Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Aspen & Eliana


I have been blest with 2 Boppy's...One was a baby gift, the other a 'hand-me-down'. Then, I was given a little playmat that had a mini boppy with it. These have all been stored in the bottom of Aspen's closet. The Saturday after Eliana was born, I had gotten 'my' boppy out to use, then placed Eliana in it to set her down so I could do something. Later, Aspen went running to her closet, grabbed the mini boppy, and brought it out to the living room. She then insisted that Eliana be placed on the floor in 'my' boppy.


Sitting in their own boppy's together

Then they had to trade, and then Aspen wanted to hold sister. 

So sweet.



Monday, February 25, 2013

My Valentine

Valentine's is very special in my family, because it was my Granny Strait's birthday - and - then she passed away on the day after. Mom McDonald & I usually do something special in memory of Granny. This year, I was home with my sweet family, and Mom was in San Antonio with Daddy at TMEA. Brian made me a special breakfast, which was very, very good! Mrs. Natalie came by for our 2/3 day check up. Eliana was jaundice, so we spent time in the sun that afternoon. We tried napping, but Aspen needed extra help with staying in her room for naptime. It was a beautiful, sunny day, so I spent some time sitting on the back porch, enjoying it while texting with a friend, & having a listening ear out for Aspen. After naptime, Brian, Aspen & Sandie went outside to play in the field across the street. I didn't expect anything for valentine's...but Brian surprised me abundantly.

After playing outside, Brian & Aspen came in...then Brian decided we'd order some pizza for dinner - which is pretty special for us to do. He also ordered my favorite kinda, which was extra sweet of him. He showered, and came out dressed in dress slacks, shirt, and a tie. I was shocked - he said he wanted to look nice for me, and the fact that I couldn't get all dressed up made it even more fun for him. (so thoughtful!) Off he went to get the pizza - it was quicker to pick it up, than to wait for it to be delivered. Aspen, Eliana, and I hung out, waiting for Daddy to come back home. When he did, he not only had the yummy pizza, but he had also picked up some pretty roses for me!!! He made a little salad, and we sat down to our special valentine's dinner. It was so fun enjoying it all together! After dinner, he made delicious smoothies, then he began searching online for a movie we could watch together. As it downloaded, he played some music, and danced with the girls. It was SO sweet. Afterwards, we put Aspen to bed, then started them movie, which I'd never seen. He thought it all out!!! He even meant to get the sparkling grape juice out of the fridge too, but forgot. He was so sweet & thoughtful. It meant alot to me that he made the evening so special!

Our Dinner & My Roses 

Aspen & I

My Handsome Valentine -- And my roses :)

 Dancing with Daddy


And Sister...

Eliana Dancing with Daddy

Sweet Smiles

Watching our Movie

Eliana in her bed while we watched our movie

 Thank you my love for such a special Valentine's Date Night. I truly think it was one of the best dates we've had, even with both the girls there!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Valentine Snuggles

Our Newest Valentine


Both our valentines





Sweet Sisters


Saturday, February 23, 2013

Meeting Sandie

I think we have the best dog. Yes, she can certainly be honory, but, she's still the best. This was Eliana's first encounter with Sandie



Friday, February 22, 2013

Meeting the Grandparents

Before labor, I was told to think about what food I want to have after labor. I thought, and thought, and finally decided I just wouldn't know until after labor. Well, after labor, food didn't sound very good to me...I had a cheese stick, my white grape juice, and water. But, after our nap, we were hungry. Dad & Mom McDonald picked up Turkey Sandwiches & fried okra from Spring Creek, as that's what sounded best to me. And, it was really good!!!  


Eliana meeting PawPaw & Granny for the first time

Aspen enjoying Mommy & Daddy time - and Mommy's yummy Okra


When we put Aspen down for her nap, she wanted baby Sister to lay down on her bed...


Not sure why Brian took this random picture...

Mom & Dad Moreno came up on Thursday, bringing Chick-Fil-A for lunch!

Popo rocking Eliana for the first time

Nanny looking Eliana over :)


Thank you to our parents for bringing us food those first couple days. Those two meals were wonderful and such a help!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Labor Story

First Family Picture - Wednesday Morning - Feb 13


WARNING - a bit long winded birth story to follow...if you don't want to know about actual labor, then just skip this post. :)

So...on Sunday, I noticed I had kinda been feeling like I did 2 days before Aspen was born - but, the thing that didn't line up with "maybe labor is coming", is the simple fact that I had totaled my car 2 days before Aspen was born - so....I honestly didn't think too much of it. Monday came, and Mom McDonald helped me run errands that had to be done...mainly buying last minute baby items, just incase little one decided to come early. Brian worked late that night, and I had the opportunity to seize some extra time with Aspen. After putting the laundry away, and taking a bath, I headed to bed, noticing my belly felt quite tight and uncomfortable - like it had all day...I made mental note, but also took note that baby was really high, even though I felt her low too. Off to bed I went...not sleeping much at all. I got up a few times as usual... I noticed at one point that I felt crampy, but didn't get too excited, and just tried to sleep. At 1:27 I took note that the 'crampy-ness' seemed to be happing every 5-7 minutes, and seemed to be getting worse. Off to the bathroom I went again, thinking perhaps that would help, at which time, I noticed some slight bloody show. Back to bed I went thinking, "when do I tell Brian?" He too couldn't sleep, but I also was thinking that I wanted a normal day to labor through, especially since I figured it'd be long like Aspen's. I waited at least an hour to tell him...and, I also wanted to really make sure 'this was it'. I convinced myself it was...told Brian, and still tried to sleep or rest, but to no avail. At 3 or maybe 3:30, I hit a point I couldn't stay in bed any more - I had to get up. The contractions were extremely intense, and were way more than I was anticipating at this point - as a doula, I was placing myself in Active Labor, but at the same time, I felt there was NO way I could be to that point yet. I walked around, and did various things to help and at 4:30 decided to text my midwife. (Brain actually did - since I couldn't at the time.) I also texted my Mom to head over for when Aspen woke up. Ms. Natalie headed our way, and I got in the shower, knowing the water would help. I stayed there as long as I could, but hot water only lasts so long. :) To my doula friends - I found myself in hands & knees position hoping that would help with the pain - it actually got worse, except when I added the pelvic rock, but that took more thought and energy. :) Natalie asked if she should send the assisting midwife over sooner since she was a whole hour away, and my response was "I don't know". At this point, I felt like  I was in transition, but again thought maybe I was wimping out - I didn't want to alarm everyone when there wasn't anything serious. We figured out my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart, so Natalie did go ahead and send Christine - they all ended up arriving at the same time though. Mrs. Natalie told me to get in the tub as that would help - and I knew she was thinking possibly buy a little more time. :) I didn't tell her I had just used all my hot water - instead of getting in the tub, and instead of moving around to help things progress quicker (like I typically would have done) I just sat there on the bathroom floor...I had tried that crazy hands and knees positions one last time, and just never got back up off the floor. Upon the arrival the the midwives at 5:30, they took my vitals, and I did what they needed... Look back, they were kinda like ants running around trying to get everything done I hadn't had a chance to take care of yet - getting the bed made properly, setting everything for the birth out, finding various items in the kitchen, etc. Aspen woke up around 6, and pitifully stood at her gate looking at me now sitting on the love seat having a contraction... She left with Mom McDonald as soon as the diapers were out of the dryer - since I had started them right before going to bed the night before, and it takes 2 cycles to completely dry them. At 6:30, Ms. Natalie decided to 'check me' to figure out where we were at. After doing so she said, "Meagen, I don't feel any cervix. You can push this baby out whenever you feel like it." I laid on the bed almost laughing - and responded with, "You're kidding, right?!" I was shocked - I knew I felt like I was in transition, but in reality didn't think that could even be a possibility. Seriously, I'd only been in labor 4 hours... My midwives and Brian filled the tub up with nice warm water, and I laid there on the bed, until it was ready for me to get back into... I had lots of back pain, and my birth team apply back pressure during pretty much every contraction which REALLY helped!!! We think Eliana was a little 'cocked' in the birth canal, causing the extra back pain. From 6:30-8:30 I labored in and out of the tub...we walked around, did the stairs, did lunges on the stairs, drank lots of white grape juice, and went back to the tub... I tried different positions, and comfort measures to try to get Eliana to move down lower - I was completely dilated, but she was still pretty high thus no major urge to push or anything. With each contraction we did slowly get closer, it just took some time. Brian was a trooper, and was once again, wonderful support! He helped me so very much. There were some contractions I felt completely helpless, and just cried through them, but most of them the Lord gave INCREDIBLE strength and revealed His might to me. I was amazed at how He orchestrated just the perfect songs to play from the iPod playlist when I needed it the most. I was able to truly see His hand throughout nearly each of the contractions, and was brought to tears because of His grace in my life, even then. It was a really sweet time with the Lord, and no one else really knew about, but was happening. I think I'd go through the pain again, just to sense the Lord's sweet spirit there. Eliana did decide to move farther down, and even 'obeyed' after I talked with her and told her too... Sometime around 9:00 my water broke...I pushed with each contraction (there was one that I was over-whelmed and cried through instead of pushing), but with the guiding help of Ms. Natalie, and support from everyone, the pushing worked, and Eliana was born at 9:19. I praised the Lord, and was so relieved she was here. I was also shocked labor was so short!!! It seemed so strange that it was still 'early' in the  morning.

The Lord blest our labor & delivery so very, very much. He protected me from tearing at all, and Eliana is just perfect. Her sweet little face was pretty swollen from birth, but that is normal, and it's gone down now. My midwives were wonderful, and husband incredible. The whole process was over, and we were headed to bed to rest by noon. I was amazed! Thank you to everyone who prayed that morning, or before hand, as I didn't have time to tell most of you I was even in labor. Thank you also for all the prayers for a quick recovery - the Lord is answering those too!

To my doula friends & students - any questions you have, feel free to ask - just be prepared for an honest answer. :) I'll tell you just about anything. I tried giving ya'll good details, but did leave some out. I don't think I was very clear, but I did have a waterbirth. 

She all her muscle!! :) 

The Best Midwife - Mrs. Natalie

Favorite Apprentice - Mrs. Chelsea

Favorite Assisting Midwife - Mrs. Chrisine

Sunday, February 17, 2013

She's Here!

Miss Eliana Marie Moreno made her appearance on Tuesday morning, February 12, 2013 at 9:19! She weighed in at 6 lbs, 10 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. 


Proud Daddy

    

Happy Mama


 Our INCREDIBLE Birth Team
Chelsea, Christine & Natalie

Aspen's first time with Baby Sister - not quite sure...



Labor story coming soon - for those of you who are curious. :D

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Preparing for Baby Girl #2

The other night we were finally able to begin working the Baby's room - as a couple. I've been working in it, along with my sweet Mom McDonald who helped me COMPLETELY go through everything. Baby's room will be our current guest room...which was pretty much 'my' room from my parents house, just in my house now. SO, that means...storage for all my cake decorating stuff, plus odd & ends that I had in my 'old' room. We had to clean out under the bed (where I stored all my cake pans), the closet - my purses/bags, wrapping, containers full of stuff from my room, the chest of drawers - lol!! Lots of picture frames/pictures, cds, fun stuff, the vanity - junk - also known as my treasures. :D So, Mom McDonald gave up a Saturday & helped me go through it all - which lead to MANY rabbit trails of organization like the garage and my bedroom closet to make room for all the stuff we moved out of the Baby's room. Fast forward a week, and skip over the fact that I broke down the double bed, and moved it upstairs by myself (minus the box springs & mattress) ;), and here we are, a fun couple working on the baby crib....while listening to the other one cry in the other room because she knew we were so close. 

Can you see pitiful Aspen? She was standing at her doorway just crying!!!


I made us fruit smoothies to enjoy while we worked...my attempt at a healthy dessert. :D

Yay!!! Putting the crib together!

Aspen testing it out for baby girl. I'll have to post some pictures once I get the room finished. It's still a work in progress. We need to remove the vanity - all though I did do the bed, that was in pieces, but the vanity is a bit more than I'm willing to try - plus I don't want to mess it up. :)


So...we finished the crib, gathered our items, turned off the light & opened the door to leave the room. Aspen wasn't asleep as she should have been, thus she quickly opened her door. We instantly jumped back (in opposite directions) so she wouldn't see us - but the door was now open...Brian was behind the door, and I was across the room from him. Aspen stood in her doorway asking, "Mama, Daddy in rooms? In rooms, Mama - Daddy?" After asking this several times, she pauses, made a "ahhhh!!" sound and said, "Daddy! I so proud of you!!! I so proud of you Daddy! Beds!!! I so proud of you Daddy, beds!!!" She obviously saw the crib assembled and expressed her excitement. Brian, of course, melted...and we decided to come out of hiding. Which, is how Aspen got to test the crib out for baby sister. :)

Friday, February 1, 2013

Deperate times calls for....Creativity!

Evidently....I have a lose cable that attaches to the battery in my van. I've been battling my van not wanting to start for a few weeks now. Car trouble doesn't usually faze me - especially when I know if I'm just patient enough, it'll start up. :D Which, is generally what happens. So...Aspen and I were having a very typical morning; we'd gotten up, had breakfast, & gone walking. After walking, we drove home and I decided we would run by the mailbox real fast to check it. I pulled up, jumped out, checked (and there wasn't ANYTHING!), jump backed in the van, turned the key and ---- nothing happened. Tried again, and nothing. So, as I've done periodically lately, I've just waited. Well...this time I waited & tried, waited & tried, waited & tried...texted Dad McDonald...and texted Brian. I wasn't stranded - I was at the end of my 'ally'. My dilemma was that I'd parked facing the wrong direction so I could jump out and b 5 feet from my mailbox...and, I was directly behind someones driveway. Thus, I didn't feel like I could just walk home and deal with the van later. Aspen was incredibly patient! But, the wiggles got the best of her, so out of the carseat she came...I told her she could play in the grass, and this is where her curiosity led her...





I didn't get a picture fast enough, but she did close the door all the way. I figure a 22 lb box would probably fit in there, so she would be okay too. :)

In case you're wondering...my sweet husband came to my rescue and fixed it in just a couple seconds. I don't think it'll be an issue any more, but if it is, I know what to do. Yay! And, praise the Lord it wasn't anything major!!!