Hey, Monkey! Let's Play!
Cuddly Monkey
Sweet Monkey Kisses
Monkey, You're My Best Friend!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monkey Business
Our photographer friend, Sukie, is super woman and manages to take everyone in Americas picture over the weekends on top of being a wonderful mom, wife and full time worker at the medical clinic. Not to mention her and her husband are in the middle of building a new house and moving into it between - - well, I don't really know when she has time to move or sleep or eat. With that said when I got a text last night that Hill's pictures were ready I was so excited to see them plus I wasn't expecting such a fast turn around. I will post some here and there, but I have to show you Hill with the monkey.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Big Busy Weekend!
Hill has been a busy bee! Maybe we are starting him out right, he totally prefers to not sit at home, but to go out and see the world! Not only has the boy visited New Orleans, LA by the time he was 13 days old and Memphis, TN by the time he was three weeks old he has cumulatively been to 3 states. He's been more places in his 10 weeks than most people have been in their whole life!
This beautiful weekend was no exception for outdoor activity and adding new adventures to Hills’ repertoire. Friday day Hill and his Daddy went out to Mr. Al’s cabin to help him fix his satellite dish. I have a feeling that this is the first of many trips to come with ‘the boys.’ Hill got to see moo cows and donkeys and tractors and our ski boat because that is where we store it during the winter. (We will get to how ready he is for that in a minute) We told Daddy to take the camera so he could have his picture taken with the donkeys, but he forgot. We will have to do that soon. Then Friday night Hill and I walked down to the neighbors’ house, the Davis’. Mrs. Leanne and Mr. Brent are always so nice, they blackened crappie for dinner and we watched a movie. Friday night Hill slept for about 9 hours. What a fun long day!
Hill loves Mrs. Leanne. He knows how to butter her up because we always tell him what good cookies, brownies and rice crispy treats she makes us all the time. He wants to be in her good graces.
So then Saturday was a big day and was full of firsts. Hill had his first ‘photo shoot.’ Mrs. Sukie came over to the house and took no less than 48,727,689,756 pictures of Hill. We had a blast. Well, I did. Hill would get frustrated from being naked or changing clothes…again, and his daddy was the only one that could make him smile. Thank goodness for Daddy! Sukie got some GREAT shots and I can’t wait to share them with yall. After having his pictures taken he had to take a nap. It’s hard work being so cute.
Once he woke up he had no idea it would be the best afternoon ever… we went to Wal-Mart! Yes, yes it is sad. The most happening place in Kosciusko is Wal-Mart. It was inevitable. I was going to have to take him there eventually. I couldn’t shelter him forever. After all, the kid visited New Orleans when he was 13 days old. If his tiny immune system could handle New Orleans then Wal-Mart should be a breeze! Oh boy, did he have fun! He even got his first sticker to commemorate the occasion. I told the greeter that this was his first visit and if she minded if I took a picture of her giving him the sticker. He was so excited!! I think he loves her. This picture just cracks me up, I love it.
As if that wasn’t enough excitement, Daddy bought him his first life jacket! Hill is officially ready for summer. He’s seen the boat and is psyched. I bought Baby Coppertone Wal-Mart this winter when it was $2 instead of $9 for JJ and I to use on the boys as we chill in the lake at the Country Club. I got Hill an adorable bathing suit with shirt and matching hat at Babies R Us. He is pretty much set. I even have a shovel and bucket for him to make sand castles or pies with. I guess I should take it one step at a time. Maybe he should learn to hold his head up first? After all, he’s only 10 weeks old.
So after another nap, we went to our new friends’ house – Jason and Gena. They are great and invited Hill to come over and play too. There was a house full of people and we had a great time.
After staying up too late we went home. As if Hill wasn’t the most precious sleeping snuggle bear the whole time we were at our new friends house he slept until 8am the next morning, ate then slept again until 10am. Thanks, Hill for letting Mommy get her snooze on. Thanks, Daddy for waking up with him.
So, we woke up Sunday mid morning and went to eat lunch in Louisville at Lake Tiak O’Khata. Those waitresses wanted to eat him up! I can’t say I don’t blame them. Then after lunch we went to the Louisville Wal-Mart because I was looking for a couple things in particular that they didn’t have in Kosy. This time Hill didn’t get a sticker, I don’t even think we saw a greeter?!? Anyway, it was ok we were on a mission. Chip needed a new tackle box and I wanted to get Hill and outdoor swing for his Easter present. We found both, and I also found that Hill’s formula is $3 cheaper at that Wal-Mart. Why is that? So, I stocked up.
We came back to Kosciusko and Chip organized his new tackle box into saltwater / freshwater compartments for our trip to the coast this coming weekend. JJ, Allen and Harvey are meeting me, Chip and Hill down in Diamondhead at the condo. The big boys are going to go fishing while the mommies and little boys go to the outlet mall and hang out. We hope to meet up with Aunt Jane Claire and our sweet cousins Madison and Addie while we are there.
Anyway, after a long long weekend of fun filled happiness we went to Chip’s dads house for dinner. We have a cheat night on our diet and had saved it up for Joyce’s cooking. We ate quail (that Chip hunted weekend before last), rice, gravy, green beans and bacon. Then we topped off the evening with a taste test of Little Debbie vs. Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes. Hands down, Little Debbie wins. No contest.
Uncle Jason must have had a great weekend too. He sent us this picture of the 13 lb. lobster claw he cooked the other day. It's one claw was bigger than both of his hands! Have you EVER seen such?
I hope he's not planning to put it in that tiny pot on the stove!
This beautiful weekend was no exception for outdoor activity and adding new adventures to Hills’ repertoire. Friday day Hill and his Daddy went out to Mr. Al’s cabin to help him fix his satellite dish. I have a feeling that this is the first of many trips to come with ‘the boys.’ Hill got to see moo cows and donkeys and tractors and our ski boat because that is where we store it during the winter. (We will get to how ready he is for that in a minute) We told Daddy to take the camera so he could have his picture taken with the donkeys, but he forgot. We will have to do that soon. Then Friday night Hill and I walked down to the neighbors’ house, the Davis’. Mrs. Leanne and Mr. Brent are always so nice, they blackened crappie for dinner and we watched a movie. Friday night Hill slept for about 9 hours. What a fun long day!
Hill loves Mrs. Leanne. He knows how to butter her up because we always tell him what good cookies, brownies and rice crispy treats she makes us all the time. He wants to be in her good graces.
So then Saturday was a big day and was full of firsts. Hill had his first ‘photo shoot.’ Mrs. Sukie came over to the house and took no less than 48,727,689,756 pictures of Hill. We had a blast. Well, I did. Hill would get frustrated from being naked or changing clothes…again, and his daddy was the only one that could make him smile. Thank goodness for Daddy! Sukie got some GREAT shots and I can’t wait to share them with yall. After having his pictures taken he had to take a nap. It’s hard work being so cute.
Once he woke up he had no idea it would be the best afternoon ever… we went to Wal-Mart! Yes, yes it is sad. The most happening place in Kosciusko is Wal-Mart. It was inevitable. I was going to have to take him there eventually. I couldn’t shelter him forever. After all, the kid visited New Orleans when he was 13 days old. If his tiny immune system could handle New Orleans then Wal-Mart should be a breeze! Oh boy, did he have fun! He even got his first sticker to commemorate the occasion. I told the greeter that this was his first visit and if she minded if I took a picture of her giving him the sticker. He was so excited!! I think he loves her. This picture just cracks me up, I love it.
Thanks greeter lady at Wal-Mart! You are truly the nicest lady in the whole world.
Hill wanted to play with her all day long.
As if that wasn’t enough excitement, Daddy bought him his first life jacket! Hill is officially ready for summer. He’s seen the boat and is psyched. I bought Baby Coppertone Wal-Mart this winter when it was $2 instead of $9 for JJ and I to use on the boys as we chill in the lake at the Country Club. I got Hill an adorable bathing suit with shirt and matching hat at Babies R Us. He is pretty much set. I even have a shovel and bucket for him to make sand castles or pies with. I guess I should take it one step at a time. Maybe he should learn to hold his head up first? After all, he’s only 10 weeks old.
So here is a picture of Hill lying down taking a nap in his life jacket.
Here is a picture of Hill sitting up in his life jacket. Not too comfy.
I think we must have to have water to make this work right.
Hill is a Capricorn. Not associated with water. Chip is an Aquarius and I am a Pices, both water signs.
It's inevitable that Hill love the water, it's in his blood. I mean it must be if he can sleep in an extremely uncomfortable life jacket as his mother takes pictures.
So after another nap, we went to our new friends’ house – Jason and Gena. They are great and invited Hill to come over and play too. There was a house full of people and we had a great time.
Jason and Gena, our new friends that are cutie patooties!
Old friends were there like Mr. Ryan
And we always love Mrs. Kayla, she is so silly.
After staying up too late we went home. As if Hill wasn’t the most precious sleeping snuggle bear the whole time we were at our new friends house he slept until 8am the next morning, ate then slept again until 10am. Thanks, Hill for letting Mommy get her snooze on. Thanks, Daddy for waking up with him.
So, we woke up Sunday mid morning and went to eat lunch in Louisville at Lake Tiak O’Khata. Those waitresses wanted to eat him up! I can’t say I don’t blame them. Then after lunch we went to the Louisville Wal-Mart because I was looking for a couple things in particular that they didn’t have in Kosy. This time Hill didn’t get a sticker, I don’t even think we saw a greeter?!? Anyway, it was ok we were on a mission. Chip needed a new tackle box and I wanted to get Hill and outdoor swing for his Easter present. We found both, and I also found that Hill’s formula is $3 cheaper at that Wal-Mart. Why is that? So, I stocked up.
We came back to Kosciusko and Chip organized his new tackle box into saltwater / freshwater compartments for our trip to the coast this coming weekend. JJ, Allen and Harvey are meeting me, Chip and Hill down in Diamondhead at the condo. The big boys are going to go fishing while the mommies and little boys go to the outlet mall and hang out. We hope to meet up with Aunt Jane Claire and our sweet cousins Madison and Addie while we are there.
Anyway, after a long long weekend of fun filled happiness we went to Chip’s dads house for dinner. We have a cheat night on our diet and had saved it up for Joyce’s cooking. We ate quail (that Chip hunted weekend before last), rice, gravy, green beans and bacon. Then we topped off the evening with a taste test of Little Debbie vs. Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes. Hands down, Little Debbie wins. No contest.
Hill was tuckered out with his Na Na.
What a great weekend.
Uncle Jason must have had a great weekend too. He sent us this picture of the 13 lb. lobster claw he cooked the other day. It's one claw was bigger than both of his hands! Have you EVER seen such?
I hope he's not planning to put it in that tiny pot on the stove!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Hill's Birth Day
On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 Chip and I woke up at about 4:30am. We set every alarm clock we could find and even had the hotel front desk ring us. If you recall, I made sure to explain the urgency to the person at the front desk that I was having a baby and couldn’t be late. They MUST call me to remind me. Like for some reason they wouldn’t, they never haven’t called me when I asked. True to their word, they called at 4:30 but I was already awake…imagine that!
I jumped up and turned to Chip and said…we are having a baby today! You ready, daddy? He assured me he was. I know I was ready! I showered and blow dried my hair, put on some jogging pants and a t-shirt since I knew once I got to the hospital they’d have me put on a gown anyway. I put on make-up, which I never do when I’m not at work, I had some photo ops ahead of me with my little tiny new life today so I must make a good first impression!
Chip and I gathered our things and my mom and were off to the hospital. My dad and step mom would follow soon after. We were at Woman’s Hospital at 5:30am sharp. I went through registration, which was a breeze because I had just done that Sunday when we had the water break / pee in my pants episode. They took me to a room in the labor section where Nurse Ratched started prepping me for my stay. She was such a negative Nellie that Chip and I kept looking at each other like gee whiz lady. This was going to be the best day of my life and I wasn’t going to let Sponge Bob Grouchy Pants ruin it. So, I decided to make small talk to figure out if she was really going to be my nurse the rest of the time. It was about 6:10 and I was hoping she was out with the next shift change and dirty laundry. As she missed every vein in my hand I asked if she had been here all night or if she was just coming on for the day. She said she’d been there all night. Wheew, thank goodness. Then so she wouldn’t catch onto my scheme I asked if she’d been busy delivering babies all night and how their shifts work. She assured me that at 7:00am she was outta here. Thank you Jesus ! As she continued to hook me up to blood pressure monitors and try to get in my IV Manna from Heaven arrived with her nice side kick. I think maybe she was just as glad as I was when they walked in because she let them know, in front of me, that she had other patients to tend to.
Manna from Heaven - I think her name was Trish or Tina, I feel awful for not knowing my guardian angels name but God love her and her side kick, who I can’t remember her name either…wow that’s awful – Anyway, they came in and we had a moment where we all just sort of looked at each other and tried not to laugh. T was so professional and had been doing this for a long time. She took my beat up hands where Nurse Ratched tried vigorously to get my IV in and 2 seconds later had that IV in there no problem. She finished getting me all cleaned me up for my surgery and gave Chip his daddy attire for surgery and off we went. At 7:00 am they rolled me into the OR where T was by my side the whole time. She never talked above a calming whisper once we got to the OR. She made me feel safe, this was not her first rodeo, I trusted her whole heartedly as she explained to me step by step what they would do and how it would feel and how to react. I needed her there. She stood by me as I sat on the cold tiny operating table and just held me close to her. I was shaking so bad. I was unsure if it was my nerves or because I was freezing. T and I watched as all the ladies prepared the cold metallic off white room with medical instruments and gauze and things I was sure they were going to use on me, but wished they wouldn’t. As if people couldn’t get any nicer or more helpful; Alan came in, he was the nurse anesthetist. I loved him so much I wanted to put him in my pocket. Too bad I only had on a gown and nada else so there was no pocket to put him in. He, just like T, explained step by step what would happen once the anesthesiologist came in. I had to have my spinal and was really nervous about it. The one thing I remember T saying multiple times and then Alan reiterated was when the anesthesiologist came in he was going to ask me a couple of questions and then have me hunch over and I’d be uncomfortable, but it was DIRE that I stood still. T suggested I focus on the clock that was directly in front of me on the wall when they had me do this. Then they said as soon as the doctor got my spinal going they would throw me on my back immediately. Alan and T were there for me, I fully trusted them to take total care of me. They had mentally prepared me for everything that was about to happen. If I lost focus I knew they’d be there to help me get back on track of what I needed to do. It was team work.
Chip was out in the hall the whole time. Evidently they have a bench right outside the OR for dads to sit until after the anesthesiologist comes. I heard Dr. North’s happy voice in the hall talking to Chip. He was just as comforting as T was. I felt safe instantly. Dr. North came in and started scrubbing in for surgery. As I was sitting there on the OR table with T holding me tight and Alan behind me getting his machinery ready I noticed the nice straight crease that Dr. North was sporting on his scrubs, I couldn’t not comment on them. I said, wow Dr. North does your wife iron your scrubs? Look at that crease! He said his cleaning lady did that. He probably could have cut me open to do my c section with that razor sharp crease. About that time Dr. S (can’t remember his name, but it started with an S) the anesthesiologist came in. He was a jocular old fella. He instantly lit up the room with his “let’s get this show on the road” attitude. He said, wow it’s cold in here. I said wouldn’t that help keep things sterilized? He assured me that just because it was cold didn’t mean it had to be sterilized. Well alrighty then, doc. He was right and I was nervous talking out of my head.
Dr. S did all the things Alan said he would. Asked me all the questions Alan said he would and then immediately started. I hunched over and stared at the clock. T was still at my side holding my hand reminding me to breathe and focus on the clock. It was 7:22am; I only watched the minute hand because the second hand was too distracting. My instructions from Dr. S were to let him know if at any time the needle didn’t feel straight as he inserted it. Yeeaaw, I felt it go in. Things were alright, T to my right reminding me to breathe - and Dr. S in my spine “moving to the left,” I said. He straightened it up and said OK and I felt Alan’s hand on my back where Dr. S was and about 97 people threw me down on my back. It was crazy. It felt crazy. I had been so nervous about the spinal and I had no reason to worry. Everything happened just as Alan and T said it would at the exact time they said I should feel this way – I did. I laid there on the tiny operating table that I was way wider than with my arms extended out from my side, like a cross.
Dr. S commended Alan on such a fine prep job and thanked him for everything he did. He also let the nurses know he appreciated their hard work. How fabulous. How stinking fabulous. What fine people that were helping me bring my sweet Charles Hill Hawkins IV into this world.
Another doctor came in to assist Dr. North, his name was Dr. Bush. The neonatal specialist nurse came in and I reminded her that my son was going to be born with a cleft lip and potentially a cleft palate. She was aware and prepared. They started hanging the drape in front of me and brought Chip in. They had him sit to my left and he was really quiet, almost distant. He was nervous, I could tell. Sweet hubby couldn’t get excited until he knew both his baby and I were safe. (Side note, Chip doesn’t do needles, blood, hospitals, etc.) My IV was in my left hand so he had to sit next to a needle in my hand. I’m sure he was goobed out. Alan was directly behind me constantly talking to me and asking how I felt. I asked Alan to please make sure my husband is ok, he was white as a ghost. Fast forward…Chip’s rendition of the story later on was that he was fine, but he didn’t really have anywhere to look. If he looked up there was smoke coming from behind the drape, so he looked down as a big pile of blood splattered out onto Dr. North’s shoe bootie. Then he said they were shaking my whole body at one point. Poor fella, he was lost and confused.
I was fine the whole time, I don’t remember my body being shaken, but I assume it was when they were trying to get big ol Hill out of my belly. That may have been about the time I felt them repeatedly press on my chest. It felt like the air had been knocked out of me. I had to do a few of the breathing tricks we learned in child birthing class. A few times I let Alan know I was having trouble breathing. He would magically fix it. Later I was told my blood pressure dropped and I lost a lot of blood which may have contributed that feeling. At one point I felt like I was having difficulty swallowing, but I was never scared or panicky during the whole process. I remember Dr. North saying, wow he’s a big baby! They suggested we get the camera ready. Then the next thing Dr. North said was, “Awe, this isn’t bad at all!” I had no idea what that meant, but it sounded like happy news to me! I heard the sweetest baby cry and I cried too. Dr. North held up my baby for his first picture. Funky stuff all over him, it didn’t matter, it’s the best picture ever. They took Hill and Chip behind me to my right to clean up our sweet boy and check his palate. He was good. I heard Chip say his lip wasn’t bad at all and my heart rested easy knowing my sweet boy was ok. We took a couple of pictures of our new little family. As the doctors put me back together, they sent Chip and Hill to meet his new family and friends on the way to the nursery.
They have this video monitor set up where I can see everyone’s reaction when Chip brings Hill out. That is the part I was looking forward to. I was so tired though. I was struggling to keep my eyes open. I remember praying to God to please let me stay awake so I can see everyone’s face when they see my sweet husband and son for the first time. I saw my mom standing at the door trying to be so patient waiting for them…but then I missed it all. I fell asleep. There waiting to meet Hill Hawkins was Mama Lou (my mom), Papi (my dad), Mimi (my step mom), Nana (Chip’s step mom), Papa (Chip’s dad), and our sweet friends Tasha and Fred Grantham… and I missed it.
I woke up with T back by my side; my guardian angel was there to care for me in recovery. I asked to see my baby and they were about to bring him to me to try to feed, just finishing up testing him and giving him a bath. He scored a perfect 10 on the APGAR test. The neonatal specialist came in and we talked about Hill and how his palate is perfect and it seems that his lip is merely a cosmetic issue. I asked about time lines for surgery and he said he would happily refer me to any doctor we needed. He commented about how I was the most alert mother after surgery he’d ever seen. I guess it is funny how that protection mode instinct immediately kicked in like my sole mission the rest of my life is to be there for Hill and his well being. The doctor assured me that there were no worries and my baby was perfect. I knew that before he was born, but it’s nice to hear a doctor reiterate that to you. I know God doesn’t make mistakes.
Welcome, Hill. I’ve loved you since before I even met you and that love grows more and more every day. People say, “Once you have kids you won’t remember your life before them.” I don’t feel that true. I never want to forget about all the fabulous and also the not so fabulous things I’ve experienced in my life. They have made me who I am today and I consider Hill as a positive part of this journey. I remember my life before him and I hope I don’t forget about those times, yet I wouldn’t want to live nor could I imagine living the rest of my life without him in it. You are my sunshine Charles Hill Hawkins IV, mommy loves you always and forever!
I jumped up and turned to Chip and said…we are having a baby today! You ready, daddy? He assured me he was. I know I was ready! I showered and blow dried my hair, put on some jogging pants and a t-shirt since I knew once I got to the hospital they’d have me put on a gown anyway. I put on make-up, which I never do when I’m not at work, I had some photo ops ahead of me with my little tiny new life today so I must make a good first impression!
Chip and I gathered our things and my mom and were off to the hospital. My dad and step mom would follow soon after. We were at Woman’s Hospital at 5:30am sharp. I went through registration, which was a breeze because I had just done that Sunday when we had the water break / pee in my pants episode. They took me to a room in the labor section where Nurse Ratched started prepping me for my stay. She was such a negative Nellie that Chip and I kept looking at each other like gee whiz lady. This was going to be the best day of my life and I wasn’t going to let Sponge Bob Grouchy Pants ruin it. So, I decided to make small talk to figure out if she was really going to be my nurse the rest of the time. It was about 6:10 and I was hoping she was out with the next shift change and dirty laundry. As she missed every vein in my hand I asked if she had been here all night or if she was just coming on for the day. She said she’d been there all night. Wheew, thank goodness. Then so she wouldn’t catch onto my scheme I asked if she’d been busy delivering babies all night and how their shifts work. She assured me that at 7:00am she was outta here. Thank you Jesus ! As she continued to hook me up to blood pressure monitors and try to get in my IV Manna from Heaven arrived with her nice side kick. I think maybe she was just as glad as I was when they walked in because she let them know, in front of me, that she had other patients to tend to.
Manna from Heaven - I think her name was Trish or Tina, I feel awful for not knowing my guardian angels name but God love her and her side kick, who I can’t remember her name either…wow that’s awful – Anyway, they came in and we had a moment where we all just sort of looked at each other and tried not to laugh. T was so professional and had been doing this for a long time. She took my beat up hands where Nurse Ratched tried vigorously to get my IV in and 2 seconds later had that IV in there no problem. She finished getting me all cleaned me up for my surgery and gave Chip his daddy attire for surgery and off we went. At 7:00 am they rolled me into the OR where T was by my side the whole time. She never talked above a calming whisper once we got to the OR. She made me feel safe, this was not her first rodeo, I trusted her whole heartedly as she explained to me step by step what they would do and how it would feel and how to react. I needed her there. She stood by me as I sat on the cold tiny operating table and just held me close to her. I was shaking so bad. I was unsure if it was my nerves or because I was freezing. T and I watched as all the ladies prepared the cold metallic off white room with medical instruments and gauze and things I was sure they were going to use on me, but wished they wouldn’t. As if people couldn’t get any nicer or more helpful; Alan came in, he was the nurse anesthetist. I loved him so much I wanted to put him in my pocket. Too bad I only had on a gown and nada else so there was no pocket to put him in. He, just like T, explained step by step what would happen once the anesthesiologist came in. I had to have my spinal and was really nervous about it. The one thing I remember T saying multiple times and then Alan reiterated was when the anesthesiologist came in he was going to ask me a couple of questions and then have me hunch over and I’d be uncomfortable, but it was DIRE that I stood still. T suggested I focus on the clock that was directly in front of me on the wall when they had me do this. Then they said as soon as the doctor got my spinal going they would throw me on my back immediately. Alan and T were there for me, I fully trusted them to take total care of me. They had mentally prepared me for everything that was about to happen. If I lost focus I knew they’d be there to help me get back on track of what I needed to do. It was team work.
Chip was out in the hall the whole time. Evidently they have a bench right outside the OR for dads to sit until after the anesthesiologist comes. I heard Dr. North’s happy voice in the hall talking to Chip. He was just as comforting as T was. I felt safe instantly. Dr. North came in and started scrubbing in for surgery. As I was sitting there on the OR table with T holding me tight and Alan behind me getting his machinery ready I noticed the nice straight crease that Dr. North was sporting on his scrubs, I couldn’t not comment on them. I said, wow Dr. North does your wife iron your scrubs? Look at that crease! He said his cleaning lady did that. He probably could have cut me open to do my c section with that razor sharp crease. About that time Dr. S (can’t remember his name, but it started with an S) the anesthesiologist came in. He was a jocular old fella. He instantly lit up the room with his “let’s get this show on the road” attitude. He said, wow it’s cold in here. I said wouldn’t that help keep things sterilized? He assured me that just because it was cold didn’t mean it had to be sterilized. Well alrighty then, doc. He was right and I was nervous talking out of my head.
Dr. S did all the things Alan said he would. Asked me all the questions Alan said he would and then immediately started. I hunched over and stared at the clock. T was still at my side holding my hand reminding me to breathe and focus on the clock. It was 7:22am; I only watched the minute hand because the second hand was too distracting. My instructions from Dr. S were to let him know if at any time the needle didn’t feel straight as he inserted it. Yeeaaw, I felt it go in. Things were alright, T to my right reminding me to breathe - and Dr. S in my spine “moving to the left,” I said. He straightened it up and said OK and I felt Alan’s hand on my back where Dr. S was and about 97 people threw me down on my back. It was crazy. It felt crazy. I had been so nervous about the spinal and I had no reason to worry. Everything happened just as Alan and T said it would at the exact time they said I should feel this way – I did. I laid there on the tiny operating table that I was way wider than with my arms extended out from my side, like a cross.
Dr. S commended Alan on such a fine prep job and thanked him for everything he did. He also let the nurses know he appreciated their hard work. How fabulous. How stinking fabulous. What fine people that were helping me bring my sweet Charles Hill Hawkins IV into this world.
Another doctor came in to assist Dr. North, his name was Dr. Bush. The neonatal specialist nurse came in and I reminded her that my son was going to be born with a cleft lip and potentially a cleft palate. She was aware and prepared. They started hanging the drape in front of me and brought Chip in. They had him sit to my left and he was really quiet, almost distant. He was nervous, I could tell. Sweet hubby couldn’t get excited until he knew both his baby and I were safe. (Side note, Chip doesn’t do needles, blood, hospitals, etc.) My IV was in my left hand so he had to sit next to a needle in my hand. I’m sure he was goobed out. Alan was directly behind me constantly talking to me and asking how I felt. I asked Alan to please make sure my husband is ok, he was white as a ghost. Fast forward…Chip’s rendition of the story later on was that he was fine, but he didn’t really have anywhere to look. If he looked up there was smoke coming from behind the drape, so he looked down as a big pile of blood splattered out onto Dr. North’s shoe bootie. Then he said they were shaking my whole body at one point. Poor fella, he was lost and confused.
I was fine the whole time, I don’t remember my body being shaken, but I assume it was when they were trying to get big ol Hill out of my belly. That may have been about the time I felt them repeatedly press on my chest. It felt like the air had been knocked out of me. I had to do a few of the breathing tricks we learned in child birthing class. A few times I let Alan know I was having trouble breathing. He would magically fix it. Later I was told my blood pressure dropped and I lost a lot of blood which may have contributed that feeling. At one point I felt like I was having difficulty swallowing, but I was never scared or panicky during the whole process. I remember Dr. North saying, wow he’s a big baby! They suggested we get the camera ready. Then the next thing Dr. North said was, “Awe, this isn’t bad at all!” I had no idea what that meant, but it sounded like happy news to me! I heard the sweetest baby cry and I cried too. Dr. North held up my baby for his first picture. Funky stuff all over him, it didn’t matter, it’s the best picture ever. They took Hill and Chip behind me to my right to clean up our sweet boy and check his palate. He was good. I heard Chip say his lip wasn’t bad at all and my heart rested easy knowing my sweet boy was ok. We took a couple of pictures of our new little family. As the doctors put me back together, they sent Chip and Hill to meet his new family and friends on the way to the nursery.
They have this video monitor set up where I can see everyone’s reaction when Chip brings Hill out. That is the part I was looking forward to. I was so tired though. I was struggling to keep my eyes open. I remember praying to God to please let me stay awake so I can see everyone’s face when they see my sweet husband and son for the first time. I saw my mom standing at the door trying to be so patient waiting for them…but then I missed it all. I fell asleep. There waiting to meet Hill Hawkins was Mama Lou (my mom), Papi (my dad), Mimi (my step mom), Nana (Chip’s step mom), Papa (Chip’s dad), and our sweet friends Tasha and Fred Grantham… and I missed it.
I woke up with T back by my side; my guardian angel was there to care for me in recovery. I asked to see my baby and they were about to bring him to me to try to feed, just finishing up testing him and giving him a bath. He scored a perfect 10 on the APGAR test. The neonatal specialist came in and we talked about Hill and how his palate is perfect and it seems that his lip is merely a cosmetic issue. I asked about time lines for surgery and he said he would happily refer me to any doctor we needed. He commented about how I was the most alert mother after surgery he’d ever seen. I guess it is funny how that protection mode instinct immediately kicked in like my sole mission the rest of my life is to be there for Hill and his well being. The doctor assured me that there were no worries and my baby was perfect. I knew that before he was born, but it’s nice to hear a doctor reiterate that to you. I know God doesn’t make mistakes.
Welcome, Hill. I’ve loved you since before I even met you and that love grows more and more every day. People say, “Once you have kids you won’t remember your life before them.” I don’t feel that true. I never want to forget about all the fabulous and also the not so fabulous things I’ve experienced in my life. They have made me who I am today and I consider Hill as a positive part of this journey. I remember my life before him and I hope I don’t forget about those times, yet I wouldn’t want to live nor could I imagine living the rest of my life without him in it. You are my sunshine Charles Hill Hawkins IV, mommy loves you always and forever!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Surprise!
Here are the pictures from my surprise birthday party on March 6th that my sweet hubby planned. I'm not sure how he was able to keep it from me because we are the type that buy birthday or Christmas presents and then give them to the other before the event. He's getting sneeky on me. So are my friends! Thanks to all of my friends that helped Chip make the party come together. It really was surprising.....see for your self.
I walked in my house and there were a ton of people standing there.
Even Katie Lou was in on the surprise!
Still just so confused, yet happy and shocked,
but wondering where everyone's cars were.
Hello there super yum cake and party food that
my awesome friends put together!
(party food is my favorite food)
I am so glad that my husband and friends did such a sweet thing for me. Ringing in my big 3-0 was fun even though I really dislike surprises, I will forgive you all for not being so forth coming.
Poor Marsha was afraid to call me for a week straight for fear of spilling the beans!
After I found out about the party a lot of weird things finally made sense.
Thirty starts a new chapter and I am ready for it to begin. A lot of positive life changes are taking place including the addition of my sweet little Hill. Here are a couple of pictures to show you just how sweet my little booger bear is.
After 8 weeks of fist sucking and panic when we couldn't find Ford the Frog, Hill found his thumb again. It has been a while since he actually sucked his thumb, but last night he was going to town on that silly thing. I think it's probably the most adorable thing I've ever seen in my life. Well, other than him coughing. I know, it's bad for him to have to cough, it's usually a sign of choking, but I think when he coughs it's cute...he makes that O with his little mouth and coughs so tiny. EAT HIM UP!
Friday, March 12, 2010
I survived
I thought I would let you all know that I survived the first day back to work and turning 30, all in the same day. I didn't even shed a tear. I guess I am now stronger in my older age. There was almost a breaking point when I did get a little teary eyed. I mean, don't you wanna cry happy tears when you receive an email from your wonderful husband that says:
Happy Birthday, Mommy! We Love You!
Gah, that little boy gets my heart strings.
(I don't even know what heart strings are, but he gets em')
Then I have such wonderful friends / co-workers that know what a special yet hard day it was for me. I came to my office and found these! How thoughtful! I love you Dawn, Gina & Glenda! You are the best!
It even has a fancy dragonfly on it! I have been trying to figure out how it's attached to the flower and have decided it's magic. There is seemingly no other explination.
Then I had a couple of other friends / co-workers that got me a cake. I didn't get a picture of it...I hate I didn't because it was so cute! It had three plastic puppies sitting on it in icing that looked like grass. Shareta, you know me too well. Thanks, friends for making my day special.
I've had a good return to work experience. There has been a bit of playing catch up, but not bad. It really has been a celebratory time; not only because I'm back to work where I feel so loved or because it's my birthday but also because I got a promotion! I'm really excited and nervous all at the same time.
Maybe the birthday wish I made when I blew out my candles (at my surprise party Saturday - will post pics later) is coming true. I can't tell you what it was though because that's bad luck and we don't want any of that!
Have a wonderful day and weekend!
Thursday, March 04, 2010
New Trend & Diaper Changing 101
Today is so beautiful that Hill and I are out on the patio blogging.
We are trying to get into more of a routine because we are both getting a little cabin fever. He had his first round of his 2 month shots on February, 24th and he was such a big boy, only cried for like 30 seconds! The doctor said to get him out and about so he can figure out his days and nights. He's started eating cereal at night and manages to get in a good 6 1/2 hours most every night. Which is fabulous because as bitter sweet as it is I go back to work on Wednesday, March 10th.
I have been procrastinating on cleaning out my closet because I'm still not in my 'regular' clothes, but want to take out the clothes that are to big so I can feel a little better about my work attire and not look like the slum I felt like during my pregnancy.
In the process of procrastination, I've come up with a new trend. Well I guess it's not a trend yet because it hasn't officially become the "to do" thing. Hear me out. I LOVE that we received so many casseroles and food every other night. Wow, you have NO idea how big of a blessing that has been. I just ate some chicken enchiladas with mexican rice we've had in the frezer that my wonderful coworkers brought.
So, my new trend works the same way as the casseroles. You send out an email to anyone interested in participation with dates and times they are available, but instead of food you organize a day and time to go walking. I know it has been the wackiest of weather during my maternity leave, but it may work for some new mothers. It doesn't have to be a far walk and you don't have to get out there and power walk or run marathons, but it's a good way to get fresh air and quality time with friends.
Just throwing it out there. I find I exercise more and stick to it when I have a partner. Plus, if you have a different person to walk with every day or every other day then you aren't bragging to the same people over and over how your baby is the most precious prodigy, genius, special being on the plant. Plus, if time allows, you can ask them how things are going in their life and get the scoop on the outside world of baby jail.
To make sure I still have readers out there, answer me this...
How do you change your baby in a public restroom?
I have the most adorable changing pads and am confused about keeping them sanitary. If you use the Koala Care things you pull down in public restrooms you are laying the outside of your pad on the public table top, but then if you have an 'accident' then the part you lay your baby on isn't too sanitary. What is the best method for putting it back into the diaper bag and not 'contaminationg' other stuff when one side has touched public stuff and the other has baby stuff?
Can't wait to hear your feedback!
Miss you all!
RCH
I have been procrastinating on cleaning out my closet because I'm still not in my 'regular' clothes, but want to take out the clothes that are to big so I can feel a little better about my work attire and not look like the slum I felt like during my pregnancy.
In the process of procrastination, I've come up with a new trend. Well I guess it's not a trend yet because it hasn't officially become the "to do" thing. Hear me out. I LOVE that we received so many casseroles and food every other night. Wow, you have NO idea how big of a blessing that has been. I just ate some chicken enchiladas with mexican rice we've had in the frezer that my wonderful coworkers brought.
So, my new trend works the same way as the casseroles. You send out an email to anyone interested in participation with dates and times they are available, but instead of food you organize a day and time to go walking. I know it has been the wackiest of weather during my maternity leave, but it may work for some new mothers. It doesn't have to be a far walk and you don't have to get out there and power walk or run marathons, but it's a good way to get fresh air and quality time with friends.
Just throwing it out there. I find I exercise more and stick to it when I have a partner. Plus, if you have a different person to walk with every day or every other day then you aren't bragging to the same people over and over how your baby is the most precious prodigy, genius, special being on the plant. Plus, if time allows, you can ask them how things are going in their life and get the scoop on the outside world of baby jail.
To make sure I still have readers out there, answer me this...
How do you change your baby in a public restroom?
I have the most adorable changing pads and am confused about keeping them sanitary. If you use the Koala Care things you pull down in public restrooms you are laying the outside of your pad on the public table top, but then if you have an 'accident' then the part you lay your baby on isn't too sanitary. What is the best method for putting it back into the diaper bag and not 'contaminationg' other stuff when one side has touched public stuff and the other has baby stuff?
Can't wait to hear your feedback!
Miss you all!
RCH
Thursday, February 18, 2010
New Tactic
Ok, new tactic. I have felt like I needed to update everyone in chronological order of my days and events that have happened since I entered motherhood. I've come to the conclusion that because I can't keep up with my blog daily at this point I will update what's going on now and then occasionally flash back to get you all back up to speed.
So, instead of starting with his birth story, I will be starting with week 5 random day.
I never know at what point in Hill's life to use certain things. He doesn't seem interested in toys yet and just looking at his mobile doesn't seem like much fun. Yet, my boy loves his paci...that is when someone will sit there for hours on end and hold it in his mouth. He finds his thumb on rare occasion, but doesn't keep it in there for longer than 45 seconds before that's old news to him. Maybe that's where all my time has gone? Holding a paci. I'm not sure if it's because of his young age or his cleft lip that he's unable to hold it in there, but God must have agreed it was getting a bit silly and night before last I uncovered a gift that he's not to young to use!
Meet Ford. That is what his name tag said, but I just might name him Prince Charming because he came in and swept me off my feet. Well, I should say he came in and let me sleep.
So, instead of starting with his birth story, I will be starting with week 5 random day.
I never know at what point in Hill's life to use certain things. He doesn't seem interested in toys yet and just looking at his mobile doesn't seem like much fun. Yet, my boy loves his paci...that is when someone will sit there for hours on end and hold it in his mouth. He finds his thumb on rare occasion, but doesn't keep it in there for longer than 45 seconds before that's old news to him. Maybe that's where all my time has gone? Holding a paci. I'm not sure if it's because of his young age or his cleft lip that he's unable to hold it in there, but God must have agreed it was getting a bit silly and night before last I uncovered a gift that he's not to young to use!
Meet Ford. That is what his name tag said, but I just might name him Prince Charming because he came in and swept me off my feet. Well, I should say he came in and let me sleep.
He has a paci on his head! I kid you not. He's light weight, but lays there at an angle where Hill can suck on his paci head and hold him and it not come out of his mouth. GREAT INVENTION! Better than Chip's idea of strapping the paci to his head somehow. I thought I might come home one day and there be tape wrapped around Hill's head or a rubber band of sorts holding in his paci. Instead this is what it looks like in action. Way better than scotch tape.
How cute is my little kissy face? Don't you just want to eat him up?
Also, we have a couple new friends. They are bright and fun and like to swing with him. One doesn't have a name yet and the other goes by Big Bird, you may know him.
Here he is just hanging out with his buddies.
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Two Days Before Hill's Arrival
I realize I have five weeks of catching up to do. I’ve been in awe over the tiniest little person that has engulfed my world and therefore you all have been deprived of my daily updates. I apologize, but know you understand and forgive me.
We will start with 2 days before the arrival of our sweet little Hill. I will have a separate blog post for the day of his birth and then we will go from there. I promise not to leave out any details!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
It was around 8am and I was sitting in the kitchen on a stool cleaning out the junk drawer under the phone. That's what most 39 week pregnant ladies do first thing in the morning right? As I am sorting the expired Pizza Hut coupons from the random Wal-Mart receipts my pants become wet. Oh no...ummm...CHIP! I either involuntarily peed my pants or my water is leaking! We sat in the living room for a second wondering what we needed to do and then decided that we should probably Google the situation on the internet. That’s the most logical thing. Google knows everything! Chip searches and instructs me to call the doctor to see what we needed to do. They tell me to get to the hospital so they can check me since I'm so close to my due date and an hour and fifteen minutes from the hospital. I hang up and tell Chip what that the nurse says we need to go to Jackson.
I've always thought my hubby was a cool, calm and collect type of guy until that moment. He lost all motor function skills and capabilities of making any decisions. He jumped out of the recliner running in circles and proclaimed he had to hurry and take a shower. Instead of heading to the bathroom he went straight to the kitchen to warm up some chicken wings from the fridge. Yes, chicken wings – isn’t that what everyone does when they are potentially about to have a baby, eat chicken wings?
He was sitting in the kitchen eating chicken wings as I gathered the last things on my list to take to the hospital since everything else has been packed in the car for 6 months now. I finally sat down with him and asked what he was doing; I thought he was going to take a shower. He said, “I was, but then I got confused and thought I needed to eat.” His train of thought was that I may be in labor for 30 hours so he needed to go ahead and eat. After he ate he jumped in the shower and was still running around like a chicken with his head cut off. It was really amusing and cute and undoubtedly funny.
We jumped in the car and he peeled out of the driveway rocks flying everywhere like a mad man from the Dukes of Hazard. I said, “Sweetie, you don’t have to drive fast I’m ok and not having any contractions…no rush.” He informed me that this was the moment he’d been waiting for, the excuse to be able to drive fast. I let him be. By the time we passed all the awful and slow Leake County drivers on Hwy 35 and hit Hwy 25 the flashers were on and we were hauling bootie to Woman’s Hospital in Flowood, MS. As we pull into Flowood we notice how even though we aren’t in any hurry people don’t adhere to the flashers. The flashers have no power, they have no use, and everyone is oblivious to the flashers. They still travel at snail speed and don’t get out of your way. Good thing it wasn’t a true emergency or his worst fear of my birthing our baby in the car would have come true!
We get to the hospital; we have to go through admissions where they are waiting for us. They put me in a room and make me put on a gown and lay in bed. They spent 45 minutes asking questions from why I had my tonsils removed when I was 6 to does my husband beat me. Very interesting. They examine me and come to the conclusion my water had not broken. In fact, I had only peed my pants. Fabulous. Wonderful. So glad I’m 29 years old and can’t tell the difference between my water breaking and peeing myself. We pack up shop and they tell me to take my pillows and blood pressure cuff with me and bring it back with me so I’m not charged for them again come Tuesday when I have my scheduled c-section. That was mighty thoughtful of them.
So we get in the car, go get me something to eat because remember Chip ate chicken wings earlier and I was starving. Then we slowly drive home…no baby.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Chip and I headed to Jackson early because we were meeting up with the wonderful people at the Blake Clinic so they could give us a few things that may assist with Hill once he was born. It was so cold outside that the city of Jackson had a massive water pipe breakage that caused most all businesses to shut down in the downtown area due to no running water. Yes, yes, we normally do have running water in Mississippi, but this was an exception. With that said, the Blake Clinic people who were planning on being there the day Hill was born would not be able to come due to weather conditions and their offices being closed. The lady was so sweet! Even though their offices were closed down she waited for us to arrive to Jackson and met us at a convenient location to go over what we needed to do, gave us some supplies to help cleft babies and showed us how to use the special bottles and even gave us both her and the speech therapist in charges cell and home phone number if we needed anything come Tuesday morning.
Let me explain the Blake clinic. It is a fabulous federally funded program to help children like mine with potential disabilities; they provide supplies, support, education and many other wonderful things. For example; depending on the severity of a cleft lip / palate the child may require special bottles. These bottles are about $30 a pop. You need new ones each month because the nipples wear down and become soft so they can’t suck - so if you only used 6 bottles a month then that’s $180 a month in just bottles. The Blake Clinic helps parents obtain these bottles as a service, no charge each month. What a wonderful program to help not only cleft children and families but other children with disabilities.
After we met with her and gathered the goods we headed to Dr. North’s office. This is the day we get to see our baby for the last time on a sonogram before we meet him in person. Our appointment was at 3:00 for the sonogram and we got the same sweet technician that stayed late when we found out about Hill’s cleft to help us understand and try to find out the severity of our sweet boys condition. She remembered us and tried hard to see again if she could make his hands move from his face and rotate images, but our stubborn unborn little one wouldn’t cooperate. She guesstimated his weight at 8lbs 3oz and said everything looked great!
At 3:30 we met with Dr. North and he said all systems were a go for our arrival in the morning at 5:30am. He assured me I was not a weirdo for peeing my pants and thinking my water had broken. He’s always so sympathetic. So glad he’s the first face my baby sees. We were still on for my being the first surgery of the morning at 7:00am.
In the mean time as all of this was going on, my mom, dad and step mom were landing at the gigantic Jackson-Evers Airport, or as I like to refer to it as the old Wal-Mart building they converted to the area airport. We met them at the hotel we were going to stay at since we’d all need to wake up super early to be at the hospital. After we checked in we went and ate at Outback Steakhouse because I wanted steak and it was the only restaurant in the area open due to the weather / water issue.
After we ate we came back to the hotel and everyone, except me, had a glass of wine or scotch and chit chatted about how excited they were. I was so full and tired I decided to head up to bed early. Once I got to the room I set every alarm clock, cell phone alarm and called the front desk and explained to them the importance of my wake up call. I was having a baby and couldn’t be late! I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. I was so tired, but so excited that I couldn’t sleep. I really wasn’t nervous, just ready. Ready to meet my sweet little boy. Ready to see what obstacles he had ahead of him. Ready to see what a wonderful daddy my husband was going to be. Ready to see the faces of my family when they met Hill for the first time. Ready to kiss his sweet cheeks. Ready for this whole experience. I was ready and it was finally here! The longest yet shortest 39 weeks of my life was here and my whole entire world would never ever be the same…only better from here on out.
We will start with 2 days before the arrival of our sweet little Hill. I will have a separate blog post for the day of his birth and then we will go from there. I promise not to leave out any details!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
It was around 8am and I was sitting in the kitchen on a stool cleaning out the junk drawer under the phone. That's what most 39 week pregnant ladies do first thing in the morning right? As I am sorting the expired Pizza Hut coupons from the random Wal-Mart receipts my pants become wet. Oh no...ummm...CHIP! I either involuntarily peed my pants or my water is leaking! We sat in the living room for a second wondering what we needed to do and then decided that we should probably Google the situation on the internet. That’s the most logical thing. Google knows everything! Chip searches and instructs me to call the doctor to see what we needed to do. They tell me to get to the hospital so they can check me since I'm so close to my due date and an hour and fifteen minutes from the hospital. I hang up and tell Chip what that the nurse says we need to go to Jackson.
I've always thought my hubby was a cool, calm and collect type of guy until that moment. He lost all motor function skills and capabilities of making any decisions. He jumped out of the recliner running in circles and proclaimed he had to hurry and take a shower. Instead of heading to the bathroom he went straight to the kitchen to warm up some chicken wings from the fridge. Yes, chicken wings – isn’t that what everyone does when they are potentially about to have a baby, eat chicken wings?
He was sitting in the kitchen eating chicken wings as I gathered the last things on my list to take to the hospital since everything else has been packed in the car for 6 months now. I finally sat down with him and asked what he was doing; I thought he was going to take a shower. He said, “I was, but then I got confused and thought I needed to eat.” His train of thought was that I may be in labor for 30 hours so he needed to go ahead and eat. After he ate he jumped in the shower and was still running around like a chicken with his head cut off. It was really amusing and cute and undoubtedly funny.
We jumped in the car and he peeled out of the driveway rocks flying everywhere like a mad man from the Dukes of Hazard. I said, “Sweetie, you don’t have to drive fast I’m ok and not having any contractions…no rush.” He informed me that this was the moment he’d been waiting for, the excuse to be able to drive fast. I let him be. By the time we passed all the awful and slow Leake County drivers on Hwy 35 and hit Hwy 25 the flashers were on and we were hauling bootie to Woman’s Hospital in Flowood, MS. As we pull into Flowood we notice how even though we aren’t in any hurry people don’t adhere to the flashers. The flashers have no power, they have no use, and everyone is oblivious to the flashers. They still travel at snail speed and don’t get out of your way. Good thing it wasn’t a true emergency or his worst fear of my birthing our baby in the car would have come true!
We get to the hospital; we have to go through admissions where they are waiting for us. They put me in a room and make me put on a gown and lay in bed. They spent 45 minutes asking questions from why I had my tonsils removed when I was 6 to does my husband beat me. Very interesting. They examine me and come to the conclusion my water had not broken. In fact, I had only peed my pants. Fabulous. Wonderful. So glad I’m 29 years old and can’t tell the difference between my water breaking and peeing myself. We pack up shop and they tell me to take my pillows and blood pressure cuff with me and bring it back with me so I’m not charged for them again come Tuesday when I have my scheduled c-section. That was mighty thoughtful of them.
So we get in the car, go get me something to eat because remember Chip ate chicken wings earlier and I was starving. Then we slowly drive home…no baby.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Chip and I headed to Jackson early because we were meeting up with the wonderful people at the Blake Clinic so they could give us a few things that may assist with Hill once he was born. It was so cold outside that the city of Jackson had a massive water pipe breakage that caused most all businesses to shut down in the downtown area due to no running water. Yes, yes, we normally do have running water in Mississippi, but this was an exception. With that said, the Blake Clinic people who were planning on being there the day Hill was born would not be able to come due to weather conditions and their offices being closed. The lady was so sweet! Even though their offices were closed down she waited for us to arrive to Jackson and met us at a convenient location to go over what we needed to do, gave us some supplies to help cleft babies and showed us how to use the special bottles and even gave us both her and the speech therapist in charges cell and home phone number if we needed anything come Tuesday morning.
Let me explain the Blake clinic. It is a fabulous federally funded program to help children like mine with potential disabilities; they provide supplies, support, education and many other wonderful things. For example; depending on the severity of a cleft lip / palate the child may require special bottles. These bottles are about $30 a pop. You need new ones each month because the nipples wear down and become soft so they can’t suck - so if you only used 6 bottles a month then that’s $180 a month in just bottles. The Blake Clinic helps parents obtain these bottles as a service, no charge each month. What a wonderful program to help not only cleft children and families but other children with disabilities.
After we met with her and gathered the goods we headed to Dr. North’s office. This is the day we get to see our baby for the last time on a sonogram before we meet him in person. Our appointment was at 3:00 for the sonogram and we got the same sweet technician that stayed late when we found out about Hill’s cleft to help us understand and try to find out the severity of our sweet boys condition. She remembered us and tried hard to see again if she could make his hands move from his face and rotate images, but our stubborn unborn little one wouldn’t cooperate. She guesstimated his weight at 8lbs 3oz and said everything looked great!
At 3:30 we met with Dr. North and he said all systems were a go for our arrival in the morning at 5:30am. He assured me I was not a weirdo for peeing my pants and thinking my water had broken. He’s always so sympathetic. So glad he’s the first face my baby sees. We were still on for my being the first surgery of the morning at 7:00am.
In the mean time as all of this was going on, my mom, dad and step mom were landing at the gigantic Jackson-Evers Airport, or as I like to refer to it as the old Wal-Mart building they converted to the area airport. We met them at the hotel we were going to stay at since we’d all need to wake up super early to be at the hospital. After we checked in we went and ate at Outback Steakhouse because I wanted steak and it was the only restaurant in the area open due to the weather / water issue.
After we ate we came back to the hotel and everyone, except me, had a glass of wine or scotch and chit chatted about how excited they were. I was so full and tired I decided to head up to bed early. Once I got to the room I set every alarm clock, cell phone alarm and called the front desk and explained to them the importance of my wake up call. I was having a baby and couldn’t be late! I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. I was so tired, but so excited that I couldn’t sleep. I really wasn’t nervous, just ready. Ready to meet my sweet little boy. Ready to see what obstacles he had ahead of him. Ready to see what a wonderful daddy my husband was going to be. Ready to see the faces of my family when they met Hill for the first time. Ready to kiss his sweet cheeks. Ready for this whole experience. I was ready and it was finally here! The longest yet shortest 39 weeks of my life was here and my whole entire world would never ever be the same…only better from here on out.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Happy Birthday, Snooks
Happy Birthday to the most wonderful woman Hill never had the opportunity to know, his Snooks.
Chip's mother hoped, prayed dreamed and repeatedly asked for us to give her a grandchild. Though she passed away when I was only 5 months pregnant with Hill, we will always be able to tell him and his sweet cousin Madison will be able to remind him the most important thing...Snooks lives in his heart.
With a smile like this you know it's true...there is nothing but pure goodness and love in this little boys heart.
Chip's mother hoped, prayed dreamed and repeatedly asked for us to give her a grandchild. Though she passed away when I was only 5 months pregnant with Hill, we will always be able to tell him and his sweet cousin Madison will be able to remind him the most important thing...Snooks lives in his heart.
With a smile like this you know it's true...there is nothing but pure goodness and love in this little boys heart.
How long does it take...
The million dollar question use to be - How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?
The question you all wanted to know was - How long does it take a scatter brained new mother to write 49 thank you notes, address them then and figure out how to get stamps at the post office while not leaveing her son in the car to be kidnapped?
The answer is 3 weeks.
I have finished the thank you notes. I will start my dissertation of the past 3 weeks and post as I finish eachChapter week.
Tap, tap, tap...is this thing on? Hello, hello, testing testing 1.2.3. I hope I haven't lost my fan club due to lack of posting.
Miss you!
The question you all wanted to know was - How long does it take a scatter brained new mother to write 49 thank you notes, address them then and figure out how to get stamps at the post office while not leaveing her son in the car to be kidnapped?
The answer is 3 weeks.
I have finished the thank you notes. I will start my dissertation of the past 3 weeks and post as I finish each
Tap, tap, tap...is this thing on? Hello, hello, testing testing 1.2.3. I hope I haven't lost my fan club due to lack of posting.
Miss you!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Excuses, Excuses
Well I have good excuses for not blogging. The main one is that my son, who is 16 days old today, and I spent the first 3 days of his life in the hospital then went home on Friday the 15th. Then that Sunday we went for our 2 day check up at the hospital in Jackson only to find he'd lost a lot of weight and we had to come back 2 days later. So we went back that Tuesday and he still needed another weigh in so we went back that Friday. We scheduled an appointment for the following Monday to New Orleans Childrens Hospital to have the cleft team evaluate him. So back in the car that Sunday to drive to the condo on the coast only to travel to New Orleans Monday and back home to Kosciusko that same night. Then yesterday, Wednesday we had our 2 week check up at the pediatrician in Jackson. *and breathe*
So...my excuse is that for 9 days I have been on the road more than in my house. My poor son thinks we are homeless and live in a car. Good thing he's a fabulous traveler!
Everyday I think about you guys and crave to blog, but all the clocks around me seem to be sucking up the time and I don't know where it goes. I made a pact with myself that I wasn't going to blog until I finished these 34 million six hundred eighty two thousand and four thank you notes I have to catch up on. I am trying to stick to my guns, which in turn deprives you of my rendition of the past 2 weeks. Soon enough my friends, soon enough. You have been somewhat patient with me as I try to get my act together...just a little bit longer and I'll be back on track!
Even Chip told me last night that I needed to update my blog. I cut my eyes at him like really? We've been so lazy and not busy I should be ashamed of myself. Then we just cracked up laughing.
Miss you all so much! I haven't been able to catch up on ANYONE'S blog! I am in withdrawl! Going into DT (detox) shakes. So if all of you could just not blog until I get my act together...that'd be great. Thanks!
I leave you with a precious pic of my little Hill. This is not a glamour shot nor did I cheesily pose him. He loves his hands at his face. He's just naturally adorable.
Love ya,
RCH
So...my excuse is that for 9 days I have been on the road more than in my house. My poor son thinks we are homeless and live in a car. Good thing he's a fabulous traveler!
Everyday I think about you guys and crave to blog, but all the clocks around me seem to be sucking up the time and I don't know where it goes. I made a pact with myself that I wasn't going to blog until I finished these 34 million six hundred eighty two thousand and four thank you notes I have to catch up on. I am trying to stick to my guns, which in turn deprives you of my rendition of the past 2 weeks. Soon enough my friends, soon enough. You have been somewhat patient with me as I try to get my act together...just a little bit longer and I'll be back on track!
Even Chip told me last night that I needed to update my blog. I cut my eyes at him like really? We've been so lazy and not busy I should be ashamed of myself. Then we just cracked up laughing.
Miss you all so much! I haven't been able to catch up on ANYONE'S blog! I am in withdrawl! Going into DT (detox) shakes. So if all of you could just not blog until I get my act together...that'd be great. Thanks!
I leave you with a precious pic of my little Hill. This is not a glamour shot nor did I cheesily pose him. He loves his hands at his face. He's just naturally adorable.
Love ya,
RCH
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Charles Hill Hawkins IV
I'm slowly but surely coming out of my fog since birthing the most beautiful baby boy a week ago today.
Here are a few pictures and I promise to backtrack and give you the whole scoop of the birthing process, the feedings, his dad having to wear latex gloves to change poopy diapers, how wonderful his dad is with him and many many other topics. In the mean time I hope these pictures will tide you over!
We are so in love and can't wait to share this experience with all of you! There will ALWAYS be something to blog about because afterall...we are the Hawkins and live in continual hilarity!
Chip, Hill and I truly appreciate your prayers, calls, texts, emails, casseroles, and the list goes on and on. Never a day that we aren't so thankful for all of you.
Much Love,
Rachel
Charles Hill Hawkins IV
Born Tuesday, January 12, 2010
9 lbs. 1 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long
We are extremely blessed and fortunate that your prayers and our prayers were lifted and our sweet baby Hill's cleft only affected his lip and did not extend into his nose or palate. He is able to eat, suck, coo, smile (poot), and give the best kisses ever! We don't even notice it...he's just a precious angel!
Hill's First Picture
Passing his APGAR test with a 10
(he's so smart already)
First Family Picture
Weigh In
Proud Daddy Showing Him Off
Everyone So Happy!
Hey There Fella
Daddy's Boy
Sweet Dreams
Thumb Sucker
Getting Ready to Head Home
First Car Ride!
Happy at Home!
We are so in love and can't wait to share this experience with all of you! There will ALWAYS be something to blog about because afterall...we are the Hawkins and live in continual hilarity!
Chip, Hill and I truly appreciate your prayers, calls, texts, emails, casseroles, and the list goes on and on. Never a day that we aren't so thankful for all of you.
Much Love,
Rachel
Monday, January 11, 2010
Post Written on Thursday...
Sorry I am just now posting this. It's been sitting in Draft Mode since Thursday. As you can imagine I've been running around like a spastic goon! It is now Monday, January 11, 2009 and I have finally figured out the internet connection at the Hampton Inn of Flowood. Since I really need to be getting some shut eye for Hill's big arrival at 7am in the morning I won't post activities from Friday thru today until later on when I get settled in the hospital. As for now I am laying in bed eating a monster bag of peanut M&M's and Chip is eating his left over bleu cheese topped ribeye from dinner. Such is life....
So...here is the scoop from last week that I am just now posting.
Here I am! I feel like this week has been a whirlwind. Tomorrow, Friday, is my last day of work and seems as though every time I look at something it reminds me of something else I need to do. I hope to tackle all those monsters today and wrap everything up nice and neat before tomorrow.
We should rewind to Monday, my doctors appointment. Some of you know that my doctors office is new and fancy and looks like a casino or hotel from the outside. Inevitably by the time I drive from Kosciusko to Jackson I need to use the bathroom because that is Hill's favorite spot to sit while riding in the car...my bladder. Then it's not like I can just go on and go to the bathroom because everything runs like clock work in that office. You check in, sit for like 2 minutes, they call you back, you pee in a cup, they take your blood pressure, do blood work if necessary and then you sit in the "sub" waiting room until the nurse calls you back to see the doctor. It's pretty routine. So, I always hold it until the pee in the cup time.
With that said, Monday was different...mother nature / gravity was backwards that day. They had upstairs plumbing issues (not downstairs) so the nurses were forming groups of pregnant ladies to ride the elevator to the 3 or 4 bathrooms downstairs to get the "specimens." Which explained why the lady in the elevator was holding her pee cup when we got there...it was weird and she felt just as awkward about it. Anyway, it was really funny because we all had to go...bad. We were all noticebly pregnant and they were waddling us around on elevators, back offices, etc just so we could all pee in the cup; thank goodness my nurse didn't make me carry it back upstairs myself. That was nice and discreat of her to bring a lid and put it in her pocket.
That is my weird story of the week. You know I always have something weird or funny that happens to me at my dr. appointments. So, enough about pee in a cup you want to know the baby scoop, don't you?
Hill is measuring 42 weeks now per Dr. North's tape measure. His heart beats per minute was 148, which is higher than it has ever been, but Dr. North said that is good! I told him that Hill's heart rate is elevated because he's anxious and ready to come out - Dr. North gave me the, your so silly, look and I said, oh ok, well maybe his mama is anxious and ready to for him to come out? He examined me and still no dilation, but he felt his head even though he hasn't really dropped enough. He was about to wrap things up and give me my paperwork for next Monday and I called a big time out. I reminded him that he PROMISED a plan at week 38. He said ok, either you have this baby on your own between now and next Monday or we are doing a c section on Tuesday. There is your plan. So...I am not sure if I was in shock, caught off guard, confused or what, but all I could say was...but I want to HAVE him. He assured me that everyone wants to HAVE their baby and he wants them to, but he worries with him being so big that his shoulders would get stuck or we'd break something of mine or Hill's. It just really wasn't in the cards. Chip asked the odds of my going into labor between now and then and he just shook his head that it was really unlikely since I have had no dilation or changes.
I told him I trust him, which I 100% do. I think I was just a little heart broken and felt like I wasn't give more of an option to try to have him. I was speechless...I know, it's hard to fathom me not having anything to say. Dr. North told me he'd call the hospital to schedule everything and I needed to meet him at his desk in a minute. It took me a while to absorb everything and I got a little upset and Chip was so supportive and excited and kept reminding me we are having a baby on Tuesday this is wonderful! I breifly got over myself and met Dr. North at his desk, he said Tuesday morning at 7am I will be having a baby. Monday I will have a sonogram and then meet with him afterwards.
So, when we got to the car I called my family and told them that they should probably fly in Monday the 11th and we'd all get a hotel that night since we had to be there early Tuesday morning. Afterwards I felt bad because I was so unenthused and they were so excited. Why was I the only one not happy? I was such a crying faced poo poo head about the most exciting time of my life! My unhappiness had nothing to do with Hill and him making his debut, but I just felt cheated a little. Like I have been fearing. This big experience in my life that will only happen for the first time once was not so much a surprise anymore. I hate surprises, but was looking forward to the bit of unknown this time. I know, that is totally not ever who I am nor does it fall in line with my OCD planning fetish. Again, I got over myself and by an hour or so later I was in full planning mode... still a little heart broken but no doubt excited.
So that was Monday (the 4th) and today is Thursday. I feel like 24 days have passed since then.
Ok, so that's the end of that post. It's really now Monday (the 11th). Holy cow, we are having a baby tomorrow! I need to get some sleep. I hope I sleep. I have a little bit of indie and a nervous stomach.
Chip is super cute and super excited and that makes me even more excited!
Here is a reminder list of what I need to talk about later...remind me if I forget.
1) Chip had the chance to drive really fast with his flashers on because we thought my water was "leaking" on Sunday.
2) How when they told us to come to Jackson to check if my water broke, Chip didn't know what to do so he sat in our kitchen and ate chicken wings.
3) This Monday's Dr. appointment and how Dr. North didn't think my asking for a tummy tuck was funny.
Ok team! Tomorrow at o seven hundred we will have a baby! I promise as soon as I get back on track I'll post how cute my baby is. Until then. Hang tight!
Love you all...I'm off to have a baby!
RCH
So...here is the scoop from last week that I am just now posting.
Here I am! I feel like this week has been a whirlwind. Tomorrow, Friday, is my last day of work and seems as though every time I look at something it reminds me of something else I need to do. I hope to tackle all those monsters today and wrap everything up nice and neat before tomorrow.
We should rewind to Monday, my doctors appointment. Some of you know that my doctors office is new and fancy and looks like a casino or hotel from the outside. Inevitably by the time I drive from Kosciusko to Jackson I need to use the bathroom because that is Hill's favorite spot to sit while riding in the car...my bladder. Then it's not like I can just go on and go to the bathroom because everything runs like clock work in that office. You check in, sit for like 2 minutes, they call you back, you pee in a cup, they take your blood pressure, do blood work if necessary and then you sit in the "sub" waiting room until the nurse calls you back to see the doctor. It's pretty routine. So, I always hold it until the pee in the cup time.
With that said, Monday was different...mother nature / gravity was backwards that day. They had upstairs plumbing issues (not downstairs) so the nurses were forming groups of pregnant ladies to ride the elevator to the 3 or 4 bathrooms downstairs to get the "specimens." Which explained why the lady in the elevator was holding her pee cup when we got there...it was weird and she felt just as awkward about it. Anyway, it was really funny because we all had to go...bad. We were all noticebly pregnant and they were waddling us around on elevators, back offices, etc just so we could all pee in the cup; thank goodness my nurse didn't make me carry it back upstairs myself. That was nice and discreat of her to bring a lid and put it in her pocket.
That is my weird story of the week. You know I always have something weird or funny that happens to me at my dr. appointments. So, enough about pee in a cup you want to know the baby scoop, don't you?
Hill is measuring 42 weeks now per Dr. North's tape measure. His heart beats per minute was 148, which is higher than it has ever been, but Dr. North said that is good! I told him that Hill's heart rate is elevated because he's anxious and ready to come out - Dr. North gave me the, your so silly, look and I said, oh ok, well maybe his mama is anxious and ready to for him to come out? He examined me and still no dilation, but he felt his head even though he hasn't really dropped enough. He was about to wrap things up and give me my paperwork for next Monday and I called a big time out. I reminded him that he PROMISED a plan at week 38. He said ok, either you have this baby on your own between now and next Monday or we are doing a c section on Tuesday. There is your plan. So...I am not sure if I was in shock, caught off guard, confused or what, but all I could say was...but I want to HAVE him. He assured me that everyone wants to HAVE their baby and he wants them to, but he worries with him being so big that his shoulders would get stuck or we'd break something of mine or Hill's. It just really wasn't in the cards. Chip asked the odds of my going into labor between now and then and he just shook his head that it was really unlikely since I have had no dilation or changes.
I told him I trust him, which I 100% do. I think I was just a little heart broken and felt like I wasn't give more of an option to try to have him. I was speechless...I know, it's hard to fathom me not having anything to say. Dr. North told me he'd call the hospital to schedule everything and I needed to meet him at his desk in a minute. It took me a while to absorb everything and I got a little upset and Chip was so supportive and excited and kept reminding me we are having a baby on Tuesday this is wonderful! I breifly got over myself and met Dr. North at his desk, he said Tuesday morning at 7am I will be having a baby. Monday I will have a sonogram and then meet with him afterwards.
So, when we got to the car I called my family and told them that they should probably fly in Monday the 11th and we'd all get a hotel that night since we had to be there early Tuesday morning. Afterwards I felt bad because I was so unenthused and they were so excited. Why was I the only one not happy? I was such a crying faced poo poo head about the most exciting time of my life! My unhappiness had nothing to do with Hill and him making his debut, but I just felt cheated a little. Like I have been fearing. This big experience in my life that will only happen for the first time once was not so much a surprise anymore. I hate surprises, but was looking forward to the bit of unknown this time. I know, that is totally not ever who I am nor does it fall in line with my OCD planning fetish. Again, I got over myself and by an hour or so later I was in full planning mode... still a little heart broken but no doubt excited.
So that was Monday (the 4th) and today is Thursday. I feel like 24 days have passed since then.
Ok, so that's the end of that post. It's really now Monday (the 11th). Holy cow, we are having a baby tomorrow! I need to get some sleep. I hope I sleep. I have a little bit of indie and a nervous stomach.
Chip is super cute and super excited and that makes me even more excited!
Here is a reminder list of what I need to talk about later...remind me if I forget.
1) Chip had the chance to drive really fast with his flashers on because we thought my water was "leaking" on Sunday.
2) How when they told us to come to Jackson to check if my water broke, Chip didn't know what to do so he sat in our kitchen and ate chicken wings.
3) This Monday's Dr. appointment and how Dr. North didn't think my asking for a tummy tuck was funny.
Ok team! Tomorrow at o seven hundred we will have a baby! I promise as soon as I get back on track I'll post how cute my baby is. Until then. Hang tight!
Love you all...I'm off to have a baby!
RCH
Friday, January 08, 2010
Andrew Edward Mitchell
I wanted to make sure you all keep my friend Lindsey and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Today is the day they lay sweet Andrew in his final resting place.
Lindsey's words are so strong; they explain her internal struggle so beautifully...
"I love a boy named Andrew Edward Mitchell and talking about him makes me feel closer to him and more peaceful inside."
Lindsey's words are so strong; they explain her internal struggle so beautifully...
"I love a boy named Andrew Edward Mitchell and talking about him makes me feel closer to him and more peaceful inside."
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Hold Please.....
Sorry for the delay! There has been no birthing of the baby...yet. I go back Monday for a sonogram and doctor appointment then I am scheduled for a c section on Tuesday January 12th.
As wonderful as it is that I can plan and be more prepared and organize with my family when to be here I had to fight a few personal deamons. I'm better now, but will not lie that I was really upset that I have had no dilation no nothing to make any of this happen on my own. The fact that I've grown such a big baby seemingly makes me ineligible to birth this baby.
I will fill you all in on how the appointment went and try to remeber and replay my whacked out dream last night about Dr. North and how he turned into some really big weird-o that went postal on me from a random FaceBook post. Maybe I didn't fight all these deamons? Maybe I need more rest?
As wonderful as it is that I can plan and be more prepared and organize with my family when to be here I had to fight a few personal deamons. I'm better now, but will not lie that I was really upset that I have had no dilation no nothing to make any of this happen on my own. The fact that I've grown such a big baby seemingly makes me ineligible to birth this baby.
I will fill you all in on how the appointment went and try to remeber and replay my whacked out dream last night about Dr. North and how he turned into some really big weird-o that went postal on me from a random FaceBook post. Maybe I didn't fight all these deamons? Maybe I need more rest?
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Happy New Year! Come on out!
New Years was fantastic. We had a great time at Kittrell's in Lexington, MS with our friends Kim Wiggers, Dick Carter, the Pettits and the Vances. Good food, good friends, good band.......what more can you ask for? I will post pictures soon.
New Years Day was relaxing. Chip made red beans and rice and I made cole slaw, for the cabbage. I ate all the cabbage myself because as you all know Chip doesn't eat veggies or greenery of any type. Someone has to eat for prospertiy around here. I made corn bread for the first time and it was actually good! Chip went hunting and Whitney came over to watch The Hangover and play Super Mario Brothers.
Saturday, January 2nd was the 2010 Cotton Bowl. In 2009, Ole Miss played the last Cotton Bowl in the old Stadium and this year they played the first Cotton Bowl in the new stadium. We brought home wins both times! Go Rebs!
In true Hawkins fashion we cooked up a bunch of food for the game like hot wings, lemon pepper wings, jalapeno deer meat wrapped with bacon, pineapple deer meat wrapped with bacon, red beans and rice, cream cheese and picapepper, chips, and other stuff that Chef Boy R Chippy cooked up. Who was going to eat all this food? We didn't know until they got here and ended up having a house full of people and not one left over. We love to have people over and cook and entertain.
After the game we played Rock Band and then true to Rachel fashion when I get tired....I just go to bed. Everyone knows this. I'm not being rude, I expect you to stay around and hang out and have a good time, but if I'm tired...I go to bed. I haven't really felt bad or been tired, but just feel like I've been hit by an 18 wheeler...all 18 tires. I feel like I have the flu but without feeling bad...only achy and immobile.
Disclaimer: I'm a whiney butt and pull out the violins.
My hips and pelvis don't really work. I know it's because Hill is taking his mark. I can't get up and down and then the swelling in my feet has not gone down since New Years, which is weird because after I lay in bed and sleep - - when I wake up they are usually semi normal again. No such luck these past three days. As a matter of fact I took at warm bath at like 11:00 last night and then this morning at like 2am my hands, arms and face were so swollen I called the doctor. I've never called the emergency line before but was a little concerned about the fact my watch almost didn't come off it was so tight. The emergency line is crazy fast. They said someone would call me back within 15 minutes...it was more like 15 seconds. Since we all know Dr. North is not on call because he went to the Cotton Bowl, Dr. Johnson called me back. She suggested that I elevate my legs above my heart for the swelling. So that lasted for like an hour in the recliner, then I had to go back to my bed. I get RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) when I sit in the recliner for too long. I always want to lay on my side in bed.
Now I'm up, I'm awake and blown up like a beached whale. I think Hill is coming soon. The dogs think Hill is coming soon too. They are so clingy and want to lay right up on me. They have that crazy sixth sense. We are all super ready for his sweetlittle big self to come on out and play! Hopefully tomorrow we will know so much more. Now that Dr. North is back in the vacinity I am even more hopeful Hill will come before my appointment tomorrow at 3:30.
I think I'm becoming that annoying pregnant lady. I have enjoyed my pregnancy so much, it's so weird that you hit this certain point and it's like...ok, enough now. Let's get this show on the road! I've been so patient to meet my little boy....I'm ready to kiss those fat cheeks! Bring em' on!!
New Years Day was relaxing. Chip made red beans and rice and I made cole slaw, for the cabbage. I ate all the cabbage myself because as you all know Chip doesn't eat veggies or greenery of any type. Someone has to eat for prospertiy around here. I made corn bread for the first time and it was actually good! Chip went hunting and Whitney came over to watch The Hangover and play Super Mario Brothers.
Saturday, January 2nd was the 2010 Cotton Bowl. In 2009, Ole Miss played the last Cotton Bowl in the old Stadium and this year they played the first Cotton Bowl in the new stadium. We brought home wins both times! Go Rebs!
In true Hawkins fashion we cooked up a bunch of food for the game like hot wings, lemon pepper wings, jalapeno deer meat wrapped with bacon, pineapple deer meat wrapped with bacon, red beans and rice, cream cheese and picapepper, chips, and other stuff that Chef Boy R Chippy cooked up. Who was going to eat all this food? We didn't know until they got here and ended up having a house full of people and not one left over. We love to have people over and cook and entertain.
After the game we played Rock Band and then true to Rachel fashion when I get tired....I just go to bed. Everyone knows this. I'm not being rude, I expect you to stay around and hang out and have a good time, but if I'm tired...I go to bed. I haven't really felt bad or been tired, but just feel like I've been hit by an 18 wheeler...all 18 tires. I feel like I have the flu but without feeling bad...only achy and immobile.
Disclaimer: I'm a whiney butt and pull out the violins.
My hips and pelvis don't really work. I know it's because Hill is taking his mark. I can't get up and down and then the swelling in my feet has not gone down since New Years, which is weird because after I lay in bed and sleep - - when I wake up they are usually semi normal again. No such luck these past three days. As a matter of fact I took at warm bath at like 11:00 last night and then this morning at like 2am my hands, arms and face were so swollen I called the doctor. I've never called the emergency line before but was a little concerned about the fact my watch almost didn't come off it was so tight. The emergency line is crazy fast. They said someone would call me back within 15 minutes...it was more like 15 seconds. Since we all know Dr. North is not on call because he went to the Cotton Bowl, Dr. Johnson called me back. She suggested that I elevate my legs above my heart for the swelling. So that lasted for like an hour in the recliner, then I had to go back to my bed. I get RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) when I sit in the recliner for too long. I always want to lay on my side in bed.
Now I'm up, I'm awake and blown up like a beached whale. I think Hill is coming soon. The dogs think Hill is coming soon too. They are so clingy and want to lay right up on me. They have that crazy sixth sense. We are all super ready for his sweet
I think I'm becoming that annoying pregnant lady. I have enjoyed my pregnancy so much, it's so weird that you hit this certain point and it's like...ok, enough now. Let's get this show on the road! I've been so patient to meet my little boy....I'm ready to kiss those fat cheeks! Bring em' on!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Cast Iron Skillet
Before I close out 2009 I needed to give a big shout out to my cast iron skillet!
Mamaw gave me this heirloom in July 2008 and passed away 7 months later in February 2009, she was 88. It may just be one of my most prized posessions.
There are also 2 little ones that are just as wonderful.
What a wonderful gift I've been given. I am also very fortunate because my husband adores them just as much as I do. Him being the chef of the house treats them with the same respect and honor that they deserve!
Here's to another 71 years ol' skillet!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Shower me with....Sonic
Wait...what? Ya'll know me. I'm scatter brained. The title of my blog is two seperate trains of thought.
Last night I had a fabulous baby shower with some of my most favorite people in Kosciusko, the Ya-Ya's and good family friends. All of whom have raised my husband to be the fine strapping young man we see today. The Ya-Ya's are Adriennes' life long best friends that took me in from day 1 as if I was always a Hawkins. These crazy girls are the ones that never make me feel like my family is over 700 miles away in Texas and it always warms my heart knowing they are there for us to call on anytime...for anything. So, with that said, Hill has so many surogate grandparents it's obscenely wonderful.
The shower was at Mrs. Judi Bell's house and she did it up fantastic! Punch, homemade icebox cookies and probably the most fabulous custard I've ever eaten in my entire life. Hill received so many wonderful things and officially has a sufficient supply of diapers for now. Yay! We received all kinds of bedtime calming lotions and bath washes...I think they of all people know any baby of Chip's needs some type of calming something. They were surprised to hear that still 32 years later Chip doesn't sleep. I asked them if it was possible to OD my baby on calming lotion?
Last night I had a fabulous baby shower with some of my most favorite people in Kosciusko, the Ya-Ya's and good family friends. All of whom have raised my husband to be the fine strapping young man we see today. The Ya-Ya's are Adriennes' life long best friends that took me in from day 1 as if I was always a Hawkins. These crazy girls are the ones that never make me feel like my family is over 700 miles away in Texas and it always warms my heart knowing they are there for us to call on anytime...for anything. So, with that said, Hill has so many surogate grandparents it's obscenely wonderful.
The shower was at Mrs. Judi Bell's house and she did it up fantastic! Punch, homemade icebox cookies and probably the most fabulous custard I've ever eaten in my entire life. Hill received so many wonderful things and officially has a sufficient supply of diapers for now. Yay! We received all kinds of bedtime calming lotions and bath washes...I think they of all people know any baby of Chip's needs some type of calming something. They were surprised to hear that still 32 years later Chip doesn't sleep. I asked them if it was possible to OD my baby on calming lotion?
I can picture it now.
2am... Hill on his changing table crying,
I'm crying standing over him squirting calming lotion all over him
wondering why he won't stop.
That is when I will be calling the Ya-Ya's asking, what in the world do I do? Anyway, I had a fantastic time and am so appreciative of all the ladies that came. I love you all more than you'll ever know! Thanks for everything!
I also want to thank all the people that sent me emails about my post yesterday. I am glad that you all are comfortable enough to send me emails about your experiences on birthing big babies, c sections, pros, cons, it all is very very helpful and insightful. Please keep the advice and input coming! You know I love information!!
Some of you prefaced your emails with...I know we don't know each other very well, but... Girls, girls, girls....please. We are all BFF's here. You know about my panties and you know about my feet, for Pete's sake you know about the stains in my bra. You know me up close and sometimes too personal, so I would hope that sharing your thoughts and opinions with me would come second nature and is most definately expected! Even if it is via email instead of a comment for the other readers to see. I respect that and appreciate all feedback. So, I thank you very very very much! Love to you all!
So onto the second train of thought in my title...Sonic. Last night all over Facebook everyone was talking about our local Sonic closing. I kept my cool until I found out the facts, but have to admit that I was scared at first. My friend Marsha sent me a text late last night because she immediately feared for me and thought - How is Rachel going to get her Fountain Coke fix now? She knows me all too well, that silly Marsha. As horrifying as it is these were my thoughts exactly, then my thoughts went to, Oh No! Where can I get a hamburger at 7:45 in the morning? Thank goodness they are only closing shop for a little while to re-vamp it and make it what Marsha dubbed a "Shiny Sonic." That means it's fancy and new.
So, like any pregnant person, especially from my instant gratification generation, I woke up early this morning, got dressed and drove to Sonic. I'm not sure if it was because I know it may be the last burger I have from Sonic while Hill is in utero or if it was that I was the first person of the day to order a hamburger, but that was probably the most fantastic burger I've ever had. It was made with love, extra butter or something special this morning. I got an indigestion filled Route 44 Cherry Vanilla Coke and am going to bring the Sonic 2009 experience to an end on that note, I don't think it can be topped. Can't wait for the Shiny 2010 Sonic! Hill will love it. Maybe we can tell Hill that because of him needing a continual supply of Route 44 Cokes and #1's with mayo and tater tots at 7:45 am, Kosciusko Sonic was able to upgrade to a fancy facility. They should probably name it after him. Wait....Hill can't take all of the credit. His BFF, Pearce Marquerdt, played a large role in financing the reconstruction as well.
Ok friends, I will probably not talk to you before the new year comes. I want each and every one of you to have a safe and happy new year! I hope that 2010 is better than 2009; and as we add another Hawkins into the mix may we look forward to more crazy antics along the way! Can you imagine?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
37 Weeks & Feet
Yesterday's doctors appointment was unproductive, but a step closer to next week...week 38. Week 38 is the week he promises we get to make a plan for my baby Hill's arrival.
At week 37 our baby boy is said to measure in again at 41 weeks. I say "said" loosely because I originally asked him what I was measuring and he said 48.......I raised my voice and said 7 weeks in 1 week? Good Gawd! So he pulled out the measuring tape again and said...oh ok, you are right, it's still 41 - I misread it. I'm still not sure if he was humoring me or if he is the one going to contact Guiness Book to be there in the delivery room.
I let him know about our sweet niece Addie being born at 8lbs 10oz and he assured Chip and me that Hill had surpassed his older cousin in weight already. Oh yes, I must publicly apologize for blaming the Hawkins on the size of my son. Dr. North informed me that it normally follows the maternal birth weight. Ummm...I was little. Like 6 maybe 7 lbs? Maybe we have some type of reverse something where he'll be a big baby and a skinny adult. Where I was a small baby and a big adult? Here's hoping to you kiddo! Truth be known I feel like this Hawkins gene is just super strong and trumps my Childers gene in everything. Whatever. As long as he eats his veggies I'll be happy.
As for other important things to document; he has a heart beat of 137 bpm which is good and I have dilated ZERO - - AGAIN...which is not good. Well, it's not bad, but it just means that he is not coming out any time soon. So, looks like we've made it through Christmas, will make it through New Years and on past the Cotton Bowl (which Dr. North has not packed for yet...I asked) and right out of claiming him on our taxes this year. So we go back again at the same Bat Time and the same Bat Place Monday 3:30pm, January the 4th (week 38) and we will talk more about an action plan. HE PROMISED!
I think I have been very patient about the situation and not tormenting Dr. North about it. Chip probably disagrees because he is the one that has to hear my daily sob of "my baby is never coming out." Whaaa. I think Chip is quite possibly more ready for Hill to arrive than I am! Wonder if it's because he's excited or if it's because he wants me to stop being so consumed in why he isn't out yet! What a wonderful daddy he will be. I can't wait. Obviously!
What I do know... Dr. North said he is of the opinion that no person should have to birth a 9lb anything. I gently touched his hand and said "God Bless you, Dr." So, that means that my baby is potentially over 9lbs and I will more than likely be having a c section. I secretly am torn. I will be upset if Hill weighs in less than 9lbs and I didn't get the opportunity to go through the birthing process. I will feel a little cheated. Is that weird? As my friend said, if he is bigger than 9lbs, my 'hooha' will thank me.
So let's talk about this possible c section and my feelings on the situation.
1) He will not have a cone head - that is a plus. Chip had a big cone head and it's my understanding it was so bad his dad thought he needed to have surgery. Given, his heroic mama birthed his 9lbs 10oz self. Wow is all I can say.
2) He will look more like Winston Churchill. What? Yes. According to my husband all babies look like Winston Churchill when they are born.
3) A c section is scheduled. This is exciting for me and my OCD because I get to plan! We ALL know I love to plan! Yet, it still takes away from the whole rush-to-the-hospital-oh-my-goodness-we-forgot-the-camera-holy-cow-we-are-having-a-baby moment. Yet, this is a plus for Chip because he has this HUGE fear I am going to have this baby in the car on the way to the hospital. The down side is he said that every man has the dream and awaits the opportunity of driving super illegally fast to the hospital and not getting a ticket.
4) My family will have time to prepare to be here for the birth if I have a c section. They are all in Texas and want to get to Mississippi as soon as possible! Everyone already has their bags packed and are just waiting for a GO!
If I have a c section it will be just fine. I want the safest route for both me and my baby. At this stage he is locked up in there tight and even though he feels like he is falling out I was assured that he is not going to. Well isn't that good news?
Jane Claire asked me today if I thought that Hill would have what I dubbed the Hawkins shoebox feet. I totally forgot to look at the sonogram with his foot on his head to see! This is something I didn't think about, something very important. How could I have not thought about this in the past 9 months? Have you ever seen JC or Chip's feet? They crack me up. Like maybe they should buy shoes just to wear the box they came in. I'm not talking trash, seriously, they laugh with me about it. They know it's true. It's funny cute in like a Flintstone yabba dabba doo kind of way.
At week 37 our baby boy is said to measure in again at 41 weeks. I say "said" loosely because I originally asked him what I was measuring and he said 48.......I raised my voice and said 7 weeks in 1 week? Good Gawd! So he pulled out the measuring tape again and said...oh ok, you are right, it's still 41 - I misread it. I'm still not sure if he was humoring me or if he is the one going to contact Guiness Book to be there in the delivery room.
I let him know about our sweet niece Addie being born at 8lbs 10oz and he assured Chip and me that Hill had surpassed his older cousin in weight already. Oh yes, I must publicly apologize for blaming the Hawkins on the size of my son. Dr. North informed me that it normally follows the maternal birth weight. Ummm...I was little. Like 6 maybe 7 lbs? Maybe we have some type of reverse something where he'll be a big baby and a skinny adult. Where I was a small baby and a big adult? Here's hoping to you kiddo! Truth be known I feel like this Hawkins gene is just super strong and trumps my Childers gene in everything. Whatever. As long as he eats his veggies I'll be happy.
As for other important things to document; he has a heart beat of 137 bpm which is good and I have dilated ZERO - - AGAIN...which is not good. Well, it's not bad, but it just means that he is not coming out any time soon. So, looks like we've made it through Christmas, will make it through New Years and on past the Cotton Bowl (which Dr. North has not packed for yet...I asked) and right out of claiming him on our taxes this year. So we go back again at the same Bat Time and the same Bat Place Monday 3:30pm, January the 4th (week 38) and we will talk more about an action plan. HE PROMISED!
I think I have been very patient about the situation and not tormenting Dr. North about it. Chip probably disagrees because he is the one that has to hear my daily sob of "my baby is never coming out." Whaaa. I think Chip is quite possibly more ready for Hill to arrive than I am! Wonder if it's because he's excited or if it's because he wants me to stop being so consumed in why he isn't out yet! What a wonderful daddy he will be. I can't wait. Obviously!
What I do know... Dr. North said he is of the opinion that no person should have to birth a 9lb anything. I gently touched his hand and said "God Bless you, Dr." So, that means that my baby is potentially over 9lbs and I will more than likely be having a c section. I secretly am torn. I will be upset if Hill weighs in less than 9lbs and I didn't get the opportunity to go through the birthing process. I will feel a little cheated. Is that weird? As my friend said, if he is bigger than 9lbs, my 'hooha' will thank me.
So let's talk about this possible c section and my feelings on the situation.
1) He will not have a cone head - that is a plus. Chip had a big cone head and it's my understanding it was so bad his dad thought he needed to have surgery. Given, his heroic mama birthed his 9lbs 10oz self. Wow is all I can say.
2) He will look more like Winston Churchill. What? Yes. According to my husband all babies look like Winston Churchill when they are born.
3) A c section is scheduled. This is exciting for me and my OCD because I get to plan! We ALL know I love to plan! Yet, it still takes away from the whole rush-to-the-hospital-oh-my-goodness-we-forgot-the-camera-holy-cow-we-are-having-a-baby moment. Yet, this is a plus for Chip because he has this HUGE fear I am going to have this baby in the car on the way to the hospital. The down side is he said that every man has the dream and awaits the opportunity of driving super illegally fast to the hospital and not getting a ticket.
4) My family will have time to prepare to be here for the birth if I have a c section. They are all in Texas and want to get to Mississippi as soon as possible! Everyone already has their bags packed and are just waiting for a GO!
If I have a c section it will be just fine. I want the safest route for both me and my baby. At this stage he is locked up in there tight and even though he feels like he is falling out I was assured that he is not going to. Well isn't that good news?
Jane Claire asked me today if I thought that Hill would have what I dubbed the Hawkins shoebox feet. I totally forgot to look at the sonogram with his foot on his head to see! This is something I didn't think about, something very important. How could I have not thought about this in the past 9 months? Have you ever seen JC or Chip's feet? They crack me up. Like maybe they should buy shoes just to wear the box they came in. I'm not talking trash, seriously, they laugh with me about it. They know it's true. It's funny cute in like a Flintstone yabba dabba doo kind of way.
Dear Lord, please spare my sweet baby the shoebox feet. Thanks!
Well I have to admit that I may rather my son have shoebox feet than my stinky feet. It's really bad. Like take what you are thinking and multiply it by a trillion. You know me, I always tell on myself. I have boom-bostic chronic foot odor. Chip can't wait until I'm not pregnant anymore so that I can hopefully get on medicine to make them stop smelling. If they don't have foot odor medicine then he more than likely will single handedly fund for a pharmecutical company to do the R&D to develop it. This isn't new news. My dad tells stories of when I was a child and they were in the living room watching tv and my shoes were by the couch. He thought something had died, but my brothers said it was my shoes. Probably my white canvas Keds from 1986 with the curly shoe strings..or it may have been my Reebok hightops with velcro? Either way this stems back over 20 some odd years. I hate shoes, maybe it's for this reason? If I could go barefoot 24-7 I would.
Now that I'm pregant the odor has been cranked up loud. I only have a couple of shoe wear options in my closet. My tennis shoes, my Keen black stretchy flats, my flip flops and two pairs of dress shoes (one black one metalic). Since I have these few options they are on super wear smelly overload. They all live outside on my patio until it's time for me to put one of them on in the morning time. I'm serious. The other morning I was in the shower and smelled something... oh it was my shoes, I forgot to put them outside. They were by my closet like 10 feet away from my steaming hot shower with smell good shampoo circulating the air. My shoe odor trumped my clean odor. This past weekend I finally got the courage to ask Chip if he maybe threw away my black dress shoes because I haven't seen them in like a month. He said he didn't, but he might have not been able to take it anymore and tossed them. I can't be upset.
I could go on and on and on about how bad it is.
There are hundreds if not thousands of stories across the globe about my foot odor. It's ok. I cope with it. I'm not ashamed. I just do not wish this curse on my son. Maybe he will have my feet without the odor. Bless his heart if he has his daddy's feet with my foot odor. He's doomed for life! Great, one more thing to worry about!
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