Barend is closing in on his 9month bday. No teeth, not that I'm complaining. My nephew has 6 teeth, being 4 days younger than Barend and my niece has 8 (the last I heard) being 1 month older than Barend. Both moms have been bitten, and not very gently. So I really don't mind, other than his very runny nose and crankiness.
He's doing the army crawl at speeds that recruits would be jealous of. He's so fast in fact that when you pull him across the room AWAY from the entertainment center that is surrounded by a barricade of pillows, and you go about your buisness trying to catch up on some housework, he's back at the entertainment center, on top of the pillows trying to check out what we try to keep hidden. He's like that though, wanting to play with anything other than his "kids" toys. If we try and give him his "kid" cup to distract him while we take a drink out of our "adult" glass, he wants the glass and not his cup. Maybe, Trav and I will have to start eating and drinking using all his baby sized stuff, so he'll start getting interested in those.
He's beginning to realize that grass is his friend, not a green matt full of little needle sharp like fingers reaching out and trying to take his hand off. Although, the next step would be to teach him that it's not really good to eat ones friend.
He's a thumb sucker and has a tag blanket that Trav and I have to make sure is available for his daytime naps and at bedtime. I just hope he doesn't end up like me, in the thumb sucking buisness. I sucked my thumb till I was about 13yrs old to my parents detriment (spending roughly $3000 for braces) and had a "binki" (blanket) till just a few years ago. I still regret throwing those away.
He's growing out of all his 6-9 month stuff. We've been dressing him in 12month stuff since his 7 month bday, due to the height that he gets from his dad. And the fact that the waste on alot of the younger month clothes doesn't fit around his cloth diapers. Oh well, he looks too cute with oversized clothes on.
Sleep, is still something that we're searching for and can't really seem to find. Trav has been somewhat successful in getting him into a naptime routine during the day. We know that if he doesn't get at least 3.5 hours of daytime napping in, where in for a long night. Even longer than the usual no sleep nights. He gets up just about every 1.5 - 2 hours. Sometimes I'm lucky and he'll have a stretch of 3hrs, too bad those are at the very earliest of times when I have to get up and get ready for work. I can't blame it all on the fact that it's him that's not sleeping. I think I have some part of the blame. I'm a mover when I sleep (to the annoyance of Travis and that's why we purchased a king sized bed) and I think when I move it wakes up Barend. Well, I think Barend will move and then wake himself up, cause he hasn't really learned how to go back to sleep on his own. I keep trying to tell myself...."and this too shall pass." Just a life phase, something that you don't want to rush, but you can't wait until it's over.
Trav's garden is coming around. It's going to be great : ) I'll have to post a list of what he's growing. He's also making wine, and getting ready to try his hand at beer. We'll see. Too bad we won't be able to try the wine until next year. Oh, he's 25yrs old now. His bday was on the 14th. His siblings informed him that it's a great number, because now he can rent a car in any state and our car insurance goes down : )
I should get back to work................
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Friday, May 05, 2006
Pictures!
So, my sister in law pointed me in the right direction on how to post pictures....
It's crazy how fast time flys...
Friday, April 07, 2006
Big Barend!
So he's officially said dadadada and mamama. He said mama first about a week ago and just last night we were playing with him upstairs and Trav was trying to get him to say dada. Sure enough, "dadadadadada" came out. I don't think he really knows what it means yet, but we're working on that part. He also got his knees underneath him for the first time and instead of using his arms for support, he leaned forward and used his head to stabalize himself.
Just in the past week he's also discovered his shadow. He will get really still when you hold him up so he can stand and then flap his arms really fast and dance and then just smile : ) Then he'll get really still and repeat the process. Cute!
He loves mirrors. Loves remote controls. Loves alarm clocks.
Our baby is getting soooo big : ) 7 months old...
Just in the past week he's also discovered his shadow. He will get really still when you hold him up so he can stand and then flap his arms really fast and dance and then just smile : ) Then he'll get really still and repeat the process. Cute!
He loves mirrors. Loves remote controls. Loves alarm clocks.
Our baby is getting soooo big : ) 7 months old...
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
I found it!!
Yes, I've located the pot of gold! Frozen gold to be exact. And I actually have to give credit to my brother, cause he's the one who really found it.
Everyone knows that Superman is the best ice cream flavor. It's taken me 26yrs, ok so really like 15yrs, of tasting store boughten ice cream to find just the right brand to match the ice cream that I absolutely love from my hometown city dairy.
Shall I disclose this information to you? Since I'm nice I will : ) It's a Premium Mooney's brand that's called Super Rainbow. Yummy!
Everyone knows that Superman is the best ice cream flavor. It's taken me 26yrs, ok so really like 15yrs, of tasting store boughten ice cream to find just the right brand to match the ice cream that I absolutely love from my hometown city dairy.
Shall I disclose this information to you? Since I'm nice I will : ) It's a Premium Mooney's brand that's called Super Rainbow. Yummy!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Prayer
I'm submitting an appeal to the insurance company for them to pay the fee that was charged to us when Barend was born. Need prayer that they'll cover it. A new law was passed effective March 2005, so hopefully that'll persude them to cover it.
Also, Barend has been very fussy the past week. I'm attributing it to teething, but he's not really eating and has just been very needing of both Trav and I. I'm just getting tired out.......
Also, Barend has been very fussy the past week. I'm attributing it to teething, but he's not really eating and has just been very needing of both Trav and I. I'm just getting tired out.......
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Random Thoughts
It's amazing how time goes by so fast, but yet so slow.
Barend will be 6 months in a couple of days. He's rolling over (both ways), sucking his thumb, and reaching out for anything that he finds interesting, which is pretty much everything. The teeth haven't come yet, but the drool and the fussiness has. The thumb sucking is soooo adorable and it's like he wants everything in his mouth at the same time, thumb (check) blanket (check), cup (check)....hmmm....can I fit a teething ring too?
Sleep?? Hmmm, good question. Seen it anywhere? Tell it I'm looking for it.
We're getting ready for the spring. Trav's been researching doing a garden. It's exciting!! I even paced out our backyard for him and the various "obsticals" that would effect the placement of the garden.
Work....is work. I love my job, it's just I want to be a mom more.
I got a chance to go see Freeland (my old High School) compete at Haslett High School for the gymnastics Regionals. It brought back so many memories and some regrets.
PB and J, time for lunch.
Barend will be 6 months in a couple of days. He's rolling over (both ways), sucking his thumb, and reaching out for anything that he finds interesting, which is pretty much everything. The teeth haven't come yet, but the drool and the fussiness has. The thumb sucking is soooo adorable and it's like he wants everything in his mouth at the same time, thumb (check) blanket (check), cup (check)....hmmm....can I fit a teething ring too?
Sleep?? Hmmm, good question. Seen it anywhere? Tell it I'm looking for it.
We're getting ready for the spring. Trav's been researching doing a garden. It's exciting!! I even paced out our backyard for him and the various "obsticals" that would effect the placement of the garden.
Work....is work. I love my job, it's just I want to be a mom more.
I got a chance to go see Freeland (my old High School) compete at Haslett High School for the gymnastics Regionals. It brought back so many memories and some regrets.
PB and J, time for lunch.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Hope
My cousin's son, Dustin, passed away yesterday. He was struck by an SUV while riding his bike on the way to school. He was only 14. You begin to question God and his awesome power. Is he so loving?
I want to know if I'll see Dustin again. I want to know if Barend leaves, will I see him again. Where is the line? When is it that God says we are able to make the decision to follow him? At what point do we become "responsible" for our own salvation. Is there really a place...is there really a hope that God has a place for us and his children. I begin to question, if I died in one second, will I see God? Will I be "safe"? And is that even right to think that way?
In the back of my mind, I know that I shouldn't worry. I know I should rely on God. I know it's not for us to decide. But how can we not???
For now they saw something not only behind the wave but behind the sun. They could not have seen even the sun if their eyes had not been strengthened by the water of the Last Sea. But now they could look at the rising sun and see it clearly and see things beyond it. What they saw --eastward, beyond the sun--was a range of mountains. It was so high that either they never saw the top of it or they forgot it. None of them remembers seeing any sky in that direction. And the mountains must really have been outside the world. For any mountains even a quarter of a twentieth of that height ought to have had ice and snow on them. But these were warm and green and full of forests and waterfalls however high you looked. And suddenly there came a breeze from the east, tossing the top of the wave into foamy shapes and ruffling the smooth water all round them. It lasted only a second or so but what it brought them in that second none of those three children will ever forget. It brought both a smell and a sound, a musical sound. Edmund and Eustace would never talk about it afterwards. Lucy could only say, 'It would break your heart.'
'Why,' said I, 'was it so sad?' 'Sad! No,' said Lucy. No one in that boat doubted that they were seeing beyond the end of the world into Aslan's country. (C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, pg212)
I cry when I read this section in the book, just about every time. I imagine greeting God at the beginning of this vast space. No more pain, suffering. No more worrying about death, about the emptyness that takes ahold sometimes.
C.S. Lewis and even Tolkein describes their image of heaven to the point where I get shivers and I feel like I shouldn't doubt. I really shouldn't doubt him. I may not understand why. I guess I should be glad that it's something in his control and that no matter what, he is still there for us. So many questions.......
Lord, please wrap your arms around Chad, Stacey, Ashley, Darren, and little Chad. Comfort them. Love them. Give them a hope and a peace in you beyond all understanding. Help us to know how to help them. Please be with all the extended family give all of us hope and faith, that you are in control of all things and no matter how hard things are, you're still there. Amen
I want to know if I'll see Dustin again. I want to know if Barend leaves, will I see him again. Where is the line? When is it that God says we are able to make the decision to follow him? At what point do we become "responsible" for our own salvation. Is there really a place...is there really a hope that God has a place for us and his children. I begin to question, if I died in one second, will I see God? Will I be "safe"? And is that even right to think that way?
In the back of my mind, I know that I shouldn't worry. I know I should rely on God. I know it's not for us to decide. But how can we not???
For now they saw something not only behind the wave but behind the sun. They could not have seen even the sun if their eyes had not been strengthened by the water of the Last Sea. But now they could look at the rising sun and see it clearly and see things beyond it. What they saw --eastward, beyond the sun--was a range of mountains. It was so high that either they never saw the top of it or they forgot it. None of them remembers seeing any sky in that direction. And the mountains must really have been outside the world. For any mountains even a quarter of a twentieth of that height ought to have had ice and snow on them. But these were warm and green and full of forests and waterfalls however high you looked. And suddenly there came a breeze from the east, tossing the top of the wave into foamy shapes and ruffling the smooth water all round them. It lasted only a second or so but what it brought them in that second none of those three children will ever forget. It brought both a smell and a sound, a musical sound. Edmund and Eustace would never talk about it afterwards. Lucy could only say, 'It would break your heart.'
'Why,' said I, 'was it so sad?' 'Sad! No,' said Lucy. No one in that boat doubted that they were seeing beyond the end of the world into Aslan's country. (C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, pg212)
I cry when I read this section in the book, just about every time. I imagine greeting God at the beginning of this vast space. No more pain, suffering. No more worrying about death, about the emptyness that takes ahold sometimes.
C.S. Lewis and even Tolkein describes their image of heaven to the point where I get shivers and I feel like I shouldn't doubt. I really shouldn't doubt him. I may not understand why. I guess I should be glad that it's something in his control and that no matter what, he is still there for us. So many questions.......
Lord, please wrap your arms around Chad, Stacey, Ashley, Darren, and little Chad. Comfort them. Love them. Give them a hope and a peace in you beyond all understanding. Help us to know how to help them. Please be with all the extended family give all of us hope and faith, that you are in control of all things and no matter how hard things are, you're still there. Amen
Saturday, December 31, 2005
A Happy New Year!
So I'm a couple hours early, but since we're at home not doing anything other than trying to console a very fussy baby, I figured I might as well say HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
The baby is getting two nice teeth in his bottom gums and has a little cold due to the sickness that was going around my inlaws house during our Christmas trip home. So we're cuddled in our house, Trav is setting up our Ikea stuff we bought back in November and I'm trying to feed the fussy baby.....gotta go...back at it.
The baby is getting two nice teeth in his bottom gums and has a little cold due to the sickness that was going around my inlaws house during our Christmas trip home. So we're cuddled in our house, Trav is setting up our Ikea stuff we bought back in November and I'm trying to feed the fussy baby.....gotta go...back at it.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
A Christmas Card to you...
Since I'm not great at sending out cards on time; birthdays, anniversaries, get well, or Christmas. I've decided to just make one here.
To those that are very dear to our hearts:
The words from a very famous person who is slightly green, "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas....perhaps...means a little bit more!" He being the Grinch and how he tried to steel Christmas.
Remember to love, in all the buisiness of the buying, wrapping, driving, and packing.
Merry Christmas!!!
Hugs : )
To those that are very dear to our hearts:
The words from a very famous person who is slightly green, "Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas....perhaps...means a little bit more!" He being the Grinch and how he tried to steel Christmas.
Remember to love, in all the buisiness of the buying, wrapping, driving, and packing.
Merry Christmas!!!
Hugs : )
Thursday, December 15, 2005
You Know When It's Time to Relax When.....
You get stuck in your driveway and it only has 1 1/2" of snow on it.
Problem:
1. Ford Ranger, rear wheel drive loaded with 300lbs of sand in the back.
2. Ice build up on the driveway where the wheel paths are.
3. A truck that doesn't like to "go" when it's cold outside.
3. Lack of sleep.
4. A very emotional mother, who couldn't comfort her child this morning due to teething.
Yes, I got stuck in our driveway this morning when trying to go to work. Barend was upset this morning and wasn't eating. Trav had to work at the coop and he takes Barend with him, so I didn't want Barend to be really upset while Travis was driving. That can unnerve anyone. I gave up trying to feed him and handed him off to Trav hungry.
So Trav leaves and I leave maybe 1 minute after he does. Get in the truck put it in reverse. It stalls. Put it in park. Start it. Put it in reverse. It stalls again. It does this one more time. (this generally happens about 50% of the time when I drive it) Needless to stay I get it moving and then there is no traction. I gas it slightly thinking that it's just a little spot that I'm slipping on. It spins and the rear right tire goes off the driveway. Try to pull it forward and then back, but to no avail. Being the super smart engineer that I am, I try to pull forward and make a three point turn at the front of our drive. Too bad our driveway is too small for this type of maneuver. I ended up off the driveway even further and in a snow bank. The snow bank was from our neighbor who was really nice and plowed our driveway. Too bad the pile was right where the truck ended up.
I called into work.
My boss and a fellow employee come and rescue me from my driveway. Thanks Larry and Jeremiah.
I'm finally to the point where I can say, "I'm relaxed."
Oh, did I mention today is our anniversary (5yrs Travis and I have been married). Happy Anniversary Honey!!
Problem:
1. Ford Ranger, rear wheel drive loaded with 300lbs of sand in the back.
2. Ice build up on the driveway where the wheel paths are.
3. A truck that doesn't like to "go" when it's cold outside.
3. Lack of sleep.
4. A very emotional mother, who couldn't comfort her child this morning due to teething.
Yes, I got stuck in our driveway this morning when trying to go to work. Barend was upset this morning and wasn't eating. Trav had to work at the coop and he takes Barend with him, so I didn't want Barend to be really upset while Travis was driving. That can unnerve anyone. I gave up trying to feed him and handed him off to Trav hungry.
So Trav leaves and I leave maybe 1 minute after he does. Get in the truck put it in reverse. It stalls. Put it in park. Start it. Put it in reverse. It stalls again. It does this one more time. (this generally happens about 50% of the time when I drive it) Needless to stay I get it moving and then there is no traction. I gas it slightly thinking that it's just a little spot that I'm slipping on. It spins and the rear right tire goes off the driveway. Try to pull it forward and then back, but to no avail. Being the super smart engineer that I am, I try to pull forward and make a three point turn at the front of our drive. Too bad our driveway is too small for this type of maneuver. I ended up off the driveway even further and in a snow bank. The snow bank was from our neighbor who was really nice and plowed our driveway. Too bad the pile was right where the truck ended up.
I called into work.
My boss and a fellow employee come and rescue me from my driveway. Thanks Larry and Jeremiah.
I'm finally to the point where I can say, "I'm relaxed."
Oh, did I mention today is our anniversary (5yrs Travis and I have been married). Happy Anniversary Honey!!
Monday, December 12, 2005
A Laugh
Barend laughed for the first time on Saturday. At first I thought that it was only hiccups, but he did it a few times in between them. I was putting him in his cool sling that his dad made. I usually just bounce/jingle him to get him lower in the sling and he generally dosen't like the method I choose. So, I decided to do it this time with some added noises.
"Chuga, chuga. Choo choo. Choo choo." With a little shake of my hips on the chuga part and a little up and down motion on the choo choo parts.
He smiled really big and started to giggle.
I went and told Trav and he told me, "It's probably just because he has the hiccups." And when I did the chugas and choo choos again, Barend laughed. And Trav and I just kept laughing with him.
Whether it was that he was laughing at how weird I was being or that he really enjoyed the chugas and choo choos, I will never know. But, it's a nice change to the fussiness that has taken over his mood lately.
He's getting teeth.....yes he's only three months old, but he's drooling, chewing on his fingers, and has a few little white bumps on designated areas where teeth will one day show up.
He's growing up....Trav and I packed away his newborn outfits and some 0-3month clothes this past weekend. Time goes by so fast.
"Chuga, chuga. Choo choo. Choo choo." With a little shake of my hips on the chuga part and a little up and down motion on the choo choo parts.
He smiled really big and started to giggle.
I went and told Trav and he told me, "It's probably just because he has the hiccups." And when I did the chugas and choo choos again, Barend laughed. And Trav and I just kept laughing with him.
Whether it was that he was laughing at how weird I was being or that he really enjoyed the chugas and choo choos, I will never know. But, it's a nice change to the fussiness that has taken over his mood lately.
He's getting teeth.....yes he's only three months old, but he's drooling, chewing on his fingers, and has a few little white bumps on designated areas where teeth will one day show up.
He's growing up....Trav and I packed away his newborn outfits and some 0-3month clothes this past weekend. Time goes by so fast.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Bitter Sweet
I'm back to work.
It's been a little rough, particullary in the mornings when I have to say goodbye. I see Travis with his arm around Barend snuggling with him and I just want to stay home, get back in bed, and snuggle too. It's hard, because I'm afraid that one day while I'm at work he'll want me and I won't be able to get to him fast enough and so he won't want me anymore.
But, once I'm at work I'm ok. At least I think I am. I get into a groove; work, pump, work, and pump some more. It actually makes the day go by pretty fast. It becomes hard again during those pumping times when I need to focus on the baby and all I have are pictures. But, I really enjoy what I do. I enjoy designing a project and see it being built. It's just fun! But I miss being with Trav and Barend.
It's been a little rough, particullary in the mornings when I have to say goodbye. I see Travis with his arm around Barend snuggling with him and I just want to stay home, get back in bed, and snuggle too. It's hard, because I'm afraid that one day while I'm at work he'll want me and I won't be able to get to him fast enough and so he won't want me anymore.
But, once I'm at work I'm ok. At least I think I am. I get into a groove; work, pump, work, and pump some more. It actually makes the day go by pretty fast. It becomes hard again during those pumping times when I need to focus on the baby and all I have are pictures. But, I really enjoy what I do. I enjoy designing a project and see it being built. It's just fun! But I miss being with Trav and Barend.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Mr. Magoo, Yoda, and Elmer Fudd Part II
Part II
Trav unpacked the car while I walked around the birth center and got comfortable sitting and shifting my hips on a big birthing ball.
Side Note: Throughout my pregnancy I had been doing HypnoBabies. It's a selfhypnosis course that prepares you and helps you focus and relax for when the baby comes. We ordered the 6 CD self taught course online and I started it at the 26th wk of my pregnancy. I gotta say it totally helped me stay positive while I was pregnant. The course teaches you to enter hypnosis during your pressure waves and generate anesthesia so that you can remain totally relaxed.
Trav kept encouraging me to enter hypnosis, but I couldn't seem to focus. The contractions were getting more intense and closer together. There was a special Hypnobabies CD that I was supposed to listen to during the the active labor portion, but whenever I tried putting the headphones in my ears I would pull them out two seconds later from me moving around on the birthing ball.
There was a point in time that I told Trav that I didn't think I could do it. I didn't think I could make it through and I was beginning to see why so many women elected to have an epidural. Trav looked into my eyes and said that I could do it, that I was doing it right at that instant. The baby was coming he told me. I refocused and during the next contraction I told myself outloud "baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby." I can't tell you how many times I said it, but it helped to get through that one contraction.
The later the time went out the more vocal I became. So vocal in fact, that there were no longer words that came from my mouth, just yells. I'll call them yells, because that sounds less deseperate than screams (even though some of them could be classified as screams).
12:30am
There was one contraction in particular that I remember that I began to push. I grunted and bared down as hard as I could. One of the midwives (I believe it was Clarice) came in the room and said "That sounded like you were pushing." I confirmed that indeed I was and asked if that was ok.
Myself: "Baby's here."
She checked me and I was 9cm dialated.
They started to fill the big whirlpool tub.
I entered the tub when it was half way full. Trying to get into a squating position and not having much luck because there wasn't enough water to help me support my body, I elected the knees and shins position.
Myself: "I feel like my butt is going to fall off."
Clarice: "Shanna, I haven't lost a butt yet."
The head came.
Push.
Then the shoulders.
I couldn't see and neither could Trav because of how I was positioned.
12:52am
The rest came out.
I layed back in the water waiting for my baby. I was totally relaxed. Knowing it was a boy, before anyone told me. Just had that feeling I guess.
The tub was finally full.
It's a boy!
Just totally relaxed and enjoying every moment.
I pushed the placenta out and Trav cut the cord. Tiny little cord.
Barend Mayer Brack was born on September 8th, 2005 weighing a big 5lb 14oz.
19inches long with blonde/brown hair and deep blue eyes looking just like Mr. Magoo with his hat just barely over his eyes and his forhead wrinkled, just like Yoda with his lips tensed in just a certain way, and just like Elmer Fudd with his eyes wide and his round cheeks.
Thanks to everyone for all your support, meals, and prayers throughout the pregnancy and after. You've all been such an amazing help! Love You!
Trav unpacked the car while I walked around the birth center and got comfortable sitting and shifting my hips on a big birthing ball.
Side Note: Throughout my pregnancy I had been doing HypnoBabies. It's a selfhypnosis course that prepares you and helps you focus and relax for when the baby comes. We ordered the 6 CD self taught course online and I started it at the 26th wk of my pregnancy. I gotta say it totally helped me stay positive while I was pregnant. The course teaches you to enter hypnosis during your pressure waves and generate anesthesia so that you can remain totally relaxed.
Trav kept encouraging me to enter hypnosis, but I couldn't seem to focus. The contractions were getting more intense and closer together. There was a special Hypnobabies CD that I was supposed to listen to during the the active labor portion, but whenever I tried putting the headphones in my ears I would pull them out two seconds later from me moving around on the birthing ball.
There was a point in time that I told Trav that I didn't think I could do it. I didn't think I could make it through and I was beginning to see why so many women elected to have an epidural. Trav looked into my eyes and said that I could do it, that I was doing it right at that instant. The baby was coming he told me. I refocused and during the next contraction I told myself outloud "baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby." I can't tell you how many times I said it, but it helped to get through that one contraction.
The later the time went out the more vocal I became. So vocal in fact, that there were no longer words that came from my mouth, just yells. I'll call them yells, because that sounds less deseperate than screams (even though some of them could be classified as screams).
12:30am
There was one contraction in particular that I remember that I began to push. I grunted and bared down as hard as I could. One of the midwives (I believe it was Clarice) came in the room and said "That sounded like you were pushing." I confirmed that indeed I was and asked if that was ok.
Myself: "Baby's here."
She checked me and I was 9cm dialated.
They started to fill the big whirlpool tub.
I entered the tub when it was half way full. Trying to get into a squating position and not having much luck because there wasn't enough water to help me support my body, I elected the knees and shins position.
Myself: "I feel like my butt is going to fall off."
Clarice: "Shanna, I haven't lost a butt yet."
The head came.
Push.
Then the shoulders.
I couldn't see and neither could Trav because of how I was positioned.
12:52am
The rest came out.
I layed back in the water waiting for my baby. I was totally relaxed. Knowing it was a boy, before anyone told me. Just had that feeling I guess.
The tub was finally full.
It's a boy!
Just totally relaxed and enjoying every moment.
I pushed the placenta out and Trav cut the cord. Tiny little cord.
Barend Mayer Brack was born on September 8th, 2005 weighing a big 5lb 14oz.
19inches long with blonde/brown hair and deep blue eyes looking just like Mr. Magoo with his hat just barely over his eyes and his forhead wrinkled, just like Yoda with his lips tensed in just a certain way, and just like Elmer Fudd with his eyes wide and his round cheeks.
Thanks to everyone for all your support, meals, and prayers throughout the pregnancy and after. You've all been such an amazing help! Love You!
Mr. Magoo, Yoda, and Elmer Fudd Part I
PART I
I couldn't sleep at 4am. They were coming every 10 minutes apart and were intense enough that whatever position that I was in wasn't a help. I woke Trav up and told him if they were still going at 7am, I wasn't going to work. They were still going.
I called in, "Not coming in today."
I kept thinking "today's the day". Well....they stopped being intense around 9am. With my hopes dashed I went into work in the afternoon facing everyone and their "you're still pregnant!" and "what, no baby?" comments. During the 2:30pm break I took a walk with my fellow co workers. The contractions were still there and still regular, but I could still function through them. Not yet.
3:50pm
I started timing them, not that this helped make labor happen during any other time that I was having regular contractions in the previous weeks. Needless to say, they started getting closer and I was feeling them getting stronger.
4:45pm
I'm home. I continued to time them for another 3 hours. I didn't want them to go away. Trav asked if today was the day. "I don't know?!?" I didn't want to say yes for fear of being disappointed again.
8:30pm
Called Clarice (our midwife) and told her I thought that I was in labor. She said to meet her at the birth center at 9:30pm (She was actually already there teaching one of the many birthing classes.)
10pm
We arrived at the birth center a little late due to getting through construction and packing the car with the goodies we had prepared for our stay at the birth center. Clarice checked me and I was 2 cm dialated. "You're in early labor." Yes, no turning back. This is it!
We were given a couple options. Stay and get comfortable at the birth center or go home and go through the early labor there. I decided that I wanted to labor at home.
Clarice was going to nap at the birth center instead of going home. She provided us with the phone number for the phone in one of the birthing rooms.
Figuring we would have time to charge some batteries at home, Trav decided to go to the Okemos Meijer and pick up some up and as well as some juice cause he was thirsty. I decided to wait in the car. 30 min later Trav returned to the car carrying his purchase. "I couldn't find the batteries." By this time the contractions were getting pretty intense and I was ready to return to the birth center. We informed Clarice that we were heading back.
11pm
Clarice checked me again and I was at 3cm. Cool I thought to myself. I'm dialating 1 cm an hour so by 9am we'll have this baby.
I can't tell you how fast time flew by after that point.
I couldn't sleep at 4am. They were coming every 10 minutes apart and were intense enough that whatever position that I was in wasn't a help. I woke Trav up and told him if they were still going at 7am, I wasn't going to work. They were still going.
I called in, "Not coming in today."
I kept thinking "today's the day". Well....they stopped being intense around 9am. With my hopes dashed I went into work in the afternoon facing everyone and their "you're still pregnant!" and "what, no baby?" comments. During the 2:30pm break I took a walk with my fellow co workers. The contractions were still there and still regular, but I could still function through them. Not yet.
3:50pm
I started timing them, not that this helped make labor happen during any other time that I was having regular contractions in the previous weeks. Needless to say, they started getting closer and I was feeling them getting stronger.
4:45pm
I'm home. I continued to time them for another 3 hours. I didn't want them to go away. Trav asked if today was the day. "I don't know?!?" I didn't want to say yes for fear of being disappointed again.
8:30pm
Called Clarice (our midwife) and told her I thought that I was in labor. She said to meet her at the birth center at 9:30pm (She was actually already there teaching one of the many birthing classes.)
10pm
We arrived at the birth center a little late due to getting through construction and packing the car with the goodies we had prepared for our stay at the birth center. Clarice checked me and I was 2 cm dialated. "You're in early labor." Yes, no turning back. This is it!
We were given a couple options. Stay and get comfortable at the birth center or go home and go through the early labor there. I decided that I wanted to labor at home.
Clarice was going to nap at the birth center instead of going home. She provided us with the phone number for the phone in one of the birthing rooms.
Figuring we would have time to charge some batteries at home, Trav decided to go to the Okemos Meijer and pick up some up and as well as some juice cause he was thirsty. I decided to wait in the car. 30 min later Trav returned to the car carrying his purchase. "I couldn't find the batteries." By this time the contractions were getting pretty intense and I was ready to return to the birth center. We informed Clarice that we were heading back.
11pm
Clarice checked me again and I was at 3cm. Cool I thought to myself. I'm dialating 1 cm an hour so by 9am we'll have this baby.
I can't tell you how fast time flew by after that point.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Relaxation...
So I think I'm going to have to wait to have the baby until after September 6th.
I have a free one hour massage....can't miss out on that!!
Maybe....
I have a free one hour massage....can't miss out on that!!
Maybe....
Monday, August 29, 2005
Virtues
Patience is a virtue that I seem to be lacking in. I have recognized that through this pregnancy it's something that I need to really work on and change about myself.
For me, I've lived my life by one big life event after the other not really appreciating the everyday events. For example, I couldn't wait to graduate from high school, but missed it after I left. I couldn't wait to plan a wedding and get married to Travis, but after it was done I wondered what was next. I couldn't wait to graduate college and get a "real" job, but after it was done and I got the job I wished I was back and could take advantage of the learning opportunities I had there. I couldn't wait to move into a house and be back in Lansing, but when it was over I wished that we had spent more time looking at different houses. And then, I couldn't wait to be pregnant, after I was I questioned our readiness to be parents wondering if I really rushed it and pushed Travis too hard.
The first months I was anxious to be "big" so that people would know that I was pregnant. Then I was anxious to hear the baby's heartbeat to know that there was a baby in there. Next, it was the movement. Now, I can't wait to have the baby in my arms, to look into his eyes, to feed him and raise him. But I'm forgetting that I already have the baby. The baby is with me 24/7. How easy is that?
If I continue to live my life by one big life event after the other, I'll continue to miss the importance of the every day stuff. The times Trav and I spend together reading and talking. The times when we hang out with our small group and friends at Riverview. The times when I get to see family and friends back in Saginaw. You get the picture...
So I technically have 2 wks left of pregnancy. It could be tomorrow or 3 wks from now, it shouldn't matter. I should enjoy where I'm at and enjoy what God has given me now otherwise, I'll miss out on a whole lot.
For me, I've lived my life by one big life event after the other not really appreciating the everyday events. For example, I couldn't wait to graduate from high school, but missed it after I left. I couldn't wait to plan a wedding and get married to Travis, but after it was done I wondered what was next. I couldn't wait to graduate college and get a "real" job, but after it was done and I got the job I wished I was back and could take advantage of the learning opportunities I had there. I couldn't wait to move into a house and be back in Lansing, but when it was over I wished that we had spent more time looking at different houses. And then, I couldn't wait to be pregnant, after I was I questioned our readiness to be parents wondering if I really rushed it and pushed Travis too hard.
The first months I was anxious to be "big" so that people would know that I was pregnant. Then I was anxious to hear the baby's heartbeat to know that there was a baby in there. Next, it was the movement. Now, I can't wait to have the baby in my arms, to look into his eyes, to feed him and raise him. But I'm forgetting that I already have the baby. The baby is with me 24/7. How easy is that?
If I continue to live my life by one big life event after the other, I'll continue to miss the importance of the every day stuff. The times Trav and I spend together reading and talking. The times when we hang out with our small group and friends at Riverview. The times when I get to see family and friends back in Saginaw. You get the picture...
So I technically have 2 wks left of pregnancy. It could be tomorrow or 3 wks from now, it shouldn't matter. I should enjoy where I'm at and enjoy what God has given me now otherwise, I'll miss out on a whole lot.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
It's A Girl!
Nope not me, not yet!
My sister in law Emily had her baby Monday at 11:45am (something like that) 7lbs 14oz. She's doing well along with the rest of the family : )
Yeah!!
My sister in law Emily had her baby Monday at 11:45am (something like that) 7lbs 14oz. She's doing well along with the rest of the family : )
Yeah!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
They've Disappeared...
I look down one day and to my surprise, my toes have vanished, not to mention my ankles and feet have followed suit.
Seven weeks left...crazy, just crazy.
I love being pregnant; having the baby with me all the time, Travis holding my belly and talking to our little one, Rachael coming up to me bending down and saying "Hello Baby" just to make sure that when the baby is born he'll recognize her voice, feeling the baby move constantly and thus shaking my belly to where I think that I've got a bouncie ball in there that's never heard of the word stop, spending time relaxing and just concentrating on the baby and birth.
But I'm getting anxious to see who's nose the baby has, hoping that it's Trav's that won out. Wondering if it's a boy or a girl to put all the guessing to rest. And just to touch and hold the baby and look into his eyes and tell him how much I love him............and......maybe I'll see my toes again : )
God is so amazing!
Seven weeks left...crazy, just crazy.
I love being pregnant; having the baby with me all the time, Travis holding my belly and talking to our little one, Rachael coming up to me bending down and saying "Hello Baby" just to make sure that when the baby is born he'll recognize her voice, feeling the baby move constantly and thus shaking my belly to where I think that I've got a bouncie ball in there that's never heard of the word stop, spending time relaxing and just concentrating on the baby and birth.
But I'm getting anxious to see who's nose the baby has, hoping that it's Trav's that won out. Wondering if it's a boy or a girl to put all the guessing to rest. And just to touch and hold the baby and look into his eyes and tell him how much I love him............and......maybe I'll see my toes again : )
God is so amazing!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Larger and Larger
So the baby is getting big enough to kick me in my left and right side (at the same time) and in my ribs. He's** constantly moving, taking breaks only when I'm being active. So that ultimately means when I'm sitting, laying, or sleeping, he's on the jungle gym. Actually, I think he perfers the teeter-totter as his playground equipment of choice.
I had a chance to feel his foot one day when he was kicking me in the ribs.....it's just amazing!
I'm at 29wks and getting anxious. Feeling pretty good, though I've had a few days where I've been really sleepy and kinda sick. The heat doesn't help much, but since we have an air conditioning unit in our living room window, that's where I spend most of my time after I get out of work. I have enjoyed a few opportunities to go swimming at IM West at MSU. I think the baby really enjoyed it too : )
Travis has been an extremely big help making sure I'm eating the right things by cooking dinner and doing the grocery shopping. He's also working on a website for our baby registry stuff. He's not totally finished with it yet, but you can view it at www.babyregistry.tlblog.com
My due date, September 13th. My sister is having her baby on September 16th and my sister in law, she is due August 9th. Busy summer : )
I had a chance to feel his foot one day when he was kicking me in the ribs.....it's just amazing!
I'm at 29wks and getting anxious. Feeling pretty good, though I've had a few days where I've been really sleepy and kinda sick. The heat doesn't help much, but since we have an air conditioning unit in our living room window, that's where I spend most of my time after I get out of work. I have enjoyed a few opportunities to go swimming at IM West at MSU. I think the baby really enjoyed it too : )
Travis has been an extremely big help making sure I'm eating the right things by cooking dinner and doing the grocery shopping. He's also working on a website for our baby registry stuff. He's not totally finished with it yet, but you can view it at www.babyregistry.tlblog.com
My due date, September 13th. My sister is having her baby on September 16th and my sister in law, she is due August 9th. Busy summer : )
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Happenings II
I have to make it quick cause I'm on lunch break........
I'm at 24wks.
A couple days ago I was walking toward the office printer and the baby kicked so hard I actually stopped in my tracks and had to take a breath. Initially he** was on a schedule, where I knew that at 9am he would start kicking me, however, now it varies. He kicks, on some days, the whole day and others he's pretty quiet.
The baby's wardrobe is almost finished. We've been garage sale shopping these past few weeks and have spent alot of money, but have gotten some really nice stuff.
I'm big enough now that I don't fit into any of my pants, except the ones that have been lent to me or the two pairs of maternity jeans that I bought. My T-shirts are tight around my belly, but they still fit : )
**Disclaimer II** It's by the majority of people that I relinquish the use of "her" in most of my statements. One may pop up now and again.....for my sake. It seems that for the most part, the consensus is that I'm having a boy. But we shall see : ) : )
Boy or Girl? What do you think?
I'm at 24wks.
A couple days ago I was walking toward the office printer and the baby kicked so hard I actually stopped in my tracks and had to take a breath. Initially he** was on a schedule, where I knew that at 9am he would start kicking me, however, now it varies. He kicks, on some days, the whole day and others he's pretty quiet.
The baby's wardrobe is almost finished. We've been garage sale shopping these past few weeks and have spent alot of money, but have gotten some really nice stuff.
I'm big enough now that I don't fit into any of my pants, except the ones that have been lent to me or the two pairs of maternity jeans that I bought. My T-shirts are tight around my belly, but they still fit : )
**Disclaimer II** It's by the majority of people that I relinquish the use of "her" in most of my statements. One may pop up now and again.....for my sake. It seems that for the most part, the consensus is that I'm having a boy. But we shall see : ) : )
Boy or Girl? What do you think?
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