An almost 4 month old...

Oh those rolls.

Sorry Mabes!

Things I don't ever want to forget

- Her bashful smiles. Mabel can be so stingy about giving smiles so when she does we get very excited.

- The very fake cry she does when we leave the room and she wants attention. The second we come back in the picture she gives a huge smile. I have a feeling she will do this for a very long time!

- The way she holds on to me when she needs to be rocked in her nursery. No matter how much needs to be done, time stops and when she tells me she needs to be held.

- Tummy time. And how much she can't stand being there for too long.

Before:

And we have had enough:

- Her strong grip when she grabs onto your finger. 

- Her curiosity with Penny. One day these two will be best friends, but for now she is this four legged thing that constantly cleans her ears.

- The way she tries to talk with her pacifier in her mouth. I need to get this on video. I never want to forget that sound.

- Traveling while she is so small. On our flights I watched exhausted parents chase their kids around the airport as I was able to hold Mabes in her carrier. Those days are just around the corner, I'll hold her tight whole I still can.

- I also never want to forget even the most challenging moments. Even when I feel like I can't handle a second more of crying and no method seems to be soothing, I swear that's when Mabel decides to calm down and fall asleep peacefully in my arms. I learn the most about myself in those moments.

Oh how I melt for you my love.

Explosive Poops and Spit up

Seems to be the story of my life these days..

But hey she feels better afterwards so it's worth the mess!

We have been taking our little Mabes on lots of adventures, even taking her up a mountain (Palm Springs) to a brisk 32 Degrees. Cold doesn't seem to phase her, of course we bundled her up in so many layers she was probably burning up.

A few weeks ago, I learned truly what it meant to be a mom. Mabel had her 2 week check up and had 3 shots. I was not prepared for that. She cried so hard not even nursing would calm her down. I was so heartbroken to just sit and watch her in that much pain. She had her worst night and cried for hours with her legs bunched up. Poor thing. She then slept like a champ and woke up with a smile and it seemed the storm had passed. Thank goodness. Her 4 month check up seems to be coming up too soon for more shots. Below is the picture before shots. (Picture a screaming baby for the after shot!)

These days I am enjoying everyday I get with my little cuddle bug before going back to work. I give credit to all moms out there. Everyday presents new challenges, but I am in awe with its rewards as well. 

I can't believe...

My baby girl is 2 months old!

Where did the time go?? 

In many ways, I feel like each day went by so slowly and then suddenly Mabel is 8 weeks old.  Next week she has her 2 month checkup and I vividly remember making this appointment thinking it was in the distant future and I could not imagine that day ever coming.  Of course, I was three days in with a newborn so just getting through the day was a victory.

I am absolutely in love with Mabel.  Sure, there are days where I feel completely overwhelmed and would do anything for 15 minutes over complete silence, but then Mabel looks me in the eyes and I melt all over again.  My favorite time with her is in the morning.  She is all smiles and is such a happy little camper.  It makes me feel like I might be doing something right! Even if it's temporary.

3 things I have been helpful for these past 2 months:

• Pacifier - Who knew this would be such a wonderful thing?! Mabes took it from the first day we popped it in her mouth.  It works wonders and I am not going to worry about the consequences today.
• Husband - I could not ask for a better husband and father for Mabes.  He is such a natural.  Things were not easy those first few weeks and Jeff jumped right in and took the reigns.  I didn't have the mental capacity to try and control what happened so having Jeff to figure everything out with me was wonderful.  
• Family, Family & More Family - This is the best thing about marrying into such a large family! There is always someone to help out.  And having Mabel during the holidays was stressful yes, but having people VOLUNTEER to change her diaper?! Works for me! So thankful for such a loving family.

I feel like Mabel grows up so fast right before my eyes.  She is starting to babble and smile more and more each day. Yesterday was the first time I saw her blowing bubbles.  I keep telling her to slow down. 

Dear Mabel,

I can't believe you are two months old.  You are getting bigger by the day. I never imagined something so small could make me feel so much love.  I want to hold you in my arms forever and rock you to sleep every night.  

Your cute personality is starting to show.  Your Dad and I know you will challenge us everyday, 

but we are more than okay with that.

You are a beautiful, healthy baby girl.  
We could not ask for more.

Well, maybe just one thing,

Stay this little forever.

Love,

Mommy

11 Things We've Learned As New Parents with an 11 Day Old Newborn

1. Why 11? Well I planned on writing this yesterday because I planned to write "10 Things We've Learned as a New Parents with a 10 Day Old Newborn," but the first things we learned is nothing ever goes to plan with a newborn. EVER.

2. Sleep is for Wimps.  Ok - We TOTALLY get it Moms and Dads. 

3. Everything your baby does makes them a genius. "Look how far she lifts her head! She's a genius!" 

4. POOP. POOP. POOP. Always wait for at least the second cannon ball.  There is always more.

5.  Your dog will be as sleep deprived as you are. 

6.  Sometimes when all else fails, it's ok for mom to cry alongside baby.

7.  Your house will never be clean again. Laundry will never folded again. Dishes will remain in your sink.  

8.  Give up on trying to get dressed. Spit up and milk are your new accessories. A shower is a luxury.  

9.  Outings take at least an hour to prepare for.  By the time you get out the door, it's time to nurse again.

10.  Because of reason #9, Doctor's appointments should not be a specific time, but more a 2-3 hour window to aim for.

11. There is nothing sweeter than unconditional love.   

Mabel's Birthday

I did a horrible job at not blogging about my pregnancy, but I felt the immediate urge to write down everything I could remember about Mabel's entrance into this world. I can't believe she's here. I can't believe she is 3 weeks early, born on a full moon. I apologize for the details, but really this post is for me so if your not interested, then don't read on! :)

To sum up the last 14 weeks of my pregnancy, I really can't complain. MUCH. 
Once I hit about 32 weeks, my feet and legs would get increasingly swollen by the end of each day so work got tough and tougher.  By 35-36 weeks, I felt like she was just sitting on my Pelvic floor - OUCH. The waddling began and the shoes stopped fitting. 

So how did Mabel begin her journey? I had a wonderful shower thrown for us at work on Friday.  I noticed I was getting super tired each day, so by Friday I was really starting to feel exhausted.  I never really experience Braxton Hicks, so I definitely had no signs my labor would start within 48 hours.  Jeff brought home all our presents that night and I thought to myself I will have to unpack all this stuff this weekend at some point, but it sounded so hard.  My dad and Jeff went golfing Saturday morning and I woke up pretty early because sleep was beyond uncomfortable.  I started feeling really uncomfortable as the day progressed. It felt like a giant air bubble was stuck behind Mabel - it was a weird feeling.  Mom and I worked some more of the nursery and went to my parent's house for dinner.  We sat outside by the pool and Jeff pointed out the Full Moon - I remember thinking, just another full moon no big deal.  Well I was clearly wrong! 

We went home around 10 and off to bed.  Our plan for Sunday was of course, Chargers game in the morning, I had lunch plans with Sami and then we planned to go to the hospital for a tour.  Only one of those things actually happened and definitely not the way we planned!

I woke up around 2 am and had to pee. When I headed back to bed, I started feeling some pretty intense menstrual cramps, which I sort of laughed and said well that's something I haven't felt for a while! I tried to go back to sleep, but they continued to get stronger and stronger.  I went to the bathroom again and noticed blood. By this time I woke up Jeff to let him know what was going on.  I kept saying let's not get excited, I am only 37 weeks, I could not possibly be in labor.  From our HypnoBirthing classes, we learned the first things to do in labor is rest so back to bed is what we did.  I could not sleep however, my cramps were getting stronger and lasting long.  Around 4 am, I started timing my contractions.  They were happening pretty regularly around 6-7 minutes apart. By 6 am, I made it clear we were heading to the hospital at some point. We called our doctor, mostly because I wanted our doctor to reassure us, I wasn't crazy and these weren't Braxton Hicks.  He had to push our Thursday's appt to Monday and it was the appt where we were to go over our Birth Plan.  He said to call him when I felt ready to go so I labored some more at home, listening to our HypnoBirthing affirmations and relaxation techniques.  We hadn't even packed our hospital bag yet, so poor Jeff was running around grabbing everything.  (It was really funny finding out what he packed, let's just say I don't think Mabel needed 7 caps no matter how long we would be at the hospital)

By 10 am I was ready to head to the hospital.  My contractions were about 3 minutes apart and lasting between 1-2 minutes.  The car ride over sucked.  HATED every moment of it, but I knew if I got there I could go back to my laboring techniques.  We got to the hospital, of course not pre-registered so we had to go through a bunch of questions.  Jeff forgot to grab my ID so we figured we would try and get as far as we could without it.  By the look of me, I don't think they wouldn't let me in.  After about 20 minutes they checked us in to Triage.  In order to admitted you need to be about 3-4 cms dilated. Obviously I had hoped to be at this point.  She measured me and I was at a 1. A 1! I couldn't believe it, it had been about 9 hours and I thought it to be impossible.  The only positive news was I was 100% effaced, basically meaning I was progressing. Just SLOWLY.  The nurse called my doctor who told her to just have me wait in Triage for about 45 minutes and check me again. Otherwise the nurse said I will need to go back home.  I was not getting back in the car and I definitely was not going home.  Mind you being in Triage absolutely sucked.  It's a tiny little room with one chair and lots of noise around.  Jeff played my affirmations and relaxation tapes for me and I focused on my breathing.  I was pleasantly surprised when my doctor walked in the door to check on me.  (My doctor is the best)  He brought my spirits up, walking in and asking, "So you're trying to have a baby today huh? Must be the Full Moon." BINGO!
Before he checked me he was very honest and said if I had not progressed as it had only been about 45 mins since I walked in he said this could go on for a few days and even weeks.  There was absolutely NO way I would go through these contractions for a couple of days. I was beyond determined at this point. He checked me and said ok you are 3 cms, let's admit you. If I wasn't in the middle of contracting I would have jumped up and hugged him.

Well as positive as that news was the nurse came back to let us know they were at max capacity and had to move 2 postpartum moms/babies downstairs before I could get a room. Not what a woman in labor wants to hear.  My HypnoBirthing techniques were beyond helpful, but nothing could prepare me for 3 hours in Triage.  I hated every minute.  By the time they let me into our room, it was 2 pm. I immediately labored in the tub, but could not get comfortable so by this time I had been laboring for 12 hours.  I decided I needed to get checked again and if I was at my magic number, I could continue, otherwise I needed to request an epidural.  In our Birth Plan I specifically requested they only check me on request, not to ask me my pain level and to not offer me any medications.  She checked me and I was only at a 4.  I decided the only way I could relax was to get the epidural and so that's what I did and I am 100% happy about that decision.  The epidural was a breeze, labor for 12 hours is a lot of work, a needle in my back was nothing. My water broke during it and the nurse checked me and I was already at a 5. I knew things would progress faster. At this point, I had Jeff call my mom to head over and my amazing sister in law Lori walked in as well.  For the next few hours, we all relaxed and took in the day.  I felt like I could finally focus on the reality of having a baby.  My nurse didn't check me until about 5:30 and I was about 7-8 cms.  Now that was a number I could handle.  We were having this baby any time now.  She checked me about an hour later and I was about 9-1/2 cms and the prepping began! My doctor was called and I could feel the excitement in the room.  My doctor came in soon after and I started pushing.  However, my contractions slowed down and I was having a hard time getting started so my doctor decided to leave me with just the nurses. I was having an easier time with my nurse team for some reason.  Well remember the mention of a full moon? Well my doctor had 2 other woman pushing at the same time as me.  One of which was laboring without an epidural. They said he would be about 5-10 mins and I totally understood with that one.  My nurses began having me breath Mabel down, but I couldn't push.  I literally had to hold her in.  What I didn't expect is the 10 mins my doctor was supposed to be gone turned into an hour. Yes, an HOUR.  Holding my baby in while she was in the Birth Canal.  If it wasn't for my wonderful team that surrounded me, I don't know how I could have done it.  I remained so calm. Mabel was ok, I was ok we were just going to get through this.  By the time my doctor came back, we were ALL ready. Jeff reminded me that I kept my sense of humor the whole time, even commenting to my doctor right before pushing, "I guess this isn't Braxton Hicks, huh?"   

It only took 2 push sessions and beautiful Mabel was out and on my chest.  Her first moments was a cute little sneeze. I could not believe what I just did, it's a surreal moment. One I will always remember and cherish.  We had our amazing golden hour with her on my chest and I requested any tests would be done on my chest.  

So, on November 17th, 2013 at 9:23 pm we had a beautiful baby girl enter our lives weighing 7 lbs, 9 oz. (notice all the odd numbers?!?!) 

I could not have asked for a better birth story.  My HypnoBirthing classes taught me that no matter what happens, make your child's birth the best story it can be.  Being 3 weeks early, we barely had a Birth Plan, no hospital bag packed and no nursery quite ready, but Jeff and I did discuss the type of labor we would want and it went almost exactly to plan.  (Minus the 3 hour wait in Triage and having to hold her in for an hour!)

So now, we are living in "BabyMoon" Bliss! There are plenty of sleepless nights and frustrations ahead of us, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Our new reality!

10 Facts about RIGHT NOW.

• It's August, the dog days of summer are here.

• I am fully aware I will be in my second and third trimester during the hottest, muggiest time of the year in San Diego and I am so not looking forward to this.

• Our vacation to St. Maarten could not come soon enough. We need a vacation. We also need a Babymoon.  Most people have their families join their Babymoon’s right?!....no one?

• Other than a ridiculous amount of clothes, we also bought Mabel’s Crib & Dresser.  Even though we will not be setting it up anytime soon, I cannot wait to see everything come together. 

• I stare at Mabel’s Sonogram picture 46x a day.  

• My days have gotten 46x better.

• I love referring to our spare bedroom now as “Mabel’s room”

• Mabel kicks are the best pick me up.  The other night Jeff was able to feel how strong her kicks are getting.

• The realization that we are going to be parents does not feel real at all. 

Sweet baby girl

• Penny is completely unaware of how much her world is going to change, nor will she understand.  That dog has brought Jeff and I together in ways I never thought a dog could. She has taught us the beginning stages of how to parent, what our parenting skills will be like and how to compromise on our differences.  She may be a dog, but Penny is way more than that.  I think only dog owners can truly understand what that type of love is.