tribute

While I was in labor with Jackson, I couldn't stop thinking about how different it was compared to Lily's birth. I have to admit that in a way, I was pretty excited to go to the hospital because of how enjoyable labor was with Lily. I told Adam at one point it was like we were going on a date. And although the outcome was a bit different than I expected, I wanted to take the opportunity to write my thoughts down of my wonderful husband and my first birthing experience. Adam was such a huge part of it and I seriously could not have done it naturally without him. I never wanted to quit and give up. It never entered my mind to ask for drugs: I had Adam there as my pain-blocking, endorphin-producing companion. I don't really remember any pain, although I'm sure that is the case with most women. Having him by my side was so soothing. He was there every second to support me, lightly stroking my arms, keeping my forehead cool with a wet washcloth, offering me ice cold apple juice for hydration, and *wow*. Those eyes! All I had to do was concentrate on those green beauties to get me through each contraction by relaxing my entire body. He was not just hanging out in the room, but was right by my side, encouraging and affirming. It really is one of my favorite memories of our marriage so far.

Validation

Yesterday I was talking with Amanda about our labors (she had her baby on Wednesday), and I mentioned how Jackson had come out with his hand up next to his face. She was kind of shocked and said that she was reading in a book about how rare that is and how much more painful it's supposed to be. So I looked it up on the internet and found out that it is called a compound birth and is considered a rare abnormality. Awesome! I feel totally validated now for screaming so much and swearing three times (although twice *was* in German - that's not as bad, right?)

Mimi comes to visit

Can you tell?











Janet came last week and helped out with Lily. It was so nice! She really brings a luxurious tone to our home with the gifts she brings - always a more-than-welcome addition to our practicality and my boring style.

"my resolve is weakening"

In my opinion, it all started on Friday with the patio chair at Liz's house: I went to sit down, and the seat of the chair collapsed completely - not the frame of the chair, just the seat. I told Adam if I went early with this baby it would be because of the chair. On Sunday my contractions were kind of close but who wants to keep track? I wanted to get things ready just in case, so I packed my hospital bag, packed a bag for Lily, cleaned the kitchen and started the laundry. We went to church, whereupon I sat in Relief Society timing my contractions (it's easy when there's a clock right there), which were about 5-7 minutes apart. I didn't think that was too close, but I was really sweaty and hot and started looking around wondering if it was just me. We went home and I finished up with tidying the house: I still didn't completely believe I was in labor, but then my contractions started being super intense, and I said "whatever, let's go to the hospital." So we checked in about 3:30 p.m., and after 30 minutes with an inexperienced CNA who was more concerned about getting my blood pressure than getting a nurse to check me so if I was in labor I could start the IV with the antibiotics for strep B, and also condescendingly letting me know that they needed to monitor the fetus so I should 'slip' this teensy tiny elastic band over my stomach that made it impossible to breathe through contractions no matter how painful it was; FINALLY, after 30 minutes, a nurse came in and checked me and said I was dilated to 8 cm. By this point I couldn't relax, and that's when the pain really started coming, and I would look pleadingly at Adam and say "my resolve is weakening, can't I have any pain medication?" It seemed like I repeated this a few times, but each time he just kind of chuckled and said I was doing a really good job and he was very proud of me. I also remember repeatedly asking "how far away is he?" "what is the longest period of time before he's born?" "am I past transition?" So unfortunately, if anyone was passing by my room and knew I went natural, I'm afraid to say I didn't do Hypnobirthing justice. But oh well. It's over and this moment was so worth it all.

Baby #2

Jackson Lewis Bird

~

born august 24, 2008

5:28 p.m.

9 lbs 6 oz

20 in

~

Baby Nay

Amanda's baby shower was last weekend at Liz's house - I do feel like it was a success, although Mom, Liz and Amanda did most of the work that day!

"they'd better be beautiful, they cost enough"

That was Adam's reply to my exclamation of how beautiful the roses were he brought home for my birthday. What a great surprise! It's pretty rare he gets me flowers, which makes for a special occasion when he does. We also took advantage of some gift certificates to a restaurant and some neighbors that didn't mind us dropping off Lily with only 15 minutes notice. It was a very nice evening.

Lily's present to me was that she slept in until 10:00 a.m. Wow! That was a nice little break for me. We then headed up to Logan to have lunch with Erin and her kids Ethan and Lucy (Lily was born about 2 weeks after Lucy - it was really cute to see them together). When we got home Britt called and we talked until Adam got home - no downtime for me to start worrying about cooking or cleaning.

So my 26th birthday was a wonderful day.