to eat candy anytime I wanted. So, far, I've been pretty good to my 1 year old self. I've definitely mastered most of those things.

At three, let's be honest - I probably thought I was going to marry my grandpa and he would take care of me for the rest of my life. And, perhaps I would learn to wash my face and smile a bit less cheesy.

From 5 to 9 years old, I thought I would someday legally change my name to 'Michelle' and find a 'Derek' to marry. I don't think I yet had thought about what I was going to do for a living, or what I would name my children - besides possibly 'Michelle' and 'Derek.' But, I knew that I was going to live in a "mansion" and drive a "really nice" car. Nikki? Well, she would be stuck with me forever. I was just sure that we would have houses with secret tunnels to connect our bedrooms.

During my pre-teen years, I had become a little more practical. My name would forever be 'Cori.' And, I would someday actually have to work for a living. I thought at this point that I may someday become a lawyer; I had the arguing thing down pat, just ask my mother. Plus, I heard once that lawyers made good money. :)

In high school, I imagined myself marrying Heath. Who knew that I would actually be right?! I knew that college was in my future and I wanted to help people with their problems. I thought that I would somehow manage to be the dad on Growing Pains. I would be a psychologist that had an office in my home and I could come and go to work as I pleased. The thought of bringing mentally unstable people into my home never once occurred to me. But, I did know that I wanted to have children someday; I would name them Alexandria and Tanner.

 

My senior year, I was headed to college and I was still planning on going into psychology. I was going to be a counselor. I still planned on marrying Heath someday and having little, freckled babies. I thought a little girl may have blonde hair that was naturally curly like her daddy's.

After the college, freshman 15 (pounds!) and an internship of helping battered women, I had changed my plans a bit. I was not going to be a counselor and I had mastered weight watchers. I was going to be a hot, middle-aged momma attending my children's sporting events. And, as far as a job, well, psychology was versatile right? Perhaps I would steer it in the human resources direction.

At graduation, I got my degree in Psychology with a minor. I was engaged to Heath and had two steps of my "path" sealed. :) I knew that I wanted to go on and get my masters - before I turned 25 I was going to be at least enrolled. I even had a job. The job type wasn't in my plan, but that happens. We had even bought a house - big step! The house had three bedrooms. That would work for the three children I had decided to have. Why three? I don't know for sure.  It just felt right.

After our marriage, we discussed my master's degree options. We also discussed having children. While Heath got his MBA, my masters got put on hold. We decided it could wait until after we started a family. Then, I got a different job. It still wasn't part of the plan, but that happens.

When we had Lucy, I started to think that I might not be the hot momma attending my children's sporting events after all. Staying fit was hard and with each year (and I'm sure child), it got a little harder!  But, I loved being a mom. I knew I wanted more. Everything else in my life remained the same - stable, if you will. I liked it that way.

I'm now 26. Am I living the way I thought I would be? Yes and no. Would I change a thing? No. I will never look back on my life and say, "I wish I would have." Without the decisions I have made, I may not have ended up here. I don't like that idea.

"Don't ever regret your decisions in life. At one time, that was exactly what you wanted." - Unknown

I am so happy with my life and blessed beyond belief.

Happy Birthday Lucy!

Sometimes Lucy's birth seems like years and years ago. Sometimes it feels like yesterday.

The pain seems long gone and I hardly remember it. But, the time that I've spent with Lucy doesn't seem like enough to fill two years! I guess this is parenthood...

How my little girl went from this -

 

To a toddler, I'll never quite know.

But, one thing I do know is why she looks like she does. Her daddy.

I tried to tell myself over and over again that she looks like me. She has blonde-ish hair. She has big brown eyes. There is some of me in there! Plus, it had been a while since I had seen Heath's baby pictures. But, then...I saw some of him when he was two years old.  It's Lucy....in boy clothes.  Even Lucy thought it was herself! She pointed and said, "That's Lucy!"

My arguments are all down the drain with a shear glimpse of the images that I will lay before you -

 

 

I rest my case. Heath's genes are apparently WAY more powerful than mine - except that big toe! :)

As the day continues, and the weather calls for a light snow, I will be thinking of the Super Bowl Sunday that Lucy was born. At 1:12 pm, it was snowing then too. :) Seeing her face for the first time was amazing. I dreamed of what she would look like. Now, I know that all I had to do was look to my right and she was staring back at me, with freckles. :)

Ahhh....the miracle of life.

Lucy's First Birthday?

That was four months ago? What? Oh, so it was. Well, didn't you wonder what we did for it?

Me, being the awful photo-gatherer that I am, didn't share it all with you. Sorry! Better late than never? Of course.

We had a nice gathering at our house with cake, presents, and chatting. We don't have a lot of friends with children, yet. So, it was more of a child-themed, adult party - minus alcohol. :) Oh well. I will eventually get to make games and fun scavenger hunts!

After reviewing the many themes at Party USA, Heath and I decided on the Princess theme. Lucy is spoiled rotten and well, it seemed kind of fitting!

We didn't get too out of hand with decorations; however, we still managed to spend about $250 on her birthday all together. How did that happen?

Answer: one very large present. Oh yeah...

Here is the main table of cake and goodies - notice the cold, snowy background? Brrr.....

My mom made the wonderful cakes! She did an amazing job!

She used the princess banners with hearts, flowers, and butterflies for inspiration.

And this one, below, was Lucy's personal cake! :)

And, this is the hat that she wore for point two seconds -

We have one picture with her in it and she is snarling...seriously.

Everyone brought the best gifts (lots o' toys!), hence the need for a new playroom. Lucy loved opening gifts.

It's only been 4 months; but, I don't even recognize that little girl anymore!

Everything went as planned, except for Lucy eating the cake. She wanted no part in it. We literally poked it and tried to feed it to her for about 20 minutes, with no avail. Heath even squished her hand in it, which only made her mad. It was so not like on TV...

The ice cream? Well, that, she loved.

It was a wonderful day and we will always remember it fondly! It came and went so quickly. Before I know it, I'll be planning another (birthday that is, not a first - don't get too excited yet)!

The good news about the cake is that at her friend Ty's birthday, in May, she mutilated a chocolate cake - just as it should be done. :) She's learning.

Happy Monday! Hopefully you'll hear more from me this week. Last week I was at a work conference and spent a lot of my day in the car.. (insert super sad, pathetic, tired face here). By the time I got home, I was lucky if I even changed my clothing and got into bed. I hate getting up early... :{ Good information though! :)

Oh, and Happy Late Father's Day to all of you dads out there! I hope it was a good one!

A Ring to Match

For my birthday, or for basically any holiday (yes - I consider my birthday a holiday, haha), my mom goes way over the top with gifts. Many times they linger in for days following the event.

"Oh, here is something else that I forgot to give you the other night." 

"Mom, you didn't have to do that. You got me enough."

"I knew you would like it and I've had it for a while."

Trust me, this is the conversation more often than not. She asked me over for dinner the other night and when I got there she gave me a bag of blueberry bagels, a loaf of low-cal wheat bread, a loaf of honey wheat bread, and a loaf of Texas toast. When I asked what it was all about she just said, "I thought you would like the wheat bread and it's low-cal, and you said Lucy liked Texas toast."

She's right I guess. I did say that Lucy liked Texas toast. Touche'. But, I didn't mean for her to go out and get Lucy some. (I am excited about it though! :))

Anyway, my birthday was about a week ago and like most times, gifts seem to linger in. This time, she gave me a ring.

It says, "My daughter" on one side of the heart and "My joy" on the other side. It is to match my 'Push Prize' necklace. :) Isn't it adorable?!

My mom said that it could represent her relationship with me, or it could represent my relationship with Lucy.  Either way, I love it. I am a sucker for sentimental items/gifts.  I told my mom that I would someday pass the ring down to Lucy. :)  And, now I have something else to wear always.

The ring came with this little message too.

I thought this was so neat and fun, and special, that I decided to google the brand online. This is the site that I came up with: http://www.myobsession.com/home.html. There are so many cute ideas on this site for Inspirational Jewelry. I recommend taking a look around. You can get some great gift ideas.

Also, Mother's Day really isn't that far off.  You could do some early shopping.

I am fairly positive that my mom did not buy this ring online; so, if anyone does business with this site, please let me know. I can add an update about your experiences with them, for other prospective customers.

Enjoy! I know, I will!

Note: Thank you to all who subscribed to my posts! It was exciting to see some new readers, or readers I didn't realize actually read my blog! haha.  This is the first post, post subscription. I hope it works; if it doesn't for you, by later this afternoon, please let me know. I can take a look at the settings again.

Lucy Note: She has taken four unaccompanied steps; but, we have had to coerce them out of her. She just doesn't want to do it herself yet. We are still working with her. I will let you know how it goes. :)

Happy Birthday Lucy!

A year ago, today, at 1:12 pm, I welcomed my little, beautiful girl into the world. I can hardly say that I really 'welcomed' her. I think the first thing I said to her, or rather at her, was, 'Oh my god!' But, nonetheless, that was when I saw her sweet face for the first time. My heart melted...

It all started about 36 hours before, in the early, early morning hours of February 6, 2010. I woke up from the recliner to make another trip to the restroom. I felt a little odd. It didn't feel like Braxton-Hicks at all. It stung a little. It was a sharp pain...kind of like (forgive me) painful gas; but, this was deep in my pelvis. It was kind of like a menstrual pain or cramp (the triple 'P' for those of you close to me... ;D). I decided to bust out my pregnancy app. on my iPod and time the pains. Yep, about every 9 or 10 minutes I would have them. So, I woke Heath up at around 1:30 am and told him that I thought I just might be having contractions. What did I know, though? I hadn't ever felt a contraction before!

We had learned from our Birthing Classes, 'What to Expect when Expecting,' and BabyCenter.com that first time mothers can be in labor for hours. And, they should go about a pretty usual routine until the contractions are closer. So, I went back to sleep. It surprisingly wasn't that hard to do.

I woke up again at about 7 am. They were getting more prominent - not that they hurt more, I was just able to feel it better. I again woke Heath up and he started to time them. It was about every 7 to 8 minutes. I was just still not convinced that I was having contractions. I waited about an hour and called my mom.

"What do contractions feel like? This is a sharp pain. I don't know what I was expecting; but, they are sharper than what I imagined."

"Yeah, they are. You are probably right; they are contractions," she said calmly.

I decided to prepare then. I got around, ate cereal (Kix to be exact), took a shower, the usual. I even had plenty of pain-free time to fix my hair. The hospital was surprised when I came in with makeup on and my hair done. But anyway, it wasn't too long after noon that my mom and sister came over to hang out with me.

I spent the entire day laying around, walking our stairs, timing contractions, bouncing on our exercise ball, getting my back rubbed, and being anxious. Would she ever come?!

Finally at 9 pm that night, when my contractions were still more than 5 minutes apart, we called and asked if we could come in. The hospital warned me that I may have to come back home; but, that was alright. We knew we wouldn't be able to sleep anyway and I didn't want to have to rush to the hospital. So, we headed out. It even started to snow flurry on us on the way there.

About 10 minutes out from the hospital, my contractions started to move from semi-uncomfortable to painful.

After arriving, checking in, changing, and walking a ton of stairs, I was still only about 2 cm dilated; but, they allowed me to stay. Yay! :) That stair walking had done it though. By midnight I was having very painful contractions.

Overnight was a blur...I mentioned it in another blog post.

After some pain meds, the epidural, my doctor breaking my water, and an ultrasound to make sure Lucy wasn't breach, it was finally time to push. This part was not at all what I expected. I pushed for an hour and a half! It was not like the movies where it is 1, 2, 3, there she is! It was like push....okay lets wait for the next contraction....hmm, so what did you miss doing while you were pregnant? We seriously had lots of conversations in between pushes. My doctor cringed at hearing how excited I was to be able to tan again. :{ But, we bonded over dyeing our hair. :)

Finally, finally, she said, "One more contraction and we will have a baby."

I regret it now; but, when I pushed, I squeezed my eyes closed, real tight. Next thing I knew, Lucy was on my chest. Note to self: keep your eyes open with your next child.

We wiped her off and cried, and cried. It took about 10 minutes before anyone checked to see if she was actually a little girl! haha. I just squeezed her and held her so tight.

Once you have a child, you will never be the same. That is the absolute truth. She has turned my world upside down. And, although parenting is hard; I wouldn't change a thing!

I can't believe how wonderful she is.

I can't believe she is mine.

I can't believe it has been a year.

Happy Birthday Lucy Jean! I love you more than words!

10 Things I Never Thought I'd Say

1) "Heath! Why did you delete SpongeBob off the DVR? We didn't have anything to watch!"

2) "Chico! No, ouchie....no, no." Lucy treatment is rubbing off on the dogs.

3) "Want some yum yum?" Ahhh.....baby talk. :{

4) "These 1st birthday decorations, Lucy, are for the 'little girl down the street'." Perhaps she will believe us - ?

5) "For her birthday, we got Lucy a new C-A-R-S-E-A-T; it faces F-O-R-W-A-R-D." Why did I need to spell 'forward'?

6) "You're smashing your own hand, hunny."

7) "No. We don't chew on diapers."

8) "The wall has to be strong; so, when Lucy throws things at the ceiling fan, and it flings across the room, it won't put a hole in the wall." We are trying to mentally, and physically, prepare for toddler Lucy.

9) "Heath, she just drooled all over your pants."

10) "Will you wash that dog toy off? Lucy keeps chewing on it..."

What did you think that you would never say? :)

Birth Plan

About a year ago today, I was perfecting my Birth Plan. I was giving copies to my husband, my sister, the doctor, and the nurses - basically everyone who would be in the delivery room with me!

I had thought a lot about how I wanted my labor and delivery to go. Like a movie of course! Except - a movie where I actually get there on time to have an epidural! Anyway - And, after going to birthing classes and knowing more of what my options were, I felt ready to visualize. My initial thoughts were: safe and painless! My two biggest goals. However, when you start getting into the details, it's a lot to think about!

I was encouraged to do a Birth Plan; but, I wasn't sure how helpful it would actually be. Take it from me though, it was great! It helped in three ways: 1) It made me think about the process and I felt better prepared for an emergency change of plans. 2) It helped Heath and my sister to know what I had planned, in case I wasn't in the 'mood' to be telling them during the labor. :) 3) It let the nurses and my doctor know ahead of time what I was planning for. They were able to assist me SO much more, by knowing my feelings.

When I was writing a birth plan, I had to scour the Internet for ideas - just to make sure I covered it all! I thought I was able to make a pretty complete plan. So, since I've been thinking about that day a lot (as Lucy's 1st Birthday approaches), I thought I would share my plan. Hopefully, it will help any mothers-to-be out there to make a plan of their own. I recommend doing it! :)

I know that everyone's plans are different. Perhaps you are planning a natural birth or even a water birth - either way, I hope this helps provoke thought and/or memories!

By the way, of course this was in a Word document, in cute text, with maroon titles and bullets. :)

Cori {Last Name}’s Birth Plan
Due Date: February 10, 2010
Supporters: My husband, Heath {Last Name} and my sister, { First & Last Name}
*Please be aware that my husband has high anxiety about hospitals, needles, and above all, surgery.
Basics: This is our first baby; therefore, we may need to have more direction than ‘an experienced’ couple. We are open to any and all information that your staff would like to share with us about the labor and post labor. We trust the judgment of our doctor and the nursing staff to make decisions that are in the best interest of our baby and for me. We understand that this plan is not set in stone and could change at moment’s notice. However, we have decided to share with you what we hope to achieve with the birthing experience.

I feel as though I should share my own anxiety about the IV and an epidural. I do not like to be talked through these processes. I would rather look away and only told when the procedure is completed. – Thank you

Induction: We are open to the idea of an induction, if it is recommended by our doctor. Otherwise, I would like to go into labor naturally.

Pain Relief:· I plan to request an epidural; however, I do not and will not know when the proper time is for this. Please suggest it, when appropriate.
· As for other pain relievers, I do not foresee their use at this time. However, please suggest it, if the situation seems appropriate.

Environment during Labor:· I plan to change positions, as well as walk around, unless told otherwise.
· If it is a ‘middle-of-the-night’ labor, I would like to alternate walking and napping.
· My husband and sister will keep guests to a minimum (if they are at all allowed) and will ask them to wait in the hall during cervical checks.

During the Delivery:· I hope to be sitting up during delivery.
· At this time, I do not want to use a mirror.
· I’d only like an episiotomy, if there is a medical emergency. Otherwise, please allow time for the perineum to stretch naturally.

Post Delivery:· My husband does not want to catch the baby; but, he does want to cut the umbilical cord. He will inform you, if he changes his mind.
· As routine, I would like to hold the baby immediately after the birth.
· My husband and I do not wish to see the placenta after birth.
· I plan on trying to breastfeed; however, I am new to the process. Please advise me on when and how to do so.
· I will accept guests after the baby has been breastfed and not during.
· I would like the baby to stay in my room with us during my entire hospital stay, if possible. (I totally changed my mind on this after doing it! Let the nurses take them to the nursery!)· If for some reason the baby needs to be taken from the delivery room, I would like my husband to escort her when possible.
· If the baby surprises us and is a boy, then we would like a circumcision.

Caesarean Option:· I hope to avoid a c-section, if at all possible.

If a C-Section is necessary:· I would like my husband and my sister to be present in the surgery room.
· Please keep discussion with me minimal. Considering my husband’s and my own anxieties, I do not wish to know what you are doing (making an incision, etc.).
· Once she is born, we do wish to see her.
· Also, please inform us of the steps you are taking with the baby (she is being weighed, checked, etc.).
· Although I realize there will be moments of separation, we would like to stay with the baby as much as possible. If I cannot go with the baby, please let my husband know if he is welcome to be with her.

Notes:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Whew! That is a lot of information, right? It is amazing how it takes me right back to the delivery of Lucy! :) It makes me smile.

I took copies of this to my doctor about 3 weeks before my due date and we read through it together. It also provoked a lot of discussion about the labor and delivery. I don't regret taking the time to do this at all and I don't think I ever will!

Happy birth-planning to all new mothers! Everyone else? I guess, have a good day! :)

Happy Birthday Heath

Today is my husband's birthday; therefore, I would like to take a moment and truly appreciate him for the wonderful husband and daddy that he is! :)

Thank you "hunny" for:

- making me grilled cheese sandwiches, just because you know I like them.

- getting up with Lucy on Saturday mornings, so I can sleep in.

- always considering my feelings, when doing anything.

- complimenting me everyday.

- watching 'Hannah Montana' with me because I hate being in separate rooms.

- staying home with Lucy when she was sick, all week long.

- collecting a Lucy stool-sample for the doctor when they thought she had a virus. :}

- encouraging me to always do what I want in life.

- being my guilty conscience when I am eyeing the Oreos at the store.

- packing my lunch every day for work.

- being my 'snooze' when I just don't want to get up in the morning.

- getting on the floor and playing with Lucy.

- randomly dancing when I am getting grumpy.

- telling me to buy clothes, just because it makes me feel good.

- understanding pedicures, manicures, and tanning.

- being there for me in the good times and bad.

- spending the last decade with me.

- being such a good daddy.

Thank you for choosing me. :) I am spoiled! There are so many more things too!

Happy Birthday Heath! I hope it is great!