Our New Life - living life as a parent

I realize this post is late- I mean really late! Lukas turns 5 months this month and I just realized I have so much to update. So I will start from the beginning...his birth. The first time we met Lukas Timothy Ellis.

Birth- February 13th, 2012

I thought they were Braxton-Hicks contractions. We just got home from a nice dinner with my in-laws (my mother-in-law made pot roast...I later found out my sister-in-law had pot roast as a last meal before labor too) and it was about 10 PM when I started feeling the tightness in my stomach. I had just finished presenting my maternity plan to my employees the Friday before and had come down with a pretty serious cold over the weekend. The doctor had told me that if I wanted to, we could induce Luke early and I was scheduled to be induced Wednesday, February 15th if he had not come on his own by then. His actual due date was the 20th. Due to my cold, I was told to rest until I was induced, so I was not going into work those next 3 days. I went to bed around 10:15 PM that night. I woke up with tightness still in my stomach and to my shock, it was only 2 AM. I was lucky not to have any trouble sleeping during my pregnancy so I was surprised by the fact that I could not go back to bed. Mike had just come to bed after studying for his law classes. I sat there in the dark for about an hour until I noticed the contractions were coming steady. They didn't hurt really bad, but I noticed that they would come and go regularly. At 3 AM, I texted my mom and let her know that I was having "weird contractions". She and I talked back and forth for a little while. I turned on the TV at about 4:30 AM and found that a snow storm had hit overnight. **Note: I joked all pregnancy that I was going to deliver in the middle of a blizzard. Oklahoma had some bad blizzards the 2 years before and they seemed to get later and later in the winter. The winter before, the blizzard hit February 4th, so it seemed fitting that the 20th would mark the next one. Luckily it was no blizzard, but I did deliver during the ONLY snow storm Oklahoma City had this winter.** I woke up Mike at 5 AM and told him the contractions were coming every 10 minutes steadily and getting shorter in between contractions. I was in no real pain, but wanted to go to the hospital. We put our pre-packed bags in the car and headed to the hospital. My mom was getting ready to leave from Austin, TX. We arrived at the hospital about 6 AM and entered triage. I was 5 cm dilated and the nurse asked me to walk around for an hour. Mike and I walked all the floors of the OU hospital. I am now an expert tour guide of the place! The contractions were getting a little stronger, but they were not unbearable. When we got back to triage, they told me it was time to take me to the labor and delivery room. We moved floors and I was introduced to a nurse and mid-wife that work with my doctor. Dr. Crouse was on the way to the hospital, but it was taking longer than expected with the storm. My nurse brought me one of those exercise balls. I seriously bounced on that ball for hours. I didn't want to sit in my bed and walking was a pain with all those IVs connected to me, so I sat and watched Food Network and TLC while just sitting and bouncing on this exercise ball. My mother-in-law was there with us and my husband was resting in the room while I just bounced. Looking back on the day, it must have been a funny sight to see! The nurse checked me again and I was 7 cm dilated. At this time she said she was surprised at how happy I still was just sitting and bouncing on my ball. My water had not broken, so she asked if I would like to have them break it. I remembered my boss telling me that labor progressed quickly after her water was broken, so I asked them to. After my water broke, the contractions started coming on stronger. They came and checked me again and I was 9 cm dilated. My husband retells this part of the story as the time when he knew I was starting to get in more pain. I stopped talking and just bounced on the ball in the middle of contractions. I didn't yell or anything, but I was no longer chatting with my mother-in-law and husband. Dr. Crouse had arrived and I told her I was ready to push. It was just my husband, my doctor, a nurse and her mid-wife in the room. Since I had progressed so quickly without any real pain, I didn't have an epidural. Pushing was by far the hardest part of the whole process. Remember that cold that I had talked about earlier? Well, it was making it pretty hard for me to breath. They put an oxygen mask on me. Mike was an excellent support during the whole labor process and was right by my side the whole time.  Just about the time, though, that I was getting tired and wanted to give up, my mom arrived around 3:30 PM. When I heard my mom's voice, it was just the strength I needed to finish labor. I gave birth to Lukas at 3:43 PM. He was 6 pounds 12.5 ounces and 21 inches long. I heard him cry and I instantly started to cry. They immediately brought him to me and I remember holding him for the first time. That moment is priceless to me. His most distinguishing feature? His big, long feet! Everyone kept commenting how long and skinny his feet were. After delivery, Mike and I were allowed to order some food from the room service menu. That spaghetti and meatballs (me) and hamburger with french fries (Mike) was seriously the best food we had ever had! I am sure that it was not that great, but after 9 hours of labor, it was like having a top of the line steak at a 5 star steakhouse. We were transported to the recovery room. Mike left to study and sleep at home around 9 PM and my mom stayed with me that night. We hardly got any sleep with the nurses coming in every hour to check on Luke and me. I remember thinking- how am I ever going to recover from labor without sleep??? I was breastfeeding every 2 hours too so life was pretty much a haze through the night. The next night, since Luke and I were in good health and I had delivered without medication, they released us to come back home. We loaded Luke up in his car seat and drove back to Norman where my mom was waiting for us. Life as we knew it had changed forever.

1 Month - March 13th, 2012

So- what do you do with a newborn baby? A lot of diaper changes! We went through about 17 -19 diapers a day at the beginning. I had friends tell me about this, but I never really believed the amount of diapers you would need. Luke was a natural latcher when it came to breastfeeding and fed every 1.5 to 2 hours. My mom stayed with me for the first 2 weeks and I am thankful to her for making me drink lots of water and rest in between feedings. She also made me get out of the house for light walks at the mall or trips in the car to help me feel like I was getting back to a "normal" life. Luke slept during the day, but had a period of fussiness every night between 11 PM and 1 AM. Mike and I would mentally prepare all day for this- haha. Those first 3 weeks were by far the hardest adjustment period for Mike and I, but I wouldn't give up that time we also had to spend bonding with Lukas during the night. My dad came and saw Lukas for the first time that weekend along with Rachel and PJ and kids. By his 2 week check up, Lukas was 8 lbs and 21.7 inches long. He loved to be rocked and would just watch you while you sang to him. 

2 Months - April 13th, 2012

I was lucky to have 13 weeks of maternity leave- 9 weeks of full-time off and 4 weeks of phase back. On March 25th, my family came to Oklahoma for Lukas's baby blessing. He was blessed by my husband with PJ, Mathew, my dad, my father-in-law, and Mike's friend, Aaron. I found it interesting in the blessing that Mike blessed Luke with an "influential spirit". He has definitely lived up to that blessing already. By this time, Lukas was starting to become more alert. I took Luke on his first road trip right after his baby blessing. We drove to Austin with my family. He did surprisingly well. We planned for 3 stops on the trip to breastfeed / diaper change and he slept most of the trip. We spent the week in Austin while Mike went to class and Mike flew in to  Austin for the weekend. Luke smiled for the first time on this trip on March 22nd while I was getting him ready for the morning. He also slept through the night for the first time while we were in Austin. His first outing (before our trip to Austin) was when we met with Jackie and her kids, Dane and Ashton, at Ghengis Grill.  At his 2 month check up on April 16th, he had grown to 13 lbs. 3 oz. (doubling his birth weight) and 24 inches long. He was in the 90th - 95th percentile for weight and height! He loves to be read to and his favorite book is Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site.

3 Months - May 13th

We were fortunate to have Mike's family close. My mother-in-law, Terry, graciously offered to watch Lukas so that I could continue work and Mike could finish school. Lukas was starting to go over to his grandma's house part of the day while I worked part-time. He started enjoying getting out of the house more often, his favorite place being the grocery store. I would pick up the fruits and vegetables and tell him about it. I am sure I looked like a crazy lady talking to her baby walking around the store! He also enjoyed going outdoors. Mike and I would take him on walks and he loved just feeling the sunshine and listening to the birds. We had a close encounter with a tornado that hit Norman during this month, but fortunately it missed our house. Luke laughed for the first time while he was looking into a mirror with his daddy on April 22nd. He loves to snuggle- especially when he is sleepy. 

4 Months - June 13th, 2012

Lukas weighed in at 15 pounds 11 ounces and 26 inches long at his 4 month check up. The pediatrician says that he is a growing, healthy baby boy! He was in the 75th percentile for weight and 90th percentile for height. He loves playing with his panda stuffed animal that we named Po (after Kung Fu Panda) that his Aunt Rachel and cousins Janie and Audrey bought him. He also loves watching OKC Thunder games with his mommy and daddy. He has learned to stand up when he has assistance and kicks his feet when he gets excited or angry. Lukas still breastfeeds and held a bottle for the first time when he was being watched by his dad on June 23rd. He has also rolled from his stomach to back on June 28th and had his first feeding of baby food on Sunday, June 17th. His first food was organic brown rice cereal with a little bit of breast milk and he loved it! He has now had peaches and oatmeal too. He loves to go to his grandma's house and play with his cousin, Abby and Aunt Katie who are in town for the summer. He had his first kiss (full on lips- haha) at church by Margot Rawlinson. He made his first friend (outside of family) at an OKC Thunder game party when he met Jude Nielson. 

Overall, motherhood (and parenthood for both of us) has been a wonderful experience. We love our little boy so much and he has added so much to our little family. We can't wait to see what the next few months have in store for us!

A snapshot of my pregnancy

I am 35 weeks pregnant today and so excited that within a few short weeks Lukas Ellis could be making an appearance! With all this excitement, I felt I should take some time to reflect upon my pregnancy.

I didn't really have any strong cravings- in the first trimester baked potatoes always seemed to satisfy any hunger pains that I felt. I always enjoyed greek yogurt and fresh fruit. One funny thing, though, that I found out last week I can eat again, is that I was unable to eat ice cream or frozen yogurt in the first trimester without getting sick. Don't know why- milk, cheese, any other dairy products were fine. Mike, on the other hand, had ALL the cravings :) He's never been much of a sweet eater, but brownies, cookies, and chocolate were something he definitely craved during the first trimester. I don't think we will know for sure if that was pregnancy sympathy or stress. Now, he craves salty things.

Pregnancy has definitely brought me closer to the Lord. I had some morning sickness (and no, morning sickness does not just hit you in the morning) and I relied heavily on prayer to get through some tough work days. After a few weeks, though, it went away. In fact, the transition into the second trimester felt like a miracle. My energy returned, nausea ceased, and I really learned to enjoy pregnancy at this time. Second trimester also brought about a sense of relief (we made it past the 12 week mark!), the learning that we were having a boy, and the start of my nesting period. I guess I nested early. I remember waking up one Saturday morning and having a mini panic attack that we had nothing ready for our baby. That same day, we bought a crib and dresser.

A week after we went to the ultrasound where they revealed the gender (we kept this secret from us hidden in an envelope we delivered to a bakery), we had a party with our family to celebrate whether or not we were having a boy or girl. I have to admit, I was pretty shocked when Mike cut into the cake and the icing was blue. I had convinced myself somehow that we were going to have girl. Either way- we were excited! My parents were there too and my brother skyped from his dorm in Utah. This party was around the time we moved from Yukon to Norman and when Mike's grandfather passed away. We realized the blessing of life and family. We were able to tell Mike's grandfather about the pregnancy before his passing and I know that he would have been so excited to learn that we were going to have a boy to add to the family. Going to the funeral left Mike with a renewed sense of pride in his grandfather and a desire to be a great father, husband, and friend like his grandfather had been to all around him.

One of my favorite memories was the first time Mike felt Lukas kick. We were in bed one night and after discussing a few days prior to this event of how Mike had felt slightly left out because of all the things I was feeling Lukas do, he reached over to touch my belly and felt Lukas kick his hand. His whole face lit up and I could tell at that moment that he was hooked to this child as much as I was. Lukas went from being a fetus (an alien looking ball) to a baby. I am grateful for my husband and his support through these last 35 weeks. I know that at times, it can feel like I have been pregnant FOREVER. He always encourages me and makes me feel beautiful despite the unfamiliar changes that I am going through. He is going to be a great dad.

Third trimester has marked a period of education. I have been reading a lot about how to get ready for birth, parent preparation, and working out post pregnancy. I am excited for the transition that Mike and I will be going through in the next month. Third trimester has also brought about a period of creativity. I have enjoyed doing several craft projects for Lukas's room and our house. Overall, I have to admit pregnancy has been a positive experience and has brought Mike and I closer. As we countdown the last few weeks, I look forward to spending more time together as we prepare for our son to come home!

Oh- and for Christmas this year, Mike got me a rowing machine. I am so excited to start doing my workouts again!

Baby Boy- Lukas

Mike and I found out that we are having a baby boy- Lukas Ellis will be joining our family in February 2012. We are so excited!

Baby Bliss

Life has taken an interesting and very welcome twist. Early in June, Mike and I found out that I am pregnant with our first child. We couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to become parents and to start this new journey in our life together. February can't get here soon enough!

Feelings

My lesson this week in my Sunbeam class is on feelings and it got me thinking about all the feelings that I have felt in my life. Life is full of ups and downs and I have learned that it is how we react to these circumstances that makes the difference.

This past week, my little brother graduated from high school. As he gets ready to leave for college in a new state away from home, it reminded me of the feelings that I felt being a new graduate. I was scared- scared to leave my family, my friends, my high school boyfriend- scared that my new life was never going to be as good as the life I had then. I was excited at the same time, which confused me. I was going to Oklahoma where I had no family and very few friends, but I was fortunate to have the rowing team waiting for me at the University of Tulsa. I knew that I would have instant friends at church too with my same standards.

College was great. I loved being a part of the rowing team and had the opportunity to serve as team captain for 2 years. Rowing taught me that with hard work, I could achieve any goal that I set. The girls on the team and my coaches became my family. College also brought with it sadness, heartbreak, love, laughter, and many great memories. Looking back, I didn't do everything right, but the path I took helped me become the person I am today.

After college, it was time to embark on a new journey. I got my own place and started working. I learned to be self-providing and gained confidence in my abilities. Living on my own was not easy, but it was rewarding. My relationship with my college boyfriend ended and I learned that I could be happy on my own. I gained an understanding of myself and re-learned that I had a very strong testimony in Jesus Christ.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better, I was re-introduced to my now husband. Funny how this happens when you gain the ability to be happy on your own. Mike has been the greatest blessing in my life and I have grown to love him more and more each day.

Overall, looking back on my 25 years, life has been a roller coaster full of surprises. I wouldn't change it for anything.

SMILE

Have a bad day? This will cheer you up! Sweet nephew, Joseph Ellis.

Flowers

Eventually, the time comes in marriage when you realize that the other person is not perfect. Mike and I had that moment these last few weeks. We have learned, though, that for every action there is an equally important reaction and that when someone makes a mistake or accidentally hurts the other one, it is necessary to work together. I am thankful for my husband and his great example to me. He continues to show his patience and makes effort to ensure that a trusting environment is also felt in our home.

As a surprise one day (as I was at work on a bad weather day and school was cancelled), Mike decided to surprise me at work by bringing me a bouquet of flowers. When he was at the store, he ran into an elderly man at the flower display named Donald. He and Donald got to talking and Donald asked him if he was in "trouble". Mike laughed and said "maybe a little". Donald then told him that he too had bought many flowers in his life and looking back, all those flowers were worth it. He expressed his love for his patient wife and encouraged Mike to keep buying flowers. Though a random encounter, Mike left with new insight and a greater determination to always progress forward in our marriage.

I cannot express how grateful I am to my father in heaven for giving me such a wonderful companion. Someone who is quick to seek forgiveness when needs be, but even quicker to give forgiveness in return.