The Birth!

Okay, so I used to get so mad when people wouldn't update their blog but now I TOTALLY understand. So, that is to say...if my posts are few and far between from now on I know many of you will understand. I wanted to post about the birth so I didn't forget about the details (that I remember).

Sunday, November 23rd: Went to church then headed over to my mom's house for a big family dinner. All of the Church kids (Church is my maiden name) were in town, including my sister and her family. I was so excited to be done with subbing and get to spend time with all of them. We had the week planned out-Sunday dinner, Twilight on Monday, Zoo lights, pie making, Thanksgiving dinner (one with the Winsor's and one with Voorhees/Church families), BBQ at Pistol's, shopping early on Friday morning, etc. On Sunday, I announced to my family that I was going to hopefully have the baby on Friday then my mom could just enjoy her week and then stay extra to help me out. I was a tad uncomfortable today being so big and my feet rather large. I kept saying that "this turkey was done!"

Monday, November 24th: Went to the gym and enjoyed a great kickboxing workout. Got showered, dressed, and went to my Dr. appt. at 11:10 am. Those of you who are avid readers of our blog know that my feet have been swollen for the past month or so. My doctor has been watching me closely for toxemia/preclampsia issues so I've been okay so far. Well, today they took my blood pressure and it was much higher than normal, there was protein in my urine, and I had gained more weight (to put me over my limit to say the least)! My doc came in and "checked" me, looked at my chart, and said, "Looks like we are going to have a baby today so start making your way over to the hospital." WHAT? I was so shocked! Yes, I wanted to have the baby early but Friday was going to be the big day (or even after that). He seemed a little concerned and delivering the baby was the only cure for toxemia. It was happening now! I was scared, confused, nervous, excited..........the list goes on! I was waiting in line to check out and text my Jason and my mom (I was supposed to meet them for lunch). I didn't want to call because I was going to start crying and there were people in front of me and behind me and I hate crying in front of people. I got out to my car and called, cried, and said "It's time!"

I should have recorded Jason talking on the phone. He was frantically trying to close things up at work, get home (without a speeding ticket), and get to the hospital. I was just going to meet him there but decided I could probably go home and wait for him and go to the hospital together. (Plus..I had a few last minute items to put in my bag.) My bag was already packed but Jason needed his. I kept telling him to pack it but he didn't. It sure was a site to watch him pack. I think he was feeling every emotion as well.

We got to the hospital, check in, and they started hooking me up to drugs. I got started on a drug called Magnesium around 3 pm (which is for patients with Toxemia). It is to help alleviate the risk of having seizures. They started Pitocin around 4pm. I was only at a 1 1/2cm at this time still. My mom and sister stopped by to say hi. I was having contractions but just breathed through them (they weren't bad yet). After awhile a nurse asked if I wanted something to take the edge off. I agreed! For about 3 hours of that I finally asked for an epidural. They gave me the epidural when I was 6cm at 11:30 pm. They had warned me that once I got the epidural that things might progress more slowly so I did try to postpone it as long as I could. But once I got it it was HEAVENLY! I'm not sure how my sister or anyone else had made it through labor without one! I let all of the nurses know that people who don't have an epidural are crazy!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008: All of a sudden I turned over and felt something drop inside of me. I called the nurse button and said, "I think I feel something down there, like a head!" She came in and said, "Yup, you are at a 10, that is the head, and we need to start pushing." They called my doctor around 1:30 am. I think he got there around 1:45 or so. Wyatt's heartrate was dropping rather quickly so the nurses started prepping me and they were about to deliver the baby. I asked them, "Have you guys done this before?" They laughed! With my first push my doctor came in. When they were telling me to push, I had no clue if I was or not. I asked them if I made the face if that counted because that's all they were getting.:)

Finally, Wyatt was born. He wasn't crying yet and it scared me a little. The dr. asked if Jason wanted to cut the cord (I guess I should have gone over my birth plan with him). The nurse said, "We don't have time for that!" She rushed Wyatt over to assess him. His first APGAR score was a 2. Jason went over and was watching them/him. After two minutes of not breathing, our little guy finally took a breath! I started crying when I heard him because after hearing the nurses and watching Jason I knew something was wrong. Apparently they had to do chest compressions on our little fighter but he made it through. He didn't want to miss out on the party! (Don't worry...after 5 minutes, his APGAR score was an 8...Phew!)

I asked my doctor if I tore. He said that I didn't. I asked him if he cut me and he said, "Yes!" I vaguely remember him saying that he was going to "help me out" when I was pushing but didn't know what that meant. Now I know! Every time I sit I know! After the delivery, I was finally wheeled out into postpartum. Whenever they move someone over they play the Brahm's lullaby. It is so sweet!

So, my recovery has been pretty good. Jason has been the biggest help! He is already the best dad and we all know that he is the best husband! I couldn't do any of this without him. I've already cried a few times. My first spell was in the hospital. We had some visitors (some of my family, then Jason's family) then Jason left for awhile to go eat, get out of hospital, go home and set up pack n play, etc. I had a melt down because I realized that I was a mom now and that this little guy depended on me. I was all alone and I started to worry about when I would be home without any nurses, my mom, or when Jason was at work how I was going to accomplish all of this. A little overwhelming! The nurse came in and said that my eyes were swollen. I told her I had been crying and started crying again. She hugged me and said I would do great (plus these dang hormones)!

Anyway, we are home and doing well. I just love being a mom already! That is for a future post that deserves a day all to itself.

BTW... that might just be Jason's first and last post if he doesn't approve all pictures by me first! Sorry y'all had to see that. I know everyone has those pictures but still! That picture was taken right after birth.

Welcome Wyatt!

It started off as any other Monday before Thanksgiving, but at work I (yes, this is Jason posting this, and my first on this blog) I received a strange text from Kate telling me to meet her at the local hospital as our baby boy was coming that day! We'll she was a couple weeks early, so I was a little shocked. I was also surprised by the "TEXT" of such big news. Kate and I are avid texters, so I guess it was appropriate. A few minutes later Kate called and confirmed the strange text....after a long day of labor (Kate was a real trooper!) our little guy, Wyatt Jason Winsor was born early Tuesday morning, weighing 5 lbs 13 oz and 20.5 in long.

Mom & Baby are doing well and we feel blessed for a great Thanksgiving week where we're able to be grateful for a new son! Kate will no doubt do a much more thorough blog later!

Happy Thanksgiving!

- Jason, Kate & Wyatt Winsor!

From Little League to the Big Leagues

I just wanted to tell you how much I adore my husband. Besides being my biggest fan, he is such a hard worker. He does whatever it takes to support our family and does it well. This week was his semi-annual review and with no surprise he made it through with flying colors. He actually did a lot better than he thought! We are so excited that he is doing so well with his job and we feel blessed every day that he can support our family. With my new career choice this couldn't have come at a better time for our family. I feel so blessed to have such a great husband that can make it possible for me to stay home with our child. We went to Oregano's tonight to celebrate! Congrats, Jas! I love you! Thanks for working so hard for our family.

(Doesn't he look cute in his suit?)

Stats!

Dr. appointment today. Nothing much has changed. Still 75% effaced but now I am 1 1/2 cm dialated (up a 1/2 cm)! But the best news in awhile has been....drumroll.....I LOST a pound! I wanted to shout for joy!

Uh Oh!

Do we have a red head awaiting us? Jason said that he was blonde most of his life but around Kindergarten he had a red spell and then it turned back to blonde. Hello....this information could have been useful yesterday!(name the movie)

Teachers are the best!

Last Friday I subbed at the same class I was doing my long term sub position in. (I was also there the day before). On Thursday, one of the teachers on the team told me to not bring a lunch because we were going to get Subway to "say goodbye" to ME! I thought that was so thoughtful. Boy, was I beyond surprised when on the table there was a card and gift card to Babies R Us to say thank you for all I've done and good luck with the baby. It was mostly from the teacher I subbed for but isn't that sweet? Teachers just have so much compassion! (even if they just met you a month ago).

Nedra!

My friend Nedra is getting married in January. I'm so stinkin' excited for her. Nedra was one of the first friends I made here in AZ and has always been a true friend. I'm so glad that she finally found someone as good as she is! They had an engagement party to celebrate their exciting news. Sure love ya, Nedra!

Nedra, Ashley, Christi, and Kate.

These are my first "AZ" friends and we have stayed friends through the years. Hip Hip Hooray for wonderful friends!

If the shoe fits....

Then wear it! But what if it doesn't (as in my case)? Wear it anyway!

A few days ago I was getting ready for the gym and I was putting on my tennies when all of a sudden the tongue came out. I don't know if it is my bulging biceps that pulled too hard on them or if it is the unspeakable "feet" again making it too tight to wear. Who knows! Do you think this stopped me from wearing them? Nope! I just but the tongue back in and headed out. (It is time for new running shoes but I'll wait til the swelling goes down).

Law & Order

I've always liked this show and now I think I got Jason watching it too. Last night, after we watched Biggest Loser he wanted to record Law & Order. We had watched it a few nights ago and I asked him, "Did I get you hooked?" And I love that it is ALWAYS on so I never have to worry about saying "there's nothing on!" The only problem is that Jason is now getting picky. There are several different types of L&O and the other night he said, "I don't like this one." I asked why and his reply was he didn't like the actors. (Keep in mind he has only watched it twice now...at least when I'm looking.)

Weekly Checks

Today was the first of my "weekly" dr. appointments. I thought I was just going to get the Strep B test done but nope...my dr. wanted to check me. I really wasn't expecting it at all but I'm glad he did. I won't go into details because I'm sure many of you have experienced it but I just took deep breaths!!! Great news! I'm 75% effaced and 1 cm dialated! Whoooo hoo!!!

I called my mom and she was excited but surprised...SHOCKED was more like it. She said that she couldn't believe it because I hadn't told her that I had been having contractions. Well, I didn't tell her because I didn't know. Heck, I'm not quite sure what contractions should feel like. I'm just gearing up for the ones that really count...7-10 cm! Maybe I should go natural if I can't even feel them. Let me think about it for a quick second.....one.....NAH!!

I called Jason and he seemed a little nervous. He is going on a business trip soon and doesn't want me to go into labor while he is gone. I told him not to worry. I won't go that soon! Or is he just worried that our life will change sooner rather than later?

Who doesn't worry about being good parents? We all have our concerns/faults/doubts where we don't think we can do it. I keep assuring Jason that we will learn together (and hopefully not mess up too badly).

Anyway, wanted to pass along the exciting news!

I'm Dreaming of a Vignette!

If you have never heard of Shabby Apple you are definitely missing out. These ladies have found a fun, yet fashionable way to look great (and be modest all at the same time). Although I do not own any of their dresses, I do dream of the day when one will become my own. So they are having this contest that if you "dream" up the perfect outfit, your dream may become true by actually winning your outfit or vignette. So, let the dreams begin....

For starters, when I was growing up I hated wearing dresses or tights. Despised them in fact! Even in high school I was not into fashion. After moving to AZ I became a new me. I started shopping more (maybe because I had a real job and $$ to spend) and looking professional and very stylish. My sister made the comment that I changed...for the better! But now, I've been spending my hard earned cash on bigger clothes due to the size your body becomes while pregnant. Every night I dream of my prepregnancy body and what outfits I will buy and wear once I reach my goal weight. So, here is a typical dream.....

Once upon a time in the land of the desert, there was a girl who tossed and turned all through the night dreaming of her prepregnancy body. The past nine months has been a difficult time watching her body grow in places where she never thought possible. She loved going to bed because this is where her mind would wander to places dreaming of what she would do after pregnancy and of course what she would be wearing!

Her first stop would be somewhere on the beach during the summer. Picture the ocean breeze running through her hair, blowing the dress a little, walking along the sand (the flats in hand at this point) while holding her hubby's hand in the other. They stop at the family beach house for an afternoon/evening picnic. After the picnic, they take a moment to enjoy the fireworks display to celebrate their great country.

4th of July Picnic

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Ouch! The baby starts to kick inside so she turns to the opposite side as she starts to doze off and dream of a new place and new outfit! Next on the list is a BIG city somewhere...anywhere! She loves to travel so possibly this is someplace she has never been to like a big city in Europe or perhaps NYC. She spends the whole day sight seeing and shopping around (because anyone knows you can't shop when you look frumpy...or you just won't buy anything). A smile appears on her face dreaming of the day when her feet will fit into heels again.

Gone Shoppin'

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Last but not least she dreams of the time when it is their first "date" with her true love after the baby comes (in her prepregancy body of course....hey, a girl can dream can't she?). Her sash matches the roses her husband brought home to give to her to begin this magical night. First, a candle lit dinner at a fancy smancy restaurant then some dancing afterwards. The magical wind will be their guide this night (the first night of freedom!)

"First Night"

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She starts to wake up and smiles knowing that one day she will be able to wear cute, fashionable clothes again. Thanks to Shabby Apple! Once again...here is the link http://www.shabbyapple.com/. Check it out! I'm sure there is something that will catch your eye.

So, there you have it! Maybe once I do get my prepregnancy body back I will make my dreams come true with one of these dream outfits.

Quick, Cheap, and Easy

This describes the kind of sub job I had today. I got the call around 11:25 am, got to the school around noon, and left around 2:35! What a day! I'm exhausted! Just kidding. I had so much fun knowing I made some money just for a measly two hours of "work." Really, it was a step above glorified babysitting but well worth it. After having the long term sub job where I had to plan and "be the teacher for awhile" it was nice to step in and out without any responsibility.

But the quick, easy day did not come without "a moment." Luckily, it wasn't a bad moment, just funny. As I was closing the day out at the carpet, I heard some girls talking in Spanish about my feet! Yes, I understand that they are quite a sight and NOT normal but I was just hoping no one would bring it up (because you know that kids will say anything on their mind). Well, one girl was kind enough to explain to everyone around her (in Spanish) that when you are pregnant your feet get bigger. She would know because her mom just had a baby last month.

Today, I'm thankful for the smart girl who told everyone IN SPANISH why my feet looked weird so I didn't have to explain in English. I commend them for trying to keep it from me.

Have you done your kegels today?

These are the types of comments I have been hearing lately. No, not from other moms, magazines or even my own mom, but from my husband and coach!

Jason has been a gem throughout my entire pregnancy. He has been so supportive of my "bad" days where I just complain about putting on too much weight. He has been there listening through it all. This week he has proven he is ultra supportive. Well, just in the past week we have gone to two classes: one breastfeeding class and the start of our birthing classes. Last night was the first of two classes and let's just say it was fun! Who knew birthing classes could be fun and enjoyable? With Jason as your coach it can be!

He has made me laugh every day since our breastfeeding class last Saturday. He keeps bringing up things that I should do while breastfeeding at opportune times. I told him that I may be laughing now but when I'm actually breastfeeding and needing some real support, he may get a different response. But for now...keep the laughs coming!

As for the birthing class, we had to practice our breathing. We could not stop laughing throughout the entire class. Let's hope I can actually breathe instead of laugh when it boils down to the big day. Just picture this....Jason counting my breaths and when it was time to take a deeper breath or a blow, his eyes would get really big to "show" me it was time for the change of breathing. Then we would bust up laughing! (It helped for me to have a focal point instead of looking at him). So, here is to good times at birthing classes!

Voting Day is Here!

I actually didn't vote today. I voted a few weeks ago thanks to mail in ballots (genious idea!). I hated standing in line for the primaries so I made sure I requested an early ballot. Please go out and vote today! I'm proud to be an American, aren't you?

As a side note, a few days ago Jason and I were discussing the events for this upcoming week. We went through day by day to coordinate schedules, etc. Now if you are not aware, my husband is a political junkie. He loves watching national news (all the time!!) and has even got me watching it every now and then. I used to be not much of a voter, only every 4 years for Presidential elections, but now I study the issues and vote. Anyway, back to J, he informed me that he would be watching the returns from 5 pm-midnight tonight! I know we are all anticipating what our country will do but 7 hours of watching it! Holy cow! I thought it was so funny how he told me that was in his plans. (Of course, I already knew that was what we would be doing.)

(Does that mean I still have to make dinner? I mean...if he is busy and all watching election coverage, is he too busy to eat? lol)

Thoughts on Pregnancy

A few things have occurred lately that have sparked my interest in writing this post. Last night at Stake Conference (a church function), three things happened that really inspired me. First, a person I know really well came up and said, "So, how long do we have left?" I replied, "About six weeks!" She commented, "Still? Man, you have been pregnant FOREVER!" Are you kidding me? She did not just say that to a pregnant woman. I thought to myself, "We even waited a long time before telling people." I always tell Jason that we made a good choice to do that because ten months of pregnancy is a long time for people (and especially me).

Not even ten minutes went by when some girl I don't even know came up and said, "Excuse me. I just wanted to say how cute you look pregnant." We started chatting for about five minutes about pregnancy and kids. I need more of these people around.

The last thing is my swollen feet. I will spare you the pictures (I don't even think I will take any because it grosses me out) but I'm sure many of you have either seen mine and thought, "Poor girl," or you have had some of your own during pregnancy. Or you thought, "Is she the lady on Poltergeist or Sixteen Candles where the fat from her feet are seeping out of her shoes?" What is a girl to do? I seriously can't fit into most of my shoes. Is it okay to walk around barefoot around town? I never thought I would buy some but I think tomorrow might have to be "go find some croc shoes to wear for the remainder of pregnancy" day.

So, without further adieu, I am posting the pros and cons of pregnancy. I know every pregnancy and person can be different but here are my own thoughts. I will probably be adding to this post as I think of more things.

Pros:
-Everyone thinks you look so cute fat!
-I don't have to clean the tub anymore.
-I didn't get sick. (yes, I know, I am lucky)
-You get lots of attention from friends/family/strangers
-Can get away with eating and drinking places just because you are pregnant
-Shopping, shopping, and more shopping for baby stuff and for more clothes (bigger clothes, yet new clothes to say the least)
-getting showered with love (and gifts for baby)
-excited to be a parent
-planning for life with baby
-everyone thinks I am amazing because I still workout
-hearing the heartbeat for the first time
-finding out what the sex was by my brother, the vet!
-seeing a positive sign on the pregnancy stick/blood test
-feeling the baby move/kick/punch

Cons:
-Gaining weight!
-having to buy bigger clothes
-not being able to workout at my peak performance level...or doing triathlons
-spinning class is getting more uncomfortable...if the seat wasn't uncomfortable as it is!
-Weird comments (mentioned above)
-Emotional roller coaster...crying for no particular reason or getting mad about stupid stuff
-GAS!! (need I say more)
-absentmindedness (yesterday, a girl told me that I had my zipper down...oops!)
-fatigue
-frequently going to bathroom (even after 30 minutes and me thinking "Didn't I just go?")
-calf cramps
-ribs becoming numb due to excessive kicking

What about you? What did you like/dislike about pregnancy? I would love any reminder of things (in case I forgot due to my absentmindedness). Also, any comments on how to make it the last six weeks of pregnancy...especially with fat feet!

The Nursery

Here are a few pictures of the nursery. I had so much fun putting it together (and let's be honest...shopping for it all). I know I worried about it too much at the beginning but as I looked for ideas on the internet, it was overwhelming and freaked me out! I thought it had to be this big thing and totally match. Even though I am one who loves to match things (I did win the award in 9th grade for always having a matching outfit every day), I decided to mix and match things for the nursery. I am quite pleased with the turnout. So, thanks Becca and Devin for the advice to not be so "matchy patchy." (One day I learn how to make a collage of pictures...anyone out there want to teach me?)

Happy Halloween!

We had a great Halloween! We stopped by a few parties for food, folks, and fun. This past Wednesday we also had our annual Ward Trunk or Treat which was a blast. Jason didn't dress up for the ward function but made his woman proud by dressing up last night. I don't know what it is about dressing up but I will take ANY opportunity to dress up...I think I owe that to my mom. Even if I was going to sit and pass out candy, I still would put forth the effort to dress up.

BTW...I am not Pocohontas! At our ward party, a friend was taking a picture and told her kids to go stand by Pocohontas. Before the picture, I had to educate the children standing around what I was dressed up as. (In case you are amongst the many and have no idea, I am dressed as a Maori from New Zealand).