Yuck

Last night I went to bed with an upset stomach and then woke up in the middle of the night sneezing, with a stuffy nose and that sickish feeling in the back of my mouth. Lovely.

David and I were watching Inception last night and we had the volume up too loud. Well, Avery was eating and the sound got really loud all of a sudden and it scared her sooooo bad. She cried and cried and cried. She let out these little yells I've never heard before. She had a really hard time calming down. Then when we were changing her and putting her jammies on her, she was screaming, which I've heard before but she was getting up to this pitch I've never heard before. It was almost like she was in severe pain. Maybe she was? I got her calmed down and then laid her in her bed and she just laid there and cooed and sucked on her fists and was fine. Poor baby :(

David's boss is having a barbecue tonight for some football game and we got invited. So, we're going.

Well, that's all I know for now.

More Pictures!

This is from this morning 12/21/10. I just finished trying to scrub the cradle cap off her head. Stupid stuff.

Naked baby!

This is last night. She was snoozing on me then I handed her over.

Love my Baby!

Last night Avery babbled the whole evening. It was so fun. I can't even explain how happy it makes me to hear her. I love love love it.

Today she was supposed to get her 2 month shots but I cancelled. I've been meaning to study up on this but I just hate having to think/stress about one more thing that I've procrastinated. I think I'm going to do Dr. Sears' delayed scheduling for vaccinations. I like it because it spaces the vaccinations out so they're not getting so much junk in their little bodies all at once.

Avery is cooing in her chair as I write this...she's thinking about getting mad!

Some sadness is on my heart for a family that I don't know. On my birth board there is a mama who took her baby in for her 2 month check up. The baby had had a bruise on her forehead for a while that wouldn't go away so she asked the doctor about it. The doctor started to feel around and felt something strange with the baby's soft spot. To make a long story short, the baby has a brain tumor and it's taking up most of her skull and pushing her brain over. Right now she shows absolutely no symptoms at all. The doctors told her removing it would damage her brain so to just take her home and make her comfortable. That story would have broken my heart before Avery but now that I have her the story breaks it in a different way. My heart goes out to this family. They are at Stanford working with the neurosurgeons there. I sent the girl a message about Dr. Adler and the cyberknife. This story makes me want to hug and love on my baby girl endlessly. I couldn't imagine...

Boo for sad stories. My baby girl needs some lovin' now so I'm gonna go.

Keep your fingers crossed we can come to OK! I'm ready to pack and get on the road :0)

Pictures!

David snapped this picture. Taken 12/17/10

He also took this picture of me and told me he was just taking a picture of Avery. I told him he could have told me so I could smile. He told me he doesn't like my "picture" smile. Whatever. I won't even go into the horridness of this picture (or the zit above my lip), I'm just posting it because I don't hardly have any of Avery and me anymore.

David took this picture of her chin. For some reason we think her little chin is so cute!

I can't ever get any good pictures of her. When she's being cute and I take a picture, it's always too late. So frustrating :)

Little girl is pretty grumpy most of the time lately. I'm so ready for her to grow out of this stage. Thankfully there are times when she is happy and sweet and it makes up for the crying and crying...

We signed the paper work for the house in Utah. I'm trying to not get my hopes up about coming to OK for Christmas but it's hard. I want to go home so badly. David won't know until Wednesday if he can have the week off. If he does, I imagine we would leave Thursday after he gets off work. He's only working a half day that day. We'll see what happens.

Avery

So stinkin' cute!!

Thanks Grandma!

Check out youtube for a new video

FYI

Avery farts. A lot. Who would have ever thought a fart was cute? Not me!

Sometimes she has cute poots and sometimes they're just plain nasty :0)

Avery & her Dad

Avery and her dad sharin' some love last night.

She always has the goofiest faces in pictures :(

She wasn't too happy about being in her car seat haha.

The last 2 nights her sleep has been restless and she's decided she just wants to be held all the time and quit liking her bouncy chair. Oh well. She didn't want to go to sleep last night either. Now she's dozing because the most of earlier this morning she couldn't get any solid sleep. Poor girl.

Getting So Big

I can't believe how Avery's growing. She's getting where she flails her arms around. She coos alot and I love hearing it. It's my new favorite sound! I printed these papers with black and white patterns on them and it's funny to watch her stare at them. It's like she can't take her eyes off them. They're supposed to be good to help her brain synapses or something. They mesmerize her.

Tonight we have David's work's Christmas party. Hope it some good food :)

I started packing up some of Avery's clothes yesterday. I'll see what else I can pack up. This Friday we're going to go buy more totes. Saturday we meet with the lady who owns the house to fill out paperwork or something. I'm for some reason kind of excited about moving and I'm not sure why. David's trying his hardest to find another house closer in Logan before Saturday but he's trying to act like he's not :)

Well, Avery pooped while I was typing this haha so now I've got to go change her.

Come on, burp!

Here's Avery getting burped :0) She looks so big! 12/13/10

She was in a really great mood last night. I was glad because David finally got to see her when she's happy and talkative. Usually by the time he gets home she's grumpy.

We went and looked at the second house. David liked it, I preferred the first house. So after discussion we're going to go for the first house. It's further away but probably the best solution right now. So our new address will be in Hyrum, Utah. I'm sad to leave Idaho :(

Today I've got a gnarly rash all over my body. I tell you what, if it's not one thing it's another. The rash has been coming on for a couple days but it was only on my left arm. Now it's every where and has gotten to be a dark red.

I'm going to post a video on youtube. I know it's not a good one since she's on her belly and you can't see her very well but you can hear her little voice. She's getting irritated but it's cute to hear her voice. I think so anyway :)

Boring Day

Avery and I are stuck at home today. David took my car. Avery's having a fussy day today. She's wanting to be held alot and that's ok. So, I've been snuggling my baby today. That means nothing's getting done around the house ;) She's been running a low grade fever still. I don't know what to think about that.

I got a call back today from a house we wanted to get and we got it, if we still want it. But we found another house yesterday and so we've got to go look at it tonight. David wants the second house but the neighborhood is not near as nice as the first house but the location is good and the price is good. So, we'll see what happens.

Well, little girl keeps falling asleep and waking up and so I put her in her bed and of course she's not sleeping so I better get her!

The Most Precious Sound

is the sound of my baby girl "talking". LOVE it!!

Here's a picture of her this morning in her new jammies.

The rest of these are from yesterday 12/9/10

6 Weeks Today!

This is the quilt the church ladies made for Avery.

Happy Hump Day!

There is something about Avery's little chin that I am in love with. I think it's the cutest thing ever! She has a slight dimple (well, not really a dimple but a line...is it called a cleft?) that she gets from her daddy. You can barely see it but you can feel it.

That crap is mostly gone from her forehead but it's on her scalp. It's going to take a few scrubbing sessions to get it all off.

Last night she was running a low grade temp but I'm pretty sure it's gone. I'll have to check. Not really sure what that was all about. She was a little fussy yesterday off and on and I'm wondering if today will follow suit. She will be 6 weeks on Thursday and I hear that's a fussy time. Who knows what her deal is?

It's Wednesday and the week is almost over which means David doesn't have to work--woohoo!! He's still loving the machine shop. He said he's gone over to the weld shop a few times and can't believe he worked in that environment for so long. He's excited that he comes home relatively clean and doesn't have black boogers when he blows his nose when he leaves work. I'm glad he's in a cleaner environment. I know damage is probably already done but now more won't be done.

Well, Avery isn't happy so I better go!

Quilt

I don't have a picture of it yet but Sunday I was given a quilt made by some ladies in the church for Avery. I knew about it. At my shower all the ladies could make a square if they wanted. They finally got it finished. I think it was so nice of them to do that and a really cute idea.

Well, last night was rough. Not the whole night, just before Avery went to bed. She cried for probably around 2 hours. I finally decided to take a shower and put her in her chair in the bathroom. I knew the sound of the water would make her stop crying and it did. But I stayed in too long and she started crying again. I finally got her calmed down and then she sat in her chair forever, wide awake. I can't remember what time she went to sleep but it had to be close to midnight. Then I left her and made sure she was good and asleep before I moved her to her bed. She's been in a fine mood this morning. It's a good thing she's been smiling at me this morning!!

This child is a pooping machine. She poops on all of her clothes. Every day.

Last Friday David got into a fender bender with a lady. It was her fault, even though she didn't get cited for it. She's from Quebec and speaks only Spanish and French. So, that was real great for David trying to communicate with her. After it happened, a cop came by and told them to hang on, he was sending another cop because he was on his way to another accident. I can't remember the whole story but a cop came and ended up leaving and coming back (there were 2 other accidents at the same time). The lady is married and isn't quite legal yet and her English speaking husband was in Vegas. Her husband called David and told him that he didn't know if her Canadian insurance was valid. So, we're wondering if we're going to get screwed. We'll see.

Well, that's all :0)

What a Cutie

Here's a picture of Avery ready for church on 12/5/10. Look at that big belly!

We're doing really well with her sleeping in her bed for at least the majority of the night. I'm so proud. Part of me is sad to not have her in bed with me but I can't handle the nerve pain from her nursing constantly.

David and I have been looking at houses and apartments in Utah. What a bummer. We found a place that is perfect but it's not in Logan, it's in Hyrum which is further south. We'll see.

I'm bummed about Christmas time. I want to come home and so does David. And I'm not going to put up a tree because if we move before, I'll have to take it down. :(

Hallelujah!

So, I'm not going to expect this for every night from now on but Avery slept in her bed the whole entire night last night! I'm so ready to have my bed back! She sleeps in the middle while David and I sleep on one side smashed up against the wall. As much as I move her over, she scoots right back over.

She's smiling a lot more now and cooing. I love it :0) It's so cute!

Today we're going with some friends to meet some friends down in Far West, Utah. I'm really hoping Avery is good while we're in the car with the other people. You never know with her.

We're also going to go look at a house that's going to be for rent. They're having an open house today. It's in Hyrum, UT.

Hope everyone has a good day!

Pictures

5 Weeks and 1 day

She's getting soooo big!

I do have mastitis and am back on antibiotics. So far they don't seem to be bothering Avery. I picked up some probiotics too. I've been doing some reading about probiotics and how they can help colic, gas, diarrhea and colds, etc in kids. I found some formulated for infants and children but it's powder form and since Avery doesn't get a bottle I'm not sure how I'd give it to her. So I bought probiotics for me and figure she'll get them that way. I might try to give her one bottle a day just to give her some. I've also read that some people give their baby's water with the probiotics in it but I've got to make sure that's ok.

That's all for now :0)

Why?

Why am I up? It's 7:15 and I've been up for about an hour. Avery is waking up now. I should have been sleeping while she was. Last night some good things and not so good things happened.

First, I got her to go to sleep without me being a human pacifier. She didn't like it but mom won. So that's good. The bad part of that is when she woke for her middle of the night snack, she wanted me to be the human pacifier again. Which I didn't want to be so I was irritated and she was happy (as long as I didn't pull away). It's hard for me to try to start getting new habits when I know she's going to get mad and I don't want to bother David. Oh well, we'll get it figured out.

The other good thing is that she went down and didn't wake up for almost 5 hours!

Well, the princess is making lots of noises so I better go check on her!

Ready for Bed...Already

Oh. My. Gosh. I am tired. We were up late last night. And Avery has this little habit of dozing off all evening but the second we get in bed she's wide awake and takes an hour to get to sleep. All the while she wants to nurse for comfort which hurts and the second I pull away from her she screams. It's lovely.

Yesterday while we were at Austin and Vicki's I started freezing. I was shivering and couldn't stop. Also, this is a little TMI but my left breast was hurting and really engorged and I've never had problems with engorgement. We came home and I took a hot shower and got some milk out but it didn't help. I was hurtin' bad. I got on the couch and couldn't stop shivering, it was making my jaw hurt. I was in pants, t-shirt and a sweatshirt and under a blanket and was so cold. I was holding Avery and her hands got clammy. So I went and got a thermometer because I felt like I had a temp. I did, it was 103.2. Anywho, in the end after a couple phone calls, I thought I probably had a case of mastitis. It's 8:40 right now and I'm waiting for the Dr.'s office to open. I feel a whole lot better today other than being tired.

David has only been in the machine shop for 3 days now but he is loving it. He's learning alot and is actually excited to go to work. And...he's wanting to move to Logan. :( I like Preston and I like this house. But David needs to gain Utah residency so he can go to school there and not pay out of state tuition. And he wants to move by the end of this month. We'll see what happens.

Well, that's all I know for now.

Excuse the Forehead Please!

I also forgot to mention earlier that David finally got moved over to the machine shop yesterday and so far he likes it. He said it's much more laid back. He is in charge of 2 CNC lathes.

Stuck at Home

Well, today I had plans to go to Logan and do a little shopping but it's snowing and I don't have working windshield wipers soooooo Avery and I are stuck at home. Bummer. The girl needs some clothes. Every one bought her clothes for when she's older and she doesn't have much newborn size clothes and the ones she does have she's grown out of.

She has the worst case of cradle cap on her forehead and between her eyes. It is GROSS. The doc said to put dandruff shampoo on it and gave me a scrub brush and also said to put hydrocortisone cream on it. I've just been putting Arbonne baby oil on it and picking at it :0) I don't like the idea of putting shampoo that close to her eyes.

She's growing so fast and is so darn cute.

Time to go give her a bath!

Tired Girl

Avery slept quite a bit yesterday and this morning she's been sleeping. I don't know if it's a growth spurt or if it's because she's a little stuffy with a cough. I am thankful that now she will sit in her vibrating chair and she usually falls asleep. She's been waking up quite a bit in the night the last 2 nights because of her nose but she goes right back to sleep. She had some bad gas last night though. I'm also thankful that that seems to be getting better. She just has some episodes here and there. Might have been the food I ate the night before...

Woohoo! I got skype so now I can keep in touch by video!

I'm loving the snow. I just hate that my windshield wiper motor went out and so we can't drive in the snow. We ordered a new motor, gotta go pick it up today. David finally got me an antenna so hopefully he'll install it and I won't be confined to the bedroom. I'll be so excited to have TV!

Well, there's not much going on and I have nothing else to say.

Thanksgiving Picture

Here is a lovely picture of me from today :0)

This picture is us on Thanksgiving. Avery's first! We had to leave shortly after eating because Avery pretty much cried the whole time. We went for a small drive and she was good but when we got home she cried for hours. It was horrible. Then she woke up every 2.5 hours last night and puked a TON on me around midnight and then screamed while I changed her and stuff. David left the room. Avery's been better today. I think she's a little tempermental though...

Well, nothing is going on really. I've been enjoying David being home this holiday. Love it.

Blizzard!

I got to experience my first blizzard today. It was pretty neat :0) Tonight we're staying the night with the Brackin's because David left work early today and his truck broke down. He thinks too much snow got in his engine. He left work at 3 and didn't get home until 5:30. Thankfully when he broke down there was a semi behind him who gave him a ride into Franklin and David called Austin. Then they gave some woman a ride home to Whitney. So, we're staying the night because we have to borrow the Brackin's car because my windshield wipers are broken. David and Austin were worried the cavalier wouldn't make it into the neighborhood so we're just staying here. Avery's first sleep over!

Some Pictures

Sometimes Avery makes funny faces.

Yay for snow!

Oh Yeah

I realized that I haven't written about my thoughts on my birth choice. I know I'll forget how I felt so I better type it now.

So, I pretty much decided that I wanted a home birth after watching The Business of Being Born. I had always figured I'd get the epidural in the hospital. That's what everyone does, right? But then my mind wouldn't shut off. I didn't like how birth had become so medicalized. I didn't like how so many people I knew were having C-Sections. Weren't women created to give birth? Weren't women's bodies made equipped to handle it? I started to feel like God didn't create birth to be this way--like a medical problem. I didn't like how it seemed that every woman had a baby in distress during birth. Women have babies that are too big. Women won't progress. It seems that nowadays, something goes wrong in birth. It's to be expected.

Interventions. In my opinion, the reason for most C-Sections. I decided that I wanted to avoid these interventions. Pitocin, epidural, C-Section, baby. That's how birth goes these days. So I decided I was giving birth at home. It became a challenge to myself. I don't have a high pain threshold. In fact, I'm quite the wimp. I'm a complainer. If something hurts, you'll know about it.

If I could make it through child birth, medication free, I thought I would feel empowered. Like I conquered a huge mountain. I'd feel proud of myself. I could join the ranks of millions of women who had done this before me. Strangely, I feel none of this. People always say you don't get an award for having an unmedicated child birth. Which is true. But I thought I'd have this trophy sitting on a shelf in my brain. I don't. It feels like I did the same thing millions of other women did--because I did.

I am proud of myself that I did it. It seems like I surprised most people I know. Most have made comments that I'm not sure how to take but whatever. I can say that the only reason I did it was because I was at home and had no other option. Had I been in the hospital, depending on how strong David was, I would have most likely taken the epidural in a moment of weakness. When I was laboring at home alone, my mind wandered alot. I told myself an epidural would be okay. Even if it led to a C-Section. I could handle the recovery. At that point I knew I had to quit thinking that way. So, I prayed.

I've often wondered if the Hypnobabies was worth the time (that I didn't really put into it) and the money. I have decided that yes it was. The closer I got to giving birth the more freaked out I got about having to do it. So I listened to the pregnancy affirmation CD each day. The positive thoughts helped me ALOT! The birthing day affirmations helped me when I was in transition too. Those CD's alone were worth it to me. I think because of those CD's, I was able to stay calm the whole time. Which really amazes me. I tend to have a lot of anxiety and the whole time I was home laboring, I had no anxiety. I literally had no stress or worry. That in itself is amazing.

At one point I did start to feel sorry for myself that I was alone but it was short lived. Then I became happy that I was alone because I could be noisy and do what I wanted without feeling self conscious. I was a little annoyed when David got home because I had called him when he got off work at 2:30 to tell him the midwife was on her way. I asked him where he was and he was taking a co-worker home. This did not make me happy. When he got home I said "next time your wife is in labor at home, don't give anyone rides home!" Now, to his credit, he didn't know that I was actually in labor so I got over it really quick.

So, the hardest part for me was the pushing part. It hurt like a mofo :0). Do I want to do it again? Not any time soon. Am I glad I did it? Yes. Did I like giving birth in the water? Yes!

My homebirth experience was amazing. It was so peaceful and wonderful. I was in the comfort of my own home. I had my baby and went and got in my bed. Not a hospital bed in a hospital gown but in my own room. I had complete trust in God, my body and my midwife. It truly was an awesome thing.

And I have to say that I completely believe that a person's ability to go unmedicated is all mental. If you go into it thinking you "might" get an epidural if needed, you will. Every story I've heard of women going unmedicated, it was some horrible experience. I believe it's because in the majority of the stories told to me, the epidural was wanted and for some reason, they were unable to get it. Mental, people. It's all mental.

The end.

Well...

I've still got nothin' to say. It's weird. Usually, even when I don't have anything to write about I have something I've been thinking about that I could write about. But lately I don't.

My life is consumed by Avery. She's so beautiful--hairy ears and all. Every day she is more and more beautiful. More and more alert. More and more funny. She makes the cutest little faces. She frowns alot too--not sure if that's funny or disturbing :0) Geez, for an English major, you think I could write proper sentences but whatever.

I still can't get used to the idea that I have a daughter. It's strange to look at her and know that she is mine. She is David's. She is ours. She's the most perfect baby ever. What mother doesn't feel that way about their own child? Plenty I'm sure. How sad.

She's wonderful. I can't get enough of her. David said last night he can't stop kissing her. Neither can I. I do it all day.

I need to get more pictures of her. Pronto.

Sleeping Beauty

Avery loves sleeping on the couch pillows. She's resting before her appointment with the midwife. Also, she had a rough early morning so I guess she's tired now. And now she's waking up.

Sorry, Nothing to Say

Well, you would think that since I just had a baby, I would have something to say. I don't. I have had the laziest 2 weeks of my life.

My days are consumed with nursing and changing poopy diapers. My girl has had a belly ache the last week or so thanks to my antibiotics. She puked up what seemed like a gallon of milk on me this morning...and yesterday morning too. I've washed my bedding more in the last 2 weeks than I ever have before.

We were heathens today. No church for us. Avery was messing around alot this morning and I was tired. So, I slept in after I put her in her bed.

I'm at a loss for words...

My eyes are heavy...

I'm out.

Busy Day

Today we all went to Smith and Edward's which is the furthest Avery has been. She did so good today. She slept pretty much the whole time while I pushed her around in a stroller. David had to go to work so Bonnie and I went to lunch and of course Avery poops all over her clothes. She HATES getting her clothes changed and her diaper changed. Very rarely will she go through it without screaming about it.

Anywho, she is the most beautiful baby EVER! It's pretty cool to look at her and see what David and I created. I've always wondered what our babies would look like. Now I can't wait to see what she looks like as she grows older. What will she look like when she's a young lady?

I think she's going to get a bath tonight, her hair is greasy :0)

Well, David is at work. Bonnie is watching the Brackin kiddos and Avery and I are on our own. Time for a movie!

Ouch

Avery got her PKU test done today and she did surprisingly well. Now, when she was at the doctor's office, that was a different story. She was not happy at all!

The doctor we went to today was soooooo much better than the one I've seen a couple times before. He was totally cool with me having had a homebirth and made the comment that doctors could stand to learn a thing or two from midwives. :0)

Of course, the lab tech who did the PKU test was kind of a butt but whatever. I had already been warned about him.

So, we've got a 2 week appt with the midwife on Tuesday.

My lower abdomen is still a bit sore so I'm not sure that this antibiotic has completely kicked the infection. It's so much better though. We'll see.

My Sweet Girl

Look at my little Avery!!

This picture was taken yesterday 11-08-10. 11 days old.

Poor girl has to go get her PKU test on Thursday. I think that's like 12 pricks to her little heel :( So sad. They'll also tell me what her blood type is.

Edit: I don't think they prick her foot 12 times. They have to get enough blood for 12 circles or something.

It's Snowing :0)

Yay! I love it when it snows!!

I wanted to write down 2 things that I love:
1) I love how Avery knows I'm her mommy. It's sweet how when she cries when someone else is holding her and they give her to me, she stops crying. Not always, but usually.
2) I love how she scoots as close to me as possible when we're in bed. Ok, she does it to David too if she's next to him but it's cute how she wants to be so close to me (or apparently a warm body). I like to think it's me.

I was going to upload some photos but blogger won't let me for some reason.

She's so adorable! I love her!

Church

Today was Avery's first day in church. I should have taken a picture of her in her little dress but I didn't. Bad mommy :0)

Well, Avery poops a lot. I guess all newborns do but when Avery poops, it sounds like an adult person who has diarrhea. Ok, so my point with this is: Avery pooped in church. When it was quiet. And it sounded like someone was squirting diarrhea in their pants. Nice.

I'm taking amoxicillin right now and I think it's messing with her belly. That doesn't explain the explosive sounding poo because she already did that before I was on the antibiotic.

She had crazy hair for church today. Next time, I don't think I'll wash it the morning of church.

We went to lunch and she slept the whole time and now we're at home relaxing.

Sleepy

Going to the Doctor

I have to go to the doctor this afternoon. My lower abdomen is hurting so bad. I can hardly move. It's ridiculous. When I get up I'm light headed and I had a temp of 101.6. I called my midwife and she thinks it's probably the UTI that I had before I had Avery. I wasn't sure if it's uterine or bladder or what. But when I got my antibiotic last week the instructions said do not use past 38 weeks, which I was, and do not use while breastfeeding. So I never took anything for the infection. So I'm going to go back and see what he thinks it is and if he'll give me a different antibiotic.

I am so tired. Avery's been doing really well at night so that's a blessing. She was a little more fussier last night but not too bad. No screaming :0)

Well, I'm going to eat some lunch and try to rest.

Avery!

Avery's first time in her carseat!

Love her!

I Love My Girl

I could sit and stare at this girl all day long. She is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen! She is so precious. I could go on and on. I love my girl. She gets cuter every time I look at her! It's so amazing!

David spent last night in Salt Lake City for work. He had to attend some safety seminars. I missed him and am very glad he's coming home tonight!

My lower abdomen has been really sore today. It hurt when I stand up and sit down and just aches. I thought it was my uterus but now I'm wondering if it's my bladder. I had that infection before Avery was born but I never did anything about it. I think I'll start the cranberry pills and see if that helps. It sure is hurting. I can't fall apart the first week after having a baby :0)

Avery is one week old today. She had her first outing today. We went to Cafe Sabor. Avery slept the entire time and it was so loud in there. Oh gosh, I just love her!

Pictures!

This is Robin, the assistant. Probably one of the sweetest, most gentle women I've ever met.

This is Chris, my midwife. She is absolutely wonderful. I am so thankful I found her (and chose her over the others!). 40 years and 3000+ babies!

My little Avery, the night one day old...I think.

They don't call it labor for nothing!