There are quite a few things you forget as your children get older. What do they call it again? Mom "amnesia?" You know what I'm talking about. All those little things you don't really think about when you say, "let's have another baby." I, for one, forgot how not fun contractions are. I remembered that they weren't pleasant, but didn't realize how much I dislike them! Here are a few things I've "remembered" since welcoming sweet Leah to our home.
1. You can literally be turning to throw away a dirty diaper, and they will fill the clean one you just put them in. I honestly think "there goes $.29!"
2. That getting 3.5 hours of consecutive sleep can make you feel so rested. What happened to those nights of sleeping nine hours? Oh yeah, kids. That's what happened!
3. How wonderful a frozen pack of peas can feel when your milk is coming in.
4. Nose suckers are torture to newborns. As are the hiccups, some diaper changes, and apparently baths. Leah thinks we are killing her every time we give her a bath. Someday she will love them!
5. What it is like planning out your day (and what feels like your life) in two to three hour increments. And how fast those three hours go by!
6. How staring at a baby for hours each day never gets old. Ever.
7. It is impossible not to talk in some form of the "baby voice" when talking to Leah.
8. That something so small can grab a hold of your heart!
9. The way you have to do most things with one hand while holding a baby.
10. That the dishes, vacuuming and laundry can wait. Leah will only be little for such a short time.
11. Having a newborn must be a small taste of what heaven is like. There is only pure love for this sweet baby in our home.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Leah Grace Pulley
Our sweet Leah was born six days early on April 4, 2013 at 4:31 in the morning. She is my only baby to come early! I always love hearing about the birth story, so I'll share mine!
Wednesday, the 3rd, I woke up feeling energized and went on a nice long walk. Around 10 a.m. I had a contraction, but didn't think anything of it. I was going to take the kids to lunch and the zoo later that day, and thought it would be an uneventful day. All that morning and while at the zoo I had really random contractions. I still didn't think anything of it. I guess all that walking did something. From about 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. the contractions were about every 10-15 minutes apart. I even went to a friend's baby shower that night and everyone asked me if I was in labor. I still didn't think I was! The contractions weren't too strong and didn't seem to be getting much worse, so I took a Unisom at 10 and tried to get some rest. The key word...tried!
By 11 p.m. they were every 3-7 minutes apart. We called my mom just before midnight to come stay with the kids. Even as we were leaving for the hospital, I felt sure they were going to send me back home. However, that 20 minute drive to the hospital changed my mind. I had a few bad contractions that made me realize I was in labor. The hospital admitted me around 1 a.m., when the nurse checked and I was a 4+. I got my epidural at around 2:30 a.m. The super great nurse said my body was having enough contractions on my own that I didn't need to have pitocin. After checking me at 3:15 and being a 5+, the nurse said she'd be back in a few hours to check my progress and for me to get some sleep.
Steve instantly fell asleep and I listened to my relaxing music on my phone. Exactly a half hour later at 3:45 a.m., I felt the urge to push. The nurse came in, and sure enough I'd gone from a 5 to 10 in just 30 minutes. They called my doctor who was home sleeping, and he came into the hospital around 4:15. Once he got all set up, I only pushed for about seven minutes and Leah was born.
The moment they put her on my chest, I could tell she was so tiny. Both Tyler and Hannah were close to 8.5 pounds. Leah weighed 7 pounds even and was 21 inches long. Hearing her cry was the best sound in the world. A healthy baby is simply a miracle. I couldn't have asked for a smoother labor or delivery.
Since being home, Leah has been pretty calm and a good sleeper. She'll eat at night, and go back to sleep for about three hours. The kids have loved watching her and trying get her attention by showing her their toys and such! Tyler likes kissing her cheeks, and Hannah touches her face with her pointer finger! I am feeling pretty good, thanks to the help of family. I'm just trying to enjoy this time with a sweet little newborn!
Wednesday, the 3rd, I woke up feeling energized and went on a nice long walk. Around 10 a.m. I had a contraction, but didn't think anything of it. I was going to take the kids to lunch and the zoo later that day, and thought it would be an uneventful day. All that morning and while at the zoo I had really random contractions. I still didn't think anything of it. I guess all that walking did something. From about 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. the contractions were about every 10-15 minutes apart. I even went to a friend's baby shower that night and everyone asked me if I was in labor. I still didn't think I was! The contractions weren't too strong and didn't seem to be getting much worse, so I took a Unisom at 10 and tried to get some rest. The key word...tried!
By 11 p.m. they were every 3-7 minutes apart. We called my mom just before midnight to come stay with the kids. Even as we were leaving for the hospital, I felt sure they were going to send me back home. However, that 20 minute drive to the hospital changed my mind. I had a few bad contractions that made me realize I was in labor. The hospital admitted me around 1 a.m., when the nurse checked and I was a 4+. I got my epidural at around 2:30 a.m. The super great nurse said my body was having enough contractions on my own that I didn't need to have pitocin. After checking me at 3:15 and being a 5+, the nurse said she'd be back in a few hours to check my progress and for me to get some sleep.
Steve instantly fell asleep and I listened to my relaxing music on my phone. Exactly a half hour later at 3:45 a.m., I felt the urge to push. The nurse came in, and sure enough I'd gone from a 5 to 10 in just 30 minutes. They called my doctor who was home sleeping, and he came into the hospital around 4:15. Once he got all set up, I only pushed for about seven minutes and Leah was born.
The moment they put her on my chest, I could tell she was so tiny. Both Tyler and Hannah were close to 8.5 pounds. Leah weighed 7 pounds even and was 21 inches long. Hearing her cry was the best sound in the world. A healthy baby is simply a miracle. I couldn't have asked for a smoother labor or delivery.
Since being home, Leah has been pretty calm and a good sleeper. She'll eat at night, and go back to sleep for about three hours. The kids have loved watching her and trying get her attention by showing her their toys and such! Tyler likes kissing her cheeks, and Hannah touches her face with her pointer finger! I am feeling pretty good, thanks to the help of family. I'm just trying to enjoy this time with a sweet little newborn!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Better late than never
I've been meaning to post about Tyler turning six for weeks now. Oh, well! Tyler has been looking forward to being six for quite some time. Since his birthday, he has said things like, "now that I'm six, it's not so heavy to carry, " or "I know better because now I'm six."
The morning of his birthday he requested the traditional "egg face" breakfast. After a spotlight in his school, we went to dinner and he loved the complimentary ice cream. He must be a Pulley, his birthday centered around good food! That night he opened presents, and was thrilled with new sunglasses, a batman watch, and a Dragonology book!
That weekend we had his first ever friend party. With a few friends from school and a few from the neighborhood, he was spoiled with gifts. I underestimated how much energy it takes keeping up with eight six year old boys. I was exhausted after the party, but Tyler was on cloud 9. He loved the crown, bowling, pizza with friends, and overall attention. As if a friend party during the days wasn't enough, we had a family party for him that night. We were all ready for bed after such a busy day.
I came to a realization after the week of birthday festivities. While it is a lot of work as a parent to throw a party and get everything ready, you do it because your child deserves to feel special. I remember thinking as a child that my birthday was paramount to Christmas. That is mostly because my mom made me feel special. More than the gifts, or treats, or balloons, I hope Tyler could feel how much he means to me and our family. He is a smart, sensitive, energetic, friendly boy who is going to make for one awesome six year old!
The morning of his birthday he requested the traditional "egg face" breakfast. After a spotlight in his school, we went to dinner and he loved the complimentary ice cream. He must be a Pulley, his birthday centered around good food! That night he opened presents, and was thrilled with new sunglasses, a batman watch, and a Dragonology book!
That weekend we had his first ever friend party. With a few friends from school and a few from the neighborhood, he was spoiled with gifts. I underestimated how much energy it takes keeping up with eight six year old boys. I was exhausted after the party, but Tyler was on cloud 9. He loved the crown, bowling, pizza with friends, and overall attention. As if a friend party during the days wasn't enough, we had a family party for him that night. We were all ready for bed after such a busy day.
I came to a realization after the week of birthday festivities. While it is a lot of work as a parent to throw a party and get everything ready, you do it because your child deserves to feel special. I remember thinking as a child that my birthday was paramount to Christmas. That is mostly because my mom made me feel special. More than the gifts, or treats, or balloons, I hope Tyler could feel how much he means to me and our family. He is a smart, sensitive, energetic, friendly boy who is going to make for one awesome six year old!
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Little things
More often than not, it is the little things in life that make it all worthwhile. That is true because the "big" things only come around every once in a while. Don't get me wrong, I love the big things too, but it is the small, simple, sweet things that keep a person (to be read: a mom) going. And, apparently I'm into lists my last few posts!
1. Helping Hands
I think there must be some law out there in the universe that a pregnant lady has to drop at least six things a day simply because it is hard to pick them up. Thankfully I have two small pairs of hands that will come when I call to help pick things up for me. Tyler also gathers all the garbage cans in the house each week and is sad when it isn't what he calls "chore day." Hannah knows right where the dusters are and insists on helping. I am grateful for those helping hands even if they are the same hands that make the messes!
2. Castle
If you aren't watching this show, you should. Even though there is a murder at the beginning of each episode, it is not about the murder. Whether it is the witty banter between Castle and Beckett, or the dynamic between Ryan and Esposito, I am always smiling during the show. My Mondays are made because of this show.
3. An uninterrupted shower
I think any mom knows what I mean.
4. The feeling of being prepared
I'm a planner. For better or worse I am always thinking ahead and preparing for eventual situations. When packing for a trip I "foresee" what could happen, and what I "might" need. You get the idea. I'm a nerd! It has been a snowy winter here, and one of my favorite feelings is going to the store to "stock" up on things so that I won't have to go out for three or four days during the cold and snow. Even as I type this, the snow is falling and I love that I've got everything I need for meals for the next several days.
5. My Mom
Now she is one of the "big" things in my life, but it is all the little things she does for me that save my sanity.
6. Fruit Snacks
To whoever invented fruit snacks...thank you. When my kids are in quiet time, all it takes is me bringing them a pack of fruit snacks, and they'll stay in their rooms a little while longer. Or if I am driving in the car and the kids are getting crazy, pass them some fruit snacks and POOF, it is silent. I know it might not be the healthiest snack in the world, but they make my life easier.
7. Hiccups
Not my own, but baby sisters. She gets them daily, and it is a sweet reminder that she's there and healthy.
What little things keep you going each day?
1. Helping Hands
I think there must be some law out there in the universe that a pregnant lady has to drop at least six things a day simply because it is hard to pick them up. Thankfully I have two small pairs of hands that will come when I call to help pick things up for me. Tyler also gathers all the garbage cans in the house each week and is sad when it isn't what he calls "chore day." Hannah knows right where the dusters are and insists on helping. I am grateful for those helping hands even if they are the same hands that make the messes!
2. Castle
If you aren't watching this show, you should. Even though there is a murder at the beginning of each episode, it is not about the murder. Whether it is the witty banter between Castle and Beckett, or the dynamic between Ryan and Esposito, I am always smiling during the show. My Mondays are made because of this show.
3. An uninterrupted shower
I think any mom knows what I mean.
4. The feeling of being prepared
I'm a planner. For better or worse I am always thinking ahead and preparing for eventual situations. When packing for a trip I "foresee" what could happen, and what I "might" need. You get the idea. I'm a nerd! It has been a snowy winter here, and one of my favorite feelings is going to the store to "stock" up on things so that I won't have to go out for three or four days during the cold and snow. Even as I type this, the snow is falling and I love that I've got everything I need for meals for the next several days.
5. My Mom
Now she is one of the "big" things in my life, but it is all the little things she does for me that save my sanity.
6. Fruit Snacks
To whoever invented fruit snacks...thank you. When my kids are in quiet time, all it takes is me bringing them a pack of fruit snacks, and they'll stay in their rooms a little while longer. Or if I am driving in the car and the kids are getting crazy, pass them some fruit snacks and POOF, it is silent. I know it might not be the healthiest snack in the world, but they make my life easier.
7. Hiccups
Not my own, but baby sisters. She gets them daily, and it is a sweet reminder that she's there and healthy.
What little things keep you going each day?
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Careful, these are an expectant woman's thoughts!
I was gently reprimanded by my sister in law that I've been neglecting my blog. This isn't news to me. I felt like there wasn't much to post. I could post Christmas pictures, or write about my mothering woes and follies, but I figured most people had better things to do than hear about the mundane things in my life. And since I felt like nothing big was happening, I chose not to write at all.
I supposed those aren't valid excuses. Nonetheless, I guess I'll write about what I've been thinking about lately. These are in no particular order, as I am pregnant and my thoughts are all jumbled most of the time anyway!
1. Depending on the day I am excited beyond words, or nervous and overwhelmed at the prospect of three kids and meeting sweet baby sister. I have to remind myself that there are going to be great days and days where I want to quit. I need to take things one day at a time. I am also having the hardest time deciding on a name for baby sister. The name I really like gets either a hot or cold reaction. She will probably be Baby Girl Pulley in the hospital for a while! (P.S. The name I really like is Nora.)
2. Tyler has his first two loose teeth. I don't think a child has ever been so excited to have loose teeth. He's told the pizza delivery guys, the clerks at the store, and all his friends at school. How did he grow up so much? In a way I feel like I've blinked and all of the sudden he's almost six. Part of me wants my kids to stay young and innocent forever. The other part of me can't wait for them to grow up and make their own choices. I guess I'm learning to take the time to play Candy Land for the third time in a row, or I will miss this most important time.
3. Pregnancy is really hard on my self esteem. I'm just going to be honest, it's not my favorite. Now, don't think that pre-pregnancy I walked around feeling like I was hot stuff. But we all have those days where we look in the mirror and think "not bad!" I never have those days now.
4. I love my husband. He is my best friend. Steve supports me, loves me, compliments me, and forgives me. He works so hard that I truthfully think I'd lose myself if I worked as hard as he does. He is genuine, pure in heart, a good listener, confident, and makes time to play with the kids...all of these make him super hot in my book!
Now, there are many more things I could write about. For example, I could write about my love of the show Castle, how shaving your legs in the winter is pointless, or how much I love hearing my kids laugh (as long as it isn't when doing something they aren't supposed to), but I'll spare you! At least until my next post!
I supposed those aren't valid excuses. Nonetheless, I guess I'll write about what I've been thinking about lately. These are in no particular order, as I am pregnant and my thoughts are all jumbled most of the time anyway!
1. Depending on the day I am excited beyond words, or nervous and overwhelmed at the prospect of three kids and meeting sweet baby sister. I have to remind myself that there are going to be great days and days where I want to quit. I need to take things one day at a time. I am also having the hardest time deciding on a name for baby sister. The name I really like gets either a hot or cold reaction. She will probably be Baby Girl Pulley in the hospital for a while! (P.S. The name I really like is Nora.)
2. Tyler has his first two loose teeth. I don't think a child has ever been so excited to have loose teeth. He's told the pizza delivery guys, the clerks at the store, and all his friends at school. How did he grow up so much? In a way I feel like I've blinked and all of the sudden he's almost six. Part of me wants my kids to stay young and innocent forever. The other part of me can't wait for them to grow up and make their own choices. I guess I'm learning to take the time to play Candy Land for the third time in a row, or I will miss this most important time.
3. Pregnancy is really hard on my self esteem. I'm just going to be honest, it's not my favorite. Now, don't think that pre-pregnancy I walked around feeling like I was hot stuff. But we all have those days where we look in the mirror and think "not bad!" I never have those days now.
4. I love my husband. He is my best friend. Steve supports me, loves me, compliments me, and forgives me. He works so hard that I truthfully think I'd lose myself if I worked as hard as he does. He is genuine, pure in heart, a good listener, confident, and makes time to play with the kids...all of these make him super hot in my book!
Now, there are many more things I could write about. For example, I could write about my love of the show Castle, how shaving your legs in the winter is pointless, or how much I love hearing my kids laugh (as long as it isn't when doing something they aren't supposed to), but I'll spare you! At least until my next post!
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