2 Weeks in Pictures

Take me out to the ballgame

For an early father's day gift, Megan and Cash got me tickets to the celebrity baseball game in Frisco last weekend. Cash and I got to spend some good time together out of the house. It really was some fun father/son time. If you can believe it, Cash actually sat in his seat for about four straight innings and watched the game. I bribed him with a hot dog, chips, and ice cream for an additional two innings. He had a blast standing near the dugout before the game yelling "Moose" (in a high pitched squeeky tone) trying to get Daryl Johnston's autograph. We didn't get so lucky with that but we did get Joey Fatone's autograph. Ha.

Bella's Grand Entrance

This post is overdue, but we've been adjusting and loving a baby girl at our house! To share a bit of Isabella Clare's birth story:

We visited the midwife on Thursday morning to learn that baby's head was high, position posterior, and labor was unlikely to begin on its own. Left disappointed to return on Monday. When asked if I "could be pregnant longer," I replied, "NO!" However, we are believers in letting babies come as and when they will, so the 40-week sacrifice would begin.

I met co-workers for an end-of-year luncheon and journeyed north for my new hire orientation in Frisco. As the meeting began around 3:00, I began to experience contractions regularly coming every 5 minutes. For the next 2+ hours, I timed 30-second contractions, every 5 minutes.

Returned home to a husband who couldn't believe I sat through orientation :). Walked around the block to see if contractions would decrease or strengthen. No change. Called midwife and spent next 2 hours timing and talking with them. Decided to return to birth center at 9 pm for check. I still couldn't believe contractions weren't intensifying (but hoping it wasn't false labor!).

Midwife examined, dilated to 3, head still high (reason for weak contractions). Decision made to break water and manually push baby down. Active labor began quickly, strong contractions. Incredible labor partner (husband) who held my weight as I walked between contractions and squatted through each one. Exactly 3 hours later, baby GIRL was born! Apparently my face resembled a cartoon character when I learned that we were blessed with a girl. She was absolutely beautiful from the minute she arrived in my arms. Calm, content baby. New joy of our lives.

Beautiful Birth and Women's Center


Midwife who facilitated a peaceful, near-perfect labor and delivery



"Mom of Two" gift from my boys




P.S. Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported us this week. We are truly grateful.

The room isn't empty!

Baby Isabella Clare is here!

June 5, 2009 at 12:39am

That's right - the middle of the night - who's tired now?

7lbs 2oz

20 inches long

We all came home around 5am this morning to sleep in our own bed. Pictures to come (I promise).

Waiting...

Having a first child after 38 weeks of pregnancy creates what have become unreasonable expectations. I guess it's obvious already this child wants to be his/her own person and not exactly like big brother Cash.

We are now impatiently awaiting the arrival of our precious baby. We had hoped that when we went in to see the midwife this morning, Megan would be far enough along that she could offer some assistance in getting labor started. Such is not the case. We must wait. So... the room remains empty.

Are you kidding me?

So to pass the time until my newest child arrives in the world, I thought I'd write a post about the most annoying questions and comments I've heard asked of or directed at my wife. Mind you, some of these questions come directly to me as I stand at a checkout counter waiting on Megan while she does whatever it is she needs to do in a store. Megan definitely has more patience than I do (at least when she's speaking to them) but here is what I would have said:




Question: What are you having?

Answer: Our last sonogram looked a little fuzzy but I think I saw ....

Honestly, what difference does it make? We're having a baby.

Comment: You look like you're retaining a little water

Response: I'm delivering in the Sahara so it's important I get as much water as possible.

Megan has been really lucky and not had a huge problem with this. Evidence...

High heels and everything. You can't see her left hand but she's still wearing her rings too.

Comment: You're carrying so ______, you must be having a ______. (You can mix/match terms because we've heard every possible arrangement of this statement)

Response: ________ stare. (Sorry, there are no words.)

Comment: Oh my gosh, you're HUGE!

Response: I'm going to a costume party later. I didn't want to have to change.

Comment: You have to call me the second you have the baby!

Response: If you have to ask, you're probably not on the list.

Megan has probably had many questions she hasn't shared with me. If I learn of any more, I'll share.

Waiting

You know it's time for baby to come when...

Your husband pokes fun because your maternity shirts are too short.


Yes, it's definitely time for baby Deuce to make his/her entrance into the world; however, after a visit with midwife today it appears that we likely have another week. Baby is ready; momma's body is not cooperating. We will hope for next Thursday. Pray that we are pleasantly surprised in the meantime!


A beautiful (unexpected) bloom appeared on our lily yesterday. I'm considering it our baby bloom!