Our Christmas Baby

40 weeks, plus one day. 

I had been saying for a week: This may be the last maternity picture we take! My last day of pregnancy was a good one. I had a leisurely walk at a organic farm with Andrew. We went to the library, I returned some things to stores, and we filled up our car with gas. We went out to dinner and ate burritos. It was the Eve of Winter Break and there was a holiday buzz around town. I had been having Braxton Hicks (painless) contractions that were abouta 5 minutes apart on and off for days. I had a feeling baby was coming soon.

Fascinated by my huge tummy. How quickly it went away!  I like  the contrast of Andrew's  abs.

Twenty minutes after we took these pictures, using a self-timer, my water broke! It was about 11:30p.m. I felt no urgency to leave, but the doctor's orders were to head straight to the hospital. I packed up some last minute stuff (snacks, computer, phone charger), grabbed some pillows and we checked in.

Definitely the "before" picture. Labor started on it's own (thankfully) around 6am. 

 We tried to sleep but it was hard being so excited and in a strange place. We were ready to meet our baby soon. I am debating about posting a detailed birth story. I loved reading them when I was pregnant. I still haven't had time to process everything that went down. I better write it down before I forget. When I look at pictures from the labor I get very emotional. It was like nothing I've done before! 

Our baby is loved. 

 Turns out, our new roommate is a night owl. He likes to eat every hour of the night, get burped, and then play (which means staring up at us with bright eyes and playing with his hands--we find his antics irresistable). He does not enjoy having his diaper changed. During the day he falls into a deep slumber and doesn't have the same sense of urgency to eat.

My dad got his first grandchild a giant stuffed humuhumunukunukuapua'a pillow, made by one of his friends. 

When we came home from the hospital we had some boxes waiting at the door. We put them under the tree. Andrew had been asking me what I want for Christmas. All I wanted was a baby. And him!  I have everything I need. It turns out, we got our baby! And some things to open. We finally got to opening our presents at 11:30pm on Christmas night. Definitely a different kind of holiday this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  

Welcome Baby Harvey!

 I am overjoyed to announce the birth of our son, Harvey Nakoa D____. He was born Saturday, December 22, 2012, at 1:50p.m in Santa Barbara, California.  7lbs 2 oz, 19 inches

 We are awestruck by this little guy. I can't believe he is mine and we made him! I am blown away by the human body, and what it is capable of.  Giving birth was the most intense but rewarding experience of my life. I fell completely in love with my baby the moment I saw him.

Our new family! The nurses gave Harvey a Christmas hat.

 We left the hospital with our baby bundle on Christmas Eve. He didn't love getting put in the carseat but fell asleep as soon as the car started.

Rooftop Courtyard connected to the maternity wing.

 Our hospital is beautiful and we received excellent care. But I have never ever been more grateful to be home.  Andrew and I have been home, cozy-ed up with our little baby. We love getting to know him.

This Mysterious Baby

 My kindergarten students and their parents hosted a class shower for me. It was SO sweet. They ordered a beautiful cake and sang, "Happy Baby to You!" My favorite thing was the individual cards the kids made...with guesses on what the baby looks like, what his name might be, and how much he'll weigh.

 

 

Naked baby alert! This student's mom told me she suggested a diaper and the girl said, "NO mom, babies are not born with diapers on!"

 I got a few suggestions for the names "Rose" and "Lily" from some girls in my class. I reminded them that the baby was a boy.  Kindergartener response: "But we want the baby to be a girl so you should name her Baby Rose."

Happy Birthday baby Rose (!?)

I sure have had some interesting commentary on the topic of having a boy. One person (with two daughters) apologetically, "Ohhh, you are having a boy??? It could turn out OK." Another, "It's so good you are having a boy first so he can protect his younger siblings" said to to the most protective older sister in the world!  Or "What are you having?" " A boy!" "Oh, I'm sorry!" GOOD GRIEF. People are people. After working with children my whole life, I feel like it is more ridiculous than offensive (and kind of hilarious). I always kind of knew I was having a boy and was happy to hear so, but mostly because he is MY baby boy. That's what he's meant to be!

 Being pregnant as a teacher has been hard but rewarding. I suppose being a teacher always is. News of the Connecticut shooting really rocked my world... if i had been busy at school I wouldn't have had time to pay attention. My coworkers were barely aware of it that Friday.  But I was home,  on a rainy day, on leave, and I sobbed my heart out most of the day. I felt such an urgency to see and hug my students.  I stopped in after a doctor's appointment on Tuesday (Andrew drove me). I gave them each a hug. Even though I am HUGE and have only been gone a week they kept asking,  "Where's your baby?" "Why is Ms. J still our teacher?"

I feel like teachers have had a lot of bad press in these last few years and it is a little heartbreaking that it takes something like this for people to realize most teachers love their students and would do anything to protect them.

Other fun news: I found a diaper bag! I really wanted something with a shoulder strap and a decent amount of room. I figured I could just use a regular old beach bag I had until I came across something. I found the same Skip Hop one I had put on my registry for half the price at Ross in the purse section! SCORE. That place is so hit or miss but we have one nearby; it is brand new and somewhat organized and not scary like some I've been to (downtown Portland--yikes!).  I have since seen the same bag at fancy baby stores in town for more than double what I paid. It has a few baby outfits and swaddles in it and is ready to take to the hospital.

 My co-worker's mother-in-law made us this awesome baby quilt!  And I've never even met her! So thoughtful.

Good thing we are dog people! Sweet little pooches. I wonder how old baby will be before he wants a doggy? My parent's wedding gift was a Golden Retriever so I grew up with a beautiful dog named Shiloh as my older sister. But that's another story...

Project Baby: Getting Ready

  Here are a few iPhone snap shots of projects from the last few months, please forgive the poor lighting. I just thought I'd record some of the fun we've had getting ready before baby arrives.
 
Baby has the simple and low-cost Gulliver Ikea crib. And canopy. And rug. Gosh I love that place. And he has tons of books. I'm a book-hoarder  teacher and some family friends gave us their whole collection of board books! I used to nanny for them so most are familiar favorites.

 We (Andrew) spray painted an old silver lamp an aqua color. And there is a picture I painted of the SB Courthouse--where we got engaged! 

 I repurposed an old poster frame with an Audubon poster I've had my eye on.

 We (Andrew) recovered an old bulletin board with gray fabric I picked up at Ikea. The elephant changing pad cover is from Zutano.

A mom at school gave me her old changing table. We weren't planning to get one but I was sold when she called it a "back saver." It was bigger than I anticipated and needed a little updating. Spray painting it gray helped.  The old Ikea chair sitting by it (they are scattered throughout the house now) is in the same aqua as the lamp. I found Martha Stewart bins from Home Depot that fit perfectly on it for baby storage.

 December baby outfit. We've been gifted with several Christmas suits. Let's hope he makes it in time!

 We got a Fisherprice swing for $10 at a garage sale. Yay. Everything was washable and it swings both ways (an important feature I've heard). I really really recommend garage sales for baby stuff. If you are lucky lovely clothing items and expensive toys can be had for 50 cents to a $1.

My friend Samantha made us a darling baby quilt, hanging on his crib. I'll have to get a close up of it.  I also put shelf liner on an old bookshelf to brighten it up a bit.

 I LOVE this wooden mobile. I love the bright colors and the animals.

 No Mele Kalikimaka for us this year. I'm such an island girl and have been homesick for Maui as the weather has gotten cooler.  I'm trying to be mature about it and remember the big important reason why. So we made an attempt to have some Christmas cheer going on in our place.

 How soon is too soon to travel with a baby? I am combining my baby fantasies with island fantasies. So much to show him and so many places to play!

 I initially picked this wall hanging up (thrifted) for my classroom for $2.  Then I decided to keep it for baby... the animals and bright colors are my style. Plus he has an auntie in Africa now--while I don't like "themes" exactly,  I do love African style.

 We figured out how to attach the carseat to the stroller. Thanks for the car seat adapter Uncle Greg! And the stroller was a gift from my class....wow! We feel very loved and very ready for baby to come.

The Thankful Season

Loads to be thankful for this month:  Baby is growing! And so am I. I have entered the gain-weight-rapidly stage, after barely gaining second semester. I just have to remember it is for a good cause!  

 Friends and family have started showering us with baby goodies. I am excited to see baby in his new outfits. Boy clothes definitely ARE cute. I never realized this until now, but I am definitely for more gender neutral (classic) looks regarding baby clothing. It can be hard to find baby clothing without statements like "Mommy's Little Prince" or "Daddy's Big Guy."

 We went on the maternity ward tour at our hospital. It is beautiful! All the rooms have jacuzzi tubs and there's a lovely rooftop garden.  We've been taking evening classes there to prepare for child birth. I haven't been in a class setting with Andrew before and it turns out we both like to ask LOTS of questions.  We had to share our goals: he said his goal for labor is to keep me calm... My goal was to have a healthy baby at the end. Another hope is to do it with the least amount of intervention as possible. I know the experience is different for everyone and it is nice to know the ins-and-outs of lots of different options. So many variables to consider!

 We finally got a dog! (I wish, though people warn it's not the best time). We had fun practicing swaddling and figuring out what's what with our new baby loot.

I LOVE the original hand-painted onesies people crafted at the shower. 

 Our baby shower was a co-ed low-key community affair hosted by our dear friends and neighbors, Courtney and Stephen. They have a darling one year old who I know subconsciously influenced our decision to become parents.  It was an inclusive affair including Andrew's bachelor scientist labmates and some of my chatty teacher friends. Many of our friends have graduated and moved on to post-docs and impressive careers, so it was nice to round up a new group of friends.

 Andrew has been so supportive. It's hard to believe people do this alone. I love him more than ever!

Mom and Lantana right before Lany leaves for Africa. 

 Other exciting news: My sister Lantana left for the Peace Corps. She is in Uganda with intermittent Internet. I miss talking to her daily but I am really proud of her.

Oh and we got a glider!  Definitely a want and not a need, but it has already been used a ton and is my favorite baby purchase. We got it second-hand for 1/5 of the original cost (we paid $100).  I think baby already loves it.  His room is finished and he is welcome to come whenever he is ready. I felt it was important to make a space for baby, though he'll probably stay in our room for some time. I turned our spare (junk) room into a very lovely place to be. I'll post on that soon! 

A lot has been going on. The doctor is encouraging me to rest more and set a stop-work date. Andrew keeps saying "Take a seat, doctor's orders" as my nesting energy (or, anxiety?) makes me want to be super-busy every second.  I'm encouraged to stop at 36 weeks and am past that now so  I'm trying to decide between 37 and 38. I know I would love/need this time if baby comes a little early. But I love my job and don't want to feel fretful at home waiting, especially if he is late. Plus, it's nice to get paid while I can work. I know growing a baby is an important job too.  Ahhh, so much to consider.

Getting Ready for a Baby

In my classroom, I've got everything ready for November, up until Thanksgiving, just in case.
I may pull out my holiday files and get December stuff ready, too.

I totally trust the teacher taking over for me when I'm gone. I will be forced to relinquish control--of my classroom...and then in my home as well, with a new baby coming who will be calling the shots (at first, anyway). I wonder if my parenting style will be like my teaching style?  I think I'm firm/strict/honest but also lovingly devoted as a teacher. How will I differ from Andrew in my parenting? I think he's more patient and calm, than I am. TBD.

Let's all strive to be authoritative parents, okay? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I am feeling the clock of adult-independence ticking down. I just got Swiffer dusters to wipe any invisible dust off of the wall. That nesting instinct is kicking in. Only a few weekends left...  And we just want to lounge at home or walk at the beach. Today I made a big list that we are both working on.

Other before baby To-Dos:

*Get rid of stuff!!! I know this needs to be more specific. We have no garage, no attic, no walk in closets.  If I had a baby swing I'd have no where to put it! My friends are smart and keep their stroller in the trunk. Andrew keeps his most valuable bicycle in the house.  It may need to go the porch. But what about the surfboard, coolers, and rusting tandem bicycle we have out there?  Decisions need to be made.

Our top choice so far for a stroller: Britax B-Agile. It's lightweight and seems easy to steer.

 *Get stuff! I hear so many different opinions on what babies and parents actually really need/use.  I love reading reviews on Amazon. And of course, mom, I know that love, nourishment are most important. My mom and dad were very young and poor  (and happy!) when I was born. She says she wanted cloth diapers but couldn't afford them so she used old soft cotton t-shirts! Mom: Strollers? I don't get those, I never had one or wanted one with my four kids. AHHH. And look how well I turned out! ;-) I know A and I are way more yuppy-ish and have the internet. We'll be okay!

Though we need to install it, we already have his carseat, a Chicco Keyfit 30. I was surprised the doctor went out of her way to tell us we need one..

 * I want to make a mobile. Either to hang over the crib or changing table. I don't care for the plastic, music-playing ones and was shocked to see the $50 plus price tags on those things. I know that little babies like staring at simple shapes with high contrast patterns.  I may just cut some circles out of patterned paper, hole punch it and tie it together with ribbon or fishing line. There are many fun ideas on the web.

I wish I sewed. I do know how to tie/staple and glue though!

I'm still trying to appreciate pregnancy and live in the moment though I'm really excited about the near future.

October Recapped. Or: Since I Forgot to Blog Last Month

 At 27 weeks, heading out in my teacher-lady clothes. I'm 33 weeks now. And feeling rather round and slow though surprisingly energetic while I'm actually teaching. I feel like being extra calm and careful, knowing my baby is listening. I'm also reminded that all the little munchkins in my room are somebody precious babies. I have been a better teacher than ever. Maybe I just have a really good class? My love of my job makes me kind of nervous about taking a leave. I still have no idea how long it will be... a minimum of 6 weeks, a max of 12 if I apply for FMLA. I can apply my sick days toward my 6 weeks but it's all pretty much unpaid leave.

 Foaminess My morning drinks are so much more fun! Thanks to the super cheap and useful Ikea milk frother I bought. I don't drink coffee...mainly tea. And I confess to having decaf a couple of times a week when I go on "coffee" dates with my fellah. Weirdly, after not drinking it for almost 10 years I suddenly like milk again!

We went to Ikea, down in Burbank, for a crib and left with MANY other items. That place is so much fun!

 Hi Ocean! Hi California. I live in a very beautiful place. I am enjoying the subtle change of the season. My daily beach walks have ended up being weekly. Despite my post-work exhustion, I really should go anyway and walk for 10 minutes.

 Weekend walk with my dear Andrew. That's the 32.5 week belly shot from last weekend. The problem with long walks is I really have to pee every half hour. If there is no restroom along the way I have to wait until the coast is clear and find a rock I can crouch behind. (Sorry if this is TMI. I'm pregnant, which is kind of like walking around with private info made public). This day I swear this old lady was following me. I'd wait and wait for her to pass but she kept sneaking up to wherever I went to sneak-pee. It was infuriating. Maybe she was hoping she'd witness some Mother Nature birth scene in the wild.

 I propped my real camera in a tree and set the timer after a walk through Fairview Gardens.  I want the dad-to-be in some pictures. Hey, any opinions on whether I should get a new camera? My old one is 5 years old. And I've accidently become an iphone exclusive photographer.

 An alien like belly-baby dance. He jiggles me from side to side. It is fascinating, strange, and wonderful! I am so excited to meet our baby boy and stare into his eyes. Will they be deep-set sparkly hazel eyes like my husband or round blue ones, like mine?

We've never actually seen babies face during our three ultrasounds. Last time the little guy had both his feet and his hands in front of his face. He must have his mother's flexibility!

Another family picture.

Lately I have been more interested in reading blogs than writing them. (I figured out Google Reader about 5 years after everybody else.) I need some inspiration or  a challenge to keep up with it.  I know not blogging for 6 weeks is no way to cultivate any kind of readership. So if you are reading this, thanks for sticking with me. I still love you!