Saw this on a WaLdorf doll site that I visit:
http://acmari.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-candy.html
She's going to give away a custom doll. I'd so love to win. If you want to become a follower of her blog, leave a comment and say that I reffered you and I get another entry (I think you will too)
I swear I'll get up some new pictures and a family update soon.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
brown eyed girl
Well I'm 99% sure she's got brown eye. I'm 100% sure she has a triple chin and wrist folds. She's just over 5 weeks old now. And now weighs over 10 lbs. Last week she grew out of newborn size clothes. Shes still pretty pettite so some of the 3 month clothes are a bit long in the legs and sleeves, but shes getting quite round in the middle!
Elden is adjusting really well. He of course has moments, but hes really grown up a lot in the last 5 weeks. He even sleeps in his own room now. This was completely by his choice. Jason helped him move his bed. Now we just need to refurnish his room with a dresser and book case as we'll be moving the changing table to the master bedroom.
Elden is adjusting really well. He of course has moments, but hes really grown up a lot in the last 5 weeks. He even sleeps in his own room now. This was completely by his choice. Jason helped him move his bed. Now we just need to refurnish his room with a dresser and book case as we'll be moving the changing table to the master bedroom.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
birthday!
Welcome Althea Jean Towler. She arrived Wednesday April 21st at 12:18pm. She was 18.5 inches long and 8 lbs 1 oz. She's got a heedful of dark brown soft fine hair. Her eyes are dark, which I expect they are brown, but we wont know for a while. She was born healthy and has been doing great.
Here's the story for her entrance to the world. I felt very tired Tuesday April 20th and just not real great. So I took it easy most of the day. Jason was home all day and helped me out. In the evening just after I got Elden to sleep, I started having contractions which were very close together and painful. I've been having lots of sporadic contractions so it didn't start to worry me until I had about 10 in a row.
Jason started timing them and they were about 3 - 5 minutes apart. Baby girl started pushing really hard on my belly with her feet. So much so that there was a huge raised spot on the left side of my belly. Within 20 minutes of our starting to time the contractions I felt my water break. I wasn't sure if it was my water or just losing the mucous plug as it was a very slow trickle. Anyway, we called the dr to find out what to do since the contractions were so close together. They asked us to come into the hospital. Later we decided that baby Althea had broken her own amniotic sac by pushing so hard with her feet. If this is an indication of her personality I would like to warn the world now.
We called my Dad and woke him up at 11:40 on 4/20. They said they would come meet us at the hospital. My contractions continued to grow in intensity and were still about 3 - 5 minutes apart. Jason was a champ getting the car all packed and Elden and I into it. Poor Elden woke up and was scared about Mommy's crying. When we got to the hospital and Jason got out of the car to get me some help inside. Elden was left in the car with mommy who was in serious pain. He kept telling me not to cry and that it would be ok. I was trying to explain to him that it was ok and I was fine but he was very worried.
They took me in for observation and assessment and quickly confirmed my water had broken, my contractions were strong and regular, and sadly I was still not very dilated (1.5 cm). They admitted me and when Jason and Elden arrived we talked and I opted for a narcotic pain med which helped me deal with the pain of the contractions. It took enough edge off that I could tolerate them, but still didn't allow me to sleep. Dad and Janice showed up after I got into a birthing room. They took Elden home to stay the night at our house.
Later I was given a 2nd dose of pain meds, but the second dose was not giving me any relief. At 6am I opted for the epidural as we'd both been up all night and I was still no more than 2 cm. Around 6am The nurse checked me and again no further dilating. however when she checked me my water broke again at a location much lower and when it did they found meconium in the fluid. They were concerned but still gave me an option to try to add pitocin to help speed up my contractions which had slowed when I got the epidural. It was try that or have a c section. I wanted to try that, so we did for 3 hours, but still no more dilating.
At this point 11am on 4/21, I was exhausted. I was given the option to try 1 more time with more pitocin for a few hours to see if I could get further along. Jason and I talked about it and decided to go ahead with the c section. I was so tired I feared I wouldn't be able to push if we ever got there. I had also started to get nauseous and had a terrible headache. I also had a fever which had been rising for the last hour and a half.
When we agreed to the c section, they said we'd go into surgery at 12pm. They acted very quickly, I was scared, but hardly had time to think much. We were moving very rapidly and there was no wait time at all. Once they got started and Jason could come in I felt much better. They invited Jason to watch the baby come out and he did. The look on his face scared me a little. I heard the tallking about the cord. I finally heard her cry and felt so much relief.
They finished up with me and the dr came and told me that a vaginal delivery would've been very traumatic as baby girl had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and she was still very high in the birth canal. It most likely would've ended in emergency c section.
It took a while to get to hold her afterwards as the ran a bunch of tests on her for fear of infection, meconium in her lungs, etc. I was so glad to meet her and hold her and nurse her. It was the best reward. She was so perfect. Nothing in her lungs, no infection, and healthy all around. We bonded instantly. I did want to let her go for anything.
We stayed in the hospital for 4 days recovering. We were glad to be going home as a family. The first night was rough. We are still figuring everything out. Jason's mom has been here and it has been a big help, especially with Elden. He's been sick with a stomach bug and of course feeling a little displaced by the new sibling.
Unfortunately Althea now has the stomach bug too and it can be very dangerous for a newborn to have diarrhea, so we are watching her. She's been nursing a lot, but seems tired. Of course all newborns are pretty tired so that is hard to discern if she's sick tired or just tired because she's supposed to be.
Both Jason and I are absolutely in love with her, even if we aren't getting a whole lot of sleep right now. She's beautiful and her arrival has made us so very contented. We are really happy to have our daughter join our pea pod!
Pictures of our newest T in a pod
Althea and Daddy
Althea and Mommy
First Day home
Uncle Chad and Dora came to visit and brought cupcakes for Elden to decorate
Big Brother love
Here's the story for her entrance to the world. I felt very tired Tuesday April 20th and just not real great. So I took it easy most of the day. Jason was home all day and helped me out. In the evening just after I got Elden to sleep, I started having contractions which were very close together and painful. I've been having lots of sporadic contractions so it didn't start to worry me until I had about 10 in a row.
Jason started timing them and they were about 3 - 5 minutes apart. Baby girl started pushing really hard on my belly with her feet. So much so that there was a huge raised spot on the left side of my belly. Within 20 minutes of our starting to time the contractions I felt my water break. I wasn't sure if it was my water or just losing the mucous plug as it was a very slow trickle. Anyway, we called the dr to find out what to do since the contractions were so close together. They asked us to come into the hospital. Later we decided that baby Althea had broken her own amniotic sac by pushing so hard with her feet. If this is an indication of her personality I would like to warn the world now.
We called my Dad and woke him up at 11:40 on 4/20. They said they would come meet us at the hospital. My contractions continued to grow in intensity and were still about 3 - 5 minutes apart. Jason was a champ getting the car all packed and Elden and I into it. Poor Elden woke up and was scared about Mommy's crying. When we got to the hospital and Jason got out of the car to get me some help inside. Elden was left in the car with mommy who was in serious pain. He kept telling me not to cry and that it would be ok. I was trying to explain to him that it was ok and I was fine but he was very worried.
They took me in for observation and assessment and quickly confirmed my water had broken, my contractions were strong and regular, and sadly I was still not very dilated (1.5 cm). They admitted me and when Jason and Elden arrived we talked and I opted for a narcotic pain med which helped me deal with the pain of the contractions. It took enough edge off that I could tolerate them, but still didn't allow me to sleep. Dad and Janice showed up after I got into a birthing room. They took Elden home to stay the night at our house.
Later I was given a 2nd dose of pain meds, but the second dose was not giving me any relief. At 6am I opted for the epidural as we'd both been up all night and I was still no more than 2 cm. Around 6am The nurse checked me and again no further dilating. however when she checked me my water broke again at a location much lower and when it did they found meconium in the fluid. They were concerned but still gave me an option to try to add pitocin to help speed up my contractions which had slowed when I got the epidural. It was try that or have a c section. I wanted to try that, so we did for 3 hours, but still no more dilating.
At this point 11am on 4/21, I was exhausted. I was given the option to try 1 more time with more pitocin for a few hours to see if I could get further along. Jason and I talked about it and decided to go ahead with the c section. I was so tired I feared I wouldn't be able to push if we ever got there. I had also started to get nauseous and had a terrible headache. I also had a fever which had been rising for the last hour and a half.
When we agreed to the c section, they said we'd go into surgery at 12pm. They acted very quickly, I was scared, but hardly had time to think much. We were moving very rapidly and there was no wait time at all. Once they got started and Jason could come in I felt much better. They invited Jason to watch the baby come out and he did. The look on his face scared me a little. I heard the tallking about the cord. I finally heard her cry and felt so much relief.
They finished up with me and the dr came and told me that a vaginal delivery would've been very traumatic as baby girl had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and she was still very high in the birth canal. It most likely would've ended in emergency c section.
It took a while to get to hold her afterwards as the ran a bunch of tests on her for fear of infection, meconium in her lungs, etc. I was so glad to meet her and hold her and nurse her. It was the best reward. She was so perfect. Nothing in her lungs, no infection, and healthy all around. We bonded instantly. I did want to let her go for anything.
We stayed in the hospital for 4 days recovering. We were glad to be going home as a family. The first night was rough. We are still figuring everything out. Jason's mom has been here and it has been a big help, especially with Elden. He's been sick with a stomach bug and of course feeling a little displaced by the new sibling.
Unfortunately Althea now has the stomach bug too and it can be very dangerous for a newborn to have diarrhea, so we are watching her. She's been nursing a lot, but seems tired. Of course all newborns are pretty tired so that is hard to discern if she's sick tired or just tired because she's supposed to be.
Both Jason and I are absolutely in love with her, even if we aren't getting a whole lot of sleep right now. She's beautiful and her arrival has made us so very contented. We are really happy to have our daughter join our pea pod!
Pictures of our newest T in a pod
Althea and Daddy
Althea and Mommy
First Day home
Uncle Chad and Dora came to visit and brought cupcakes for Elden to decorate
Big Brother love
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
not here yet
So no baby yet. I am 5 days past due at the moment, but still had 6 more days before I had Elden so nothing new I guess. Yesterday morning I had a burst of sewing energy. I got a ton of things done. However I still haven't even started the crib skirt or the crib blanket I had planned to make. I still need to make about 30 or so more cloth wipes (it is really just cutting them out that is hard work) and of course I have fabric for cute baby clothes for baby girl, but those can wait till she's older.
My appointment yesteday included an ultrasound where I got to see her and she's adorable. Her heart rate and movements were good. They said she's a little short (but um look at the family tree) and probably around 7lb 12oz. My amniotic fluid level is just above normal, which can be nothing or a whole slew of different things that I am going to choose not to worry about since they are nothing that can be taken care of until after she's born. Of course that is easier said than done right now. I just really want her to go ahead and come on out!!!
I go back Thursday if nothing happens before then. I will get a non stress test and yet another exam. Will update everyone on how that goes.
Each day gets a little more difficult to move around etc. I think I may just end up sleeping in a chair soon. ha!
Jason has the crib put up. Yeah, except that it makes it impossible for me and this belly to get into the closet (I should be fine once I have the baby, but for now he's going to have to get some clothes out for me to put in his closet). That was an intersting discovery when I went to get dressed this morning. Luckily there was a shirt hanging on a hook right near the closet door, I could reach that one, so I was able to get dressed to take the kiddo to school.
Ok well I am going to go lie down till it is time to pick up the bubs (about 20 minutes). Going to try and do something fun afterwards.
24 newborn Diapers I dyed and sewed
some playsilks I dyed
teething square for baby girl
Half a dozen cloth wipes (figured Elden might like these so much he'll help change his sister?)
doll blankets, diapers, and a bib for Elden's baby that he will receive when he comes to the hospital to visit his sister
Elden's very own sling for his "baby" he picked out the rings and the fabric. I think it turned out adorable and really hope he'll wear it.
My appointment yesteday included an ultrasound where I got to see her and she's adorable. Her heart rate and movements were good. They said she's a little short (but um look at the family tree) and probably around 7lb 12oz. My amniotic fluid level is just above normal, which can be nothing or a whole slew of different things that I am going to choose not to worry about since they are nothing that can be taken care of until after she's born. Of course that is easier said than done right now. I just really want her to go ahead and come on out!!!
I go back Thursday if nothing happens before then. I will get a non stress test and yet another exam. Will update everyone on how that goes.
Each day gets a little more difficult to move around etc. I think I may just end up sleeping in a chair soon. ha!
Jason has the crib put up. Yeah, except that it makes it impossible for me and this belly to get into the closet (I should be fine once I have the baby, but for now he's going to have to get some clothes out for me to put in his closet). That was an intersting discovery when I went to get dressed this morning. Luckily there was a shirt hanging on a hook right near the closet door, I could reach that one, so I was able to get dressed to take the kiddo to school.
Ok well I am going to go lie down till it is time to pick up the bubs (about 20 minutes). Going to try and do something fun afterwards.
24 newborn Diapers I dyed and sewed
some playsilks I dyed
teething square for baby girl
Half a dozen cloth wipes (figured Elden might like these so much he'll help change his sister?)
doll blankets, diapers, and a bib for Elden's baby that he will receive when he comes to the hospital to visit his sister
Elden's very own sling for his "baby" he picked out the rings and the fabric. I think it turned out adorable and really hope he'll wear it.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
beautiful day
Today is such a beautiful day. Elden and I spent a good part of the late morning / early afternoon outside at a nearby park. It was a lot of fun, although I could see his cheeks getting pink and I don't think I had brought quite enough water since there are no working facilities there (only a port a potty).
I feel pretty good for someone who is lugging around a watermelon (or 2) under my shirt. The last month has been rough, just uncomfortable, etc. Nothing major to report and I am very healthy and thankful that baby seems to be also. I did finally start sewing diapers and am glad to say I am done as of today. I will post some pictures at some point. I haven't been taking much since I hate lugging around any extra weight with me.
We've been spending alot of time outside around the house. In the front yard especially playing in the water table, which seems very small this year, I guess my boy is getting bigger!
He is also very into golfing and bowling or more accurately, throwing balls down the hill that is our driveway. He loves this and gets a huge kick out of it.
He's helped me plant some flowers and some herbs too. When we went to Lowes to get the plants he wanted 1 of everything. It was very sweet.
His attitude about his sister has changed a little. He's a little more wary of what is to come. We think he is very aware that things are going to change and he's not sure how he feels about it.
Ok well I need to go and help Jason with dinner as I am starving!!!
I feel pretty good for someone who is lugging around a watermelon (or 2) under my shirt. The last month has been rough, just uncomfortable, etc. Nothing major to report and I am very healthy and thankful that baby seems to be also. I did finally start sewing diapers and am glad to say I am done as of today. I will post some pictures at some point. I haven't been taking much since I hate lugging around any extra weight with me.
We've been spending alot of time outside around the house. In the front yard especially playing in the water table, which seems very small this year, I guess my boy is getting bigger!
He is also very into golfing and bowling or more accurately, throwing balls down the hill that is our driveway. He loves this and gets a huge kick out of it.
He's helped me plant some flowers and some herbs too. When we went to Lowes to get the plants he wanted 1 of everything. It was very sweet.
His attitude about his sister has changed a little. He's a little more wary of what is to come. We think he is very aware that things are going to change and he's not sure how he feels about it.
Ok well I need to go and help Jason with dinner as I am starving!!!
Friday, March 19, 2010
1 more month
Today was lots of fun. A beautiful day, Elden and I went to a park in Smyrna with Aunt Amity. Elden was in an "I don't wanna" mood again this morning, but quickly came around at the park. He had a ball and the sun just kept warming the earth the whole time we were there.
Then we got sandwiches and ate by a pond and took a walk around it enjoying the ducks, koi, turtles, and plant life. Especially the jonquils which Elden kept stopping to smell. Finally headed back to Auntie Am's house so I could run across the street to pick up a hostess gift for the friend throwing the baby shower. Sadly I needed 2 gifts and only found one, so I will have to run out again tonight (maybe, my motivation is very very lacking right now).
Elden was so exhausted when I came back to get him that he was extremely grumpy. He got a nice nap and when we got home he played a little more outside. Since then we've been in the house getting clean, and working on potty time as well as having a predinner snack. The time change and the sun staying up later is really messing with me!
Hard to believe it is less than a month till my due date and less than a week till I am full term. Well, in some ways it is hard to believe she'll be here so soon, but when I see my belly I know it is true since I am enormous and extremely uncomfortable.
I am a little anxious about the shower tomorrow. I am hoping it is short as I get tired pretty fast. I feel pretty self conscious as it is just being out in public getting lots of stares, comments etc and to be at a party where it is all about me is a little scary.
Tomorrow night I am supposed to attend a birthday party for Elden's sitter. Amity and her mom are going to come over and watch Elden. I am hoping I have enough energy left over to make it! It's kind of late and all the way in town. I may have to make an appearance and leave. Jason has to work so I will be stag and enormous!
Ok the boy wants to play!
Then we got sandwiches and ate by a pond and took a walk around it enjoying the ducks, koi, turtles, and plant life. Especially the jonquils which Elden kept stopping to smell. Finally headed back to Auntie Am's house so I could run across the street to pick up a hostess gift for the friend throwing the baby shower. Sadly I needed 2 gifts and only found one, so I will have to run out again tonight (maybe, my motivation is very very lacking right now).
Elden was so exhausted when I came back to get him that he was extremely grumpy. He got a nice nap and when we got home he played a little more outside. Since then we've been in the house getting clean, and working on potty time as well as having a predinner snack. The time change and the sun staying up later is really messing with me!
Hard to believe it is less than a month till my due date and less than a week till I am full term. Well, in some ways it is hard to believe she'll be here so soon, but when I see my belly I know it is true since I am enormous and extremely uncomfortable.
I am a little anxious about the shower tomorrow. I am hoping it is short as I get tired pretty fast. I feel pretty self conscious as it is just being out in public getting lots of stares, comments etc and to be at a party where it is all about me is a little scary.
Tomorrow night I am supposed to attend a birthday party for Elden's sitter. Amity and her mom are going to come over and watch Elden. I am hoping I have enough energy left over to make it! It's kind of late and all the way in town. I may have to make an appearance and leave. Jason has to work so I will be stag and enormous!
Ok the boy wants to play!
Melissa and Doug contest
Melissa and Doug are holding a contest to win a wooden barn and 4 horses. Of course with baby girl soon on the way I can not resist this. Here is the website. There are many ways to enter (as you can see one of them is to post it in your blog!)
http://blog.melissaanddoug.com/2010/03/16/502/
http://blog.melissaanddoug.com/2010/03/16/502/
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