Easton's Birth Story

"Every good and perfect gift is from above." James 1:17

My birth plan consisted of...

1. No false alarms (I refused to go to the hospital unless I would be admitted)

2. I wanted an epidural (even though I was terrified)

3. I wanted my husband and my Mom in the room

4. I wanted a mirror (I was told that your more effective if you can see..I know, ew)

5. I wanted an hour with just my baby and my husband

6. I wanted to breastfeed

It all started on a Friday at my 37 week appointment, when the Dr. told me, "I don't think this baby is going to make it to your next appointment". So of course I was dying to meet the little guy, but didn't want to get my hopes up! My husband didn't work that weekend because he wanted to be there when I went into labor.  We walked around Laguna Beach, went to lunch and that evening I thought "these must be contractions" lets go for a walk! They didn't go away, I was excited and started texting my friends. They all said the same thing "you will know when your in labor", "your contractions will be regular". So I just breathed through the pains and held my breath and timed them, on my i-phone app of course! Although I felt like I was dying...my contractions weren't regular, so I sent the husband off to work, telling him, "it must just be braxton hicks". 

I woke up and started getting ready for my hair appointment because I would NOT have roots for my delivery. As I was leaning over clenching the sink, I was thinking these Braxton Hicks are serious business. Other "things" started going on (I will spare the details) so I called my OB, who said go to the hospital. I of course said, " No, I don't want to to be sent away" and she told me I could go to her office and she could check to see if I was in labor. So I drove to my 10:00 appointment and of course was having serious "false labor" contractions walking through the parking lot (I may have stopped in the middle of the road to breath through one or two). 

Well as she "checked" my labor signs, my water broke! And of course she said, you NEED to go to the hospital, you are in full blown labor. So what did I do? I started crying! (where did that come from? I was just so excited and scared at the same time). I called my husband, who was working in LA, up a power pole. Then I called my SIL who was going to drive me to the hospital. And of course I first had to go home and collect our hospital bags, give the dogs water (it was August in So Cal). So I stood on the driveway with my luggage and waited for my ride!

As my SIL was driving me we were laughing when she asked, do we listen to music for this? What do you want to listen too? Then I would get teary eyed and tried to breath through the contractions. We parked and then we thought...am I supposed to be in a wheelchair? Considering my water broke and I was in labor, we didn't have time to look for a wheelchair and we just went to L & D. I got hooked up and ready for baby!

I quickly got my epidural, which I had been debating on getting because I was so scared of something being put into my spine! Of course I then had a reaction to the epidural and my blood pressure tanked so the crew came in, put on some oxygen, gave some medications and lots of fluid and I was back in business! I told them I felt pressure...and 30 minutes later (yes right at shift change, my nursing friends) at 7:32 p.m. Easton Lee Stroud was born into this world at 6 lbs 14 oz and 19 3/4 in. And he is PERFECT!

And my birth plan came true.

Bathroom Revamp

If you remember my post from many moons ago, bathroom beginnings, you would think that we thought we were done with the bathroom redo...because we did! But when your a homeowner you will know you are never done! There is always a little tweaking here and a little fixer upper there. With that said here are our newest improvements (we think they are improvements) to the downstairs powder room! We added a little paint, some cute towels, new frames (yes there are no pictures in them yet), and a new door knob! (who would have thought that door knobs could make such a big difference)

Having a sink with no storage underneath is totally doable in a downstairs bathroom...all you need is a couple of baskets for some toilet paper, magazines, spray etc. I mean what else does one actually need in a powder room! 

Before and After

My husband sure does some good work! Got to love that man!

After and Before

The details

It's Finally Friday...

"It's Finally Friday, I'm Free Again". 

It actually feels like a true Friday to me since neither the Hubster or I are working on Saturday. Tonight, I hope to have a little family BBQ with the three of us. And yes my food will this presentable... (yah right). 

Hopefully tonight will consist of pomegranate coolers, grilled pineapple, burgers and fruit pizza! This of course is all based on Easton's afternoon nap...

Sometimes he likes to boycott afternoon naps...I think my baby is looking more like a toddler, how does this happen in just 9 months?

9 months ago...

9 months ago, I wrote a letter to my unborn baby...

Dearest Easton,

As we are 2 weeks and 3 days from your supposed due date of August 19, 2012, I sit and wait and wonder about my sweet babe. Today is August 2nd and I finally feel like you could arrive at any moment and I am so ready for you! Your nursery is spotless, clothes laundered and folded, diapers prepared and your daddy has built all your necessities like your swing, crib, and everything else you could imagine. We have been planning for you for nearly 9 months and I can't believe we almost get to meet you! I think about you constantly as you roll around my belly, at times it feels like you are doing gymnastics or swimming an olympic race. I reference the topic because the 2012 Olympics are taking place in London right now. Everyone asks if you keep me up at night with your movements, the answer is you do! But not because your bothering me but I love feeling you while I lay there still at night. 

We have so much love for you already little one. I can't wait to see every part of you! Your family is just about as anxious as we are! We have auntie Brett who sits in your nursery with me on a nightly basis just wondering when you will arrive and planning your cute outfits! We have auntie Marina who is waiting for my call at any second when I think your on your way because she gets to drive me to the hospital if your daddy is still at work! Auntie Meagan is 9 months pregnant with your cousin Liam and we have been checking on each other daily to make sure our aches and pains and labor signs coincide with each other. We have your uncle Jamie who has felt you swimming in mamas belly and seems to really think its amazing! We have your grandma who has been working oh so hard at finishing all your handmade blankets, outfits, pillows and anything else your mama thinks you'll need. We have grampa who has his phone alarm set on your due date and has cleared the whole day for you (he doesn't realize babies rarely arrive on their due date). We have your great grandpa Bob who has booked his flight to come meet you in October (he will be traveling across country for you, from Maine to California). We have your extended families in Arizona and New England who check on mama weekly to make sure we are doing okay! Bruce and Harley who are your fur-sister and brother love your nursery and take naps in front of your crib whenever allowed, they have no idea what they are in for!

Your Daddy and I are a bit nervous for your arrival because we have no idea what to expect, but boy are we ready! We have actually bickered about who gets to sleep on the side of the bed next to your bassinet! We wonder every possible wonder about you and are enjoying this experience. We are trying to wait patiently for you as we know your time is near. I bet you are more perfect than we can imagine! We can't wait to hold you in our arms little one. When you feel like it is your time, we are ready and waiting...

Love Mommy