Hazel's Story

Adler has been camping with his grandparents this week and comes home tomorrow. I figure I better get in this post before he comes home as there is no telling when I will get the chance to be a normal, functioning adult again.

So warning, birth story ahead.

So Friday, the 19th, I got the itch to clean my house really good. I was going to wait until a few days before my due date, but I just felt like I needed to do it Friday. That should have been my first clue. We had a great weekend, dining out, relaxing, and spending a lot of time together as a family of three. Sunday, we went to church as usual, then out to eat for Father's Day and after nap, watched Adler play in the kiddie pool. After Ad's bedtime, I decided to fold a few loads of laundry. I started having contractions around 9PM, about 10 minutes apart. I honestly didn't think anything of them, just thought it was from standing up folding clothes. Around 10, I thought I would feel better if I took a bath, so I did, and actually I did feel better. Went to bed around 10:30, but as soon as my head hit the pillow, my contractions started coming every 7 minutes and began to get stronger. After about 30 minutes, they were every 5 minutes so I thought I may need to get up and get dressed. I told E that I was going to do a few things around the house, but that I felt we might be going to the hospital soon. At 12, I called my mom and then called E's mom to come over to watch Adler. I woke E up and we left for the hospital around 1:15 AM. The way over there, I was in good spirits. The contractions were definently getting stronger and closer together, and I was so excited that I was going into labor on my own. Honestly, at that point, both E and I thought that they would peeter out once we got to the hospital and they would send us home. Denial I guess! So we got checked in, and I was put on the moniter and told that I was (still) 4 cm, but contracting every 2-3 minutes. This was about 1:45. I was starting to feel some intensity in the contractions, but didn't want to get the epidural until I could do so without being completely paniced about the needle. My first epi exeperience with Adler was pretty terrible, so I was more scared of that than labor pains! Around 330AM, I decided I might want to think about the epi though! I was 5 cm at that point. And it wasn't bad at all! A different doc did it and he was very gentle. So after that, I felt great, but was still able to feel what I needed to feel to give birth. I stalled at 5 cm and was given pitocen around 430 and that sped things up tremedously. At 615, I was at 8 cm and just a few minutes later, I was at 10 and ready to see this little girl! With my mom, E (who was somewhere hiding behind a moniter or something. I swear, he was so far behind me- he told me he learned his lesson with the first one) and E's mom, I met Hazel Lydia at 6:44, after about 5 minutes of actual pushing. She came out crying and pink. I think that may have been the last time she has cried! It was a much easier labor and delivery than with Adler- I think a pound makes a big difference, that and maybe experience. I feel so proud of myself and of little Hazel, for going through this again. It was a beautiful, life changing thing and its still pretty surreal that it happened. I absolutely love the post birth exhilaration that I felt. I wish I could bottle it up and take a swig during those 3AM feedings.

So, Adler comes home tomorrow and thus begins the normalcy again, or the new normal, whatever that will be. I am pretty nervous about it, so keep us in your prayers. I miss Adler terribly though and am ready to just dive right in and hope to pop up swimming, or at least, hang on to the floaties with dear life.

Happy one week birthday Hazel and 30th, Eric!

I totally spaced the other day (the 27th) and forgot to give a birthday shout out to my husband- Happy 30th sweetie- you are the best and I love you. I am blessed to have you as my help-mate, best friend, and husband.

And happy one week birthday Hazel!

Now, on to hormone induced topics....

So, Adler is spending a few days camping with E's parents. He was excited but I was feeling pretty sad about having him away. And then to top it off, last night when I called to tell him goodnight, he didn't want to talk to me. There were tears, let me tell you (mine.) Ad and I, especially the past few months, have really become partners. Staying at home, I have him basically at my side 24-7. I am really feeling pretty sad about not having him to myself anymore. Don't get me wrong, I am loving having Hazel here and would never want anything different. But its bittersweet, because it means giving up something with Adler. I think he will be fine with it once he adjusts, but will I? I want to continue to give him what I always have, and I know that's not possible. I miss my little guy, and the time we spend together. I know things will eventually even out. I know that I will find time to have two arms to hug him again, two hands and undivided attention to play with him. Logically I know that, but it doesn't stop the ache in my heart to have it readily available for him at all times. I was prepared to feel guilt over not being able to spend as much time with Ad as we are both accustomed to. As a matter of fact, it was one of the first emotions I had when I found out I was pregnant in the first place. What I wasn't prepared for was the intense longing I have to hug and love on Adler, to assure him that I love him even more than I did yesterday, that his world is the same, and to continue to do all the things that I did with him before, that maybe I didn't even particularly always want to do, like bathe him or sing him 200 songs before bed.

I remember when I had Adler, I went through this same thing, on a larger scale, but in the midst of the excitement and joy of having him, I mourned the loss of the time I had to spend with Eric and also myself. It did take a long time to get my groove back, to find our place as a family of 3. And now, I can't IMAGINE my family without Ad. I can't think of a time I was happier than when Adler has been in our life. My relationship with E and the person that I am now is so much richer because of that little boy. And I know that Hazel will do the same thing to our family. Its just the adjusting part that is sort of tricky!

We are family

too cool

going home outfit, made by Aunt Daphne

the ride home from hospital

first pictures

Well, here's Hazel! And Adler too, since its been so long since I posted any pics of him.

We are all completely smitten with little Hazel. She is sweet and soft and smells so good! As of right now, she is such a content and calm baby; I can't get over how much she sleeps and how little she cries. I know that could change at a moment's notice, but we are certainly eating up these beginning days! Ad is being a good big brother, helping and being fairly good natured about her. I am anxious to see how things are when we get back to regular routine.

I hope to post soon with how it all went down, but for now, I am done with the one handed typing!!

Starting the Week Out With a Bang!

Hello Apple Cheeks readers!  

Ashley's sister, Shannon here, with the news you've all been waiting for!  Ashley went to the hospital last night around midnight-- and after a good night of labor, gave birth to Hazel Lydia at 6:44 this morning.  She weighed 8 lbs. and 6 oz., and was about 18 inches long.  It was an uncomplicated, wonderful experience--- and everybody is doing well.  Adler met his new baby sister, and seems to be taking it all in with stride.  

God be praised for the newest addition to the family!  I'll keep you all updated as I can  (and until Ashley changes her password-- ha!)

Love,

Shannon

PS.  Pics to follow, as soon as I can lay my hands on some.

So, maybe a little longer won't hurt

It turns out Adler has strep throat and has also developed a particulary nasty cold. So, little girl, if you want to wait a bit until he gets better, that would be okay with me. Pray that he gets well soon and that none of the rest of us gets sick right now. I guess this is only the beginning of inconvenient illnesses though!

Other than that, things are good. I went to my doc yesterday and am 4 cm dialated. I believe I requested an epidural at this point with Adler. So I am wondering if I could go ahead and get mine now. Still have things to do this weekend, so anytime next week or the next would be good.

I have to add too that a lot of people I know are going to the beach this week and I am insanely jealous. I mean, jealous in a way that's just un-Christian like. So I guess we need to put me on the prayer list as well.

Okay, news is short, and I need to go mop and vaccum. (and no, this is not nesting. I wish I had the urge to scrub my bathroom floors with a toothbrush, but that is so far from what I feel like doing, its ridiculous.)

up and at em

Thank you, Mr. City Workers, for your hard work to repair the water leak on my street, in front of my house, this morning. Can I PLEASE put in a request for future reference though, that you not come over at 5:30 AM to start drilling holes in the concrete? Whew. What an early morning!

I always said that I would not be one of those pregnant bloggers who dropped off the face of the earth in the last weeks of pregnancy. I didn't understand why they did that, but I think I finally get it. I have been pretty inside myself the past week or two, just focusing on my family and the impending birth. I just haven't had anything else to say! And who really wants to know how much I am dialated, or how I am nostalgic over my son's every last moment as an only child, or how and WHY I cried over the Today show this morning during a wedding segment. Its just not what the public is interested in hearing, and since that's all consuming these days, the blog has become silent. Hopefully, I will snap out of it in a few days! On top of that, I am just NOT sleeping at all and my thoughts are not as quick and clever as they normally are (um, whatever that means!)

So, I am reading the "Left Behind" series because I never have, and let me tell you that for the past two weeks, every single dream I have had that I can remember has been about the antichrist. Heavy. And I have been remembering A LOT of dreams lately because I am waking up every hour to go to the bathroom, right in the middle of these dreams.

Lastly, Adler has taken to waking up 3-5 times a night the past two or so weeks. He will go right back to sleep in I go and tuck him in his covers and sing him one song, but I am ready for it to end. I know anything I do to fix it will probably be unfixed after the baby gets here, but I am starting to get nervous about having two little ones up all night every night. Any suggestions?

some old pictures

So I am trying to make up for not posting pictures in months and months by posting a few old ones I found. I think he was just beginning to try out the "cheesy" smile in these. Isn't he the funniest? I am guessing this was the fall before he turned 1.

still here and bakin

and for those of you who know me, you don't have to be told that by bakin I meant the baby and not anything involving flour or ovens. Eww.

Just checking in- been busy since E got home, settling back in, cleaning, and just trying to relax. Today I get a surprise package from E's trip though. E sent all his DIRTY laundry back UPS. That's going to be a nice box to open as its been in transit since last Thursday.

No real news, playing it pretty low key. Hope you all are having a great week though!

Overheard

Adler saying, "I want to jump over the moon SO BAD."

Still surviving

5 days down, 4 more to go! Being alone with Adler actually has not been bad. We have enjoyed our time together and have actually been so busy, its gone by pretty fast. We spent the night at my sister's on Friday so that we could go to my nephew's soccer game on Saturday (which, by the way, he did awesome!) Sunday, church then out to eat. Monday we cleaned house all day and then Adler had his sibling class at the hospital. It was such a cute little class and Ad had a lot of fun. Today, I am tying some loose ends up at work, then a baby shower tonight! Tomorrow, tackling the baseboards and my pantry (as in cleaning, not eating)...Thursday, a doctor appointment then the park if its pretty, and Friday, spending the day with cousins and then E comes home!! Yay!

That's it for an update. I know, its lacking that special something, but I just don't have much left right now!

the latest

I am dangerously close, if not already there, to the point in which my blog becomes more "the cute things my child does, and oh, look at how smart he is too" than me, but I just can't help it. If the boy wasn't so cute, then we wouldn't be in this predicament. I am not sure what every other "mommy blogger" (oh, how I hate that term) excuse is, but mine is that it just can't be helped. The cute stories just erupt from my mouth, or fingers, in this case, before I even realize that I am doing it.

So, without any more excuses, and before my mind can catch up with my fingers, let me just say that Ad's latest is being "best friends." He loves to snuggle up in between me and E on the couch, or put his little chubby arms around our shoulders and say, "We're best friends" or "Are we best friends, momma?" I just melt like butter at that squishy little question. I know, I know, the dangers of being your child's best friend.... But he's two. And he is TOTALLY my best friend right now.

Trekking into the wilderness

and I am talking about me, on spending the next 9 days as a huge pregnant woman chasing a toddler around all by myself.

and also my husband, who will be leaving tomorrow morning with his mom to have a fun, relaxing and beautiful 9 days far far away from the mayham in the Mason house that is sure to follow his departure.

I am actually looking forward to having complete and total control over the remote for 9 days (and that's just sad). And also, I am only cooking the minimal amount needed to sustain a toddler and a pregnant person for 9 days. And I am probably not going to clean the house until day 8. And I may not wash my hair every day. And I am certainly not going to turn off the lights when I leave the room and will more than likely keep the air conditioner turned down to a warm 60 degrees, even in the day. Let's see, anything else....oh, my oatmeal creme pies are totally coming out of my hiding spot for easier access. Yes. I am starting to feel a little bit better about this trip.

So keep E and his mom in your prayers as they travel tomorrow and brave the grizzlies at Yellowstone. And pray for me as I brave my own little 2 year old grizzly by myself too! And congrats to Josh and Christie as they are getting married this weekend, (and are the reason for the trip)

One more thing to note- HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my little sis, Brittany!!! I love your quirk, your sense of humor, your sensitivity, and your fierce spirit. I am so proud of you!

For those who want to know

I had an ultrasound today because I was exposed to Fifth's Disease a few weeks ago. Everything looked normal and baby, surprise surprise, is measuring a few weeks ahead. If she takes after her brother, she will be one big ole' baby when she gets here. I really have NO idea when that may be though. I am unsure of my dates, so it could be anytime from June 11 to July 4. Big range there, I know. I am going with June 25 though because I think that's the latest it could be according to what I think my dates were. I guess only time will tell. In the meantime, who wants to come over and get my nursery set up? Any takers? I will make cookies!!

Something is just not right about this

So, let me get this straight. If I pay off my credit card balance each month, just like a good consumer should, I will be punished with higher annual fees and termination of my rewards program?

This really makes me angry. I understand this proposed bill (already passed by the senate I believe) would be helping those who are in debt up to their eyeballs, that it protects those who have debt from being blasted with high rates without proper notice or from fees from going over the limit or being late on payments, but at whose expense? It is downright insulting to me that this bill is proposing to offset these protection strategies by punishing those who are being financially responsible.

I fear this is only the beginning.

Land of Nod

I love love the children's furniture and accessories company, The Land of Nod. They are whimsical, sweet, innocent, and everything a children's store should be. Plus their descriptions and names of their products in their catalog will make you laugh.

I just saw this baby girl bedding, called "Honey, I Shrunk the Doll Dresses" and just about died over the cuteness. Isn't it the sweetest? I love my pottery barn kids little birdie set, but this one would have made me think twice if I would have seen it first.

I couldn't get the picture to save, but visit it here.

Confessions

I am dying to get the call from the library that Tori Spelling's newest book, "Mommywood" is available. If its as indulgent as her first book, "sTori Telling," I am in for a treat!

Sadly, I am serious about this.

Nananana Booboo

We THINK we have a name and WE'RE NOT TELLIN'!

Doesn't that make you mad?

In fairness, we won't really decide until she's here.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. Ours seemed a bit short. Uncle Ben's funeral was Saturday and it was a sweet celebration and tribute to his 57 years here on Earth. Sunday, we had church and then just relaxed the rest of the day. We got the second pink coat on the walls and its just as pink! We haven't finished the trim, so we are hoping the original paint color on the walls is making it look pinker than it really is. I hope to have it done completely tomorrow. I ordered the new crib today, and am keeping my fingers crossed that when my actual voucher from the recalled crib company comes in, I won't have any problem getting reimbursed for the cost of the crib. Jardine made it impossible to continue use of the recalled crib because I had to turn in support brackets and bolts and all sorts of crazy stuff. This weekend, I hope to get E to get all the baby stuff out of the attic and clean it up. If I can get to that point, maybe I will be able to relax a bit!

E is leaving in two weeks to go to Yellowstone for 9 days. I am so jealous! He is going to be going to his childhood best friend's wedding there and has decided to bring his mom along and make it a vacation since I couldn't fly that late in the game. So its going to be just me and Adler for 9 days. What's worse is he is taking my prime babysitter with him! Yikes! That's okay. I am going to follow the trend and have a fabulous "staycation". Splash Park here we come! (yay.) No really, I am excited for E. He never gets to go anywhere (outside of our own vacations) so it will be good for him. When I was working full time, I frequently had to go to Chicago for work. I know, it was still work, but I always managed to fit in fun things like a Cubs game or shopping. And since I had Adler, we have taken several mini trips without E and I always feel bad leaving him here to work while I am having fun. So good for him. He better bring me back something great though.

Obsessions

Adler has turned into one of those "all boy" boys lately. E watches this show called Mythbusters, a show that debunks or proves truth in common urban legends or things that happen in movies, so basically an hour full of explosions, car wrecks, etc. (all done with machines and dummies, not gory or anything). Adler LOVES watching this with E, wanting to watch the "loud booms." So lately, Ad has been obsessed with loud booms and wrecks. When we drive down the road, he frequently asks me to hit the car in front of us. He is always saying "I want to have a wreck, Momma" or "I want to fall down in the road." Its sort of disturbing, but cute too. Good thing they don't give licenses to toddlers!

He has also started pretending to be a monster or a dinosoar or a bear. His main form of communication lately has been growling and grunting. He is so like his father its scary.

Remembering

My Uncle Ben peacefully passed away yesterday, surrounded by those who loved him. My sister and cousin wrote some beautiful things about him, and I wanted to add a few memories of my own.

Uncle Ben, the giver of everlasting hugs. He would NEVER EVER be the one to release a hug. They could go on for hours. I wished I would have tested that to see just how long it took for him to stop the hug.

I can remember at a family reunion, my cousins taught him how to do the funky chicken. He could be quite the ham.

He used to always wear the trucker style cap and would keep his special treasures in it, a few photographs and his famed harmonica. Whenever he would see someone new, he would take off that hat pull out those photos to show and play a few notes on the harmonica.

There are not too many people who get to know their great aunts and uncles. I feel so blessed that Nanny was able to take care of him all those years and that where she went, he went too. As a child, there were no holidays without Uncle Ben, no big occasions in my life that did not have Uncle Ben occupying the memories of them. He was always there, ready with a big hug, a sweet smile and a gentle spirit. He will be greatly missed, but I know that he is in Heaven right now, giving his momma one of his famous hugs.

Happy Mother's Day

I know I am a day late, but I hope you all had a great Mother's Day. We left Thursday and spent a long weekend swimming, boating, eating, relaxing and playing. It was fun and sort of bittersweet because I know it is the last time as our family of 3 to camp, and actually the last time to camp for a while period because I don't think I can do a little baby and a toddler in a camper. It felt really good to get home last night and sleep in my own bed though, without tiny feet rubbing in my face or little head butts to the back.

So, I need everyone to pray for my Uncle Ben. He has been in the hospital with pneumonia and its just not looking very good right now. Also pray for his sister, my grandmother, who in addition to being ill herself, is facing having to make the decision to allow doctors to take measures to resusitate him or not if it comes to that. She has taken care of Uncle Ben, who has Down's Syndrome, most of her life, and I know this is a really difficult decision. My heart breaks for her.