It's Ok, Wednesday

So I totally stole borrowed this idea from Amber, who got the idea from Glamour magazine. They had a section called Hey, It’s Okay and listed a bunch of things to be okay about. I'm joining in, even though it's not Tuesday, because it's ok!

It's ok...

-that my husband things I'm crazy, because I did totally hear our 8 month old say "hey, kitty, kitty".

I'm mean it wasn't clear like that, but she did say it, even if I haven't heard it again.  I swear!

It's ok...

-to be totally uncool with the whole new Duggar baby.  I'll be honest, I would never tell anyone that they can't have whatever number of kids they want, I mean it's none of my business.

But come on...whose really raising those kids??  It's the older ones!  They even admit they couldn't do it without the help of their older ones.  If that is the case, I see an issue.

Plus after so many pregnancies, risk to mommy and babies go up.  That would terrify me, especially given what happened the last time to them.  But then again, not my business...

It's ok...

-to have gotten out my Christmas stuff early.  Yes, I know I'm crazy!  It's not even Thanksgiving, but truth be told I have a LOT of stuff to put out. It takes time...more time than I have for one weekend.

So I'm spreading it out, especially since the next few weeks we are celebrating/traveling each weekend.  Yikes!

Oh and we are totally saving the Christmas tree until after Thanksgiving.  I do have some standards. ;)

It's ok...

-that I'm totally out of the loop when it comes to most tv shows  and entertainment news.  We don't have cable.

I know, your crazy bells are ringing again.  I mean, Christmas early and now no cable...

But in truth we like it that way.  We watch a lot of netflix (I don't live under a rock yet) and hulu.

The only show I really love right now, Parks and Rec.  It makes me sad that it doesn't have a lot of viewers...it's hilarious!

It's ok...

- that I let Elizabeth watch the Nightmare before Christmas.  Yes, it's scary for kids...but she LOVES it.

Plus before you start thinking I'm a horrible mom, she can say Shakespearean perfectly because of it and she's three!

It's ok...

-to be striving to eat better and live greener (in other words, more granola), but still love a Coke.

Sorry folks, I may eat pastured eggs, local grass fed beef, free range local chicken, local or homegrown produce, make my own bread, laundry detergent, & baby food...but I want a good coke every now and again.

They can over process it all they want...it's still delicious and one habit I have yet to break. ;)

Evelyn Grace Crow- Birth Story

The night of February 28th, Mark and I left my parent's house and headed to the hospital.  We were told to arrive a little after midnight.  So technically, we were there on March 1st.  It started off interesting, but ended wonderfully.

When we got there they couldn't find our paperwork and had no orders for us.  But they got us in a labor room and got my preliminary vitals (monitored baby etc.).  They found our paperwork shortly after and instead of starting my pitocin then, it looked like I would start around 7 am.  I was really confused as they asked us to come in early.  But it turns out the hospital sets the two times that you can come in for an induction and the doctor sets the time to start.  Weird, right?  Anyway, they let us go to bed and we didn't get up until 6:30.  At 6:30, I got a shower and they got me prepped for the pitocin.  Soon after that they started the ball rolling.  I was still only 1 centimeter dilated though.  I very quickly started contracting, but never noticed.  The nurse had to tell me I was contracting.  About 30 minutes after starting pitocin, my sister arrived.  She and Mark kept me entertained the whole day...and yes, I mean the whole day.  Even though I had multiple people tell me that I would go quickly, it seems that my body doesn't go quickly until the water is broken...but that comes later.

Stylin' green hospital robe!

 Anyway, we all hung out and the nurse slowly upped my pitocin over time.  Around lunchtime I started having some pain associated with my contractions.  It wasn't bad, just really bad back pain.  The nurse gave me some pain meds, but I wasn't allowed an epidural as I was only 2-3 centimeters and my doctor was in a c-section for twins. Around this time, Mark's parents arrived in town, but Mark advised them to head to our house as it wasn't going to be anytime soon.  They went to pick up Elizabeth, and then headed to our house to hang out. I continued on the same road until my doctor was out of the c-section.  By that time I was 3-4 centimeters and they thought they could break my water.  They allowed me to get my epidural before, and I'm glad they did.  A little while later my doctor came in and broke my water.  I was still only 4 centimeters (a little before 4 pm).  My mom arrived a bit later and Mark & Melissa got a break.  I was having some more pain and hit my epidural button. The nurse decided to check me at the same time, I was still at 4 centimeters (around 5:50 pm).  Mark's parents called to see what progress we had made.  They had been out to eat with Elizabeth and wanted to come by.  We said it was fine, but told them it would be better to go home after as Elizabeth would need to go to bed.  Soon after that my dad arrived, and since it was looking like no baby was going to arrive any time soon they let him back.  So we were all sitting around and the pain kept coming through the epidural.  In fact, even pushing my pain button didn't help.  I finally called in the nurse.  It was right around shift change and I was sorry to see my nurse didn't come in, but a new nurse did.  I told her what was going on and she said she would need to check me.  Now it was just around 6:30-6:45, I thought she was a little silly for checking, but they ushered mom and dad out and she checked me.  I was at 10!!  The pain I was feeling was the baby moving into position.  In fact, with one of my contractions, they could see the head!! The nurse commented that I could cough her out. lol My sister ran out to tell my parents who were going to head home.  My dad ended up staying in the waiting room and my mom couldn't sit still so she was walking up and down the hall.  They all scrambled into position (including my original nurse- I was so happy!!) and thank goodness my doctor was still in the building (Mark was trying to tell me to push without her, thank goodness I knew better and waited for the doctor lol).  She was there quickly and we began pushing.  I only pushed through three contractions and she was out!!

At 7:08 pm, Evelyn Grace Crow joined our family.  The doctor laid her on my chest immediately and you definitely could hear her...very healthy lungs.  Just like her older sister she was super mad and very pink under all that goop.  She nursed immediately!  What a champ!  Elizabeth and I had a learning curve, but Evie was ready to go.  They then took her to get cleaned up and weighed.  They handed her back to me and after awhile Mark got her and then my sister.  Sometime during all this Mark's parents called saying they had arrived, little did they know that we had a baby.  They then asked if I wanted to anyone to come back (I was all cleaned up at this time).  I thought only two people could come, so I asked for Elizabeth and my mom.  Elizabeth was so excited to see her baby sister.  She was definitely super excited.  She couldn't stay long as she was so hyped up and it was time for bed.  They took her out and the nurse came in to take Evie back for evaluation.  We asked if the rest of the family could see her, they said it would be fine.  So to my surprise everyone could come back.  My dad, Mr. & Mrs. Crow, and Mark's Aunt Fran came back to see her, while Mom and Melissa watched Elizabeth.  After a lot of oohing and aaahing, they took Evie to the nursery and everyone went home, except my daddy.  He ran out and got me a Big Pal (hamburger).  I was so hungry and it was wonderful.  I think he was surprised at how quickly I could eat it. ha ha.

Ok, we both look rough, but that was when we met. :)

Meeting Grammy for the first time.

Daddy gets a look.

Aunt Melissa gets to see her.

Ma sees her for the first time.

My favorite picture of my Daddy seeing her for the first time.  Just ignore the phone, there wasn't a way to crop it out.

Looking at her Pop-Pop.

Meeting her Poppa.

Aunt Fran gets to meet Evie.

Now because I had hit my epidural button thinking it was contractions and not the baby moving into position my whole left leg was completely numb.  Since I couldn't move it, we had to wait until I could.  Since Evie wasn't back yet either, we turned on the UKY game.  Yes, I'm that big of a fan. Oh and we won. Go BBN!!

Anyway, we kept waiting around and were starting to wonder what was going on.  Can you believe that in our small hospital seven other births happened and they still had more coming in??  They were having to turn over their extra rooms to put people and that was the main hang up.  They didn't have a room.  We were lucky we got there early (didn't have to wait for a labor room), and because we were late delivering we got a larger room as they had to give us an extra room (monitoring room that doubled as a labor room).

Well, the most interesting part, was trying to get me into the bed.  My leg was still super asleep and about 5-6 times I almost fell.  It took both nurses and Mark to get me there.  They gave me some pain meds soon after and wheeled Evie into the room.  She was such a good baby.  She nursed and went right to sleep.  She slept 3 hours and we both woke up when the nurses came in.  One nurse looked at Evie, while the other helped me and trust me (without giving you gory details) with as numb as I still was I needed the help.  Mark, as usual, was able to sleep through it. ;) Anyway, Evie nursed again and slept another 3 hours.  I was so happy.

I have to say, even though it started slow, it went super fast once it got going...and I got the best gift at the end!!

So Beautiful!

The Day Before

So the day before delivery, I was a bag of nerves.  Not so much worried about the actual labor and delivery, but surprisingly I was just super worried about Elizabeth.  So afraid that she might not get enough attention or that she might feel like we don't love her or something.  Plus I had gotten into such a fun routine with her, I was super afraid I would miss all that.

Because of all my nerves, I spent almost the whole day spending every moment I could with her.  We played games, read books, and just had lots of fun.  I even sneaked into her room at nap time and laid down with her.  It was nice to have that cuddle time.

Now I had gotten the bags packed the day before, but had a few more things to add and do.  So other than spending time with Elizabeth I made some items to freeze for dinner and got the last of the house clean.  Mark's folks were coming up, so I got the guest room ready for them too. 

At 5:30 we headed out the door to meet my parents and sister for dinner.  Both of us were super nervous, the only person having a great time was Elizabeth.  She sang the whole way to the restaurant and it was such a tension breaker, and super adorable.

Once we got to the restaurant, I ate like a pig.  I know I am suppose to be in weight loss mode, but I remember how they didn't feed me with Elizabeth until after she was born and I knew I'd be in starvation mode if I didn't eat something.  We all had pizza and salad, which was wonderful.  It was at a local place where the pizza is homemade and the sauce is divine. Not to mention the ranch dressing is out of this world (also homemade), which is every good southern girl's weakness. ;)  The funniest part of the dinner, when Elizabeth congratulated my sister for going to the bathroom (can you tell we have potty trained?).

We went back to my parent's house where we got Elizabeth ready for bed and then talked with my parents and sister before we had to leave.  I had one of the funniest conversations with my mom and sister I had ever had...I hate to be this person, but you had to be there on that one.  Sorry, I know that is annoying, but it is the truth.

The rest begins the birth story, which I will post next.  Until that is out, enjoy a family photo of us before baby's arrival.

Hugging on baby sister.

All three of us the Sunday before the delivery.

Me and my baby!

Baby Weight Loss- Day 1

So yeah, I know I haven't had this kid yet, but I have already lost some weight.  Surprised?  I was too.  I lost 3 lbs from last week's dr appointment to this week.  First I was worried, but then they told me it was normal to do at the end of a pregnancy.  So yay for weight loss! 

This also got me thinking, how am I going to start losing weight once I come home from delivery?  Now I know I'll be chasing a two year old, keeping up with a newborn, and keeping a house clean...but what could I do in the beginning and what could I work my way up too.  I'd like of course to lose the baby weight, but also I was a little overweight before getting pregnant and would like to get back into "fighting" shape (as in being able to chase down that two year old without losing my breath).  So I checked the internet for different workout classes and such.  No mommy and me classes, swimming with your toddlers doesn't start until May (even though it is indoor pool), and right now I'm not sure a gym membership would work for us.

So here's my question to everyone. What are some ways you are trying to lose weight?  Extra points for including things I can do without spending a lot of money or that I can do in my area.  Oh, and I will include that we do have a wii, wii fit, ea active, and a double stroller.  So all these things could be included in my workout regiment.  As for food, I'm not a huge over eater, nor do I go nuts over sweets etc.  However, I do have a horrible addiction to soda, which I have had to avoid during the pregnancy and will also avoid while breastfeeding...but it always draws me back in.  So any advice on getting rid of it completely is also greatly appreciated.

Now I haven't been blogging long, and I just recently have been trying to expand out of my family who at the moment are almost all my followers.  A friend from high school also had a blog and helped me get started (thanks to Nichole).  I added her blog to my reading list and from there I've found a few others that I follow.  One of those that I now follow is Brandy from You Don't Know.  She's hilarious and is also on the road of weight loss.  You should check her out (see button below).  She's guaranteed to brighten your day.  Plus you should lend a girl your support because trying to lose weight really stinks and it's a nice thing to do. 

You know you're ready to deliver when...

So everywhere I go lately, people keep giving me these surprised looks.  As if to say, I can't believe you haven't given birth yet...  As for me, I'm not surprised.  Elizabeth was only born on her due date because they induced her, so I wasn't expecting a super early arrival for this one either.  But I am ready in the sense that I would like to not be pregnant anymore.  Pregnancy isn't too bad, but it definitely has several downsides that a lot of people don't talk about.  I think they might feel like not being thrilled with every pregnant moment might make them bad mommies.  That's just not true.  But that's another post all together.  No, this post is an attempt to be a little funny.  Things I have decide on the road to delivery and things I've heard other mommies say that I just couldn't agree with more. So here goes, you know you're ready to deliver when...

1) You drop something on the floor and leave it.  It's not worth bending over to get it.
2) The bag boy at the grocery store asks you if you want help to the car, and you have to stop yourself from saying "what do you think".
3) If you call a family member and they answer the phone "are you having the baby".
4) Your cat is upset because there isn't enough room on your lap for him.
5) You have to wear an apron when baking because if you don't you accidentally rub up against the counter and get flour on your shirt.  Only, you don't know you have flour on your shirt because you can't see that part of your body.
6) You have to propel yourself out of seats and sometimes to start walking.
7) Taking baths sounds more like a chore than a nice relaxing idea.
8) Your belly button looks like one of those turkey timers that pop out when it's done.
9) Everywhere you go people look at you in surprise or pity, and when you leave they wish you good luck.
10) Your belly regularly looks like that scene from alien when it's about to pop out of that man's stomach and when that happens the people around you have the same expression of horror/awe as the characters in the movie.

March 1st, 2011

It's official! On March 1st, both Mark and I will become parents for the second time. That is if she doesn't make an earlier appearance. ;)

We will be arriving at the hospital the night before shortly before midnight. Soon after that they will start pitocin. I'm already 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, so nothing else is needed. Mark will be there the whole time and my sister will be arriving that morning. Both will have their phones, but Melissa may be the better one to call if you need updates or help.

Elizabeth will be with her Grammy and Pop the night before on. She is more excited about this than her baby sister arriving. Ha, ha.

Not only will this baby share a birthday with another member of my family (hope you don't mind, Alex), but she'll be arriving two days after her daddy's birthday and 14 days before the start of the most wonderful time of the year. If you have to ask what, then you probably won't be filling out a bracket yourself. ;) I can tell you both of my girls will be rooting for the best team in blue. Let's go CATS!

Dr's appt

Today was another OB appointment too.  (Busy day for us, all around)  It went really fast, as everything looks pretty good.  She does have a slightly lowered heartbeat, but the dr said that was normal for the last few weeks.  Anyway, everything is measuring fine and no signs of labor at the moment.  Next week we have an early morning appointment on Wed.  It's the BIG appointment.  In other words, decisions will be made and if no baby has arrived an induction will be schedule.  So it's official, one more appointment.  Get out your countdown clocks as this baby is arriving soon!

Hospital

So what have we been doing this past two days?  Only seeing the hospital for the third time with this pregnancy.  UGH!!

I finally caught the virus both Mark and Elizabeth had...only I couldn't keep down water or gatorade.  When that happened I knew I had to call the doctor.  Since I'm so far along and this type of thing can cause labor to develop they immediately sent me on to the hospital.  All I can say, is I'm tired of going to the hospital.  But I am glad I went.  They gave me a lot of anti-nausea meds and two bags of fluids.  That helped a lot.  When we first went in they were worried about baby girl as she was very sluggish and it wasn't until I had finished the first full bag of saline before she perked up.  After that, the nurses seemed much happier.

We went in about 9:30 pm on Thursday night and were discharged the next day at 10:30 am.  Needless to say, we didn't sleep a lot.  I felt so bad on Thursday having to call mom and then pack up Elizabeth to go over to Grammy's and Pop's house.  She was so disorientated when we woke her up.  But all in all, I guess it was for the best. After we were discharged, I went over to mom's so Mark could go back to work.  I slept almost the whole day.  I think a combination of sleep deprivation and medicine caused me to be that tired.  But I managed some liquids and a little bit of food.  In fact, I haven't thrown up since leaving the hospital, but I'm taking it slow and trying not to push it.

Hopefully, the next time we visit the hospital, it will be because it's time to have this baby.  So sick people stay away!  I'm tired of catching this stuff and even more so, going to the hospital for it. I think I may coat myself in sanitizer, either that or make myself a bubble to walk around in.

But biggest moral of this story: It's time to pack those hospital bags, including a bag for Elizabeth in case we have to leave suddenly.  That really would have helped.

PAIN

The pain of pregnancy is starting to wear on me.  In addition to just being uncomfortable from being so big, I am now having contraction-like pain coupled with pressure that is sometimes a sharp pain.  Lower back pain started today too.  Imagine my joy.

The bad part of this, I really do want her to wait...I need time.  Time to get projects done in and around the house.  Not to mention- Mark and Elizabeth being well, my hospital bag packed, and the car seat installed.  If those three biggies aren't done soon, they may not let us leave the hospital with her.  Maybe they'll just let me stay...at least they'll clean up after me and feed me.

Why is it that with the second baby there isn't enough time to get stuff done??

My aching back...

My back hurts.  Not just my lower back, but my WHOLE back.  Now I'm sorry to complain, but this is really irritating.  It especially hurts when working at my laptop on work.  I know what you're thinking, she's typing this up on a computer now, and you're right.  However, I'm currently laying back in our huge computer chair trying to get my back to feel better.  But when working I just can't handle the distance.  I have to sit forward in the most uncomfortable position know to pregnant women or at least this pregnant woman. Not only does it cause my back to hunch some, (I know posture, posture) but it pushes baby down.  She doesn't enjoy this either.  She usually wakes up and lets me know she isn't comfortable.  The really bad part, same time Elizabeth is napping.  So right now, she's on the opposite schedule as Elizabeth.  Big boo!  Here's hoping that I can get them on the same schedule quickly once out.  Otherwise Grammy may be doing a lot of babysitting for me to get some work done once I'm off of maternity leave. ;)

Me earlier today when my back didn't hurt quite so much.  A better picture than the last, most definitely!!

Hospital Tour

So Tuesday we went on a tour of Holston Valley Hospital where Miss Poppy Seed will be born (and no, we don't have a name, so Poppy seed has to suffice for now).  Anyway,  it wasn't a big tour as we had already been there before when they thought I might be in preterm labor.  But I have to say, I'm super impressed with their postpartum or Mommy rooms, nice and large.  When we delivered at UK with Elizabeth they were in the midst of transitioning the older double rooms into private rooms and more of them.  At the time the only way to guarantee you would get a private room was to ask for the smaller one.  So that's what we did, and boy was it small.  Hard to believe Kingsport, TN has the one up on the University of Kentucky hospital, but in that case they definitely do.  Mark was especially excited to see that his sleeping area was much longer and if you know my husband you know why (he's a very tall man). 

Most importantly we found out all the information necessary for anyone who comes to visit.  I'm listing it below along with a map for any out of towners.  

1. If you are coming to visit here are the necessary steps to get into the birthplace area (it's a lock down facility).
-Upon arriving at the hospital, park in the parking garage directly across from the main entrance.
-Enter into the hospital on the first floor.  Depending on which entrance you use you may have to walk up a few stairs, but nothing dramatic.  In either case you will head to your left, following signs to the birthplace.  You will find elevators that have a sign in front saying to the birthplace.  There is also several desks to ask directions at.  If you see the gift shop, you are extremely close to the elevators, just keep heading left.
-Once on the elevators head to level 3.
-Coming off the elevator, you will see a sign pointing to the left that says birthplace.  Behind that is a phone.   You will need to pick up the phone and tell the nurse who you are coming to see, give them my legal last name (Smith), as I that is what they have me preregistered under.
-If we are in labor, head down the hall to the first nurses desk and ask for the family waiting area.  It is easy to find as it is across from the nursery and directly behind the first nurses desk.  You'll see the vending machines etc.  Now I'm sure Mark will have his phone, but it may be better to call my sister, who will also be in the room with us.  She will be better able to give updates and information.  If you need her number just drop me an email, and I'll get it to you.
-The hospital has a strict two person in the room rule.  So only Mark and Melissa will be allowed in the delivery room.  I'm not sure we'll be able to have anyone back to see the baby until we move to the postpartum room (about an hour or two after the baby is born).  However, I'm sure Melissa will be taking pictures and will rush them out for everyone to see our new bundle of joy. 
-If we have already delivered simply head back to our room.  Either Mark or someone else will be able to give you the number.  There is no limit on visitors in this area, unless Baby is having a meal, then Mommy prefers some "private" time. ;)
-Finally, when leaving the facility you will go out the way you came in.  However, you will again need to pick up the phone before the door for them to unlock it.  If you try to open it without calling, the alarm will sound.  Trust me, we've done it. ;)

2. How to get to the hospital, and yes, there is a roundabout.
hospital directions

Well, it's definitely getting closer to the big day.  Four weeks until I'm "full" term and 8 weeks until the due date.  Oh, and I promise she will have name.