The Hospital

I know a lot of people can't wait to get out of the hospital, but I kind of liked it.  It was nice to have the nurses checking on us, bringing drinks and snacks, and basically making life easy for everyone.  Everything was pretty smooth other than the first day Luke wouldn't eat which was concerning.  They finally had to put a tube down into his stomach and pulled out some fluid and air, after that he finally started to eat and did better.  Tim stayed with us the entire time and we basically just rested and recovered.  We had several visitors which was so fun, we loved having people come to celebrate his birth.  Mostly we just kept watching the baby in amazement that he was ours.  After a day of him being Baby Boy Whitesides, we finally decided on Luke William Whitesides as his name.  It took months of debate and trying out various names but once we settled on Luke William, it just felt right.

We had lots of visitors,

Not sure how I missed pictures of so many who came to see us.

Ada and Miles love their new cousin.

Jenn, Cory and Calvin

Grandma and Grandpa Whitesides

Brothers

I didn't get a shot of Ryan, Lindsey and Nic all together.  Oops

Talk about a serious surprise,
My brother Sean flew in from Texas to meet Luke and be with us.

Finally headed home,
The only shot we have of all of us together.

The Birth Story

It's been two weeks and I finally am finding time to get Luke's birth story written, or at least started.  Right now it all seems so clear in my mind, but I know the details will start to fade.  So, two weeks ago on Saturday morning I got up early to go to the gym.  I had been feeling crampy since Thursday, but no signs of labor so I just went about my normal routine.  I went to spin class and then went to the treadmills to run.  Shortly after I started running I had some pains, but I wasn't too concerned and really didn't pay too much attention.  But, they kept coming and were bad enough that I had to stop and stand on the side of the treadmill each time one hit.  I finally started watching the clock and noticed that they were pretty consistent at 5 minutes apart.  Hmmm, maybe they were contractions?  I wasn't sure and really wanted to finish my 5 miles so I just kept running.  I'm sure people watching wondered why I kept stopping, but after the initial shot of pain, I was fine to keep running.  Once I had my miles in, I went to the weights section to lift.  Tim was at the gym and came to find me.  I told him I thought I might be having contractions so we spent some time reading on his phone how to tell if they were real or not.  It seemed like maybe this was the real deal, but I figured we still had quite awile before the big moment.  Eventually the pains got progressively worse so I finished up  my lifting and we decided to leave.  Tim got a kick out of watching people watch me at the gym.  I had really dropped so I looked quite pregnant by then.
After all the time at the gym I was hungry and didn't want to go to the hospital hungry so we stopped at In N Out Burgers for lunch.  On the way home I called my mom and Jami and put them on standby, then went home to finish laundry and some last minute details in the nursery.  Tim kept saying the we should head to the hospital but I didn't want to go and be sent home, or spend hours laying n a hospital bed waiting for some progress.  He finally came in from the garage and said that he could hear me making pain noises when I had a contraction and that he thought it was time to go.  By that time I was pretty uncomfortable and getting cranky when a contraction would hit so we got in the car and headed to the hospital.
We parked in the front of the hospital, didn't realize there was a back entrance for the women's center.  It was a very long walk, made longer by several stops for contractions.  We finally made it and were put into a room.  Apparently we arrived at a very busy time - three births right before we got there.  My dad was sure that the baby would be born on Saturday because of the storms and changes in barometric pressure, he was right.  The nurse checked me and said I was at a 5, she said that if I wanted an epidural I could have it then. At that point I was uncomfortable and said sure but the anesthesiologist was busy and it was awhile before he could get to me.  In the mean time my water broke while they were checking me and from there the contractions became a whole different monster.  When the anesthesiologist finally got there, I was in so much pain that it was hard to get the epidural in.  Tim was watching and thought the pain I was experiencing was from him placing the needle.  Honestly, I didn't even care what the anesthesiologist was doing, I just wanted him to jab the needle in and get me some pain relief.  He finally got it in and within a few minutes of the epidural being placed, I had great relief and from there it was kind of a party.  I kind of wanted to marry the anesthesiologist at that point
My mom, dad, Jami and Cory all showed up and settled in for the duration.  Everyone loved watching the contractions on the monitor and I loved that I could see how strong they were without feeling the pain.  The nurse was a little concerned because the baby's heart rate would often drop when I would have a contraction.  They were also worried because the baby had meconium and they were worried about aspiration.  Overall though, everything seemed to be progressing well, my contractions didn't get much closer but I continued to dilate.
At some point my doctor, Dr. Rees came by to check on me and before I knew it, they said I was at a 10 and ready to push.  The nurse had warned me that with a first baby, I should expect to push for 2-3 hours.  After about 20 minutes I told the doctor that I didn't want to jinx myself, but that the labor process was much easier than I had expected.  With the support of Tim, my mom and Jami, I kept pushing and 50 minutes later I got the first glimpse of my boy.  It was short, just long enough for Tim to cut the cord, then they took him for a respiratory therapist and NICU team to evaluate.  Luckily, he didn't have any complications and within a few minutes they brought him to me.  I really couldn't do anything but cry and hold him.  The entire process had seemed so surreal and I could hardly believe that I was lying there holding my own baby.  The feeling in the room was one of such overwhelming love and gratitude.  The next few hours passed quickly as they tested and took care of him, and before we knew it, it was 3:00 a.m. and we were finally going to sleep, me in a hospital bed, Tim on a roll away in my room, and our baby in the nursery.  What an amazing day.  I couldn't have scripted it any better myself.

About 4:00 p.m.
No contractions at the moment,
As long as the shot was between contractions I could smile.

About 4:30 p.m.
I still wasn't positive they weren't going to send me home...
Funny because I was at a 5 and definitely progressing

About 10:30 p.m.
This is post epidural and right before I started pushing,
I wasn't kidding when I said that I felt great for most of the labor.  

11:32 p.m.
Welcome to the world Baby Boy Whitesides
No chance to meet the boy,
Respiratory and NICU got the first chance to check him out.

7 lb 2 oz, 20.5 inches

Finally meeting my boy.

Grandpa was just a little proud.

Thanks to the Rockstar, Jami was especially excited,

About 2:00 a.m.
First bath

He loved getting his hair washed,
He cried more getting his temperature taken.

About 3:00 a.m.
Everyone clean and in our new room.
A tired but happy daddy.

Introducing....

Luke William Whitesides

April 14, 2012

7 pounds 2 ounces, 20.5 inches

Work of Art?

So, maybe this isn't quite a work of art, but I was pretty happy with how it turned out.  Jami sent me a similar image from Pintrest which I loved.  I went to the site to get some ideas of how she did hers, then went on the hunt for letters and supplies.  That is about where my contribution ends.  I am not at all creative and need serious hand holding to do anything like this.  Mostly I followed directions and used the exacto knife while Jami was the creative genius.  It's great to have a talented family.

By the way, I am aware that I am missing letters "h" and "s".  Apparently they must be popular letters and had to be special ordered.  No worries, the baby will learn his full ABC's.

Sweet Baby G Turns Three

This little boy melts my heart.  Three years ago I got to be there when he was born and can't believe he is so old already.  He is so excited for the baby, he calls him Rudio.  Every time he sees me wants to kiss my belly and then tell Rudio to come out and play.  When his mom asked him last week what he wanted for his birthday he said "a big present for baby Rudio".  He will be the greatest cousin.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I do have to say that he can be a total rascal.  He is mischievous and smart and can get into more trouble, more quickly, than almost any kid I know.  He is definitely all boy but with a face like that, it's hard not to just laugh at his antics.

Trifle

I volunteered to make dessert for Easter dinner.  Not really a big deal because dessert is my favorite, but I wanted to find something extra good.  I follow a blog called Real Mom Kitchen and found this strawberry and lemon trifle.  The blog is basically recipes and food ideas, but is the kind of food that I make and that usually doesn't need fancy ingredients.  Kind of like a good ward cookbook but even better.  Her photo of this trifle was much better than mine, but who cares what it looked like, it was delicious!

Fresh Strawberry and Lemon Mousse Trifle

• 1 (4 3/4 oz) pkg. Strawberry Danish dessert (found by the gelatin)**
• 2 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 lb. fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1/2 cup milk (I used skim)
• 1 (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1 (14 oz) angel food cake, cut into about 1 inch cubes
• extra strawberries for garnish (optional)

1. In a large microwave safe bowl, whisk together the danish dessert and cold water.  Cover the bowl with a piece of waxed paper and microwave for 6 minutes, stirring every two minutes.
2. Remove from the microwave and allow danish dessert to cool for 1 hour.
3. In a large bowl, whip the whipping cream and milk until soft peaks form.  Add the dry pudding to the cream mixture and  beat until stiff peaks form.  Then fold in the lemon zest.
4. Once the danish dessert has cooled for the 1 hour fold in the fresh strawberry slices.  It will look like a strawberry sauce.
5. In a trifle bowl or large glass bowl, layer 1/2 of the cake cubes followed with 1/2 of the strawberry sauce and the 1/2 of the lemon mousse.  Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.  You can pipe on the last layer of lemon mousse to make it decorative.  Chill for at least 3-4 hours before serving. Serves 10-12.

Easter

Not sure how it happened, but I don't think I had a single piece of Easter Candy yesterday.  Clearly I was not on my A game when it came to hunting.  I spent most of my time following kids around, picking up dropped eggs, and playing "I spy" to find the really tricky eggs.  Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure there is a bag of Cadbury eggs hidden at home.  My favorite!

 Gavin's basket was a little overwhelming.

 You would not believe how much effort it took 

To get a shot with both boys looking at me.

I look like I ate a few too many treats.

Park City 2012

For the last several years since we met, Tim and I have gone to Park City every year for my birthday.  We usually just wander around Main Street for a little bit, then have dinner at Baja Cantina and treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  This year we went a little earlier.  Since the little man is supposed to make his big appearance on my birthday, it is unlikely we will get to Park City on that day or any day close. Dinner was amazing, minus the waiter with no personality.  I saved my caramel apple to eat at home while we watched Moneyball, perfect!

The moose on Main Street, apparently there are a few.  I thought if I had my picture taken next to a moose, it would make me look smaller.  Not sure that it worked.

While on Main, we wandered into a gallery for Michael Fatali, a photographer.  I had never seen his work before but we both loved it.  It's all landscape, but what makes it so unique is the lighting - apparently he will camp out for weeks waiting for the exact right light.  He had this quote on the wall of the gallery.  I thought it was quite profound

Here are a few of my favorites:

Dreams of Chicken

Last night I had a dream about eating chicken.  Someone served me a dish with chicken and I didn't realize what I was eating, once I did, I was sick and couldn't figure out how to get the taste out.  Seems strange?  Since getting pregnant the thought of chicken makes me nauseated  - just typing this is doing it.  I didn't realize how much chicken I ate and cooked, and how prevalent it is in restaurants until I stopped eating it.  The funny thing is that I can eat (and crave sometimes), McDonalds chicken nuggets.  Crazy!  I went to bed last night feeling sick to my stomach, maybe that's what got the dream going.  Although who knows, lately nearly everything I dream is crazy.  Last week I dreamed I forgot to feed the baby for four days - ummm, luckily my dreams are rarely based in reality.  They have always been wild and vivid, but right now, it is truly night time entertainment.

38 weeks...and counting

Maybe I should consider taking these pictures when I have been awake for more than 5 minutes.  Nothing but my finest.  My mom has decided that today would be a great day to have the baby, April 4, 4-4.  I'm thinking another week or two would be just fine.  He's pretty easy inside.

We Bought a Zoo

Have you seen this movie?  If not, grab your Kleenx and go.  Actually I think it is out on DVD so you can enjoy it and be emotional in your own home.  The movie is based on a true story and was, for lack of a better work, so sweet.  The family has just lost their mother to cancer and in the process of trying to cope, end up buying a small private zoo despite zero experience or knowledge about the animals.  The director seemed to avoid the temptation to try to make the story too Hollywood, it felt very real which is probably why it was so easy to relate. 

As I watched the movie though I kept thinking that I have definitely gotten old.  Matt Damon is the star and he is a little frumpy and a frustrated dad, but I don't think he has ever been more attractive.

Yes, I can still appreciate him as Bourne, and other action heroes, but there is something about him playing the role of a great dad that just makes him all the hotter. 

Dreams of Joy

Not sure how to link it, but back in July of 2009 I reviewed Shanghai Girls by Lisa See. The basic review was that I loved the history and the relationships but hated the ending.  Dreams of Joy is the sequel, it delivered again on the great relationships and historical details, and this time had a great ending. 

See's Dreams of Joy picks up the story of sisters Pearl and May where Shanghai Girls left off: on the night in 1957 when Pearl's daughter, Joy, discovers that May is her true mother. WhileShanghai Girls followed the sisters from their time as models in the glittering "Paris of Asia" to their escape from the Japanese invasion and their new life in Los Angeles, its sequel sends Pearl back to Shanghai twenty years later in pursuit of Joy, whose flight to China is propelled by anger, idealism, and a desire to find her true father, Z.G., an artist who may be falling out of favor with the Party. Joy goes with him deep into the countryside to the Green Dragon commune, where they take part in the energetic inception of Mao’s Great Leap Forward. But their collective dream of a communist paradise is soon overshadowed by hunger as the government’s bizarre agricultural mandates create a massive, relentless famine. Pearl, trapped in Shanghai as travel restrictions tighten, has little idea of the hardship Joy endures--until both women realize they must subvert a corrupt system in order to survive. The best estimates put the death toll from China’s Great Leap Forward at 45 million, and See is unflinching in her portrayal of this horrific episode. In clean prose, she gives us a resounding story of human resilience, independent spirits, and the power of the love between mothers and daughters. --Mari Malcolm

I have been reading a lot of magazines lately and it was great to get lost in a book again.  I was fascinated at the historical parts describing Mao's China.  So much needless suffering.  Perhaps because of my current state, I especially loed all of the mother daughter interactions.  If you haven't read either, do yourself a favor, they are worth your time.  A

Showers With Friends

Not sure what you were thinking, but I was talking about one of these kinds of showers, you know, the baby kind.  I hear a lot of stories about high school girls and all of the drama they experience with their friends.  I don't know if I was lucky, blessed, or a lot of both, but nearly all of my memories of my high school friends are good ones.  I had a really great group of friends, high goals, high morals, supportive, and a lot of fun.  The best part is that it has all continued twenty plus years later.  It was so fun to get together with them, the baby was a perfect excuse.  Most of them are a little ahead of me, kids getting married, driving, dating, etc. but a perfect place to pick up a lot of advice.  The theme of everyone's advice seemed to be to just slow down and enjoy the baby time - he will grow up way too quickly and the "precious moments" will be gone.  Great advice for me.  Thanks girls, it was a fabulous night.
 

In case you wondered,

Yes, I have gotten bigger.

Loved the sign!