Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
I'm just updating--some LFM readers and I have joined forces, and have decided to sign up for Swim Classes at the Beaumont YMCA this summer! And I have to say, I'm very excited that little MRP will be in the "Shrimp" class! :) How adorable is that? I hope she loves the water and takes to it like a fish, like her Mom did!? I am SAD to say however, that after signing up for the class, I realized I would actually be IN the water with her, therefore having to go bathing suit shopping (I can hear the painful groans leaving your mouths as I write this!)
Eh, whatever. I sucked it up and bought what my friend calls "my first swim-dress, aka 'Mom-Suit'" It's black, of course, with little hawaiian flowers on it. Maybe I should've gone for blue, and then I could've blended into the scenary-- the pool?
We've also signed up for an evening music class. It's a bit pricey, but it's for 12 weeks, so it evens out to a nice average. She'll have her own little instrument kit we can play with at home too. I can't wait to see how she reacts to all the sounds and movement...and all the other babies! Another friend and I signed up together, so it will be good for me to get some social time in too.
Brian is going to alternate classes with me so he has the chance to see MRP's development in the classes too; has more daddy-daughter bonding time, and can mingle with other parents. I'm excited he's still just as involved today as the day she was born <3 What a good husband!
So, until next time: fill those summer schedules!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below!*
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Breastfeeding in the WHITE HOUSE
Hello LFM Readers!
As I nurse my daughter at night, my mind slowly drifts about wondering things, as many minds do when they're forced to slow down for a moment. I wonder what the future will be like, what the past was like (we didn't have cell phones, or even cordless phones when I was born; what will the world be like when MRP has kids???) My mind of course drifts back to work and the many tasks I have to accomplish the next day.
New layout? Check. Deadline reminders? Check. Create new marketing plans for clients A, B and C? Check. PUMP????? Reluctantly, check. I know breastfeeding is the very best possible thing I can do for my child. She gets tons of vitamins, nutrients, and immunities. Plus I'm saving $money$ !! But hooking up little suction cups and tubes to your boobs, and then to a machine to simulate the so-called natural action of a real child nursing, is...unnatural! It's awkward to say the least.
And having to ask for a private space to do it is quite annoying as well. Our office is very open and works somewhat like a newsroom. I share my large office with two other women; the only person with their own office is our Publisher, who is in and out and only in attendance on particular days (what they are, no one seems to know, as they are always changing from week to week). I hate having to go in and ask for her to stop whatever she is doing so I can use the room for all of ten minutes, especially when it seems to be a burden to her.
So I often wonder: where would I breastfeed if I were FIRST LADY? :P Obviously I would have secret service with me when I was out and about. Could you see their face? "Hi, um, I was wondering if you could step out of the suburban for a few minutes so I could bust out my boobs and attach them to this device to squeeze out some juice for the First Child? Don't worry, everything will be "secured!" Seriously though, I'm thinking the woman has people and cameras following her everywhere she goes. How could she privately do something so, private? I doubt they would let me borrow the Oval Office! I understand they have their own living quarters, but even there I'm sure they have prying eyes.
MRP likes to throw the cover-up blanket I have off of her head now. Which I understand, I would hate being hot under there too. And it's not really a question of modesty, it's just that I don't feel like stripping down for coworkers or women in the Macy's Lounge in the middle of the afternoon!
I think about how much easier it would be just to give MRP a bottle filled with formula, but then I also realize that by breastfeeding, I am doing what's best for HER, not what's best for ME. Isn't that what having kids is all about? :)
So until next time, remember to sacrifice a little of yourself for the betterment of your child--I'm sure the First Lady would find a way! :)
Karyn Potts
*I welcome your questions/comments: click below*
As I nurse my daughter at night, my mind slowly drifts about wondering things, as many minds do when they're forced to slow down for a moment. I wonder what the future will be like, what the past was like (we didn't have cell phones, or even cordless phones when I was born; what will the world be like when MRP has kids???) My mind of course drifts back to work and the many tasks I have to accomplish the next day.
New layout? Check. Deadline reminders? Check. Create new marketing plans for clients A, B and C? Check. PUMP????? Reluctantly, check. I know breastfeeding is the very best possible thing I can do for my child. She gets tons of vitamins, nutrients, and immunities. Plus I'm saving $money$ !! But hooking up little suction cups and tubes to your boobs, and then to a machine to simulate the so-called natural action of a real child nursing, is...unnatural! It's awkward to say the least.
And having to ask for a private space to do it is quite annoying as well. Our office is very open and works somewhat like a newsroom. I share my large office with two other women; the only person with their own office is our Publisher, who is in and out and only in attendance on particular days (what they are, no one seems to know, as they are always changing from week to week). I hate having to go in and ask for her to stop whatever she is doing so I can use the room for all of ten minutes, especially when it seems to be a burden to her.
So I often wonder: where would I breastfeed if I were FIRST LADY? :P Obviously I would have secret service with me when I was out and about. Could you see their face? "Hi, um, I was wondering if you could step out of the suburban for a few minutes so I could bust out my boobs and attach them to this device to squeeze out some juice for the First Child? Don't worry, everything will be "secured!" Seriously though, I'm thinking the woman has people and cameras following her everywhere she goes. How could she privately do something so, private? I doubt they would let me borrow the Oval Office! I understand they have their own living quarters, but even there I'm sure they have prying eyes.
MRP likes to throw the cover-up blanket I have off of her head now. Which I understand, I would hate being hot under there too. And it's not really a question of modesty, it's just that I don't feel like stripping down for coworkers or women in the Macy's Lounge in the middle of the afternoon!
I think about how much easier it would be just to give MRP a bottle filled with formula, but then I also realize that by breastfeeding, I am doing what's best for HER, not what's best for ME. Isn't that what having kids is all about? :)
So until next time, remember to sacrifice a little of yourself for the betterment of your child--I'm sure the First Lady would find a way! :)
Karyn Potts
*I welcome your questions/comments: click below*
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time for Class(es)!
Hello LFM Readers!
Just wanting to see a consensus here: at what age did you start enrolling your children in developmental and physical/motor-skill building classes? MRP is going to be 5 months old next week, and I'd love to start her in some fun classes where I can meet other Mommy's and get out a bit with other adults.
I know there's Kindermusik, Musikgarten, Music Matters, Gymboree, and I'm sure there's more out there. I know some are more music-focused, and others are music and motor-skill building; I'm just wondering what people's opinions are of each? Most are advertisers with us, and tell us they get great response from our readers, so I know all of them are very popular. I'm just thinking that we should try some new things with her--we read books, dance in the living room, and have baby gyms for her to lay under and swat at toys, and even a Little Einstein Exersaucer-type thing that she likes. But I think now is the time to broaden her horizons. She just gets SO excited when she does something new--I love the look on her face: complete AMAZEMENT! Five months old is a good age to start, right?
I'm also thinking about doing some "Mommy-and-Me" classes at the YMCA (probably Beaumont). I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and I'd be overjoyed if MRP followed in my footsteps. Really I'd just be overjoyed if she liked the cold water in general! Are their pools heated? Plus, we have a new business coming to town: Baby Boot Camp! It's for pre- and post-natal Moms! It sounds intimidating, but it's really not! We met with the owner/instructor named Kimberly Summers. She'll be teaching classes at Centenary Methodist Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and also at the AmStar Theatre on Nicholasville Rd. at Brannon Crossing on Saturday mornings. The good news is, the first class is FREE! Just go to the website (www.babybootcamp.com) and search for classes in KY, and click on the icon on the right to get your class free (that's not something that happens much these days! :)
So there. MRP and I are getting on the Smart & Sassy wagon! Won't you join us??? You can contact me here by leaving a comment, or by emailing me direct at Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
Until next time: Get Moving!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the link below*
Just wanting to see a consensus here: at what age did you start enrolling your children in developmental and physical/motor-skill building classes? MRP is going to be 5 months old next week, and I'd love to start her in some fun classes where I can meet other Mommy's and get out a bit with other adults.
I know there's Kindermusik, Musikgarten, Music Matters, Gymboree, and I'm sure there's more out there. I know some are more music-focused, and others are music and motor-skill building; I'm just wondering what people's opinions are of each? Most are advertisers with us, and tell us they get great response from our readers, so I know all of them are very popular. I'm just thinking that we should try some new things with her--we read books, dance in the living room, and have baby gyms for her to lay under and swat at toys, and even a Little Einstein Exersaucer-type thing that she likes. But I think now is the time to broaden her horizons. She just gets SO excited when she does something new--I love the look on her face: complete AMAZEMENT! Five months old is a good age to start, right?
I'm also thinking about doing some "Mommy-and-Me" classes at the YMCA (probably Beaumont). I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and I'd be overjoyed if MRP followed in my footsteps. Really I'd just be overjoyed if she liked the cold water in general! Are their pools heated? Plus, we have a new business coming to town: Baby Boot Camp! It's for pre- and post-natal Moms! It sounds intimidating, but it's really not! We met with the owner/instructor named Kimberly Summers. She'll be teaching classes at Centenary Methodist Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and also at the AmStar Theatre on Nicholasville Rd. at Brannon Crossing on Saturday mornings. The good news is, the first class is FREE! Just go to the website (www.babybootcamp.com) and search for classes in KY, and click on the icon on the right to get your class free (that's not something that happens much these days! :)
So there. MRP and I are getting on the Smart & Sassy wagon! Won't you join us??? You can contact me here by leaving a comment, or by emailing me direct at Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
Until next time: Get Moving!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the link below*
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Wish
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!!
I've been spending a lot of time lately, just staring at my beautiful little MRP. When she sleeps, when she plays, when she eats. I sit there contemplating everything she knows and doesn't know, and I've come up with this:
She doesn't know about war or weapons. She doesn't know hate or betrayal. She doesn't know loneliness, sadness or disappointment. She doesn't know hurt, bitterness, or what a lie is. She doesn't know hunger. She doesn't know fear. She doesn't know viciousness, or pain. She doesn't know racism. She doesn't know violence, poverty or rejection. She doesn't know abuse of any kind, homelessness, or even death. And I wish I could keep it this way.
On the other hand, I am grateful for what she does know at this point: she knows laughter and smiles. She knows tickles and wonderment. She knows both excitement and amazement! She knows hugs and cuddling; warmth and kisses. She knows protection and trust. She knows Mommy and Daddy--don't forget her beagle Buddy! She knows baths, and sing-song. She knows sweet voices and evening walks. She knows flowers and sunshine. She knows....LOVE. And I wish I could keep it this way.
I know what you're going to say, that these things are "all a part of LIFE," but that doesn't make these wishes any less hoped for. Hopefully she'll be able to find her way through all of these experiences, and still end up a positive person. I reallyyy wish I could just wrap her up in a bow and stick her in my pocket forever, but I guess that will never happen. :)
Until next time, make some wishes for your child and try to make them come true!
Karyn Potts
*I'd love some comments! Just click below!*
I've been spending a lot of time lately, just staring at my beautiful little MRP. When she sleeps, when she plays, when she eats. I sit there contemplating everything she knows and doesn't know, and I've come up with this:
She doesn't know about war or weapons. She doesn't know hate or betrayal. She doesn't know loneliness, sadness or disappointment. She doesn't know hurt, bitterness, or what a lie is. She doesn't know hunger. She doesn't know fear. She doesn't know viciousness, or pain. She doesn't know racism. She doesn't know violence, poverty or rejection. She doesn't know abuse of any kind, homelessness, or even death. And I wish I could keep it this way.
On the other hand, I am grateful for what she does know at this point: she knows laughter and smiles. She knows tickles and wonderment. She knows both excitement and amazement! She knows hugs and cuddling; warmth and kisses. She knows protection and trust. She knows Mommy and Daddy--don't forget her beagle Buddy! She knows baths, and sing-song. She knows sweet voices and evening walks. She knows flowers and sunshine. She knows....LOVE. And I wish I could keep it this way.
I know what you're going to say, that these things are "all a part of LIFE," but that doesn't make these wishes any less hoped for. Hopefully she'll be able to find her way through all of these experiences, and still end up a positive person. I reallyyy wish I could just wrap her up in a bow and stick her in my pocket forever, but I guess that will never happen. :)
Until next time, make some wishes for your child and try to make them come true!
Karyn Potts
*I'd love some comments! Just click below!*
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Great Weight Debate
Hello LFM readers!
MRP is now more than four months old, and I'm feeling....gross. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was SO good about my diet, and eating (and not eating) exactly what I was supposed to according to her growing stages and trimesters. (It helps that I naturally crave cold vegetables in the summer and fruit all year round.) Toward the end however, I craved drive-through and junk food; horrible I know.
After her delivery, the weight seemed to literally fall off my body. I was super-excited! I vowed to breastfeed for the rest of my life if this is how it was going to be! Now though, I find that I'm still eating the way I was towards the end of my pregnancy, and the weight has stopped falling off, and is actually creeping back on! :(
I wasn't the thinnest person to begin with, so seeing this body morph over and over again doesn't make me very happy (who would it?) I need to get with the program already! But which program will be best?
I've done Weight Watchers in the past, and it's worked. But I feel like I've done it so many times==vicious cycle. I'm not about to start spending money "for the food" with Jenny Craig--though congrats to '80's star Valerie Bertinelli,--or never be able to go out to eat again because "my meals are delivered to my door" via Nutri System.
My husband tells me that he just doesn't understand how people can have such issues losing weight. This coming from a man almost 6 feet tall, and 140 lbs. at best. (Note: I hope my daughter has his build! :P) He believes in the good ol' fashioned "Eat less, move more" theory. Whatever.
I belong to a popular gym in town, but it's not very family-friendly, and I find that no matter my good intentions, that is all they are--intentions. I'm thinking of joining Jazzercise. I figure it's close to the house, it's only an hour long commitment, and I can be in and out and home again before MRP and Brian can miss me. Any thoughts? I'm looking for some good women to join with, or meet there to keep me motivated. Any takers, or does anyone already go?
I NEED to do something. I can already see MRP running around the house, and me trying to keep up with her. I'd like to make the life change now (though I feel I've said that a million times), and teach her to be fit and healthy. HELP! Take me up on my offer--lets do this together!
Until next time, I need workout partners and motivators!
Karyn Potts
*Comment here, or reach me at: Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
MRP is now more than four months old, and I'm feeling....gross. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was SO good about my diet, and eating (and not eating) exactly what I was supposed to according to her growing stages and trimesters. (It helps that I naturally crave cold vegetables in the summer and fruit all year round.) Toward the end however, I craved drive-through and junk food; horrible I know.
After her delivery, the weight seemed to literally fall off my body. I was super-excited! I vowed to breastfeed for the rest of my life if this is how it was going to be! Now though, I find that I'm still eating the way I was towards the end of my pregnancy, and the weight has stopped falling off, and is actually creeping back on! :(
I wasn't the thinnest person to begin with, so seeing this body morph over and over again doesn't make me very happy (who would it?) I need to get with the program already! But which program will be best?
I've done Weight Watchers in the past, and it's worked. But I feel like I've done it so many times==vicious cycle. I'm not about to start spending money "for the food" with Jenny Craig--though congrats to '80's star Valerie Bertinelli,--or never be able to go out to eat again because "my meals are delivered to my door" via Nutri System.
My husband tells me that he just doesn't understand how people can have such issues losing weight. This coming from a man almost 6 feet tall, and 140 lbs. at best. (Note: I hope my daughter has his build! :P) He believes in the good ol' fashioned "Eat less, move more" theory. Whatever.
I belong to a popular gym in town, but it's not very family-friendly, and I find that no matter my good intentions, that is all they are--intentions. I'm thinking of joining Jazzercise. I figure it's close to the house, it's only an hour long commitment, and I can be in and out and home again before MRP and Brian can miss me. Any thoughts? I'm looking for some good women to join with, or meet there to keep me motivated. Any takers, or does anyone already go?
I NEED to do something. I can already see MRP running around the house, and me trying to keep up with her. I'd like to make the life change now (though I feel I've said that a million times), and teach her to be fit and healthy. HELP! Take me up on my offer--lets do this together!
Until next time, I need workout partners and motivators!
Karyn Potts
*Comment here, or reach me at: Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
NOT a Seasonal Blogger
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!!
I'm promising at this moment, NOT to be a "seasonal blogger!" However, I'm sure many of you understand, and DID warn me in advance: once you become a Mommy, all things fall by the wayside! I look around at closets I want to reorganize, a garage that needs cleaning out, laundry that needs putting away and a dog that needs a bath. But I decide rather, that I'd like to love all over MRP for a few long hours instead; because the way I feel being her Mom is like no other. Nothing makes me happier. It's like any piece of advice or warning anyone's ever given me about parenthood, and the feelings that come with it, have suddenly come true.
"It's like you're falling in love for the first time; but it's completely different, like nothing you've ever felt before."--Dana Tackett
"I never realized JUST how all-consuming it was going to be until it happened. One day I surprised myself in the mirror: I had BROWN eyes, unlike the beautiful BLUE ones I had been staring at for months."--Laurie Evans
"Suddenly I realized that, there was another reason I was the bread-winner. I now had this whole other person who I was responsible for. Though, asking me to give you a quote about how my life changed and how I felt when we had Jack, is like asking me the meaning of life itself-indescribable."--John Lynch
"It's like taking a piece of your heart and putting it out into the world. You just want to protect it, and make sure nothing ever happens that will ever make it hurt."--Glenda Isaac
"After ten years of waiting, seeing our own little miracle for the first time brought a huge sense of wonderment. How can a new Mom, Dad and Grandma fall in love in an instant?! We new she was a gift."--Adoptive Mom, Teena Whaley
"It's surreal when they're born. I got to be the first one to hold each one, and that was hands-down the greatest moment in my entire life; and I got to do it four times!!"--Wynn Storton
"I didn't feel like a mom when I gave birth. The twins were in the NICU and it took days before I could even hold them. I was so scared they would die that I was almost scared to love them. I got to hold Mara when she was 4 days old. When the nurse laid her incredibly tiny body on my chest, Mara sort of sighed and curled her hand in my hair. All of a sudden, that's when I knew I was a mom and that, no matter what, I loved my little angels."--Laura Hover-Skiles
"I never thought I'd be dancing around my 2-year-old daughter's room with pom poms, but I'll do anything to make her happy and see that smile. She lights up my world."--Kyle Becker
"It was the most profound sense of peace. I realized that I had finally found the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. God had surely sent me the best He had."--MY Mom, Peggy Lind
Alright, so obviously the last quote makes me cry--I've always been very close to my Mom. I think I can finally understand what it's like to have a daughter. To love her unconditionally, and whole-heartedly...there are just no words.
Until next time, love them as much as you can.
Karyn Potts
*Please share your feelings, comments, etc.*
I'm promising at this moment, NOT to be a "seasonal blogger!" However, I'm sure many of you understand, and DID warn me in advance: once you become a Mommy, all things fall by the wayside! I look around at closets I want to reorganize, a garage that needs cleaning out, laundry that needs putting away and a dog that needs a bath. But I decide rather, that I'd like to love all over MRP for a few long hours instead; because the way I feel being her Mom is like no other. Nothing makes me happier. It's like any piece of advice or warning anyone's ever given me about parenthood, and the feelings that come with it, have suddenly come true.
"It's like you're falling in love for the first time; but it's completely different, like nothing you've ever felt before."--Dana Tackett
"I never realized JUST how all-consuming it was going to be until it happened. One day I surprised myself in the mirror: I had BROWN eyes, unlike the beautiful BLUE ones I had been staring at for months."--Laurie Evans
"Suddenly I realized that, there was another reason I was the bread-winner. I now had this whole other person who I was responsible for. Though, asking me to give you a quote about how my life changed and how I felt when we had Jack, is like asking me the meaning of life itself-indescribable."--John Lynch
"It's like taking a piece of your heart and putting it out into the world. You just want to protect it, and make sure nothing ever happens that will ever make it hurt."--Glenda Isaac
"After ten years of waiting, seeing our own little miracle for the first time brought a huge sense of wonderment. How can a new Mom, Dad and Grandma fall in love in an instant?! We new she was a gift."--Adoptive Mom, Teena Whaley
"It's surreal when they're born. I got to be the first one to hold each one, and that was hands-down the greatest moment in my entire life; and I got to do it four times!!"--Wynn Storton
"I didn't feel like a mom when I gave birth. The twins were in the NICU and it took days before I could even hold them. I was so scared they would die that I was almost scared to love them. I got to hold Mara when she was 4 days old. When the nurse laid her incredibly tiny body on my chest, Mara sort of sighed and curled her hand in my hair. All of a sudden, that's when I knew I was a mom and that, no matter what, I loved my little angels."--Laura Hover-Skiles
"I never thought I'd be dancing around my 2-year-old daughter's room with pom poms, but I'll do anything to make her happy and see that smile. She lights up my world."--Kyle Becker
"It was the most profound sense of peace. I realized that I had finally found the pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. God had surely sent me the best He had."--MY Mom, Peggy Lind
Alright, so obviously the last quote makes me cry--I've always been very close to my Mom. I think I can finally understand what it's like to have a daughter. To love her unconditionally, and whole-heartedly...there are just no words.
Until next time, love them as much as you can.
Karyn Potts
*Please share your feelings, comments, etc.*
Monday, February 23, 2009
LONG OVERDUE...this post that is!
Hello LFM Readers!
This news posting is well overdue, and for that I apologize. But as you can guess, I've been a bit busy. It's official: I am now a part of the largest club in the world: Parenthood! MRP (as I am initializing her--sorry, still paranoid over identity-theft people), is doing fabulously. Let me fill you in:
I went into the hospital on Sunday night at 8PM, and got a dose of Cytotec, a cervix-softening pill. If you've read past posts and are now wondering, yes, the internal for this about killed me. I was dilated to 2 when the nurse gave it to me. Soon I was contracting, and before I knew it, I was being checked again *OOOUUUUCH*, and was at 4. "Thank God," I thought, this meant I could now get an Epidural. They didn't want me to have it until I was moving along nicely, so not to slow down progress.
I was nervous for the procedure, but I knew it'd be worth it. I have to say though, until that point, I was proud of myself for breathing through the pain. Go me! (And Brian! He was my ROCK. I had him reading "This event happened on this date in history" facts off his iPhone to keep my mind on other things, as if that were possible in the slightest.)
My anesthesiologist came and inserted the needle in my back. I BARELY felt it! It was just a little pinch, and it was over. Getting the IV lock in my arm hurt worse, and longer, than the Epidural!
Four hours after getting the Cytotec, I was at 9.5!!!! The stuff was amazing. I obviously wasn't going to need the Pitocin, and I obviously wasn't going to make it to the next morning when my original doctor (the crazy "Stripping the Membranes" woman) was going to be delivering me. Side note: when I first got to the hospital, the nurse attending me told me how my doctor had "hands of steel" and how when she delivered her own child a few months before, the doc stayed working in the office until she was dilated to EIGHT, and then came over and gave birth. WOW. Realizing she wouldn't be the doctor for this momentus event, made me smile just a bit. :) I mean I'm a toughy, but if she delivered like that, what was she going to expect from me?
Next thing I know, I'm feeling the contractions again, and I'm told that I must have a "hot spot," or spot on my body where the Epidural doesn't take. Is that possible? No one told me THAT! The anesthesiologist came back and gave me another shot of juice. Good to go.
Soon after, the doctor came in and told me it was about time to push. She and the nurse warned me that most people don't figure out how to actually push and use their muscles for about half an hour, so to be in for the long haul. Boy did I surprise them!
I had my Mom on the left (who, by the way, almost passed out from placing my foot on her corotid artery by her neck. The pressure being put on it made her dizzy and having to sit down--NOT something I was prepared for in the midst of pushing a baby out! Suffice to say, she was okay and was able to stand up after a little while, and was a huge help, the way I knew she would be :) Brian was of course then on my right side. Forty minutes later, at 5:50 on Monday morning, little baby girl MRP was here! The docs and nurses weren't the only ones surprised by this. I was so relieved. From the time I entered the hospital to when I delivered, was only 9 hours and 50 minutes!
The downside: I apparently "tore," losing A LOT of blood, and was about to pass out directly after. They gave me Stadol just as I closed my eyes and hit the pillow. The saddest part is that I completely missed out on the experience of holding her and seeing her face when she was first born. My memories are in flashes. I can remember seeing the doctor initially hold her up, and then someone holding her in front of my face, and Brian helping me hold my arms out for .2 seconds, before I heard my Mom tell him that he better take her since I was out of it.
The following time (I'm not sure how long it really was) I was totally out of it. I couldn't open my eyes or speak, but I could hear everything going on around me. I wondered why the doctor was still working on me. I could hear Brian's family come in and out, holding baby and making comments. I recognized their voices, but laid there like a slug. All I wanted was a drink of water, my mouth was so dry.
I woke up around 8:30AM, in a darkened room. Brian was asleep on the couch, and MRP was no where to be found. I noticed a tray of (eww, hospital) food next to me. Some sort of cold meat and green beans, I wasn't about to eat it! Soon he woke up, and I was moved to another room. The nurse brought MRP in to see me; finally, some time to bond.
As you can see by the photo, MRP is now two months old and SO adorable. She's making little noises, laughing and smiling. She's sticking her hands in her mouth, and deciding which toys she does and does not like. I have so much to write about her and her development so far. Please, stay tuned, because I already have a TON of questions for all you Moms (and Dads) out there!
Until next time: I DID IT! Mommyhood has begun!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, click below--any feedback is welcome*
This news posting is well overdue, and for that I apologize. But as you can guess, I've been a bit busy. It's official: I am now a part of the largest club in the world: Parenthood! MRP (as I am initializing her--sorry, still paranoid over identity-theft people), is doing fabulously. Let me fill you in:
I went into the hospital on Sunday night at 8PM, and got a dose of Cytotec, a cervix-softening pill. If you've read past posts and are now wondering, yes, the internal for this about killed me. I was dilated to 2 when the nurse gave it to me. Soon I was contracting, and before I knew it, I was being checked again *OOOUUUUCH*, and was at 4. "Thank God," I thought, this meant I could now get an Epidural. They didn't want me to have it until I was moving along nicely, so not to slow down progress.
I was nervous for the procedure, but I knew it'd be worth it. I have to say though, until that point, I was proud of myself for breathing through the pain. Go me! (And Brian! He was my ROCK. I had him reading "This event happened on this date in history" facts off his iPhone to keep my mind on other things, as if that were possible in the slightest.)
My anesthesiologist came and inserted the needle in my back. I BARELY felt it! It was just a little pinch, and it was over. Getting the IV lock in my arm hurt worse, and longer, than the Epidural!
Four hours after getting the Cytotec, I was at 9.5!!!! The stuff was amazing. I obviously wasn't going to need the Pitocin, and I obviously wasn't going to make it to the next morning when my original doctor (the crazy "Stripping the Membranes" woman) was going to be delivering me. Side note: when I first got to the hospital, the nurse attending me told me how my doctor had "hands of steel" and how when she delivered her own child a few months before, the doc stayed working in the office until she was dilated to EIGHT, and then came over and gave birth. WOW. Realizing she wouldn't be the doctor for this momentus event, made me smile just a bit. :) I mean I'm a toughy, but if she delivered like that, what was she going to expect from me?
Next thing I know, I'm feeling the contractions again, and I'm told that I must have a "hot spot," or spot on my body where the Epidural doesn't take. Is that possible? No one told me THAT! The anesthesiologist came back and gave me another shot of juice. Good to go.
Soon after, the doctor came in and told me it was about time to push. She and the nurse warned me that most people don't figure out how to actually push and use their muscles for about half an hour, so to be in for the long haul. Boy did I surprise them!
I had my Mom on the left (who, by the way, almost passed out from placing my foot on her corotid artery by her neck. The pressure being put on it made her dizzy and having to sit down--NOT something I was prepared for in the midst of pushing a baby out! Suffice to say, she was okay and was able to stand up after a little while, and was a huge help, the way I knew she would be :) Brian was of course then on my right side. Forty minutes later, at 5:50 on Monday morning, little baby girl MRP was here! The docs and nurses weren't the only ones surprised by this. I was so relieved. From the time I entered the hospital to when I delivered, was only 9 hours and 50 minutes!
The downside: I apparently "tore," losing A LOT of blood, and was about to pass out directly after. They gave me Stadol just as I closed my eyes and hit the pillow. The saddest part is that I completely missed out on the experience of holding her and seeing her face when she was first born. My memories are in flashes. I can remember seeing the doctor initially hold her up, and then someone holding her in front of my face, and Brian helping me hold my arms out for .2 seconds, before I heard my Mom tell him that he better take her since I was out of it.
The following time (I'm not sure how long it really was) I was totally out of it. I couldn't open my eyes or speak, but I could hear everything going on around me. I wondered why the doctor was still working on me. I could hear Brian's family come in and out, holding baby and making comments. I recognized their voices, but laid there like a slug. All I wanted was a drink of water, my mouth was so dry.
I woke up around 8:30AM, in a darkened room. Brian was asleep on the couch, and MRP was no where to be found. I noticed a tray of (eww, hospital) food next to me. Some sort of cold meat and green beans, I wasn't about to eat it! Soon he woke up, and I was moved to another room. The nurse brought MRP in to see me; finally, some time to bond.
As you can see by the photo, MRP is now two months old and SO adorable. She's making little noises, laughing and smiling. She's sticking her hands in her mouth, and deciding which toys she does and does not like. I have so much to write about her and her development so far. Please, stay tuned, because I already have a TON of questions for all you Moms (and Dads) out there!
Until next time: I DID IT! Mommyhood has begun!
Karyn Potts
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