A Quick Birth Story

Well here it is...and I am not being brief because of time constraints - it's just a brief story - I'll add lots of details to make it seem longer.

I had been having random contractions for a few weeks before Lacey was born, but on Wednesday, June 17, I started having more frequent contractions. They were between 10-20 mins apart and not at all painful most of the day. By evening, they were still 10-20 mins apart, but they were starting to get stronger. I still didn't know if this was 'it', but we decided to go ahead and call the babysitter and drop the boys off just in case. While we were driving the boys to meet the babysitter, the contractions were 15-20 mins apart and were 'ouch-worthy' - but still not 'I'm-definitely-in-labor' painful. We got home around 10pm, ate a snack and went to bed around 11:30pm. I tried to sleep, but the contractions were getting too strong (and I was getting too excited) to sleep, so I went downstairs to lay on the couch. At about 12:30am the contractions were definitely painful - but still about 10 mins apart - I wondered, "if they are getting stronger but not closer together, is it still labor??". About the time I decided to call the hospital, I felt a contraction coming on that I knew was going to be really bad, so I got on my hands and knees and reminded myself that it would be over soon and the next one wouldn't happen for another 10 mins. Then my water broke (12:50am). After that the contractions were very close together and pretty painful. Let me pause to say that with Lance, once my water broke - it was over - time to push. With this in mind, I woke Ben and told him we have to leave NOW! All the way to the hospital (15 mins) I just knew I was going to have the baby in the car, but somehow we made it. When we got into L&D, they started to take me into triage to 'check my progress', but, knowning the baby was about to come and I really didn't want to give birth in a tiny cubicle, I said, "I totally have to push", so they decided to go ahead and get me into a room. So, at 1:15am they got me into the room. They checked me - I had an 'anterior rim' (I was more than 9cm, but not quite 'complete'). They checked the baby's heartbeat - it was good. They said something about starting an IV - at which point I almost started laughing - but then I really had to push. I might have pushed twice - it happened really fast - and Lacey was born at 1:23am. Woohoo!! A completely natural and unmedicated childbirth - I didn't even get an IV! And only 30 minutes of hard labor...is that cheating?? ;)

Oh, and I learned something: you know you are progressing as the contractions get worse. For me: when they start to hurt...GO!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

Welcome to our family, Lacey Alethea Qualls!!
She was born June 18, 2009 at 1:23am.
7 lbs. 5 oz. 19 inches

Check back soon for the birth story....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LANCE!!!!!!!

I can't believe my BABY is now 2 years old!! Here are some pics of the BIG event!!! (May 25)

Smile and say, "CHEESE!!"

He and Lucas got a bubble mower - they LOVE them!

Openning presents was momentarily interupted by the sound of an airplane overhead.

A bug box. Lance loves to look at 'big bugs'.

Boy, Girl or Bowling Ball??

With just over 5 weeks to go, I am getting really excited about this baby!!! Lucas has decided that because I am a girl, the baby will also be a girl. I think Lance has a suspicion that he is about to be dethroned as the baby of the family because he has suddenly become a big (actually he's still little), clingy cuddle-bug. Not that I'm complaining - he's cute enough to get away with it. I finally dug out all the 'team green' baby clothes and have the boy clothes standing by in case we need them (and the debit card standing by in case we don't). Here's a picture of my current 'shape' as of this past Sunday (34.5 weeks) - that's where the 'bowling ball' part of the title comes in. Well, off to a doctor's appt. From here on out, they're weekly!!!!!

Adventure Update:

Ok...So now it's a hobby. I have been having lots of fun lately.

I ran out of elastic for Lance's diapers, so I had to order more. While I am waiting, I decided to try making diapers for the next baby. It's sooo easy. Using 2 baby blankets and a sheet I bought at the thrift store and some old burp cloths, I have made these 5 diapers and have fabric cut for 4 more.

*sigh* So much fun. So little time.

My New Adventure!

When my parents decided to cloth diaper my younger brother and sister, I decided very quickly that I would NEVER use cloth diapers. I hated changing them, I hated the pins (that I usually stuck myself with), I hated the vinyl pants that were a pain to get on and off, I hated the bleach smell (and other smells associated with the diapers), rinsing them, wringing them out, washing them and (most time consuming) folding the diapers. I would NEVER use cloth diapers as a means to save money - it was worth the cost to avoid the hassle.

...and then I made an interesting discovery: it doesn't have to be that way.

You don't need vinyl pants, pins or bleach, and you don't have to fold them. You can get diapers that have Velcro or snaps, have elastic and are fitted to your baby like disposables and diapers that have a waterproof layer or a waterproof cover with snaps/Velcro to make changing easier. And here's a fun bonus: you can make your own with all these great features for a fraction of the price you would get them at the store or online. And then I learned something about cloth diapers that completely sold me on the idea of trying them: THEY ARE SOOOO CUTE!!!!

So here is my first attempt at a 'pocket diaper' for Lance. It fastens with snaps and it has a waterproof outer layer, a layer of soft fabric that pulls the moisture away from his skin and microfiber towel (tri-folded) in between the two layers (that's the 'pocket' part) that I can take out when it's time to wash the diaper to make washing more thorough and drying quicker.

Now tell me that's not cute!!! I have enough material to make 4 more like it and I only spent about $25 on it. I'll keep you posted on how it goes!!

An Amazing God!!!

Here is a blog about a baby that is truly a miracle. She was diagnosed with anencephaly (which means she has no brain) when her mother was 19 weeks pregnant. She was told that she would not be able to survive on her own and would die shortly after being born. Trusting God, her mother decided to let Him decide how long she would live. Either doctors don't know as much as they think they know about this condition or God is more powerful than the doctors give him credit for (likely both), but little Faith Hope is now 10 weeks old.

http://babyfaithhope.blogspot.com/

This is a story that can teach us many things. For me it was a reminder that every day with my children is a miracle, and I should cherish it because the next day is not promised. Also, it is proof that we can only see God work when we trust and obey Him.