Squash, Santa and Sister

Lot of new happenings around here, but nothing I've felt like blogging about.

Last week I made some homemade baby food.  I tried acorn squash and sweet potatoes.  Both are foods that would never enter my mouth, but I want to give Ava every opportunity in life, and if that includes nasty vegetables than so be it.  The squash turned out great.  I plan to give her some bites today.  The sweet potatoes were a little hard because I don't have a potato masher so it turned out chunky.  I bought a masher so I'll try it again later.  As a control freak, I love knowing every ingredient that is in the food that I give my baby.  Gerber baby food is so easy, but it's also so processed and preserved.  And expensive! 

I am so excited for my family Christmas this week.  I love being at home in SC more than anything.  I feel so comfortable there.  The only thing I'm worried about is the traveling.  Ava usually does pretty good in the car.  But when things go bad, they really go bad.  If she starts crying she won't stop until she's out of her car seat.  I've tried feeding her, changing her, letting her play on my lap for a bit, but as soon as she gets back in the car seat she freaks. Let me tell you, 45 minutes of baby screaming is enough to make me want to jump out the window.  She just wants to be home.  Poor babe.  We have a few out of town trips planned for the next couple months and I'm dreading them because of the possibility of disaster in the car.

We took Ava to see Santa last weekend at Bass Pro Shop.  I decided to go there basically because the picture was free, and I'm too cheap to pay $18 for one 5x7 at the mall.  Ava slept while we stood in line and opened her eyes when I handed her over to Santa.  The pic was taken kinda far away, but I did my good deed as a mom and took my child to see Santa.  I secretly hoped for the classic shot of the baby screaming on Santa's lap.  But I will never complain about my content and happy baby!

My sister came to visit last weekend, since she will be with her in-laws for Christmas.  We always have the best time.  I miss living in the same city as my sister SO MUCH.  I could really use her help around here, Ava just loves her to pieces.  It was funny that after Ava got done eating she would pop her head up and look around for Brooke, then smile when she found her.  I was in shock at how Ava could tear the wrapping paper off her presents and she played with her new toys.  What a big girl we have.  She is becoming a little Momma's girl quickly, which I love.  As much as I dislike it when she cries when I leave the room or hand her off to someone else... It warms my heart to know that she misses me and loves me.

Scam

Remember this post?  The one I wrote about how amazing Shutterfly is and how I want to order all my Christmas cards from them for the rest of my life?  I take it back!  I found out about the promotion through another blog mom.  Both of us posted the required blogs and submitted them to Shutterfly.  We were supposed to received 50 free Christmas cards.  What a scam.  I actually made up all that crap I wrote about how I loved those cards and I wanted to order all my Christmas presents from them.  I just did it for the free cards.  Backfire!  So I take back everything I said about Shutterfly and will stick with my true love = Snapfish.

So What Wednesday

So What If...
- Ava is getting a semi-bald spot on the back of her head. It's from sleeping on her back... which I never thought was going to happen. It's actually from sleeping on her side which is even cuter. That semi-spot is a symbol of progress; A symbol of transition to her big girl crib. And I love it.

- I don't like to watch tv if it's not in HD. Right now we are watching a basketball game NOT in HD and it looks like it's from the 80's. It looks like I'm watching tv through dirty glasses.

- I'm being a scrooge about Christmas presents this year. Is it so bad to wish that Christmas was about spending time with family and not about who buys who the most expensive present? I am completely content with what I have, both material and non-material things. I wish everyone else could be too. I made it my goal to be done with our Christmas shopping by December 1st so I wouldn't have to think about it anymore. I succeeded.

- I like store bought cookies better than homemade. They taste better, are never burnt or hard, and don't mess up my kitchen.

Christmas Pictures

Last night we went to JCPenny's to get pictures taken for Christmas cards.  I got a gift card as a baby shower gift and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to use it.  Everything was going great - we arrived early and they were able to squeeze us in a half hour before our scheduled time.  Ava was dressed in the cutest outfit with tights to match.  The woman who took our pictures was kinda insane.  She said she had four kids but she had no skills for taking baby pictures.  She kept yelling "Smile!" at Ava, not in a nice way but a forceful way.  She yelled at me - "Mom!  Ring the bells!  Mom!  Bells!"  She even screwed up the background - I wish I would have noticed this before she was finished.  She laid Ava on her stomach and then you couldn't see any of her outfit.  I was not impressed... at all.  I just kept thinking about how great Leah is with Ava when she takes her pictures.  We ended up getting a few ok shots.  I mean... they were all cute because Ava was in them... but none of them were excellent.  The Christmas cards are ordered and I'm overall pleased with them.  I'm so grateful that I have Leah so that I don't have to go back to a portrait studio anytime soon.

Christmas Ornament

Growing up, my parents had a tradition of buying us kids an ornament for Christmas.  We got to open the ornament on Christmas Eve before going to my grandma's house.  It was always so fun to see what they looked like and to hang them on the tree.  We each have 25 ornaments.  My Dad also buys my mom an ornament each Christmas.  So you do the math... there were a ton of ornaments on our tree every year!  My parents decided to stop at age 25, and they gave us all our ornaments for Christmas that year. 

We decided to carry on this tradition with Ava.  Last weekend we bought her first ornament.  It's adorable.  (Will post a picture of it in the future).  When she gets older it will be fun to show her the ornament that my parents got me when I was her age. 

Baptism

Finally got Ava baptised.  It was something that I had been worrying about since she was born.  It was just one... more... thing to do.  We went to the hour-long baptism class at the church.  They showed us a video from the 1980's and that was about it.  I was so thankful that we could have the baptism after mass, because so much can go wrong and I didn't want to be embarassed in front of a whole congregation.  Well of course Ava was starving when the baptism finally got underway.  She screamed almost the whole time.  I hope the Godparents were paying attention to what the deacon said because I didn't hear a word. The whole time I was wishing the deacon would hurry up so I could go feed her and make her happy.  I really felt bad for the other family who was getting their daughter baptised, they had to listen to my child's blood-curdling screams.  I need to get their address and send them a fruit basket.  I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get to fully enjoy the experience.  I almost feel like I want a do-over.  Anyways, Leah snapped some adorable pictures which made it all worth it.  Here are my favorites:

Our happy family



With the Godparents

"God told me I don't have to be quiet!"

Here's the sweet girl.

Shutterfly

It is that time of year again - time to order Christmas cards!  I have ordered cards from Shutterfly before, and they always turn out great.  Shutterfly cards are shipped quickly and I love the 5x7 shape that some cards have.  The website is easy to use.  You can add as much of your personalized touch as you like.  This year's card will be even more special because we have one more face to add.  I have not decided on the design yet, but I insist that they say "Merry Christmas" and I would love to add a funky twist.  It will be hard to choose from the hundreds of pictures I have!  I know I love to receive fantastic Christmas cards in the mail.  Here are a few darling designs that I found on their website http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

Shutterfly also makes photo mugs  http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs   and wall calendars   http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars which would make terrific gifts.  I made my parents a calendar in the past and they loved it.  Be sure to check out Shutterfly.com for all your holiday card needs!

Family Day

Yesterday was family day.  Ava was so excited that she woke up at 5:30am (she went to bed at 9pm and slept all night so I'm not complaining).   .... I wrote a long post about our day as a family but it didn't save.  So, I'm not typing it again.  Here's a pic of Ava from the mall:



Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for:

...my parents!  They are coming to town to watch Ava while I take a class at work.  It's the first time I've left her with someone other than Mike.  I know she will be in good hands.  There's no one I trust more than them!

...milestones!  Ava has learned to roll over this past week, and it's really improved her sleep.  Now she sleeps on her side for hours.  This morning I found her on her tummy.  The doc told me I don't have to worry about flipping her to her back.

...sleep!  Since Ava's been sleeping that means I've been sleeping.  I've been getting about 8 or more hours a night for the past few days.  It's heaven!  The past month we were running on 3-4 hours a night, and it was really starting to take a toll on Mike and myself. 

...my husband, who goes to work everyday so we can have health insurance.  Who goes in super early so that he can be off in time if I work that evening.  Who is always in a good mood when he comes home.  He's the best!

So What Wednesday

So What If I...
- only put my contacts in for "special occasions?"  Glasses are easier to pop on and off for frequent naps.  Wait, who am I kidding, I don't get frequent naps.  So what?
- won't buy Halloween candy until it's at least 50% off.  So what?
- am annoyed at businesses that don't accept debit/credit cards, so much that it makes me not want to go there.  So what?
- don't want to take down my Halloween decor.  It's too early for Christmas, and I don't have any Thanksgiving to replace it with.  So what?

Slumber

Breaking news:  Miss Ava fell a sleep in my arms last night at 7:45pm.  I put her into her crib at 8:30pm.  She slept until 7:20am.  No interruptions.  I sent Mike in to check on her at 5am.  "Make sure she's breathing," I said.  It makes me nervous when she doesn't wake up in the night, but it feels sooo good!  I slept from 9pm til 7:20am.  That is the longest I've slept since June.  Good sleep nights make for delightful days.  I hope we are past the 4 week long agonizing stretch of sleepless nights.  We (me, Daddy, Darrell and hopefully now Ava) love our sleep around here. 

Bummer:  Yesterday went to a local bakery who makes the most yummy cupcakes.  I wanted to order a cake for Ava's baptism.  The baker won't be in until Monday, she had carpal tunnel surgery.  Ava's baptism is on Saturday.  Boo!  Totally bummed me out.  Now I'm on the hunt for a new cake...

Halloween:  My little precious pumpkin girl.  She looks like she's up to something...

This picture makes me laugh.  Not because of my double chin, but because of my talented dog, balancing the pumpkin on his head.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to "Thankful Thursday," a post that I am going to try to do weekly.  I love the above graphic.  I think it kind of looks like me (ha).  I know it has the letters "ic" over the image, but I stole it off the internet so I'll take what I can get. 

I'm thankful for...
- Mike, especially when he gets up with Ava in the night when she wants to goof around.
- my family, for being supportive and encouraging during my lows.
- a HEALTHY baby.  Ava is a growing girl, and I love her chub!
- a flexible work schedule, that allows me to stay home with my sweet baby everyday.

*Disclaimer:  I know I've been in kind of a blog funk, where I mostly dish about all the struggles I'm facing.  I am trying to blog more about the great things in my life.  But you know what?  This is MY blog.  Don't get me wrong, I love talking about my fabulous baby girl.  But no one wants to hear about the not-so-great times of a new baby.  So this is my outlet.  This is my stress release.  And if you don't like it, then don't read it.  Thank you.  Enough said.

So What Wednesday

I am stealing a couple ideas from another blog (http://butterfliesandheaveneyes.blogspot.com).  Welcome "So What Wednesdays" and "Thankful Thursdays." 

So What If I...
-stay awake while Ava naps.  I rarely do it, but sometimes I need a moment to myself.
-haven't unpacked from last weekend.  Maybe I'll just leave it packed and bring it this weekend too.
-only get dressed when I have to go somewhere, and put my pj's back on when I get home.  It's no fun to snuggle and play with a baby when you're wearing jeans.
-let my four month old baby lick a popsicle today.  It was only a few licks, and she loved it! 

Stay tuned tomorrow for Thankful Thursday.

Ava's World

A glimpse into Ava's World
Beginning Monday evening
8pm - eat and goes to bed
9:30pm - wakes up, rocked back to sleep
1am - wakes up and eats
4am - wakes up and eats
6:30am (Tuesday morning) - wakes up and rocked back to sleep
7:45am - wakes up and eats
9am - get dressed, plays, watches Sesame Street
9:55am - falls a sleep for nap
10:30am - awakes from nap, eats
11:30 - Mall with Mom
2pm - falls a sleep for nap
2:25pm - awake and eats
3:30pm - grocery store w/Daddy, Momma naps (wonder why), 
5:45 to 6:15pm - nap
6:30pm - eats
7:15pm - bath
8:30pm (Tuesday evening) - eats and falls a sleep
10:45pm - awakes and eats, back to sleep
2:20am - awakes and eats, back to sleep
4am - awakes and the morning goes downhill from here, tried 30 minutes to letting her cry it out, tried rocking and finally falls back to sleep at 5:30am for 30 minutes
6:45am - awakes and eats, back to sleep til 8:45am

Ava has been on this schedule for about two weeks now.  And that, my friends, is why I'm tired.  I've been researching ways to get her to sleep through the night again.  Almost all involve "crying it out" which is exhausting for everyone.  I could manage the nights better if she took lengthy naps during the day.  But three 30 minute naps don't give me much rest.  I'm hoping she switches back to sleeping through the night any night now....

Daddy/Daughter Day

Yesterday was Daddy/Daughter Day.  I had to re-certify my trauma nursing certification, which means I had to be gone from 7:30am to 4pm.  You've heard the sob story about how my family isn't here so I don't have any babysitters, so Mike stayed home from work.  Of course, everything went just fine.  Mike had a great time and thought it was so easy.  I was happy that it went fine, but it made me feel bad to know that I don't always have as easy of a time.  I was almost hoping that it would be tough for Mike, so he could appreciate how much effort I give everyday to make sure Ava's needs are met.  When I'm at work I text and call Mike a few times to see how things are going.  He rarely responds and it irritates me.  I think I have a right to know what and how Ava is doing.  Plus it makes me feel better at work knowing that she's happy.  Anyways, I can tell today that Mike didn't stick to Ava's schedule of eat-play-sleep yesterday.  She has been backwards all day.  I love that she is able to have Daddy time though.  Mike is so cute with her and you can tell she loves being around him. 

Two nights ago we transitioned Ava from sleeping in her swing to sleeping in a pack and play.  She seemed to do fine, not spitting up and choking like she used to.  Last night we freed her from the swaddle.  She also seemed to do fine without that.  She looked so adorable when she fell asleep - both arms up next to her ears.  I wanted to take a picture but was afraid of waking her up.  For almost a week now she has been up every 2-3 hours in the night which is unusual for her.  I thought that I might as well do these couple transitions when she isn't sleeping good.  Last night was better, waking up every 3 hours.  I have no problem with her waking up to eat.  Then it's a quick meal, burp, and back to bed  - all usually within 50 minutes.  But when she wakes up and it's not time to eat... I can't deal with that.  In the middle of the night when it's cold, I'm sleepy, Mike and Darrell are cuddled up in bed.... I have no energy to brainstorm ways to get her back to sleep.  Thankfully she's a happy baby during the day!

Godparents

Ava's Godparents have been chosen.  It was such a hard decision for me.  I think that Godparents should be a married couple, but it makes more sense to choose one person from each side of the family.  To me, a Godparent is so much more than the old fashioned "you'll take care of me if my parents die" type thing.  Here are the expectations I have of Ava's Godparents:
- be a positive role model for her
- teach her about God and her Catholic faith
- buy her an extra Christmas present (just kidding, but my Godparents always did!)

And without further a do... 
Godmother: Brooke Pischke

 Godfather: Shannon McGinn

Sick & Tired

In a bad mood... again.  Still adjusting to this new life.  Today we went to a friend's house to watch the Iowa game.  Can't help but feel like Mike's take-along babysitter.  I guess it's called a mom.  He gets to drink and hang out while I sit upstairs and feed Ava.  Mike volunteers to give Ava a bottle but I still have to pump so it doesn't save me much time.  Don't get me wrong, I'm totally pro-BF and I am proud of myself for doing it, but... it is so time consuming.  I feel so tied down.  I've been sick the past two days and I can't even take the medication I need because it's not safe for Ava. 

I'm just having one of those days where life seems so unfair.  I was talking with my co-workers last night and one said, "My mother watches my kids every monday and friday morning so I can nap," "My aunt takes my daughter on Thursdays so I can sleep," "My cousin watched our son last night so we could go out."  It makes me sick when I hear things like this.  I never get to nap longer than 30 minutes at a time, no matter how often I was up the night before.  Mike and I will never get to go out as a couple (I have trust issues with babysitting - but that's a whole other blog post).  We are going at this parenting thing alone.  And the pressure I feel as a mom makes me feel like I'm in it alone.  I can't drop Ava off at my parents when I need a break.  I don't have Brooke or Leah here to talk to (it's different to be able to talk to someone in person versus over the phone).  At first I thought that raising a child without having my family in town to help would be empowering... like it would be cool to do it all on our own... but I hate it more each day.  I can't believe I live here.  When did I make this choice?  I would move home tomorrow if I could.  I've thought about packing up my car and going, and dealing with the consequences later.  Who cares if I get fired?  I could find a job in Sioux City and have tons of babysitters.  Mike could come visit us on the weekends if he's not on board with my plan.  I would be happier there, Ava would be happier there, and Darrell would be happier there.  

Oh I need to quit blogging when I'm sick and tired.  People are going to whispering about me.

Daddy to the rescue!

A couple days ago I felt my sinuses starting to act up.  Oh no!  I got my flu shot at work and shortly after I started to feel off (I know it can't make you feel sick that fast, but I'm just saying).  Yesterday when I got off work I felt like butt.  Symptoms: nasal congestion, sore throat, sinus pain/pressure, nausea, cough.  I started researching meds online that I could take while breastfeeding.  Not many!  So I'm suffering on Tylenol, which doesn't do much. 

To make matters worse, Ava is on a kick of waking up every 2-3 hours in the night for the past 2 nights.  This past week she's learned how to babble, so when she wakes up in the night she just talks and laughs and chats with herself.  One time we laid her in her crib because she was keeping us awake, and she talked to the wall for 45 minutes, completely entertained.  I hope last night was the last night of this, and she'll sleep good again tonight.
 
This morning Ava was up at 5am (previously up at 3am and I put her back to bed at 3:45).  I felt like someone had kicked me in the head.  Oh I almost barfed.  Mike offered to stay home, which he offers often but I've never accepted.  Today I took him up on his offer.  He stayed up with Ava and I went back to bed until 9:30am.  It was awesome, just what I needed.  He went into work at 10 and I took over.  Today has been good so far.  Baby-world doesn't stop revolving, even when Momma's sick.  There are still bottles to scrub, clothes to wash, errands to run, diapers to change, mouth to feed, etc.  We have a weekend at home this week, so I'm hoping I can enjoy it!

Nap

Yesterday Ava was unusually fussy when I was trying to get her asleep for her afternoon nap.  I did the usual white noise, rock, swaddle, pacifier but she was screaming bloody murder and fighting sleep.  Finally after about ten minutes, after I was partially deaf and at my wits end, I decided to lay her in her crib and give her some alone time.  So I laid her down and closed her door.  She stopped crying and fell asleep within five minutes.  I kept checking on her because I couldn't believe she was asleep.  She has never slept in her crib or on her back for that matter.  She has always slept in her swing or bouncy seat because she would spit up if she was laying flat and wake herself up.  Ava slept for 40 minutes (ten minutes longer than her usual nap).  Her morning nap was 50 minutes long... maybe we're seeing a new trend here.  I hope so.  This whole situation initially made me feel like scum.  I kept thinking - I am doing everything I can to comfort this child, and she would rather lay in a crib by herself.  Selfishly, it made me mad that I couldn't fall asleep during her nap because I was worried about her in the crib.  But the more I thought about it, I realized that this was a victory in some ways.  1: Ava was able to self-soothe.  All the experts say to lay a baby down for a nap while she is partially awake so she learns to fall asleep on her own.  I've tried that a few other times and it was hugely unsuccessful.  2: Ava was able to sleep flat on her back.  Hopefully the sphincter between her esophagus and stomach is getting stronger, so she won't spit up as often.  3: Ava was able to sleep in her crib, a transition that I planned to do around five months, but may have to start sooner.  The hard part is that I am unable to sleep if I'm not in the same room as her.  I tried sleeping on the couch one night when I was mad at Mike, but I couldn't hear her breathing and I couldn't fall asleep.  I guess it will be an adjustment for me too!  Hopefully naps continue to be on the up and up.  Ava is such a happy funny baby most of the time and it makes me sad when she seems so upset.

We spent last weekend in Kansas City for Mike's brother's wedding.  It was one of the first times we went out of town without Darrell (he stayed with a friend).  I knew he was in good hands, but I really missed him.  I felt guilty because it was nice to go out of town and stay in a hotel without a dog.  It just makes it so much more stressful.  And I feel sad when I have to leave him alone in a hotel room all weekend.  Another thought that crossed my mind alot was : ... and I thought it was hard to travel with a dog.  Try a baby!  We had a car packed full of stuff for the baby.  Like usual, the whole weekend revolved around her.  If she was done with the rehearsal dinner, I left.  When she fell asleep at the reception at 6:30, I took her back to the hotel for bed.  When she was ready for a nap in the morning, we left town.  It's amazing how everything we do is determined by Ava, even though she's a 3 month old. 

Ava took her first dip in a pool at the hotel.  She appeared to enjoy it.  I think it was relaxing because she almost fell asleep.  She looked adorable in her bathing suit.  It is size 12 months but fit her perfectly.  I'm glad I didn't save it for next summer because it wouldn't of fit!

I'm starting to work more hours; about 16/week.  I feel good about myself when I can financially contribute to the family.  Although motherhood is rewarded with smiles and cooing these days, I can't help but think I should be getting paid in money for taking care of Ava all the time.  I wish I could stay home all the time but smiles and coos don't pay the bills.

Birthday Girl(s)

Happy birthday to my twin sista Brooke and to me!  Today was a great day.  Very low key which is just my style.  I went out to lunch with my daughter at Panera.  We stopped at my favorite local bakery and got cupcakes and frosted Halloween cookies.  I got to snuggle all day with my baby girl and baby dog.  I was able to take a nap when Mike got home from work.  

Here's Ava in her "back to school outfit" from Aunt Brooke.  The shirt says, "Hoot Hoot.  I'm cute."



I wanted Hy-Vee chinese for supper.  This is what Mike decided to wear....  Aren't I a lucky lady?

In case the picture doesn't do justice, he's wearing a white v-neck t-shirt (chest hair exposed), gray sweats with pockets and elastic at the ankles, black socks, athletic shoes.  He did untuck his shirt once we got there.  I know Hy-Vee isn't the classiest place to eat... but come on.  I felt like I should be getting paid to take him out, like when I worked at Systems (group home).  I have to admit he is quite adorable!

It's really hard being away from my sister on our birthday.  It's just not quite the same unless she's around to celebrate.  Days like today make me miss my family.  I just want to be able to go to my parent's house and chat or have my brother and sister over for supper.  Boo, I don't like to dwell on this but it's always on my mind. 

It's 8:20pm.  Ava is in bed and Mike is asleep on the couch.  When does my wild birthday party start?

La la la I'm 28 now.  Last year was such rush, and I have a feeling this year will be even more fantastic!



That's my girl!

I am proud to announce that Ava slept last night from 9pm until 730am.  Alleluia!  Mike, Darrell and I got some much needed uninterrupted sleep.  Although, I kept waking up, thinking, "Have I gotten up tonight?  Is she still sleeping?"  I also got paranoid, thinking maybe something was wrong because she was sleeping so long.  But the little chunk just needed to snooze. 

Sleep

Not getting much sleep around here these days.  Since Friday night, I've probably gotten around 12 hours of sleep.  Ava was doing great with sleeping through the night until last Friday.  Now she is getting up at least every hour and a half.  It's exhausting.  I was reading about "sleep regression" that occurs around 3 months.  I was feeling optimistic and empowered because I was learning about what sleep regression is... until I read that it usually lasts around 3 weeks.  What?!?!  I cannot keep up with this schedule for 3 weeks.  I will freak.  Mike got up with her once last night, but I usually don't make him because he has to work in the morning.  I've tried to sleep in the recliner but it hurts my neck too bad and I wake up about every 5 minutes.  During the day, Ava does great.  She eats about every 3-3.5 hours and naps regularly (even if it's only for 30 minutes).  I usually try to lay down when she naps, but truthfully a 20 minute nap isn't really worth it.  And... I've been having trouble falling asleep.  Last night I put her to bed around 10 and laid awake until 11:30.  I am at the end of my rope.  I'm starting to think that infancy is mother nature's cruel experiment to see how far mothers can be stretched before they snap.  Last week I was just thinking that I'm finally starting to get the hang of things.  Life with a baby was really getting enjoyable.  I pray for the end of sleepless nights around here!

Ava is 3 months old!

Ava is three months old today!  The time has gone by so fast and so slow in so many ways.  I have learned so much as a mom since we brought her home from the hospital.  I continue to learn something new everyday.  It makes me laugh to think how clueless we were just three months ago. 

Leah came last weekend to take Ava's three month pics.  They turned out fabulous as usual.  I know Leah will be famous for her photography someday, and I hope Ava can be her model so we can be rich also. 

It's amazing to see how fast Ava is growing.  A week ago I went to put her in a dress for my cousins wedding and it was too snug!  I got some outfits out of her six month box and they fit her perfectly.  (Yes, she already has a huge Tupperware box full of six and nine month clothes).  She is almost too big for her 3-6 month clothes.  It's sad to think that she will never wear her cute little summer rompers again.  Boo hoo. 

We are celebrating today in the following ways:  Ava is currently kicking her legs to Sesame Street, trip to toy store to pick out a present, supper as a family. 

Where have I been?

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately.  Truthfully, I feel like I can't blog anymore because my readers would try to commit me to a mental institution.  People keep telling me that "It will get better."  And it is... slowly, but it's still not good.  I am so sleep deprived.  Ava was sleeping through the night for about two weeks but the last two nights she has been up every hour and a half.  Not necessarily wanting to eat, just needing to burp, be rocked, look around, etc.  I'm so exhausted.  To make matters worse, she only takes 30 minute naps throughout the day.  By the time I get her laid down I have 20 minutes or less to fall asleep before she wakes up again.  And I can usually count on Darrell waking me up after about 5 minutes.  I'm back to work, which makes the situation worse.  It's scary that I'm responsible for taking care of critically ill patients when I'm a wack-a-doodle myself.  Mike helps as much as he can - he is having trouble detoxing from his active social life.  I understand that he wants to go places and do things, but it's really hard being here by myself.  I need to move closer to my family.  It was a horrible idea to have a child and live so far away.  I have no one to help me.  Anyway, before I start crying again, here is a recent pic of Ava:

Soon...

I will blog again.  Soon...  I hope...  I think a new laptop is in my near future.  Right now I am too busy with the baby to find time to sit down and type.  I supposed I could type one handed, but the posts would be short.  I will leave now with a recent pic of the peanut:

A baby story

Ava Brooke McGinn

June 28

4:32pm

8 pounds  11 ounces

21 inches

Wow, time does fly!  Ava has been here for three weeks now.  I've been meaning to blog about it... but there's always something baby-related that needs to be done!  So better late than never, here's the story of how Ava arrived:

Sunday, June 27:  Awoke at 5am with contractions.  Mild, nothing major.  Got up and started doing some last minute house cleaning.  Went to church at 9:30 and the contractions were pretty regular but still not very painful. Went to the hospital around noon.  I was dilated 2-3 cm, same as the week before.  They told me to go home and rest and return if the contractions got worse, otherwise to go to my OB appointment at 2:30pm on Monday.  I was bummed!  Contractions continued throughout the day - got really bad around 9pm.  I was contracting every 10 minutes, each one lasting about 50 seconds.  The pain was getting intense!  At around 3am I couldn't take it anymore.  There was no way I could endure this until my appointment at 2:30.  So back to the hospital we went.  This time I was dilated to 5cm.  Yeah!  I got to stay.  In went my IV and epidural (piece of cake).  My OB came in around 10:30am to break my water.  Contractions continued about every 2 minutes until 3:30pm when it was time to start pushing.  Unfortunately, I pushed for 2 hours.  After about one hour of pushing I started to feel the contractions.  Not sure if they turned down my epidural or what.... but it was painful!  I went into the experience thinking that an epidural = no pain.  Boy was I wrong.  Finally at 4:32pm on June 28 Ava made her grand entrance into the world!  Seeing her chubby cheeks made it all worth it!  We've been snuggling her at home for about 3 weeks now.  Time flies!  Most days are good, all are exhausting.  More blogging to come!

Not much longer...

Everything turned out good at the doctor today.  Good as in bad because that means the baby probably isn't coming today.  The ultrasound showed that my amniotic fluid level was 20 (normal is 10-20).  This explains why I haven't had any contractions, there is just too much fluid for my uterus to get some good squeezes in.  I wish I could spring a slight leak...  Baby's weight is estimated at 8.5 pounds.  She has hair!  Thank God because she has lots of bows.  She is still a she - thank God again.  People were always asking me, "Are you sure it's a girl?  I would buy some boy clothes just in case."  This isn't the 1970's people.  Like the ultrasound tech said today - "If we can see all the chambers of the heart, I'm sure we can see if it's a boy or a girl."  I love technology.  She passed the non-stress test with flying colors.  Again - yea!/boo!  Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy that I was able to cook this baby to full term.  I'm glad that she will be a normal sized baby.  I'm just getting so bored.  I can't imagine keeping ourselves occupied for another long weekend...  If I'm still pregnant on Monday I go back to the doctor to pick a birth date!

Can't waits

All the things I can't wait for:
- pat a little baby's rear end
- lay on my back
- ice cold Coors Light
- 12 weeks off work
- baby girl dresses
- onesies with chubby legs
- baby's first photo shoot with Leah
- summertime road trips
- walks with baby and Darrell (probably both in the stroller)
- watching Mike learn how to take care of a baby

I am so bored.  I have nothing to do but blog and eat popsicles.

40 week update

Just got home from the doctor's office.  I'm dilated to 2-3 centimeters, an improvement from last week.  The doctor spent a lot of time talking with Mike and I about where to go from here.  She offered to induce me this week, or let mother nature take its course and wait another week.  The thought of having this baby girl here by the weekend was so exciting!  But... I'm not one to mess around with "God's plan," so I decided to hang on another week.  Truthfully I'm worried about the odds of having a c-section if I'm induced.  The doctor said that there is a slightly increased risk of c-section if I were to be induced..... but on the other hand.... the baby is only getting bigger as the days pass so waiting also increases the risk of a c-section.  Hmm.  The doctor said the baby could gain another pound by next week.  I'm seriously on track for a 15 pounder.  Anyway, the plan is to have an ultrasound on Thursday to make sure my amniotic fluid levels are ok and a non-stress test to make sure the baby is ok.  If the results are good = doctor appointment on Monday and induce sometime next week if mother nature doesn't hurry up.  If the results are not good = induce me this Thursday or Friday.  Or it would be really sweet if my water would just break tonight and I wouldn't have to make any decisions!

Leaving you with a precious picture of Darrell, from his first visit to Aunt Leah/Uncle Billy's house in July 2006.  He's very curious about what the counter has to offer.

Paperboy

Just wanted to share with you a letter that our paperboy/man left in our mailbox:

Dear Des Moines Register Family members,


It comes with great pride and happiness to announce that on or around June 30th, Jennifer my wife is expected to give birth to our second child, a baby girl which we will name "Julia."  I have and will continue to be your carrier.  Any "family member" that would like to mail any type of support will be greatly appreciated.  Christ and God have blessed us.  


Your carrier and second child's father,  
Georgios


Is it me or is this the weirdest thing you've ever read?  The creepiest part is "Your carrier and second child's father..."  Um, you should have had someone proof read this George!  I want to leave him a letter and tell him I'm giving birth on or around June 20th and if he wants to start giving me the DM Register for free he can do that.  Or he could stop throwing the paper against my glass door every morning at 5:30am and waking up my dog.  Needless to say I'm not giving him squat.

Due!

This tank top used to fit me... Anyways, I'm 40 weeks!  This baby is due today!  I'm doubting that she will arrive today, unless I have a spontaneous fluid burst...  Doesn't Darrell lil head look cute in the corner of the picture?  I've been trying everything this past week to get things rolling.  I've been sitting on an exercise ball for hours at a time - it's supposed to encourage the baby to lower into the pelvis.  If I could walk this baby out, she would be here by now.  I go to the doctor tomorrow.  I doubt there's been much change but I'm hoping so!  My last official day of work was Friday.  What a good feeling to walk out of there, thinking the next time I'd return will be in late September.  But... if the doctor doesn't have any promising news for me tomorrow I'll probably pick up a few four hour shifts this week.  Sitting around the house is driving me crazy!  Yesterday I got this urge to shop for myself.  Other than maternity clothes, I haven't been able to buy any cute spring/summer clothes for myself this year.  It's so hard to buy when I have no idea what size I will be this summer... or better yet when I will return to my pre-pregnancy bod.  I hope I'm really motivated to lose the baby weight, because I know I'll feel crappy about myself if I don't.

Reasons why this baby should arrive today:
- she's due.  And I like things to be done when they're supposed to be done.
- my stretch mark prevention lotion ran out today (no stretch marks on this bod - boo yea!)
- my prenatal vitamins are almost gone
- I'm done with work
- I don't want my children to have to share a birthday.  (Darrell's is July 1).

This weekend has been very strange.  Mike and I had nothing planned.  We thought for sure we'd have a baby by now.  Today we celebrated Father's Day by going out to breakfast.  We are spending the day doing chores and home improvement projects.  Mike and our friend Doug are installing a ceiling fan in the baby's room which is turning out to be a major ordeal.  It's making me a little nervous that there are tools laying everywhere, but they hope to be done today.  Darrell and baby bought Mike this sweet bike jersey for Father's Day:

Not much else to report.  I'll update tomorrow after the doctor.  Unless I'm at the hospital...  :)

39 weeks

Here I am, 39 weeks pregnant, past the point of trying to look cute for pictures.  Still carrying baby Darrell around.  Today the doctor said I'm dilated to 2... not much progress.  On the bright side, she said the longest they would let me go is 41 weeks.  Oh dear.  My due date is on Sunday.  We don't have anything planned for this weekend because we were hoping to have a newborn keeping us busy.  Guess we'll have to find something to do!

38 weeks

OB checkup today: slow progress.  But progress is still progress, right?  At this rate, she's on track to be born in October.  Just kidding.  I'm dilated to 1.5cm today.  Baby has dropped and is head down.  I need some contractions!  I'm still feeling good, no miserable-ness here, yet.  My last shift at work is June 17.  I don't want to deliver much later than that because if I'm going to be sitting around not getting paid I'd like to do so with a baby in my arms.

We've been working hard this week to get the house ready for guests.  Scrubbing the kitchen floor, washing towels, cleaning the tub, etc.  Tonight I switched out my winter/summer clothes.  I am ready to start working my butt off to get this weight off.  Darrell is getting ready too - he had a bath, got a pedicure, and is sporting a new collar.  

Nothing much else to report.  Just waiting now...

It's June! (37 weeks)

I can't believe June is finally here.  Our baby will be born this month.  There is no way in hell I am carrying this baby into July.  Although, Darrell's birthday is July 1 so that would be a good date, but I doubt he wants to share his birthday parties.  I am going to the doctor every week now.  My appointment today was uneventful.  Baby's right where she should be.  I'm not at the miserable stage of pregnancy... yet.  I still feel really good.  I am kind of getting sick of my maternity clothes - what do you do when those don't fit anymore?  Clothes aren't comfortable.  I don't have many summer maternity outfits and I don't want to buy any this late in the game.  I love it when I get home and can veg out on the couch wearing whatever I want.  Mike's always saying "Becka, the curtains are open!"  Here are some pictures from our Memorial Day picnic:

One month to go!

This baby is due one month from today... unbelievable.  This past week I've been feeling more tired.  I sleep pretty good but Mike says I'm restless - lots of tossing and turning.  It takes a lot of work to turn over in bed when you have a XX pound belly.  I'm starting to get uncomfortable in my work scrubs.  I keep wondering why I didn't buy maternity scrubs.  I'm still wearing my pre-pregnancy pants, they just sit below my belly.  I get tired of pulling them up all day.  We can wear hospital t-shirts at work so I ordered a size medium this time and they work well for pregnancy.  The hospital where I work built a new ER and it opened on Monday.  I feel like I started a new job.  It is four times bigger than the old ER.  Everything is brand new and I love it!  I am so ready for some time off though.  

Our friends are getting married in Dubuque this weekend.  I really wanted to go, but my OB doesn't recommend travel more than one hour away during these last few weeks.  I'm sure it would be fine, but the 3.5 hour car ride / being away from home / worrying if Darrell is behaving at the in-laws / and I'm the thrill of being the DD is almost worn off.  Plus I would freak if I went into labor there.  The super-plus side is that my sister is coming to DSM this weekend.  We have lots planned and it will be fun to have one last pre-baby "Sista-Sista Weekend."  

Mike seems to be enjoying his new freedom from school.  I know I love having him around more.  I have a list of chores he needs to do before June 1 in preparation for the baby.  He is slowly getting them checked off, after much nagging and one small freak-out on my part.  

I think Darrell knows the baby is coming soon.  The other night I noticed he wasn't in my sight like usual.  I found him curled up in the recliner in the baby's room.  Just waiting for her to get here.  It was so cute.  He loves sprawling out on her furry purple rug.  And one night I heard this rattle noise coming from the living room.  Darrell had swiped one of baby girl's toys (doll with a rattle inside) from her room and was carrying it all over the house.  Oh Darrell!

  

Mr. MBA

In case you didn't know... Mike has been working towards his MBA (Masters in Business) through the U of I (go hawks, I love parentheses) for the past three years.  He started out taking one or two classes each semester.  The classes were either at night or on the weekends.  He was on track to be done at the end of this summer.  But, being the awesome husband that he is, he took three classes this semester to finish this month, before the baby comes.  Muah!  Love him so much for that!  This semester his three classes started in January.  They were every Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday from 5-9pm.  Plus, he had to travel to Iowa City every Tuesday for that class.  Plus, he worked a full-time job.  Plus, all of last year he was also training for an IronMan.  Plus, he got A's in almost all his classes.  My little valedictorian...  He had his last test on Monday.  Hooray!  I can't imagine how excited he is to be done with school!  And trust me, he's done with school.  I made him swear that this is his last degree.

Now he's on the hunt for a job where he can use all his qualifications.  Then he can make more money, I can work less, more time for me at home with baby/Darrell, this is really looking good for me.  :)  I'm pushing for a job in Omaha but I don't think Mike's sold on that idea... yet.

34 weeks and Leah-obsessed

Leah (my extremely fun and extremely talented sister-in-law) came for a visit last week.
Extremely fun: going to the Taylor Swift concert!
Extremely talented: painting the baby's room... at midnight... after the concert.  (I have to call it a baby's room because the word "nursery" gives me the creeps).  Anywho, Leah rocks at painting.  She doesn't even tape the trim.  I suppose I could say that I helped... a little... basically I had this giant roller and I painted the middle of the wall.  Then I sat on a dog bed and watched her paint the rest.  It would've taken me hours, maybe even days to finish the job.  Leah woke up early the next day to do a few touch ups and viola!  The room was done!  Then she helped me decorate and hang shelves (which I knew was hard because I heard her cuss a few times under her breath).  Here is a before picture:

And the finished product:

Continuing on with how talented Leah is... The next day she took our pre-baby family pictures.  She did such a fantastic job.  Leah is going to be a super-successful professional photographer someday soon.  I hope she uses my picture on the cover of her brochures.  Here are some pics from the shoot (PS - these haven't been touched up with Photoshop or anything, just Leah's raw talent!):

33 weeks

- Hypertension: At my OB appointment last week my blood pressure was up.  Typically I run about 110/60 and it was 138/70.  My first thought was - "That nurse/tech/medical assistant didn't take it right, let me retake it myself."  I didn't have any other worrisome symptoms (headache, blurred vision, protein in my urine, swelling) so the OB just said they would recheck my blood pressure at my next appointment in two weeks.  Well this put me into a worry-frenzy, which I'm sure made my pressure go up even more.  I checked it the next day at work and it was still high.  I told Mike what he can do to make my life easier: massages, ice cream cones, uninterrupted naps, clean kitchen, etc.  Now my blood pressure is back to normal so no more stress.

- Laptop:  It took a sh*t and died.  RIP.  I loved the convenience of sitting on the couch and surfing the net.  Now I have to get off my buns and go upstairs to a desktop computer.  I've been so spoiled.  The minute the laptop died Mike started shopping for a new one.  I'm not too excited about the idea of buying one at this time, since I'm going on a 12 week unpaid vacation next month (aka maternity leave).  Especially since we have a perfectly fine/working computer upstairs.

- Baby:  Not much new with baby.  The baby website says she is around four pounds and seventeen inches long.  Whoa - no wonder I'm starting to waddle.  I watch the numbers creep up on the scale and wonder how this body can possible hold one more pound.  Will I ever get to wear my low rise jeans again?  I'm getting tired of the maternity pants that go clear up to my bra...  Overall it's been a very smooth pregnancy.  I don't even have to get up in the middle of the night to go pee - just stop drinking water about 8pm.  Still haven't had any unusual cravings.  This week I'm into Eggo's, ice cream cones, and tiger pops.

- Mole:  I had a mole removed a couple weeks ago.  The doctor said the pathology report was "moderately atypical" so I had to go back this morning to get a larger section removed.  And if this pathology report doesn't come back with clear margins then I get to go back again to have an even BIGGER chunk removed.  Since I'm an ER nurse this may surprise you, but stitches creep me out.  And I got seven today.  Two internal and five external - Yeow!  Actually it didn't hurt because I was numbed, but that tugging sensation makes me want to barf.  I could feel my face getting white, I started to sweat, and I thought I was going to pass out and/or puke.  I can torture patients at work all day but I DO NOT like anybody poking on me.  I can't wait to get the first IV of my life when I go to have this baby.

I found so many hilarious old pictures on this desktop computer.  Check out this rejected Christmas card picture from 2006:

April Shower

This past weekend was my family baby shower in Sioux City.  It was hosted by my sister, Brooke, and my sister-in-law, Leah.  Oh my gravy, (do you watch The Amazing Race?) it was fantastic!  I was blown away with how awesome it turned out.  They both obviously put a lot of time into planning it.  It had a candy theme.  The decorations were adorable.

Me at 31 weeks.  

Guess the baby food... luckily we didn't have to taste them.  I can promise I will never buy the flavor "turkey and broccoli" - the smell of it gave me the chills!

 The centerpieces:

The cake:

 More decorations:

Baby items hanging on a clothes line.  They took this down and everyone had to try to remember what was hanging.  Then I got to keep everything!

Diaper cups.  Or "nut cups" as my Mom calls them.

Diaper cake made by Leah.  Honestly the best diaper cake I have ever seen. 

Darrell and his Grandma.