Monday, December 31, 2012

Meet our Sweet Boy

Nathaniel Paul was born September 19, 2012 at 12:58 pm. He weighed 8lb 2oz and was 21 inches long! He's kind of awesome. It's quite amazing how much we love this kid. 

Birth Story: Don't read any further if you don't want to see some total TMI happening.

First of all, Tyler put an event in our calender in February. He guessed the baby would be born September 18th at 8:32pm and weigh 7lb 9oz. At my appointment the week before, Dr. H laughed when T told him his weight guess saying he was bigger. But everything else? We thought he was going to be right...

The morning of the 18th, my mom and I ran about a thousand errands trying to get ready for the boy. We had a few small things that we needed before his arrival. We decided to eat lunch at Johnny Carino's. While we were at lunch, I told my mom I thought he was really low. I felt like he was poking me completely at the bottom of my belly. I knew he was still high, so it was bizarre. About half way through lunch I got up to use the restroom. I came back and sat down and told my mom that my water was potentially slowly breaking, but we just brushed it off. There was no gush, no contractions, just a little damp. Well, about 10 minutes later, we got up to leave and I literally couldn't walk out of the restaurant. Because I was soaking wet. I obviously have not been back to Carino's. I was laughing so hard and in complete disbelief. I said about a thousand times that I was either peeing uncontrollably or my water was breaking. 

We called T on the way home and told him to get the bags ready, that we were coming home and going straight to the hospital. At this point, I had only felt one small contraction, so was still thinking it wasn't the real deal... total denial. We got to the hospital and went to check in. I told the girl at the desk that I was in labor and she straight up laughed at me. I laughed back and said I wouldn't belief it either if there wasn't a puddle between my legs. We had to wait for a room to be available and I really only felt a couple of small contractions. 

When we got in our room, they checked me and I was only at a two... which I had been for 3 weeks. But my water had definitely broken, so we were there for the long haul!! 

Basically, the party started and we just hung out. I obviously started feeling a few contractions, but nothing major. They checked me at 6:40 and 9 and still had no progress, so my doctor requested we start pitocin. The nurses told us that with spontaneous water breaks, patients typically get 18 hours to get the baby out, my doctor was usually a little more lenient, but we decided to do the pit to hopefully have this boy. 
{they were being so sweet and telling me when I was having a contraction... because my unmedicated self obviously couldn't feel them. ha!}

I was checked a few more times through the night with no change. The pit was doing nothing but cause pain. haha! By 7:15am, I had only progressed to a 2.5. I had thrown up through the last 5 or 6 contractions and was miserable, so I went ahead and got the epidural. Quite honestly, I had (quietly, to myself) decided at about 5am that I needed to get the epi if there wasn't significant change. I was pretty convinced that we were going to end in a section and figured, why stay in pain if I don't get to have him vaginally anyway? So I got an epi around 7:45 and immediately passed out for an hour. It was marvelous. I was so exhausted. My doctor came in around 11 to check again and to talk possibilities. I had progressed to a 3. In almost 24 hours of labor, most of that with a drug that was made to help you along. Obviously this wasn't going anywhere. He told me that it was up to me, and he would let me continue laboring if I wanted to, but was concerned that we would still end up with a section 12 hours later. I had been praying about it all morning and felt complete peace that if I hadn't progressed, I needed to have the cesarean. When I told Dr. H that I wanted to go ahead and have him, Tyler and my mom literally cheered. Funny people.

I was taken into the operating room at 12:41, my mom and Tyler joined soon after and Nathaniel was born at 12:58. With a full head of hair! Dr. H told me later that I could've labored for 17 more hours, and he still wouldn't have come out. He was so not in position, which is why I wasn't progressing. He was sunny side up and his head was in such a position that he just couldn't drop. One of his ears was curled up, so pretty sure he had been stuck there awhile. 
 {what up, world?}

 {showing daddy the hair}

{meeting my precious son}

{no one mentioned the hair to me, so I didn't know for a bit!}

 {my loves}

{so incredibly in love with this boy}

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

... anyone there?

Hi friends! My computer bit the dust, and posting from my phone got old, real fast! But! My mama surprised  me with a new computer for Christmas, so hopefully I can play catch up. It'll take me awhile! Most importantly, if you don't follow on IG or Twitter... Nathaniel Paul is here and perfect! I will make a post about his birth in a bit, but didn't want you to think I was 12 months pregnant. 
Until then... meet Nathaniel. Seen here with his Thanksgiving feast.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Prayer Requests

My brother and his friends are in the "rock" scene here in town. I dont know how to explain their look, but most people see them and judge them for their outward appearance. 1-inch+ gauged ears, covered in tattoos, many have lots of piercings and the boys wear skinny jeans. You get the point. Tonight they showed what an amazing group of kids they actually are, regardless of what people may think of them.

My brother's friend Tyler is 21 years old. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April. He had one testicle removed, they thought it was contained and thought they got it all. At his 6 week post-op appointment they found out they were wrong. He has now been undergoing extremely hard chemotherapy since then. He's lost his hair, including his eyebrows. He's lost an insane amount of weight. He is on steroids so has the face and belly that come from that and he is so weak that he is walking with a cane. Pray for him.

Back to tonight. My brother and his friends put on a benefit concert for Tyler. They were all in several bands in high school and they had a "mini-reunion" to support him. Several of these 21 and 22 year old guys flew in from all over the country to join their friends and play to support. They sold 400 tickets at $10 each. Every penny is going to Tyler and his mom.

I cannot tell you how proud I am of these "kids." I've watched them all grow up and many of them didn't necessarily do what society expected. And that's okay. They are still great kids making a difference.

Please keep Tyler and his family in your prayers. I can't imagine what his poor mama is going through.


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Monday, June 4, 2012

24 weeks!

Yay! We are growing and moving right along in this pregnancy! My guy has REALLY started moving and kicking like crazy. He found my bladder yesterday and is using it as his personal trampoline. Haha!

Time for the questionnaire again!
How far along? 24 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain/loss? I've gained 5.5 back of the 19 I lost. Yay! I'm sure I won't be excited about that gain for much longer. ;)
Maternity clothes? Oh yes.


Stretch marks? Not yet.
Sleep? This week has been rough. I can no longer sleep on my stomach so Im trying to find a new position for sleeping!
Mood? I cry all. the. time. Like this week when I started crying while driving down the interstate. Over The Office. As in the show. That I haven't watched in a least 6 months. Yep. Hysterical.
Best moment last week? He has REALLY started moving. A ton. It is pretty much the best feeling in the world! And we got to hear his heartbeat again this morning. Best sound in the world.
Movement? Tons.
Food cravings? I just really want milk. And I can't have it.
Sex? BOY! Nathaniel Paul!
Labor signs? Umm. No.
Belly button in/out? In.
What I miss: having normal bladder control. Hahaha!
What I am looking forward to: getting started on his sweet nursery. I cannot wait to make a space in our home just for him!
Milestones: that he has reached the viability point. Yay :)

I can't stop making things for the little guy. Really, I can't. It's a sickness. Here are a few of his mommy-made items!











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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

What'll It Be?

Since our big reveal party is on Sunday I decided to post a little quiz to guess what the baby's sex is. All of these old wives tales make me laugh, but are fun to look at!

1. Carrying high-girl, carrying low-boy.
I can't tell. I think low, but I'm not sure. What do y'all think?





2. Baby's heart beat. Above 140- girl, below-boy.
It's been between 150 and 160 these last 2 appointments. So this would say girl.

3. Cravings. Salty-boy, sweet girl.
I've had 3 cravings this entire pregnancy, fresh squeezed lemonade at the beginning, then an orange roll from a restaurant in NWA and last night I needed Oreos. So bad. (which made me sick, but whatevs, they were delicious)
So? I guess the majority of this would say girl.

3. Chinese Gender Chart.
Funny story. Our estimated conception date is new years day. We didn't see each other that day. We don't actually know when we conceived. But, if it was in January, babe is a boy, in December it'll be a girl. Lots of help, huh?

4. Even/odd. Same as above. I'm
26. If conceived in 2011, it would be one even and one odd and that means boy. If in 2012, 2 evens means girl.

5. Complexion. This one says if you are breaking out than your girl baby is stealing your good looks.
While I don't have a lot of pimples, I do break out in hives almost daily. Haha! Same thing?

6. Morning Sickness.
All signs point to girl on this one.

7. Face weight gain. If your face is rounder than it'll be a girl.
No face gain so far, so this one says boy.

8. Pregnancy Mood Swings. If you are the Jeckyll and Hyde of pregnancy, then you're having a girl.
Considering I've cried over thin mints, I'd say I have some mood swings.

9. Soft hands is girl, dry is boy.
Definitely boy on this one.

10. If you are a graceful pregnant woman, it should be a girl, if you're more clumsy, then it's a boy.
Considering I have more unexplained bruises than ever before I'm gonna go with boy on this one. Haha!

Now my vote is boy. It has been since about 10 weeks. I can't really explain it, but I just have this feeling! I can't wait to find out so I can call babe by his or her name. I seriously have NO preference on what this babe is. Im just glad everything looks great so far!

4 days, people! FOUR DAYS!


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Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mother's Day

Today was such a fun day of celebrating all the mama's in our lives. Made even better by celebrating me! We went to brunch with T's dad, stepmom, our sisters in law and nieces! We always have a blast with them and today was no different. D & E are almost 7 months and its a hilarious and fun age! I painted my mother in law a frame for her to put a picture of all the grand babies in next fall! She loved it!


When we left the Richmond side we went to see my mama at work. She was pretty excited to see her favorite people. We took her an orchid from us and Baby R picked out a bud vase just for her. ;) I also made her cry in front of her coworkers with the card I got and the note inside. I consider this a win. Ha!

This afternoon we had a great family nap, went to see my grandma and went to eat dinner. It really was a great day!


Funny story about the earrings I am wearing. They are from Bridier Baubles. And I apparently bought them in my sleep! Ha! They arrived the exact same day I sent Tyler a list from their website to get me. I have NO recollection of buying them. I've been wanting some for awhile, but because we're having a baby, Tyler's having surgery and mother's day, our anniversary and my birthday are all within a month, I never hit purchase. Or so I thought. I looked back and I bought them around 1 am one night. Hysterical. The box arrived, I looked perplexed, and handed it to T. I told him he was off the hook for one holiday! Can't say he complained ;)

And just for fun, Tyler's cousin got married last night and I noticed the bump in the mirror after dinner. Eep! I love seeing it and knowing the babe is growing every day!



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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Sweet Baby Richmond

I have been very anxious this pregnancy. I am trying so very hard to hand it over to God. I pray and say scripture over my belly constantly. I ask the Lord multiple times a day to help me turn my worries and fears over to him, but I'm human and it's not east! It's getting better, but before every appointment I panic a little. Yesterday we had our big 20 week ultrasound. I haven't felt a ton of movement just yet and I woke up crazy worried yesterday morning. Tyler had to meet me at the doctor so before he arrived I was sitting in my car praying, holding back tears, trying to calm myself before walking into the building. As I said Zephaniah 3:17 over me and the babe, he/she started kicking. It made me laugh. The Lord knows what we need. It was a great reminder that He's got this. I need not worry.

On to the details. :)

Baby Richmond looked great. He/she is measuring perfectly and all of his/her parts are there. Heartbeat was great and still at right around 150. We are having a reveal party do we didn't find out the sex there. Even though I have my suspicions. We had the tech write it in an envelope and I took it straight to my friend Ashley who is making something for us to open at the party!



{the important envelope}












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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Baby Richmond

Time for another update! Im gonna cut out a few of the questions because there hasn't been a ton of changes. :)
How far along? 19 weeks, 5 days
Maternity clothes? Yep. Added wearing shirts this week, not because the belly is so big, but because they are long enough to cover the band of the pants'
Best moment last week? I definitely felt the baby move last night. While I was talking about his/her monogram? Coincidence? I think not. I've got a good southern baby on my hands.
Food cravings? Nope.
Gender? We'll know in 18 days, 8 hours and 8 minutes, give or take a few minutes ;)
Labor signs? Umm. No.
Belly button in/out? In.
What I miss: a lot. All food related. And I miss not itching constantly. Allergies are fun.
What I am looking forward to: Our ultrasound on Monday!
Milestones: I think I finally look pregnant. Instead of just chubbier than usual. Haha!



(19 weeks, 2 days)

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Sunday, April 22, 2012

New car!

About a month ago we realized the air was out in my car and that to fix it would cost well over $1000. My car had 150,000 miles and was 9 years old. It wasn't worth but about $2000 on KBB. We had already planned on buying new this fall, so it got pushed up a few months. Both of our cars are paid off and I was not looking forward to a car payment. We weren't quite prepared, but considering I'm pregnant and hot I need air conditioning!

We've been looking since we found out what it would cost to fix my Hyundai and actually just stumbled upon the car we bought. We were headed to the movie theater for a date night and ended up buying a car instead!



We ended up with a dodge journey. I am SO glad we found it because it's fairly new, seriously low mileage and we got a great deal. It has a third row seat and the styrofoam wrap hasn't even been taken off the seatbelt buckles. It's like new.

And it has a bunch of fun random features. Two of my favorites are the storage in the passenger seat and the backseat view mirror.






Tyler got a kick out of this picture I sent him because this really is a mom mobile. Haha!



I'll miss my little Hyundai, but I sure am glad we found a great car for our growing family! My brother put this sticker in years ago and before I left the lot, I told my old car that Jesus would always love it. ;)



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Sunday, April 15, 2012

Pregnancy update. :)

Thanks so much for all of your kind comments! Between here, twitter and Facebook my heart was just overflowing! I don't know how consistent I will be with this, but wanted to put a few things down to remind myself of this time!

How far along? 17 weeks, 2 days
Total weight gain/loss? I have lost 19, but 11 of those were from weeks 6-8, so I've lost 8 by doctor's count. I've finally stopped losing though!
Maternity clothes? Just pants.
Stretch marks? Not yet.
Sleep? Not so great. I'm a light sleeper and every time I wake up to use the potty I'm awake for at least 30 minutes after. But I'm no longer going to bed at 7 pm! Yay for 2nd trimester energy!
Mood? Well? This week I feel semi normal. But I've cried over girl scout cookies and Tyler not being home in time to go eat Mexican. Which he totally was, it was just later than I wanted. We still ate mexican.
Best moment last week? Seeing Baby at an ultrasound. My sister in law has a sweet friend who volunteered to let us peek! He/she is a busy little thing!
Movement? I kind of think I my have felt the babe last week, but I'm not convinced.
Food cravings? Not constant, but I've had a dire need for fresh squeezed lemonade so much so that we bought a citrus juicer. I've also wanted coke icees from burger king, chips and salsa and an orange roll from a restaurant in NWA! A sweet twitter friend helped with the last one! Thanks Taylor!
Gender? We'll know next month
Labor signs? Umm. No.
Belly button in/out? In.
What I miss: dairy and strawberries. I've developed an intolerance of both and it's sad.
What I am looking forward to: Our next ultrasound! 3 weeks!
Milestones: none that I can think of right now, just growing and getting stronger!


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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Guess What?

Please ignore my dolphin like laugh. I get it from my mama. ;)



"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." Psalm 127:3

PS the video loaded funny on my blog and I don't feel like figuring out why right now, but, in case you can't see it either, the last frame says Baby Richmond is coming September 21, 2012! Thank you for praying!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Almost Easter

Miss me? :)

With Easter being just 2 weeks away I wanted to share the Easter presents we got for our nieces and nephew. I seriously love being an aunt and I, for one, like to think that I rock the role. Now, I will never, ever, ever get obnoxious toys for them. I am much more of a puzzles, books, legos, riding toys gift giver than a loud plastic, nerf gun, guitar giver. I don't want the future payback! So, their Easter gifts are no different.

The twins will be almost 6 months old, so I found a few little things I think are fun and age appropriate. I got them each a sippy cup, a cute Easter rubber ducky and AWESOME hot pink rubber ambulances. Because lets be real, any little girl with a paramedic for an uncle just has to have a pink ambulance.
Stelian is 3 1/2 and is most definitely at a fun age. Even though 3 is generally my least favorite age. Haha! He goes to the preschool I teach at and we are really working on tracing letters so I got him some easy to hold crayons in a fun truck container. I also found those chocolate milk straws, I got my chocolate milk loving mama those in her stocking this year and every time Steli is there he wants one of Yaya’s special straws, so now he has 10 of his own! Last up is a small, hollow chocolate bunny. I’m not big on candy, but I decided a little wouldn’t be too bad. And Tyler really wanted to get it for him. I also got him an Easter book from Amazon, but it hasn’t come in yet and I’m impatient.

I saw this idea of gluing a cotton ball onto a bag to make a little bunny tail on Pinterest and thought it was precious, easy and cheap! It didn’t hurt that I had all the supplies on hand to create it!

I also added each of their names to the bag with flocking powder. I thought it would look springy and could not be happier with the outcome! So fun!

Have a fabulous week! Maybe I’ll decide to not be a stranger around here.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Cotton Bowl!

For the second year in a row, my inlaws have gotten us tickets to the Razorback bowl game for Christmas. I'm perfectly okay with this becoming a tradition. This year our Hogs went to Dallas to the Cotton Bowl! And we won! Much better outcome than the Sugar Bowl last year. ;)

I'm sure at some point I will download photos from my camera, but wanted to post some of my favorite phone pictures.


Tailgating before the game. My inlaws belong to an organization called the Road Hogs. Basically they have a spot for Fayetteville games to park their RV, and get some perks. We decided to stay in the RV and ended up right next to our regular "neighbors." It was so fun!



Outside Cowboy Stadium!!! This was our first time to be at Jerry World. Tyler is usually working during the game we play there!



We were pretty dang high up! Truthfully, we couldn't have cared less where we were, it was just fun being there. And there isn't a bad seat in the house.



And the final score! Such a fun victory!


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