The Story of Max

With Harper, I remember being so anxious about childbirth. I wrote out a birth plan and wanted everything natural and perfect, yet I was in total fear of it.  When she was still complete breech and I went into labor during an external version procedure, we urgently had a C-section at 38 weeks.  Part of me was devastated that I wasn't going to get my natural childbirth, but part of me was relieved that I wouldn't be in pain from it. Everything turned out fine with her and I couldn't be happier with how things went.

Still, this time around, I really truly wanted to have a normal, traditional, very natural (as can be in a hospital setting) childbirth. I wanted to go into labor spontaneously and know what it felt like when it was time. It was a romantic thought to picture me gripping my belly and looking at Brad to say “it's time” then rushing off to the hospital. It sort of happened that way.

My regular OB/GYN who delivered Harper via C-Section was closing her practice and I was forced to change Doctors. I loved Dr. Larson and was sad she wouldn't be delivering Max. She had an amazing bedside manner and I had really connected with her while I was pregnant with Harper. She recommended another physician who was very experienced with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarian), named Dr. Thompson.

Our due date was April 21, 2011. If Max didn't arrive on his own, we were scheduled for induction on Monday April 25. I desperately wanted to avoid induction because of doing a VBAC . I had heard pitocin makes the labor more painful and with a VBAC I wanted to avoid using an epidural.

Friday morning April 22, 2011, I woke up and just felt different. I had some early signs that seemed to indicate that labor could be near. Something told me that Max was coming soon, but I wasn't in labor yet. I texted Brad at 8:30 a.m. (who was at coffee with a co-worker) and told him that I thought we'd be heading to the hospital that day. I didn't go sit and wait in the car, but I did start to get things ready for leaving Harper behind. I put our nanny on code yellow alert and let her know we might need her over the weekend to help out or come late at night to stay with Harper. She was so sweet, she had already prepared her own hospital bag for just such a call.

I went through the day trying to stay relaxed. I had taken the day off from work so Harper and I could have some special mommy/daughter time. During her nap I started having contractions that were a little more uncomfortable than the normal Braxton Hicks. They were very spread apart and no where near regular so I didn't assume I was in actual labor yet. At 3:30 p.m., however, I was pretty sure these contractions were going to turn into something more. So I went for a pedicure! I wanted cute toes for Max's birth. I didn't have an appointment and the manager of the salon asked me if I could come back the next day. I just smiled and said, “Not really, I am having this baby tonight.” They worked me in and my toes looked very cute during labor, not that I cared by then!

We made dinner that evening and I was having contractions about 20 minutes apart. Still no cause for alarm but I texted our nanny and told her we would probably be going in at some point during the night. Brad, Harper and I had a nice dinner and we just loved on Harper as much as we could, knowing that soon she would no longer be our only baby.

By 10:00 p.m. I knew it was time to go in. The contractions were more uncomfortable by then and only 6-7 minutes apart. It was still early, but we were instructed by Dr. Thompson to go in as soon as we knew we were in real labor since we were doing VBAC.

Jessa, our nanny, came at once to stay the night with Harper, and Brad and I arrived at the hospital shortly after 11 p.m. By midnight, I was hooked up to a monitor and laying in a hospital bed. I was only dilated to a three, but it was clear I was in labor by then.

On duty that night was our former OB Dr. Larson! She had become an OB Hospitalist with the Hospital where Max was going to be born. We were thrilled she was there and since she and Dr. Thompson were professionally well acquainted, Dr. Thompson was comfortable with Dr. Larson monitoring us overnight so he could stay home until it was time to come in for the delivery. (Who knows how long a pregnant woman could be in labor?) We were more than okay with this plan.

From midnight until 5:00 a.m. we labored and progressed very steadily. My contractions continued to increase in intensity and frequency. Brad and I had come to labor prepared to go without an epidural or narcotics to ease the pain. Once again, I had written out a birth plan and we were following it to the letter. We dimmed the lights, played mediation music in the background, and limited the number of people going in and out of the room. We were left alone to focus on what we were doing.

We really got into a nice rhythm where Brad would hold my arms as I sat on a birthing ball and breathed deeply through the contractions. This worked great until about the last hour. At that point the pain was so unbearable no position or deep breathing seemed to help! I thought my body was tearing apart from the inside out and I truly thought I might die this way. (I tend to be a bit overly dramatic.)

It was evident that Max was going to appear soon because the nurses were preparing the room and Dr. Thompson had been called. When they woke Dr. Larson to come in to my room, I knew the pain would be over in the near future. We forged ahead, excited and relieved that the ones who knew what they were doing (the nurses and Dr. Larson) seemed to think we were close. We had no idea whether we were close enough or not, I just knew I was at the end of what I could tolerate in pain and was ready to push.

When I got to that point, they helped me up into the bed, Dr. Thompson came in the room, and all of a sudden I was pushing! It only took 4 contractions/pushes for Max to come out, but I have never exerted more energy in all my life. I actually burst blood vessels around my eyes from straining so hard. When he was finally out I felt both relief and utter joy that 1) it was over and 2) my precious son had arrived! I will never forget hearing him cry the first time. I will also never forget how immediately proud I was that he made the journey with me during birth. We immediately bonded because of it. I felt like he must have been working just as hard as Brad and I were that night.

Maxwell James White was born at 5:58 a.m. weighing 6 lbs 12 oz and 20.5 inches long. We were immediately in love with our little boy. As I write this story Max is almost 3 months. We had about 8 weeks of colic that were really hard, but for the most part, we had a wonderful baby. Now that he is bigger the colic has subsided (hallelujah) and Max is smiling, talking and rolling back to front already! It is already going by too fast. We savor every sweet grin and moment with him.

Life Changes

It's been a long time since I have written.  Once Harper came along I really didn't have time. I worked full-time as a trial lawyer and every second I wasn't working I wanted to be spending it with her. I hardly touched the computer once I was home.  I hardly did anything.  That was part of the problem. There was never enough time with her, with Brad, to take care of my home...  Now we also have Maxwell!  He is our new son and I am even more overwhelmed with trying to "have it all."  So I left my big time trial lawyer job that I loved, that paid me a lot of money...to do something more important to me. Be with my kids, my husband and take care of my home.  I am excited and scared to take this step, but I know in my heart it is absolutely the right thing to do.  I am going to look to see if there is a job out there where I could work just two days a week. Financially it would help, and I also don't want to completely give up everything I worked so hard for.  I really do love being a lawyer and had fun doing my job.  But two days is all I can spare now, so I hope it works out.  If not, that's two more days a week to focus on my family.  Not a bad trade-off if you ask me!

So here's Max!

Another Ice cream pic

Getting ice cream!

Ice cream is our new favorite event. Harper loves to go "bye bye." she can put on her own shoes, grab some keys and a purse and she is all ready to go. She will walk to the door and say "come on mommy." If I tell her we are going bye bye or shopping she will say "ice cream?" how can I resist that cuteness?!

Twinkie Thursday!

It was spirit week at school and one of the days was "Twinkie Thursday." Harper dressed up with her friend Will and when they saw each other at school they just started cracking up! They really hammed it up for the camera.

Even Santa looks uncomfortable!

We had the best Christmas this year. We started early with a visit home to Missouri where we even got to see some of our extended family from Kansas City and Australia!  That was a treat. It was also really special that we got to see Alex and Lindsay who now live in LA. We miss them a lot and I got lots of hugs on them before we left. 

We all went to church to hear Sarah and her beautiful voice singing Gesu Bambino. Just gorgeous. Made me cry. I also cried when I couldn't stop laughing after Carter sneezed directly into Sarah's face while she was holding him.  I don't know what came over me, but I got the "church giggles" and just could not stop!  Dad was none too pleased.

After church we decided it would be a fun idea to take all the kids to get a picture with Santa.  It....did not go that well. See for yourself.

Mara was just BORED with the situation and a little irked that we were forcing her to pose. Reaghan loved it. Harper was excited up until the moment we plopped her into Santa's lap. Carter was mad from the get go and we never could calm him down.  Ahhhhh, what a great memory. The guys loved it too. They can't wait for a Santa picture repeat next year.  Not.

Halloween

Once again. I couldn't really get Harper to hold still for a photo, but here she is dressed as a San Diego zoo keeper. She LOVED trick or treating and insisted on walking the entire way! She didn't care for the candy, but she was a pro at ringing the door bell and saying "treat?!"

Halloween

Once again. I couldn't really get Harper to hold still for a photo, but here she is dressed as a San Diego zoo keeper. She LOVED trick or treating and insisted on walking the entire way! She didn't care for the candy, but she was a pro at ringing the door bell and saying "treat?!"

It's a....

BOY! We are due with our little man around Easter weekend 2011. We are still so surprised we are having a boy. We haven't decided on the name yet but I will keep you posted!

Harper's school picture!

I can't believe how cute this turned out. Harper is so busy nowadays. I can't ever get her to sit still! This is one of the best photos she has ever taken.

Fabulous day!

Just saying hello! Big girl in her big girl sunglasses.

Harper turns ONE!

I have done a terrible job updating this and as soon as I can get Brad off his crutches (ankle surgery in February) my one and only project is going to be pictures pictures pictures. I need to get a photo album put together from 2009 and want to put some of my favorite pictures on here.  To keep things at least moving forward, here is a great snapshot of Harper turning one! Her birthday was on a Saturday so it was really fun to celebrate with friends and family on her actual birthday.  Even a blizzard didn't keep the crowd away! It was a great time. The grandparents got together and gave her this pink piano. She loves it!

Harper's 9 month check-up

Harper is 16lbs, 5oz and 28.5 inches long. That is 6th percentile in weight (up one percent from last time) and 67th percentile in height. hmmmm, who does that sound like?  They pricked her finger to take a blood sample and other than a small little whimper as the nurse technician squeezed to drip the blood, Harper didn't make a sound! She just looked a little confused and made a face that said, "Excuse me, I'd like my hand back."  Her blood count was normal and showed no anemia. Healthy as a horse! A long and lean horse. One that is destined to win the Kentucky Derby and solve world hunger, etc....
 She did, however, have a double ear infection so we are taking another round of antibiotics. She is doing much better and isn't waking up at night anymore. I had attributed her waking up at night to teething because she is getting her two top teeth and I think also some lateral incisors on the bottom. We'll see!
 Oh, and I entered her recent bathtub picture in the Gerber Beautiful Baby contest on the Regis and Kelly show. They may disqualify her for excessive cuteness. It wouldn't be fair to the other babies, but we'll see. It was a terrible picture quality because it was on my camera phone. I hope they won't hold that against her, but some of the other babies (who require photoshop to aid in their cuteness) may have an edge in photo quality. I'll keep you posted.

Bath time!

I have gotten reallllllly behind on this. Here is a pic to tempt you to stay with me. I will try to update soon!!!

Harper likes to share

Yesterday I got off work a little early and went to get Harper. Her teacher stopped to chat with me for a few minutes. She told me how smart Harper is (well of course). That she is observant and engaged and just all around a bright child (gifted I say).  All these things did not surprise me as I have fully committed to being one of "those" parents.  The kind who thinks every poop their child takes is a special event, one that deserves calling your husband into the room to witness it and share in the momentous and remarkable event.

She also told me that Harper likes to share.  For example, Harper loves to chew on her socks.  I will put them on her in the morning and before I even get her into her car seat for school she will have pulled them off and stuffed them in her mouth.  Yesterday at school she and her little classmates were out for a walk. The school has this awesome 6-seater buggy with 5-point harnesses in each seat so the whole class can go out for a walk together. I guess Harper was sitting next to her friend Cate and thought she might enjoy a chew.  Harper yanked off a sock and handed it to Cate who gladly accepted the gift.  The teacher rushed over and ,of course, took the sock from Cate.  Harper is so bright she realized she still had one more she could give so she yanked off the other sock and offered this one to Cate as well.  Such a good little sharer!

Life is crazy...and too short.

Harper is 7 months old! The time is really flying by and I find myself wishing it (and we) would slow down. I feel like I am rushing all the time. I rush to get ready in the morning, I rush to get Harper to school and get to work, I rush to pick her up at the end of the day, I rush home.  Last week I was rushing to get to my car because I was running late to pick up Harper.  The tip of my heel had broken off that day and all of a sudden, the broken heel caught in my pant leg and I went down. Hard. I was on the phone at the time and the phone went flying out of my hand.  Also flying from my hands: my purse (which was open and the contents all spilled out), a cooler containing the breast milk I had pumped at work that day, my keys, and my breast pump.  All of this: pump, cooler, keys, phone, purse went soaring through the air while I tried my best to fall gracefully and carefully.

Thankfully, I have a background in theatre and one of the courses we took was called Voice and Movement.  In this class we focused heavily on using our voice and bodies as instruments. More importantly, we learned how to fall.  So as my hands became suddenly free, I used them to break my fall, tucked my left leg (scraping my knee in the process) and managed to prevent my face from smashing on the brick sidewalk.  It was less than perfect orchestration of movement, but it worked.

Miraculously, a few scrapes and a major blow to my pride were the only injuries.  Also par for the course with me, I had an audience. Some construction workers across the street started to run towards me and yelled to see if I was okay. I put up my hands in the universal sign of "I beg you, please leave me my pride by staying where you are," and proceeded to collect my things. Purse, check. Phone, check. Keys, check. Breast pump and breast milk,  check check.  I shook off the dizziness and got into my car, vowing that I was going to slow down from now on.

That was two weeks ago and since that time I have yet to sit down and take a deep breath. When I get home, however, the world just stops for me. With the exception of a few late work days, we really try to stop and enjoy Harper every evening.  Last night, I worked a little late and Brad picked up Harper for us.  I got home and we played the whole evening. She was so cute. She is up on all fours now, kinda reving up her engines. She pumps back and forth like she is about to take off in the Indy 500, but ends up scooting backwards!  A few mornings ago we had her on a play blanket on the floor of our bedroom while we got ready for work.  We turned around to find her scooted all the way under the bed!  Just her cute face and chubby little hands poking out from under it. It was so funny.

She has also been babbling for a long time now. She babbles in complete sentences and I just know she is trying to say, "Mum, isn't this just the most lovely morning? I had the most wonderful dream last night about the book you read me before bed time. May I please wear my pink headband with the matching pink flower on it today? I think I look just smashing in it.  Mom, you look fabulous in that suit, by the way, I know you'll knock em dead at the meeting this morning."  And so on...

We took her to the pumpkin patch last weekend and I will post those photos over the weekend.  We love having her in our lives and just can't imagine what life was like before she arrived.  We must have been so bored!

Harper's first piano lesson.

A sneak preview of harper's Halloween costume!

School picture day!

Harper's first cracker!

Trying out my iPhone blogger app.

The perfect storm...

Brad, Harper and I all had allergies flare up over the weekend, so we didn't feel good and we were tired. Also really tired from a long weekend with family things going on.

Harper woke at 4:30 a.m. and wanted to nurse.

I slept in a little because she had been up so early and because I didn't feel good.

Left the house at 8:00 a.m. - not ideal, but I can still make it to the office before 8:30....any other morning.

I got to her school a little after 8am and could smell that Harper needed a diaper. Here is where I made my mistake. At that moment in time I had a happy child who just needed a quick change (so I thought) and I decided to do it myself rather than leave her with her teacher to change it. Big mistake. The diaper had FAILED. There was a MAJOR product defect with my pampers and it had catastrophically FAILED. To make matters worse Harper had a huge BM, one that I would normally be proud of had it not been all over her leg, her back, her front, coating the inside of her pant leg and soaking the bottom of her onesie. Slimy, gooey BM all over everything.

I go to change her and have to strategically roll up her onesie so that I don't spread the BM goo all over her face when I pull it off. I pull off her pants, she instinctively knew this was her moment and she stuck her foot in the mess that is now on the table. This is when her teacher tells me "Oh, we usually put paper down as a barrier when there is fecal matter involved." Really? Good to know for FUTURE REFERENCE. For now, I am trying desperately not get the "fecal matter" all over my Antonio Melani suit.

Harper is now crying and getting more upset. She is butt naked on the table that is covered in her matter and I just want to abandon ship right there. Her cute "Mommy's Little Sweetheart" onesie is ruined and all I have to change her into is the hot pink onesie from our family reunion that has a picture of old people and the words "Who are all these relatives?" on it. The fresh pants are brown and way too short, her socks are pink and black. She looks awful, but at least she is clean now.

I didn't make it to the office until 9:15. I got all the way to my desk before realizing I left my briefcase with my laptop in the car. To top it off, I have Harper's little outfit that is covered in fecal matter in a plastic sack on my desk. I was not allowed to rinse it out at her school due to code regulations and I didn't want to leave it in my car on an 80 degree day. What the heck do I do with it at a law firm? I can't exactly wash it out in the kitchen sink where the partners get their coffee. So it is sitting on my desk and I just smile because Harper is still pretty darn cute, even covered in goo.

My big girl chair!

Harper started eating her meals in her high chair this weekend. She is so cute in it.

Test

Wednesday's with Mimi...

Harper started at her new school today! We have been so spoiled all summer. Harper stayed with her Mimi (Brad's mom) for 8 weeks until a spot at this amazing school opened up for her. They utilize the Reggio Emilia method of student directed learning in the infant program. We loved this school when we visited and I couldn't imagine sending Harper anywhere else! Harper has had a great summer with her Mimi. It has been wonderful. Since we only have a spot for 4 days a week at her school, she will still get to spend Wednesdays at Mimi's.

Harper will learn all sorts of fun new things and I just know she'll love it! I, on the other hand, have had a tough first day. Even though I've been back at work for two months, it was still bitter sweet dropping her off today.

This is a pic I snapped on my phone when I dropped her off. That is one of her teachers Mrs. Franklin holding her. Harper gave her a big smile when she saw her!

These are both a few weeks old now, but I love these. Above is one of my favorite pictures of Harper. I snapped this on my phone as we were about to go pay a visit to our favorite neighbor Aunt Debby.

Below is a snapshot Brad took of our little thumb sucker!

A new leaf

We put too much pressure on ourselves as a society to be perfect and always "with it." I am anything but with it, and I am definitely not perfect! The past two months have flown by and I wish I was more organized. My excuses in order are as follows: 1) I changed jobs 2) I have a kid! Harper is so much fun I forget to do thing like updating my blog or sleeping...that kind of stuff.

Actually, Harper is doing great! She is almost5 months now. She sleeps all through the night, she rolls over, she can sit up with support, and can stand on her little legs. She laughs and loves to talk to us. She will even sing with me. :)

Rather than try to update you with one long post, I will just post a couple photos every so often and slowly catch up. Here's the first installment...photos from our first baby cereal feeding!

Recent pic of Harper

Well a lot is going on around our household so as usual, I am behind in updating our blog! I wish I was more with it. I really need to spend some time on Harper's baby book and photo albums. There are not enough hours in the day.

Harper is napping right now while I try to get caught up on some things. She is really getting fun. Her personality is starting to shine as she gets old enough to talk (baby babble) and move around. She is holding her head up like a regular toddler, standing on her cute little legs and she bats at the toys on her activity mat. She coos and ahhs and smiles responsively to us now.

She loves music! She really likes Patsy Cline. That will always calm her down. During the day we listen to music while I work on the computer. She really loves hip hop, slow jamz, R&B, jazz and classic rock. She does NOT like Mariah Carey. A 90's Mariah Carey song came on and she started to wail.

And she is so smart!!! She holds her little mouth open for me to give her the vitamin drops. She holds still for me while I clear her nose of boogers because she knows it helps her breathe. She will hold your gaze for a long time, follow toys with her eyes and I swear she talks to us! We are loving her more and more every day. Just when you think you can't possibly love someone more...we feel so lucky.

Check it out!!!

We took Harper's newborn photos (at 7 weeks) and a few are posted on the blog of our photographer. They are so cute!!! Check out:

www.deshazophotography.blogspot.com

Megan was awesome and sooo patient. Harper needed to nurse, nap and fuss a little during the process. Megan spent 2 hours with us and was just wonderful. Thank you Megan!

Update on Super Baby Harper

HARPER JUST ROLLED OVER!!! I had Harper down on her Baby Einstein activity mat doing "tummy time." She loves this and holds her head up and looks all around at the colorful noise makers on the mat. Tonight she rolled over from her tummy to her back! She did it twice without any help from me at all! I was amazed. Surely that is genius super baby early, right?

We'll be working on mini-push-ups next.

Better late than never.

I can't believe how long its been since I posted! Well, we've been busy. When I say busy, I really mean doing nothing. That is my favorite thing to do these days. I just wake up to Harper stirring in her bassinet, ready to eat. We eat, then snuggle, change a diaper, then repeat, all day every day. We've thrown in a few activities, but mainly I spend my days just enjoying Harper.

She is getting so big. She can stand on her legs and push up and down. She holds her head up already and looks all around the room. She smiles all the time and looks you right in the eyes. She will hold her gaze on books while I read to her and she seems to love music. She is my little super baby!

Brad and I love being her mommy and daddy and if you think she has us wrapped around her cute little finger you don't know the half of it!

Here are some highlights from the last month. I messed up when uploading the photos so they are in reverse order of date. So the most recent are first.

Here is the first time Grammy met Harper! This is Harper's Great-Grandmother on Brad's side.
We decided at the last minute to take a trip home to Springfield. It turned out to be a great weekend for it because the entire family was home!

A cute snapshot that Brad took of me and my sweet baby girl!

Grandpa "Pa-pa" napping with Harper. They look exactly alike in this photo!

Mara and Reaghan meeting Harper for the first time. Aren't they cute! They kept calling her their baby.

Here is Harper after a car ride. We had a minor wardrobe malfunction.

I L-O-V-E this photo I took of Brad and Harper. How do you like Brad's facial fuzz? That was a temporary thing while he was home on paternity leave.

Harper at one month!!! She is getting big.

Easter photos. The adorable tutu was a gift from our friends Kay and Neil. Too cute. Here is Mimi and Papa coming by for a visit.

Look what the Easter bunny dropped off!

A family photo.

This one just makes me laugh.

Another cute outfit for when Aunt Rachel and Uncle Rob were coming to visit.

Harper's first bath!

And that's it for now!

More photos!

More fun pictures from the past week or so!

Brad calls this photo "Milk Coma #1"

Milk coma #2.

We had all just woken up and Brad is having Harper time while Mommy takes a few minutes to shower.

Harper has the funniest sleeping positions. This is a common one when she is on my lap.

Brad just hates her head gear, but I love the headbands and bows! Here we are waiting for Uncle Alex and Aunt Lindsay to come for a visit. We're all dressed up!

I don't think this person even looks like me - but here we are on our first walk! I can happily report that half the baby weight is gone, but there is still an additional 20 lbs to go! Hopefully our walks will help.

I have previously reported that Harper was born with Daddy's feet. Here is the picture to prove it. Sorry pumpkin!

Another sleeping position. She will not let me swaddle her arms. She likes to have them out so she can conduct music in her sleep. Brad thinks this outfit makes her look like an Easter egg.

Here we are with Uncle Alex!

Here is Daddy holding Harper after her first bath at home.

And Daddy again...this is my favorite photo of Brad.