Minutes old
Dr. Harden and Erin
And the journey gets better every day...
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Going to the hospital
Okay, these posts are not going to be in order.... but now that I have the pictures on the computer, I'm going to document anway!
We had a "fake out" the Monday before Gunney was born... 4 hours of contractions, get to the hospital, get sent home...
We took these pictures on the way out the door. Man, check out that baby bump!
We had a "fake out" the Monday before Gunney was born... 4 hours of contractions, get to the hospital, get sent home...
We took these pictures on the way out the door. Man, check out that baby bump!
Monday, August 23, 2010
We made bones...
I’m having such a hard time getting to the computer… I have this baby in my lap and he is just too damn cute to put down!
We are loving parenthood. It’s amazing just looking at him and realizing that we created this perfect little man. It honestly blows me away. I looked at his knee the other day and then at Mike and said “We made bones”… I just can’t believe it!
I don’t want him to grow up and I’m trying not to get sad thinking about one day having to leave him and come back to work, or one day him going off to college… and just really enjoy the moment.
Labor started early Sunday morning… contractions around 6:45am… severe back pain earlier- around 3:00… We went for a long walk, got the contractions going… and called the doc around 11. Went in, dilated to 3-4 so they admitted us. Pain was about a 6 out of 10 at this point. They broke my water and contractions quickly got worse. Minute and a half long, two minutes apart, so about 30 seconds of no pain… shoot me. I couldn’t even look at Mike. Probably 30 minutes after that I asked for the epidural… Dr. Harden assured me there was no/very little risk… so we went for it. I was dilated to a 7. I got to 10 at about 5 and started to push. Pushed for 2.5 hours. Was still in a lot of pain. Little monster did not want to come out.
He was born at 7:41… they put him directly on my chest and the look on Mike’s face is THE coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It blew me away and I spent the next hour or so staring at his perfect little face and bonding with him.
The fam came in shortly afterwards and got to meet him. (They’d been in the waiting room for 6 hours with very few updates… we were too distracted… so I think they were more relieved than anything that we were okay). They got his APGAR scores and weighed him (8 lbs 1 oz and 21.25” long… a long baby!). He has huge feet and hands… and I love them! Mike gave him a bath right there in our room and washed his head under the faucet- he loved it! I’ve never seen a baby with SO MUCH HAIR! He looks like a little man.
We moved to Recovery, where Kerry whipped out the champagne and we had a family toast. After everyone left, we had a little family time, just the three of us, and went to bed around 2:30am.
Mike is a diaper changing machine and has been with me through every minute. He gets up for every feeding, changes Gunney, gets me a drink and helps us get started.
We are enjoying every single minute of parenthood… and know the biggest challenges are in front of us. For now, we just sit around and stare at our perfect little Monster Baby.
We are loving parenthood. It’s amazing just looking at him and realizing that we created this perfect little man. It honestly blows me away. I looked at his knee the other day and then at Mike and said “We made bones”… I just can’t believe it!
I don’t want him to grow up and I’m trying not to get sad thinking about one day having to leave him and come back to work, or one day him going off to college… and just really enjoy the moment.
Labor started early Sunday morning… contractions around 6:45am… severe back pain earlier- around 3:00… We went for a long walk, got the contractions going… and called the doc around 11. Went in, dilated to 3-4 so they admitted us. Pain was about a 6 out of 10 at this point. They broke my water and contractions quickly got worse. Minute and a half long, two minutes apart, so about 30 seconds of no pain… shoot me. I couldn’t even look at Mike. Probably 30 minutes after that I asked for the epidural… Dr. Harden assured me there was no/very little risk… so we went for it. I was dilated to a 7. I got to 10 at about 5 and started to push. Pushed for 2.5 hours. Was still in a lot of pain. Little monster did not want to come out.
He was born at 7:41… they put him directly on my chest and the look on Mike’s face is THE coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. It blew me away and I spent the next hour or so staring at his perfect little face and bonding with him.
The fam came in shortly afterwards and got to meet him. (They’d been in the waiting room for 6 hours with very few updates… we were too distracted… so I think they were more relieved than anything that we were okay). They got his APGAR scores and weighed him (8 lbs 1 oz and 21.25” long… a long baby!). He has huge feet and hands… and I love them! Mike gave him a bath right there in our room and washed his head under the faucet- he loved it! I’ve never seen a baby with SO MUCH HAIR! He looks like a little man.
We moved to Recovery, where Kerry whipped out the champagne and we had a family toast. After everyone left, we had a little family time, just the three of us, and went to bed around 2:30am.
Mike is a diaper changing machine and has been with me through every minute. He gets up for every feeding, changes Gunney, gets me a drink and helps us get started.
We are enjoying every single minute of parenthood… and know the biggest challenges are in front of us. For now, we just sit around and stare at our perfect little Monster Baby.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
40 weeks and 0 days pregnant... Haha
So, the countdown at the top when I just logged in said 40 days and 0 days pregnant... it made me laugh.
0 days pregnant... heck yeah :)
Today was our due date... but the super cute little guy is lying on his bed right here next to me...
Updates to come!
Guenther Gray Clifton
Born Sunday, August 15th at 7:41pm
8lbs 1oz 21.25" long
Friday, August 13, 2010
Our little monkey's nursery :)
His crib, complete with new bedding from Aunt Kerry and Uncle Brad! :)
Our friend Jessica let us borrow her Pottery Barn crib that has been hanging out in her garage... only problem? Didn't have any hardware. So, I call Pottery Barn to get hardware, and they can only send a WHOLE NEW CRIB! And, they have in-home delivery, so they put it together for us too!
Mom and Dad helped me score this awesome glider on Craigslist. A $700 glider (new)... that we paid under $200 for and I LOVE IT! I may actually sleep here tonight :)
My dear friend Rachel (Charette) Rhodes, who I grew up with in Rhode Island, couldn't make it down for the shower... but sent these awesome gifts!! (And she's coming to see us in October!! ) These stickers are over Gunney's closet and the mobile from the crib picture are also from Rachel!
My husband is a genius!! We used the shower decorations as valances (thanks for your help/idea Ally!)... so the valance that came with the crib set wasn't going on the window. Mikey had the idea to get an extra shower curtain rod, and hang it in front of the plain white curtain that we already had. Voila! Instant themed bathroom! (And I stuck the giraffe on the wall too)
This bookcase is across from his crib, over the changing table/dresser. I actually owned all of these monkeys... now they have a good home! The baseball bat is signed by Mike's BSA friends, and the books are a collection of baby books for Gunney and books that I've acquired/read while pregnant. (Someone has to start the library, we're the first of most of our friends to have a baby!)
Sarah and AKD spent an entire night with me sorting all of his clothes (Thanks for Cat and Cole, we have enough onesies to last us at least until August 2012...)
Mike carried the furniture to the room single handedly... yes, he's a maniac!
The baseball glove and baseball hanging from the ceiling fan are from Mike's room growing up
Mike put the lamp and bookcase next to my glider so I have places for all of my things during late night feedings.
The "beer fridge" that used to be an end table in our living room is now in the baby's room for late night refreshments and milk storage... man, are we growing up!?!
We are just in love with the nursery, and can't wait to bring our little man home!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
9 months of bliss for 2 weeks of THIS... I'll take it :)
Weight gain: 26 lbs
Baby weight: 7.5+lbs, 20+inches
Sleep: Not so very much. I was up at least once per hour last night.
Best moments this week: Grocery shopping with Mike, going to the pool, getting written out on "bed rest"... no more work for 12 weeks, yay! Plus the way disability works, plus the days that I've saved up... I'll only be 2 weeks unpaid (and we should find out next week what our 2nd quarter rankings are, and get our bonus on September 15th! :)), The "baby makin iPod mix" and gift bag courtesy of DJ Kagey Kage!
Movement: Welcome to the disco. This baby has not stopped dancing for the past week... He really wants to come out and play!
Cravings: Food. And champagne
Labor signs: False alarm on Monday night- had conractions for 4 hours, 3-4 minutes apart. Currently I'm crampy and irritable and grouchy. )80% effaced, 2 cm dialated)
Breakdowns: I feel like a lazy bum laying on the couch all day!!! Mike has been working so hard to get the house and garage all cleaned up and organized... and he is cooking and cleaning and doing the laundry... Its hard not being able to do anything... If I could actually SLEEP it would be a different story!! So thankful for my wonderful husband!
Belly Button: hi-larious. It pokes out now.
What I miss: Sleeping!
Looking forward to: MEETING THIS BABY!!! It's been a long time coming. I'd like to meet him as soon as possible. We are scheduled to be induced on Wednesday, August 18th at 8:30am, unless he comes before then...
Milestones: His room is finished :) Stay tuned for pictures!
Baby weight: 7.5+lbs, 20+inches
Sleep: Not so very much. I was up at least once per hour last night.
Best moments this week: Grocery shopping with Mike, going to the pool, getting written out on "bed rest"... no more work for 12 weeks, yay! Plus the way disability works, plus the days that I've saved up... I'll only be 2 weeks unpaid (and we should find out next week what our 2nd quarter rankings are, and get our bonus on September 15th! :)), The "baby makin iPod mix" and gift bag courtesy of DJ Kagey Kage!
Movement: Welcome to the disco. This baby has not stopped dancing for the past week... He really wants to come out and play!
Cravings: Food. And champagne
Labor signs: False alarm on Monday night- had conractions for 4 hours, 3-4 minutes apart. Currently I'm crampy and irritable and grouchy. )80% effaced, 2 cm dialated)
Breakdowns: I feel like a lazy bum laying on the couch all day!!! Mike has been working so hard to get the house and garage all cleaned up and organized... and he is cooking and cleaning and doing the laundry... Its hard not being able to do anything... If I could actually SLEEP it would be a different story!! So thankful for my wonderful husband!
Belly Button: hi-larious. It pokes out now.
What I miss: Sleeping!
Looking forward to: MEETING THIS BABY!!! It's been a long time coming. I'd like to meet him as soon as possible. We are scheduled to be induced on Wednesday, August 18th at 8:30am, unless he comes before then...
Milestones: His room is finished :) Stay tuned for pictures!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Still waiting patiently... 9 days to go!
We had a good Dr. appt today, I'm officially out on bed rest
We had a non stress test (baby is doing great). And were having contractions about 4 mins apart... I didn't even know it until they told me!!
So, we are patiently waiting to see what happens next!
We had a non stress test (baby is doing great). And were having contractions about 4 mins apart... I didn't even know it until they told me!!
So, we are patiently waiting to see what happens next!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Birth and Labor Class
Wow, it was over a month ago that we went to this class... and I never posted about it... shame on me!
We chose to go to a Birth and Labor class, per the suggestion in our book and by our doctor. I kept explaining it to everyone, including Mike, as a Newborn Basics class- learn how to change the diapers, etc. We check the paperwork as we are heading out the door... and it says to bring pillows. Alright? Pillows it is.
We arrive at the class (which is labeled weekend intensive) and meet some other great couples. The instructor goes around the room asking what we'd like to get out of the class, etc. I say something about being prepared for when the baby gets here...
TOO BAD I'M IN THE WRONG CLASS! I'm in the class I signed us up for, it just isn't the class I THOUGHT I signed us up for. This one involves watching birth and labor videos... breathing... and learning about what happens during labor and childbirth (hence the name of the class).
So, change the mindset, and hold onto your chair.
We had an awesome time; learning all about the stages of labor, contractions, anatomy of the pregnant body, watching delivery videos and practicing breathing techniques. We both actually learned a lot!
We learned about patterned breathing, repetitive breathing... and some other kinds of breathing (note to self, review this asap). We also learned that you don't have to labor lying down in bed and that we'll need to have a labor project to do once we go into labor, but contractions aren't close enough together... (This will most likely involve me kicking Mike's butt at Dr. Mario on the Wii!)
During the class you stand facing your partner and practicing the hee, hee, hee, hoo breathing. The two of us thought it was hilarious, while everyone else in the room was very serious. I can only hope that our Labor and Delivery is as much fun as we were having in that moment.
The biggest take-away I'd say I got out of the class though, was the fact that we are having OUR baby! Even if we are in a hospital, we still know what is best for our baby and we can express what we want for him. It was so empowering. We plan to delay the clamping of the cord until it stops pulsating, hold that baby as soon as he is born, delay the eye goop and shots... let his first hours in this world be with the two people who love him most! Who knew we even had those choices to make??
After we left that class, we signed up for Newborn Basics and a Breastfeeding class. (And were just as pleased with both of those classes- 100% recommend them to expectant parents!!)
We chose to go to a Birth and Labor class, per the suggestion in our book and by our doctor. I kept explaining it to everyone, including Mike, as a Newborn Basics class- learn how to change the diapers, etc. We check the paperwork as we are heading out the door... and it says to bring pillows. Alright? Pillows it is.
We arrive at the class (which is labeled weekend intensive) and meet some other great couples. The instructor goes around the room asking what we'd like to get out of the class, etc. I say something about being prepared for when the baby gets here...
TOO BAD I'M IN THE WRONG CLASS! I'm in the class I signed us up for, it just isn't the class I THOUGHT I signed us up for. This one involves watching birth and labor videos... breathing... and learning about what happens during labor and childbirth (hence the name of the class).
So, change the mindset, and hold onto your chair.
We had an awesome time; learning all about the stages of labor, contractions, anatomy of the pregnant body, watching delivery videos and practicing breathing techniques. We both actually learned a lot!
We learned about patterned breathing, repetitive breathing... and some other kinds of breathing (note to self, review this asap). We also learned that you don't have to labor lying down in bed and that we'll need to have a labor project to do once we go into labor, but contractions aren't close enough together... (This will most likely involve me kicking Mike's butt at Dr. Mario on the Wii!)
During the class you stand facing your partner and practicing the hee, hee, hee, hoo breathing. The two of us thought it was hilarious, while everyone else in the room was very serious. I can only hope that our Labor and Delivery is as much fun as we were having in that moment.
The biggest take-away I'd say I got out of the class though, was the fact that we are having OUR baby! Even if we are in a hospital, we still know what is best for our baby and we can express what we want for him. It was so empowering. We plan to delay the clamping of the cord until it stops pulsating, hold that baby as soon as he is born, delay the eye goop and shots... let his first hours in this world be with the two people who love him most! Who knew we even had those choices to make??
After we left that class, we signed up for Newborn Basics and a Breastfeeding class. (And were just as pleased with both of those classes- 100% recommend them to expectant parents!!)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
11? days to go
Today would've been Ging's birthday... seems like a good day to have a baby... will Guenther be joining us today? Who knows. I wish Ging and Grandma B could've been here to meet the little guy!
I've been resting all day like a good patient. Mike won't let me do a thing- surprise... He made breakfast this morning- a huge plate of fruit and a bagel! YUM! (He got extra bagels, so he can burn some when its time to go to the hospital) Daddy made a tradition of burning bagels in our house when it was time to go to the hospital to deliver the Guenther kidlets.
Mike is currently outside detailing my car- it's been driving me CRAZY! and he cleaned out the trunk so the stroller could go in there... and he is washing it... He is just the best, isn't he? (This of course after he spent the morning running around, putting away things in our house)
MawMaw and PawPaw Clifton came by this morning for a visit. They are headed down to Holden Beach for a few days- or until GGC decides to grace us with his presence. They brought by a bassinet (Thanks Ang!) and swing for the little man. And took us out to lunch at Georgina's pizza- a little family owned place by our new house- yum!
I've been playing a game for work, watching the Twilight movies (Mikey rented them for me this morning), reading the magazines Angie sent and finishing our birth plan. I feel like a lazy bum laying on the couch all day... but I guess it'll be the last time I rest for a while... so I'm going to take full advantage! :)
Ooh! UPDATE: We went to CVS earlier and my blood pressure was 132/79. Back in the normal range!!
Will continue to chill out for the next few days...
I've been resting all day like a good patient. Mike won't let me do a thing- surprise... He made breakfast this morning- a huge plate of fruit and a bagel! YUM! (He got extra bagels, so he can burn some when its time to go to the hospital) Daddy made a tradition of burning bagels in our house when it was time to go to the hospital to deliver the Guenther kidlets.
Mike is currently outside detailing my car- it's been driving me CRAZY! and he cleaned out the trunk so the stroller could go in there... and he is washing it... He is just the best, isn't he? (This of course after he spent the morning running around, putting away things in our house)
MawMaw and PawPaw Clifton came by this morning for a visit. They are headed down to Holden Beach for a few days- or until GGC decides to grace us with his presence. They brought by a bassinet (Thanks Ang!) and swing for the little man. And took us out to lunch at Georgina's pizza- a little family owned place by our new house- yum!
I've been playing a game for work, watching the Twilight movies (Mikey rented them for me this morning), reading the magazines Angie sent and finishing our birth plan. I feel like a lazy bum laying on the couch all day... but I guess it'll be the last time I rest for a while... so I'm going to take full advantage! :)
Ooh! UPDATE: We went to CVS earlier and my blood pressure was 132/79. Back in the normal range!!
Will continue to chill out for the next few days...
Friday, August 6, 2010
38 weeks, 2 days, not much longer
During our appt this morning, Gunney got the "go-ahead" to come ANY TIME NOW...
We have progressed (80% effaced, Dialated 2) and he is free to come into this world at any time.
My blood pressure was a little high and I have to go back on Monday- if it stays high, they'll put me on bed rest, or possibly induce.
Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well!
We have progressed (80% effaced, Dialated 2) and he is free to come into this world at any time.
My blood pressure was a little high and I have to go back on Monday- if it stays high, they'll put me on bed rest, or possibly induce.
Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
38 weeks!
Weight gain: 23 lbs
Baby weight: 7+lbs, 20+inches
Sleep: It depends on the night. Sometimes awesome, sometimes terrible. The heartburn and trips to the bathroom are becoming the "norm" though.
Best moments this week: On Monday, my friends at work threw a surprise baby shower for Mike and I. Cat came to me around 10:30 and asked if they could take me to lunch, since the baby thing just kinda "snuck up on them". Of course I was excited (free lunch with my friends, yay) but I was bummed that Mike wouldn't be there...
As usual for Monday mornings, Mike got up at 4:30 and hit the road back to Charlotte... or SO I THOUGHT!! He woke up, packed his things, said goodbye, took his lunch and left the house... at 5 am. Even making sure to point out that he was running late and "had to go".
So... when we got to Firebirds.. they had an awesome basket with Dr. Browns bottles (that we needed!!), a baby toy and a gift card to Babies R Us. They'd decorated the table and got me a Mom to Be ribbon- too cute! They put an empty chair next to me to signify Mike... and we started chatting.
A minute or two later MIKE WALKS IN!! He'd secretly planned with the girls from work to stay in town and surprise me for the shower!! He got up at 4:30 and drove to Starbucks to work until shower time.
It meant the world to me to have him there! Everyone from work loved meeting him and of course, adores him as much as I do.
Added bonus- he stayed Monday night too! And got up at 4:30 Tuesday morning to drive home!
Movement: Karate chop... Judy Chop... Ningy Stars... I'd swear in the past 48 hours, this kid has decided he is going to be a martial artist. We go back and forth between periods of complete rest and periods of absolute craziness
Cravings: Food. All food really. Tacos, Pizza, Lemonade, Cheesticks, SteakUms, Shrimp Scampi.
Labor signs: None yet- we'll find out Friday if we've made any more progress! We've made a deal that he will not come see us until Mike gets here.
Breakdowns: Hmmm. I can't think of one I've had this week.
Belly Button: It is very flat
What I miss: Wearing my wedding ring : (
Looking forward to: MEETING THIS BABY!!! It's been a long time coming. I'd like to meet him as soon as possible.
Milestones: His room is almost finished :)
Baby weight: 7+lbs, 20+inches
Sleep: It depends on the night. Sometimes awesome, sometimes terrible. The heartburn and trips to the bathroom are becoming the "norm" though.
Best moments this week: On Monday, my friends at work threw a surprise baby shower for Mike and I. Cat came to me around 10:30 and asked if they could take me to lunch, since the baby thing just kinda "snuck up on them". Of course I was excited (free lunch with my friends, yay) but I was bummed that Mike wouldn't be there...
As usual for Monday mornings, Mike got up at 4:30 and hit the road back to Charlotte... or SO I THOUGHT!! He woke up, packed his things, said goodbye, took his lunch and left the house... at 5 am. Even making sure to point out that he was running late and "had to go".
So... when we got to Firebirds.. they had an awesome basket with Dr. Browns bottles (that we needed!!), a baby toy and a gift card to Babies R Us. They'd decorated the table and got me a Mom to Be ribbon- too cute! They put an empty chair next to me to signify Mike... and we started chatting.
A minute or two later MIKE WALKS IN!! He'd secretly planned with the girls from work to stay in town and surprise me for the shower!! He got up at 4:30 and drove to Starbucks to work until shower time.
It meant the world to me to have him there! Everyone from work loved meeting him and of course, adores him as much as I do.
Added bonus- he stayed Monday night too! And got up at 4:30 Tuesday morning to drive home!
Movement: Karate chop... Judy Chop... Ningy Stars... I'd swear in the past 48 hours, this kid has decided he is going to be a martial artist. We go back and forth between periods of complete rest and periods of absolute craziness
Cravings: Food. All food really. Tacos, Pizza, Lemonade, Cheesticks, SteakUms, Shrimp Scampi.
Labor signs: None yet- we'll find out Friday if we've made any more progress! We've made a deal that he will not come see us until Mike gets here.
Breakdowns: Hmmm. I can't think of one I've had this week.
Belly Button: It is very flat
What I miss: Wearing my wedding ring : (
Looking forward to: MEETING THIS BABY!!! It's been a long time coming. I'd like to meet him as soon as possible.
Milestones: His room is almost finished :)
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