Guinevere Wednesday

I want to get better about writing about this time with Guinevere, so maybe if I designate a day, I'll get better about writing updates.


Yesterday, Guinevere turned two weeks old.  I can't believe how quickly the time has already flown by.  I am borrowing the following "Baby Stats" from From Mrs to Mama, and will use them as a starting point :)

Baby Stats

Sleep:  She still has her nights and days mixed up, and is her most awake at night.  She hasn't slept for more than 4 hours at a time, and even that is only during the day.  I'm hoping this week we'll get better about longer stretches at night, as opposed to during the day.


Daily Routine:  She definitely doesn't have a routine yet!  I am looking forward to getting established.  Our days do tend to follow the same pattern though.  I spend my days set up with her in the living room.  I always intend to nap when she naps, but I usually end up doing dishes, laundry, or cleaning up around the house.  We take the dogs on a long walk around noon.  Tyler is usually home around 4 or 5, and he plays with Guinevere while I get dinner together.  She usually stays occupied in her swing while we eat, and then the three of us spend the evening relaxing - TV, a movie, a walk, etc.  Sometimes I take a nap after dinner, and Tyler hangs out with Guinevere til he's ready for bed, but usually I'm too excited to spend some time with him, that I pass on the nap.  When Tyler goes to bed, we head into the nursery, where I sleep for now.  Its been easier to sleep with her, to keep him from losing any sleep from hearing the monitor, me getting up, the dogs barking every time I come back in, etc.  Once she is going longer stretches, I'll be excited to sleep with my husband again, but this is easier for him now.  She sleeps best in the morning, so usually thats when I get my most sleep as well.


Feed:  Breast feeding is going well, and I'm slowly starting to be able to build up a small stash by pumping.  I've got 2oz frozen, and 12oz in the fridge.  


Weight:  7lb6oz.  She's grown so much since she was born!  She's in the 20th percentile for weight.


Length:  20", same as when she was born.  She's in the 45th percentile for length.  Her head, however, is pretty tiny - only 10th percentile for that!


Diaper Size:  Newborn size - I think we'll be in these awhile.


Clothes Size:  Swimming in newborn size - I think it'll be awhile before she gets to 0-3.


Hair Color:  It was brown at birth, and has already lightened up a lot - which thrills me!  I really wanted a blonde  baby :)


Eye Color:  They were dark blue, and are also lightening up a bit, but I'm sure they'll stay blue.


Funniest Moment this week:  Her faces crack me up - she makes the funniest ones!  I especially get a kick out of when shes does her eyebrow wiggle.  I have a fantastic video of her just raising and lowering her eyebrows, but there's a quick flash of boob at the end, so I need to figure out how to crop the video before I can post it on the internet :)  We've named several of the faces - the Luke Perry, the Walter Matthau, Zoolander, Angry Birds...I think she's going to be a total sassypants when she gets older.


Milestone:  She is crazy strong - if we have her lying on our chest, she will climb all the way up to our neck.  I didn't know newborns could do that, and its so amazing how she's able to scoot and shimmy her way up.  She also has incredible neck strength, and is always holding her head up to look around.  


Favorite Toy:  The vibrating bouncer chair, or the swing - she adores both.


Firsts:
First car ride 6/16
First bath 6/16
First doctor appointment 6/18
First trip to Target 6/18
First church service 6/19
First visit to Buffalo Wild Wings 6/19


Just Born:

One week:

Two weeks:

Bolognese

Last week, my mom came over every day to help me, and with the baby.  And god bless her, I will never be able to thank her enough for taking an entire week off work, and fighting the terrible traffic to get to my house every day.  But I was lucky in that, Gwen is such a good baby, I really didn't need much help.  So most of our afternoons were spent watching HGTV, loving or hating on certain rooms/houses, and cooing over my sweet baby.


Having mom here also gave me the chance to cook my husband dinner - something I hadn't done in months.  He took over cooking when I started working insane hours.  I wasn't getting home til 10pm some (most) nights, and so the only times we actually had dinner together were when we went to Buffalo Wild Wings.  Such a bad wife, I know.


Anyway, as I menu planned, this bolognese recipe by Annie's Eats was at the top of my list.  It tasted as fantastic as I thought it would, and I will DEFINITELY be making it in the future.

Weeknight Bolognese - c&ped directly from Annie's Eats

Yield: about 6 servings
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. lean ground sirloin (or ground turkey)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. dried oregano
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
1¼ cups dry red wine, divided
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. kosher salt
1½ tsp. ground black pepper
1 lb. dried pasta, such as shells
Pinch of ground nutmeg
¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Directions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Crumble the ground meat into the pan.  Cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, 5-7 minutes.  Stir in the garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add 1 cup of the wine to the pan and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.  Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, finish the sauce.  Stir in the nutmeg, basil, cream, and remaining ¼ cup wine.  Simmer for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.  When the pasta is cooked and drained, toss with the warm sauce and grated Parmesan until well coated.  Serve with additional Parmesan if desired.

Source: How Easy is That? by Ina Garten

Birth Story

Pregnancy was super good to me.  No sickness, no aversions, no cravings...no hemorrhoids, stomach issues or mood swings.  I felt better than ever, and the only even slight issue I had was back pain due to my breasts jumping up over 3 cup sizes.  I really had the best time being pregnant.

I had no expectations going into birth.  I don't know anyone that actually had a vaginal birth - all family, friends and neighbors that I know with kids had c-sections, so I really didn't know how things would go.  I deliberately didn't make a birth plan, because I wasn't really tied to any preferences...I wanted to see how the labor went, and go from there.  Tyler knew things that were important to me, and I knew he'd be my strong advocate, if I weren't able to be one for myself.

Tuesday morning, I got up, and went into the bathroom to start getting ready for the day.  As I walked past the tub, my water broke, at 6:20am.  It was the total hollywood break - huge gush, splashing up everywhere, tons and tons of fluid.  I couldn't help but start laughing, because I know thats less common, and it just figured that Guinevere would find the most dramatic way possible to get this show on the road :)  I felt great, so took a shower, spent extra time doing my hair and make up and getting ready, and did some laundry.  I got all my stuff together, mopped the bathroom, then woke DH and we headed to the hospital. 

But not before taking one last bump picture:

We checked in at 7:45am, and found out I wasn't having any contractions.  I was also only dilated to 1cm, so after 4 hours of waiting for something to happen, they started the pitocin.  The pitocin kicked in immediately - I was having contractions 2 minutes apart, with only about 30 seconds in between, but quickly dilated to a 3.5.  Less than an hour later, I was ready for an epidural, and it was heavenly.  It wasn't that the contractions were painful - I felt that I could have handled going through labor and breathing through them - but since they were so constant, it was making it difficult to talk to and spend time with Tyler, and I thought it'd be a really long night if I was constantly having to focus and breathe.  Getting the epidural was the best decision - I felt fantastic almost immediately, and was able to really relax and rest.

Tyler and I were watching TV, joking around...it ended up being a pretty fun day for us, spending our last one together alone.  The nurses got concerned about how quickly my contractions were coming, and turned the pitocin off for awhile.  They came back to check me at 5:30pm, and I had continued dilating on my own, to 5cm.  They turned the pitocin back on, very lightly, and said we'd have a baby that night.

At 7pm, they had the shift change, and my new doctor came in.  She decided to check things out, and we expected MAYBE 6cm.  Turns out, half of Guinevere's head was already out.  All day long, I'd been asking the nurses about what the next step was - how long til I was checked again, what my dilation meant, when they thought things would happen, etc.  And during the internal exams, the doctors always said they could feel the head, so when she said she SAW the head, it didn't really click to me that it was "go" time.  So I said to the doctor, "Great!  So what happens next?"  She goes, "Well, I'm going to run in the hallway and get the team, and then you're going to have a baby.  Now."  

I looked at Tyler and he snapped this picture.  I think it says it all -

  

After that was a blur - they had everyone come in and quickly break apart the bed, got my legs up, and had me push.  I couldn't feel a thing - I was just staring at DH and laughing, I couldn't believe it was real!  I started shaking because I was in such shock.  I couldn't feel any of the contractions, so they had to read the monitor to tell me when to push.  I had no idea what I was doing, so I just pretended to poop.  It worked, because three little pushes, and Guinevere was out.  I was like seriously?  Thats it?  I could do this again tomorrow.  Ladies - get the epidural.  You don't have anything to prove to anyone, and you will be SO glad you did.

Guinevere is perfect -  9 and 9 on the APGAR, and completely healthy.  She's a teeny thing, 6lb9oz and 20" long, and absolutely gorgeous.  I could not believe how pretty she was, after where she came from.

I had a tiny tear, but my recovery has been great - the next morning, I was ready to go home, and I feel better than I did during pregnancy! 

Now for the stuff my friends and pregnant/TTC readers are all curious about - and Tyler's friends that read this blog will probably want to tune out :)

Post Partum bleeding - All the books say to expect bleeding for 6 weeks after birth.  The first two days were pretty intense, and I could not get enough of the mesh panties the hospital gives you, and the ice pack panty liners.  But by the time I came home, I didn't need the ice packs, dermaplast spray, etc, and was down to just a panty liner.  Now, at 10 days post-labor, I still need a panty liner, but I'm thinking I might be down to nothing in the next week.

The state of my vagina - I'll be honest, before pregnancy, I don't think I ever actually looked down there with a mirror.  But after getting home from the hospital, I wanted to see my stitches, and wanted to see how things looked down there.  I expected some huge gaping hole of horror, but everything looked exactly as it seemed it should.  Not only that, I couldn't even find my stitches.  So while I've worried about how intimacy will be with Tyler once I'm cleared for sex - I now think everything will be back to how it was :)

Pooping during labor - I've been asked this about 12 times, ha.  I really was curious if I was going to poop on the table, and asked Tyler to keep an eye out so he could tell me if it happened.  But they are hyper-efficient at the hospital.  The bottom of the bed was draped with a sort of Hazmat bag that they could sweep things into, and even if I did poop (which I assume I did, since thats what I was pretending to do while pushing), we have no clue.  And Tyler watched the whole thing.  Honestly - after spending the entire day having doctors with their hands up you checking your cervix, nurses inserting catheters, etc etc, you really don't care.  I'm pretty modest, and while its weird having four women staring up your vag while you're lying on a table with your legs in the air - there is so much excitement about the baby that you get over your embarrassment immediately.

My body - The day I got home from the hospital, I only lost 6lbs.  And I burst into tears, because that was less than what Guinevere weighed!  But the IV must have really pumped me up, because by one week after labor, I was down 17lbs.  I am now down to the same size I was last summer, before I started dieting and lost some weight before getting pregnant.  Last summer's shorts all fit me, and while my stomach is still squishy on top, its SO nice to be back in normal shorts and skirts.  I also think my stomach is pretty small, considering that its only been 10 days, and I'll post a picture for those that are curious.  The biggest change though, is that my boobs are even BIGGER.  I didn't think it was possible, but even my pregnancy tops and dresses are too small for my massive chest.  I am hoping it will even out as I continue nursing, but its looking like I'll be having to get super creative with my wardrobe, or rely on my tailor for a few pieces.  I've been buying XXL nursing tanks, but my waist is more like a small or medium, so I'm not really thrilled about going out in public with my limited wardrobe.  

If you have any other questions, definitely leave a comment, and I'll be happy to answer them :)  

Just call me mom

Guinevere Ann Johnson was born on Tuesday, June 14th.  


After, quite possibly, the world's easiest pregnancy, I went on to have the most perfect labor and birth experience.  I'll type it up, as I want to remember every detail.


She is perfect in every way, and we are hopelessly in love.  


A few pictures...


Minutes after birth.

My first time holding my daughter.

In the sweet hat her Nana made her.

So in love with this face.

Car ride home - was supposed to be in full Redskins regalia - unfortunately she's too teeny to fit any of it!

Kimchi checking things out.

She found a better position to keep an eye on baby sister.

Constantly keeping watch on sleeping sister in the pack 'n play.

Baby Gwen and Daddy.

My little Guinevere.

well?

Http://www.haveyouhadthatbabyyet.com

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The third daughter

Twas the week before Gwen's due date

And all through the house

Not a creature was stirring

Not even a mouse!

Okay, that’s a lie.  Because the dogs haven’t stopped barking all day, and I’m blaring Lady Gaga’s newest CD to drown out their noise.  All the while running the vacuum cleaner, sitting on conference calls, and being pretty much anything other than quiet.  Miss Guinevere, you picked the wrong uterus if you’re into that whole “serenity” thing.  We are more like a fraternity house.  On a Saturday night.

Speaking of your sisters, I’ve had a bittersweet week with them.  These two precious dogs:

Have been the light of my life for almost 6 years (Holly) and almost 4 years (Kimchi).  As far as I’m concerned, the sun rises and sets on their furry little faces, and I’m so worried about how our transition is going to work.  They actually are rather fond of all things “baby”. 

They enjoy riding in the Bugaboo

Holly snuggles in the baby bathtub

Kimchi dozes in the bouncer seat

And Holly has claimed your carseat

And they both immediately leap into the rocker in your room any time I have to go in that room.

But when it comes to sharing their mama…they just aren’t so fond of that.  Even when it comes to Tyler, Holly would rather cut off her head than let anyone keep her from her mama’s lap.  She doesn’t always need to be near me – she’s pretty independent overall.  Its just when someone else comes near me, then they have to move, because Princess Holly is the only one that can have me. 

Holly will be joining us for all midnight feedings.  I’m up to pee every hour or two, and she keeps me company every time.  By now, Kimchi knows whats up, and stays in bed, but Holly always must escort me to the bathroom.

I’ve been feeling especially sentimental about these girls.  I feel guilty that their world is going to change.  Hopefully not for the worse, I think one day they’ll truly adore their little sister.  But its still going to be an adjustment.  Because as ecstatic as they get when my parents come to visit them (or so they think!), it will be hard to see my parents holding Guinevere.  And the neighbors.  And Tyler and I.  They are so used to being 100% the center of attention – I worry that they might feel a bit left out. 

From night 1, Guinevere will be in the crib in her room.  Sure, its great for setting a routine, continuing intimacy in our bedroom, etc etc etc…but I also didn’t think it would be fair to the dogs, who have slept with us their whole lives, to have to share that time as well.  I love our nighttime snuggles with them, and Tyler loves that time even more than I do, so it was important to us to keep that as normal as possible.

Also, Tyler won’t be staying with me in the hospital.  We both agreed it was more important for him to be home with the dogs.  And Guinevere and I will just hurry as quickly as we can to get discharged, so we can go home to our family.  I know, we’re a little crazy. 

But I’m due on Thursday.  I’m basically 10 months pregnant, and every day right now could be my very last before my life completely changes, and consequently, Holly and Kimchi’s lives change.  So I’m doing everything I can right now to give them a little extra love and snuggles, to make sure they know just how much we love them. 

And more than introducing Guinevere to my parents or friends…I’m SO excited to introduce her to her big sisters.  I know she’ll love them as much as I do.

Where'd ya get that?

A breakdown of everything in the nursery:

FABRIC:
The crib skirt, canopy and curtains were sewn by my mom, and all fabric came from JoAnn Fabric.
Skirt and curtains were Party Taffeta in Ivory.
Canopy is Chiffon in Ivory.

PAINT:
The wall paint is Benjamin Moore "Bare" in an eggshell finish.
The stencil paint is Delta Creative Ceramcoat in "Pearl Finish" from Michaels Craft Stores.  We only needed one 8oz bottle.
The ceiling paint is Ralph Lauren's Regent Metallic line's Winter Bloom.
All crown molding/baseboards/trim is Valspar's Ultra White.






Did I miss something?  Any other questions?  You can leave a comment with a link back to your blog or your email so I can respond, or you can email me directly at mrsintrainingblog@gmail.com 

Guinevere

Its possible I might be a tiny bit biased, but I doubt it.

I'm pretty sure that Guinevere is the most beautiful girl's name I've ever heard.  And I love that its the name of my daughter.

Today, someone linked me to a song by the Eli Young Band.  I can't relate to the lyrics, and I'm not sure if she ever will either, but I just love hearing that beautiful name in a song.

The grand nursery reveal

For months, I've been stressing and agonizing over this nursery.  I wanted it done before Puerto Rico (that didn't happen) then before Memorial Day (that didn't happen) but I did finally finish it TODAY!  Well, 99.9% of it.  Its still missing the baby.


So come on in...

Since she'll be in the crib from day 1, and since I'm sure I'll be a super paranoid mama, I foresee many nights sleeping on that amazing sheepskin throw.  Its the most amazingly plush awesome rug EVER.

A crib fit for a princess.

The changing table.

The rocker where I will be spending a LOT of time!

The changing pad, hand sanitizer, holy water and a fan.  All diapers and ointments/creams are in the top drawers...I wanted to keep this area as clutter free as possible.

The shelf above the changing table.  Picture of Guinevere's sisters, antique perfume bottles that were my grandmother's, placeholder books until I find some that I like better, candle, and gorgeous peacock from Bryn Alexandra.

Side table with lamp, Bible, a book where I write a line a day, and a tiny crucifix until I find one I like better for this room.

Giant mirror on the wall when you first enter the nursery.  Where I've been taking all my "My Style Monday" pictures :)

Small wall by the closet - my dad bought the rocker for me as a baby the same time he bought mom her rocker, and Tyler painted it white.  The picture frames hold pictures from Tyler and I's maternity photo shoot.

The amazing damask stencil on the walls.  Its very subtle and shimmery during the day, but at night - wow!  It really pops on the walls.  I am so in love with it.  We also did an antique push-button mother of pearl fixture instead of your traditional flip light switch.  I think it really adds something unique to the room!

The AMAZING crown molding that Tyler did!  I am still blown away by how professional it looks.

Tyler also replaced all the baseboards, and I think it makes a huge difference in the room.  His next project is replacing these all over the house :)

The closet.

Top shelf - books, sunglasses, and super cute little baby shoes.

Canvas bins from Target with socks, hats, swaddling blankets and toys.

Labels I made:

Blankets:

Top shelf - ribbons and flowers and bows, oh my!

And a peek inside at all the headbands:

Next post...break down of where everything came from :)


I can't wait to see that sweet baby girl in this room!