Babywise

So I've heard wonderful things about this "Babywise" book. Everyone I've talked to that's done it has raved about the results and how their baby was sleeping through the night at record times. So I've read it and started the strategies to get Riley on a schedule and hopefully sleeping through the night by the time she's 8 weeks old (which seems like an eternity from our tiny little number of week 2~ mommy needs her beauty rest).

My problem with this book is letting Riley "cry it out". We' ve tried this twice and we've learned that letting her cry it out means she is not going to nap during that feed/wake/sleep cycle. I realize it's important to keep them on a schedule, but at what cost? She needs that nap, regardless of how she falls asleep.

So I've talked to a couple of friends about their strategies and theories. If you have a strategy of theory, please share, I'm all ears.

Proud daddy

Woody has been the cutest thing about Riley. I have never seen a daddy so proud of his little girl. The night she was born, he spent several hours taking pictures, downloading them onto the computer, sending emails of them, and creating slide shows of them. He asked the nurse how to swaddle. He is better than I am at it now. It's very possible that he has changed more diapers than I have. Not to worry, that will change when school starts back.

He is always right there with me when I am nursing, even though there isn't much he can do. But he's still there for moral support, something I have found to be very needed right now. I told him last night that I feel like we have our own secret club. Because only he and I know what we go through every night with our precious one. Her birth has brought us so close together, something I didn't know could be done since we are already like peas and carrots.

Riley Grace Woody

True to my form, I have been neglecting my blog... but for very good reason.

On December 17th at 9:37pm, Riley was born. She weighed 6 pounds and 15 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. As you can see, she is absolutely gorgeous. Her birth was rather fast, I went from 3 1/2 centimeters at 6:00pm to complete at 8:20. I was probably complete before that time, but I was only checked twice. Nice.

They didn't check me before giving me an epidural. Apparently I was complete when they administered it because it didn't take effect. Refund please. Oh well, hind sight is 20/20. So I pretty much feel like a mega rock star for delivering her the way I did. I only pushed for 22 minutes, thank God because that HURT.

Speaking of thanking God, we have sent up many thanks for Riley. When she was born, the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck. Dr. Cole was very calm about it and took care of it immediately. I didn't think twice about it once she started crying, until the next day. Riley was having trouble regulating her body temp, which is the baby equivalent of a fever. And her white blood cell count was extremely high (50,000 when it should have been 10,000). They wanted to start an IV immediately and start administering antibiotics (did I spell that right?). Because of that, they took her to the NICU. Can you say scary? Not only am I a new mommy and afraid I've done something wrong, I'm also hyped up on hormones and everything else that comes along with giving birth, so I comprehended about 50% of what the nurses and doctors were telling me. Mom works at Arkansas Children's Hospital and I've heard some stories from that unit.

I tried to stay strong, then I thought, "What am I doing? I don't need to be strong right now. I'm the mommy. If anyone should be upset, it's me!!" So I let the flood gates open and started crying and praying. Then we started sending texts and emails asking for prayers. It was amazing how quickly I felt the prayers start working. All of a sudden, a wave of calm and peace fell over me. I knew God was in control and everything was going to be fine. I was still able to hold her and nurse her which brought me so much comfort, because seeing her in the little plastic box on her way up to NICU was the worst feeling I've ever experienced. Riley responded very quickly to the antibiotics and her white cell count dropped over half way in 24 hours. She was released from there in 48 hours and we were discharged the following day. Praise the Lord.

More posts to follow. Those might not be as long. :)

3 weeks and counting

It's official. I am uncomfortable and stretched to the limit. I have 3 weeks left, but I'm not sure she's going to wait that long. Everything is becoming difficult; sleeping, eating, moving, sitting. You know what I am talking about.

On another note, Woody and I had some pictures taken the day before Thanksgiving. If you get bored, or want to laugh at how swollen I am, check out this website. http://www.cinemikephoto.com/
What was I thinking, having pictures taken at this stage in the game?

More Pregnant moments

Last Friday as I was trying to leave school, I realized I couldn't find my keys. I never lose my keys. I pride myself in knowing where they are at all times. For example, I know that right now my keys are in my car in the garage. Anywho, I couldn't find them on Friday and I had a moment of panic. So I called Woody, who had already left school, to tell him he was probably going to have to come get me since I couldn't find my keys. So he turned around and headed back to get me. I thought I'd be considerate and meet him in the parking lot. I had to walk past my car (I did gaze in the car, mentally saying goodbye to it until I found my keys) and I noticed that the doors were unlocked. Then I got all excited because I thought maybe I left them in my car. So I check the backseat ~I had grabbed some potluck stuff from the backseat that morning~ but saw no keys. Then I opened up the drivers door and peered in. They were there, in the ignition. Seriously. I laughed with relief, and here comes Woody. Oops. He looked at me, shook his head, and silently turned the truck around to go home, again. So my hero didn't need to save me after all. Apparently I need to pay more attention when I'm getting out of the car in the mornings.

Oh, by the way, baby countdown is currently at 30 days. 1 month. 15 days of school. But who's counting?

Two peas in a pod

Not us, our daughters. We had the Smith's over a few nights ago for dinner and some hangin' out. Woody (the ultimate camera man at all times) snapped a couple of pictures of us in all of our glory. If we would have known the camera was making an appearance, we might have dressed nicer. But those comfy pants and a cozy T-shirt are hard to beat after a hard day's work.

Brooke was due yesterday and we are waiting for Millie's arrival. I can't wait to meet her. Brooke and Bryan are going to be the most fabulous parents. And with their genes, their little girl is going to be as sweet as the day is long. And I'm so excited about introducing Millie to Riley when her turn comes along (in 60 days, but who's counting?). I hope they are two peas in a pod. But for right now, the are two buns in the oven, just baking away.

Still kickin'

It's been so long since I've posted anything, mainly because we've been so busy. And when we aren't busy, I'm sleeping. Sleep is my new best friend. I try to spend as much time with sleep as possible lately. I heard a rumor that my new best friend is going to disappear in about 10 weeks, so I'm trying to stock up on quality time. I think I'm pretty lucky right now that sleep and I still get along. Riley does not interfere when I spend time in my unconscious, dream infested state. The only thing currently getting in the way is my bladder. I am on a very regimented schedule of a bathroom break at least once every hour in the middle of the night. Luckily, Sleep pulls me right back into its presence. I do truly love my friend and hope to spend lots of time with it before December 25th-ish.

And can I just say that the cankles have somewhat retreated?! My best educated guess is that the cooler weather is to get the credit here. Whatever the reason, I am most thankful. Why, this morning, I actually fit into my suede boots for church!!!! You would think this put me in an over the top happy mood, but my terrible hair day prevented that. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. I might even try to wear my comfy boots to school tomorrow, of course, I will pack the flip flops as a faithful back up. :)