Well, our little girl's room is basically finished so I wanted to share some photos! Enjoy!
We still have a few things to add and tweak, but you get the general idea!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
My Birth Experience
Well, I can finally say...SHE'S HERE! Lillian Mae Henry arrived at 10:46pm on May 11, 2011. We have loved parenthood so far...even with the lack of sleep!
Before we got too distracted with just how amazing she is, I wanted to write about her journey here.
At 4:29am on Tuesday, May 10th, I woke up with mild cramping. I remember looking at the clock and seeing the time...thank goodness I did because I knew the next set of cramping was about 30 minutes later. I wasn't too alarmed because the cramps weren't "like the book said they would be". So, I shrugged it off and went back to sleep. Chris and I woke up for work around 7:00am and I was still experiencing the cramps. Just in case, we both called-in to work. I downloaded the "contractions timer" app on my iPhone and started timing. I still wasn't sure this was the real deal...but I knew it was something.
As the day progressed, so did the cramps. Despite the fact that they were getting more intense they were also getting closer together. I still wasn't 100% sure I was actually "in labor". So, we kept powering through them. I did a lot of walking, a lot of leaning over onto counter tops, a lot of side lying and even more hip swaying to deal with the pain. Chris called our doula to fill her in and get suggestions. She advised us to rest as much as we could, eat something light but substantial, and to keep her updated. So, we ordered Jimmy John's and I continued to manage the contractions that were now 4-5 minutes apart.
Come 11:00pm, I had had enough. So, we finished packing our bags, said goodbye to our adorable animals and headed to the hospital. Upon arrival, I was anxious, scared and just plain ready to know how close I was to seeing our little girl. I was convinced I was at least 4-5 cms. I mean, I had been laboring for over 18 hours! Plus, how embarrassing if I was wrong and this wasn't labor at all? Well, after being assessed by the nurses...I was somewhere in the middle. I was definitely in labor but only the very early stage of it. I had only dilated 1 cm and was about 70% effaced. WHAT!?! I was so disappointed!
After being monitored for an hour, Chris and I decided to go back home to progress further before being admitted to the hospital. They gave me something to help me sleep and off we went. We got home close to 2am. Unfortunately, their pills weren't as magic as we hoped as I barely slept! When we "woke up", the contractions were still 4-5 minutes apart but WOW, they were intense. I tried the same techniques (lots of movement) from the day before with little comfort. I tried to eat a bit of toast but couldn't quite stomach it. I jumped in the shower and that was actually the best help. The hot water on my back was wonderful! Once I got out, I was done. With tears in my eyes, we packed up and headed back to the hospital.
We were admitted around noon and headed to Labor and Delivery Suite 11 approximately 3-4 cms along. Not ideal, but better than the night before! I was given an I V and was hooked up the the wireless monitors, which kept tabs on the baby's heart rate and my contractions. I also put on my adorable hospital gown! Yes, I'm vain and brought my own! The excitement of it all helped me power through the first few contractions with a bit of ease. Chris set up his computer to play zen-like music and we turned the lights down to create a more relaxing environment. As much as that helped, I needed a bit more assistance getting comfortable. So, my doula and the nursing staff set up the birthing tub.
The birthing tub was amazing! The water was kept at 98 degrees and was large enough to keep me covered with water from the shoulders down. I was able to almost float and kick my legs during each contraction. The weightlessness really helped relax me...enough that Chris caught me snoring in between contractions! Being able to rest was invaluable and before I knew it...I had been in that thing for an hour and a half. Unfortunately, the exhaustion caught back up with me and I had reached a breaking point...I asked for the epidural.
I wanted a natural childbirth so badly but this was not how I had pictured everything happening. I was so full of mixed emotions at this point. I later realized that I had been in labor for around 36 hours without any medical interventions...I can be proud of that!
After the epidural, things progressed a little more quickly...but not much. After getting out of the tub, I was approximately 6-7 cms with a long way to go. The epidural really helped me relax and I caught a few more minutes of sleep. Chris had not rested or even eaten at this point and it was about 5pm. So, he made a quick trip to the cafeteria downstairs to refuel. Being the smartie that he is, he brought back some Mr. Pibb...only my favorite guilty pleasure EVER. I'll admit it, I took a little swig when everyone had their backs turned! At this point, I had only had water, ice chips and a little apple juice...I deserved it!
I have to brag on the nursing staff at Woman's Hospital...they were incredible. They were very intune with our expectations and desires and did everything in their power to make sure we were supported and comfortable. It helped that we had our doula with us and she has such a great relationship with the hospital. When most people have to say goodbye to their support system during the epidural being administered, my doula was able to stay and talk me though that intervention. This was especially helpful for me, seeing how I was quite emotional that I was getting it anyway.
Now, I had heard that one medical intervention can quickly lead to another...and I can say that is really true. Just a few hours after the epidural was given, I had my membranes artificially broken (aka my water was broken by the doctor). Although things didn't just domino immediately after this, we did progress a little stronger and faster. I was now 7-8 cms dilated...and incredibly sick to my stomach.
My legs felt the tingling of falling asleep, my back was knotted and sore, I was being twisted and turned every few minutes for various reasons, and I was now throwing up like a champion. YAY! Chris could not have been more supportive through this nasty time. He held my hair back, kept a cold rag on my face to help me fight the nausea and kept whispering words of encouragement. There is not a doubt in my mind...I couldn't have made it without him!
Come a little after 9pm, I was told that my doctor was heading to the hospital to deliver our little one. So, everyone started preparing for the final stages. At 10pm, we were told that he would be arriving in about 30 minutes. I had my eyes fixed on the clock. Sure enough, he arrived at 10:30pm and the party really got started! I barely had the energy to keep my eyes open but the end was near. I pushed through four contractions and little Lily made her appearance at 10:46pm. She was a healthy and beautiful 7 lbs 8.6 oz, 20 inch long baby girl!
Every cliche' about childbirth is completely true. The minute I saw Lily, I was hooked and every bit of the last 42 hours was well worth it. Chris and I fell in love with her immediately!
After both Lily and myself were cleaned up and checked out, our immediate families came to welcome her to the world. It was the sweetest thing!
Chris supported every decision I made before and during the labor and delivery. During everything, Chris had but one request. He wanted to keep the placenta. As odd as I thought this was at first, he could have just about whatever he wanted after being so amazing and supportive. In order to take the placenta home, one must bring a small ice chest, have the nurses provide tons of ice and sign a bunch of waivers. The nurses aren't allowed to handle the ice chest so we had my sister take the chest home and put directly in the freezer until we got home. Chris had big plans for the placenta, which you can check out at his website here. Here is a hint...
Although not everything went as we had hoped when preparing our birth plan, I couldn't be more happy with the results! We were blessed with a happy and healthy little baby girl...nothing could be better!
Before we got too distracted with just how amazing she is, I wanted to write about her journey here.
So here we go...
At 4:29am on Tuesday, May 10th, I woke up with mild cramping. I remember looking at the clock and seeing the time...thank goodness I did because I knew the next set of cramping was about 30 minutes later. I wasn't too alarmed because the cramps weren't "like the book said they would be". So, I shrugged it off and went back to sleep. Chris and I woke up for work around 7:00am and I was still experiencing the cramps. Just in case, we both called-in to work. I downloaded the "contractions timer" app on my iPhone and started timing. I still wasn't sure this was the real deal...but I knew it was something.
As the day progressed, so did the cramps. Despite the fact that they were getting more intense they were also getting closer together. I still wasn't 100% sure I was actually "in labor". So, we kept powering through them. I did a lot of walking, a lot of leaning over onto counter tops, a lot of side lying and even more hip swaying to deal with the pain. Chris called our doula to fill her in and get suggestions. She advised us to rest as much as we could, eat something light but substantial, and to keep her updated. So, we ordered Jimmy John's and I continued to manage the contractions that were now 4-5 minutes apart.
Come 11:00pm, I had had enough. So, we finished packing our bags, said goodbye to our adorable animals and headed to the hospital. Upon arrival, I was anxious, scared and just plain ready to know how close I was to seeing our little girl. I was convinced I was at least 4-5 cms. I mean, I had been laboring for over 18 hours! Plus, how embarrassing if I was wrong and this wasn't labor at all? Well, after being assessed by the nurses...I was somewhere in the middle. I was definitely in labor but only the very early stage of it. I had only dilated 1 cm and was about 70% effaced. WHAT!?! I was so disappointed!
After being monitored for an hour, Chris and I decided to go back home to progress further before being admitted to the hospital. They gave me something to help me sleep and off we went. We got home close to 2am. Unfortunately, their pills weren't as magic as we hoped as I barely slept! When we "woke up", the contractions were still 4-5 minutes apart but WOW, they were intense. I tried the same techniques (lots of movement) from the day before with little comfort. I tried to eat a bit of toast but couldn't quite stomach it. I jumped in the shower and that was actually the best help. The hot water on my back was wonderful! Once I got out, I was done. With tears in my eyes, we packed up and headed back to the hospital.
We were admitted around noon and headed to Labor and Delivery Suite 11 approximately 3-4 cms along. Not ideal, but better than the night before! I was given an I V and was hooked up the the wireless monitors, which kept tabs on the baby's heart rate and my contractions. I also put on my adorable hospital gown! Yes, I'm vain and brought my own! The excitement of it all helped me power through the first few contractions with a bit of ease. Chris set up his computer to play zen-like music and we turned the lights down to create a more relaxing environment. As much as that helped, I needed a bit more assistance getting comfortable. So, my doula and the nursing staff set up the birthing tub.
The birthing tub was amazing! The water was kept at 98 degrees and was large enough to keep me covered with water from the shoulders down. I was able to almost float and kick my legs during each contraction. The weightlessness really helped relax me...enough that Chris caught me snoring in between contractions! Being able to rest was invaluable and before I knew it...I had been in that thing for an hour and a half. Unfortunately, the exhaustion caught back up with me and I had reached a breaking point...I asked for the epidural.
I wanted a natural childbirth so badly but this was not how I had pictured everything happening. I was so full of mixed emotions at this point. I later realized that I had been in labor for around 36 hours without any medical interventions...I can be proud of that!
After the epidural, things progressed a little more quickly...but not much. After getting out of the tub, I was approximately 6-7 cms with a long way to go. The epidural really helped me relax and I caught a few more minutes of sleep. Chris had not rested or even eaten at this point and it was about 5pm. So, he made a quick trip to the cafeteria downstairs to refuel. Being the smartie that he is, he brought back some Mr. Pibb...only my favorite guilty pleasure EVER. I'll admit it, I took a little swig when everyone had their backs turned! At this point, I had only had water, ice chips and a little apple juice...I deserved it!
I have to brag on the nursing staff at Woman's Hospital...they were incredible. They were very intune with our expectations and desires and did everything in their power to make sure we were supported and comfortable. It helped that we had our doula with us and she has such a great relationship with the hospital. When most people have to say goodbye to their support system during the epidural being administered, my doula was able to stay and talk me though that intervention. This was especially helpful for me, seeing how I was quite emotional that I was getting it anyway.
Now, I had heard that one medical intervention can quickly lead to another...and I can say that is really true. Just a few hours after the epidural was given, I had my membranes artificially broken (aka my water was broken by the doctor). Although things didn't just domino immediately after this, we did progress a little stronger and faster. I was now 7-8 cms dilated...and incredibly sick to my stomach.
My legs felt the tingling of falling asleep, my back was knotted and sore, I was being twisted and turned every few minutes for various reasons, and I was now throwing up like a champion. YAY! Chris could not have been more supportive through this nasty time. He held my hair back, kept a cold rag on my face to help me fight the nausea and kept whispering words of encouragement. There is not a doubt in my mind...I couldn't have made it without him!
Come a little after 9pm, I was told that my doctor was heading to the hospital to deliver our little one. So, everyone started preparing for the final stages. At 10pm, we were told that he would be arriving in about 30 minutes. I had my eyes fixed on the clock. Sure enough, he arrived at 10:30pm and the party really got started! I barely had the energy to keep my eyes open but the end was near. I pushed through four contractions and little Lily made her appearance at 10:46pm. She was a healthy and beautiful 7 lbs 8.6 oz, 20 inch long baby girl!
Every cliche' about childbirth is completely true. The minute I saw Lily, I was hooked and every bit of the last 42 hours was well worth it. Chris and I fell in love with her immediately!
Chris supported every decision I made before and during the labor and delivery. During everything, Chris had but one request. He wanted to keep the placenta. As odd as I thought this was at first, he could have just about whatever he wanted after being so amazing and supportive. In order to take the placenta home, one must bring a small ice chest, have the nurses provide tons of ice and sign a bunch of waivers. The nurses aren't allowed to handle the ice chest so we had my sister take the chest home and put directly in the freezer until we got home. Chris had big plans for the placenta, which you can check out at his website here. Here is a hint...
Chris has a ton more pictures on his site. If you are interested in seeing those, click here.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Doula Doula bo-Boula!
After tons of research on obtaining a truly natural birth, Chris and I quickly discovered that we needed help! So we hired a doula from Birth Help, here in Baton Rouge.
A doula is an individual that provides support to the couple during the labor and delivery of their little one. This person doesn't replace the medical staff or your current support system, but supplements and compliments both. They are professionally trained to support women in labor and support their partners as well...specifically with comfort measures.
This was the kicker for me! I love my husband but sometimes I want to strangle him. (Sorry Chris!) He tends to get a little excited and become almost too supportive. I know what you are thinking...poor Rachel, her husband can be too supportive. Waaaah! Well, until you meet him, don't judge me. When I'm stressed or dealing with pain, sometimes I just need space. I knew a female, certified doula who had seen hundreds of births would know exactly where I was coming from...and she does! She has actually started sentences with "Chris, to make sure you don't get hit in the delivery room, keep this in mind..." Boy, does she get me!
We started by taking the Birth Help Childbirth Classes. This was a three session course over three weeks that really dove into the intricacies of labor, delivery, comfort measures, and medical interventions. The classes were really intimate so I didn't feel uncomfortable asking seemingly the most ridiculous questions. My biggest concern is not being able to handle the pain of labor without medical interventions...so when she started talking about the comfort measures, I listened!
Come to find out there are countless ways to deal with the pains of labor without the use of an epidural or narcotics. I won't vouch for any yet because I haven't been through it all, but let me share with you a few that we are planning on giving a shot:
Breathing: I'm a big fan of yoga so I know how helpful proper breathing techniques can be. Slow, deep breaths are known to assist you through contractions. Namaste!
Music/Lighting: Sometimes my favorite parts of yoga or getting massages are the dim lights and the relaxing music. They just create such an ambiance perfect for relaxation. So, we have downloaded hours and hours of "zen" music and have already requested dim lighting for the delivery room. Check and Check.
Focal Points: Placing pictures or items in your line of vision during labor that motivate or encourage you, apparently help keep your mind in the game. In my case, we are going to use them as a distraction. As you know, I love my animals. They are goofy and they make me happy. After a stupid day, I come home and am instantly greeted by all three of them and it just turns my day around. So, we are going to have pictures of those three monsters in my line of vision in hopes they keep my thoughts positive.
Massage: I don't love being touched so I'm a little weary of this one. However, I've heard that back massages are Heaven during the labor pains. To assist Chris with this task, we have gotten a few little gadgets to help him give the best massages, which include: racket balls, paint rollers, and these little knobby knuckle things. Should be interesting!
Aromatherapy: Smells definitely help set the relaxation mood but did you know that certain essential oils can actually have medicinal or purposeful affects during labor? One of my favorite resources is The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy because it has tons of pointers in it. The citrus smells (i.e. Grapefruit, Sweet Orange) can help life spirits and motivate (peppermint oil can also help with this); the sweet smells (i.e. Lavender and Rose) can really help with relaxation; and then, there is one of my favorites: Clary Sage. I've been using Clary Sage in baths and massage oils to help with menstrual cramps with much success for quite some time. So, it just makes sense that it would be great for contractions. It has an almost woodsy smell, so it isn't for everyone...but I really love it. You can either place a few drops in a bowl of water in the delivery room or place a few drops in a carrier oil (Sweet Almond is my favorite) and use for massage.
Mobility: This has been mentioned over and over as critical to coping with contractions. Changing positions from side-laying to sitting to bending at the hips...whatever works...keeping it mobile seems to be key. This includes walking the halls...supported, of course! So, we have requested usage of the "birth ball"...which is simply an exercise ball that I can sit on to keep my hips swaying or lean over for support.
Birthing Tub: After watching The Business of Being Born (which is a really great documentary!), I was all about a water birth. It just makes sense to me...the feeling of weightlessness...being in water is pretty relaxing. But our hospital doesn't allow for the actual birth to take place in the tub, but will provide the birthing tub for the labor. So, we have requested one for our delivery room!
Lucky for me, I will not only have the support of my husband during labor but will also have the support of a certified doula. So, if Chris and I start to get frustrated, we have a professional we can lean on for other options, positions or techniques.
If you are interested in finding a doula, check out Doulas of North America (DONA). This is an association of doulas who are trained to provide the highest quality of labor support. Through their website, you can get more information about doulas and how to find a certified one in your area.
What's a doula?
A doula is an individual that provides support to the couple during the labor and delivery of their little one. This person doesn't replace the medical staff or your current support system, but supplements and compliments both. They are professionally trained to support women in labor and support their partners as well...specifically with comfort measures.
This was the kicker for me! I love my husband but sometimes I want to strangle him. (Sorry Chris!) He tends to get a little excited and become almost too supportive. I know what you are thinking...poor Rachel, her husband can be too supportive. Waaaah! Well, until you meet him, don't judge me. When I'm stressed or dealing with pain, sometimes I just need space. I knew a female, certified doula who had seen hundreds of births would know exactly where I was coming from...and she does! She has actually started sentences with "Chris, to make sure you don't get hit in the delivery room, keep this in mind..." Boy, does she get me!
We started by taking the Birth Help Childbirth Classes. This was a three session course over three weeks that really dove into the intricacies of labor, delivery, comfort measures, and medical interventions. The classes were really intimate so I didn't feel uncomfortable asking seemingly the most ridiculous questions. My biggest concern is not being able to handle the pain of labor without medical interventions...so when she started talking about the comfort measures, I listened!
Come to find out there are countless ways to deal with the pains of labor without the use of an epidural or narcotics. I won't vouch for any yet because I haven't been through it all, but let me share with you a few that we are planning on giving a shot:
Breathing: I'm a big fan of yoga so I know how helpful proper breathing techniques can be. Slow, deep breaths are known to assist you through contractions. Namaste!
Music/Lighting: Sometimes my favorite parts of yoga or getting massages are the dim lights and the relaxing music. They just create such an ambiance perfect for relaxation. So, we have downloaded hours and hours of "zen" music and have already requested dim lighting for the delivery room. Check and Check.
Focal Points: Placing pictures or items in your line of vision during labor that motivate or encourage you, apparently help keep your mind in the game. In my case, we are going to use them as a distraction. As you know, I love my animals. They are goofy and they make me happy. After a stupid day, I come home and am instantly greeted by all three of them and it just turns my day around. So, we are going to have pictures of those three monsters in my line of vision in hopes they keep my thoughts positive.
Massage: I don't love being touched so I'm a little weary of this one. However, I've heard that back massages are Heaven during the labor pains. To assist Chris with this task, we have gotten a few little gadgets to help him give the best massages, which include: racket balls, paint rollers, and these little knobby knuckle things. Should be interesting!
Aromatherapy: Smells definitely help set the relaxation mood but did you know that certain essential oils can actually have medicinal or purposeful affects during labor? One of my favorite resources is The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy because it has tons of pointers in it. The citrus smells (i.e. Grapefruit, Sweet Orange) can help life spirits and motivate (peppermint oil can also help with this); the sweet smells (i.e. Lavender and Rose) can really help with relaxation; and then, there is one of my favorites: Clary Sage. I've been using Clary Sage in baths and massage oils to help with menstrual cramps with much success for quite some time. So, it just makes sense that it would be great for contractions. It has an almost woodsy smell, so it isn't for everyone...but I really love it. You can either place a few drops in a bowl of water in the delivery room or place a few drops in a carrier oil (Sweet Almond is my favorite) and use for massage.
Mobility: This has been mentioned over and over as critical to coping with contractions. Changing positions from side-laying to sitting to bending at the hips...whatever works...keeping it mobile seems to be key. This includes walking the halls...supported, of course! So, we have requested usage of the "birth ball"...which is simply an exercise ball that I can sit on to keep my hips swaying or lean over for support.
Birthing Tub: After watching The Business of Being Born (which is a really great documentary!), I was all about a water birth. It just makes sense to me...the feeling of weightlessness...being in water is pretty relaxing. But our hospital doesn't allow for the actual birth to take place in the tub, but will provide the birthing tub for the labor. So, we have requested one for our delivery room!
Lucky for me, I will not only have the support of my husband during labor but will also have the support of a certified doula. So, if Chris and I start to get frustrated, we have a professional we can lean on for other options, positions or techniques.
If you are interested in finding a doula, check out Doulas of North America (DONA). This is an association of doulas who are trained to provide the highest quality of labor support. Through their website, you can get more information about doulas and how to find a certified one in your area.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Trash to Treasure: Changing Table
FINALLY...we have made some progress in the nursery!
But, I'm only going to highlight one of our projects right now.
We decided to take a vintage dresser and transform it into our changing table. I love, love, love shabby chic so I tried to add some modern colors to that type of design. Enjoy!
How it all began...
We removed the drawers to sand and clean...
Keeping the first two drawers, we added thin wood to the bottom areas. We also added a few accents: railing along the top and some scalloped edges across the bottom. This is after a coat of primer...
Now the fun begins! The first coat of paint was a fun turquoise...
With the second being white...
We then went to town sanding the entire piece...really working the edges...to have the turquoise shine threw the white. We also added some pink hardware to the drawers and spruced up a few baskets for extra storage.
We also bought changing pad covers in lime and hot pink minky fabric...just to keep things interesting!
The room is really starting to come together! Can't wait to show off other aspects soon!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Trash to Treasure: Patio Table
Upcycling...Trash to Treasure...Repurposing...whatever you want to call it, I love doing it!
We had this gorgeous dining room table that just couldn't find a place in our home. So, we decided to repurpose it for the good ol' outdoors.
Chris got his handy dandy tools out and created the perfect hole in the center of the table for an umbrella. We ordered an umbrella off of Amazon for next to nothing! Gotta love finding a good deal!
Next, the table was sanded and then painted with an indoor/outdoor primer.
Once dry, we splashed on a few coats of an outdoor paint and VOILA!
Obviously, bright colors do not scare me!
I really want to create an outdoor space that is fun for entertaining and general enjoyment. But a yellow table and red umbrella is just the start!
We haven't had any issues with bad weather ruining the wood. Hopefully, the primer and outdoor paint continue to protect this beautiful table!
Pending Baby Henry's arrival, Chris plans to get dirty in the backyard this April!
Can't wait to see his green thumb in action and to show off the results!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Maternity Portraits
I wasn't going to do them...I was going to do them...I wasn't going to do them...I was going to do them...
I was having the hardest time deciding whether or not maternity portraits were for me. I don't love having my picture taken when I look my best so knowing I was going to have my picture taken when I don't feel like a million bucks didn't sound necessarily appealling. On the other hand, I know I want to document this special time for Chris and I...so we did them...and it wasn't that bad!
There are TONS more...but I won't bore you with that!
Kasey with Kase and Alli Photography did a great job and I'm so happy we decided to have them done!
Only 7 more weeks until D-Day!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Canine Earth
I love my puppy.
I love Spring.
But the two aren't mixing!
Poor Ollie is scratching like a crazy! He has super sensitive skin and all the pollen in the air is causing him much stress. It just breaks my heart! After much frustration, I posted on Facebook begging for suggestions. I got the typical "take him to the vet", "give him a shot", "medicated shampoos are the best"...but then, I received a suggestion that didn't make my own skin crawl a bit! It was for a balm and shampoo made by Canine Earth.
Let me give you a little run down of Canine Earth. This company produces products for our adorable furry friends that are formulated with 95-100% certified organics under the USDA National Organic Program or are Verified Natural. In addition, they are aroma-therapeutic, naturally deodorizing, pH balanced, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly! AND they are sulfate, paraben and soap-free! To get me more excited, this is a local Baton Rouge company! Can't beat that!
So far...we are huge fans of Canine Earth! I love supporting local companies, especially when they are made with such love and care! My Ollie deserves it!
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