Friends and a wedding in Aspen!

We had never been to Aspen even though it's only 3 hours away.  Our friends, Amanda and Charlie, gave the best excuse to go and check it out. Talk about an absolutely Pinterestingly perfect wedding venue/backdrop. It was a gorgeous fall day. But not as gorgeous as the bride! 

It was so good to catch up with dear friends. As you can see below, Matt and his buddies love a good reason to play dress up. The other two are soon to be wed next year! Can't wait!

After the ceremony we took a quick jaunt to check out the Maroon Bells! They totally stood up to the hype. The Aspen's leaves were starting to turn yellow which made the whole event even more magical. 

Gosh, I love that man. And I mean, nothing is more sexy than when your husband is wearing your baby. 

One Year

Well folks, we made it. "We" as in me and Matt. On September 15, 2012, Matt and I said our "I do's forever" and we made our way down the aisle of marriage and life-partnership. On October, 8, 2012 we found out we were pregnant. On November 3, 2012 we adopted Fonzie, our furbaby. On June 29, 2013, we met said baby of said pregnancy.

Photo by Tyler Core

Photo by Leighellen Landskov

Just an average year... said no one. 

On our one year anniversary, we kept looking at each other and saying, "we made it!" Not meaning that we thought we weren't going to "make it" but just recognizing that this was a wild year to say the least. Talk about being in transition and learning new things. 

BUT GOSH DARN, HOLEY MOLEY, I am one happy/grateful/blessed/lucky woman to have Matt as my forever partner of lifetime. Best year ever...so far. Here's to the year "we made it" and the years to come, babe. I love you so hard, it hurts in the best way.

Welcome Thomas!: A Birth Story, Part 2

read part 1 here

By the time Jenna came to check on me, I could only lean over my ottoman and had to keep my eyes shut. I couldn't talk to anyone and I had to focus on getting through each contraction. After a couple minutes of watching me, Jenna said it was time to go to the hospital. Matt made the call to the midwife to inform them of our impending arrival. Sidenote: riding in the car, uneven roads and contractions are mortal enemies. Seriously uncomfortable.

We arrived at the hospital around 4:30 p.m. and were taken to triage where they assessed the stage of labor I was in. After the midwife checked my cervix, she annouces I'm 5 centimeters and 6 when in a contraction! I made my goal! She also said, "My dear, you're going to have a baby today, I'll call upstairs and have a room ready for you." The excitement of Thomas coming soon gave me a surge of energy and I felt renewed to go at it for another few hours. Contractions were still going strong at 2 minutes apart.

The first thing I wanted to do as soon as I got to the labor and delivery room was get in the whirlpool tub. After I was checked again and introduced to those who would be assisting me, I got in the tub. OH MY wonderful heavens. It felt  EXTREMELY GOOD to be surrounded in water. These tubs aren't like your tub at home (or at least my tub). It was much deeper and could be filled all the way to my chin. Having the water take some weight off my body really helped to manage the contractions. Jenna dimmed the lights and even set up LED tealights to help create a relaxing environment. For every contraction I went to my hands and knees and would breathe out a low "ooooohhhhhhhhhhh"  and would sit back down in between. Matt was on water patrol and would make sure I kept my fluids up. He was also a positive voice in my ear continuing to tell me I was strong and doing great. Jenna would talk me through every contraction and remind me I was made to do this. She would also slip me food when the midwife and nurse weren't looking (they don't like for you to eat in case there is an emergency, however I really needed the extra energy).  My mom was a quiet strength in the room and I could feel her prayers surround me.

I stayed in this posture the remainder of my laboring. I remember the midwife checking my cervix after having been there two hours declaring I was 8 centimeters! Jenna recommended I try to sit on the toilet since that's a place where one is used to relaxing to allow nature to take it's course. I gave it a try and soon after pronounced I was going to poop! If I hadn't already, I had officially lost all modesty and went about my business (Again, real life). That's truly a memory I'd like to forget, but don't think I will. I decided I better get back in the tub.

Another couple hours later the midwife checked me again. I was 10 centimeters and ready to push! I had to stay on the hospital bed where my mom and doula held my legs and I held onto a bar in front of me (awkward at first). They told me that when my contractions start to make me bear down, to go with it and really give it my all. It took a couple pushes to get the hang of where to focus my energy but once I figured it out, I could tell I was making progress because everyones faces would light up and Matt was saying, "I can see his head! You're doing it!"

The pain at this point was more than I could have ever prepared for. Admittedly, I was scared. I knew he was mere centimeters from being born, but the burning sensation (lovingly referred to as the "ring of fire") is a very real thing and I wanted to stop. After exclaiming "NO NO NO" I was told, "YES, YES, YES, only one more push!" I sat back and took a moment. I had to have a short mental conversation with myself that I had to do this. I had to. There was no other option. The goal was Thomas. I was going to meet Thomas.

I sat back up and with something animalistic I didn't know I had, I pushed very vocally and he came out! Thomas was here! Matt got to deliver him. My midwife allowed him to assist in "catching" Thomas as he entered the world. So amazing. So miraculous. I had done it. We had done it.

Thomas Harlan Melander was born June 29, 2013 at 9:06 p.m. He weighed 7lbs 3 oz. and cried and peed simultaneously upon arrival. That's my boy.

Vaccination

Vaccines are such a controversial subject these days. Having worked with kids with autism, I fall into the category of skeptics myself. As his mother, I want to protect him with all I have. So do I protect him from the crazy illness' he could contract or the potential of a mental disability? It's no easy choice. And one that's racked my brain years before I ever conceived. As you know already, I'm not exactly "Connie Conventional" and so I sought out a Pediatrician who isn't either. After a conversation about my worries and the pros and cons, he recommended I look into the Sears schedule for vaccines. Having already read a couple publications from the Sears family and mostly agreeing with their viewpoints, I went for it.

I have to say, now that I've read The Vaccine Book, I'm feeling better having all the facts- bad and good and I've decided upon the way I will go about it for my family. 

I feel very blessed to have a Ped doc who is open to these ideas and to be in a position where I can make alternative choices.

I highly recommend The Vaccine Book by Robert Sears. He offers more than one way to go about vaccines. Thomas' two month appointment came a lot quicker than I was ready for. He had his first vaccine today and he's currently sound asleep in my arms while I type this on my phone (hooray for the blogger app!). I'll hold him all day if I need to. And I just might need to, for my own sake. 

Welcome Thomas!: A Birth Story, Part 1

I woke up, Friday June 28 in a calm state and snuggled next to my love while he still caught a few more z's. At this point I was two days passed my due date. I lay there quietly having a mental conversation with my unborn son. "Today is the day, Thomas. It's time for you to come out. This is your mama and I want to meet you. It's time. Please start your journey." I was calm, yes, but I was ready. More than ready, I was done. I had reached the end of my perverbial rope and I needed Thomas to come out. My body had reached it's limit, and I felt overbaked. Yes, overbaked is the right word. I can't think of a better word so, overbaked is what you get.

I went about my business that day, you know doing normal things like mowing the lawn with a push mower; the old school type that's just a rotating blade. I cleaned the house and went on a long walk. Okay, so these might not be "normal" things to do when you're 40 weeks and couple days pregnant, but if my conversation with Thomas didn't make a point, I was bound and determined by being "active" (I was moving at a snails pace and not very often at that).

Below is a completely unflattering picture of me at the end, all swollen with fluid, pruning the bushes, as you do, just in case you need a visual. I will probably regret sharing this picture some day, however, this is real life, people.

Later that evening, Matt and I met up with his co-workers at a mexican restaurant where I indulged in some spicy/hot enchiladas. About an hour into our time there and many helpings of nachos later, I wasn't feeling so well and it wasn't indigestion. I had felt the sensation before many times, but it felt a little different and I gave the "eye" to Matt signaling it's time to go home.

A while later I came to the realization that I was having consistent contractions. Ladies, for me, It felt exactly like menstrual cramps, although it would come in waves and lasting about 15-30 seconds. It was never scary and it was never "too much."It was just there, and definitely happening. I texted my doula and told her what was up. She told me I was in active labor and to try to rest and let her know if/when things pick up and contractions are closer together. In preperation for a long weekend, and finally meeting my son, My mom, Matt and I decided we would try to go to sleep. My contractions were about 10-15 minutes apart at this point and I did my best to ignore them and get some rest.

3 a.m. rolled around and a contraction wakes me from my sleep. I could no longer ignore my body. I wake Matt to let him know and I move to the couch for a change of scenery. My contractions are about 8 minutes apart. This goes on until about 9 a.m. I keep my doula, Jenna, informed.

Jenna stops by around 10 a.m. to see how I'm doing and she wants to watch me go through a few contractions to gauge what my pain levels are and to see how I'm holding up. At this point the only "comfortable" position is for me to lean over the bed or get on my hands and knees when the contraction waves in and out. I was still able to hold somewhat of a conversation and because of that Jenna said, the best thing for me to do was to try as best as I could to rest in hopes of preserving some energy for the long haul. She pulled out her Mary Poppins bag and grabbed some esential oils and rubbed them on my forehead and neck to help me relax. She also gave me her iPod and a playlist of yoga music for me to listen to and tune out the noises of my house. I remember telling my mom that my goal was to make it to 5 or 6 centimeters by the time I went to the hospital.

I was able to stay resting on the couch for an hour or so, but I became pretty uncomfortable and decided I would try a bath. Matt drew a bath for me and unscrewed some of the lightbulbs in the bathroom so that the light wouldn't be so glaring. I continued to listen to the music and even dozed off for a few minutes. Unfortunately, my tail-bone could only stand about 20 minutes in the tub and it was back to the couch where I tried to rest a bit more while Matt ran some last minute errands.

While resting on the couch and going through contractions I realized I wasn't able to talk through them anymore. They had become more intense. I asked my mom if she thought they were getting closer together and so she started timing them. Sure enough, they were 2 and 3 minutes apart! I notified Jenna and texted Matt to come home imediately.



* I apologize for the delay as this took me many days and weeks to find the time to sit down and write. Needless to say, I don't have free time like I once did and that's taking some getting used to! However, I still have the itch to blog about my new job as a mama. Hope you stick around. Part 2 of Thomas' birth story on the way...

Mama's Hospital Bag

I've mentioned before that I've got my bags all packed and I think I'm ready to go! I've been having stronger contractions the last couple of days. Some are painful, some I hardly notice except for my belly becoming very hard and tight. Nothing is very consistent and obviously haven't led to full blown labor, however, I think baby is packing up shop and is preparing for his move-out any day now!

I had no idea what the heck to pack in my bag. I've soaked up suggestions from friends and a trusty Google search and below is what I've decided to go with.

For labor (all of these things I feel comfortable tossing after it's all said and done):

- A large tank top (men's size medium): easily removable and is long enough to cover my bum if I decide to only wear the tank when in the room.
- A flowy maternity skirt, short & black: to wear if I need to walk the halls, or want to be a bit more modest in the room but can also have easy access to whatever the midwife needs to see.
- Sports bras (a size up from what I normally wear): I'm bringing a couple to wear in the tub and if I just want to rock the sports bra instead of the tank.
- A robe: I've been told you can go from hot to cold and vice versa all throughout labor. A light robe might help the cause as well as keeping from flashing the nursing staff.
- Honey sticks: for a quick boost of energy. After all, they tell me this can take 20+ hours!
- Coconut water energy pouches: for an electrolyte boost and hydration.
- Red raspberry tea bags: I've been told this can help contractions be more efficient. I plan to have someone make it then put it over ice. I may be wrong, but hot tea sounds terrible while in labor.
- Chapstick: Breathing "HeeHeeHooo" during contractions (x's 100) can really make your lips dry... I found that out in my preggo class.
- A water bottle with a straw: A friend told me to have this handy between contractions to keep fluids up as well as moisten your throat.
- A massage tool: While in contractions, counter pressure feels so good. Matt's poor hands will get tired if he has to keep it up for 20+ hours. We bought a $3 massage tool to give his fingers and hands a rest.
- Socks: Although, I kind of like the ones they give you at the hospital because they have little traction pads on the bottom...
- Two big towels: I've been told that the hospital "towels" are the size of a washcloth.
- Music playlist to keep me going and hopefully help me to relax.

After birth:

- Nursing bras: no underwire
- Nursing tank tops: easy access
- Yoga pants: two pair
- Witch hazel spray: to numb the soreness/pain
- Witch hazel pads: in case I need new ones right that second and I don't want to wait for the nurse to give me more
- HUGE granny undies: two sizes too large. I probably will just wear the mesh undies at the hospital (these things are hideous and wonderful, people) but I figure if I need undies, I don't want them tight on my body.
- Another robe: in case the other is in the trash...
- Socks
- MaxiPads (extra, super, heavy duty): just in case. I hear the only way to go is using what the hospital has.
- Motherlove nipple butter: sore nipples and a sucking baby... you get the idea.
- Hair brush
- Shampoo/ Conditioner
- Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
- Lotion
- Snacks: in case I don't want what the hospital has
- Camera
- Phone Chargers

Hey veteran mama's, have I missed anything?

Slow Motion

"UHHH...Slow motion for me, slow motion for me, move it, slow motion for meeee..." (Holler at some Juvenile (who? and where is he now?) and 2002 high school days)

*I apologize in advance for the huge glass of whine and complain that's to follow...

In all seriousness, my life is in slow motion.

Nearing 38 weeks and I resemble a sloth.

"Just hangin', barely movin'...you say something?"

GIFSoup    

 A friend emailed me today and asked, "how are you feeling?" Instead of my normal, "chipper" response of, "pretty good considering!", I responded with"I feel tired like I was drugged with benadryl (but it's an IV drip that I can't turn off) and possibly like the blueberry girl from Willy Wonka might have felt..." Probably a little too honest, but people, it's the gosh darn TRUTH.

I wish there was a better word than "fatigue", because it's just not working for me. I don't think it adequately describes the intensity of the the lethargy and sluggish feelings that wave over me throughout the day. You bet I took my lunch hour and passed out on the hard, cold ground of my office floor the other day. Just me and some commercial carpeting, all snug as a bug. I admit it and it was the best 40 minutes of that work day. No shame in that game.

My brain, my feet, my arms, my head, my mouth (the words coming out of it) and even my eyelids are too slow to respond with any normalcy. It's all mushy. And heavy. And sleeeeeeepy.  It's got me wondering if I'll have or recognize that "surge" of energy at the onset of labor I hear and read about. It's got me wondering if I'm going to sleep through it all! Okay okay, dramatic, I know.

It should be against the law to work during your third trimester!

p.s. People, 40 weeks equals 10 months, NOT 9! Why do they always say it's nine?