Changes & Adventures in Parenting

It's been so hard trying to find time to shower let alone find time for blogging. Babies are time vacumns. I can't believe how fast the days fly by anymore and another thing that surprises me how well I'm able to function on no sleep. This week Aubrey and I are going to work on establishing a routine because in a few weeks I'll be returning to work and we need a schedule. Until then, I'll just try my best to blog when I can.

 

Back in August I wrote this post about all of the turning points in my life and I just realized today how much everything really has changed and all within a really short period of time.

Aubrey was born on January 28th, changing our lives forever and bringing us more love and happiness then we could have ever imagined.

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I finally decided to upgrade my computer from a pink Dell laptop to an iMac. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted and I struggled with the thought of letting go of my laptop for sentimental reasons (that you can read about here) but I'm so excited for my iMac to arrive. I have an iPhone and we recently got Apple TV so it only made sense to get a Mac instead of a PC.

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We finally got a family vechile too! Actually, it's a funny story. My husband and I were all set to go buy this car on Monday (Jan. 28th) afternoon but Aubrey decided that she was ready to make her debut so my dad went to the dealership and put down a refundable deposit to hold the car for us. After being discharged from the hospital for only 2 days, we went to the dealership that Saturday, test drove it, loved it, and proceeded to draw up the paperwork. Just as we were finishing the paperwork I saw another couple taking it for a test drive! Apparently, they drove all the way from New Jersey to look at the car and they were less than pleased to find out that we had already purchased it. Talk about lack of communication and organization on the dealerships behalf!

It gets better- on our way home we got stuck in traffic because a car just ahead of us caught on fire. The burning car started rolling backwards toward our (NEW!) car! Thankfully, a police cruiser stopped the car from rolling further but now traffic was stopped and the road was blocked. Aubrey had a major spit up and I knew she needed a diaper change and I also knew we weren't go anywhere any time soon so I kneeled on the floor in the back of the car (not smart to do after having a c-section!) and attempted to change her. Not only did we have a blowout but she started peeing too -luckily the seats are leather and it wiped off. We made it through the first test of parenting and successfully changed a diaper and an outfit in the backseat. It's certainly true, parenting is quite an adventure!

Aubrey's Nursery Tour

Paint Color: Behr Crocus Petal
Crib: Suite Bebe Victoria Crib
Letters: Hobby Lobby
Rug, Chair, & Ottoman: Ikea
Curtains: Target
Chandelier: DIY (inspired by)

Bedding Set: Simply Shabby Chic Ballerina

Bookcase: Target
Dresser: Suite Bebe Victoria
Hamper: Walmart

Dresser: my baby dresser
Furniture was built to last back then!

Mirror: ebay

Headband Holder: DIY (inspired by)

Storage space inside headband holder

Hair Bow Wreath: DIY (inspired by)

BUMPdate: A Birth Story

Well, this is the final BUMPdate because as I write this, my bump is gone and my little girl is sleeping soundly next to me in her bassinet.

It's been a while since I last updated my blog so there's lots and lots to talk about. First of all, I went into labor on Monday, January 28th at 5:30 a.m (about 2 hours after my husband left for Connecticut for work). I was scheduled for an induction on Wednesday which I was really bummed about because I wanted her to pick her own birthday. I spent my weekend on the treadmill and drinking red raspberry leaf tea in hopes of getting her to come on her own. Then Monday morning I woke up to some pretty intense back pain that spread to my lower abdomen. When I went to the bathroom I knew something was going on because there was some blood. I called my mom first and then the doctor who confirmed that I was in early labor. I went to my doctor's appointment (which is in a building attached to the hospital) that was scheduled that morning and I was 4 cm dilated! I was sent straight to labor and delivery. I called my husband and he was on his way!

They decided to wait to break my water until he arrived which left me both excited for him to get there and incredibly nervous. Once he made it to the hospital, and my water was broken I started quickly progressing but then stopped at 8 cm. I was stuck at 8 cm for almost 7 hours. I had no pain medication. I was determined to have an all natural birth but by this time I was really running out of steam. Finally, when the doctors changed shifts and I was examined by another doctor, he determined that I was unable to deliver the baby because my hips were too narrow and that's why I wasn't progressing. I needed a c-section. My mother lost it. My husband was upset and distraught. I don't think the two of them could handle seeing me in the pain that I was in but they were also fearful for the surgery. I was at the point where I was in so much pain, I didn't care about the surgery as long as I could get something to relieve my pain. I'm not going to lie, being stuck at 8 cm for that long was brutal and then to find out it was all for nothing because I needed surgery anyway was disheartening.

I was immediately sent in to be prepped for surgery and as soon as they hooked up the spinal, I was feeling nothing at all. I was awake with my husband by my side the entire time. Well except when they prepped me, he had to wait outside the room which killed me. Jason Mraz was playing, the bright lights shining, the doctors prepping, it felt like an episode of Nip Tuck. The surgeon told me that I would feel a little pressure, which I don't actually remember feeling and the next thing I know I hear her cry and I heard the doctor say "We have an Aubrey!" and then 2 seconds later he said "...and she's peeing!" She was born at 9:59 pm. When they lifted her over that curtain and I saw her for the first time, I was overcome with a feeling that is indescribable. They brought her over to me and then my husband went with the baby to get cleaned up while they stitched  me up. I spent about an hour and a half in recovery and then I was taken to my room where all of family was anxiously awaiting our arrival (by this time it was after midnight). As exhausted as I was, I was so excited for everyone to meet our brand new baby girl!

Aubrey's birth was the most incredibly amazing thing that I have ever experienced and words just can't describe it.

Aubrey  Elle
January 28th at 9:59 p.m
 7 lbs. 3 oz.
18.5 inches

Coming home from the hospital

All dressed and ready for her first outing. (More on that in another post.)

What I've Been Reading: January 2013 & She's Here!

I know, it's been a while since my last post but A LOT has been going on over here! Our little baby girl is finally here and I'm taking some time to enjoy our little bundle of joy. I'll tell you all about it in an upcoming post that will probably go live on Monday.

P.S I am SO far behind on my blogs and I really need to catch up on what's going on with all of you. So that's why I haven't been commenting as much. Hopefully I can find the time to get back on track soon.

Aubrey Elle
Born: January 28th at 9:59 p.m.
Weight: 7lbs. 3 oz.
Height: 18.5 in.

Question of the month: How often do you work out? What's your preferred method of exercise?

Well, I've been pregnant for the last nine months and I'm currently recovering for a c-section so exercise is something that has not been a huge part of my routine lately. I walked a lot on the treadmill when I was pregnant but that was pretty much the extent of it. As soon as I get the okay from my doctor at my 3 week check-up, I plan to return to the treadmill and start doing Core Secrets again. I'd like to work on my abs at the gym but I'm not sure how that's going to fit into my schedule right now. On the plus side, I only have 8 pounds left to loose until I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight, which is a good weight for me, but I still need to tighten and tone.

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• Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's Forever21 haul: Statement necklaces & a quilted bag!
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