He's here!

This morning, May 2, 2009, our baby boy was born at home, welcomed by lots of loving arms and faces. He arrived 1 week early. We've been so anxious to meet him!

He didn't make it by Friday night, but that turned out to be a very good thing. He was patiently waiting on everyone who needed to be present for the birth. Zig was traveling and supposed to be home Friday evening. At about 1:45am I started tossing and turning in bed after feeling what felt like a contraction. I laid there for a few minutes and had the same feeling again. When I got up to check the clock, I noticed Zig was not in bed. I called him to see if he had missed his flight. He had in fact missed the flight, been shuttled to another airport in San Francisco, and made one of the last flights back. He had just touched down in Seattle and was on the tarmac when he picked up the phone. I told him I might be having a baby in the next 24 hours, and I think he was quite surprised. The amazing thing is I had my first contraction at about the exact moment he hit Seattle. By the time he walked in the front door, I had tracked the progress for an hour and there was certainly a pattern. I was definitely in labor. I had spoken to the midwife and told her I'd call her when things got going a bit more.

I started "nesting" real quick. I'm not a big planner, obviously. I tend to work better under pressure. But I had really planned to be more ready for this moment than I was!

Find the towels. Get the birth kit. Plug in all the cameras to charge. Find the yoga mat, the birthing ball, the candles, the music, and the energy drinks. Receiving blankets and newborn hat. Make the bed in the sheets I want to sleep in after baby is born and then cover it with a plastic sheet. Put the pillow inserts in a plastic bag and then put the pillow cases on. I had most of this done by 4:30am. I felt a bit of excitement and a twinge of anxiety as I got everything ready. Zig was exhausted and fell right to sleep when he got home. The house was totally quiet while I was busily preparing. I tried to keep moving and was often stopping to lean against the wall or counter during contractions.

I thought about waking mom, but I waited when I peeked in her room and could tell she was deep asleep. She had just arrived from Texas that afternoon and hadn't slept much the night before. Around 5:30 am I started to really feel some pain so I opened the guest room door and whispered "today's the day." She was up like lightening. She helped me sterilize the birthing ball because Rollin had it out in the yard all week. I called the midwife at about 6am. At this point (pain-wise) I was already at the birth center with Rollin 3 years ago. I could tell she was timing me and listening to my voice as a cue to how close I was. I mentioned to her that I don't really get loud or make noise when I labor so it may sound easy but really, things are feeling pretty intense right now. She said, "that's very good to know." She said she and another midwife would be to our home at 7:15. I think by the time they both arrived, it was 7:40.

Meanwhile, I walked around the yard and tried to keep things progressing.

7:30am trying to relax

Tiffany asked if I wanted her to check me to see if I was dilated. I was very curious at this point. It could have been 1 or 2 centimeters, or it could be 7. I had no idea. I think we were both suprised, especially Tiffany, when I was fully dilated and the baby was low and ready to be born. I found Mom and Zig and let them know that the baby was definitely coming this morning.

I had to get 1 dose of antibiotic intravenously for strep b, and then we decided to break my water. It was up to me, but my water never breaks on its own and I usually spend a couple hours not progressing with my water bag intact, and in that time I get very tired. I didn't want to waste any energy so Cari broke my water. I took a few contractions to gather my strength and thoughts, and I decided to try the birthing stool and give it my all for several pushes.

Mom brought the kids in after two pushes and they were there for about 10 minutes until the baby was born. It was quite intense but quick and at 9am I had our precious baby in my arms.

whew, glad that part's over :)


he felt pretty chubby and had tons of "lotion"

After nursing like a little pro, Tiffany weighed the baby and gently checked him out. He weighed 8 lbs 9 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.


8 lbs 9 ounces!

gentle newborn exam



Cari and Tiffany, my two wonderful naturopath-midwives

What are you thinking, sweet Rollin?

Snuggles for the rest of the day.

Love from Mom




Having a home birth was absolutely wonderful and everything was just so calm. The midwives were there to support us in every way. The kids were in and out and had different levels of interest and concern for Mommy. Rollin's first question after seeing the baby born was, can I go finish my dino movie now? I could smell yummy pancakes cooking while I was laboring down the hall, and with my Mom here, I knew everything was taken care of.

Best of all, I was able to crawl right in my own bed after the birth. Nobody poked and prodded me or the baby. And there was no hurry for anything. I think Tiffany and Cari were on their way by 11am. I didn't know them as well as the other midwives, but they turned out to be fantastic. Midwives are amazing and I am so grateful I was in their care. When they left, I was able to enjoy some delicious homemade mango pancakes from Mom. I don't think anything ever tasted so good. I was starving!

And now we are a family of six. This is an experience I will treasure.

*The name of our baby is still a matter of intense discussion!*

Tomorrow's another day....

One thing I've learned that almost always holds true, especially in motherhood, is that if I have a really rough day, the next day is almost always better. And so it was today. I think 48 hours of being flat on my back helped because today most of my lower back pain was gone. Rollin and Nina went to one of my friend's houses all day which was a total treat for them, and so incredibly helpful for me. Rollin had the time of his life because he just loves this woman. Her children are grown and she played grandmother for the day. They played ball, went on a walk, made turtle pancakes, went shopping at PCC where Rollin picked out two ears of corn, one apple, and a package of Glee gum, and watched a movie. I never give him gum so he was super stoked to show me his little package when Francee dropped him off.

He tells me his toe is "totally better, Mom" as I wince every time I look at it. It just looks awful and started oozing blood today. Nice. Rollin is a tough little kid. And I'm sorry, but this is a gross little picture!


I got right into the chiropractor this morning and had my back adjusted. And then I rested at home all afternoon, trying very hard not to get up and start getting busy again. It's hard not to want to spiff things up and catch up on laundry with Mom coming tomorrow. I tried out some new cleaning ladies on Monday, but that was pretty much negated by the fact that I spent the next two days in bed letting the kids undo all their hard work :) So today I had to do just a little and I felt my back tensing up and pain in my legs. So I went back to the couch! My energy level is back enough now that I feel better about having the stamina for giving birth. My birth kit also arrived today so everything's set for our first home birth! Should be interesting.

Rollin is finding it harder and harder to get comfortable on my body. There's this big watermelon in the way of his old favorite resting spot. Oh well, not too much longer although things aren't looking promising for my wish for a May Day birth. No real changes. But I still have a glimmer of hope. Horseback riding tomorrow, anyone???


Just in time for mom's visit, it seems like all our purple flowers are coming up. And purple is one of her favorite colors.



And the sun is out!



Things are definitely looking up.

Bring on the Raspberry Tea!

Well, things have sure taken a turn for the worse this week.

Prior to Monday I was definitely feeling very pregnant, but I had lots of good, busy days followed by slower more low key days to recuperate. But on Monday Rollin dropped a big, full Pellegrino bottle on his foot and really hurt his toe. It is all blue and purple and swollen. He cried off and on all day in pain and I'm sure it was the throbbing that was killing him. I carried him a lot more than normal, and after a couple days of being baffled at why my body is now KILLING me, I think maybe lifting him in and out of the crib (his new preferred place to sleep) in my 8 or so attempts to try and get him to just rest may have something to do with the fact that I can't get out of bed now.

I am walking like a hunchback old lady when I do make the attempt.

I was so exhausted at my midwife appointment on Tuesday that I cried. Just saying the words "I'm absolutely exhausted" brought the tears. I felt silly, but sleep deprivation does some strange things! This is my fourth baby, and here I am crying :) Being exhausted from the flu when I had Rollin was very hard and I guess the experience hasn't totally left my memory. All I want is a little bit of energy for this birth.

Today Nina was gone all day at Miko's. They had a field trip to the Seattle Children's Theater and then she just went home to play with Kiera all day. Lots of people offered to take Rollin. But he didn't want to go anywhere and he has a little cold so I wasn't comfortable sending him. He was my little buddy all day while I laid in bed. He was so good and so sweet and kept me entertained with dinosaur fights and tricks and lots and lots of cuddling. He kept telling me all day long " I love you so, so much Mama!" He also said "This is the best day ever!" That made me feel better and definitely made me smile. He was enjoying the time together. And the thought occurred to me that if this is the best day ever, I may need to slow down and just be present a bit more.

Anyway, it was sure to be one of our last long days together before the baby comes and even though my body isn't cooperating, I feel it was a gift in many ways. I can't even express how much I adore my little Rollin.

I am going to try and see the chiropractor this week and get an adjustment before the baby comes. I guess that would mean I need to get in early Friday. I desperately want this baby to come on Friday, which Zig thinks is pretty funny. I sent him out for some special tea that I drank when I needed Sela to be born on a Saturday because of Zig's travel schedule. It worked then, although I know it probably had little to do with the tea. It was also her due date.

The reason I'm hoping for Friday is that my favorite midwife won't be on call again for ten days, and as much as I love her, I wouldn't want to be late just to have her. So, I thought I'd throw my hopes out to the universe and maybe I'll get lucky on Friday evening. It would need to be after mom arrives and after Zig gets back from the bay area. So around 6 pm . Early Saturday morning a new midwife is on, and though I like her, I really had my heart set on the other two. So Friday, early evening. That's all I'm asking. Let's hear it for getting specific!

And aside from feeling like a total cripple, nothing new is going on around here. The kids are making cereal and sandwiches an awful lot and I can't wait to be able to cook them a good meal sometime soon. Lots of hot baths that begin alone and end with one big body and three little ones and the jets on high. It's actually easier than bathing them all right now so it's all good.

And now I'm back to bed. Cross your fingers for Friday!

Friends, flowers, and slowing down....

This week flew by! We had some more beautiful weather and spent lots of time outside. I had some friends over for brunch on Tuesday...everyone brought such yummy salads and I made a veggie quiche, tomato goat cheese crostini, and maple yogurt muffins. We watched the kids play and enjoyed being able to visit a bit. I really love the company of good friends, but lately I've been so busy in my own little world with the house, yard, getting ready for baby, etc.


On Wednesday night, the moms from our preschool and Mrs. Judy met for dinner at a really great Thai restaurant. What a fun group of women! It was so nice to be able to spend some time with them outside of the preschool pickup/drop-off. I tried this shredded papaya salad that I'm still thinking about...I must re-create that thing or I might find myself hitting up that restaurant a few times a week!

Friday night a babysitter practically landed in my lap, which is often what it takes since I am so poor at planning ahead for much needed nights out. The girls only want certain babysitters and I usually wait until Thursday night when they are taken, etc, etc. But one of their favorites happened to stop by on Thursday so we planned for Friday. This darling girl brings practically a whole suitcase of activities. We were only gone a few hours and they played soccer, ate dinner, did leaf rubbings, made these little kite things, made flubber, had a dance party, and watched a movie. Zig and I enjoyed what is likely our last date for a little while. We went to dinner and did a little shopping. We were home by 9:30, but somehow managed to stay up till midnight. Of course Saturday I was in a walking coma again...slow motion, unproductive, scattered, jumping from one project to the next and completing none. Going to bed late, combined with the horrible sleep I am getting right now, and I am absolutely worthless the next day. But it was a busy week, and a slow Saturday is often the best kind.

Everyone else around here was busy. Two truckloads of crush rock were dumped here this morning. It was supposed to be spread by the company who delivered it but the first guy who came was on his first day on the job and ended up dumping way too much of it in one place. He created about three hours of work for Zig who had to even it all out. The second truckload was spread just right by someone who knew what they were doing.


Eric and Ben finally wrapped up the garden project, which was a huge undertaking. Much more complicated than it appears from the surface. I know they're glad to have that behind them. I had a little chat with Eric last week about the tree house. He took on a new project in Seattle where he is working on a house flip, gutting it and re-doing everything. The tree house has been put on the back burner because the garden took precedence, but with summer coming, I tried to light a little fire under him to get cranking on it. Today they put the windows in and were able to get quite a bit done. It still has about 3 weeks solid of work to be finished because Zig has so many specific ideas....

The girls and the neighbors made a new nature village in the trees beneath the treehouse complete with a hatchery for eggs, a garden, a kitchen, a writing center where they made charcoal pens, and lots of trails. That kept them busy for most of the afternoon.

About the only thing I can say for myself is I kept everyone fed and supplied a steady stream of snacks. I also made a few little flower arrangements with some of the new flowers that came up this weekend. I tried to sneak off to take a nap and Rollin came in and started doing kung fu on my back so I would get up and come see his trick. I might need to invest in some locks for my bedroom door. The thought never occurred to me until lately. It seems everyone has a need sensor that goes off as soon as my head hits the pillow! Once I realized I wasn't napping, I decided to try and find some more newborn clothes in the many boxes of clothes sitting in the barn. Rollin was on me like glue, of course, as he saw some of his favorite outfits resurface. Like most little kids, he wanted to try on some of his old favorites and insisted they still fit. First he reclaimed the crib, and now it's the baby clothes. Can't wait to see how he feels about nursing!



Our favorite maple tree is finally in bloom...a little late this year!

For Shenise....

Shenise, you know I love you if I am posting a pregnant picture of myself this late in the game! I had Nina take one this afternoon and Sela said I looked "freaky." And seeing this photo, I'd have to agree.

I'll be expecting the same from you at 38 weeks :)

BOOM!

Everything Rollin does, he does with gusto. He is known for running down the hall at church and then busting out a somersault. He doesn't miss a beat. It's all one motion and he's off again.

Whenever we are at home and he's telling a story or something that happened to him, he always uses the word "Boom!"

BOOM! I fell off my bike. BOOM! I fell out of the tree. BOOM! I kicked the ball so high. And Nina hit me like this, BOOM! Etc, etc.

He always wants to show us his tricks. Right now he does headstands everywhere. I caught him in action this afternoon. He likes to show off for our neighbor, Sophia, so while he was trying to woo her with his very best stunts, she was off kicking the ball with Sela. Oh well, he thinks she was watching and that's all that counts!

My favorite tulips...

This is the part of blogging that is purely selfish...we want to keep record of what comes up when in our yard so we can plan/make changes for next year. I don't expect anyone else to be so interested in seeing another tulip, but these happen to be my very favorites. They're orange! Zig ordered a ton because he knew how crazy I am about orange. If ever he forgets, he sits in a dining chair the same color as these flowers each night.




We also ordered a few of these really beautiful crinkly looking tulips. I'm sure there is a better name, but I just don't recall.

And imagine my delight when our magnolia tree started showing signs of blooming. We got nothing last year! I've had my eye on one nearby so I was so excited to see the first two blooms on ours this weekend.