What was I thinking??

Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking having 2 kids under 2.  Sure, they're cute and they'll be great friends when they're older, but what about now?  How am I supposed to deal with a 17 month old who is becoming very independent and has long since entered the terrible twos and whines at EVERY thing (ie somebody leaves the house, the stroller he's pushing hits a wall/small rock, if you tell him "no") and a newborn who eats every 2 hours?  They are fantastic when I have them one on one, but together and by myself??  I go crazy sometimes.  It's a good thing there are 4 adults to 2 kids.  I dread the day it becomes 2 adults to 3 kids...yikes.  For the moment they are both blissfully sleeping.  In their beds. At the same time.  Must....go...clean!

Two weeks!

Our little Ashlyn is already 2 weeks old.  She is the sweetest little baby anyone could ask for.  She also puts up with a lot.  Her big brother absolutely loves her, which is both a blessing and a curse.  He likes to show his love with some overly enthusiatic hitting, squeezing, and slobbering.  He's had many a timeout, but it still doesn't click for him.  He does have his moments of gentleness though.  He's particularly concerned when she cries and tries to tip the bassinet so he can get a look at her.  Occasionally he tries to sit on her.  I'm going to have to start waking up at 5am just to shower before he wakes up! 

Ashlyn takes it all in stride though.  Her eyes get wide when he comes near, but she loves to look at him.  She seems to be pretty alert for her age and she is a fantastic sleeper and nurser!  She only cries when she's hungry or needs a new diaper (with the exception of yesterday).  She wakes up twice at night and goes back to sleep!  No crazy bouncing and singing down the hall to get her to sleep like her brother.  I LOVE this little girl. 

This is how we often find ourselves after nursing...especially at 2pm or 12am.  HAHA

Birth Story

Very few things in my life seem to go as I plan them.  This birth was definitely not one of those things.  I looked back at my birth plan that I loosely made while pregnant and it goes something like this:
--all natural delivery (no induction)
--no epidural
--no pitocin
--no IV should be necessary since I wasn't group B + this time
--walk throughout labor
--possibly birth using a squatting bar

I got absolutely none of these.  Actually, I may not have been given pitocin to contract my uterus after the fact.  I don't remember that being mentioned as one of the many things going through my IV.

Yes, I had a C section because Ashlyn's head wouldn't move past my ribcage.  Definitely not natural.  I was given an IV immediately because you can't eat or drink for 8 hours prior because of the risk of surgery.  It took 3 tries to get it in.  I think my fear of needles has officially been squelched.  I still can't watch though.  I was also given an antibiotic (antsa??), reglan, and pepcid through that thing.  Let's not forget the morphine, but that may have been placed with my spinal.  I'm not really sure and I didn't feel the need to ask.  I just enjoyed the following 24 hours that were pain free.  I think it's the first narcotic I've ever been given.  Nothing like going straight to the good stuff. 

The ECV (to turn her) wasn't that bad.  It was mildly uncomfortable while my doctor was doing it and slightly painful when she called in a male doctor to assist.  Shortly thereafter I just surrendered to the surgical option.  But, it was the first time that I actually felt peace about the decision.  I even took a little siesta after the nurse had prepped me, yet we were still waiting for the OR.  I'm still surprised I was actually able to sleep.  The OR is freezing and the warmth in my legs from the spinal was actually a welcome relief.  The anesthesiologist was right and my IV hurt worse than my spinal.  One of the doctors was there simply to add humor to the situation while they got everything ready.  I'm sure he had another job once I was numb, but they could pay him big bucks just for that if it was up to me.

Here's an overload of pictures in her first few days after birth.  I actually don't have any of her coming out because Alex chose the video camera for documentation of the event and I highly doubt you want to see the inside of my uterus...don't worry, I didn't either. 

the last picture of me pregnant

Alex prepped for surgery

while I sleep (I didn't even realize they took a pic!)

Mommy got bored around day 2 of the hospital and started dressing me up...

I'm really glad mommy didn't buy the flower that was about twice this size...

At first, Ben didn't really care one way or another for Ashlyn.  Now he wants to poke her, squeeze her, or hit her.  Not exactly the progress I was hoping for.

New Arrival!

We welcomed Kimberly Ashlyn into our family at 10:39am on Sunday, April 3.  She weighed in at 7 pounds 4.1 ounces and 20 inches long. 

39 weeks

I just got back from my 39 week OB appt.  Our little baby girl is practicing to be a gymnast and has flipped....to a breech position.  She did a quick ultrasound and sure enough, the baby's head is near my ribs.  I have an external version scheduled for sunday morning.  If they can turn her, I'll be induced immediately.  If not, it's off to surgery I go!  So, I'll be holding a little girl in 2 days!!  I just really hope it doesn't come down to a C-section.  I totally broke down in the doctor's office.  Stupid pregnancy hormones.  At least she's healthy!  Another testament that Heavenly Father is in charge.  Hopefully I have the strength to get through it!