Dear Harper: Week 3

Dear Harper,

This week you grew into more than just a sleepy newborn. Your wake time between naps, feedings and diaper changes has increased and you are more aware of your surroundings. Your focus is stronger and it doesn’t matter where I am, if you hear my voice you try searching for me. 

We have starting “tummy time” and you are a strong one. You have no trouble lifting you head but after a few moments it comes crashing down. It is adorable. You have also discovered your thumb. You aren’t always able to get it to your mouth on your own but when you do you are ecstatic.

One of my favorite activities that we added to our daily routine is our morning walks.  After I feed you, change your diaper and get you dressed we head out for a thirty minute walk in the neighborhood with Argos. The fresh air is great for both of us and the weather has been surprisingly perfect. You fall asleep moments after we leave and continue your nap in the stroller at home. I look forward to lengthening the walks and future walks with friends.

Bath time has become even more enjoyable for you and your dad. Every other night its just the two of you and your infant tub in the kitchen sink. I love to watch and want to help but I know it is your time with your dad. I do get to dry you off after. You smell so amazing and are very relaxed.

On Friday, we had your infant pictures taken. You were a trooper. I’ll admit that I was nervous about getting you super sleepy to take the pictures but it turned out so well. We have gotten to see a few of them and I look forward to seeing the rest. I know these are pictures that we will cherish forever. I think you got your dad’s photogenic genes.

We had our first Mother’s Day this weekend. Saturday night we celebrated with your Great Grandma “Nonnie” as well as your Great Aunts, Great Uncle, Grandparents and your dad’s cousins. I could tell you were slightly overwhelmed but you did so well. Of course you decided you wanted to eat right as it was time to sit down for dinner. On Sunday, your dad gave me the sweetest card and an arrangement of various flowers and blossoms from the garden in a mason jar. It was very sweet. He even picked carrots and grapefruit to juice.  We had a delicious pasta dinner with kale, broccoli and oven dried tomatoes from the garden and attempted to watch a movie after we put you to sleep. Of course you decided that you wanted to continue celebrating with us and fought sleep with all the energy you had. After the movie your dad brought you back to your room to change your diaper and you fell asleep on the changing table. You even slept through him swaddling you.

It was an honor to be your mom on Mother’s Day. No matter how many naps you resist, I love you. I always will.

Love,

Mom

Dear Harper: Week 2

Dear Harper,

You are two weeks old today. We are both still showing signs of your delivery but healing well. Your collarbone is on its way to being healed and the doctor said your head looks better. You are weighing in at 9lbs 6oz. Nearly a whole pound above your birth weight. You have also grown a half-inch. I am no longer worried that our little “milk dud” isn’t eating enough food.

 Week one you were a very easy baby. You went to sleep quickly and quietly and stayed asleep so long that I had to wake you up from almost every nap to feed you. This week you have decided to become your own, strong willed person. You don’t always want to take a nap but most of the time you are content hanging out in your crib but when it is time for bedtime you become rather vocal. Your dad and I spend time alternating rocking, loving and changing that always-dirty diaper. Once you are asleep and as long as you don’t break free from your swaddle wrap, you are a strong sleeper. Some nights you even let me go 4 hours between feedings.

You met my parents, your grandparents this week. They love you dearly. It was such a joy to see them smile every time you snuggled up against them and gave them a smile. Your grandma even helped change a few dozen of your diapers and rocked you to sleep for many naps. That may be why you don’t want to go straight to sleep on your own….

Your umbilical cord stump, or belly bacon as your dad refers to it, fell off this week.  I didn’t want to be the one to throw it away so I made you dad toss it when he got home from work. With the stump gone we were able to use your infant tub. The first attempt was painful for all involved but last night you seemed to almost enjoy it. It is a special time for you and your dad. He may not be able to feed you yet but he gets to bathe you a few times a week. It is the sweetest thing to watch.

First Bath

Second Bath

You and your dad share a similar trait: the inability to only sneeze once.  I have learned not to “bless you” until the third, forth or even fifth sneeze has passed. It is something I have always teased your dad about.

I am really looking forward to spending this week with you. It will be the first time it is just you and I home.  You have a long list of visitors wanting to come give you loves and I look forward to the company but it will be nice to figure us out. We are in this together and as sleep deprived as I am, I look forward to every moment.

I love you little Harper. I always will.

Love,

Mom 

Dear Harper: Week 1

Dear Harper,

You have blessed our lives for an entire week today. We are both so grateful to have your healthy, happy self in our family. I have decided to write you letters as reminders of all of your special moments and hopefully someday you will read them and always remember how much you were loved from the start.

As I write this I have your baby monitor next to the computer and I am unsuccessfully trying not to tear up.

We brought you home from the hospital Wednesday afternoon. That day was one of the most nerve wrecking of your dad and my lives. We no longer had the security of all of the nurses and hospital staff. It was now just you, your dad and me. You road in the car so well and of course I sat in the back seat with you and held your hand. I needed your strength.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted you to sleep in your crib at night. The first few nights that did not last very long and we let you sleep in your infant rocker. The infant rocker may be your favorite place to be. Last night was the first night I did not sleep in your room and you have been such a big boy sleeping in your crib. I think you would sleep through the night if I were to let you but I know your tiny stomach needs food at least every four hours.

Feeding you is such a special time for me. Being able to look down at you while I supply you with all of the nourishment your little body needs is such a blessing. At the hospital you had very interest in eating and the nurses kept trying to get you to eat. I knew you were tired and would become a healthy eater as soon as you were ready. Boy was I right, once my milk fully came in we had to go see the lactation nurse at the birthing center. Calling you a snapping turtle would be an understatement. You would latch on and not let go until you fell asleep. The nurse got us on the right track and now your dad lovingly refers to you as “milk dud”. Our feedings end with both of us covered in milk and a big smile on your face.

You had your first doctor’s appointment on Friday. Your dad and I both took you and you were such a trooper. You have already surpassed your birth weight and now weigh in at 8lbs 8 oz. You even got your first shot. The doctor told us that you broke your collarbone during delivery. This breaks my heart but it will heal on its own.  It looks like we both got rather beat up that day. I know I am still recovering.

You are such a happy baby. Tears typically mean you have a very wet diaper or are just in need of some extra cuddles. You do tend to get fussy when it is time for me to eat dinner. The infant swing with lullabies seems to do the trick. You like to be swaddled for bedtime but apparently only when your dad does it. I promise I will get better at it.

You have had so many visitors in your first week of life. There is so much love in this world for you already. You get to meet your grandma Carole today. She drove 10 hours to see your chubby checks and give you even more love.

It is time for your next feeding and from what I can hear on the baby monitor a fresh diaper.

I love you Harper. I always will.

Love,

Mom

Harper's Birth Story

Geoff and I are very happy to annouce that our son, Harper Glen Roe, was born April 22nd at 6:54pm. 

Sunday morning I woke up after an unrestful nights sleep not feeling very well, almost like I was coming down with the flu. I was very achy and exhausted. I stayed home all day and attempted to get rest. Starting around 4pm contractions began to occur at a regular basis but they averaged 9 minutes apart for 30 seconds. I continued to labor at home until 10pm when the contractions averaged 5 minutes apart and one minute long. At this point we packed the car and headed to the birthing center. 

Once we arrived at The Regency, we were checked into triage. In triage, my vitals were taken and I was hooked up to monitors that check the babies heartbeat as well as my contractors. A nurse checked to see how dilated I was and to our surprise I was not dilated at all. I had been fully effaced for over a week and knowing that I wasn't dialted took us both by surprise. The nurse had us walk laps inside the facility for an hour to move labor along. The walking was tiring and the contractions continued but when the nurse checked my status I had not progressed. Three hours after arriving, we were sent home and I was told to get a good nights rest.

Telling a woman in labor to get a good nights rest is a cruel request. I continued to have contracts that averaged 5 minutes apart all night. I would have the contraction and pass out until the next one arrived. It was exhausting but at least I was able to get some sleep. 

Contractions continued all morning but their duration and intensity continued and my water still had not broken. I had a doctor appointment at my OB office at 11:10am and the hospital told us to go to it as scheduled and my doctor would come up with a plan. 

Sitting in a doctor's waiting room and having contractions surrounded by other pregnant woman is a very unpleasant experience. At this point, I really just wanted to deliver the baby. Even if it was in the waiting room.

The nurse went through the standard questions and checking of vitals before I saw the doctor.  I have never been so happy to see someone as I was when my doctor walked in. I told her I wanted to have the baby now. She checked my progress and to my surprise I was 4 centimeters. She told us to head over to The Regency and we were going to have a baby today. Bring on the tears of joy.

We made a slight detour before pulling into the hospital. I decided I needed a blue Powerade from Sonic since I hadn't eaten recently and knew I wasn't supposed to eat anything from here on out. I hate powerade but it seemed like the most practical decision at the time. 

Once at The Regency, we were checked into room 212. We were going to have a baby! More vitals were taken and test were run. The contractions were still coming on strong and my emotions were high.  I was very anxious but ready to proceed.

The anesthesia doctor came in to discuss my blood work. I knew this wasn't going to be good news but never thought that not having an epidural would have to be an option. My blood platelet count was below average and borderline too low to have an epidural. Some doctors wont administer it because having a low platelet count reduces your bodies ability to clot and if the epidural needle or catheter were to nick anything in my back, it may not be able to clot on its own. During the conversation my doctor walked in and with her knowing my lack of pain tolerance we came to the decision that I needed to proceed with an epidural. 

My doctor then broke my water. The sensation of this was unlike anything I could have ever anticipated. Then the contractions came on strong. It wasn't for another 45 minutes that the doctor came to administer my epidural. Geoff really had to help me breath through the contractors and try to relax in between. 

The epidural procedure was quicker and not as painful as I anticipated. The doctor did a great job and the hardest part was having to breath through my contractions while he worked. It took about 15 minutes for the epidural took effect but I knew pain relief was on its way. 

Over the next few hours I was able to relax as contractions passed. Some of the contractions I wasn't able to feel unless Geoff told me he could see one on the monitor. I was able to get my energy back and mentally prepare to push. When I was 9 centimeters dilated, I had to start breathing through my contractions and most of the feelings in my legs returned. I was quick to request the doctor to return and figure out my pain management options. 

The doctor added additional pain medicine to my IV. Everyone takes to an epidural differently and it is hard for the doctor to estimate how it will effect your body. I knew with the current level of pain, not having additional medicine was going to be intense. I wasn't aware how intense the next two hours were going to be even with the additional medicine.

At 5:30pm it was time to start pushing. Nothing can prepare you for the effort and process of pushing a baby out of the womb. You loose all modesty and control of emotions. The next hour and ten minutes of pushing were the most exhausting, tiring, intense and painful moments of my life. The fact that it is a two steps forward, one step back process becomes very frustrating. I knew I was so close to having our baby in my arms but the exhaustion and pain kept having me ask how much longer or what was a plan b if this baby didn't want to be pushed out. Most of the pushing happens with the labor and delivery nurse and thank goodness mine was amazing. My OB would come in to check on our progress but when it was time for her to deliver the baby she came in in a full splash guard outfit. I was not sure what to expect.

The last set of pushing is the largest roller coaster of emotions I have every experienced. I was beyond tired and screaming in pain. I could feel his head so close to being in our world and at that moment nothing else matters. Once his head passed, then his shoulders, body and legs he was placed on my chest. Nothing could have stopped the tears. I have never been happier. 40 weeks of pregnancy could not prepare you for the love that fills your heart at that moment. Our family of two was officially a family of three. We had a baby boy. Our lives were forever changed. 

The next moments are now all a blur. The nurses took Harper to the warming table to check all of his vitals and a pediatrician cleared his lungs. I recall telling Geoff to go over to the baby and take pictures. I also recall them saying his weight and gasping at the 8lbs 7oz number. I didn't think it was right but the fact that my OB was stitching me back up made it a reality. We had a big, healthy baby. 

Harper Glen Roe was born. We stayed in the delivery room for the next few hours. I had a fever and we all needed to regain strength. 

We remained in the hospital for a total of 48 hours. My OB, the nursing staff and all of the employees were so amazing. I got tough love from the labor and delivery team and a lot of TLC from the Mom and Baby nurses. Everyone was very helpful.

We were so grateful for all of our family and friends that came to visit us. It is so great to see all of the love for Harper already. I can't believe he is almost a week old already.

36 Weeks and Counting

Yesterday I had my 36 week appointment. It is slowly sinking in that I have less than a month until this new chapter begins.  We still need about two weeks to get everything ready for his arrival so no rushing the situation as of yet. 

The 36 week appointment reassured us that I would not be going into labor anytime soon. Baby Roe seems to be rather content for the time being. 

We have all of our Maternity Pictures now and we are both very happy how they turned out. 

How I'm Feeling:

SLOW. LARGE. Comparable to a manatee. Prelabor cramping has begun and it takes my breath away every time. Luckily I can sense it coming and brace myself but there is no stopping it. The belly is HUGE. Typing at the computer is a challenge because I have to sit further away then I would like. I can no longer eat sitting on the couch. (Pregnancy has gotten me away from the "we have to sit at the dinner table for dinner" rule). 

Sleeping is what I look forward to the least. I can't get comfortable. Obviously I can't sleep on my belly, you aren't supposed to lay on your back, it is painful to sleep on my right side, and that just leaves my left side... I wake up about every hour to either drink water or use the restroom. The past few nights Geoff has had to set his alarm for every few hours to check weather and a few times had to leave to go run irrigation at 3am. Did I mention the cat has been sleeping inside because of the cold weather AND because we have a raccoon that has been breaking into the porch, traumatizing her, making a mess and eating her food?  Geoff is bringing home a live animal trap today.... 

How I'm Changing:

Hormones are flying and I am easily offended. Two things that I am not enjoying and neither is the husband. 

As I said the belly is growing daily. Baby Roe is still head down and sizing above average. I have stopped going to the gym but have begun walking waddling slowing. I am unable to bend over and getting up and down from the floor took my breath away. Considering the bottom bar on the scale had to be moved to the next set of 50 yesterday I am looking forward to my return to the gym. 

What I'm Eating:

Last night I had my first "Husband, I really need you to run by Publix at 8pm in your sweats to get me coconut milk ice cream and make sure you get two containers just in case you decide you want any." moment. It happened. I wasn't proud. It was amazing. 

I have been cooking a ton of food lately to stock our freezer. So far I have black bean casseroles, quinoa veggie burgers, marinara sauce and red lentil soup. Cranberry Applesauce is on the list for today. I love cooking and never complain about it but I really hate the cleaning process. Only if dishes could wash themselves. "Husband, I really need you to..." is a common phrase apparently. 

Everything Else:

I am hoping to have the nursery complete and everything ready to go by the end of next weekend. We are still waiting on the glider. A few hormone motivated emails to the company made them promise it would arrive by the 2nd week of April. I ordered it in December. So much for 6 week arrival time. I am going to do a big Target run tomorrow to stock up on toiletries, the remaining baby needs, cleaning products and snacks. Geoff's mom is going to take me to Orlando next week to do a final Ikea, Destination Maternity and  Whole Foods trip. I think I will add Baby Cakes to that list.... 

33+ Weeks

I am starting to loose count at how far along I am. I am also starting to get comments similar to "you are going to pop any day now". There is a way to make a uncomfortable pregnant lady feel good about herself.... My kind self typically responds with I still have 7 more weeks, smile and walk away. There needs to be a book that everyone must read called "What Not To Say To A Pregnant Lady...If You Value Your Life". 

I will get off my soap box. 

Finally an update picture. 

Last Friday, I had Brook Scott Photography take some maternity pictures of just me. I thought it was important to highlight my first pregnancy in our home.  I am really excited to see all of the pictures. We are actually doing a couple photo shoot tonight as well. It is crazy to me to take pictures that focus on the belly instead of trying to hide it. I love this picture. There is a baby boy in there! 

How I'm Feeling:

I am uncomfortable. I waddle. I can't pick up items off of the floor. I roll off the couch. I spend more time in the bathroom then anywhere else. I say all of this but I am loving my belly. I am grateful for how my body has handled these last trimesters. The nausea of first trimester is a distant memory. Thank goodness. 

I still feel strong. I am not working out as hard or as often as I would like but I know I haven't lost my strength. I am really hoping all of this effort helps with labor and recovery. 

I have also allowed myself to indulge in multiple pampering sessions. The soon to be Aunt April took me for a mani and pedi and I splurged in a prenatal massage. I even scheduled a second in two weeks. These sessions force me to do nothing besides relax. Something I am not good at. 

How I'm Changing:

Baby Roe is growing and the belly is growing at a rapid rate. I catch my side profile in a mirror or window and it shocks me every time. He is still head down and he reminds me of this often. My ribs are very sore from his attempts at stretching. I feel like we are going to have a very active newborn. I get woken up in the middle of the night by a kick or a push. I will poke back and it is hilarious to see him react. Geoff tried to place his head on my belly while watching TV and got kicked. Kitty and him seem to have a game they play with her purring on my belly and him pushing her away. I could watch my belly move for hours. 

I have had to invest in additional maternity clothes. Most still fit but even with this cold front are too warm. The maternity clothes business must be very profitable. The more flattering the dress the higher the price tag. Also way too many maternity clothes have horizontal stripes. Go figure.... 

What I'm Eating:

My appetite has increased but I am still getting full very quick. One hour later I am starving again. There is no longer the worry of me forgetting to eat. My current cravings have mostly consisted of roasted veggies and pasta. I have been cooking pasta at least three nights a week. At least. Also dark chocolate covered banana slices. Our grocery sells them in 100 calorie packs. They should be in 300 calorie packs. At least. 

Everything Else:

I shared a nursery update picture on my Instagram. The glider still has not arrived. Apparently it has shipped. Maybe it will arrive before Baby Roe arrives... 

We have been receiving some of the sweetest gifts in the mail. A huge thank you to everyone!  

Our Kitchen

We have finally reached a point in a room renovation that I can say we are 98% done. We both have a bad habit of getting to the 80% mark, loosing steam and not coming back to a project for months. This room has been in the works for over 2 years. It was one of the first rooms we demoed and took the biggest chunk of our budget and time. This room is the kitchen. The heart of the home. Currently my favorite room in the house. 

Here are the before pictures:

What you see is an unusable, small, dirty kitchen that was decorated with splatter painted cabinets. The layout wasn't productive and there were too many doors and walls. 

Progress:

There was a lot of demo to be done. A full wall had to come down to create an open kitchen as well as a door. The window was closed in and the door leading out to the porch was removed. This was a complete gut job. We didn't save a single thing. The old appliances were donated but everything else had to go. Including the ceiling fan.

Once the cabinets were removed, there were layers of wall paper and linoleum to peel, scrape and pry off the floors, walls and ceiling. 

Starting from a clean slate gives your design more options. We knew we would have to rewire the room and this provided the opportunity to locate the appliances, light fixtures and outlets where ever we desired. 

To stay within budget we opted for higher end appliances and semi custom cabinets from Home Depot  and open shelving that we installed ourselves. We had professionals install the tile on the floor and backsplash but the rest of the work was done ourselves. Tongue and  grove boards were chosen over drywall. A combination of pendants, can lights and under cabinet lighting were used. A granite marble combination was chosen for the countertops and Restoration Hardware hardware was chosen for the cabinets.  

The Final Product:

The two percent remaining? Filling the holes from the finishing nails and hanging a few more decorative items. 

We went from an outdated, dirty kitchen to a space that is functional and represents our design styles. We are both very happy with how it turned out.