Sweet dreams baby girl!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
9 week wonder!
Sweet dreams baby girl!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Ginny at 7 weeks.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Your momma is the queen of....
Unnecessary worrying.
It is true! It is almost as if I look for things to be worried about.
Current worry- are you sleeping enough Ginny? Why should I worry about such a thing? You are, after all, SIX WEEKS OLD, and there isn't a lot I can do besides put you down to nap when you are tired. I can't make you sleep MORE or make you sleep in the places that are culturally acceptable (i.e. your crib), so from here on out I resolve to stop worrying about this!
Yesterday- you hardly slept during your naps, but today, you are sleeping double. Silly mama. Nothing stays the same-this is an important lesson.
Really, the problem comes from reading too many books about babies and sleep. They all say different things and my head is in a spin. So basically- I think what is best is to stop all the worrying and just follow your lead.
It is true! It is almost as if I look for things to be worried about.
Current worry- are you sleeping enough Ginny? Why should I worry about such a thing? You are, after all, SIX WEEKS OLD, and there isn't a lot I can do besides put you down to nap when you are tired. I can't make you sleep MORE or make you sleep in the places that are culturally acceptable (i.e. your crib), so from here on out I resolve to stop worrying about this!
Yesterday- you hardly slept during your naps, but today, you are sleeping double. Silly mama. Nothing stays the same-this is an important lesson.
Really, the problem comes from reading too many books about babies and sleep. They all say different things and my head is in a spin. So basically- I think what is best is to stop all the worrying and just follow your lead.
Monday, July 5, 2010
6 weeks old!
Our little bean is six weeks old! She started smiling at 4.5 weeks and it has been increasingly easy to entice little grins and the start of coos from her- such a blast. Ginny is for sure a morning girl- so happy and chatting in the morning from 5am on.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sage wisdom from those who have gone before....
We just got back from visiting Utah for Uncle Wayne's wedding reception- while there you had the chance to be cuddled and loved by your whole Nielson family! In this video, your cousins Sadie and Madelyn give you some advice about living life on this planet....
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Awake time!
Ginny is growing like a weed- holy cow! To me she looks rounder every day and more and more kissable, though I didn't think that was possible. Here is a video of her at 3 weeks and 4 days old playing on her infant gym (a gift from my boss Michelle). She loved trying to grab things and cooing at the colors. We are so excited to see more of her open eyes :).
Friday, June 11, 2010
Ginny's First Bath
Ok, so I didn't know how to use the one button video camera and all we have recorded is the "after bath" glory ofGinny's first tub bath- Grandma did the honors! She is 2 weeks and 2 days old in this video, and growing so fast- at checkup yesterday she had gained 15 oz in a week and a half- those cheeks are getting so darn cute and chubby.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
How it all came down
I've been meaning to write down the story of how you came into this world- already it is fading and it was only a couple weeks ago! So, right now while you are in the carrier staring up at me and chilling out seems like a good time.
On the night of Wednesday, May 18th, I woke up with contractions, they were 5 minutes apart for a few hours and your dad and I got so excited! We got out of bed and called the midwife, who informed us that we were still in "early labor" to our great disappointment. So we tried to go back to bed and by 5 am they had subsided. Darn it! These same shenanigans continued Thursday and Friday night, with contractions during the day off and on. Come Saturday, we were trying everything we could to bring on the labor! We went for a big long walk at Powell Butte, went to see Alice in Wonderland at the Academy to keep our mind off things, and then another walk. That evening I took the midwife's advice to take a bath and have a glass of wine (as medicine to help sleep) and went to bed.
We woke up as contractions became stronger and stronger- your dad helping me get through the strong sensations of every one, often by doing the "hip squeeze" we learned in our Birthing from Within class, and by 3am I couldn't function any more and it was off to the hospital!
When we first arrived, they put us on a monitor to see how you were doing. Instantly our plans for waterbirth were out the window because every time I had a contraction- your heart rate went all crazy! With a distinct possibility of C-section looming over us at all times, we did squats and lunges for a long time trying to move you into a good position for your heart rate. It worked! Things started looking up, I made it through every powerful wave with your dad behind me as the ultimate support and love, and our doula Rita in front of me speaking kind words of encouragement and coaching me through. A midwifery student named Annie was with us the whole time, as was the midwife who delivered you, Michelle. The other amazing person we had in attendance was a nurse named Caron- she was the most amazing pushing coach ever!
Once we got to the pushing stage is where we had more issues, as we found out later that you were turned sunny side up (the wrong way) and brow presentation, one of the most difficult ways to push a baby out. It took me a little over three hours of pushing until we finally saw your beautiful head. You were worth every drop of energy, though.
When you came out, your head looked square (says your dad) and they had to rush you across the room to help you breathe and make sure you were ok. I was so relieved it was over, and so impatient to get you in my arms, I could hardly stand it! I heard your cries from across the room and I needed to hold you! Your dad got to hold you first, and you tried to latch on to his shoulder. When I finally got you, you latched on right away like a champ! I was so proud of you.
When I sang you your song, you instantly opened your eyes and looked at me the whole time I was singing, it was magical. It felt like my whole heart had stretched so big to include the entire world with you at the center of it- so much love!
Our midwife says it was one of the most difficult births she had ever attended, and that you gave her a grey hair, but I'd do it all again to have you in my arms.
On the night of Wednesday, May 18th, I woke up with contractions, they were 5 minutes apart for a few hours and your dad and I got so excited! We got out of bed and called the midwife, who informed us that we were still in "early labor" to our great disappointment. So we tried to go back to bed and by 5 am they had subsided. Darn it! These same shenanigans continued Thursday and Friday night, with contractions during the day off and on. Come Saturday, we were trying everything we could to bring on the labor! We went for a big long walk at Powell Butte, went to see Alice in Wonderland at the Academy to keep our mind off things, and then another walk. That evening I took the midwife's advice to take a bath and have a glass of wine (as medicine to help sleep) and went to bed.
We woke up as contractions became stronger and stronger- your dad helping me get through the strong sensations of every one, often by doing the "hip squeeze" we learned in our Birthing from Within class, and by 3am I couldn't function any more and it was off to the hospital!
When we first arrived, they put us on a monitor to see how you were doing. Instantly our plans for waterbirth were out the window because every time I had a contraction- your heart rate went all crazy! With a distinct possibility of C-section looming over us at all times, we did squats and lunges for a long time trying to move you into a good position for your heart rate. It worked! Things started looking up, I made it through every powerful wave with your dad behind me as the ultimate support and love, and our doula Rita in front of me speaking kind words of encouragement and coaching me through. A midwifery student named Annie was with us the whole time, as was the midwife who delivered you, Michelle. The other amazing person we had in attendance was a nurse named Caron- she was the most amazing pushing coach ever!
Once we got to the pushing stage is where we had more issues, as we found out later that you were turned sunny side up (the wrong way) and brow presentation, one of the most difficult ways to push a baby out. It took me a little over three hours of pushing until we finally saw your beautiful head. You were worth every drop of energy, though.
When you came out, your head looked square (says your dad) and they had to rush you across the room to help you breathe and make sure you were ok. I was so relieved it was over, and so impatient to get you in my arms, I could hardly stand it! I heard your cries from across the room and I needed to hold you! Your dad got to hold you first, and you tried to latch on to his shoulder. When I finally got you, you latched on right away like a champ! I was so proud of you.
When I sang you your song, you instantly opened your eyes and looked at me the whole time I was singing, it was magical. It felt like my whole heart had stretched so big to include the entire world with you at the center of it- so much love!
Our midwife says it was one of the most difficult births she had ever attended, and that you gave her a grey hair, but I'd do it all again to have you in my arms.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Ginny 1 week old
Ginny Bean-
You arrived on Sunday, 5-23-10 at 3:33pm weighing 6lbs 11oz and 19 3/4 inches long. I can't believe it- what a wild ride it was. I'll post the whole story soon, but until then, here is a video of you at one week old!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Could it be?
Oh Ginny Bean!
Your birthday is coming soon, we are so very very very excited and happy to meet you! It is amazing to think back on that one September morning when I woke up Steve with a freshly peed-on stick in my hand and said "Good morning, Daddy!", and can hardly believe we are this close.
I've been keeping up with my exercising, yoga, meditation and acupuncture to make sure my body and spirit are as ready as possible for whatever comes our way. Yesterday I got an amazing pedicure and foot massage- courtesy of your aunties Franny and Christine- and am having so much fun imagining my bright toes in the waterbirth tub!
Last night throughout the night I had some pretty amazing contractions, they continue today but not at any regularity! My body is warming up for the marathon, I think.
Every morning in the shower I sing you your song, courtesy of Townes Van Zandt with a few extra lyrics from your mom:
If you needed me
I would come to you
I would come to you for to ease your pain
If you needed me
I would come to you
I would swim the seas for to ease your pain
In the night forlorn
Oh the morning's born
and the morning shines with the light of love
You will miss the sunrise
If you close your eyes
and that would break my heart in two
Ginny is with me now
'cause I showed her how
to lay her little hand in mine
Steve and Pepp agree
She's a sight to see
and a treasure for the poor to find.
The other song I sing to you everyday has long been one of my very favorites!
Everybody's talking at me
I can't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
People stop and stare and
I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Stepping off of the northeast wind and
Sailing on a summer breeze
Skipping over the ocean
Like a storm
We love you! It's ok with us whenever you decide to come!
Love,
Mom and Dad
Your birthday is coming soon, we are so very very very excited and happy to meet you! It is amazing to think back on that one September morning when I woke up Steve with a freshly peed-on stick in my hand and said "Good morning, Daddy!", and can hardly believe we are this close.
I've been keeping up with my exercising, yoga, meditation and acupuncture to make sure my body and spirit are as ready as possible for whatever comes our way. Yesterday I got an amazing pedicure and foot massage- courtesy of your aunties Franny and Christine- and am having so much fun imagining my bright toes in the waterbirth tub!
Last night throughout the night I had some pretty amazing contractions, they continue today but not at any regularity! My body is warming up for the marathon, I think.
Every morning in the shower I sing you your song, courtesy of Townes Van Zandt with a few extra lyrics from your mom:
If you needed me
I would come to you
I would come to you for to ease your pain
If you needed me
I would come to you
I would swim the seas for to ease your pain
In the night forlorn
Oh the morning's born
and the morning shines with the light of love
You will miss the sunrise
If you close your eyes
and that would break my heart in two
Ginny is with me now
'cause I showed her how
to lay her little hand in mine
Steve and Pepp agree
She's a sight to see
and a treasure for the poor to find.
The other song I sing to you everyday has long been one of my very favorites!
Everybody's talking at me
I can't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
People stop and stare and
I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Stepping off of the northeast wind and
Sailing on a summer breeze
Skipping over the ocean
Like a storm
We love you! It's ok with us whenever you decide to come!
Love,
Mom and Dad
Sunday, April 4, 2010
April Showers bring May Flowers
Well, technically one of the showers was at the end of May, but all the same....
I am floating on a cloud of love and support from all the amazing friends we have! I've been given two baby showers lately and it truly was a neat experience to celebrate the coming of a new baby into the world. Everyone is so excited to meet Ginny and welcome her, and oh my, the sweet little gifts she received, we are so spoiled. Big thanks to Ryan, Johanna and Franny for organizing the March 27 shower, and to Terri and Sandra for organizing the OHSU April 1st shower, we feel so special!
We're at 32 weeks and a little bit now, and I've definitely had an insane desire to organize all the baby stuff we have in our house. On Friday Steve and I trekked to Beaverton and bought a used antique dresser/changing table that is adorable, and I spent Saturday morning putting the itsy bitsy clothes away in drawers, preparing the unbleached cloth diapers for use, and visiting babyworks (the cloth diapering gurus around here). I feel so much more ready, come what may. I do have a strong feeling she will come really near her due date, maybe the full moon on May 27th. So I do think we have time, but I think that whole "nesting instinct" thing has something to it!
Another cute story as of late, I was driving to work when a song by Ella Fitzgerald came on NPR. Ginny started kicking and twirling, it was so funny! So we got an Ella Fitgerald CD from the library, we'll see if we can replicate the experience. She's a very active little womb occupant, it is so fun. As she has been growing I'm feeling a lot more movement around my ribs, which totally tickles.
I think Pepper will be so happy when Ginny comes, because then Steve might stop playing "burp the baby, swaddle the baby, you be the baby" with her. It is hilarious, but I get the distinct feeling that she doesn't enjoy it all that much.
In my next posts, I think I am going to take a cue from my friend Margaret and start writing this blog as a series of letters to Ginny. Pictures coming soon!
I am floating on a cloud of love and support from all the amazing friends we have! I've been given two baby showers lately and it truly was a neat experience to celebrate the coming of a new baby into the world. Everyone is so excited to meet Ginny and welcome her, and oh my, the sweet little gifts she received, we are so spoiled. Big thanks to Ryan, Johanna and Franny for organizing the March 27 shower, and to Terri and Sandra for organizing the OHSU April 1st shower, we feel so special!
We're at 32 weeks and a little bit now, and I've definitely had an insane desire to organize all the baby stuff we have in our house. On Friday Steve and I trekked to Beaverton and bought a used antique dresser/changing table that is adorable, and I spent Saturday morning putting the itsy bitsy clothes away in drawers, preparing the unbleached cloth diapers for use, and visiting babyworks (the cloth diapering gurus around here). I feel so much more ready, come what may. I do have a strong feeling she will come really near her due date, maybe the full moon on May 27th. So I do think we have time, but I think that whole "nesting instinct" thing has something to it!
Another cute story as of late, I was driving to work when a song by Ella Fitzgerald came on NPR. Ginny started kicking and twirling, it was so funny! So we got an Ella Fitgerald CD from the library, we'll see if we can replicate the experience. She's a very active little womb occupant, it is so fun. As she has been growing I'm feeling a lot more movement around my ribs, which totally tickles.
I think Pepper will be so happy when Ginny comes, because then Steve might stop playing "burp the baby, swaddle the baby, you be the baby" with her. It is hilarious, but I get the distinct feeling that she doesn't enjoy it all that much.
In my next posts, I think I am going to take a cue from my friend Margaret and start writing this blog as a series of letters to Ginny. Pictures coming soon!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I dream of Ginny
Last night was the latest in my series of dreams about Ginny. Each time I dream of her, she is an itsy baby with a shock of beautiful dark hair like her daddy and I when I see her I just fall head over heels. Steve has wondered if he is going to have to explain to her why her momma doesn't love her so much if she ends up being a blondie :). Of course, she is loved beyond the universe no matter what color her hair is or if she has any at all, but I sure want to know if my dreams are right.
Before I knew I was pregnant, I actually had what turned out to be one of Steve's reoccurring dreams, that I was a soldier in WWII in the South Pacific escaping from something by swimming underwater with a reed in my mouth. Not sure what it has to do with anything, but it felt like a strange mind-merge that I attribute to carrying his kid!
The dreams of Ginny started with being at the ultrasound appointments and being able to just "take her out" for a minute and cuddle her (not sure the mechanisms of how this is done, folks). She was just palm-sized in these dreams. From there, I progressed to the nightmares of having her be switched at birth with a six year old child who happened to have fangs when I went to feed her (any psychological issues there, I wonder?), and of course the terrifying "where's my baby, you took my baby" dreams.
Last night's dream was the best of all though. I was at the hospital in labor, alone in the room because it was clear it would be a long while before "it was time," so Steve and everyone else had gone off somewhere. But, all the sudden "it was time!" and she arrived! There wasn't anyone there to catch her! When I went to look for her she was all cuddled up on a stack of blankets across the room, perfect and clean with her dark hair and chubby cheeks, and unharmed (and by the way, giving birth wasn't in the least painful in this lovely dream).
When everyone returned they were astounded that she was unharmed! I proceeded to explain that she didn't get hurt because SHE IS A BOUNCING BABY.
Before I knew I was pregnant, I actually had what turned out to be one of Steve's reoccurring dreams, that I was a soldier in WWII in the South Pacific escaping from something by swimming underwater with a reed in my mouth. Not sure what it has to do with anything, but it felt like a strange mind-merge that I attribute to carrying his kid!
The dreams of Ginny started with being at the ultrasound appointments and being able to just "take her out" for a minute and cuddle her (not sure the mechanisms of how this is done, folks). She was just palm-sized in these dreams. From there, I progressed to the nightmares of having her be switched at birth with a six year old child who happened to have fangs when I went to feed her (any psychological issues there, I wonder?), and of course the terrifying "where's my baby, you took my baby" dreams.
Last night's dream was the best of all though. I was at the hospital in labor, alone in the room because it was clear it would be a long while before "it was time," so Steve and everyone else had gone off somewhere. But, all the sudden "it was time!" and she arrived! There wasn't anyone there to catch her! When I went to look for her she was all cuddled up on a stack of blankets across the room, perfect and clean with her dark hair and chubby cheeks, and unharmed (and by the way, giving birth wasn't in the least painful in this lovely dream).
When everyone returned they were astounded that she was unharmed! I proceeded to explain that she didn't get hurt because SHE IS A BOUNCING BABY.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
she's a kick!
It has been so fun being pregnant this last few weeks, I can feel Ginny moving throughout the day, she's getting bigger and stronger all the time!
We just got back from our honeymoon/babymoon to South Carolina and Florida- it was so fun to see so many new places and spend time with Steve's folks.
We just got back from our honeymoon/babymoon to South Carolina and Florida- it was so fun to see so many new places and spend time with Steve's folks.
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