Grace's Arrival

This is the story of Grace Elizabeth Messenger's grand entrance into the world. We apologize for length and if it is to graphic for you. =) 

It all started on the the 26th of February I was getting ready for work after taking a nap and all the sudden I felt like I had wet myself. Since my muscles haven't been the strongest down there I didn't think much of it. Went to work got going on stuff to do and every so often I would just feel awful. I kept leaking and finally figured out that it wasn't pee and was probably my water leaking. I didn't freak out because it was a small leak and nothing else was going on.

About 2 I think I realized that I was having contractions. They were about 30-40 minutes apart and not too bad. So I texted Justin at work and my mom saying I think something is happening. I continued at work. It was really hard to be happy and polite because I felt weird but I continued on. It actually was a busy day at work and went by really fast. At about 6:00pm my contractions started to get worse. I would get super nauseous after with hot flashes, then cold chills. In between them I was so tired. They started getting closer together and stronger. They were about 5 minutes apart. Thank goodness we were slow that night otherwise I may have delivered there. Then was about the time that I thought about going home. At 7:30, everyone was looking at me and making sure I was ok. So then I went home. 

At home Justin was in a slight panic getting things ready since I had been keeping him informed. I was so happy to be home. I didn't know what I wanted to do or what I wanted Justin to do. I sat in my rocker and continued to have contractions. I was still so tired so I just closed my eyes and concentrated on breathing through the contractions then tried to sleep in between them. I was aware of what was going on but had no energy or desire to respond. When the contractions got really hard I had Justin squeeze my legs and that helped so much. Justin was so good at doing whatever needed to be done. We had a neighbor come over and give me a blessing really quick. 

After a while they started coming 2-3 minutes apart and lasting about a minute. It was around 11:30 that we made it to the hospital. We let my mom know and she started on her way to the hospital. We got all checked in and up in Labor and Delivery and I was at an 8. I was thinking in my head before going to the hospital that I could be an 8. The power of thought. They asked me if I wanted an epidural and when I realized how far I was I declined thinking hey if I made it this far, how much worse could it get. It was painful but not unbearable. By then I was doing a low moan during contractions which I had read helps open everything up. 

They were trying to get an IV in me to help with the baby and for precautions. I was a really hard stick, they had to try like 7 times. I am already a hard poke and then I hadn't eaten or drank much that day. So they finally got the IV and some fluid going and boom my Dr was there. I don't really know all that was going on because I was just focused inside and working through the contractions. 

The Dr and nurses were a little concerned about the baby because she kept doing some crazy dips during contractions so they thought that the cord had gone around her neck. They mentioned the possibility of a c-section, then I said a little prayer that everything goes well. By then my mom was there and I think her and Justin also said some prayers that that wouldn't happen. After a while I couldn't help it I had to push. During a contraction my stomach would just push- almost like the feeling of throwing up, you can't stop it from happening. 

I was then complete and they said ," If you want to push let's get going." They got me all ready and then I started pushing. This was probably one of the harder things because it was hard to know how much success my pushing actually did. My Dr. was awesome and said " You take your time and push when you feel ready." About this time my contractions slowed down so I had longer in between pushes. 

After 45 minutes of pushing she was well on her way. After her head came out she just slipped out and no problems with the cord. She took a while but then cried and cried for a while. She was amazing! They gave her to me for a minute and then went to check her out. I got finished with everything. I had tore a little bit and so my Dr. stitched me up. But it really went amazing. So on Feb 27th at 1:47 am. little Miss Grace Elizabeth Messenger came to us. 

After working on the mom/baby unit I knew what they were talking about and knew that everything was ok. By then I finally opened my eyes and could interact with everyone. I felt awesome! Tired but also very awake and energized. My mom asked if running a marathon hurt more then having a baby and I think the marathon was worse for pain. In running the pain doesn't ever stop but you get breaks with contractions. 

So there you go, I feel so extremely blessed to have such a great labor. I was very happy that she came on her own even though it was a bit of a surprise.

She's so perfect and petite. 

Weighing 7lbs 4oz. and measuring 20.5 in long. She is long but skinny.

We are both doing great! I still feel awesome, not very much pain and I am able to walk around and do whatever. I get a little tired quicker but not bad. Baby Grace is doing great. She is pooping and peeing and eating much better. We struggled with breastfeeding for a while but now we are doing good. She only gets up about twice in the night. Once around 1 or 2 then around 5 or 6. She pretty much sleeps or just looks around at you. Very content and we couldn't ask for anything more.

She is absolutely perfect and we love her to pieces.

Mile 23

39 weeks today!

I  am doing pretty good. I am just about ready for this baby to come out. The other day my sister-in-law was chatting with me and we were saying how I was at mile 23. Mile 23 in a marathon is one of the hardest times. You are almost done, and yet still have 3 more miles to go. Your body has had just about enough and usually by then everything is telling you to stop running. But when you make those last 3.2 miles you feel amazing and the pain slowly goes away. =) 

Things are getting a little more uncomfortable. The heat is really killing me especially at work, I am glad that it's cooler outside or I might be more miserable. She is much lower now and putting more and more pressure on my bladder and everything else down there. I have found my appetite. I don't realize I am hungry till I start eating and then I am starved. 

 

9 months has gone by quickly but also slow. I am so grateful that this pregnancy has been so great. No complications, minor aches and pains and overall pretty awesome. There is a lady I work with who is also pregnant and she is always getting sick and feeling awful. But she does have short labors. So maybe I'll get stuck with days of labor. That's ok I'll take it. 

Here's hoping something happens soon! 

Valentine's Day and 38 weeks pregnant

Happy Valentine's Day! 

We had a pretty low key Valentine's day since it's my favorite holiday we kind of celebrate all week long. For the actual day we went to lunch at Olive Garden hoping that it wouldn't be as busy, it was pretty busy but not too crazy. I had fun decorating my house with some other Valentine decorations and making fun packages for my nieces, nephews and family. I remember when I was a little girl I had an Aunt who sent us fun Valentine cards with 5 dollars , candy, or stickers in them. 

Justin was so cute and came home from work with a haircut and all dressed up nice cause he knows that I love a man in a suit. We just hung out at home. I ended up falling asleep at 9:30, I had to get up for a work meeting at 6 and had been busy all day so by then I was pooped. We are party animals. I told Justin it's a good thing that we are already homebodies cause after having a baby I am not sure we'll be going anywhere soon. =)

It was a good day and week. We got lots of love from family and each other. I really love the Batman one my sister sent Justin. It even came with a cool magnet. We got some fun news that my sister is expecting a baby in August! I have to say that I was thinking that she was either thinking of being pregnant or working on it last time I saw her. =) Love you Carrie! So that was fun. 

Justin was too funny and he can never keep a secret so he gave me my Valentine's presents early. He got me Taylor Swift's new cd RED. Which I think is so funny because he just makes fun her all the time and I mostly just sing along to tease him. I actually do like her and the cd is pretty good, he just makes fun of me when I get all into singing along. He must have been in a Taylor Swift mood because he also got me her perfume. Which smells really good. 

I also had a Dr.'s appointment on Valentine's day. Everything still looks good with baby. I got checked to see if anything was going on and I was 50% thinned and 1 cm dilated. For those who don't know it means that my cervix which needs to get all thinned out for the baby to come out is halfway there. Then the dilation is how big I am for the baby to come out. It needs to be at least 10 cm more or less for a baby to come out. So kind of exciting to have something going on. I haven't felt much different lately or feeling any majorly strong contractions so it  was cool to know what was going on. It was not a pleasant experience by any means so I am hoping I can keep those down to a minimum. 

I have to work this weekend and a few more times before my next appointment and then depending on what is going on I may have my Dr. do something to start Labor. Kind of crazy to think it could happen so soon. I am pretty strong in nothing happening for a while. But we'll see.

It has been a great week and filled with so much love and kindness. I love Valentine's to share that love with all you know. Something is just happy about cutting out hearts and sending someone a love note. I felt very loved by my husband and family. 

Called to Serve!

   

   It was finally the day for Sister Stoddard to report to the MTC on February 6th! We all got together and spent a few more hours with her before she headed off on her next Grand Adventure. Here are most of us at my brother's new house, hence the awesome whiteness of it all. =)

We picked up Grandma and went down to Lehi to meet up with the rest of the family. We took as many pictures as Suzanna would allow. 

Yay for sisters! These girls are my best friends and Natalie and I are going to miss Suzanna a lot but at least we still have each other for a while. 

Grandma Lu and Suzanna.

Suzanna with the parents.

We got all together and then went to lunch at Cafe Rio in Lehi. While there I think we saw two or three different sets of Elders, someone headed to the MTC today and also a set of sisters. It was a hopping place for missionaries. We said goodbye at the restaurant since only one car can take her to the drop off spot. She didn't look nervous or sad and I think we all did a good job of not crying. 

We are all going to miss her a lot but we are so proud of her. She has such a strong testimony and desire to serve the Lord that it would be a shame to keep her to ourselves. She will stay at the MTC for two weeks then head off to the California, Roseville Mission. 

Good luck Sister Stoddard! We love you and look forward to seeing you in 18 months!

Baby Shower

So....this past weekend my wonderful in-laws threw a most spectacular Baby shower for me. They put in so much work with all the yummy food, cute decorations and organization of it all.

It was surprise party! Justin told me that we were going to over to his mom's to help his sister with something then going to movie. When we got there everyone was already there and surprised me! It was a surprise and fun to see all my family and friends. It was so springy with bright colorful flowers and girly colors everywhere. I even had a special decorated chair to sit at and a corsage type thing that struggled to stay on. =) It was lots of fun to visit and to open so many presents. My little girl will be very well diapered and styled. =) I felt very loved and special, especially with all the effort Justin's family put into the shower and their gifts. I knew they were excited but not that excited. =) She'll be one loved little girl.

Justin's sisters worked on this decoration and I loved it! They did a great job, even down to the big bow on the baby's head. =)

Home checking out the stash of stuff. Justin's Aunt Maria made all these cute decorations out of things you can use like diapers, bottles, blankets and other baby stuff. She made some really cute ones and it was fun to see what she used in them.

A motorcycle with a super soft lamb on top. My niece liked playing with that.

A little bassinet type thing, the white blanket is so soft and fluffy. I love soft things so I really liked that one.

A cake and tower of diapers! They were so cute and I know they took quite some time to make since it took me a while to take them down. =)

Me at 36 weeks. So excited.

This is more of how I feel lately. =)

Things have been going well actually, the only thing that has changed as of late is some occasional pelvic pressure ( TMI I know sorry). I have been feeling the pregnancy heat more and more, I take my blankets on and off during the night. One lady asked me if I'd been out in the sun and I just told her no I just am always flushed lately. =) My feet have been getting a little more swollen, not crazy just more, I would have a little after working but now it's there no matter what. It makes me a little nervous due to my nursing knowledge but everything else is good so then I try not to worry about it.

I now go to the Dr. once a week which makes the time go by faster. I went this week for my 37 week appointment and we talked about getting induced or not and labor stuff. It got me a little nervous just that it's getting so close! Next time I go he'll check me and see if anything is happening and we'll go from there. I keep telling my baby that she can't come out yet not until I am done working on the 26th. =)

Work is going pretty good. I am still able to do everything and help where I can. They have changed my hours so I do two days a week 1-9 instead of 3-4 days a week from 5-9. It's been good so far and I do like not having to go to work so many days during the week. Almost every lady patient asks me when I am due so that's fun. I just have 7 more days of work till I go on leave so hopefully they go by fast. Things are good and just checking days off the calendar and staying active. It will come before I know it.

January Recap

So I know that I have been slacking on the blog lately. Firstly....nothing has been happening, second I've been a little more preoccupied. =) Anyways, we had a good January. We made it through it! I told myself if I can make it through January then February will be a breeze and baby will be here before I know it.

The funnest part of our January was Justin's Birthday. We celebrated all weekend with a family party on Friday, friends on Saturday and then my family came by on Sunday. It was fun to spoil Justin a little and be able to let him do whatever he wanted to on his birthday( hence getting a big t.v.=) ). He does so much for me so I was happy to do it and let him know just how much he means to me.

My birthday present to him was a get him a sport coat. So we went looking and found one that he liked. He now tries to incorporate it into every outfit. I mostly let him unless it's a little bit silly and he does that just to tease me. He likes to get all fancy dressed for church just like his grandparents, it's a latino thing. Lately he's been tying his tie is cool ways just to see if anyone notices.

Besides that not much went on in January. We just tried to survive all the snow storms and stayed inside away from the bad air. I am glad that it's getting better lately. I am glad that it's done and that February is going by quick. There are a few more things to look forward to like Valentine's Day and mine and Jyana's Birthday.

If you give a Justin money......

If you give a Justin money for Christmas, he might not know what to do with it.
He will look and look and say, " Oh my how about this?!"
Till he finds what he really wants a blue-ray disc of planet earth.
" It will make us smarter!, It will make our baby smarter!" he proclaimed

When he goes to watch it on our tiny hand me down t.v. it doesn't work.
He hems and haws and tries all sorts of tricks to see if it will work.
Then he goes looking. Looking at BIG t.v.'s and a new player just to see.

Then he comes home with a new, fancy, BIG t.v. he anxiously hooks it up
Lo' and behold it works! It's fabulous! It's sooooo cool.
It works great. Then the next day he lovely wife starts to watch t.v .
As she's doing her yoga video all the sudden the sound shuts off.
Then as she fiddles with this and that the picture on the t.v. goes black.
Never to be turned on again.

"Oh no!" she wailed to break Justin's t.v. is no good.
When Justin gets home he fiddles with this and that and declares,
" I am taking it back!" Taking it back he goes to get a refund
But does he come home alone.....? No he gets another big t.v
"This one is a little bit bigger" he says

After setting it up and feeling better Justin realizes something.
This t.v. is heavier then the other and a little bit wobbly on the stand
" This must be fixed" he says. Off to the hardware store he goes.
Bringing back a t.v. wall mount. He dutifully measures and thinks
making sure he puts it level, safe and secure.

"Ah" he says," It's finally put together just right."
But wait, "what about curtains, to cover it up when we aren't watching it?"
And then what comes in the mail? Justin's Birthday money.
If you give a Justin money he might not know what to do with it.