Aunt Rachia.

(17 May - 31 May 2011)

Wow, I feel like we've packed in SO much the last few months... probably because we have ;0) It was awesome having Rach come out to visit for two whole weeks. Here are some of the highlights from her stay:

*Rach playing and goofing off with Brie * trying out new recipes * seeing the Clydesdales at Grants' Farm * buying matching shirts from Costco and being Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum * seeing the butterflies at the Zoo * checking out the Magic House * having a Papa John's pizza party * seeing the gorgeous Botanical Gardens (try #2) * playing at Tower Grove Park * buying international food from Jay's Market on Grand * Bry and Rach doing home improvement projects * picnicking at WashU * watching lots of movies (Despicable Me, Mega Mind, the Hiding Place, Young Victoria, etc.) * learning the lyrics to "Hidden Away" (in vain ;0)) * seeing Rach snuggle with her Little Gug (aka Alexander :0)) * driving to see the STL Temple * making yummy breakfasts * giving Alexander his first official bath (yes it was almost a month after he was born, but there is good reason...ask for details ;0)) * making Lumpia and Fried Bananas * listening to good music * going out to eat * Coldstone * chalk drawings and bubbles on back patio * buying "penny candies" from Ben Franklin * riding the metro (my first time) to see Josh Groban in concert! * Ted Drewe's * watching Tangled and picnic dinner in livingroom * Brie helping to give Alex his first bottle * chatting and reminiscing * eating ice cream *

Oh Pook, thanks for getting away from the ICU to come visit. We sure loved having you! And thank you for getting up with our little rooster so that we could sleep in :0)

Surviving?

Thanks to SO much support from family, ward members, neighbors and friends...the second time around I feel like we've been doing so much more than Surviving the newborn phase/ postpartum and it's a wonderful thing! (Recovery this time has been worlds better and that has been a HUGE blessing! ) I think we'd all agree that our favorite past time has been Snuggling with our little guy. I think it's about my favorite thing ever :0) Oh we could just eat this little Alexander up. We love him to pieces! He's such a sweetie... and so cuddly. Usually he's pretty content sitting/sleeping in his bouncer but sometimes he gets fussy and just wants to be held. I try to seize the moment and snuggle his sweet little self, after all he's not going to be small for long! (Yesterday we went in for his 1 month checkup-- Height: 22 1/2 ", Weight: 10.15 lbs.)

Mémé.

(15-28 April 2011)

Can I just say YAY for moms?! :0) First off, it was so special sharing Alexander's birth with my Mom (in part because she had to have c-sections with all us kids and never got to experience a "normal" birth) and having her there. There is something calming and reassuring about having her there in the room...her mother's intuition...and the thoughtful care that she gives. I told her that she should just plan on being present for all subsequent births as well :0)

Aside from that, it was so wonderful having her here for all the other moments leading up to his birth and afterward. She was SUCH a great help to us and SO fun to have around. Here are some of my favorite moments with Mom...Making jewelry, trying out new recipes, cooking and baking, shopping, making and delivering Easter treats, coloring Easter eggs, having an awesome gastronomic experience at a friend's house (gourmet oil/vinegar/salt/cheese/chocolate taste-testing), playing games, her scrubbing my dry calloused feet, making us delicious omelettes, being Brie's bud, doing lots of loads of laundry, making us a belated Easter dinner, treating us to Ted Drewe's, taking part in our Easter Eve morning, and chatting with our feet up.

Oh Mom, thanks for being here. We sure appreciate EVERYTHING that you did for us! You were a HUGE help and so wonderful to spend time with. We love you!!

Grandpa & Nana Julz.

(29 April - 2 May 2011)

Dad & Julia made a special stop in St. Louis on their way to Mexico. It was a quick weekend trip but was so great to have them in our home (and to meet our new little guy) for the first time. Some of the highlights include: watching Nana & Grandpa dance, slide, sing, read and play with Brie...snuggle, rock and hold Alexander, making food to freeze (Julia's homemade spaghetti sauce, strawberry jam, chocolate chip pumpkin muffins), chatting, Bry getting a father's blessing, having a family testimony meeting, Julia taking family pictures, and just catching up.

Thank you for coming! We love you guys :0)

A little bit of Heaven.

A few weeks before Alexander was born I asked a friend (and fellow primary music leader) of mine if she could do a newborn/family photo shoot for me. I told her that I was all about candid pictures...that I just wanted to capture some of the normal, daily moments that often don't get recorded. (I had to make sure to wear the pajama pants I've been living in for the last few weeks ;0))

A little explanation. For whatever reason...Brie coming to snuggle with us in bed on Saturday and Sunday mornings was a little bit of Heaven for me (well snuggle for a second and then it would turn into tickling wars!). Those are some of my most favorite, laughter-filled, happy times and I couldn't help but envision other little munchkins in the mix. In any case, when Melissa came over for the shoot Saturday morning, I had her shoot a few of those moments for us...PJ's and all!

I of course couldn't narrow down my favorites so I put together a few collages and collections. Thank you, Melissa, for capturing our family in such a personal way...

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Sweet Little Alexander.

Oh my how I LOVE the soft, snuggly warmth of newborn babies.

We had to get a few shots on our back patio with the BEAUTIFUL green going on!


Bry + Me + Brie + Alex = A little bit of Heaven

Bompa.

(15-20 April 2011)

My Dad and Mom were the next visitors to come. Brie LOVES her Bompa and was so excited to have him visit. He had preparations at home to finalize for his upcoming brigada to Honduras, so he wasn't able to stay a super long time, but we sure enjoyed having him here. (It was especially fun for me to show him around our house...the little improvements we've made--well, that Bry's made :0)-- since they last were here. And it was neat for me to host my parents...to give them a glance into the life of our little family. After all, their opinions mean so much to me...I so want them to be proud of what I'm making of my life...and to know that MUCH of it is thanks to them!)

During Dad's stay we took it kind of easy, hoping that Alexander would come. We probably should have just made plans and ran with them, but that's OK. We'll know for round three :0) But we did take several walks, went out to eat, made lots of yummy salads, visited the beautiful St. Louis Temple grounds, had a special FHE on the Savior, went to my Dr's appointment together, and even huddled in the bathroom during a tornado warning. Exciting times!! AND, Brie got lots of quality Bompa time...playing in her princess fort, taking strolls, reading books and swimming at their hotel.

Dad, thanks so much for fitting in a visit. We sure loved having you here. And like I said to Em, we can't wait for Alexander to meet his Bompa! Thank you for being such a good sport about his "late" arrival.

Aunt Schmemmie.

(9-17 April 2011)

Aunt Schmemmie was the first of our visitors. We LOVED having her here! We were blessed with beautiful weather, had several awesome outings in St. Louis (Botanical Gardens, the Arch, Carondolet Park, Grants' Farm parking lot :0), Wash-U, Forest Park, Art Museum, Ted Drewes, St. Louis Temple) and lots of fun times (making t-shirts for Alex and Brie, decorating the baby corner, shopping, making fun food, taking silly pictures, going out to eat, watching movies, trying to induce labor, chatting, painting nails, going on strolls). I have to admit that at the time the only thing that I thought would have made it better would have been Alexander coming during her stay. And believe me, many tears were cried the day she left... BUT, he came when he needed to and we had a GREAT time with Emmie anyway! Plus, Em spoiled Brie like crazy and I think that's just what Brie needed.

Schmemmie, thanks so much for taking time out of your CRAZY busy and stressful schedule to visit us! We can't wait for Alexander to meet his Aunt Schmemmie Pooh :0)

Why?

After having several people ask me why I have chosen to not get an epidural with both of my children's births...and each time coming up with seemingly lame answers...I decided I'd give it a little thought and put it into words.

• I've always had a GREAT fear of pain (like I was the high schooler at the Health Clinic having to lay down and get a juice box after getting a shot), and I want to lessen that fear. Have more self control...mind over matter.
• There is something sweet about the camaraderie and team work that comes when working with such dear friends and family to work through each contraction.
• I hate shots...and boy is that a BIG shot. Sounds like a silly reason, but I'd be lying if I didn't include it :0)
• For whatever reason growing up this is the type of birth I envisioned for my children.
• It has helped me to deal better with pain. Like the fact that I am VERY much a clutz and am forever stubbing my toe, hitting my head, running into this and that. Instead of getting all hyped up about it I tell myself that this little pain is preparing me for much bigger pain (during birth)...and somehow that helps me to calmly breathe it away.
  
• It's cheaper. OK, with insurance and everything I don't know how much cheaper, but it's at least a small motivation for me.
  
• There's a great sense of personal accomplishment when the baby is crowning. NOT a "I'm cooler and better than you for having done it this way!"...but a sense of inner victory for having set out and accomplished something so big.
• Being able to look back on those intense moments, knowing that I made it through, I draw strength to get through other trying and hard moments in life.

When it comes down to it, birth is such a personal and intimate experience...it's great that we each get to choose the type of birth story that we want, ya know? In fact, shortly after giving birth to Alexander I was joking with a nurse that after two unmedicated births, maybe I'd get an epidural with baby #3! You never know ;0)

Your birth.

(Yesterday I finally finished typing up Alexander's birth story. Instead of starting from scratch I copied and pasted portions to share here on my blog. I wrote it to Alexander, so when I say... you=Alexander, Dad=Bry, Mémé=my Mom.)

On Sunday morning (around 6 AM) I woke up because of a strong contraction in my lower back. My first thought was that this was the start of labor. I was excited about the prospects of finally going into labor and decided to go downstairs so that I could stay up without waking Dad up….I really wanted the contractions to keep coming and was afraid laying back down would stop them! Within the next 20 minutes or so I had another contraction. It wasn’t incredibly strong but was definitely stronger than what I had previously experienced. I grabbed the gratitude journal and sat down on the couch. I can’t remember how many or how frequently, but there were several times while I sat there writing that a contraction would come and I would need to take a break from writing to get through it. I think by about 7:00 I went upstairs, woke up Dad and asked if he could make me breakfast because I had a feeling I was in labor. The contractions kept coming but about a half hour apart. Things stayed about the same for the rest of the morning. At first I was anxious to get things moving, but looking back the timing was a blessing in disguise.

After getting some details in place (who would watch Brie, calling Ashley Petersen so that she could start driving from Springfield, etc.) we were all able to sit down around the table, eat and have a little Easter devotional. Although I was still having contractions every now and again it was a sweet experience being with Brie, Mémé and Dad and having a peaceful Easter morning together.

Around 11am Dad walked Brie, an overnight bag, her monster bag and a car seat (that the Gulbers were letting us borrow for the occasion) down the walk to the Thornocks. What a relief that they were so willing to come to our aid, even unplanned and last minute. How nice to have such wonderful neighbors/friends/ward members!

After Brie left Mémé, Dad and I sat down and had lunch. Yet another blessing, to have had time to eat...to have energy for your birth.

Around 1:30 Ashley arrived. She was just in time to be there for Dad to give me a blessing. It was such a sweet blessing and gave me strength throughout your birth.

For the next 3 hours or so Dad and Ashley were there to support me through the contractions and Ashley rubbed my swollen feet. It took at least another 2 hours for the contractions to start getting closer together and more frequent. I have to say that as the afternoon went on and as the contractions got more intense I was getting tired. I wondered how much longer it would be before I could go to the hospital. Finally around 5:30 we decided it was time to go. My contractions were coming between 5-7 minutes apart and were increasingly intense. I didn’t want to wait any longer at home. Dad and I ran out the door (well I waddled out :0)) and got into the car.

Dad drove as fast as he safely could. I just kept my eyes closed and tried to concentrate…3 or 4 contractions came as we drove to the hospital. Once we had checked in the nurses checked to see how far along I was…5 cm. They also announced that Dr. Smith was 2 hours out of town but that she was on her way! I must admit that I felt pretty discouraged at that point. On one hand, hearing that Dr. Smith was 2 hours away seemed like an eternity and I was afraid she wouldn’t make it. On the other hand I wondered how much longer I’d be in labor. I was only dilated to a 5. With Brie’s birth I had been dilated to a 4 when I arrived at the hospital and it was still 6 hours before she was born. Even though that was relatively short, I hadn’t been laboring for 12 hours with her before even arriving at the hospital! So needless to say, I was distraught and really didn’t know how I’d make it through. I was seriously considering abandoning my plan of going naturally and just getting an epidural instead. I was kneeling next to the hospital bed trying to make it through the contractions, and trying to figure out what to do. Mémé, Dad and Ashley were so great to encourage me and tell me that I could do it! I really think that made the difference.

Ashley suggested I try the medicine ball. I’m so glad she did because I ended up using it the whole time, through transition and all. Ashley was behind me applying counter pressure to my lower back)—she was a life saver!—Dad was sitting in front of me (letting me step on his feet to push myself back and forth and talking me through each contraction) and my Mom was sitting at my right (giving me ice chips and doing effleurage on my tummy during transition.) They were an awesome team and I really couldn’t have done it without them!! As the contractions got stronger and closer together I thought back on the blessing Dad had given me and offered many silent prayers. During one very intense contraction I remember thinking that if it got any stronger I wouldn’t be able to make it through. The inspired thought came to me that it wouldn’t get any harder. It was so comforting and helped me make it through transition.

I started feeling more of the urge to bear down, at least I thought I did, so someone pushed the button and the nurses came in to help me get into bed. When they hooked me up to the monitors you sounded fine AND I was dilated to a 9 and almost complete. I felt so blessed that I went from a 5 to a 9 in just a few hours! When I was complete I expected to start having the urge to push, but my contractions stopped. It was kind of odd, but both Mémé and I had the thought that God was giving me a little breather before needing to push. I kept my eyes closed and laid my head on Dad’s shoulder. I remember opening my eyes for a brief moment and seeing everyone calmly and patiently standing there waiting. It was quite the scene especially since there were two nurses, a resident, Dr. Smith, Mom and Ashley. I was so grateful for their patience with my body’s timing. It seemed like several minutes that I lay there with my eyes closed, resting and waiting. Then a contraction came and with it an urge to push. During contractions/pushing I kept asking, “is he coming out?” I was very anxious for you to come out…to meet you and to be able to rest from the pain and hard work of labor. Within a few minutes you were crowning and with a little more effort you were out!! You cried out after being suctioned and then they laid you on my chest. Wow, what a moment. You were finally here and I was holding you!

born at 8:56 PM

What a day…a very blessed and special day that I will never forget! The hand of the Lord was so apparent in each moment of your birthday. How grateful I am to have you here safe and sound. We sure love you, Alexander!!!

Our Easter Baby.

(I'm still working on typing up Alexander's birth story. Til then...)

Alexander Frederick Graden.

I'll have to devote a whole post to Alexander's birth story, but for now I wanted to post some pictures from the last few days.

My amazing team--Mom, Bry and Ashley--I couldn't have done it without them. They were by my side the whole time and their help was invaluable for my goal of having an unmedicated birth.

Dr. Smith made it! She was 2 hours away when we checked into the hospital, but arrived in time for me to finish transition and to give birth to our little Alexander.

My boys :0)

Bry has been SUCH a support through it all...nausea and exhaustion of 1st trimester, achy back of 2nd trimester, swollen feet and tiredness of 3rd trimester AND then helping me through Alexander's birth.


Aunt Ashley and Alexander.
(Notice his blankie on her lap.)

Our little family, shortly after Brie saw her brother for the first time :0)

On Tuesday morning, before being discharged from the hospital, a baby photographer came in for a mini photo shoot. She arranged Brie in my hospital bed then placed Alexander in her arms. It was the cutest thing...I had to grab my own camera. Here are some of my favorites...


This one's blurry, but I love the expression on her face!
She really was SO excited to be holding her baby brother :0)

Brie was so gentle and sweet with him...it melted my heart.

Alexander Frederick Graden
Born Easter Sunday, 24 April 2011 @ 8:56 PM
7 lbs. 10 oz. 20"

We are so happy to have this sweet little guy with us, safe and sound.

Baby Bump: 40 weeks.

40 Weeks.

Yesterday was D-day...and no baby! (Even after trying ALL week to get my labor going! We tried spicy food, jumping jacks, lots of walking, etc. I've been having contractions off and on all week...and sometimes for whole days at a time...but haven't gone into labor yet.) But my parents did take us out to Texas Roadhouse for dinner, so it felt like we celebrated something anyway.

Dr. Smith asked why this baby wasn't coming?! :0) She said that I was dilated to about a 2 1/2 and still 80% effaced...so a little progress since last week. We scheduled an induction date for next Tuesday morning but hope that this little guy will come before that on his own. I was hoping that he'd come on the 18th since it's my brother Matt's bday, but don't mind that he didn't come yesterday and hasn't come today (I guess the 19 & 20 of April have some pretty negative historic associations/events). But maybe tomorrow? :0)

Em flew out Sunday and my Dad flew out this morning...it was sad to see them to finish their stays and leave without having met Alexander :0( But I'm just having faith that the timing is in God's hands and is for good reason. I'm so glad that my Mom will at least be here FOR SURE for his birth. But I can't complain, baby or no baby, it was so nice having Em and Dad visit! I'll have to post more on that later.

As for my pregnancy, things are about the same. It does feel more and more laborious to walk around. Sometimes at the end of the day my body just feels exhausted. But generally I'm still sleeping really well and have enough energy to get me through each day...and to keep up with busy Miss Brie. That's a blessing!

Also, this is a frequent sight around our place...

...because these little beauties (my "Hobbit Feet" :0)) have taken to being swollen almost all the time! Putting them up doesn't seem to help a whole lot, but it's nice to give them a rest.




Last but not least...my daily calendar had this on it last weekend. I was being optimistic and thinking that meant that Alexander would come on Saturday or Sunday, but apparently it meant that babies are in charge. Should have known :0)

Baby Bump: 39 weeks.

39 Weeks.

Tuesday marked 39 weeks. (I'm just posting now because Em's here and we've been busy having fun!!) Brie, Em and I went to the Carondolet Park on Tuesday morning. It was in bloom and beautiful! Em took some fun shots for me. I love 'em! Here are a few...

(An aerial baby bump shot...I'm glad that I captured Little Miss Brie running around me :0))



We all went to Dr. Smith's for our weekly check up. She said that my dilation hadn't changed any...which was a bummer but was to be expected since I had been having minimal contractions, if any. In any case we decided to get a picture with our nurse Crystal, hoping that we won't make it to our 40 week appointment.

We have sure loved Crystal. It's not like we had tons of interaction with her, but she always greeted us with a big smile and was so cheerful and happy. What a difference that makes, eh?

After our appointment we headed to Chili's for dinner where we ordered the spiciest things on the menu (jalapeno this and chipotle that). We told the server that we were trying to induce labor :0) That evening Em and I had a jumping jack competition...but no contractions. Wednesday and Thursday we did some sight-seeing and LOTS of walking. Wednesday I had maybe one contraction but yesterday it seemed like our efforts were finally starting to pay off. I think I counted 20 contractions throughout the day which was major progress for me! Last night we thought that maybe I was going into labor, but the contractions kind of subsided as the evening went on. Bummer. But hey, my parents fly in tonight, so maybe Alexander is holding out for his Bompa and Mémé to be here :0)

I should add that it's been really nice having this week to make more preparations. Bry got our hospital gear into the trunk and Alexander's car seat installed. Em and I decorated Alex's baby corner. And yesterday we got all sorts of organizing done...it was great! PLUS, last Saturday some of my friends put on an AWESOME baby shower for me! I was SO happy to have made it to that.

In any case, I hope that this is the last weekly baby bump picture that I post! We'll see what this weekend brings.