October 27, 2006 I felt different. I can't exactly explain it. All week I had been extremely tired. I had been having mood swings for about a week. I wasn't late, I wasn't nauseous, but I got the thought in my head...What if I'm pregnant? So on my way home from work I stopped at Walmart and bought a pregnancy test just to prove I wasn't. I bought the 3 pack just in case I needed more for a later date. I couldn't get home fast enough. Ryan was already home, but I didn't know what to say to him, so I just said I needed to go to the bathroom. I was literally shaking as I watched two pink lines show up almost instantly. I had to hold onto the counter for support. I waited the two minutes as instructed, but those two lines were still there. I was speechless, scared, happy, nervous, but mostly, I was excited!
We had been married less than 2 months when I took that positive pregnancy test. We had decided to wait until we had been married a year before talking about when to our first baby. I will never say that Riley was a mistake, or even that he wasn't planned. He was planned! God's timing is sometimes different than our timing. Riley has brought so much joy to my life, and I cannot imagine my life without him!!
The entire pregnancy was pretty good, with only mild morning sickness. With the exception of being my first pregnancy, it was pretty uneventful as far as pregnancies go, which I think is a good thing! We were thrilled to find out we were having a boy, though we would have been just as excited if we were having a girl. We did the 4D sonogram, which I think was an amazing experience.
I started having terrible back pains in the last few weeks, which I later realized were actually contractions. On the morning of June 26, 2007, we drove to the hospital for the last time as a family of 2. I was already dilated to 2.5 cm when they started the pitocin drip and the IV. The contractions weren't too bad at first, but as they do, gradually increased to the point I wanted the epidural. Unfortunately, Riley was facing my front (instead of my back) which was causing horrible back labor. But then, labor stopped progressing completely. I had only dilated another 1.5-2 cm in a 10 hour period. The doctor told me at about 5:45pm that Riley's head was getting stuck in my pelvis. He said if I really wanted, I could try to move around some more to get Riley to move, but that he recommended a c-section. I was tired, and I was ready to meet my new baby boy! So I agreed to the c/s. Then everything happened way too fast! I got extremely nervous as I was wheeled into the OR. It wasn't because I was about to have major surgery. It was because the moment we had been waiting 9 months for was finally here! I was about to meet my son!
At 6:15 pm, Robert Riley was born!! He was 21 1/2" long, and 8 lb 2 oz! They let me "hold" him for only a moment before taking him back to our room. They then closed me up, took me back to our room, and I finally got to hold my baby boy! The entire day was very surreal, especially those first moments holding him!
Now he is almost 3 years old. Wow! How did that happen? I look at him everyday and wonder How did he get so big? Where's my baby boy?! There is nothing better than being his mommy! Well, maybe there is. I think the only thing better is seeing Riley with his baby brother!
photo by Surely Sweet Photography
Changing Diapers: the Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thoughtless Decisions
It's amazing how one simple decision, without even knowing it, can change your life forever. A decision that you make without much thought of what will happen, because you don't realize the decision will have any major impact on your life. It may be a decision that you've made a hundred times before, but this one day, it has a different outcome.
I made one of those decisions the night of August 31, 2005. It was a Wednesday night, like any other. I was tired after a long day at work, and so was my then-roommate. We contemplated going to our favorite bar, Cowboy's Red River, but both said we were too tired. Then about 5 minutes later, we both randomly changed our minds and decided to go for just a little while to unwind and have some fun.
It was just like any other Wednseday night at Cowboy's, no cover charge and cheap drinks (one of the reasons we loved Wednseday nights!). We found a table next to the center bar, even though we normally didn't sit there. There was a group of people laughing and enjoying themselves at the tables next to us, and we joined in the conversation. I quickly noticed a cute guy with a great smile, so I took the initiative and started a conversation. His name was Ryan, and he had a great energy about him that I was drawn to. By the end of the night, we exchanged numbers.
I knew I liked him from that one meeting, but I wasn't looking for anything serious. I was young and very happy with where I was in my life. I didn't think I was ready for anything serious. We talked on the phone a few times that week, and met at Cowboy's the following Wednesday night with friends. He asked me out on a date for Friday night. The date was wonderful, nothing special or over the top. Just dinner and a movie, but the company was what made it great! As he kissed me goodnight under the porch light, I knew that would be my very last first date.
Exactly one year later, on Septmember 9, 2006, we were married! He was (and still is) nothing I ever imagined, but everything I dreamed of!
One thoughtless decision on a Wednesday night changed my life. If I had decided not to go to Cowboy's that night, I'm not sure if my life would be what it is now. I think God would have brought Ryan into my life some point if we hadn't met that night, but our life probably would be a little different. We probably would not have gotten married when we did, and we probably wouldn't have our two wonderful sons now. I still think it's funny that I met my husband in a bar! He was the last thing I was looking for, but I am so thankful that God led me to him.
Do you have any moments that changed your life forever? I know there are times when we make a conscience decision about something that we know will have an impact on our life. But I'm talking about those little decisions that you make without thinking about it. A moment that you look back on and think about how awesome it was. And I mean awesome in every sense of the word. A truly awe-inspiring moment. Please share! I would love to hear about it!!
At the age of 17, Ryan was diagnosed with leukemia. He went through nearly 2 1/2 years of treatment. His doctors told him not to expect to have kids of his own after so much chemo. But less than 2 months after our wedding, we found out his doctors were wrong...
I made one of those decisions the night of August 31, 2005. It was a Wednesday night, like any other. I was tired after a long day at work, and so was my then-roommate. We contemplated going to our favorite bar, Cowboy's Red River, but both said we were too tired. Then about 5 minutes later, we both randomly changed our minds and decided to go for just a little while to unwind and have some fun.
It was just like any other Wednseday night at Cowboy's, no cover charge and cheap drinks (one of the reasons we loved Wednseday nights!). We found a table next to the center bar, even though we normally didn't sit there. There was a group of people laughing and enjoying themselves at the tables next to us, and we joined in the conversation. I quickly noticed a cute guy with a great smile, so I took the initiative and started a conversation. His name was Ryan, and he had a great energy about him that I was drawn to. By the end of the night, we exchanged numbers.
I knew I liked him from that one meeting, but I wasn't looking for anything serious. I was young and very happy with where I was in my life. I didn't think I was ready for anything serious. We talked on the phone a few times that week, and met at Cowboy's the following Wednesday night with friends. He asked me out on a date for Friday night. The date was wonderful, nothing special or over the top. Just dinner and a movie, but the company was what made it great! As he kissed me goodnight under the porch light, I knew that would be my very last first date.
Exactly one year later, on Septmember 9, 2006, we were married! He was (and still is) nothing I ever imagined, but everything I dreamed of!
One thoughtless decision on a Wednesday night changed my life. If I had decided not to go to Cowboy's that night, I'm not sure if my life would be what it is now. I think God would have brought Ryan into my life some point if we hadn't met that night, but our life probably would be a little different. We probably would not have gotten married when we did, and we probably wouldn't have our two wonderful sons now. I still think it's funny that I met my husband in a bar! He was the last thing I was looking for, but I am so thankful that God led me to him.
Do you have any moments that changed your life forever? I know there are times when we make a conscience decision about something that we know will have an impact on our life. But I'm talking about those little decisions that you make without thinking about it. A moment that you look back on and think about how awesome it was. And I mean awesome in every sense of the word. A truly awe-inspiring moment. Please share! I would love to hear about it!!
At the age of 17, Ryan was diagnosed with leukemia. He went through nearly 2 1/2 years of treatment. His doctors told him not to expect to have kids of his own after so much chemo. But less than 2 months after our wedding, we found out his doctors were wrong...
Monday, March 22, 2010
Cloth, Reflux, and a Crispy Mama!
My husband just looked at the title of my new blog and said, "Okay...". I had to explain to him the term "crunchy", and how I consider myself as "crispy". To me, a crunchy mama breastfeeds, holds off on starting solids til 6 months or later, delays or skips vaccines, co-sleeps, wears her baby, makes baby food (rather than buying the jarred stuff), cloth diapers using only organic materials, and uses organic products and eats all organic food. She does everything she can do do her part in saving the environment. In other words, she's "gone green".
I'm crispy. I breastfeed, but will start solids before 6 months. My kids are both fully vaccinated, and on time. I will make Elijah's baby food, but a big reason in because it's cheaper, I'm not opposed to jar foods. I do wear Elijah in a sling or baby wrap, but he also loves his stroller! Elijah sometimes sleeps with me, but mostly in his bassinet (which he's outgrowing fast!). I have recently started cloth diapering Elijah (4 months old now), but again, for money saving reasons (and the cuteness factor!). I buy cloth diapers with synthetic material, but do have some organics. I try to use organic or all-natural products and foods, but it's not a must. My almost 3 y/o, Riley, is still in disposable diapers (potty training is up and down for him), but he likes to wear "Eli's diapers". I try not to waste things, if possible. If my efforts make the world a better place, it's just a huge bonus for me!! I think we should all do our part for the environment (I recycle, do you?), but I also understand that there are certain products that are way more convenient, and honestly, cheaper, that are not "green". In other words, I'm crispy.
I have become a cloth diapering addict (more on that later)! I've even used the term "I'm in love with this diaper!" That's a bold statement, but oh-so-true!
Elijah has recently been officially diagnosed with reflux. I've had a hunch since he was born, but his old pediatrician never gave it much thought, or even listened to my concerns (she's no longer our dr). He's now on medication twice a day, and it seems to help some days, but not so much on others. It's a horrible feeling to know that he's in pain and there's only so much I can do to help him.
Riley is, well, he's 2! He acts more like a 3 year old, though, and does everything he can to see how far he can push his boundaries. He definitely keeps me on my toes!! He is the sweestest, most loveable and huggable little boy, and the best big brother! But I wish I had just an ounce of his energy!!
There's so much going on in our life right now. I'm not quite sure where to start, that's why this, my very first blog, is a little all over the place! Life is definitely interesting around here, and it seems we have a new adventure everyday!
I'm crispy. I breastfeed, but will start solids before 6 months. My kids are both fully vaccinated, and on time. I will make Elijah's baby food, but a big reason in because it's cheaper, I'm not opposed to jar foods. I do wear Elijah in a sling or baby wrap, but he also loves his stroller! Elijah sometimes sleeps with me, but mostly in his bassinet (which he's outgrowing fast!). I have recently started cloth diapering Elijah (4 months old now), but again, for money saving reasons (and the cuteness factor!). I buy cloth diapers with synthetic material, but do have some organics. I try to use organic or all-natural products and foods, but it's not a must. My almost 3 y/o, Riley, is still in disposable diapers (potty training is up and down for him), but he likes to wear "Eli's diapers". I try not to waste things, if possible. If my efforts make the world a better place, it's just a huge bonus for me!! I think we should all do our part for the environment (I recycle, do you?), but I also understand that there are certain products that are way more convenient, and honestly, cheaper, that are not "green". In other words, I'm crispy.
I have become a cloth diapering addict (more on that later)! I've even used the term "I'm in love with this diaper!" That's a bold statement, but oh-so-true!
Elijah has recently been officially diagnosed with reflux. I've had a hunch since he was born, but his old pediatrician never gave it much thought, or even listened to my concerns (she's no longer our dr). He's now on medication twice a day, and it seems to help some days, but not so much on others. It's a horrible feeling to know that he's in pain and there's only so much I can do to help him.
Riley is, well, he's 2! He acts more like a 3 year old, though, and does everything he can to see how far he can push his boundaries. He definitely keeps me on my toes!! He is the sweestest, most loveable and huggable little boy, and the best big brother! But I wish I had just an ounce of his energy!!
There's so much going on in our life right now. I'm not quite sure where to start, that's why this, my very first blog, is a little all over the place! Life is definitely interesting around here, and it seems we have a new adventure everyday!
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