Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Love.This.Girl
Little Bean came for a visit again this past weekend. I love her!! She is such a fun age - so snuggly and starting to interact. She's just over 3 months now.
Erik is so good with her though he is terrified of her spitting up breast milk. She has gotten into this licking phase. We were shopping with her and she licked my shoulder the entire time!!! Erik wasn't so excited when I passed her off to him and she proceeded to lick his t-shirt. I think it's super cute though - who doesn't love a little baby tongue?
This girl LOVES her sling. She loves being wrapped up and going for walks. When she is cranky or won't go down for a nap I just throw her in the sling and we go for a little jaunt around the neighborhood. When it is extra warm we just walk around my basement suite as it is nice and cool.
Sawyer has been standing for a while now (when you hold her arms). When you hold her around the chest she just wobbles and plays with her arms, but when you hold her hands she automatically pulls them into her mouth. It is super cute. It's a little game we like to play. I think it hilarious seeing someone so short standing up - she reaches just above my knees. It is amazing how quickly her neck has strengthened. She used to bobble a lot, but that went away so fast.
Her mommy just got her a Bumbo. She adores it. She loves being upright unless she is really sleepy. She always snuggles upright and has recently taken to preferring facing outward when she is awake as she likes to know what is going on in the world.
K. Look at her chubby sweetness. I love her rolly polly arms. And her cheeks that dangle below her little pointy chin. And I love all her cute clothes. Who knew it would be so fun to dress up a baby? I secretly prefer onesies to anything else.... Summer is a little too warm for those though. That's why sleepovers are the best - I get to snuggle with her in onesies. Delightful.
And of course, smiles for Auntie. Man, she is cute. I can't wait to get pictures of her and Maelle together. Maelle's hands and feet are longer than Sawyer's. It's hilarious. Sawyer's are like little dimpled sausages compared Maelle's are these long gangly things. Very cute.
PS. I will write about Milena's labour and Maelle's birth in the near future. I am between night shifts right now and do not have the energy at the moment.
PS. I will write about Milena's labour and Maelle's birth in the near future. I am between night shifts right now and do not have the energy at the moment.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Yummmm
Toast + Mayo + Tomato + Avocado + S&P = YUMMM
Cabbage + Red Pepper + Basil + Olive Oil + Lemon Juice + Red Wine Vinegar = YUMMM
Cabbage + Red Pepper + Basil + Olive Oil + Lemon Juice + Red Wine Vinegar = YUMMM
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Dress #2
Yes Ma'am. I am making another dress. This one is going much quicker. I just finished casting off and I am so glad that I am almost finished it. All I need to do is tie up all the loose ends and find some buttons for it (this part is the worst). I always say I am going to stitch in my ends while I knit, but I always leave it to the end, at which point it is painful and takes forever.
The color in the photo is way off because I took the picture just now and our basement suite has the worst lighting. It's actually a really cute pink. I'll have to get a better picture when then whole thing is finished.
I feel a little more confident in my knitting abilities. I'm thinking of jumping into another pattern right away. I haven't decided what yet - maybe more baby clothes or a shawl for myself. We'll have to see.
I feel a little more confident in my knitting abilities. I'm thinking of jumping into another pattern right away. I haven't decided what yet - maybe more baby clothes or a shawl for myself. We'll have to see.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
random
My little niece, Hailey Jade, is already one month old! I can't believe how quickly time has passed. I know I've already posted a bunch of pictures of her, but these are just too cute. They're from my visit home a couple weeks ago. Look at how aware she is in this first one! What a little pumpkin.
As you can tell, I don't have much to write about. I have had six shifts at the hospital as a paid employee!! Yippee. Finally making some money as an Employed Student Nurse. It's a bit strange and I am constantly nervous, but this will hopefully make my transition into being a full-fledged nurse a little bit easier. Next summer... it's coming up quickly.
Speaking of Erik and Alaska... he is finally home!! And it is so very nice! We haven't had much time together as we've both had to work, but I'm so glad he's back! I forgot how often I wake up at night having someone else in bed - I wake up every time he rolls over, when the covers are pulled off or put back on, and when I realize I'm not alone. I don't feel as well-rested when I wake up, but it's worth it - he's home!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
sorry, i just spat this out
Erik and I had been talking about my role as a "doula" before he left for Alaska. I have no official training and very little experience so I sometimes wonder what I am doing. After all, I have never given birth and I have only witnessed 12 births (aside from cesareans), playing an active role in just 5 of them. What qualifies me? What do I have to offer? What role do I play?
My fascination, does that qualify me?? Hardly. My reading? Sure I've read a lot of books, but you quickly learn that books don't make you good at something. Experience is HUGE! My personality? How does that help?
The truth is, I actually think I have a lot to offer. Yes, I have a lot to learn, but I also think I have a lot to offer. I provide a calm presence in labor and delivery. I trust the human body and value medical intervention when necessary. Emphasis on the word necessary. I am very supportive and encouraging. I am intuitive and assist mothers before they even realize they need something. I am acutely aware that it is not my birth experience, but it is the families and I will do anything to make them feel validated and in control.
I think I would only ever "doula" for friends because I think my relationship with them is integral to my ability to help them. Take S and M for example. Their little one is due tomorrow and I have been eagerly awaiting a call telling me it's go-time. We have been friends for almost two years and they are some of my closest friends in K-town. We have developed trust and see eye-to-eye on most things. They know they can trust me to do anything to help them. We've been discussing their expectations of the birth itself and have all agreed that you can only prepare so much.
The truth is, you can never really be sure what to expect. Every mother is different. Every labor is different. Every couple has different strengths and weaknesses. People communicate differently. Everyone has different expectations. You never really know what will happen.
I had no idea what to expect when Mandi went into labor. No idea whatsoever. I did not know how she wanted to be supported or how she would react to labor. I did not know what she would need from me or how Kevin would support her. I did not know what to expect, but we worked well together. We adapted as labor changed and as needs changed. We took every change as a challenge and worked with it, rather than against it. We were fearless rather than fearful. We trusted the process.
And I think that is key. Trusting the process even when you are uncertain or even terrified. Working with the changes rather than fighting against them.
When I have assisted with births I try to interfere as little as possible. If things are going well and I can tell the mother is coping, than I sit back and follow their lead. When I can tell that they have lost their rhythm and are not coping well, I help them get it back and then take a back seat again. Sometimes it is as easy as holding their face and having them breathe with me, having them change positions (which sometimes takes a lot of convincing), or redirecting their focus. And other times they cannot regain their rhythm and every contraction requires my active attention and intervention.
But I really just like to fill in the gaps. Mama and Papa are the main event and I am only there as needed. I like offering the papa support so that he can help the mama and I prefer doing this without directing or even suggesting if possible. In my experience, some dad's won't participate if you do and in those cases I suggest or gently direct, but there are also dad's who will follow your lead. In those cases I will rub a woman's back a certain way or speak softly and the dad joins me. After he joins me I peter off and allow him to take the lead. I like to take a backstage role... make sure things are happening while not being seen.
I feel like this is a bit of verbal diarrhea. I apologize for that, but this is all I've got for today.
My fascination, does that qualify me?? Hardly. My reading? Sure I've read a lot of books, but you quickly learn that books don't make you good at something. Experience is HUGE! My personality? How does that help?
The truth is, I actually think I have a lot to offer. Yes, I have a lot to learn, but I also think I have a lot to offer. I provide a calm presence in labor and delivery. I trust the human body and value medical intervention when necessary. Emphasis on the word necessary. I am very supportive and encouraging. I am intuitive and assist mothers before they even realize they need something. I am acutely aware that it is not my birth experience, but it is the families and I will do anything to make them feel validated and in control.
I think I would only ever "doula" for friends because I think my relationship with them is integral to my ability to help them. Take S and M for example. Their little one is due tomorrow and I have been eagerly awaiting a call telling me it's go-time. We have been friends for almost two years and they are some of my closest friends in K-town. We have developed trust and see eye-to-eye on most things. They know they can trust me to do anything to help them. We've been discussing their expectations of the birth itself and have all agreed that you can only prepare so much.
The truth is, you can never really be sure what to expect. Every mother is different. Every labor is different. Every couple has different strengths and weaknesses. People communicate differently. Everyone has different expectations. You never really know what will happen.
I had no idea what to expect when Mandi went into labor. No idea whatsoever. I did not know how she wanted to be supported or how she would react to labor. I did not know what she would need from me or how Kevin would support her. I did not know what to expect, but we worked well together. We adapted as labor changed and as needs changed. We took every change as a challenge and worked with it, rather than against it. We were fearless rather than fearful. We trusted the process.
And I think that is key. Trusting the process even when you are uncertain or even terrified. Working with the changes rather than fighting against them.
When I have assisted with births I try to interfere as little as possible. If things are going well and I can tell the mother is coping, than I sit back and follow their lead. When I can tell that they have lost their rhythm and are not coping well, I help them get it back and then take a back seat again. Sometimes it is as easy as holding their face and having them breathe with me, having them change positions (which sometimes takes a lot of convincing), or redirecting their focus. And other times they cannot regain their rhythm and every contraction requires my active attention and intervention.
But I really just like to fill in the gaps. Mama and Papa are the main event and I am only there as needed. I like offering the papa support so that he can help the mama and I prefer doing this without directing or even suggesting if possible. In my experience, some dad's won't participate if you do and in those cases I suggest or gently direct, but there are also dad's who will follow your lead. In those cases I will rub a woman's back a certain way or speak softly and the dad joins me. After he joins me I peter off and allow him to take the lead. I like to take a backstage role... make sure things are happening while not being seen.
I feel like this is a bit of verbal diarrhea. I apologize for that, but this is all I've got for today.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
P[rom] K[ing]
These are pictures of pictures my MIL has. Please take note that a. the lighting was bad. b. i don't have a steady hand. and c. my camera was not the best. Now that you've taken note, get past that and look at how darn cute these pictures are.
Look at him! What a stud.
Sport'n the red all-stars. And check out that suit jacket... impressive.
Seriously, I love him! Do you think he could pull this look off anymore? Let me tell you, I'm a fan. He's a total babe.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
what i woke up to
I worked last night and didn't end up going to bed until 0830 this morning.
I woke up to voices a few hours later.
Now, sound travels excessively well in our house.
I can almost hear entire conversations upstairs.
I was mildly annoyed at being woken up at 1100, but that is what happens when you live in a basement suite.
I rolled over and tried to get back to sleep.
Then I realized the voices weren't only in my house...
But they were in my suite.
Right outside my bedroom door in fact.
People were in my basement suite.
I wracked my brain thinking of who would come uninvited into my house...
But there were too many voices.
There were what sounded like six individuals scoping out my basement suite.
This isn't entirely unusual.
After all, the house we live in is for sale.
But I didn't get a message.
I wasn't expecting company.
I was sleeping.
And it looked like a bomb had gone off in my house.
Which is typical.
That wasn't my concern.
I was in my bed and there were people I did not know walking around my house.
So what did I do?
First, I covered my barely clothed body.
(Did I mention it reached 38 degrees yesterday).
Then,
Well... I thought of jumping out of bed and hiding under it...
Or wedging myself as far as I could I guess.
But can you imagine if they went to the other side and saw me??
Me, pathetically lying on the ground trying to go unnoticed.
In my skivvies.
That would be mortifying.
Instead I used the oldest trick in the book.
The very best defense mechanism.
Play dead.
That's what I did.
I played dead.
I rolled over, tried to not blink and pretended to sleep.
They came into my bedroom, turned on the light, and chatted up a storm.
The first three people didn't even notice me.
Some random girl, lying on a bed, sweltering under a feather duvet because it's already 30 degrees out.
They chatted up a storm.
The next two people came in chatting, but shut up quickly.
They retreated without shutting my door.
They moved four feet away and didn't bother lowering their voices while they exclaimed,
"There's some girl in there!! A girl!"
I heard them sheepishly shut the door and climb the stairs to vacate my the premises.
And me...
I burst out laughing.
Want to know what the most amusing part for me was?
Aside from strangers letting themselves into my house and coming into my bedroom while I'm sleeping?
The most amusing part is that I was rather liberal with my flatus this morning.
After all,
I hadn't been expecting company.
I woke up to voices a few hours later.
Now, sound travels excessively well in our house.
I can almost hear entire conversations upstairs.
I was mildly annoyed at being woken up at 1100, but that is what happens when you live in a basement suite.
I rolled over and tried to get back to sleep.
Then I realized the voices weren't only in my house...
But they were in my suite.
Right outside my bedroom door in fact.
People were in my basement suite.
I wracked my brain thinking of who would come uninvited into my house...
But there were too many voices.
There were what sounded like six individuals scoping out my basement suite.
This isn't entirely unusual.
After all, the house we live in is for sale.
But I didn't get a message.
I wasn't expecting company.
I was sleeping.
And it looked like a bomb had gone off in my house.
Which is typical.
That wasn't my concern.
I was in my bed and there were people I did not know walking around my house.
So what did I do?
First, I covered my barely clothed body.
(Did I mention it reached 38 degrees yesterday).
Then,
Well... I thought of jumping out of bed and hiding under it...
Or wedging myself as far as I could I guess.
But can you imagine if they went to the other side and saw me??
Me, pathetically lying on the ground trying to go unnoticed.
In my skivvies.
That would be mortifying.
Instead I used the oldest trick in the book.
The very best defense mechanism.
Play dead.
That's what I did.
I played dead.
I rolled over, tried to not blink and pretended to sleep.
They came into my bedroom, turned on the light, and chatted up a storm.
The first three people didn't even notice me.
Some random girl, lying on a bed, sweltering under a feather duvet because it's already 30 degrees out.
They chatted up a storm.
The next two people came in chatting, but shut up quickly.
They retreated without shutting my door.
They moved four feet away and didn't bother lowering their voices while they exclaimed,
"There's some girl in there!! A girl!"
I heard them sheepishly shut the door and climb the stairs to vacate my the premises.
And me...
I burst out laughing.
Want to know what the most amusing part for me was?
Aside from strangers letting themselves into my house and coming into my bedroom while I'm sleeping?
The most amusing part is that I was rather liberal with my flatus this morning.
After all,
I hadn't been expecting company.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Monday, July 05, 2010
he called
He said he wouldn't, but he did. I was doing just fine before I picked up the phone and heard his voice. And now... now I miss him something fierce. I may have had a little almost-breakdown after talking to him. I kinda just want to watch movies and eat ice cream. Scratch that, I want fast food, candy, and a chick flick...
I think I'll settle for some knitting.
But it was so good to hear his voice.
I think I'll settle for some knitting.
But it was so good to hear his voice.
cuties
When I was home I got to hang out with this little guy and his momma. Isn't he beautiful!
I also got to see these rugrats... my nephews.
They absolutely LOVED Micah.
Friday, July 02, 2010
meeting hailey
I was hoping to stay in Surrey for longer, but only stayed for two days. My friend is due July 14th and her family has a history of delivering early so I didn't want to risk it and miss the babies birth. I figure I can always come back for a three day weekend after the baby is born.
Lindsey and I stopped in to meet Hailey on our way to my parent's house. I guess you could say we were a little emotional... or very. We were so excited to meet her! We've been waiting for a long time for her arrival. My oldest niece is 16 and Hailey is her first cousin on our side of the family. My youngest nephew is already 7!
We were most excited because Anthony has been waiting for a long time for this too. He's not a young pup anymore. Watching him with his little girl was amazing! He was so sweet... he would snuggle her and tell her how much he loves her. He is so proud of her and was SO excited to introduce her to us. I could not be happier for him... for them.
Anth has made it clear that he wants to share Hailey with the family. He wants us to get to know her and to be intentional about developing a relationship with her. I think that's pretty special because I don't want to become "Ashley - the Aunt from (insert location here)". I think some of my family members are defined by where they live rather than who they are. I hardly know many of them and I would love to actually KNOW my nieces and nephews - to be a presence in their life.
It's times like this that make it hard to live away from my family. I know I don't live far, but I would love to drop in and see Hailey whenever I wanted. I wish I could be there for her day to day life. I wish I could cook for them and bake for them and clean their house. I wish I could see them at family bbq's.
Hailey is so precious and my family is absolutely head-over-heals in love with her! It is plastered on all of our faces - we think she is the best. And she is. The very best.
She was so alert the entire time we visited her... well until the very end at least. She just stared at us and grunted. It was wonderful! She has the cutest little features. Her eyes are my favorite. Or the way she sucks in her bottom lip and makes her gums stick out. Very cute.
Look at her!!! It's amazing that her face is still chubby even though she is only 6 lbs. I can't believe they come that small! Her cheeks were delicious. And that new baby smell. If I could bottle that smell I would wear it. It's intoxicating.
I may have had a bit too much fun squishing her little cheeks, but she didn't seem to mind. And lastly, look at how little she is in her car seat!! (and how much she looks like an old man)
If she were any smaller the thing would choke her! She barely fits in it. It's the smallest it can be and the clasps are snuggled right under her chin. What do people do with premature babes?
Thursday, July 01, 2010
my little princess
Look at her. She is perfect. I have never seen such a little face. I love her.
She is so tiny. Seriously! So so so tiny. Her head is smaller than my fist. Her face is about the size of a chicken nugget (we measured).
She was wide awake most of the time she was at my parent's house today. She just looked around as we fought over her and passed her around.
I could snuggle with her forever. I could just stare at her and listen to all her little grunts and squeeks. She is precious.
I would give almost anything to be able to live near her and to be a part of her life. I know I will still be part of her life, but it is a lot easier when you live right down the road.
This is a picture of Hailey and her cousin. He is six months old I think. Look at how teenie she is!
I can't wait to see her again! We go there for breakfast tomorrow on our way out of town. Hopefully my dad won't be there because he just steals her and peaces out so we can't find them. He got more snuggles than the rest of us combined!!! Isn't she perfect?
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