Baby H. Pictures

We were able to get pictures of Baby H. done by Husband's sister, Rachel.  You can check out her photography site here.  She did a wonderful job and Baby H. was an angel face.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Thanks, Rachel, for the wonderful pictures!

Mom v. Dad

I laughed so hard I cried when I saw this.

Source: d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net via Amy Huntley on Pinterest

The baby's face...so funny!

37 Weeks & 5 Days -OR- The Day Baby H. Was Born

Well, Baby H. did not listen and stay inside of me for a few extra weeks so I could go off track before I had him.  This not doing what your mom says...let's not make it a habit, Baby H.  (Side note: I didn't mention this before but at my last appointment--Aug. 21--I was already 1 cm. dilated.  I should have known the baby would be here sooner rather than later but my doctor didn't seem too concerned.  He was still convinced I'd go over my due date.)

Here's the story:

I woke up like normal to get ready for work at 6:45.  As I was walking to the bathroom, I thought I was peeing my pants but for some reason couldn't stop it.  I figured out quickly that it was my water breaking. 

For some reason, I thought it would be okay to go into work and not worry about going in until contractions started.  Luckily, I called the doctor and he said to get to the hospital NOW!  I took that as "Take a shower and pack your bag.  Get here when you can." 

As we drove to the hospital, the contractions began.  I was expecting the first contractions I felt to be easy to get through...not these ones.  They were strong and they were happening frequently. 

We arrived at the hospital around 8 am.  They were not convinced that my water had broken (umm, hi.  I'm an adult.  I can control my bladder.  There is no other explanation for liquid leaking from between my legs.) but they kept me because I was contracting and Baby H.'s heart rate kept taking a nose dive with every contraction.

We were registered and ready to go by 8:15. 

And the contractions just kept coming...super close together.  (I have a high tolerance for pain but contractions...holy Hannah.  Those are intense.  Hats off to those of you who do it without pain medication.  You are amazing.)  The doctor checked me and I was dilated to a 2.  I was so disappointed...after all that pain and I was only a 2?  Luckily, the anesthesiologist was ready with an epidural.  (Those are magical.  I highly recommend them.)  Within a few minutes the drugs started kicking in and the contractions were nothing.

About an hour later, I was dilated to a 3.  I was excited that I was still dilating after the epidural because I had heard that some people stop making progress after they get an epidural. 

The nurse came back to check me about an hour later and I was at a 7.  Whoop whoop!  Labor was going beautifully...as long as you ignore the part where Baby H.'s heart rate kept dropping drastically with every contraction and the doctor began telling me how it was very possible that I would have to have an emergency cesarean...not fun.

Half an hour later I was a 9.  Baby H.'s heart rate was dropping into the 50s with every contraction and seriously scaring the nurses which in turn seriously scared me.  At this point there was less than a minute between contractions and I quickly dilated to a 10.  Because the contractions were coming so quickly and not giving me time to rest or Baby H. time to recover, the doctor gave me a shot of something to slow the contractions down.  After the shot, the contractions started coming about every 3 minutes allowing me time to rest between them but Baby H. was not recovering as well or as quickly as the doctor would like.

This began more serious conversations about the possibility of a cesarean.  The doctor told me he'd let me try to push for a little bit but if the baby didn't come out quickly we were going to have to have an emergency cesarean.  I wasn't about to let that happen.  I did 4 sets of 3 pushes and Baby H. was here...with the cord wrapped around his neck 3 times.  That would explain the heart rate dipping so much.  Thanks for scaring the crap out of us baby.

But, he's here and healthy and we love him so much already.

6 pounds 9 ounces
19 inches
Born at 11:57 am

37 Weeks

37 Weeks

Baby is the size of a watermelon
(about 19-22 inches long)

Weighs about 6.5 pounds
(according to yesterday's ultrasound Baby H. is 6.7 pounds)

 

How far along? 37 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Not yet...they're probably coming real soon though
Sleep: Much better this week but still not 1st trimester sleep...that, unfortunately, will probably never happen again.
Have you told family and friends: Yep
Miss Anything? Fitting through small spaces (pretty sure I've hit every student with my belly this year)
Movement: Just like last week...pushing but not a lot of kicking 
Food cravings:  Nothing really, water and cold fruit are pretty delicious though
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender prediction: It's a boy!
Labor Signs: I don't think so
Belly Button in or out? still in
Wedding rings on or off? generally off just because it's more comfortable but I will occasionally wear them
Happy or Moody most of the time:  I don't know that I would describe myself as either of those at the moment.  I'm tired and ready to be done being pregnant but I'm not quite ready to have a baby yet.  Very mixed emotions at this time.
Looking forward to: not being pregnant

Things I'm worried about: The baby will come earlier than his due date and I won't have a sub for my class...the sub I have can't start until September 12.

Things I'm loving: Meeting pregnant ladies that are not nearly as far along as I am but look just as big as I do...that sounds so horrible but it makes me feel better about myself after all the "Your baby is going to be HUGE!" and "I can't imagine you getting any bigger than you already are." type comments I get on a daily basis.


Also, Baby H. is head down (phew!) and the ultrasound made it look like he's already really chubby.  They didn't give me any prints this time (bummer!) so I can't show you but he's not nearly as scary looking as he was a 20 weeks.

36 Weeks

 
36 Weeks

Baby is the size of a  crenshaw melon (about 19-22  inches long)

Weighs about 6 pounds

  

How far along? 36 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Same as last week...pants but not tops
Stretch marks? nope
Sleep: I've been sick since Sunday so it's been a super difficult sleep week.
Have you told family and friends: Yes
Miss Anything? Sleeping
Movement: Very small movements.  Lots of pushing but not kicking.
Food cravings: I'm not really that hungry so I'm not craving anything right now.  I did devour a steak dinner on Thursday night though.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope...stomach of steel.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender prediction: It's a boy!
Labor Signs: Not yet, though I think I've been having some Braxton Hicks contractions...though that's just a guess.  I have no idea what I'm doing.
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? Off, they're just too uncomfortable now.
Happy or Moody most of the time:   Moody this week with the being super sick.  I was ready to jump over the pharmacy counter and beat the pharmacist who told me to "suck it up" when I asked if there was anything I could take for my myriad of symptoms.
Looking forward to: My last baby shower and a family reunion

Things I'm worried about: If the baby's head is down or not.  I think I'm getting an ultrasound on Tuesday to see but it scares me to think he might not be turned.

Things I'm loving: Everyone thinking I'm superwoman for doing normal things.  Teaching every day...superwoman.  Carrying 2 folding chairs into the house...superwoman.  Taking out the garbage...superwoman.  Breathing...superwoman.  It's pretty awesome.

35 Weeks

35 Weeks

Baby is the size of a large cantaloupe
(about 19-22  inches long)

Weighs about 5.5 pounds

 

How far along? 35 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Pants, yes.  Shirts, not so much...thank you stretchy fabric.
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Remember this day?  Yeah, sleep and I are not friends right now though I desperately want to be his BFF.
Have you told family and friends: Yes
Miss Anything? Unsore hips, sleeping on my stomach, sleeping in general, touching my toes, my ankles not being wider than my calves
Movement:  all the time.  It's more moving from one side to another and less kicking but he's moving all over the place.
Food cravings: I haven't really wanted much to eat lately, mostly (I'm assuming) because baby is making it so my stomach is about the size of a dime but I still do love salt.  I could eat Chick-Fil-A french fries for every meal and be one happy (bloated and fat) momma.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really, I've got a stomach of steel apparently.
Have you started to show yet: Yes.
Gender prediction: It's a boy!
Labor Signs: Nope.  I haven't even noticed any Braxton Hicks. Though I don't really know what I'm looking for.
Belly Button in or out? Still in because it was a cavern...pretty sure my belly button could have been a wading pool if it was a bit wider before I was pregnant.  Now it's about an inch deep.
Wedding rings on or off? Off, I can still wear them, they're just uncomfortable.
Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy...tired and sweaty but happy.
Looking forward to: Finishing the nursery.
Things I'm worried about: Figuring out how to get to my 4:10 appointments when I work until 4:00.
Things I'm loving: Feeling the baby move all the time.

Temple & Hormonal Crying

I had my first pregnant sobbing crying for no real reason today.  Here's everything that I'm saying lead up to it.  Had any circumstance been different I probably wouldn't have cried like someone punched a puppy.

First, I woke up at about 12:30 this morning (after going to bed at 10pm) and could.not.sleep.  I laid in bed being pissed that my husband would have the audacity to sleep (how dare he!) while I was not sleeping.  Finally, after 2 hours of staring at the ceiling, I got up.  I made myself a delicious and healthy lunch, wrote some sub plans, checked out Pinterest.  Finally went back to bed around 4am and woke up at 6am.  I was already feeling weepy and the day had just begun.

After work, Jenny went through the temple for the first time.  I am so stoked for her.  For obvious reasons this also made me a little emotional but the tears remained inside my face...for the moment.

We went outside for some pictures of Jenny's special day.  As we were leaving, someone stepped on my toe.  It killed.  But I held all those built up tears in and then I was fine.

I get to my car and notice a small piece of paper tucked into my door.  I grab it and hop in the car.  After I finally get situated (which takes a really long time as a pregnant lady) I read the note.  Here it is:

I looked at all my windows (which were filthy when I went into the temple) and realized they were all spotless...and I completely lost it.  Sobbing.  Crocodile tears. I couldn't see.  I cried for a good 2 minutes then spent the rest of the drive home trying to compose myself.

Holy cow, hormones.  Dial it back a notch.  I'm officially crazy lady pregnant.

Friend Baby Shower

Today, my friends Meredith, Jenny & Jaynee threw me a baby shower.  It was a lot of fun and we were spoiled.

We played a game where you couldn't say "baby" or "cute."  I lost in about 2.5 seconds.  During presents, there were a lot of comments like, "Gee that sure is niiice."  "That will be so darling on your tiny human."

Then we played Guess the Melted Candy That Looks Like Poop.  I also lost at that one.  I'm usually so good at shower games.  I'm blaming the pregnancy on my inability to out shower game all my guests.

 Present time!

I'm apparently really excited about this tissue paper.

Amanda made this cute onesie.  I can't wait to put it on Baby H.!

Sisters

My belly at 33.5 weeks.

There were other people at my shower, we just were not the best photographers.  Thanks to everyone who came and made the day awesome!

First Day of School--Year 4

Today was our first day of school.  This summer flew by...more than any other I've had as a teacher.  It was probably because I was busy/tired/pregnant/dreading the first day/decorating the entire time I was off.

Compared to last year's class, these littles are angels.  I'm hoping they stay that way.  Forever.  And ever.

Banana Zucchini Bread Muffins

It's summer which means if you have neighbors or parents or anyone within a 100 mile radius that has a garden, you have at least 3 zucchinis in your house right now.

Here's something you can do with them and the overly ripe bananas that no one wants to eat.

Banana Zucchini Bread Muffins

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 bananas, mashed
• grated zucchini, about the same amount as 1 banana, squeeze out all water
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil 

Optional Crumb Topping

• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter

Crumb Topping instructions: Combine sugar, flour & cinnamon, cut in butter with a fork until crumbly.  Sprinkle over muffins before baking.
Muffin instructions:Preheat oven to 375.  Grease muffin pan or add paper muffin cups.

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in large bowl.

In another bowl, combine bananas, zucchini, sugar, egg and oil.  Stir banana mixture into flour until just moistened.  Spoon mixture into prepared muffin cups.  Sprinkle crumb topping on top of muffins (if desired).

Bake 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

50 Days

Baby H. is due in 50 days...that is nothing.  I'm going to get monstrously huge and the baby is going to come in 50 days.  Oh my Hannah Montana! 

50 days people!

Also, happy Pioneer Day all my Utah lovelies.

Spicy Chicken Avocado Enchiladas

I found this recipe on Pinterest and finally made it for dinner.

Source: thenovicechefblog.com via Ashley on Pinterest

They were delicious.  I love when pins actually work out. 

I had left over chicken, avocado and onions so I think the next time I make these I'll double the sauce so I can make 2 pans of enchiladas.  

KSL Finds

Remember how I had 6 weeks off school to get the nursery put together?  Yeah, that 6 weeks ends Monday.  I've been a crazy painting, decorating lady the last few days.

Originally, I had not planned to paint the room other than giving the ceiling and base boards a nice coat of white.  But then we dropped the closet doors onto the wall...huge gashes.  So we had to paint.  I'm glad we did because I love the color.  (Listen to me saying "We."  Husband dropped the doors, I painted...giving him credit...geesh)  He probably would have done it all for me but I wanted it done now.  So, I painted...for 6 hours and almost killed myself by falling off the step stool multiple times.

Side note: being pregnant and painting is difficult.  Like hours upon hours to paint a small rectangular room.  Also, I didn't function very well the rest of the day.  My recovery...Otter Pops and a Bones marathon for the rest of the night.

I wanted a glider and a changing table or dresser for the nursery but buying them new?...those things are expensive!  We eventually found both of them on KSL but they were a little on the ugly side.

The changing table was this lovely honey color and it's laminate...just like everything made in the early nineties, lucky us.

Don't hate on my subpar photography skills...I took this after the 6 hours of painting.

Turns out you can paint laminate without sanding...if you use the right primer.  Warning: the primer is stinky!  I'm really hoping I didn't do any permanent damage to me or Baby H. as I was painting.  I would highly recommend not using it in your house...unless you had to because you don't have a garage...or a yard...or any open space.  Even with fans and open windows it stunk for days.

It really is white but my phone doesn't take the best pictures in a dimly lit room and I'm too lazy pregnant to edit the picture.

 It looks much better in the room now than it did before.

The glider...oh, the horrible (possibly plastic...yep, that's where I melted the fabric with the iron) fabric on the glider.  Pink corduroy?

For being as old as it is, it's in really good shape but I hated that fabric.

So I unpicked everything, used it as a pattern and made lovely grey suede covers.

The unpicking took for.ev.er. and covered me in teeny tiny threads that I am still finding all over my house and pants.  But all the work was well worth it.  I love how it turned out and I feel pretty awesome to have been able to make these covers look decent.  Not perfect but decent.

Hospital Survival Kit

Like I said before, there will be many babies joining our group this year.

Jenny had her baby shower today.  Since she lives in Colorado, she had this shower quite early in her pregnancy and hadn't registered yet.  So I did a hospital survival kit.  I originally saw the idea here.

Here is my version:

Here's what I put in mine:

• Hand sanitizer
• Lotion
• Chocolate
• Luna bars
• Fuzzy socks with gripper bottoms
• Fruit snacks
• Face wipes
• Tissues
• Gum
• Mints
• Chapstick
• Brush
• Headbands
• Hair ties 

Not having had my baby yet, I'm going to assume these things will be helpful while in the hospital.