Oh, Baby! (Part 3)

Sadly this is the second time I am typing this part.  Last time I did it with an iPad in my lap while typing with one hand and holding a baby with the other.  Even more sad, the blog did not save.

I failed to mention earlier that when I was admitted to the delivery room, I was given pitocin to speed up the labor process.  With contractions registering off the charts, my husband saw me start to cry.  "It's time for an epidural, isn't it?"  I nodded and he took charge to see that I got something to ease the pain, or in this case, completely erase it.

I feared the birthing process and getting an epidural.  After a doctor's visit in June wherein I was told in lamaze class to read an excerpt of a booklet and talk to my doctor about my birth plan.  Birth plan?  Ummm... the plan is to get the kid out of me.  I tried talking to my doctor about the class and I broke out in tears.  I told the doctor I wasn't too bad until I was reading the booklet.  She reached for it, looked inside and told me not to read it and not to do any research.  By the time the appointment was over, I decided not to go to work that day, except I was crying so hard that I found it difficult to call in.  My husband was not answering his cell phone, so I gave the staff his office phone number and they called Matt to come and get me since I did not feel as though I could drive.  Yup, I was a mess.  I told a parent about this and she was kind enough to share her birthing stories with me when I was ready.  You know what?  I was going to call her on Thursday, the day my water broke, to see if she was available on Friday for a chat.  I had finally felt as though I had calmed down enough to talk about the process without causing myself or the baby any extra stress.  Had I previously mentioned that I was not ready for Eleanor?

7:00 p.m.: Matt was finally hungry and ventured down to the cafeteria, except it was closed.  I once again urged him to go out and get something to eat so he would have his energy and strength for when I needed him.  I believe we even discussed that first babies take a long time and he was not going to miss anything.

8:00 p.m.: Staff informed me I was dilated 10 centimeters (or close to it) and that they would be calling my doctor and I would be pushing soon.  I was in shock.  What happened to babies taking a long time to come out?  What is this kid's hurry?  I thought about texting Matt that he needed to come back, but I learned in a previous job that panic breeds panic and Matt hurrying back could cause an accident.  Matt would be back soon.  I busied myself with my phone and found out that Matt had checked in at Buffalo Wild Wings, which was within walking distance from the hospital.  I tried to remain calm and convinced myself that he would not be sitting down and ordering a meal.  What I did not know is that he tried the grocery store down the street and then ventured to one of his favorite wing places.  I also did not know that he was in the hospital waiting area eating.  Why?  He knew I was hungry and could not eat and did not want me to have to smell food.  He is a wonderful man, even if he did scare the crap out of me.

Oh, Baby! (Part 2)

Thank you all for your patience. I cannot believe that part of my priority list the day after having a baby was to update my blog. I wanted to be able to share my story with all of the many, many wonderful people in my life.

1:15 p.m. (Maybe): This is where I begin losing track of time. The hospital was waiting for us and I was sent to triage, where staff confirmed that my water did in fact break. "What else could it be?" I asked the hospital staff. "Sometimes people pee themselves and think it is their water breaking."  I suppose, but knowing now that amniotic fluid leaks and rejuvenates, I don't know how anyone could mistake it. Staff confirmed I was going to stay and they got me a bracelet and began to make my husband and I as comfortable as they could in a delivery room. Staff informed me I was dilated to 2 centimeters and administered pitocin. Matt told me he forgot to bring his camera. I reminded him that first babies take a while and if he left right at that moment, he would have enough time to go home, grab the camera, and return to the hospital before rush hour traffic started to build.  He had his phone and his iPad and assured me he was okay.

We watched a movie (Grown Ups 2) and Matt began the all important job of fetching me ice chips. It was quite some time before I experienced contractions.  I had been keeping an eye on the monitors and was finally starting to feel something that I guessed was a contraction.  This is when the birthing process got a bit scary.  Everything was going so fast, too fast. The hospital monitors measured contractions on a scale of 0-12. I hardly felt anything when the monitor moved up to 2, but definitely felt contractions when they registered at a 4. Eleanor just couldn't wait to enter the world. Contractions began registering at a 12 and flat-lined. I had no time to adjust or prepare.

Oh, Baby! (Part 1)

Baby Eleanor is here!  With 20 days until her due date she was quite the surprise.  So this entry is not too long, I will be brief.

11:15 a.m.: Working in my office for just over two hours and not having even stood up once, I felt as though I wet myself.  I got up to go to the bathroom only to realize another coworker had just stepped in.  I had a light breakfast (I ran out of cereal) so I decided to heat up my lunch, a menial four pierogies since my acid reflux had been kicking in and bland had been sounding pretty good for the past few days.  While thankfully standing on the tile floor, I discovered my water broke.  I immediately called my husband and then called my supervisor.  This tidbit is worth mentioning because the last teen librarian's water broke and she immediately called the same person.  I tried to quickly get my supervisor up to date on what was going on since I really wasn't where I wanted to be yet, because let's face it, I was pretty sure I had at least another week to get some things together.  I felt like it took an hour to get her up to speed, but it was probably closer to 30 or 45 minutes.  Then I drove myself home (about a 20-25 minute drive).  I was not experiencing contractions, so I felt comfortable doing so.

12:15 p.m. (or somewhere around there): I get home to discover Matt had stopped by the store to pick up some baby detergent and tossed in a few baby items.  Again, we were certain we still had at least a week before Eleanor arrived.  I never did eat those pierogies and I knew I wasn't going to eat at the hospital, so I went to the kitchen and microwaved my lunch.  The nurse or receptionist at the doctor talked to me and told me to grab my bag and go to the hospital.  Still, I was not experiencing any contractions.  "Do I have time to pack a bag?"  "You don't have a bag packed?" she said with some alarm or concern in her voice.  "What do I really need besides my toothbrush and toothpaste?" As a side note, what nurse or someone at the OB would alarmingly or surprisingly ask a pregnant lady that question.  Way to stress someone out who is perfectly calm.  Also, still no contractions.

Operation Cloth Diaper

Our cloth diaper stash.

When I first told my mom that Matt and I were using cloth diapers, she couldn't believe it.  "Mom, cloth diapers have come a long way since you used them."  No more folding giant cloth squares, risking poking kiddo with massive diaper pins, and no more plastic pants or wool soakers.  I explained that modern cloth diapers have a waterproof shell similar to disposable diapers.  Inside, you place one or two liners similar to a feminine napkin.  I showed my mom one of our cloth diapers and she  melted in the adorableness of it.  That's right, mom.  Cloth diapers are adorable, stylish, readily available in stores, and easy to use since Matt and I know people who are using them with great success.

Why cloth diapers?  I am incredibly frugal.  It seems like a waste to use disposable diapers on a regular basis, for two plus years.  I have better things to spend my money on, like starting a college fund or delicious food.  Another reason, my husband and I both love the environment.  While cloth diapers are a big upfront expense, they pay for themselves quickly. Don't you have to buy constantly?  No!  What you cannot see in the above picture are all the white snaps.  Those allow for the diapers to be used throughout much of the baby's diaper wearing days.  Win!

Just the Two of Us

Three weeks and change until August 6.  I work next Saturday and somebody could come early, so this weekend my husband and I decided to dedicate a day to just the two of us. 

I woke up around 8:20, which was later than I had hoped.  Before I could sit down on the couch this morning, I was told it was raining on the Illinois/Indiana border and it was going to hit Indy around 10:00 a.m.  We decided to hit the shower and eat breakfast at the Zionsville Farmer's Market.  I had never been and was incredibly excited when my husband said we could buy two loaves of bread (I love bread) and challah rolls.

After Zionsville, we drove on the rainy back roads to the Danville Farmer's Market, two markets I had never visited were hit in a single day.  This market was quite small and less impressive than Zionsville, but I did find some delicious biscotti, I'm a sucker for twice baked Italian cookies, and a much coveted cinnamon roll.  It was not Cinnabon, but it was quite tasty.

Our next adventure was the movie theater. We were later than what we hoped and we decided to use a 15% off coupon at Burlington Coat Factory.  Our newly purchased, big ticket item is a booster seat that straps to a chair, which we will use in lieu of a traditional high chair... in six months.  With lots of time until the 1:30 showing, we went to Kohl's.  It sounds silly, but Kohl's touts a baby registry.  Online we found all kinds of fascinating items, including a cloth diaper wipe warmer, but sadly, the store yielded over-priced clothing.

Remains of bag #2

Off to the movie, where we loaded up on popcorn, a household favorite, and watched Tammy.  With the rain subsided and a sense of calm blanketing both myself and my husband, we ventured over to Barnes and Noble.  My husband was looking for a book to read and picked up two titles by Brandon Sanderson, while I searched and over searched for a journal.  This is courtesy of Matt's 98 year old grandmother. 

Back in May, she told me I should keep a journal and I told her I wouldn't always have something to write about, "Write about the weather," she said.  I found it hard to argue with, especially when grandma gave me money to fund the project.  Grandma is fascinating.  She has no idea how much a journal costs.  I could have used that money to purchase a beautiful and stunning leather bound journal with incredible detail and unique clasps, I could not talk my frugal self into making the purchase.  I purchased this beauty and can purchase several more thanks to grandma's generosity, and potential lack of cash counting.  This way, I can still purchase another four or so journals and thank grandma for her generosity everyday I write about the weather.

Off to Meijer to grab some acid reflux meds my doctor prescribed and time to put the pills to the test at Claddagh Irish Pub.  I was looking for cheese and found on the menu in the form of bacon mac and cheese.  Matt was concerned that I would be disappointed with this dish.  I told our server that I was expecting and was searching for a creamy mac and cheese.  He assured me that the dish would be creamy and if it did not meet my standards they could make it creamier or I could order something else.  The mac and cheese was tasty, but it was a portion larger than what I was willing to consume thanks to the acid reflux, but trust me when I say it will be a tasty treat at 3:00 a.m. 

There was one thing that we hoped to fit in our day that just did not make it, a nap.  As a reward to reading all the way to the end, here is a photo for you.  In case you are wondering, yes, someone has dropped.

Rant: Babies R Us: Two Strikes

My husband is 39 years old, I am 32, and we are expecting our first baby.  My husband has been planning on fatherhood years before we met in 2010.  My husband is incredibly active when it comes to doing research on baby products.  In January, we took a weekend field trip to Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby.  We wanted an opportunity to price a few higher end baby items and check out our preferences as well the brand quality.  We shook cribs to test stability, pulled strollers from the shelves to test how easy it is to set up and fold down, and even examined pack and plays to find one that would best suit our needs.  Babies R Us had more reasonable prices and more of the items we thought we would need to help us better serve our newest family member and navigate what may be considered as our greatest challenge.  We first registered online.  No, let me clarify, Matt registered with Amazon, giving me permission to be the secondary person and to add to the registry.  I took the easy way out and had a friend with a 15 month old add stuff for me.  This list was later altered when Matt went online and registered at Babies R Us, moving nearly all the items from one list to another.  Matt is the primary person on this account and as a secondary person, I am not even searchable.

Strike 1: In June, Babies R Us calls Matt's phone and leaves a message.  His name is clearly pronounced on the voicemail, not mine.  The store employee left a message for Patricia VanArsdale about expecting a coupon for 15% off all the unpurchased items on our baby registry.  Let's recap, Matt is the primary account person on the registry, his phone number was listed on the registry, and in case we are not sure, his voicemail clearly gives his name and not mine.  Matt was and is still furious and a phone call I made to corporate seems to have done very little good.

Strike 2: We went in the store to add a few additional items to the registry and purchase a few things with an awesome coupon.  Matt sat down at a table just inside the door while I stood behind him and off to the side.  I gazed in the distance at diaper bags (our latest mind-boggling buy) while Matt asked the employee for the gun, saying the baby registry was under his name.  "It's under your name?"  she asked him looking at me.  I confirmed for the employee that my husband is in charge and is the primary person on the account.  She looked confused as she looked between the two of us.  Has she never met a man so eager to be a father that he took over the baby registry?  Matt was once again frustrated and unhappy with the actions of a store employee.  How difficult is it to smile, apologize, and actually listen to what a person is saying?  Heaven forbid we toss in the fact that the employee could have made small talk and say that few expecting fathers are as proactive as he is in getting a baby registry ready.  I feel as though I am justified to say this because I work with the public and when I make mistakes, I apologize profusely and do whatever I can to encourage the person to come back and see us.  Did I mention I work at a library?  A place that exchanges no money for services?  Oh course, I will also toss in that I have excellent customer service and letters from parents and teens to prove it.  We are not done with our registry or Babies R Us and hope (for the sake of my husband who is eager to finally meet his offspring), I hope the store has more polite employees on our future visits, because my husband is fighting the urge not to yell and scream at the employees.  And you know what, I think they would deserve it, maybe not as much as he wants to yell, but they would deserve it.

Let the Countdown Begin!

My husband and I have been keeping track of the number of days until baby for quite some time.  The folks at work hear me freak out about the amount of work I have to do before Egg arrives.  However, I keep reminding coworkers and myself that my doctor could tell me any day now that I am not permitted to go back to work.  This is the new sign that is on my door at work.  To remind everyone how many days are left until baby and how many days I hope to have left at work before heading home and taking on my latest and newest job (but still returning to the library in mid to late September depending on when you know who arrives).  Lucky for me I have had a smooth pregnancy and have only recently experienced discomfort, which mostly comes from someone discovering that my ribs are a great play toy.  Keep reading this week, blogs are scheduled to go up every other day through Sunday and an additional blog on the burner when our last piece of the baby's room arrives, so keep checking back often.

The Most Unhelpful Instructions Ever

With an awesome coupon my husband and I purchased a pack and play.  We ended up getting one by Graco.  It has been awhile, but 17 years ago I helped my mom set up a pack and play so my niece had a place to sleep, so I was not entirely new to this game.  I had lots of confidence in myself until we went to set it up.  It was not going well and something made it worse... directions and photos.  We followed step 5, but only realized upon struggling on step 10 that we did step 5 wrong.  The yelling and frustration were immediately targeted at the poor directions.  I can call them poor because I write step-by-step instructions for teenagers on a regular basis without any issue.

With the pack and play together, where do we put it?  With a newborn napper and changer, the first place for it is the end of the bed.  This will help with those first few weeks and my fear of being such a solid sleeper (I've slept through tornado sirens) that I will fall asleep while feeding the baby in the middle of the night.  My wonderful husband is aware of my fear and is aware that helping however he can may include waking up and talking to me if I need him to do so.  The bedroom is a great nighttime solution for the pack and play, but what about when baby is sleeping and we are across the house in the living room?  It is not easy to wheel the pack and play from one room to another.  Possible, but not easy and I definitely cannot do it holding a baby in one hand.  My handy husband had the answer.  Remove the bedroom door.  I am still holding out for an additional sleeper-type item for the living area so we can keep the pack and play in the bedroom. In the meantime, I am greatly amused that our bedroom has no door, which is important because we have a vocal cat that works like an alarm clock, which I sleep through.

Doctor, a Movie, and a Craving

On July 3, I began the first of my weekly appointments.  Lucky for me, everything is going GREAT, which is really important because I am a workaholic and if I was not at work I would be concerned.  There was a bit of information that the doctor (who is not my typical doctor) mentioned at my appointment.  In two weeks, I have gained five pounds.  Oops.  My wonderful husband noted how well I have done through most of my pregnancy gaining less than 30 pounds, but I no longer have that tidbit as a bragging right.

For the long holiday weekend I brought a few movies home from work, including "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."    I remember my husband and I watching the previews for this movie in early December.  We knew right after Thanksgiving that we were expecting and seeing the previews sparked an impromptu post-New Year's trip to Las Vegas which resulted in us being stuck in Denver, renting a car, and driving halfway across the country.  The roads were great for most of the trip, but with negative temperatures we had to stop to purchase some warmer clothes and milk since we were sure our local store would be wiped clean of the kitchen staple.  Today while watching the movie, I asked my husband if he remembered what was going on in his life when this movie came out in theaters.  "We went to Vegas," he said.  He did not recall why, so I reminded him, "We just found out we were going to be parents."

In the movie, Walter Mitty ended up in an airport and went to Cinnabon.  "Mmmm, Cinnabon."  "Do you want to go to Cinnabon?"  my husband asked.  "Yes."  I could see the wheels turning, trying to process the exact location of the closest Cinnabon.  I told him the mall always has Cinnabon.  Wouldn't you know that I had to drop something off at a friend's house and would be going right by a mall?   Sadly, my acid reflux was beginning to kick in and I told my husband I would be unable to eat.  Turns out, there are only three Cinnabon locations in the state of Indiana: Circle Center Mall, Lafayette Square Mall, and a travel center in Shelbyville. I was prepared to drive home, but my husband had a craving of his own, ice cream.  Dairy Queen?  No.  Something from the grocery?  No.  He would let me know.  Turns out, Culver's was the answer.