Activity time part 2

I think we're fighting a losing battle...

Activity time.

This is how our afternoon "activity time" went. This is after I even dressed him, then undressed him, then bathed him...why can't he do this at night??

A few pictures from the day.

In an attempt to keep the fam updated with daily pics, here ya go!

Moses in his bouncer. I think this counts and buckling him in!

Look, he is actually wearing clothes!!

Aw, what a cute sleeping baby!

This is too funny!

Photo shoot.

The problem with being so cute, is that mom and dad can't stop taking pictures of you :)

So much for that...

Well, seems he is MUCH smarter than we are. He's keeping us on our toes!

A few pictures from the day.

This is not some torture device, we just have a little houdini on our hands. If his hands get lose, watch out! The Swaddle Me is no match for this kid!

Feeding time with Mama.

My little man, all milk drunk.

What a good boy.

So, while I recognize that Moses is only 5 days old, we have really been working on establishing some sort of routine with him. The Baby Whisperer says, "Start as you mean to go on." So that is what we have been doing. Working on full feedings (ouch!), setting up nap time and nighttime routines, and also leaving lots of time to just enjoy our sweet boy. It has been a pretty amazing journey so far. Last night he slept for three hours straight! This morning, he was content with just checking out the world for 45 minutes before he dozed off. Right now, he has been asleep for nearly an hour. All this sleep has made his mama a bit more sane and able to enjoy his waking hours. What is neat to me is seeing the progression in both him and Jeremiah and I as parents. It is rewarding to begin the trial and error of parenting and see what works and what doesn't. We were talking this morning, Miah and I, about the joy of shepherding this young life and how, truly, Moses belongs to God and we are being given the privilege of guiding him. What an awesome responsibility!

A quick update and a few pictures...

Sorry that I haven't been better about keeping you all updated with photos! Seems blogging goes by the wayside when you have a new baby! As for a quick update, we are all doing well. My mother-in-law has been a god-send. She cooks, cleans, does the laundry, oh, and did I mention that she sleeps in the babies room on an air mattress from two one, only to get me when Moses needs to eat so that Jeremiah and I can rest? Jeremiah takes the first shift then Kat comes in later. I am up to feed him then I go back to bed. I don't even want to think about what happens when they go back to work in two weeks...

Moses saw the doc today and is almost back to birth weight. He was 8.13 at birth and is now at 8.8. Doc said all looked great. Mo goes back on Saturday for his circumsicion. Don't. Even. Want. To. Think. About. It.
We also saw a breastfeeding consultant yesterday and today. She is AWESOME. SO very, very helpful. I was not prepared for the pain associated with breastfeeding. We have adjusted Mo's latch a bit and now are just working with the engorgement. I really want to make breastfeeding work for as long as I am up for it, so all the extra help is invaluable.

Uncle Gary came up for a visit yesterday and today and my mom and God parents the day before that. It has been good to see them and introduce them to Moses, he is so loved!

Moses David Hayes

Introducing, our sweet little Mo :) He is enjoying Bible time with Daddy.

Right out of the shoot!

Baby Hayes has arrived!

Well, after 16 hours of labor, which was worth every second, our son has arrived in the world. He weighed 8lbs 13oz and was 20 inches long. My contractions started at about 7am and were about 3 minutes apart from the get go. I was only 2cm, still, when I arrived. It was a long, hard road! I labored naturally until I got to 8.5cm and seemed to get stuck. That is when I consented, begged would be a better word, for the epidural. What a blessed created of GOD. I feel sooo good about the decision. After less than 30 minutes of pushing our son emerged! I did tear a bit and have some stitches. We have yet to spend time really looking him over and deciding on an appropriate name. I will let you know when we do. I am exhausted, and so ready for sleep. I will post pictures as soon as I can.

Baby Time!

I'm thinking today is the day. The contractions are getting closer and closer. Jeremiah is on his way home from work...I will update when I can!

Forty ONE week check-up

Today was the day for the big tests! First, to the Family Birthing Center for about 20 minutes of fetal monitoring. Apparently, I have a little athlete in there and the nurses at the station outside my room were cracking up at all the punching they could hear on my monitor!! He is very healthy and showing no signs of distress. Then, on to the ultrasound. He looked like a little Michelin man in there, very chubby little cheeks! This ultrasound was much different than the one I had at 20 weeks. There was some serious searching that had to be done to find the parts the tech needed to because he is HUGE! Trying to get a glance at his sweet profile was challenging, but getting the chance to see that little shmushed face my heart melted, nonetheless! There was plenty of amniotic fluid (I don't know how there could be enough room in there for him and all that fluid!) and the placenta is still nice and healthy. All checked out perfectly. The ultrasound machine predicted that he weighs about 9lbs. Yeah, you read that right. But, I have watching enough episodes of Birthing Story and Runway Mom's to know you can't always trust what those things say...still...9lbs...whoa.
We finished the parade of appointments with the midwives. Since all the tests went so well I am free to keep on waiting for him to come when he is ready. I do have to go back up to Durango on Friday for another non-stress test and to meet with the midwives. Heidi did want to schedule an induction for next Tuesday at 7:30am, which I consented to only because I will only have to use it if something comes up in between now and then. I do not want to have an induction because I am uncomfortable. The only reason that I will consent is if something is wrong: not enough amniotic fluid, placental insufficiency, etc. It overwhelms me a bit to even be talking about induction. I have read that first time mothers, on average, have their babies at 41 weeks and 1 day. Another study said that 42 weeks is the norm. All the tests say that everything is okay, so why even talk about induction? They are NOT risk free. Pitocin and cervadil do have risks...anyway, I will save you all from a rant on that subject. Anyway, we finished off the appointment with another sweeping of the membranes, so much fun, and found I am still at 2cm and 60% effaced. That is rather disappointing because carrying this kid around is not pain free and I thought for sure all that "ouch" was doing something!!
So...one of the only at home remedies that I have not tried that may induce labor is castor oil. I may try that in the morning. It will be fairly unpleasant, but all this talk about induction makes me nervous so it is worth considering.
Some say that spicy food will help, so tonight we went to Boon's Thai and I had the spiciest red curry I have ever attempted to eat. Holy smokes, it was SPICY, but soooo good!
Thank you all for joining in the anticipation with us. Once Baby Hayes is here, this will all be a memory. We can't wait to meet him face to face :)

Baby Jesus?

Today we had a luncheon after Community Bible Study. One of the little boys that was there, Ben, has been quite interested in my belly. He is about three years old. Today he was sitting across from me eating lunch and asked if I still had a baby in my belly. "I sure do!" I told him. Then he started thinking and asked, "Do you have baby Jesus in your belly?" I was sorry to disappoint him, but I had to say no! Ha ha!

Snow!

I was hoping this picture would capture how hard it's snowing here, but no luck! I've been walking around singing, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" And then I start thinking about that big hill on the way into Durango and I start having second thoughts!! Jeremiah and I have been playing a lot of Mario Kart lately (gotta love the Wii) and we have decided we will just try to pretend like we're in the game when we're driving the 43 miles to the hospital. Only...my Mii will be having contractions! Ha ha ha!!

Waiting...

Long before my due date I tried to repeat to myself, "Two weeks late is right on time." I don't know what happened to that mantra on December 11th, but I seem to have my wits about me again. It just took a few days. There is something about going past that "Due Date" (music playing in the background when those words are uttered) that is enough to make any pregnant woman go a little nuts. This morning when I was complaining, um, praying, the Lord reminded me of Psalm 139:16: "Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Thy book they were all written, The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them." Baby Hayes' days are pre-ordained! I haven't messed something up and caused him to not want to come out (yes..this has been a serious concern of mine!) and it's not some stress that I am carrying around that is preventing my body from doing what it needs to in order to birth this baby! His days are already decided and I am just waiting on the Lord's plan to unfold. Now, that is something I can get behind!

40 Week Check-Up

Today I met with Heidi. I really enjoyed my time with her and am glad we had a chance to chat a bit. I was unsure of her after our first meeting, but after today I feel really comfortable with her.
So, the nitty gritty. Nothing has changed from the last two appointments. I am still at 2cm and 60% effaced. There are no "signs" that labor will happen anytime soon. She did strip my membranes (nice, huh?) and that can sometimes get things going...sometimes not. Baby Hayes hasn't dropped yet. However, Heidi says that doesn't mean much and that I could still go into labor tonight, if my son chose it! Isn't that great? All that information doesn't mean a darn thing! Ha!
Sooo, if next Wednesday rolls around and still no baby I will go up to Durango to the Family Birthing Center for 30 minutes of fetal monitoring. Then for an ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels, etc. Then to meet with the midwife to assess what's going on. If all is well, they will let me go one more week after that but they don't like to let woman go more than two weeks past their due date. I do not want to be induced, so I am hoping that my body will do what it needs to whenever the baby is ready to come. Tomorrow is a full moon, so maybe that will be the trigger that's needed!
I am pretty worn out because I haven't been sleeping well. On top of having to go to the bathroom every couple of hours I have a nasty cough that has been keeping me up. I went and got some cough medicine that Heidi gave the okay on and am going to try that. She also suggested I take a sleep aid and try to get as much sleep as possible in the coming days. So now that everyone has an update, I am off to bed!

Baby Blankets!

Jeremiah and I both have blankets that we loved when we were younger. My love affair with my "pink blanket" ended when I was nineteen (that's "younger", right?) when Auntie Sue's dog, Daisy, ate it! It was very traumatic. Turns out my mom kept my blanket and now that I need all the help I can get to get propped up at night, my shredded baby blanket has been put to good use again. Not kidding, I sleep with my shredded baby blanket every night!

Well, when we found out we were pregnant, my mother-in-law got the idea to re-create Jeremiah's baby blanket for Baby Hayes. We pieced it back together and figured out what we needed (she was kind enough to let me help). And, voila!, here is the recreation! Perhaps down the line we can bring my pink blanket back to life!

December 10

Well, it looks like the big due date is going to come and go without a bang. Bummer. Tonight we went out to eat at a new Italian restaurant in town. When we were at dinner I remembered a picture of my mom that was taken the day I was due. I always liked looking at it as a kid. So, here is one of me. Come on, Baby Hayes, let's get crackin'!

By the way, I was born a day late. I think Mom went into labor around noon and I was born at about 4:30pm. Let's send some of those vibes my way!!

MY ducks!

Feeding the ducks at Berg Park is one of my favorite things to do. I have a huge bag of wild life feed in the back of my car and little baggies to stock up and take with my on my walks. It is good in so many ways: I get outside for some fresh air, I get some exercise, and I get to see MY ducks! The geese are migrating right now, so they get in on the fun, too.

This is my favorite area to feed the ducks, there are only a few of them back here and it's like it's our secret place - I'm a nut, I know!

Nothing new..

It may be silly to post a blog just to say that nothing is happening, but that is what I'm doing! I'm just waiting around for this little guy to make his big entrance into the world. I woke up every hour or so last night with some pretty intense "cramping", not quite what would consider a "contraction" though. Not that I have much experience with contractions! They were strong enough to keep waking me up, though, so at about 2:30am I got up and walked around. Nothing really happened so I went back to bed and only woke up one more time.
I still haven't got to the point where I am miserable. I am still doing life: all my exercise classes that I love, shopping, cleaning, etc. A few women have said that I have to get miserable before he comes so that labor seems worth it - I sure hope they are wrong! I am thinking it will be worth it no matter what :), but I understand their point.
I am hoping that I will be able to hop on here and leave a note saying that we are headed to the hospital, just to keep everyone in the loop. Please keep us in your prayers!

Now, that was nice!

This morning I had my prenatal massage with Jeremiah's sweet cousin, Amber. She poked all the meridians that are supposed to help get labor going. It was very nice and relaxing. Well, I almost threw up on her once, but that is just par for the course when Susan is prego! She got me some water and a peppermint and turned the fan on me (perhaps I got too hot??) and it was smooth sailing the rest of the time! Amber showed Juliann, who did my pedicure afterwards, where to massage on my feet as well. So now I am all lotioned up, have pretty feet and am REALLY READY to meet my son! I chose a fun, festive red because having my first born son is a rather exciting occasion, I think. I even have a jeweled flower on two toes :) I'm sure this is just what Baby Hayes has been waiting for!
Come on, Son, we're ready to meet you!!

39 Week Check-Up!

Today I met with Amy. This blog will be rather boring because, well, my appointment was rather boring. I am still at 2cm, my cervix is thinner than last week (I, however, am not) and while he could come at any time there are no signs that BH arrival is imminent.
I did receive the results of my biometric screening, apparently I am overweight with high cholesterol :) No, not really, just very pregnant. All the numbers are just right for someone who is nine months prego. We will see what they (Jeremiah's company and our insurance) say! I have been trying to walk in the afternoons and have been drinking the Raspberry Leaf Tea, but I'm not feeling fed up with pregnancy yet. I think this sweet little person will come whenever he is good and ready!
As an update, thank you for the prayers that Jeremiah and my mother-in-law would get better, they are almost over the cold. I am just starting to get it but am trying to stay healthy!

One of my favorite things....

Synergy Kombucha!
These things are awesome! You can buy them at the health food store and run about $3.29 a bottle. I try to drink half of one everyday. They take a little getting used to, but once you're hooked there is no going back!! I think I may try making my own Kombucha at home, it would have to be cheaper than stocking up on these things!!

Old habits die hard..

I have started watching the Martha Stewart Show again each morning at 8am. Usually while I am getting ready for boot camp, aerobics, or Bible study. Today, Martha was shaking up a cranberry cocktail and the top came off and went all over her an her guest. It was awesome. I am not relishing in her embarrassment, just in the fact that she does silly things like I do :)

On another note, Jeremiah is coming down with a nasty cold. He is loading up on Zycam and Airborne, in addition to the other things you do to get a cold to go away. Please pray that he gets well soon and that I don't get it! If I go into labor with a cold I will have to wear a mask and gloves when the little person comes. Not quite how I pictured it in my mind!!

PS - Martha also cursed and burnt the sticky buns! Yay!

Excuse me?

So, today I was at Walgreen's purchasing some Zycam for Jeremiah. While I was checking out, the cashier asked when my baby was due. When I told her next Wednesday she blurted out, "Well, are you dilating?" I suddenly became very aware of the large line that had formed and that they were ALL looking at me! "Uh, yeah, I'm at a two.." was all I could reply and I took my Zycam and high tailed it outta there! Since when did my, well, um...when did it become okay for any Joe Shmo to ask that? Hmmm..
Anyway, here is the latest prego pic. I almost didn't post it because I look so darn exhausted, but then I thought, "Hey, that's being 9 months pregnant!!"

Grouch...

I don't know if it is due to pregnancy hormones or what, but I have been such a crab lately. I am happy to be wrapped up in Miah's arms in the evening watching some show or reading a book, but during the day I try to get in a workout to blow-off some energy and then hide! I really don't feel much like myself and am wondering if it could just be a hormone thing? That said, a long time ago I heard a very godly woman say that we (women, that is) should never use hormone's as an excuse for poor behavior. I completely agree and have kept that at the forefront of my mind the past few days. I have also been talking to the Lord about it during my morning quiet times. Truly, without his presence working through me, especially in this area these days, I would be completely lost!
Perhaps I am feeling a bit out of sorts with my inability to plan the labor? I am quite excited about not knowing when the baby will come, but organizing visits and what not afterwards has really been weighing on my mind. Perhaps for my own sanity (and those around me!) I may ask folks to wait a few days before coming by, and then giving Jeremiah and I a call to see if we are ready for visitors. If that does happen, please know that we DO want everyone to be able to meet this sweet little person, but it is a big transition and Jeremiah and I move a bit slower than most and may need a few days to hibernate and begin this much anticipated transition.

38 Week Check Up and a Rant...

My mother-in-law and I drove up to Durango today for a baby appointment. The little guys head has come down a bit farther and I am now at 2cm, still 60% effaced, but Mary Louise said that my body is definitely getting ready. She estimates that we will, indeed, have a December baby, and that he will come very close to his due date. I am, actually, content to wait and and excited to see how my labor will start and what it will be like to bring this person into the world. I feel so blessed...
Now to the rant. Jeremiah's company is having each employee and their spouse do a biometric screening by December 31. A doc has to check my height, weight, waist circumference (!!!), blood pressure, and I have to have a glucose screening done and my lipid levels checked. Ummm...I have explained to the insurance and the company that I am NINE months pregnant and that these test won't be valid until I am at least 6wks postpartum, but they could care less. So, I'm going to have stats like an old man. Hopefully they won't give me the boot. Mary Louise (midwife) is pretty miffed at the whole thing and made it clear that she does not think it is a good idea. What's a girl to do??

Yeah, so Pt II

...I cleaned out the closets, organized my jewelry (I even vacuumed the inside of my jewelry box..it was dusty), organized the desk, AND I found my Rosetta Stone! Yay! Something to DO the next two weeks!!
I also made an appointment for a haircut, pedicure and a prenatal massage. Now that should be fun!

Stocking up...

Yesterday my mother in law and I cooked up a storm and stocked up the freezer. We literally have about 20 meals in there, ready to go! I am amazed because, all in all, it cost us less than $200. Whoa. Basically, that is enough meals for an entire month and I used less than half of our grocery budget! I am thinking I may try to do this more often, sounds like a money saver to me.
For anyone who is interested, here is what is on the lineup:

• Vegetarian stuffed shells (2-4 serving casseroles)
• Aunt Liz's Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (2-4 serving casseroles)
• Chicken Potato Casserole (8 servings)
• Green chile chicken enchiladas (2-5 serving casseroles)
• Meatball stew en casserole (8-10 servings)
• Turkey burgers & beef burgers (4 of each kind, 8 total - and these can be cooked from frozen right on the George Foreman Grill!)
• Baked Ziti (serves a small army)
• Burritos (8 total, great for an easy lunch!)
• Meatloaf
• Hebrew Nationals! (serves 4)
• Spaghetti and Meatballs (serves how ever many, and can be heated in the crock pot!)
• Chicken Soup (as much as we want to make)

I also have veggie steamers that can just be thrown in the microwave for a quick, healthy side dish.

Now all I need is the baby!!

Yeah, so...

So Jeremiah and I were in bed reading when I noticed what a mess my nightstand was. So I went about reorganizing and putting away the books I was finished with. Which lead to dusting, which lead to organizing all of the information I have received from my midwives, which lead to...you get the idea. Finally, when I was standing the the bed dusting the ceiling fan Jeremiah looked at me over his book and asked, "Are you bored?" It was then I realized that I had really been going to town and, perhaps, should call it a night. If this kid doesn't come soon I may have to start on the neighbor's house. It has crossed my mind....

Yay! It's over!!

This morning I took the TEAS exam for nursing school. I cannot tell you how relieved I am that it is over and I can get back to thinking about Baby Hayes :) I did really well and they said I scored in the 90th percentile. Those nursing folks are smart cookies so hopefully my TEAS score, GPA and the fact that I am a resident (I get 5% for that!) will be enough. I find out in April.
Thank you for the prayers!

On a side note, I had a mommy moment while taking the test. BH is usually pretty squirmy in the mornings, but while I was taking the test he was so still, right up to the end when there was some appendage sticking out of my right side. About half way through the exam I looked down at my tummy and though, "Oh, what a sweet boy, you're being so good." I can't wait to meet this little guy.

The Hippie in Me

So, as many of you know, I am really hoping for a natural childbirth. I am trying to keep my mind open because I know that I don't know how my labor will be, but if I am honest I am hoping for a drug free experience. I find myself "defending" this position quite often. I can't tell you how many times I have been told that I have nothing to prove and that I should just take the epidural. Perhaps I will, but as I sit here, pain free and typing on my computer, that is the last thing I want to happen.
Anyway, because of this desire, quotes like this one really strike a cord with me:

"Goats have no midwives,

Sheep have no midwives.

When the goat is pregnant, she is safely delivered,

When the sheep is pregnant, she is safely delivered,

You, in this state of pregnancy, will be safely delivered."

– Song of the village midwives and elders among the African Yoruba

Waa!

So, my midwife called this morning. I have Group B Strep. I am totally bummed. An IV free delivery was what I was hoping for!
Thanks, Mom, for the reminder that an IV will seem like a pretty small thing when I'm having labor contractions.

Stocking up my freezer!

In preparation for the little guy's arrival my mother-in-law and I are planning on spending next Sunday making meals to stock up the freezer. I have a couple, but am wondering if anyone out there has a goodie they could send my way??

Baby Classes!

Jeremiah and I spent Friday night and Saturday in Durango at Mercy Regional Hospital so we could take our birthing classes! On Friday night we learned (ie. the dads learned :) basic anatomy and our instructor, Maggie, answered questions for all the soon to be mama's and dad's. All together there were 12 sets of parents, all due within about 6 weeks of us. My interests lay more in where to go, what to do, what will happen. I seem to be somewhat Type A about all things baby related.

Once we wrapped up for the evening, Jeremiah and I headed to The Dollar Inn. Now, granted, we did choose to stay at the cheapest place we could find. Come to find out, we got exactly what we paid for! It. was. hilarious. First we got the key to an occupied room, so we almost became quite close with our neighbors. Then an oversight led us to a smoking room. Then we were given the key our sanctuary for the evening. Dirty sheets, trash on the floor, nasty bathrooms, and the sound of traffic to lull us to sleep. What more could a 36.5 week prego lady ask for? At least one of the beds were clean and we decided to just sleep. Easier said than done, but whatever! The next morning we headed over the office for our "continental breakfast" which was really some old donuts and a pot of coffee. Sigh, I took my joe and powdered donut and then we were off to our baby classes, all fueled up and ready to go!!

Saturday we watched some birthing videos (with lots of squirmy daddy's watching!!), learned about breastfeeding, did some communication worksheets to make sure mom and dad were on the same page, then we got to head up to the Family Birthing Center to check things out. We saw where to park, where to come in, the triage rooms, and the birthing rooms. We then headed over to the nursery. The nurses were lovely and I really felt at ease seeing what they were going to do to the little guy and knowing that Jeremiah would be with him the entire time.

Oh, and they have a special lactation room where mom's can return to the hospital and get some one on one help if any problems with breastfeeding come up. Very cool.

We ended the day by learning some laboring positions, pressure points, and whatnot.

The whole experience got me so excited for the big day! I may be some wacko, but I am so curious about what labor will be like. I am actually very excited about! It also helped the reality of a BABY to sink in a bit more. I kind of feel like I am just going through the motions and this weekend really helped it to all sink in. There is a POINT in all this prep! A sweet little bundle, who, thankfully, doesn't legally have to be named for 12 days after birth :)

36 Week Appointment!

Today I had fun at my baby appointment. I ran into Brittany and Lillian Mirabal, which is always a delight. Brittany is due about two weeks before me with a little boy as well. She also referred me to SW Midwives. I am so glad she did!
I met with Mary Louise today, whom I love, she is a lot of fun! She guessed that the little guy is going to weigh about 7.12, then changed her mind to 7.9. I hear she is almost always right, so we will see! We did my Group B Strep test and she also checked me and I am dilated to 1.5cm and 60% effaced. Is that TMI for a blog? Well, I am thrilled that things are moving along and somewhat shocked that I, yes I, am actually going to have a baby! Whoa! My big test for nursing school is next Friday morning, so as long as he stays in until then, which I have politely requested, I will be a happy camper! Things have really got crazy for Miah at work this week so he is hoping the little guy will come right on time, which is just what Mary Louise predicts. Also, we talked about how much Jeremiah and I weighed (8.15 & 7.14) and how my mom's labor progressed (4.5hrs from start to finish). I must say, I hope that I take after my mom in that regard!!
This weekend we head to Durango for our baby class weekend. Then we will be all set for the big day!

Boot camp!

Today I went to Boot Camp, a new workout class at the gym. Yesterday at my spin class I asked Genalese, my favorite instructor whose classes I attend Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, about the new class and she responded that I was starting to make her nervous and that she didn't know how to deliver a baby. Anyway, I was there at 9am this morning and had a lovely time. Felt a little goofy with this huge belly (I'm due four weeks from today!!) but everyone has a good attitude right along with me.
So, while I have had to set running and even walking aside for now, I am still finding ways to stay active, but I did have to take a nap this afternoon. The different activity really wore me out!
Gary has started calling me Jane Fonda, which I absolutely object too. I did feel a little better when he said, "Well, how about a conservative Jane Fonda?"

A dry run.

Yesterday Jeremiah and I installed the carseat. Our little Rav4 doesn't have a whole lot of room, but we got it in there. Once we got the base installed, Jeremiah got the actual carseat to practice taking it in and out of the car. Trust me, Baby Hayes will be grateful we had this practice. It was pretty bumpy! Then Jeremiah got the stroller so we could practice the stroller to car and back motion. This wasn't good enough because there was no baby in the carseat. So, into the house for the bear stuffed with beans. This bear weighs a ton! Once we had that down, Jeremiah was convinced we were ready. We had a lot of fun :)

Nursing school.

Many of you know how long I have wanted to be a nurse. I remember the time in my life that this desire began to develop, and although at the time I said it was God leading me I have often second guessed myself. To be honest, I am not sure if nursing is a calling or an opportunity, but either way the Lord has used it in my life to teach me a great many things about walking with him.
Although I tried (and tried!) to get into nursing school at UNM, I was never able to, hence my decision to apply at Hawaii Pacific University. I was accepted right as I met my Miah and we were married so quickly that I put nursing on the back burner again and graduated with a BUS degree (in stuff: African American studies, communication, history and religion...) from UNM. When HPU sent me a letter a few months later, it was just the catalyst that Jeremiah and I needed and we moved to HI (that is the Reader's Digest version). We bought a condo right down the street from HPU and it all seemed to fall into place. Until Jeremiah was told he would be working 5 days a week for at least 6 months on another island. After much prayer about the decision to be spending so much time apart we decided that the Lord was leading us to move to Molokai and back to the back burner nursing went. Perhaps I should not say back burner, because each time nursing school did not work out I was sure that the Lord was directing our path and leading us in the way we should go. I knew I was making the right decision for my marriage by not attending HPU - not only the right decision, but the one the Lord wanted me to make.
Well, now another opportunity has presented itself. I am applying to the nursing program here in Farmington. I have a big comprehensive exam to take on November 21 (Baby Hayes, please stay put until then!!!) and much of my day is spent studying. Let me tell ya, it has been an adjustment preparing for an exam again after all these years! Thank goodness for that period of being an algebra tutor while we were in HI!! I will apply to San Juan's nursing program before the baby is due and will find out next April if I made it. It is a very competitive program, just like at UNM, so we will see what the future holds. I would not start until next fall, of 2010. The neat thing is that because of all the credits I have from UNM my first two semesters would consist of only one class and I would be able to skip the first summer of classes entirely.
So, I have no idea was the future holds, but I am grateful that I can try, try once again!!

"Strength and dignity are her clothing. She SMILES at the future."
Proverbs 13:25

Big Brother Comes HOME!!

That's right, my big brother is moving back to New Mexico on Saturday!! Baby Hayes can hardly wait!!
This picture is from Thanksgiving a couple of years ago when everyone came over to Molokai. It makes me giggle because of the big brother/little sister dynamic that was occuring. I am somewhat afraid of the ocean, but with Gary by my side I would always get in.

Look what we woke up to!

If this doesn't make you want to stay home and read a book....

He he he.

Sweet Dreams.

I thought you all would enjoy hearing about the dreams Jeremiah and I have had about pregnancy, childbirth, and the child we will soon have. Some of them are rather funny.
Dream #1
I had a dream that we had two twin boys. After the first boy was born and placed in my arms, he looked right at me and said, "Speak to me!" I had just learned (in reality, not dreamland) that my child had the ability to hear my voice, so I guess that is where that came from!

Dream #2
I was having twins (seeing a theme here?) and the doctor gave me two dolls to take home to practice parenting. However, when I was carrying one of the dolls around it turned into an actual child! I frantically started searching for doll #2 only to find him underneath the kitchen table. He was beautiful with a lot of red hair, neatly combed and pretty blue eyes.

Dream #3
I had twins, again, a boy and a girl. This was a rather boring dream, other than the fact that they were AFRICAN AMERICAN! Don't know how Jeremiah and I pulled that one off.

Dream #4
Last night I dreamt I had a sweet baby girl. The funny thing was, the nurses put her in a silly lion's costume right after she was born. Perhaps because I have been reading through the Chronicle's of Narnia???

Jeremiah Dream #1
He, too, dreamt that we had African American twin boys. He was stuck in traffic and didn't make the delivery on time. Much to his dismay the nurse had named them (where was I????) without consulting the parents. He only remembered the name of one of the boys: Benjamin.
We have been praying that God will show us the right name for our son, so perhaps this was a sign?? I really doubt it :) I have really been thinking about international adoption a lot lately, so perhaps that is why there are so many black babies popping up in my dreams!

As a disclaimer, I have seen two ultrasounds, and despite my crazy dreams I can rest assured (ha ha) that there is only ONE little BOY in there!

Maternity Pictures!

Now, for your viewing pleasure, here are a few of our maternity pictures. We took them last weekend at Berg Park, one of my favorite places in Farmington.

Do everything without complaining....

Philippians 2:14 has been on my mind a lot lately. I'm wondering how to make it through the next, approximate, 7 weeks without complaining about:

• Feet, or some other body part, in my ribs.
• How often I drop things and how hard it is to pick it up.
• All this peeing.
• The little guy using my bladder as a punching bag.
• Not sleeping well.
• Fatigue.
• My heart rate issue when I workout.
• Having to give up walks at Berg Park and the chance to feed my ducky friends that comes with.
• The eager anticipation of this little person's arrival.

I really am stoked about meeting Baby Hayes (and finally settling on a name for the kid). Sometimes I feel like when I am telling Jeremiah, for the millionth time that my hands, feet, or upper belly area (weird) are falling asleep, or whatever the current ailment is, that I am not doing a very good job of savoring the moment. I am surprised to find that (gasp!) I don't really enjoy being pregnant.

Perhaps I should think about those feet in my ribs meaning that he is growing big and strong. And use the sleepless nights as a chance to prepare myself for the sleepless nights to come. How much sweeter they will be when the little guy is actually in my arms!!

Sigh, in hindsight these last weeks will be only a moment.

Shepherd's Pie.

Mmmm, this was good! I have been trying to spice things up a bit and make something new a couple times a week. This one was a keeper. I changed it up a bit, if you want the original recipe click on the name of the recipe below.

Shepherds Pie

INGREDIENTS
2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
5 carrots, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 c. celery
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons ketchup
dash of Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup beef broth
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, finely chopped onion and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside. (Note from Susan: I spiced up the potatoes a bit more. Added milk, some sour cream, garlic powder...)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.)
Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and celery and cook until clear. Add ground beef and cook until well browned. Pour off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add ketchup and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread the ground beef in an even layer on the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Next, spread a layer of mashed carrots. Top with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

I served it with brown gravy, it was delish! Great leftovers, too.

Seven things about me..

I have been tagged by Stacey, so here goes. Seven things about me, this will be riveting, I'm sure.

1.) I firmly believe that garlic does not belong in eggs. Ever. Eww.

2.) While I'm thinking about breakfast, you know how there will be that foil or plastic covering on top of cream cheese, sour cream, etc? I don't understand leaving it on there after you open the container. Just take it off!

3.) I like to shop when I get bored.

4.) Having my nails done is important to me.

5.) Working out is not an option.

6.) I LOVE gourds of all shapes and sizes. They make fall wonderful.

7.) Here is a secret. These days, if I am just pooped all day I will lay around until about 4:30 then realize Jeremiah is about to come home and I will work frantically to get the house cleaned up. There we go, the cat's out of the bag.

Ummm...I am breaking the tagging rules and not tagging anyone else :)

The nursery!

Well, the little guy's room is about 99% complete! Yay! I still need a couple small things, but there is one last shower coming up the first weekend in November so I am holding out on purchasing them. Now, for my family members out there, I know that there aren't a lot of knick knacks - that was intentional, just don't tell Granny :)

In this first one, I have his bathrobe and towel hanging from lovely shelf Cris got us. And, of course, the cute hamper Jen got us.

Here is the window treatment that my mother in law, Kat, so beautifully put together. She also sewed the pillow that is in the glider, oh, she got us the glider, too. Yeah, she's a good lady. I love the cute little burp cloth that Lindsay got us. I am still searching for a nursing book to go on the side table. I hear it's good to have one handy.

The beautiful crib and bedding, thanks Mom!

Here is the changing table, which still needs the contoured pad. Lins got us the pictures hanging on the wall, which all show scenes from nursery rhymes.

This room was such a collective effort and I am so grateful for EVERYONE who has blessed us so richly. We, Jeremiah, the little guy, and I all thank you.

32 Week Check-up!

The day started off with my lovely aerobics class. It is getting kind of comical, I think, for my fellow exercisers to watch me try to do some of the things we do. I am just doing my part to keep the classes interesting!
Then I drove on up to Aztec for my 32 week appointment. Today I met with Amy who I am liking more and more. I am healthy and measuring right on target and the little guy is too. His heart rate was in the 130's. He has shifted positions and is now laying vertical, but Amy said that is really normal for 32 weeks and he should shift into the right position as he gets bigger and runs out of room. She also guessed that he wouldn't be bigger than about 8lbs, but said it was too early to tell. I had some questions about the upcoming birth. I feel like I have this big event looming on the horizon and no clue what I'm "in for" so to speak. I mean, if it was a race or some sporting event I would be preparing: training, eating certain things, tapering, etc. This, much to my chagrin, is going to much more intense than a marathon and I want to be DOING something! Amy was really reassuring. She told me that my body knows what to do and to not let my mind psyche me out. She also told me to chill out on the reading (I have read "What to Expect", "Ina' May's Guide to Childbirth", the Bradley books, "Pregnancy and the Newborn"...just to name a few). She said that for each book over two that it adds 6 hours to delivery. Can I unread books and end up with like a 10 minute delivery :) Hmm...Anyway, she also said that after I go to my birthing classes, which we are doing as a weekend event in November, that I will feel much more confident.
I am really grateful that I don't have any fears about the birth, I am actually really looking forward to it. I just wish there was more I felt like I could do to prepare.
On another note, I finished the nursery yesterday. There will be pictures soon!

A question for the mom's out there!

So, I have the list of what to pack for the hospital, but I am wondering if there was anything that you mom's out there didn't pack that you wish you would have. Whether it was for you, the dad or the baby. And, when did you have your bag packed? When did you have the car seat installed??
Inquiring minds want to know!

Durango!!

Yesterday Miah took the day off and we went to DURANGO! The leaves are changing and it was just beautiful up there.

I cherish these quite moments with Miah and sometimes glance in the back seat where the little guy's carseat will be and think about the days to come that will be oh so different.

Before and NOW!

This first picture was taken at least a year ago, when we were still in Hawaii living on Molokai...as a side note, please take note of who has all the property and who has all the $$ and who has given up and started taking pictures! We play Monopoly with special rules to keep things interesting!


This was taken today! This shirt has never had to work so hard!! Ha ha ha!

October 10th!

Wow, I am due two months from today! We will see when the little guy decides to make his appearance... I really feel myself starting to slow down. I am just exhausted!
Well, I did get the bulbs in the ground, all 72 of them. Turns out that day at the nursery I was thinking very little about the process of planting and more about how beautiful they will be in full bloom. And while I was at it I decided to mow the lawn, which was a first for me. I did it, without incident, and now I am wondering if I should have because I can't use the "I don't know how..." as an excuse not to :)
This weekend I am throwing a shower for Brittany Mirabal, who is due November 30th with a little boy as well, who is to be named Shepherd Gabriel. What a great name! I am planning on a fall theme and making lots of yummy desserts. Pictures will follow!

Not...FROST!!

This morning as I was saying goodbye to Jeremiah I looked out the window and what did I see??? FROST. Today is the day I am setting out to get my bulbs in the ground. I don't care if I missed the first frost. They're going in!

A date at 3am.

One of Baby Hayes' favorite ways to get some "Mama time" is to get really squirmy at about 3am. That leads to me needing to go to the bathroom, which leads to him squirming more as I try to get comfortable, which leads to me thinking about his coming birth, the nursery, etc. By the time 4 or 4:30 hits my stomach is growling beyond the point of return and I am up for a snack and usually some tea. Even now as I sit here typing and drinking a lovely cup of Refresh tea he is bouncing around. While I will definitely need a nap later, perhaps urging the cycle to continue, I must say I don't mind too much. I just think about the days ahead when I will be up with him in my arms instead of just giggling about how squirmy he is.
It's a funny thing, becoming a mom.

At the end of the day...

Well...the glider and ottoman were out of stock and the store I was going to buy the changing table from was closed. Whatcha gonna do.
I did get the room cleared and we got the window treatment done. Not too bad for a Sunday.

Nursery Update!

Today we are getting serious about the nursery! My mother-in-law, Kat, is finishing up the Roman shades. We decided on a buttery yellow stripe, much like the hamper. She has also finished the fabric that we will drape from the top of the window. It is white with small flowers...not too girly I can assure you. We are then headed over to Baby and Me to see about a changing table/dresser and then to Target to see about a glider. I also need to find a side table to go next to the glider for a cute lamp we found. I envision many happy, sleepy moment in this glider with our sweet little guy. As you can see from the photo I will have to take everything out and then start taking it back in, little by little. Hopefully finding a permanent place for it.
As an update on the shower, it was beautiful. I forgot my camera, of course, but Kristen came through (she photographed my wedding) and I just need to get the pictures from her. I had such a lovely time visiting with the sweet ladies that came. Mrs. Vicki, as always, out did herself and everything was lovely. We ate lunch, which was much like going to tea at the St. James, drank a ton of tea, played a few games and opened gifts. As an extra blessing, Candice gave me her high chair (thank you!), so that is one more thing to cross of the list. Another blessing we received was through Meg Wallace, who has given me her breast pump motor (don't worry, I have all new attachments, it is quite safe) and also her jogging stroller! What a blessing!!
I am so grateful for everything that the people in our lives have done for us. Truly, my cup overflows.

Back to Albuquerque!

Jeremiah and I are headed back to Albuquerque this afternoon for a baby shower tomorrow. This one is hosted by sweet Ms. Vicki for all the wonderful ladies at the tearoom. What a blessing that place has been to me. I have learned so much from all the people who work there, not just ladies because there is Daniel too :) I feel so blessed that after all these years they still want to celebrate the birth of Baby Hayes. While looking around their website I found a funny picture of Adrian and I from the photo shoot we did for Sunset magazine a few years ago. That was a shocker! Ha ha!
Josh Covert comes home from Iraq today too, yeah! This is the Josh that Jeremiah wants to name our son after. I think Josh is wonderful, and so darn funny, he would be a great name sake for our little guy. We will see! I will include a picture of Josh's trip to Oahu, so you all can "meet" him. The picture of Jeremiah and I kayaking by Lanikai was taken by Josh on that trip.
Please note in the photo that Jeremiah is posing for the camera and I am trying, furiously, to figure out the paddling and prove that I could do it!
Here's to safe travels!

30 Week Check Up.

First, of all, whoa, I am 30 weeks already! Sometimes it feels, because 9 months really is a long time to be pregnant in my opinion, that there really is no baby coming. It's kind of like a big, long drama. Sure, I have all the evidence of a child on the way: throw up (me, not him...yet), baby gear, oh, yeah, and a huge belly that sometimes squirms like something out of Alien. But the reality that a baby is coming doesn't feel like it has really sunk in. But now that his movements are getting bigger, it is getting harder to do the things I love, and December 10th is drawing closer and closer and I find myself sitting with the reality of what is about to happen. It is a wonderful thing.
On a side note, at the gym yesterday while trying to do the things I used to be able to do and fighting the reality of my 7 1/2 month prego body, I was watching some animal show. Get this. There was a show about pregnant elephants. Did you know they are pregnant for 22 months?! AND, that they give birth to, sit down, 300 pound baby elephants? No, stinking, way. Thank God for 8 pounders and 40 weeks!! Yikes!
Anyway, Miah and I went to Aztec today for our check up. I am so grateful for the Aztec clinic so that I don't have to drive to Durango every other week. It was the first baby appointment that Miah has been able to attend since we moved. We really wanted the midwives to get to know both of us...we're partners in this afer all! Today we met with Heidi. I hadn't met her before and she was just lovely. There are three midwives: Heidi, Mary-Louise, and Amy. They all have a ton of experience, different way of doing things, and one of them will for sure be with me while I labor. I feel really confident about our choice to use Southwest midwives. Anyway, everything looked good, we're both healthy as can be! My only real question was about this pain I am having. Turns out it is just some joint that never stretches is stretching because of the little guy's head pushing against it. It is really uncomfortable when I exercise, but Heide said my maternity support belt (very glamorous) should help with that.
I also asked about coming to Albuquerque for Thanksgiving. I had really hoped to make the trip because I have no intention of coming down for several weeks after the baby is born. Knowing myself, I will want very badly to "show off" our sweet bundle, but I will need time, I think about 6 weeks, to rest, recover and just sit and stare and this sweet little human. However, something about me driving four hours away from where I am supposed to deliver 13 days before I am due didn't sit real well with the midwife. But as the time draws closer we shall see!!

By the way, I have only gotten sick once today and am managing to keep down a healthy lunch and my prenatals! Yay!

It's back...

Morning sickness, that is. I feel like I am right back in the first (and second now that I think of it) trimester. Bummer :( Maybe I will have to go back to the B6 and Unisome. Gosh, I hope not. Lord, help me to have a good attitude!!

Baxter.

Where my desire for a dog springs from...


Meet Baxter, the sweetest dog that has ever graced the planet. He is far away with our friends in Hawaii, and I miss him more than I miss the beach! He surfs, loves to play in the sand, and collects "binks"...stuffed animals.
So, we have decided against adopting a dog until the little guy arrives and we settle into our roles as parents. We also cannot agree on what kind of dog to get. Miah wants a younger white lab while I want an older golden. We will see who wins...