Harper's Birth Story

There is so many details I had to leave out because if I didnt this post would be REALLY long. The whole childbirth process was amazing. I am looking forward to doing it all again some day.

Psalm 127:3-5

 ³ Children are a heritage from the LORD,
   offspring a reward from him.
⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
   are children born in one’s youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
   whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
   when they contend with their opponents in court. 

Last picture of my belly before Harper arrived. This is Sunday, 5 days before she was born.

On Tuesday December 13th, I went in for my weekly doctor visit and I had no progress. The doctor said I might have started to thin out but no dilation. I was very discouraged as I was extremely uncomfortable.  And had quit sleeping this week.

Wednesday December 14th (my parents 31st wedding anniversary),  I went to work for a full day. And every day we joked, "well maybe ill see you tomorrow".  I also went to church that night and had a class of 5 students which is a good crowd for us. I was extremely uncomfortable and stood the whole time we had class. I was too uncomfortable to sit.  Once of the sweet ladies at church put me on the prayer list.  That night around 10pm. I started having a terrible backache. I tried to go to bed with a heating pad but nothing seemed to ease the pain.  I took 2 hot baths and a shower trying to get some relief but none was in sight.  It was a terrible night for me as I moved back and forth from the bed, to the couch, to the bathroom. I started timing these pains and they were around 15 minutes apart.

Thursday December 15th,  around 4am I woke David up and said I don't know when but we are going to the doctor today because I am in too much pain. He said wake me up when you are ready to go. Around 7am I said I think we should go. At this point we didn't know what was going on but I was in severe pain in my lower back.  We were almost too scared to even call our parents but on the way to St Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, we decided we should give them a heads up. But we wouldn't let them tell anyone in case they sent me home. On the way to the hospital my contractions were about 5 minutes apart.When we got to the hospital they gave me a delivery room and checked to see if I was dilated. I was at a 2. The doctor wanted me to walk around for an hour and see if I progressed and if I did I was in an active labor instead of early labor. Let me tell you that hour was the longest hour of my life.  At the end of the hour I needed a wheel chair to get back to the room because my back was hurting so bad. They checked me and I was at a 3. Hallelujah! They are going to keep me and What did you say? I can have my epidural? YESSSS!! This was around 11am. At this point the rest of the day was a blur. It was so exciting as family and friends came and most importantly I was going to meet my baby girl this day.

Around 7pm was the nurses shift change. Then came in Kim Browning. She had graduated with David's parents and she would be there to take care of Harper and I.  About this time I had an extreme amount of pressure in my pelvic area and I was dilated to a 10 and I could no longer take it and I pushed. POP there goes my water, finally! This baby is coming soon :D We started pushing around 7:15.  I was put on oxygen for the baby's heart rate was dropping. They pulled out the forceps and vacuum. I told myself at that point its time to get to business. My precious angel entered the world at 7:39 PM. As the doctor laid her on my chest  I couldn't believe this was my beautiful baby. She was 8lbs and 6oz and 21 1/2 inches long.  Our family of  2 was now 3.

 We spent two nights in the hospital. When we left we weren't sure if they should send us home with this tiny precious baby. But we made it! We have had our problems with sleepless nights, reflux, poor latch, constipation, and now teething. But I cant remember my life before Harper and I love being a mommy.  I seriously thank God for her multiple times a day. Words cannot express our love for this little angel.

Yours in Christ, 

Little Mommy

Baby Carriers

Babies love to be held. They want to be close to their mommies and daddies. And it sure is hard to get any work done around the house why holding a sweet little baby. And alot of babies do not like their carseats so pushing them around in a stroller is not ideal. Thats why it's important to have a good baby carrier.


Before I take the time to describe a few good carriers I wanted to point out some important things to know. One of the main things is the hips should be supported. Below is an image I found on the internet showing the difference the wrong carrier can have on your baby's hips.

Another important thing to know when buying a carrier is to never have the baby facing outward.  I know you are probably thinking "babies love to look out". But Dr. Evelin Kirkilionis, "Infants in outward-facing orientations can’t turn away from surrounding stimuli. They can't turn inward toward a parent's body if stimuli become overwhelming. In this position the baby cannot make eye contact with his or her parent to evaluate facial expressions, social cues, and so forth to make assessment of the situation. Only choose a baby carrier that allows your child to face you ... never out. There are too many events going on around your baby. A baby has no way to exclude himself from the environment by turning his head away and towards you. Healthy sleep is difficult for a baby who is facing outward." From, A Baby Wants To Be Carried by Dr. Eveline Kirkilionis, (a human development specialist who has researched babywearing since 1985).


While doing research on this topic I came across http://www.petitpoppet.com/. They say to remember T.I.C.K.S. when you are wearing a baby sling or carrier.


T-Tight
I-In View at all times
C-Close enough to kiss
K-Keep chin off chest
S-Supported Back


 One good type of baby wearing device is the Moby wrap.  You can find these at BabiesRus.  They offer the hip support and allow your baby to be close to you.  You can also make your own.  My friend makes them and sells them with all different types of fabrics and can customize them for you. Also you can breast feed in a moby wrap! According to their website they can hold up to 35 lbs.  The only downside to this carrier is they can be complicated to put on at first. But once you the hang of it, its easy. Below is an image of my friend Stehanie in her Moby. 

Now the main type of carrier I use and absoultely love is the ergo carrier. It can be found at BabiesRus, and Target and other stores as well. I love this carrier because you can use it from birth (with the infant insert) up until they recommend 40 lbs but has been tested up to, get this, 90 LBS.  You can wear them on the front of you, on your hip or your back when they are atleast 6 months.  I love this carrier because of many things. One being men dont mind wearing the ergo.  Another being the hood that comes attached to it. It can protect them from the sun or wind.  Also you can breastfeed in the ergo carrier as well. This carrier evenly distributed the baby's weight evenly on you.  I used this at Wal-Mart the other day and I had both arms to do as I pleased and I didnt have to worry about the cart.  Plus Harper doesnt really enjoy her carseat sometimes.  I also walk at the park  with my ergo carrier on.  Baby and mommy are both happy with it. And plan to use it alot more. Below is a picture of celebrity Selma Blair with her ergo carrier. And one of me trying on my ergo before the Rascal Flatts concert to make sure I could work it (I had gotten it in the day before). Mine has the infant insert that I will use in mine until Harper is around 5 months. 

Their are other types of baby wearing devices from adjustable slings, to ring slings to Mei Tai Slings and so on. I have an adjustable sling but I'm not very good at getting her positioned in yet. Just do your research before buying one and make sure you are getting whats best for not only baby but for mommy and daddy too.


To end I want to give you 10 reasons I found on the internet to wear your baby.
1. Its Convient.
2. It promotes physical development
3. Babies worn are happier
4. Its healthier for you (exercise for momma)
5. Toddlers appreciate the security
6. Helps momma and baby communicate
7. Baby wearing is a bonding tool for the whole family
8. Its a safe place for baby to be
9. Slings and Carriers can be economical if you use often
10. Baby wearing is FUN!

Yours in Christ,
Little Mommy

Thankful and Blessed

Whew! What a week!!!

Monday night I went to bed feeling sick and I was up on and off all night and Tuesday with a terrible stomach virus.  I hardly ever get sick and I cant remember the last time I had a stomach virus. The big concern with having a small baby is her getting sick too. Especially since I am the source of all her food I have to hold her and cuddle her.  Luckily my mom was able to come over on Tuesday and play with her so I could get a couple of naps in.  Well the stomach virus skipped Harper. When I would nurse her she would get the antibodies my body was producing to rid of the virus. Oh the power of breast milk! But unfortunately the stomach virus did not skip my poor momma :( She was trying to help me and ended up getting the bug.  She says she would do it again for me. A year ago we almost lost my sweet mom and I dont know what I would do without her. She has helped me out so much. Proberbs 31 says, "Her children arise up, and call her blessed".  Thank you God for my Momma!

So from Sunday night to Wednesday night Harper and I didnt leave the house and we were ready to get the heck out of here. Thursday we went to bible study and lunch at the First Electric community room with around 15 women and it was really nice to be around other women of faith.  After the lunch we went to the Perryville park and walked around with Stephanie and another young momma. We enjoy our weekly walks where we can talk about our similiar situations and offer support and friendship towards each other.  I am always so happy after these walks. It reminds me of a quote from Legally Blonde said by Elle, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't." Thank you God for placing people in my life!


On top of everything going on, David has began working late this week. Its the worst part of the month.  He will have to work late all week.  On normal weeks we look forward to him coming home around 6 and I get to take a shower and get some stuff done I normally cant with Harper (11 weeks old now!).  And she looks forward to seeing a new face, she gets tired of looking at me all day long. But during close weeks we are in bed when he gets home and we might see him for a minute in the morning.  So we are really looking forward to this weekend of spending some time together. Thank you God for husband and daughter!

On another note, its pay day!!! And I am buying this little beauty for Harper.
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=537330&cmSource=Search


Yours in Christ,
Little Mommy