Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
My first attempt at making body butter
So I made my first batch of body butter that I found at Rawmazing!
It was fairly simple to make, though the total time was a few hours because of the cool down times.
First I created a double boiler by using a stainless steel pot, and a heat resistant glass dish. I dumped the coconut oil and shea butter into the glass dish to melt them.
Then I placed it on the counter to cool for 30 minutes
Before letting it solidify, I added essential oils (vanilla) and I used Almond Glow a mixture of vitamin E, Coconut, Olive and Lanolin oil. This replaced the almond oil in the recipe only to lower cost. It's in a continuous state of liquid due to all the other oils in it (besides coconut which is a solid).
I then placed the glass dish in the freezer for it to set up, then whipped it when it was ready! Voila!!
Easy peasy, and it made a TON (Below is just one of the mason jars I used)
I will say it is a bit greasy going on, and A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!!! Trust me. My skin is super soft now, and I can't wait to continue to use it. Rawmazing states it has about a 6 month shelf life :)
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
I'm back!
Hi, long time no see! Not even sure who follows me anymore, but I thought I would start back up and blog about life and all it's craziness.
A lot has changed in the past few years, and I look forward to sharing it with everyone!
See you soon!
-Papps
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Christos Anesti!
I found this and thought it might explain to some what "Greek Easter" is.
Once every few years, Greek Easter falls the same week as “American Easter,” as it was called when I was growing up.
In order for “Greek Easter” to be celebrated the same week as “American Easter,” Passover has to have been celebrated already. We Greeks don’t do Easter until after Passover, because how can you have Easter BEFORE Passover. Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, after all. Unless it is one of the years when the two holidays align. Like this year.
Here are some of the things that non-Greeks may not know about Greek Easter: We don’t do bunnies. We don’t do chocolate. We don’t do pastels.
We do lamb, sweet cookies, and deep red. The lamb is roasted and not chocolate, the sweet cookies are called Koulorakia and are twisted like a braid, and our Easter eggs are dyed one color only: blood red. There is no Easter Egg hunt. There is a game in which you crack your red egg against someone else’s red egg hoping to have the strongest egg, which would indicate you getting a lot of good luck.
Though we don't celebrate in such detail much anymore, the traditions are still alive! I look forward to our get together tomorrow with my Greek family!
Christos Anesti!! xo
-Papps
Once every few years, Greek Easter falls the same week as “American Easter,” as it was called when I was growing up.
In order for “Greek Easter” to be celebrated the same week as “American Easter,” Passover has to have been celebrated already. We Greeks don’t do Easter until after Passover, because how can you have Easter BEFORE Passover. Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, after all. Unless it is one of the years when the two holidays align. Like this year.
Here are some of the things that non-Greeks may not know about Greek Easter: We don’t do bunnies. We don’t do chocolate. We don’t do pastels.
We do lamb, sweet cookies, and deep red. The lamb is roasted and not chocolate, the sweet cookies are called Koulorakia and are twisted like a braid, and our Easter eggs are dyed one color only: blood red. There is no Easter Egg hunt. There is a game in which you crack your red egg against someone else’s red egg hoping to have the strongest egg, which would indicate you getting a lot of good luck.
Though we don't celebrate in such detail much anymore, the traditions are still alive! I look forward to our get together tomorrow with my Greek family!
Christos Anesti!! xo
-Papps
Friday, February 3, 2012
Things I would like to pass on
This is from the blog Mommy OM. I found it today via The Bump, and it spoke to me.
25 Things I want my daughter to know
1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood.
In a world full of superficial values, peer pressure, and bullying, as well as a popular culture that pushes materialism and consumerism – you are being leapfrogged through your childhood. There is a constant pressure for you to grow up way too fast. I mean, when did 5 become the new 10, anyway?
Grow slowly.
2. Smart is the new cool.
Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or loving science and math. Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths.
Miss Smarty Pants
3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.”
Friends are invaluable. They are trusting and loyal. They stick with you through good times and bad, happy or sad. Some will come and go, but your true friends will be with you always.
Friends forever, through whatever.
4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you.
Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity! Sculpt, draw, and stomp. Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies.
5. Beat the boys at their own games.
Football, baseball, hockey or golf, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl. So go ahead, build the tallest tower of legos, kick butt on Xbox, and bust out your light saber.
Flippin’ awesome.
6. Be spiritual.
Find the desire to understand the universe and your place in it. Take the time to notice the earth and all of its beauty. Give thanks to God for giving you life.
7. See the world.
Experience new cultures, religions, people, and places. Open your heart and mind to the tremendous benefits of studying and visiting domestic and foreign lands.
Bon Voyage
8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.
It represents self confidence and ambition. A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest.
9. Even though you are only 5, I am so glad that right now you have absolutely no idea who Hannah Montanna is.
10. Or this teeny bopper, for that matter.
11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies-LESS is MORE. Although I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to wear make-up until you’re at least in your teens, I find it horrific that parents do this to their innocent, young children.
This is not beautiful, it’s creepy.
13. Please, please, please do not allow yourself to become someone else’s property. Why this is trendy, I will never figure out. If you want to make a statement about yourself on clothing, at least let it describe an aspect of who YOU are. You may reference back to #2 on this list.
I just don’t get it.
14. Speaking of trends, I hope that by the time you are allowed to date, guys don’t wear their pants hanging half way down their ass like they do now. I really feel like this has been pretty popular for quite some time and I am praying that it finally goes away by 2022. Also, I will flip my lid if you become this guy’s property! (see #13)
15. This is not what GOD or the Bible has in mind when it teaches about angels.
16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone, and texting, I have to address the horrendous lack of writing skills being used by today’s youth. This phenomenon of truant letters may very well be the Death of English (LOL). Bottom line, don’t use text lingo in your thesis.
What does this even say?
17. Speaking of text lingo, verbal slang is just as unprofessional. Calling all valley girls! Reminds me of Alicia Silverstone from Clueless. OMG, ROFL, BFF, TMI,FYI, IDK….As If.
18. I pray to G-O-D that you don’t ask me for any Monster High dolls. These are apparently the newest tween role models out on the market. They’re everywhere. Mattel claims they embrace imperfections and encourage individuality. Personally, I think they are over-sexualized – with their thigh skimming skirts, platform shoes, and heavy make-up. And I thought Barbie was bad – at least she had a career.
19. I hope I raise you well enough for you to know that wearing revealing clothes and posing in provocative positions is NOT a form of ”artistic expression.” I hope no one has to explain to you why this is NOT appropriate for a high school yearbook. It’s not classy, it’s not artistic, it’s not creative expression.
20. Don’t let pop culture define you.
I don’t know why, but today we let pop culture manipulate our youth and it’s killing them emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. From the early on fascination with princesses, to the ‘need’ for a boyfriend and big boobs, popularity, teen moms, and all the other garbage being thrown in their face – be confident going against the grain or you’ll risk selling yourself out (see #19).
21. Mainstream your health.
It’s life’s greatest asset. A positive approach to health encompasses physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well being. Healthy lifestyle choices in your youth will help lay a strong foundation for continued wellness throughout your adult life. Diet, exercise, stress management, chiropractic, self motivation, positiveness, and meditation, as well as a number of other approaches are guaranteed to make a huge impact on your quality of life, health, and happiness.
22. Be a sister. Be a friend. Be a protector.
23. Love with all your heart.
For where there is love there is life. Love is universal and felt by all living things. So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it makes the world go round.
24. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.
Laughter is humbling. It inspires and motivates.
25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home. I will be here – always.
♥ mommy
25 Things I want my daughter to know
1. Enjoy the innocence of your childhood.
In a world full of superficial values, peer pressure, and bullying, as well as a popular culture that pushes materialism and consumerism – you are being leapfrogged through your childhood. There is a constant pressure for you to grow up way too fast. I mean, when did 5 become the new 10, anyway?
Grow slowly.
2. Smart is the new cool.
Never be ashamed of being smart or nerdy, having freckles or glasses, or loving science and math. Smart never goes out of style, it stays with you as you grow, and it will lead you down the most successful paths.
Miss Smarty Pants
3. No matter how many times you hear it, “Diamonds are NOT a girl’s best friend.”
Friends are invaluable. They are trusting and loyal. They stick with you through good times and bad, happy or sad. Some will come and go, but your true friends will be with you always.
Friends forever, through whatever.
4. Go for it, get dirty! It’s good for you.
Besides the fact that getting dirty actually does help support your immunity, it’s also a great way to express creativity! Sculpt, draw, and stomp. Better yet, go “classic” and make some mud pies.
5. Beat the boys at their own games.
Football, baseball, hockey or golf, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a girl. So go ahead, build the tallest tower of legos, kick butt on Xbox, and bust out your light saber.
Flippin’ awesome.
6. Be spiritual.
Find the desire to understand the universe and your place in it. Take the time to notice the earth and all of its beauty. Give thanks to God for giving you life.
7. See the world.
Experience new cultures, religions, people, and places. Open your heart and mind to the tremendous benefits of studying and visiting domestic and foreign lands.
Bon Voyage
8. A strong hand shake leaves a lasting impression.
It represents self confidence and ambition. A strong hand shake and eye contact exemplifies a mutual respect for one another and is a sign that you are friendly, trustworthy, and honest.
9. Even though you are only 5, I am so glad that right now you have absolutely no idea who Hannah Montanna is.
10. Or this teeny bopper, for that matter.
11. When it comes to wearing make-up, there’s a general rule of thumb that applies-LESS is MORE. Although I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to wear make-up until you’re at least in your teens, I find it horrific that parents do this to their innocent, young children.
This is not beautiful, it’s creepy.
13. Please, please, please do not allow yourself to become someone else’s property. Why this is trendy, I will never figure out. If you want to make a statement about yourself on clothing, at least let it describe an aspect of who YOU are. You may reference back to #2 on this list.
I just don’t get it.
14. Speaking of trends, I hope that by the time you are allowed to date, guys don’t wear their pants hanging half way down their ass like they do now. I really feel like this has been pretty popular for quite some time and I am praying that it finally goes away by 2022. Also, I will flip my lid if you become this guy’s property! (see #13)
15. This is not what GOD or the Bible has in mind when it teaches about angels.
16. Since you’re growing up in the technological age of iPad, iPod, iPhone, and texting, I have to address the horrendous lack of writing skills being used by today’s youth. This phenomenon of truant letters may very well be the Death of English (LOL). Bottom line, don’t use text lingo in your thesis.
What does this even say?
17. Speaking of text lingo, verbal slang is just as unprofessional. Calling all valley girls! Reminds me of Alicia Silverstone from Clueless. OMG, ROFL, BFF, TMI,FYI, IDK….As If.
18. I pray to G-O-D that you don’t ask me for any Monster High dolls. These are apparently the newest tween role models out on the market. They’re everywhere. Mattel claims they embrace imperfections and encourage individuality. Personally, I think they are over-sexualized – with their thigh skimming skirts, platform shoes, and heavy make-up. And I thought Barbie was bad – at least she had a career.
19. I hope I raise you well enough for you to know that wearing revealing clothes and posing in provocative positions is NOT a form of ”artistic expression.” I hope no one has to explain to you why this is NOT appropriate for a high school yearbook. It’s not classy, it’s not artistic, it’s not creative expression.
20. Don’t let pop culture define you.
I don’t know why, but today we let pop culture manipulate our youth and it’s killing them emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. From the early on fascination with princesses, to the ‘need’ for a boyfriend and big boobs, popularity, teen moms, and all the other garbage being thrown in their face – be confident going against the grain or you’ll risk selling yourself out (see #19).
21. Mainstream your health.
It’s life’s greatest asset. A positive approach to health encompasses physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well being. Healthy lifestyle choices in your youth will help lay a strong foundation for continued wellness throughout your adult life. Diet, exercise, stress management, chiropractic, self motivation, positiveness, and meditation, as well as a number of other approaches are guaranteed to make a huge impact on your quality of life, health, and happiness.
22. Be a sister. Be a friend. Be a protector.
23. Love with all your heart.
For where there is love there is life. Love is universal and felt by all living things. So strong is the feeling of love that it is said it makes the world go round.
24. Never be afraid to laugh at yourself.
Laughter is humbling. It inspires and motivates.
25. Wherever you are in life, you can come home. I will be here – always.
♥ mommy
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Amelia's first Christmas :)
Sorry I've been MIA.... there's just not a whole lot going on right now besides feedings, poop and all that happens with a sweet baby <3
I just thought I would share a few pictures of my sweet little girl! We just saw Santa this morning, and she loved it :)
And a rare one of mommy and Amelia lol
And a rare one of mommy and Amelia lol
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Last Days
Hi!!!
Things have been slightly hectic since Amelia came home, so I apologize for my lack of blogging. She is absolutely precious, I love her more and more every day :)
Tomorrow is my 6 week pp check up, and as I am sitting here sipping wine, I'm feeling great and ready to jump into working out. Today is my last day of what I am calling free. My free for all if you will. I plan to begin hitting the gym and eating better. So I was looking on Pinterest and came across this. This is my motivation :)
"Set your alarm for 6am. Don’t groan when it goes off and pull the covers over your head, get up and start your day. Put on a baggy top and running shorts. Go downstairs and pour yourself a nice big glass of ice water. Cut up some fruit and mix it in with yogurt. Add some granola. Now go outside. Stretch for 10 minutes. Skip for 5 minutes. Jog for 10 minutes. Run for 10 minutes. Walk back. Lay out a towel on the ground and lie down on it. Do 50 crunches. Yes, they hurt, but they are 100% worth it. When you’re done, get in the shower. Use a nice smelling shampoo and matching conditioner. Shave your legs and wash your body. Exfoliate your face. Get out of the shower and let your hair air dry. Look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? If you do, good for you. Do this every day and you will continue to love yourself. If you don’t like what you see, do this every day and pretty soon you will. Being lazy might feel good at the time, but being active feels better in the long run. How badly do you want it?" MOTIVATION.
I'll try and post up a few pictures of my little pumpkin soon!
xo
-Papps
Things have been slightly hectic since Amelia came home, so I apologize for my lack of blogging. She is absolutely precious, I love her more and more every day :)
Tomorrow is my 6 week pp check up, and as I am sitting here sipping wine, I'm feeling great and ready to jump into working out. Today is my last day of what I am calling free. My free for all if you will. I plan to begin hitting the gym and eating better. So I was looking on Pinterest and came across this. This is my motivation :)
"Set your alarm for 6am. Don’t groan when it goes off and pull the covers over your head, get up and start your day. Put on a baggy top and running shorts. Go downstairs and pour yourself a nice big glass of ice water. Cut up some fruit and mix it in with yogurt. Add some granola. Now go outside. Stretch for 10 minutes. Skip for 5 minutes. Jog for 10 minutes. Run for 10 minutes. Walk back. Lay out a towel on the ground and lie down on it. Do 50 crunches. Yes, they hurt, but they are 100% worth it. When you’re done, get in the shower. Use a nice smelling shampoo and matching conditioner. Shave your legs and wash your body. Exfoliate your face. Get out of the shower and let your hair air dry. Look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? If you do, good for you. Do this every day and you will continue to love yourself. If you don’t like what you see, do this every day and pretty soon you will. Being lazy might feel good at the time, but being active feels better in the long run. How badly do you want it?" MOTIVATION.
I'll try and post up a few pictures of my little pumpkin soon!
xo
-Papps
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Belated Birth Story!
Ok, my apologies for the delay in our Amelia's birth story. Things have been a little hectic to say the least, and blogging has been the last thing on my mind lately!
So, without further ado......
Our journey began with my 37 week appointment. I saw a new OB that was recommended by my midwife (had to see an OB due to gestation diabetes), and that OB stated in her medical opinion I needed to have a scheduled c-section due to the possible size of the baby- my 36w6d u/s guesstimate was 8 lbs 2 oz at that point. I told her I wanted to try a vaginal birth, and she tried to talk me out of it by scaring me with horror stories.
Soooo, I rescheduled my 38 week appointment with my MW even though I wasn't supposed to see her. When I went in, I told her about the OB, and that I at least wanted to give a vaginal birth a shot before giving in to a c-sec. She totally agreed with me! :) She said because I was a gestational diabetic, the placenta can start to deteriorate early (not to mention her size they were guessing) they wanted to induce me at 39 weeks.
Fast forward to Sunday, October 9th (39 weeks exactly). We went in at 0600, and was admitted right away. I dressed down, we got comfy and waited. They came in and got all our info, birth plan etc and then we waited some more. Almost 4 hours more :/
They came in and apologized for the delay... I guess they had 3 emergency deliveries, so of course we were ok with it all. They gave me this pill called MISO to help my cervix become even more favorable for the pitocin since I was only 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I had to lay there for a few hours, then they came back and checked me again. I had dilated to 3 cm, 60% effaced, but nothing much more. She said since I was having so many contractions, they could not give me another one to make sure they didn't harm the baby. I had to let my body do more laboring on it's own, then they would start pitocin once I did.
Now the fun stuff!! At 1645, the doc came back in, checked me and told me I was 4 cm, 60% effaced. They then started the pitocin. My contractions almost instantly became stronger and no longer felt like strong cramps. I was determined to try a med free birth, so I continued through them like champ. At 0400 on 10/10, I woke up and felt the need to use the restroom, and as soon as I stood up, I felt this gush of fluid. Since I had just woken up, I thought I was peeing myself and could not stop laughing! I was cracking up as the fluid just kept gushing down my legs onto the floor while I'm trying to gather my IV. LOL
I finally made it to the bathroom with the IV, and hollered for my husband to grab me a towel. Then I told him to get a nurse because I thought my water just broke.
Nurse came in, looked at the towel and told me it was my water, though it looked like meconium on the towel. Cue freakout! She told me not to worry, that it would be ok, they just monitor the baby a little bit more.
At 0500, the contractions became unbeareable to me, so I asked for the epidural. BEST THING EVER!!!!!!!!! I didn't like not feeling my legs, but no longer felt like I was dying (yes, I'm a big baby). I recommend an epidural if you're thinking about getting one.
Around 1600, the midwife came back in and said I was 9 cm dilated and almost 100% effaced- YAY! Almost time to push! :) They turned back the epi (per my request so I could feel my contractions and know when to push). I started pushing around 1700- and pushed for an hour. It was at that point they said the baby was "sunnyside up" and wanted to try and turn her since it can cause damage on the baby if she comes our face up. They turned up the epi again so that I wouldn't feel the urge to push, and laid me on my side with my leg up. I stayed like this for an hour before she came back in and had me start pushing again. With the epi turned back down, I started pushing and the midwife said she was still face up. :( I thought this would never end! She told me to keep pushing and she would manually try to turn her, so we went with it.
I pushed for another hour and a half when I'm not sure if she was seeing my fatigue, or if I was truly close, but she finally said I was so close to meeting my baby girl. The reason I question it was because my husband did overhear her talking to the nurse and mention the possibility of an emergency c-section :(
By this point I was exhausted and had no idea how I would keep going, but refused to give up since I had gone through all this and come this far. My husband was the best coach I could have asked for <3 He helped me and gave me the strength to push on. He coached me, fanned me when I overheated, held my hand and continuously told me how good I was doing. I love this man. Almost another full hour of pushing and our comes our little Amelia (face down I might add thanks to the MW). She was rushed over to the side to be cleaned up due to the meconium, but then was brought right back over to me and I never wanted to let her go. She was precious; the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on. The rest is a blur. I know they had me push a few more times to deliver the placenta, but I was so fixated on my husband and new baby, that I didn't pay any attention to the world around me. Recovery has been great (though still recovering) and Amelia is doing fantastic!! All 8 lbs 2 oz of her! I'm so glad I pushed for a vaginal birth, and went against the OB's advice. I had a wonderful, albeit long delivery, and wouldn't change it for the world.
Here's a picture right after birth :)
And another one earlier this week
If you made it all the way, thanks for reading!
xo
-Papps
So, without further ado......
Our journey began with my 37 week appointment. I saw a new OB that was recommended by my midwife (had to see an OB due to gestation diabetes), and that OB stated in her medical opinion I needed to have a scheduled c-section due to the possible size of the baby- my 36w6d u/s guesstimate was 8 lbs 2 oz at that point. I told her I wanted to try a vaginal birth, and she tried to talk me out of it by scaring me with horror stories.
Soooo, I rescheduled my 38 week appointment with my MW even though I wasn't supposed to see her. When I went in, I told her about the OB, and that I at least wanted to give a vaginal birth a shot before giving in to a c-sec. She totally agreed with me! :) She said because I was a gestational diabetic, the placenta can start to deteriorate early (not to mention her size they were guessing) they wanted to induce me at 39 weeks.
Fast forward to Sunday, October 9th (39 weeks exactly). We went in at 0600, and was admitted right away. I dressed down, we got comfy and waited. They came in and got all our info, birth plan etc and then we waited some more. Almost 4 hours more :/
They came in and apologized for the delay... I guess they had 3 emergency deliveries, so of course we were ok with it all. They gave me this pill called MISO to help my cervix become even more favorable for the pitocin since I was only 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I had to lay there for a few hours, then they came back and checked me again. I had dilated to 3 cm, 60% effaced, but nothing much more. She said since I was having so many contractions, they could not give me another one to make sure they didn't harm the baby. I had to let my body do more laboring on it's own, then they would start pitocin once I did.
Now the fun stuff!! At 1645, the doc came back in, checked me and told me I was 4 cm, 60% effaced. They then started the pitocin. My contractions almost instantly became stronger and no longer felt like strong cramps. I was determined to try a med free birth, so I continued through them like champ. At 0400 on 10/10, I woke up and felt the need to use the restroom, and as soon as I stood up, I felt this gush of fluid. Since I had just woken up, I thought I was peeing myself and could not stop laughing! I was cracking up as the fluid just kept gushing down my legs onto the floor while I'm trying to gather my IV. LOL
I finally made it to the bathroom with the IV, and hollered for my husband to grab me a towel. Then I told him to get a nurse because I thought my water just broke.
Nurse came in, looked at the towel and told me it was my water, though it looked like meconium on the towel. Cue freakout! She told me not to worry, that it would be ok, they just monitor the baby a little bit more.
At 0500, the contractions became unbeareable to me, so I asked for the epidural. BEST THING EVER!!!!!!!!! I didn't like not feeling my legs, but no longer felt like I was dying (yes, I'm a big baby). I recommend an epidural if you're thinking about getting one.
Around 1600, the midwife came back in and said I was 9 cm dilated and almost 100% effaced- YAY! Almost time to push! :) They turned back the epi (per my request so I could feel my contractions and know when to push). I started pushing around 1700- and pushed for an hour. It was at that point they said the baby was "sunnyside up" and wanted to try and turn her since it can cause damage on the baby if she comes our face up. They turned up the epi again so that I wouldn't feel the urge to push, and laid me on my side with my leg up. I stayed like this for an hour before she came back in and had me start pushing again. With the epi turned back down, I started pushing and the midwife said she was still face up. :( I thought this would never end! She told me to keep pushing and she would manually try to turn her, so we went with it.
I pushed for another hour and a half when I'm not sure if she was seeing my fatigue, or if I was truly close, but she finally said I was so close to meeting my baby girl. The reason I question it was because my husband did overhear her talking to the nurse and mention the possibility of an emergency c-section :(
By this point I was exhausted and had no idea how I would keep going, but refused to give up since I had gone through all this and come this far. My husband was the best coach I could have asked for <3 He helped me and gave me the strength to push on. He coached me, fanned me when I overheated, held my hand and continuously told me how good I was doing. I love this man. Almost another full hour of pushing and our comes our little Amelia (face down I might add thanks to the MW). She was rushed over to the side to be cleaned up due to the meconium, but then was brought right back over to me and I never wanted to let her go. She was precious; the most beautiful thing I have ever laid eyes on. The rest is a blur. I know they had me push a few more times to deliver the placenta, but I was so fixated on my husband and new baby, that I didn't pay any attention to the world around me. Recovery has been great (though still recovering) and Amelia is doing fantastic!! All 8 lbs 2 oz of her! I'm so glad I pushed for a vaginal birth, and went against the OB's advice. I had a wonderful, albeit long delivery, and wouldn't change it for the world.
Here's a picture right after birth :)
And another one earlier this week
If you made it all the way, thanks for reading!
xo
-Papps
Monday, September 26, 2011
37 Weeks and some change
I apologize for the reflection and dirty mirror :/
*How far along?: 37w2d
*Total weight gain: mid 20's
*How big is baby?: Huge ;) Watermelon. As of my growth u/s at 36w6d they think she is already 8 lbs 1 oz
*Sleep?: Yeah, not so much
*How are you feeling physically? These past few weeks have been very difficult. She has positioned herself more in more pelvis which is painful and uncomfortable and I have slowly started to progress in terms of becoming dilated (though I was never told the number). YAY!
*How are you feeling emotionally?: A ball of emotions. SO excited to meet her!!!!!
*Movement?: Yes and she hurts her mama. It's still amazing to watch my belly move all over the place
*Food cravings?: Nah, not so much anything right now
*Labor signs?: Yes. I've been having cramping and more painful BH contractions, though nothing close to hard labor
*What I miss: Being more mobile, sleeping in my own bed (now sleeping sitting up on the couch) and a nice glass of Pinot :o)
*What I'm looking forward to: Holding my sweet baby girl!
*Random Thoughts: Can my vag handle a large baby!?!?!? LOL OMFG I'm a little nervous :) I have decided to try and labor as long as I can without meds so I can be mobile, but I will opt for an epi
Sunday, September 11, 2011
I hit 35/35!!!
Ok, one day past due on this, but the picture is from yesterday. How in the world did I make it here? I remember how much doubt I had that I would ever be able to get pregnant, and here I am. If there is one thing I can pass on, it's to never give up!
*How far along?: 35w1d
*Total weight gain: mid 20's
*How big is baby?: Honeydew (4.5-5.5 lbs)
*Sleep?: What's that?
*How are you feeling physically? Overall pretty good, though I'm starting to exhaust quickly and can feel my body shifting for delivery which is somewhat painful.
*How are you feeling emotionally?: Fantastic! I am so ready for her :)
*Movement?: Yes, though it has slowed down some since she has less room. She loves to kick the top of my belly with her heels though LOL
*Food cravings?: Anything the GD diet tells me not to have? haha
*Labor signs?: Nope
*What I miss: Being able to walk normally (no waddling, grunting) :)
*What I'm looking forward to: Her delivery
*Random Thoughts: We are now totally prepared for her when she comes. The nursery is done (though she'll be sleeping in a bassinet in our room for a while), clothes & blankets are washed, bouncer and swing set up and we picked up the last few things we needed for a while from the store! :) Hopefully it's another month before she's here though, but we're ready for her!
*How far along?: 35w1d
*Total weight gain: mid 20's
*How big is baby?: Honeydew (4.5-5.5 lbs)
*Sleep?: What's that?
*How are you feeling physically? Overall pretty good, though I'm starting to exhaust quickly and can feel my body shifting for delivery which is somewhat painful.
*How are you feeling emotionally?: Fantastic! I am so ready for her :)
*Movement?: Yes, though it has slowed down some since she has less room. She loves to kick the top of my belly with her heels though LOL
*Food cravings?: Anything the GD diet tells me not to have? haha
*Labor signs?: Nope
*What I miss: Being able to walk normally (no waddling, grunting) :)
*What I'm looking forward to: Her delivery
*Random Thoughts: We are now totally prepared for her when she comes. The nursery is done (though she'll be sleeping in a bassinet in our room for a while), clothes & blankets are washed, bouncer and swing set up and we picked up the last few things we needed for a while from the store! :) Hopefully it's another month before she's here though, but we're ready for her!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Nursery is done! Whew!
So, we finally got the last decorations up in the nursery, and besides waiting to get the crib mattress and bedding all set up (trying to the keep curious cat way from crib) were done! Feels so good to have it completed. MH just said tonight that we need to pack our hospital bag now and we're good to go. I think he's looking forward to putting the car seats in too :o)
Here's some pictures :)
Here's her closet full of new clothes from the shower, and hand-me-downs :) And tons of diapers!
Her dresser is full of more clothes (mainly onsies and sleepers from newborn to 12 months), blankets and sleep sacks. It's nice to feel prepared... at least in this aspect!
xoxo
-Papps
Here's some pictures :)
Here's her closet full of new clothes from the shower, and hand-me-downs :) And tons of diapers!
Her dresser is full of more clothes (mainly onsies and sleepers from newborn to 12 months), blankets and sleep sacks. It's nice to feel prepared... at least in this aspect!
xoxo
-Papps
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Thinking about deleting my blog..... question for you
First off, I apologize for being such a lame blogger lately. Things have been pretty hectic and I just don't have much to update on lately, hence the cease in postings!
My question is for those who have had kids or life just becomes pretty busy, do you still find joy in blogging (or the time)?
I've had so much fun blogging while TTC, but for some reason things have just slowed down and I don't want to bore the crap out of anyone with posts about nothing. It makes me sad to think about deleting my blog, but I'm not sure if I will want to continue. Any advice is welcomed!!!
xoxo
-Papps
My question is for those who have had kids or life just becomes pretty busy, do you still find joy in blogging (or the time)?
I've had so much fun blogging while TTC, but for some reason things have just slowed down and I don't want to bore the crap out of anyone with posts about nothing. It makes me sad to think about deleting my blog, but I'm not sure if I will want to continue. Any advice is welcomed!!!
xoxo
-Papps
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
GD Update
So today I went in for my what I call the "prick test". The nurse taught me how to check my blood sugar levels and gave me a few pamphlets on good foods/bad foods until I can meet with a nutritionist.
I will say I went in EXTREMELY nervous, but left feeling much better. When she had me assembling the wand/needle, I was literally shaking. I could feel my heart just pounding!! So I finally worked up the nerve to test on my finger, and it didn't work. So I tried again. Again no-go. One last time and finally the needle pierced the skin haha. Talk about anxiety! Anywho, it truly didn't hurt too badly... I guess Kaiser started using a needle that draws less blood, but hurts much less (I'm ok with that!)
I found out that I failed my initial blood draw for the 3hr GTT by 1 point. They want to see my fasting blood sugar level under 95, and it was 96. Today I tested after lunch and it was at a 90, so I'm thinking that's good|!?!
All in all not a bad day. I feel like I'm taking back some control I felt I lost a few days ago :o)
I will say I went in EXTREMELY nervous, but left feeling much better. When she had me assembling the wand/needle, I was literally shaking. I could feel my heart just pounding!! So I finally worked up the nerve to test on my finger, and it didn't work. So I tried again. Again no-go. One last time and finally the needle pierced the skin haha. Talk about anxiety! Anywho, it truly didn't hurt too badly... I guess Kaiser started using a needle that draws less blood, but hurts much less (I'm ok with that!)
I found out that I failed my initial blood draw for the 3hr GTT by 1 point. They want to see my fasting blood sugar level under 95, and it was 96. Today I tested after lunch and it was at a 90, so I'm thinking that's good|!?!
All in all not a bad day. I feel like I'm taking back some control I felt I lost a few days ago :o)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Gestational Diabetes
Ok, so this was not what I was hoping to hear today when I went in for my 3 hour glucose test. In fact, I was totally prepared to sit there for 4 hours, have them call me and hopefully tell me we're good to go.
Instead, I go in, get my baseline blood draw to show I was fasting, and apparently my fasting glucose level was already way high, so my doc advised to skip the drink, and go straight to making an appt with a nutritionist who specializes in GD.
My first thought was fuck me. Why does shit like this always have to happen? Why can't I catch a flippin break?!? But then after I wiped away the tears and drove back to work, I thought to myself that it's not the end of the world. At worst I have to prick my fingers and go the insulin route. At best I have to log my meals and watch my diet- oh and still prick my fingers. At least now I know there is an issue and can take all measures to ensure that Amelia has the best health possible.
I posted on a few boards looking for advice on where to look for suggestions etc... and got some good advice in general! Now I just have to wait until I get a call and set up an appt and go from there. MH is already very supportive in helping me plan my meals, and keeps reminding me that it's only temporary.
Hopefully this will get me on a good track in terms of eating well, which will lead to weight loss after baby is here! I have heard people lose weight once going on this diet, but at this moment that is not my main goal.
I just want to bring home a sweet, healthy baby girl :)
So off I go into the unknown world of GD! Wish us all luck! <3
Instead, I go in, get my baseline blood draw to show I was fasting, and apparently my fasting glucose level was already way high, so my doc advised to skip the drink, and go straight to making an appt with a nutritionist who specializes in GD.
My first thought was fuck me. Why does shit like this always have to happen? Why can't I catch a flippin break?!? But then after I wiped away the tears and drove back to work, I thought to myself that it's not the end of the world. At worst I have to prick my fingers and go the insulin route. At best I have to log my meals and watch my diet- oh and still prick my fingers. At least now I know there is an issue and can take all measures to ensure that Amelia has the best health possible.
I posted on a few boards looking for advice on where to look for suggestions etc... and got some good advice in general! Now I just have to wait until I get a call and set up an appt and go from there. MH is already very supportive in helping me plan my meals, and keeps reminding me that it's only temporary.
Hopefully this will get me on a good track in terms of eating well, which will lead to weight loss after baby is here! I have heard people lose weight once going on this diet, but at this moment that is not my main goal.
I just want to bring home a sweet, healthy baby girl :)
So off I go into the unknown world of GD! Wish us all luck! <3
Saturday, July 23, 2011
I'm still alive!!! *28 Weeks*
Sorry I have been MIA lately. I guess I don't have a ton of new things going on, my life has somewhat slowed down lately. We are making amazing progress on the nursery, so hopefully later this week I'll have pictures to post up!
So today we invited my FIL and Step-MIL to our 3/4D ultrasound. It was such a great experience! Seriously the only dry eye in the house was the tech ;) Amelia of course was stubborn and kept trying to block our view. She'd roll over or put her hands and/or feet in front of her face just to keep us away. Pretty funny shit if you ask me. We paid for 15-20 mins of u/s, but the tech went for just a little over an hour with us- just so we could get some good shots (we'd get a few then she'd move) Here are a few of our fav's :o)
How far along?: 28 Weeks
*Total weight gain: 19 lbs as of last appt
*How big is baby?: Still the size of a eggplant
*Sleep?: I try! I have begun napping in my car again on breaks ;)
*How are you feeling physically? Feeling great besides the heartburn and swollen feet! If this is all I have to endure, I feel blessed!!!
*How are you feeling emotionally?: Fantastic!
*Best moment this week?: Seeing Amelia in 3D today
*Movement?: All.the.time. She likes to kick her mama- especially when it's time for me to go to bed!
*Food cravings?: Ice cream and mexican food
*Labor signs?: Nope
*What I miss: Right now nothing much. I'm loving this
*What I'm looking forward to: Getting the nursery done
*Random Thoughts: Now that we've seen her in 3D, I can't help but wonder what she'll look like as a newborn!
So today we invited my FIL and Step-MIL to our 3/4D ultrasound. It was such a great experience! Seriously the only dry eye in the house was the tech ;) Amelia of course was stubborn and kept trying to block our view. She'd roll over or put her hands and/or feet in front of her face just to keep us away. Pretty funny shit if you ask me. We paid for 15-20 mins of u/s, but the tech went for just a little over an hour with us- just so we could get some good shots (we'd get a few then she'd move) Here are a few of our fav's :o)
How far along?: 28 Weeks
*Total weight gain: 19 lbs as of last appt
*How big is baby?: Still the size of a eggplant
*Sleep?: I try! I have begun napping in my car again on breaks ;)
*How are you feeling physically? Feeling great besides the heartburn and swollen feet! If this is all I have to endure, I feel blessed!!!
*How are you feeling emotionally?: Fantastic!
*Best moment this week?: Seeing Amelia in 3D today
*Movement?: All.the.time. She likes to kick her mama- especially when it's time for me to go to bed!
*Food cravings?: Ice cream and mexican food
*Labor signs?: Nope
*What I miss: Right now nothing much. I'm loving this
*What I'm looking forward to: Getting the nursery done
*Random Thoughts: Now that we've seen her in 3D, I can't help but wonder what she'll look like as a newborn!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
26 Weeks and some drama!
Ok, so this is a few days early, but I am going out of town and won't have a chance to update.
So a few big ticket items I have to discuss today. First off, I realized that today I have 100 days left, tomorrow will be double digits!!!! Holy shit times flies right?!?!?!?
Secondly, today I made a trip to L&D because I had a scare :( I had a gush of fluid a few days back, followed by some cramping. This morning I realized I haven't been feeling Amelia as much, so I freaked the fuck out.
They hooked me up to the monitors and checked my goodies and all is well. They said I most likely peed myself a little (congrats to me!) and I'm most likely having Braxton Hicks contractions. I feel better knowing that everything is ok, but not too fond of the idea of peeing myself LOL
How far along?: 26 Weeks!! (almost)
*Total weight gain: 16 lbs as of last appt
*How big is baby?: Still the size of a eggplant
*Sleep?: More awake than sleep
*How are you feeling physically? This week has been a bit rough just with not knowing what was going on, but I love feeling her move around which outweighs anything bad!
*How are you feeling emotionally?: Better now that I went to the hospital
*Best moment this week?: Seeing my stomach move when Amelia kicks me
*Movement?: See above post ;)
*Food cravings?: Alright I found one.... it's been ice cream all the way! (had my first DQ Blizzard last night!!)
*Labor signs?: No, but I had my BH scare moment
*What I miss: Being totally mobile
*What I'm looking forward to: Our 3/4D u/s in a few weeks!!
*Random Thoughts: Time is flying by now and I'm feeling the pressure of my previous laziness! lol
So a few big ticket items I have to discuss today. First off, I realized that today I have 100 days left, tomorrow will be double digits!!!! Holy shit times flies right?!?!?!?
Secondly, today I made a trip to L&D because I had a scare :( I had a gush of fluid a few days back, followed by some cramping. This morning I realized I haven't been feeling Amelia as much, so I freaked the fuck out.
They hooked me up to the monitors and checked my goodies and all is well. They said I most likely peed myself a little (congrats to me!) and I'm most likely having Braxton Hicks contractions. I feel better knowing that everything is ok, but not too fond of the idea of peeing myself LOL
How far along?: 26 Weeks!! (almost)
*Total weight gain: 16 lbs as of last appt
*How big is baby?: Still the size of a eggplant
*Sleep?: More awake than sleep
*How are you feeling physically? This week has been a bit rough just with not knowing what was going on, but I love feeling her move around which outweighs anything bad!
*How are you feeling emotionally?: Better now that I went to the hospital
*Best moment this week?: Seeing my stomach move when Amelia kicks me
*Movement?: See above post ;)
*Food cravings?: Alright I found one.... it's been ice cream all the way! (had my first DQ Blizzard last night!!)
*Labor signs?: No, but I had my BH scare moment
*What I miss: Being totally mobile
*What I'm looking forward to: Our 3/4D u/s in a few weeks!!
*Random Thoughts: Time is flying by now and I'm feeling the pressure of my previous laziness! lol
Saturday, June 25, 2011
W00T W00T!! V-day baby!
Can I just say how thrilled I am to have made it to this point? What an amazing milestone :)
MH and I went to IKEA today and bought a few things.... I can't for him to put together the dresser, and the flower lamp to go with the lady bug lamp It should hopefully be cute! We didn't want an expensive dresser until we move into our home, so this cheapie should work perfectly! I loaf IKEA :)
Here's me!
How far along?: 24 Weeks!!
*Total weight gain: 16 lbs as of last Wed
*How big is baby?: Still the size of a Papapya
*Sleep?: Give and take
*How are you feeling physically? Wonderful! I seem to tire more easily, but otherwise good
*How are you feeling emotionally?: I have great days and I have cranky days lol My patience level has slipped
*Best moment this week?: Feeling her kick on a daily basis. She moves around a TON now
*Movement?: See above post ;)
*Food cravings?: Nothin really at the moment
*Labor signs?: No
*What I miss: Sleeping on mah belleh
*What I'm looking forward to: Having the baby's room totally done..... I've been slacking lately
*Random Thoughts: We have 16 weeks (give or take a few weeks) until she's here!! ZOMG!!!
MH and I went to IKEA today and bought a few things.... I can't for him to put together the dresser, and the flower lamp to go with the lady bug lamp It should hopefully be cute! We didn't want an expensive dresser until we move into our home, so this cheapie should work perfectly! I loaf IKEA :)
Here's me!
How far along?: 24 Weeks!!
*Total weight gain: 16 lbs as of last Wed
*How big is baby?: Still the size of a Papapya
*Sleep?: Give and take
*How are you feeling physically? Wonderful! I seem to tire more easily, but otherwise good
*How are you feeling emotionally?: I have great days and I have cranky days lol My patience level has slipped
*Best moment this week?: Feeling her kick on a daily basis. She moves around a TON now
*Movement?: See above post ;)
*Food cravings?: Nothin really at the moment
*Labor signs?: No
*What I miss: Sleeping on mah belleh
*What I'm looking forward to: Having the baby's room totally done..... I've been slacking lately
*Random Thoughts: We have 16 weeks (give or take a few weeks) until she's here!! ZOMG!!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
A few firsts!
So today was our first 80* weather we've really had all year (I'm hoping this is finally the start of summer) and boy did my body react! Here's a picture of my feet (you can actually press things against my calves and leave an imprint for a good 5 mins) LOL
And here is a belly shot from boob angle ;) My first time taking one of these!
And here is a belly shot from boob angle ;) My first time taking one of these!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Infertility
I have something for you......
So many emotions run through me on a daily basis still to this day. Yes, I got pregnant, but I'm still not "normal".
I have trouble being totally happy and ok with this pregnancy. For some reason I feel like something will happen and that it will be taken away from me. I guess after all the heartache I endured dealing with infertility, it's difficult to just forget all the aches and pains.
Don't get me wrong, I am forever happy I've made it this far, and can only hope and pray that things go great until delivery, but I don't know if I will ever be one of those people who can just be obliviously happy.
Of course I have my days of being on cloud nine, but those insecurities are still lingering around making it painfully difficult to move forward. Odds are greatly stacked against me that I'll ever get to know what it feels like to be a "oops, it just happened" girl, or "it took little to no effort."
Light at the end of the tunnel- I guess it makes me that much more appreciative of what I have and are working towards. Amelia will never know how much her mom and dad truly went through to see her smile
So many emotions run through me on a daily basis still to this day. Yes, I got pregnant, but I'm still not "normal".
I have trouble being totally happy and ok with this pregnancy. For some reason I feel like something will happen and that it will be taken away from me. I guess after all the heartache I endured dealing with infertility, it's difficult to just forget all the aches and pains.
Don't get me wrong, I am forever happy I've made it this far, and can only hope and pray that things go great until delivery, but I don't know if I will ever be one of those people who can just be obliviously happy.
Of course I have my days of being on cloud nine, but those insecurities are still lingering around making it painfully difficult to move forward. Odds are greatly stacked against me that I'll ever get to know what it feels like to be a "oops, it just happened" girl, or "it took little to no effort."
Light at the end of the tunnel- I guess it makes me that much more appreciative of what I have and are working towards. Amelia will never know how much her mom and dad truly went through to see her smile
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Baby Nursery- Stage 3 of progress
So it's coming together... we got the crib, glider, swing and bassinet put together yesterday, and took the out bedding to air out (we'll wash it closer to baby's arrival). It feels odd, yet so overly exciting to have it becoming a baby room :) MH kept walking in there yesterday, sitting on the glider and just looking at everything saying how exciting.
We still have a LONG way to go though... I have to put up the wall decor (and buy some, yippee!) then we need to get a dresser and arrange the closet- which by the way still has baby items that my sister donated (besides the swing and bassinet). Once Amelia is here, we'll move the bassinet into our room, and the swing out into the living room- but for now, it goes all into the one room.
Here are some pics we took :)
That's a gorilla in the bumbo ;o)
There's a blanket over the bassinet so that kitties don't climb in, sorry!
XOXO
-Papps
We still have a LONG way to go though... I have to put up the wall decor (and buy some, yippee!) then we need to get a dresser and arrange the closet- which by the way still has baby items that my sister donated (besides the swing and bassinet). Once Amelia is here, we'll move the bassinet into our room, and the swing out into the living room- but for now, it goes all into the one room.
Here are some pics we took :)
That's a gorilla in the bumbo ;o)
There's a blanket over the bassinet so that kitties don't climb in, sorry!
XOXO
-Papps
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)