ROCKSTAR Daddy

It is amazing how much more love my heart has room for.  I didn't know I could love Todd more then I already did.

The first time I saw Todd holding our little miss... my heart exploded.

Daddy & daughter!

 Todd was able to have a week off when Mikaela was born.  He was such a help, as I spent my time learning how to breastfeed.  He kept the house orderly, made dinners for us, my water was always filled.  He helped me arrange pillows, made sure I was all set for each feeding.  Changed ALL the diapers (I am pretty sure I didn't change a diaper until he went back to work!!!).   I am so thankful for the man God provided for me!  Thank you for all that you do Daddy!  Thanks for being my ROCKSTAR!

Happy BIRTHday!

We are proud to introduce the newest member of our family: Miss Mikaela Elizabeth

First Family Photo

How she got her name:  Mikaela (is the female version of Michael - my Dad/her grandpa) Elizabeth (is Todd's mom's name).  Little known fact my name has the same meaning as my Grandpa - David; so we followed tradition, and used family names.

Miss Mikaela arrived on Monday morning at 12:18 am weighing in at 7lbs 11 oz and measuring in at 20 inches long. 

During the week after her due date, I was ready to have her with us.  On Thursday I called to schedule to be induced.  Our family history doesn't lend itself to having babies early - in fact I was 3 weeks late myself, and was rather large.  When I called the earliest that I could be scheduled was Sunday 10/5 in the morning - I felt rather at peace about this as my midwife was scheduled to be on-call that day.  I wanted to go into labor on my own, and had a false alarm on Friday night.

Mom giving me a foot massage in hopes to start labor.

We spent our last night as a family of two helping celebrate my cousins birthday - complete with Turkey dinner.

Before we left for the hospital.

41 weeks pregnant! And ready to meet our little girl.

All of our guesses - we were very optimistic! 

We checked into the hospital at 8:00 AM, only to find that the Inn was full.  Rather then send us away, they kept us waiting for the next available open room.  In the meantime, Todd and I played slap Jack and War to pass the time.

At 12:30 they were ready for us, and the Pitocin was started.  Due to the fact that I was on Pitocin I had one on one care with the nurse.  Mom, Dad and Jenna came by to visit - and we discovered that my midwife's kids are at the same school as my mom (small world)!  When I got to the hospital I was at 4 cm.

Auntie Jenna was able to come!

Todd walking me around the floor

Around 4:30 because not much was taking place on the baby front, I chose to have my water broken.  Todd and I discussed the pluses/minuses including not having the bag of water to act as a pillow cushion during hard labor, that it might help speed the process and we would both have some energy still.  

Around 7 ish, my nurse switched to the night shift; the 'real labor' started somewhere around 5 or 6 ish.  At this point I had lost track of time, and don't really remember to much - except the Sunday night football game was on...

Coach Todd was my ROCK!

Todd was a wonderful coach and my personal ROCKSTAR during labor (although I didn't want to focus on the labor part, but rather that I was giving birth).  He rubbed my back, gave me cool washcloths, whispered sweet nothings into my ear - including taking me to Italy when we turn 30!  At one point I couldn't handle the discomfort and asked for an epidural.  Everyone came to me, and helped me reason out of it.  The midwife did call the anesthesiologist - but in the 10 minutes it took for him to get to my room, I had changed my mind and sent them away.  

While in labor I was extremely nauseas ( I guess that makes up for the 9 months that I wasn't).  While preparing to give birth - I kneeled on all fours in the bed, used the gym ball, bent over the bed and laid on my side.  The most difficult contractions were the ones after I transitioned into a new position.

My mom prayed over me, Jenna rubbed my back and helped to hold my legs while I pushed.  I could not have gone 'natural' (although with the Pitocin - it wasn't all natural) without the help of my team - Momma, Jenna, Todd, my midwife and the nurse.  Everyone was soooo super supportive of me.

When it came time to push - I noted the clock at 11:45 pm ( I had no idea how late it was).  I was determined to try to have her before midnight on October 5th.  I did have some trouble at first, and was wasting energy trying to push.  While one is pushing they are to hold their breath - which is counter to what I try to teach my patients while doing abdominal work...  After a few cues from mom - to hold my breath as if I was having an 'underwater tea party'.  That cueing did the trick - but little miss wanted to wait a bit longer.

First Family Photo

Miss Mikaela arrived on Monday 10/6 at 12:18 am weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and measuring 20 inches long.  We are so in love with our little bundle.

Part of my team

Auntie Jenna

Nana and Poppa

My cousins!  Who waited patiently for her arrival (and didn't get home until 3 am!!!)

New Dad Survival Kit

Oh pinterest!  During one of my 'baby' searches, I stumbled across a new Dad survival kit.


I have been debating on when to give it to Todd, but I think I will bring it to the hospital with us, it will be a nice distraction (or so I think), plus it has a few items in it that he might want to enjoy while we are there.

I put little notes on all the items that I included and signed them from baby girl.  I found the Seahawk burp rags on Etsy - the lady I bought them from was extremely sweet - and added a 2nd free of charge!  People are so generous and thoughtful.

 Included in the survival kit:
- Bottles: my plan is to provide breastmilk to baby, but eventually she will need to be on bottles during daycare, and this will also allow Todd and her time to bond
- Burp rags: that are Daddy approved
- Pacifier: That says "I Love Daddy"
- Birthday M&M's: because it wouldn't be a party without M&M's
- Where the Wild Things Are:  This is actually one of my childhood books that I kept, Todd has been asking that we purchase it, little does he know, I have been hiding it from him.
- Starbucks Via Instant Coffee: for the return to work, after keeping him up all night ; )
- SI magazine: a little reading for Dad in the hospital, if baby and I are both napping
- Snickers bar: because momma doesn't want a "Hangry" coach

Waiting game

Both my due dates have come... and gone by us.  My first due date was September 23rd.  At my 34 week appointment the baby was measuring small, so an ultrasound was ordered to check that she was growing at the right size.   She was growing just fine, but they decided to change my due date to a later date September 28, which was fine with me.  Given our family history (both my sister and I decided to make late arrivals - by 3 weeks), I was counting on an October baby.  What I wasn't counting on, was 5 days later, still being pregnant!  I should be counting my blessings - I feel physically fine (no swelling, backaches, etc), I have family and friends who call me daily to check in with me, and make plans to walk the baby out, have lunch, do arts and crafts, see movies.  I have a supportive husband, who supports my decisions, and asks how he can help me out.  BUT, I really wish she was here with us.  I decided to have my last day of work last week - that way it wouldn't be inconvenient for the front desk and patients to re-schedule.  I'm loving enjoying having some time off at home before the baby comes, but I would much rather be snuggling with baby.