About motherhood

Well, it has almost been two weeks since we welcomed out little girl into the world and my have our lives changed. I always knew that it would be a huge adjustment having a baby. Here's what I have learned so far...

1. Sleep. Ah, sweet sleep. Take naps because that 8+ hours you used to get isn't going to happen anymore. I don't know what we're going to do when we have to go back to work!

2. Beer and wine aren't really all they are cracked up to be. Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE them both, but the thought of having to wake up in the middle of the night after a few too many is less than to be desired. Jereme has even given up his bottle of wine rituals.

3. Breastfeeding is not for everyone or every child. Sometimes life is much better on the bottle. Quitting breastfeeding makes you look like you've got leaky watermelons on your chest. Hope this doesn't last long.

4. A newborn baby is like a celebrity. Everyone wants to see it! Visitors will come by the dozens and sometimes you have to say no. Don't get me wrong, we love to show her off, but two weeks of having people at your house everyday gets tiresome. Of course, if you bring food, your more likely to get in the door :) (Thanks for the soup and cookies Grandma Sandie!)

5. The in between stage for clothes is lame. Maternity clothes fall off, but the regular clothes are too tight... except for the fat pants. Each morning I wake up, look at my pants and debate whether I should try them on or not. I suppose I shouldn't complain too much. I can fit into some clothes and most of the baby weight is gone.

6. Where the heck did my stomach muscles go? They seem to have been replaced by a bunch of loose skin. Blowing my nose is next to impossible.

7. So long peeing every 15 minutes, stupid heartburn and running outta breath! It is amazing that literally minutes after having Lillian all the annoying symptoms vanished. Good thing too because I was almost out of Tums!

8. Each and every task takes at least twice as long as it normally would. This is due to working quitely around a sleeping baby or having to do the task one handed since your holding the kid in the other arm. Thankfully Lilly loves her papasan chair!

9. Two weeks ago I wouldn't have thought Jereme would ever hold a screaming baby for two hours without breaking down. A parents love is truely amazing. I am blessed to have such a wonderful father for my baby and a loving husband.

10. Having the babyline programmed into your phone is essential. They have all the answers :)

11. We're still learning how parenting works. Eventually we'll get some kind of routine down.

Lillian Grace is Here!

Monday, February 9th at 7:52pm Lillian Grace VonBargen arrived to world. She weighed 6lbs, 6oz and was 19 inches long. We couldn't be happier. I knew she'd be early :)

We're doing pretty well, but still trying to figure this parent thing out. Apparently babies do not come with a set of instructions. What's even more complicated is that every doctor, nurse and parent has an opinion or idea of how things should be done. We listen some and appreciate the help, but for the most part, I think we're running on our own gut feelings.

Delivery was interesting. I labored for two days at home... long story, but the doctor thought I had a bladder infection instead of being in labor. By the time I went back to the doctor I was dilated to four. From the doctors office to the hospital (15 minutes away) I completely dilated. The nurses at the hospital could hardly believe it, especially since my contractions were still 8 minutes apart. I was too late for an epidural, but they did give me some shot that helped to numb things. All I can say is, epidural for sure next time. Don't care what the hospital staff has to say about it. After about an hour of pushing, Lillian came flying on out. Jereme was by my side the whole time; completely supportive. He only got yelled at a couple of times. The midwife really got yelled at when she pushed on my stomach after delivery. Why doesn't anyone tell you about that part!

Anyways, we're at home now. Trying to catch sleep when we can. Feedings and visitors have taken over. Thank goodness Jereme has been so helpful. Actually, he really has done more than I ever expected. I fall in love with him all over again everytime I catch him having a little conversation with Lilly.

Can't wait to show her off to everyone! More to come soon.

Sara, Jereme and Lillian

One day at a time

Yup, just taking things one day at a time. Even though those days seem to drag by...especially the nights. It is getting more and more uncomfortable everyday! All the warnings about the last month taking a toll on you are totally true.

Made a little progress this week at my check up. Mostly our kid scared the crap out of us again. He/she really likes to pinch the umbilical cord causing the heart rate to go crazy. Anyways, they had me on the fetal monitors again and everything turned out to me ok... again. At least they didn't call an ambulance this time.

We did however, have to go in for another ultrasound. They say that the baby is just about 6lbs 7oz right now (for those of your in the baby pool). Everything they needed to check for turned out fine. We got a 3D picture of the baby's face, which is really cool. It's squishy, which made us laugh. Looks like it has some chubby cheeks. No telling who this kid is going to look like! It will be interesting to compare the baby to the picture after it is born.

I continue to have regular Braxton Hicks contractions. They are starting to get stronger, so maybe, just maybe, this little bugger will make an appearance sooner rather than later. Who knows, maybe next week's update will be that we have a baby!!!

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