I think I have a future photographer on my hands!

Yep... he's got the bug. Whenever he catches me taking a photo, he wants to run behind the camera. It's really cute until I find him pulling my camera equipment out. He is extremely careful, but I don't think he's quite ready yet.

So I pulled out a broken tripod and Jay's old point and shoot camera and he went to town. I've put batteries in the camera a few times, but they just die too quickly.

He is too young!

To be rejecting the camera!! W was sitting at his little table watching Sponge Bob, while S was in his swing right next to him. I look over and W is holding S's hand. It was TOO cute. I run to get my camera, but of course by the time I came back he had let go... *sigh*.

At that point I already had my camera out, so I decided to snap a few of Mr. S.... well that didn't last long lol... he is defiantly a photographers child.

Our little man has arrived!!

History:
- '02 emergency c/s due to prolapsed cord after 24hrs (+/-) labor.
- '08 Successful VBAC. Got to hospital at 8cm and received an epi at 9cm, broke water, baby born 2 hrs later.
- Went in at 36w with this pregnancy thinking I was in active labor, dilated to 4cm and everything stopped.
- Was going to attempt an unmediated birth this time.

Well I had an appointment Monday morning (8/23) at 10am. I was dilated to 5 1/2+, but doc didn't think it was the day. I told him otherwise :) So Jay and I went to the mall to walk around and just ended up in Barnes and Noble. We were there about an hour but I just needed to come home. When we got home, I decided to take a bath and kinda get in a squatting position to see if it would help things along. I was still having my contractions in waves though (which continued through the end). They would be close and regular and then space way out. By 2pm, I told Jay that we were going to be going in. I just didn't want to take any chances with the hospital being 20min away without traffic. Problem was my mom was out doing errands with the van (has been here 2 months helping out due to semi bed rest) and W was sleeping. So I called my mom and she rushed back thinking I was having the baby right then lol.

We arrived at the hospital around 4pm and I was dilated to 8cm. I was still joking around with the nurses and having conversations... they couldn't believe I was at 8cm. My doula arrived about 30 minutes later and the photographer was there shortly after (see sneak peak here). We did some walking in the halls, utilized the ball, etc. For a while I didn't think I would need the doula, but the minute transition started thank god she was there. After each contraction I would say "I just can't do this, I'm too tired" She would get me so relaxed during the contraction that I nearly went to sleep when it was done and wanted to stay asleep.

At 7pm I was hanging off of Jay and crying because I was just so exhausted and thought I was crazy for wanting this natural/unmediated birth, yet didn't want to cave in. Lots of emotions going on. So I told Jay and the doula I wanted to be checked again. The nurse came right in, checked me and said I was at 9cm. Screw this "I want them to break my water... I know when they do he'll come out like a slip and slide"... yes I was still joking around lol. The doc that had been on call was the one I had problems with a few weeks ago, but thankfully they had just switched shifts. I was on the bed on my hands and knees to try and help with the contractions and the doc says "Jennifer is there any particular position you want to deliver in?" She would have let me deliver however I wanted!! Of course my response is "I don't care as long as he comes out and this is over!"

So she had me lay on my back to break my water and immediately I felt the warm fluid and then have a contraction. With W we had a few hours before he was born after my water was broken. NOT THIS ONE! Holy cow. As I am having that contraction, I get a deer in head lights look on my face, find Jay (he was standing to the side) and yell "NO!! He's coming RIGHT NOW! He's coming too fast! It's happening too fast! I can't do this!" I lost control. I wasn't prepared for how fast it was happening, but I guess everyone else was cause they were getting set up before my water was even broken. Of course Jay runs over to my side, the doula is on the other side, and the doc, nurses and photographer all say I can do it (and because I have no choice).

They didn't even have the bed broken down and doc says... "Push if you need to" while everyone else around is getting things ready. Even if she had told me not to, I would have anyway lol, baby was there and I was getting him out. She also asked me if it was ok for them to give me Pitocin after delivery to help the uterus contract, but I said I'd rather nurse and she said that was fine. 5 minutes after my water broke (dilated to 9cm) and 3 pushes later he was born. I never thought I was a screamer, but I think I may have scared a few women that night. I was using my full lung capacity. Nurses said that I was nothing compared to what they consider "screamers". Sure.... lol. It wasn't really like a pain scream, but more of a primal thing yell... lol I don't know how to explain it.

I was really proud of Jay. I was a little out of it and confused from everything happening so fast and doc asked if he wanted to cut the cord, goes to hand him the scissors and he says "I think we are waiting" doc-"Ok that's fine" About 4min or so later doc says, "Jennifer the cord has stopped pulsating and you are delivering the placenta. Is it ok for dad to cut the cord now?" Delivering the placenta was the weirdest feeling ever. Doc said it would make me feel better, didn't know what she was talking about but it did. Doc asked if I wanted to see it cause she shows all her patients, but I didn't care at the time... wish I had now, but no biggie.

He was born at 7:15 pm 8lbs 3.6oz, 21in, and 14in head. He had minimal bruising from coming so fast, but was gone by the next day, apgar of 8/8 for color and his jaundice test was 4.0 the night before discharge (I guess they get concerned after 5+). He was O+ so I had to get a shot (I'm O-), but they kept a hep-lock in just in case and were able to insert it through there.

So all in all I did the completely unmediated birth and only had a very minimal amount of IV fluid (I don't even think I got through half a bag in 3 hours). I had no rips or tears which I was really afraid of because of how fast it was, and I don't even feel like I had a baby. I just feel like I'm having a period (minimal bleeding and light cramping).

He had his 1 week yesterday and is looking great. Went from 8.3 to 7.8 in the hospital and yesterday was 7.13... so 5oz in 2 days! Jaundice isn't of any concern, very minimal.

Timeline:
Doc appt -10:00am (5 1/2cm - which I had been at for weeks)
Arrive at hospital - 4:00pm (8cm)
Get checked - 7:00pm (9cm)
Break water - 7:10pm
Baby born - 7:15pm

Mr. Steven James born on his due date

Proud Papa

Do you ever go back a reread your blog posts?

Since I am getting back into blogging (we'll see how long this lasts lol) I decided to go back to the beginning of this blog and look around. I feel like I'm reading though an old journal. My first post was a little over 2 years ago, not that long ago considering our life span, but at the same time seems like it was ages ago! I came across a belly post I had made while pregnant with Mr. W... a quote I completely forgot about... A simple post from when Mr. W was just a wee one (he still is but thinks he's much bigger hehe)... or even Mr. W's first time to a splash pad. Yes I have these memories and I have the photos, but reading the posts just brings back so much more. Having a toddler, being a wife, getting pregnancy brain for the second time and starting a business really keeps you busy.

Mr. W is growing up and I feel like I am just missing so much especially since I have been on bed rest this pregnancy and not been able to do as much as I'd like to with him. Not only has Mr. W been growing up before my eyes, but I have made a lot of changes with myself. I have a different outlook on life then what I did 2 years ago. Shoot even a year ago. I've started my own photography business (which is a never ending process) and most importantly I've become a mommy. Jay and I have all the same problems most couples are facing these days, but it truly only makes us stronger. Yes I know that sounds like a cliche, but it is the honest to Gods truth. We are just falling in love more and more each day... the honeymoon is not over and I don't see it ending any time soon :) We have another little monkey due any time now. We are building our family and it just feels so good.

In this day and age, we all really are too busy and forget to deposit these thing into our memory banks, and while I really need to take the time to do this, it is nice to be able to come back to my blog and say "Yeah I remember that day/moment".

Christmas 2008!! I feel like we look so different now!!
(Courtesy of Erica Williams Photography)

It's almost over!

And it is so bitter sweet. I love pregnancy and knowing that I helped to create this child. That I carried this baby for 40 weeks (give or take). That I nourished and protected this baby from the outside world. On the flip side, I am SO done! LOL. I can't wait to see and hold my baby. Nurse him. Change his diapers. Watch him grow. Sleep on my stomach. Bend over. Shave my legs without needing a nap afterward. Eat without getting heartburn. Have a stable mood (crying and snapping at people at the drop of the hat is really making me feel a bit bipolar). Get back to my normal routine! Watch Mr. W and no-name baby play with each other. Here are a few pics from this pregnancy.

Flagstaff Fun

This past week Jay needed to head up to Flagstaff to turn in some military gear. Since no-name baby is almost here (any day!) we decided to make a day trip of it. Yeah I know I'm crazy for traveling that far this late in the game, but I needed out of the valley of the sun. Despite our recent monsoons and slightly cooler weather, I just needed fresh clean air. Two and a half hours later we went from a hot & sunny 100* to a nice cool and rainy 68* with perfect overcast skies for photos. It was beautiful!! Not only was the weather great, but Old Town Flagstaff just gave me so much inspiration. I can not wait to get back to taking on clients!

I was really hoping we could get a few family shots in, but it just wasn't going to work out. I would definably love to back some day to do family portraits or even take a client. The day we were there would have been perfect for a trash the dress session! I did manage to get ONE photo in of Mr. W. I can't tell which version I like better, so here is both :)

I love my Boys...

And I can not believe I will have another one here very shortly! I am so very blessed to have such a wonderful husband that works so very hard in this insane Arizona weather and still comes home in a good mood (I know I wouldn't!!), and to have a fun loving (wild) toddler. He is going to be such a good big brother although our practice doll hasn't gone over so well. He will love and hug the doll and then just chuck the poor thing across the room lol. I am really hoping I do not find this new baby in a closet or something... eeek!!

Washing Dishes: We start 'em early

Cup cakes, BBQ, & Fireworks

We had a fun yet laid back 4th of July this year. We just kind of moseyed around for most of the day, had a little grub and struggled to stay away for 9pm fireworks. Mr. W and grandma fell asleep around 8pm while Jay and I did our best to keep our eyes open. Around 8:45 Jay and I headed on out to get a good spot for some firework shots. We ended up between an open field and a canal. Big mistake. The moment we stopped moving we were instantly attacked by mosquitoes. Some of them were HUGE! I really wanted to leave, but the photographer in me said "NO! You will get the shot!!" So I sat and endured the torcher. Jay was a great sport and barely complained... he's such a good hubby!

Too Cool for School

Ever since Mr. W discovered floaties he can not be stopped in the pool. He has absolutely no fear of the water which can be a little worry some. He no longer likes for you to touch him while he's swimming and loves jumping into the pool. Unfortunately we've had to cut back on our swimming due to the heat. You get in the pool and it feels as if you are getting in a really warm tub. It's insane!!

A little update...

It has been way too long!!! I was wanting to blog every day, but apparently I got lazy. Here's a little update on everything....

I'm good, bored most of the time, but good. Been really tired and in a bit of pain the past few days. Jay suggested that maybe I'm doing too much, but if I did any less I'd be on bed rest. I feel like I've been growing like crazy, and he never stops moving! Our next doctors appointment is August 15th and we'll be getting another ultrasound! I'm excited, Jay thinks the ultrasounds are weird.

Jay is excited about the baby though and can't shut up about it lately. He calls him J.R or the mutant (says its in reference to a Kuato, a character from the movie Total Recall)..... poor kid. Hopefully we will have a name soon. Again, if there are any suggestions out there please let us know! We want to use family names, but I don't have a whole lot to choose from.

I'll be heading to CA August 27th and then Jay will be out on September 1st to pack up me and all my things and drive back that same day. It will be a day trip for him mostly because of school and he doesn't want to loose hours at work. But if we can afford it, we may stay in San Clemente somewhere for a few days for a little vacation before the baby comes. It would be nice, but we're not sure yet. We're going to be moving September 14th, and just put a deposit on an apartment in the area for a 2 bedroom 1 bath, it's a good size and layout for us.

Jay's still working 6 days a week and was supposed to start helicopter flight school today, but he pushed it back a month due to the new Post 9/11 GI bill that recently got signed. I keep wanting to work really bad, but he keeps telling me no. It's just nice to have my own money to buy things for me or just pamper myself, but I also feel bad that he work's so much while I feel like I'm not contributing at all. He recently put me in charge of the finances, don't laugh, and told me if there is "extra" money that I should feel free to spend it on myself. I can't do that.

Let's see what else.... We have a good amount of the "bigger" baby items, like a normal swing, travel swing, bouncy seat, car seat, etc., but we still have a good list of items we need though like a crib, dresser (he's not even going to use his room for a while so we have time on those items), clothes, bathroom items, diapers, you know the basics.

Sorry for everyone that keeps asking for pictures of Jay and I, we just don't get a lot of opportunities to take any. I will get some soon though, I promise!

A great little get away

When I used to think of Arizona I only thought of dry desert and hot summers, but located in the White Mountains of Arizona on the Fort Apache Reservation is a quaint camp ground surrounded by pine and aspen trees. Whether you are a tent camper, RV camper, or prefer the luxury of a cabin, this is a great place for a family get away.

As Jay and I recently experienced for a one night trip, Hawley Lake is a great place to get out of the summer heat epically if you are living in the southern part of Arizona. We went from a searing 116* to a nice mild 80*. We chose to camp lake side which happened to be quite the adventure. Along with the many wild animals located there, we also encountered some domesticated cows grazing in the nearby meadow. We would occasionally find them wondering into the camp area eating out of the provided fire pits for different minerals.

Even though Hawley lake offers many different outdoor activities such as sailing, boat or lake side fishing, crawdad catching, or going on a small hike, we decided a bit of hammock napping was in order. We tried fishing, but had no such luck, however, many people around us were catching fish. I think it was the bait we were using, Jay said I was just bad luck. Butt head.

Now if you are the cabin type, which I hope I can convince Jay of someday, they have an ample amount of cabins available year round bordering Hawley Lake and Earl Park Lake (a much smaller lake adjacent to Hawley Lake) .

All cabins include some basics like linens for the beds and bathrooms, dishes, pots and pans, silverware, coffee maker and toilet paper. Oh that reminds me, unless you camp with an RV or something similar that provides a facility to go to the bathroom, look forward to the wonderful outhouses. None of the cabins have microwaves either, so if you have little ones that you would want to heat up a quick meal for, plan on bringing a small microwave or plan to heat it up on the stove.

2008: A very busy beginning...

Much has happened since January 2008. I moved to Arizona with the plan to work, work, work and then to join the military. Soon after I arrived here, I met Jay and by March 2008 we found out that we would be expecting a little one. I, at first was mostly upset with myself at what had happened. How could we both be so naive as to let this occur? I for one had a goal and I was very determined to accomplish it, and Jay was in the process of getting a loan to start helicopter flight school. It turned out to be Jay to take the calm role in all of this mayhem.

He told me that everything would be okay, not to worry, and that he was going to be moving me in with him.I had some suspicion, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. It was a rough beginning, but it is turning out to be a great life.

God love him, he has put up with so much. He works 6 days a week, normally 8-9 hour days, and then comes home to put up with me. I had been sick until about 3 weeks ago, and was I not only having trouble eating and drinking, losing what seems to me a lot of weight (15 lbs) and not really gaining any back. I was just so frustrated with feeling ill constantly and having to take the medication Phenergan every 6 hours. It's hard for me to even take a Tylenol and this was a class C drug which means either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the fetus and there are no controlled studies in women, or studies in women and animals are not available. It caused me to be extremely sleepy, but also put me in a bad mood.

These days I am feeling much much better only having the "normal" pregnancy symptoms. Even though I am still not working, and at this point am probably not going to work until after the baby is born, I have been feeling productive, which I have been lacking. I mostly clean the house, walk the dog, researching various things online, sounds very minuscule, but I'm happy doing it and it keeps me busy. I am also going to be going to school full time in the fall, all online classes, but it will keep be occupied and continue my education to becoming an RN (I have gone back and forth many times with what career I want, but I just keep coming back to becoming a Registered Nurse).

As the days go on, we continue to learn about each other and grow towards the family we will soon be in November.