Lather, Rinse, Repeat

There is not much to blog about lately. As it turns out newborns eat, sleep, poop, cry, sleep... Lather, rinse, repeat. I guess during these first few weeks no news is good news. I could tell you she's betting bigger, but it would be a much more compelling story if she were getting smaller. I could tell you I'm tired, but a lot more people would be reading this post if it had the secret to staying energized and well rested during the first month after their child's birth. I could tell you how she's getting more and more beautiful each day, but real story would be if she peaked in middle school. So for now, know that Norah is an entirely normal baby who does all the things that normal babies do. I am entirely comfortable writing a boring ol' post about my boring lil' baby, because the last post I want to be writing is some heart wrenching tragedy that spreads like wildfire and lands me in the hospital or on the local news channel. No, we will take our sometimes fussy, always beautiful, and entirely normal baby and cherish every moment we can. So you just keep on keeping' on Miss Norah. Eat, sleep, poop, cry, sleep... lather, rinse, repeat.

Happy Due Date Norah!

I am a bit shocked that 10 days after Norah was brought into this world still no one has come by to determine whether or not I am really qualified to raise this child. No one is monitoring my parenting. There is no safety net to ensure my daughter's well being. Norah has a lot of people that really love her, but pretty much everything comes down to me and her daddy(and God of course)!

In order for Shawn to become a lawyer he had to attend three years of school training, pass a character and fitness test which required multiple references, take countless exams and read countless pages of text, swear an oath before the Supreme Court of our state, and so, so much more. For Shawn and I to become parents all we had to do was have sex. Just wow.

 Norah is 10 days old today. She's already growing up too fast. There are 10 whole days that have gone by, and I already know I have not made the most of them. I already know some mistakes I have made or things I would do differently. I just can't believe they're letting me keep her!

 Norah has already lived so much in her 10 days! She has met so many people that love her! She admirably endured all of daddy's graduation ceremonies and celebrations. She travelled all the way to the state Capitol and even met one of the supreme court justices! Norah had a photo shoot, plenty of costume changes, and filled countless diapers. She is a champ. Way to go, baby girl. I love you, and am very proud of you in your first 10 days!

Shawn Woller, Esq.

Shawn's Hooding Ceremony

Big Weekend for Norah

Our little lady's calendar is filling up quite quickly! Naturally the pretty girl has plenty of callers, but there is so much more than that. This morning Norah was up and ready to go for her newborn photoshoot by the lovely Sarah Of Fresh Frame Photography. She also oh-so conveniently lives on the 4th floor of our building, so we didn't even have to go outside! Usually newborns are zonked out during the first week or two of life resulting in adorable sleeping bundles in various positions and props. Not Miss Norah! Thus far she has been such a laid back kid, but the little diva had a whole new temperament once that fancy lens was pointed in her direction. I don't think we'll be signing her up to model for Kohl's catalogs anytime soon.

After a long morning of constant frowny face we came back downstairs. Less than an hour later there were two very handsome boys at the door calling after my darling daughter. I didn't turn them away as they were accompanied by my lovely sister, their mother. Yay for meeting the first of her cousins!!

A couple hours later it was time to prepare Norah for her first Milwaukee adventure- picking up Aunt Mae-Mae from the airport! Initially getting in the carseat was about as dramatic as the photoshoot, but once she settled down she was perfect the whole ride the and back. Big sigh of relief.

The rest of the evening was pretty relaxing, but we need a lot of rest to prepare for the weekend ahead. Tomorrow we meet Grandma and Grandpa Woller (yay!!) hopefully a few more aunts, uncles, and nephews, and lots of Marquette Law graduates! It will pretty cool to watch daddy in the Law School Hooding ceremony as well!! Very big day for this little family!

We'll check in again soon (hopefully) as we have plenty coming up in the next few days (and weeks and months and years for that matter).

2nd Night- Same as the 1st, but a little bit louder and a little bit worse

Our first night at home went swimmingly! She woke up every two hours or so to eat throughout the night, but would go right back to sleep afterwards. Shawn took the first night shift, would change all the diapers, bring her to me when she needed to be fed, etc., and I took the late-late to early morning shift. Easy peasy. Fortunately, I was smart enough to realize that not every night would go this well.

 Enter the 2nd night.

 Daddy had pretty much been holding Norah for the last 6 hours (except for a few feedings in between of course), so when it was mommy's shift around 2 or 3am Norah seemed to have been expecting the same. Trying to lay her back in her playpen was simply laughable at that point-- or screamable anyway. Baby girl has expectations now. Daddy works tomorrow so Grandma is coming over tonight to help out. We will just see how night 3 goes.

She is getting more and more beautiful as each day passes, by the way. Shawn and I are torn between wanting to have some quiet family time while we get adjusted and inviting everyone over all the time so we can show off our little miracle!!

Our Newest Addition: Norah Naomi

As I lay here in bed holding my daughter in my left arm I struggle to find any words to write about her. I assure you that this is not due to any shortage of feelings or events I'm eager to share. It is entirely due to the fact that the words "my daughter" seem more beautiful, complex, and significant than any combination of written word in the history of man, and nothing I could possibly write would stand any chance of expressing how beautiful and barely comprehensible those words are to me. Maybe someday those words won't be such a tidal wave rushing over me and I will be able to write about Norah's birth with more clarity, but today you are going to get whatever I can manage to divulge as I gasp for air between waves of taking in this experience. Friday night May 11th Shawn and I went to dinner at a friend and co-workers home in Milwaukee. I had been feeling increasingly off throughout the night, but had no concept of the impending events of the next 36 hours. We left for home shortly before 10pm. On the way home I was explaining to Shawn how I felt and giving him reasons that I didn't think I was having contractions. My confidence in those arguments did not take long to waver. It was shortly after 10pm that I decided to time these "definitely" and then only "probably" not-contractions. They were remarkably consistent. The first hour was nothing short of comedic. There was so much left to do, and so many things we hadn't figured out yet. Shawn ran around packing the hospital bags, putting together the play pen, and all kinds of other tasks as we quick crammed for parenthood like an exam we thought we wouldn't have to take for another few weeks. We laughed and joked about the hilarity of our cliche unpreparedness. I even called into work at the Pfister for the very first time. I had read and heard how often women were sent back home from the hospital during early labor, and was well versed in stories about how long labor could take. I did call my doctor and ask for her opinion about when to go in. As expected she recommended I try to stay home for a bit until the contractions were more severe. She also suggested I take a warm shower. I was a bit hesitant about the shower at first, but once I got in the shower it was almost an hour before I got out. Then I laid down and tried to rest for a few hours between contractions. The rumor was that I would need my energy. Around 5am I noticed the increasing severity of the contractions as well as another significant change (I'll spare you). I sent a text message to my doctor and she told me she would tell the hospital I was on my way. I woke Shawn who hadn't been sleeping any better than I had, and we got ready to go. It was still before 6am and we realized we had no idea which of the three entrances to go to. It was just funny little details like that occurring that whole night. We found an open door, did a bit of paperwork, and got wheeled upstairs. I was admitted to the hospital around 6am. They brought me up to the birthing suite, and it was awesome! I had my own private tub in the room, a birthing ball, and plenty of space to move around. I spent quite a bit of time in the tub the first few hours. As relaxing as it was, it sort of slowed down my contractions, so I eventually decided to give it up. I ended up really liking the birthing ball too. I had been a bit nervous about my "birth plan", how realistic it was, and how to best communicate my intentions to the nurses. I am still shocked how smoothly it went. I never had to be hooked up to an I.V. or anything like that. My heart rate , the baby's heart rate, my blood pressure, and my contractions were all monitored intermittently, but most of the time I was walking around a free woman! I was very blessed to have things go as smoothly as they did! Things didn't move along especially quickly, but I was "complication" free! (Thank you Jesus!) My mom and sister came up to see how I was and got a nice list of things to do, which was really, really nice considering our aforementioned unpreparedness. Shawn was able to stay by my side the whole time, and was absolutely amazing. By 3pm-ish I had been stuck at about 5 cm for hours and my doctor was starting to discuss breaking my water. I was debating a bit (not sure why now as I look back- I think I was scared of how painful I knew it would be after that). Finally around 7:30pm I think I realized I was just being a bit of a chicken and decided to go for it. She broke my water around 8pm. Then things started to get real. Little Norah was herself in a frenzied little rush of last minute preparing before the impending changes. She might not have realized she was being evicted so soon! The next 3 hours were a complete blur. In retrospect I'm sure it wasn't me those last 3 hours, as I am sure I couldn't have handled it. There was one point especially while I was pushing that I felt like I had just been transported back into my body after 5 or so minutes of absence. It took me a few seconds to remember what was going on. It was shortly after this that I was struggling for reasons why I had decided to go "drug free" (but I did it)! So I pushed some more. Then I could see the head. So I pushed some more. It hurt. So I pushed some more. It hurt so much. So I pushed some more. Then it happened. My eyes were like saucers as I watched her come out of my. It was so completely surreal. One more big push to expel those shoulders and fingers and toes. Then I heard from my amazing husband's lips, "it's a Norah", and the next second my sticky little daughter was on my chest and I was in sheer awe at everything that had happened. And the rest I can tell you later...

30 Weeks

I Should Have Paid For Expedited Shipping...

Usually I am a ground shipping kind of girl, and can't recall any time I have ever paid extra to have something shipped to me faster. I am patient enough that I can wait a bit longer for whatever it is I just ordered, and frugal enough not to waste my money on instant gratification or at least quicker gratification.

Nine months is a long time to wait for anything, none the less that which you have wanted more than anything for as long as you can remember. Had I choice, I may have paid the extra fee to expedite this time. Needless to say, I did not have the choice. I guess I'll just have to wait.

72 days left before this little package arrives on my doorstep... you know, give or take. I sure hope I'm around to sign for it!

As for the general update: I'm about 30 weeks. I have gained exactly 10 pounds. Heartbeat is healthy, kicks are frequent, and all is good as of my last appointment. My pregnant belly is as adorable as ever. :) I know, I know... you want pictures. You'll just have to wait... or visit.

I think Shawn and I have agreed on a first name for both a boy and a girl. It took us a while... and it's a secret. Sorry.

If anyone is curious, here is the grand master plan (subject to change, of course):
My last day of work will be May 17th (should both my baby and I make it that long), and I will cash in all of my vacation days and then start maternity leave.
Shawn has his Law School Hooding Ceremony on May 19th which happens to be the only day I don't actually want the baby to come, but you know how these things go sometimes.
Now- if everything goes PERFECTLY, I will go into labor on the morning of the 20th so that Shawn doesn't have to go to the otherwise required all-school graduation ceremony.
After that, only God knows. It's amazing how things can all be so absolutely up in the air and perfectly planned at the same time.

I don't have too terribly much else to say. I just thought I should check in since it's been a while. So, there's the update. In summary, we're still waiting and just getting all the more eager as the day approaches!

Sweet Baby Shower Swag!

First baby shower!!

The Marquette Law School ladies who hang out with Shawn decided to throw me a shower before school started. It was really sweet! (Thanks again Breanne!!)

I was actually kind of nervous, which may seem odd. The shower was thrown for me and another fabulous wife (Anna) of one of the guys they hang out with. I think I had convinced myself that I was just going to her shower since going to one thrown for me was so foreign to me.

It's a great group of girls who I am happy to permit my husband to spend time with ;)
We played the game with clothespins where the word "baby" is forbidden. Every time you say the word, the first person to notice gets to take your clothespin. Whoever has the most clothespins at the end of the shower wins. I was the very first one to lose my clothes pin. That's ok with me, because I just like talking about my baby!!

We also had a race to see who could feed their partner a jar of baby food faster. I ate the peaches, which I felt was appropriate. Candy bars melted in diapers is also always a classic, and I got 'em all!

It was really sweet of them to throw me the shower! It's exciting to start getting more baby stuff, and have my belly keep popping out! It's all becoming so real so quickly! "Ready or not, mom, here I come!!"

I wouldn't say I'm truly "ready", but I don't think any first mom ever is, so bring it on, kid!

Baby Bump:: 20 (and a half) Weeks!

It's a BABY!

Week 20: My Baby is a Carrot

I have an application on my iPad which tracks my pregnancy. Each week it tells me a few interesting facts about my baby's development. I have quite enjoyed learning what my baby is up to 20,000 leagues under the sea. Each week it makes a point to describe to me the approximate size of my baby. Often comparisons to fruit and or vegetables are used. I will list each week's size description below for your entertainment. I have found them at least mildly amusing and I hope you do too.

Week 5: an appleseed
Week 6: a pea
Week 7: a blueberry
Week 8: a jelly bean
Week 9: a grape
Week 10: an olive
Week 11: a fig
Week 12: a key lime
Week 13: "3 inches"
Week 14: a small lemon
Week 15: an avocado
Week 16: a lemon
Week 17: an apple
Week 18: a pear
Week 19: a softball
Week 20: a carrot
Week 21: "a miniature version of a fully developed person"
Week 22: "11 inches"
Week 23: a mango
Week 24: "12 inches"
Week 25: a squash
Week 26: a large zucchini
Week 27: "2 pounds"
Week 28: "2 and a half pounds"
Week 29: a cabbage
Week 30: an eggplant
Week 31: a small melon
Week 32: "17 inches"
Week 33: "4 pounds"
Week 34: a small pumpkin
Week 35: "5 and a half pounds"
Week 36: a bowling ball
Week 37: "19 inches"
Week 38: "7 pounds, 20 inches"
Week 39: a small watermelon
Week 40: "7-9 pounds"

I am not making any of this up, I promise. What's your favorite week? :)

Half Cooked Catalyst

My little life changer is at mile 13 in this gestational marathon. I am 20 weeks tomorrow!

If you're curious what Teebs has been up to for the last 4 months, it has recently become quite clear: Mastering Martial Arts. My child, who will most likely come into this world looking quite a bit like Yoda (but hopefully less green), will also have his mad fighting skills. Whether he/she has truly tapped into the Force, only time will tell.

We were having an altogether delightful time celebrating Christmas in Mankato this past week. I was tucking my nieces Rylee and Olivia into bed and reading them both a bible story when WHAM BAM I felt a roundhouse kick about half way between my belly button and my hip from INSIDE MY BODY! Chuck Norris better watch out! I had to stop the story and tell them. It was pretty fantastic sharing the moment with them.

Shawn has also been able to feel baby, which is also exciting. Three times in a row Shawn told the baby to kick his hand, and baby dutifully obliged each time. I think Peanut was showing off a little for Dad, already eager for that approval.

I am also finally starting to show a baby bump rather than a cross between a big lunch and an affinity for keg parties. Hallelujah.

I hope to start posting baby bump pictures soon! We also have our ultrasound on Thursday! Eek! So, more details soon!

Happy New Year from all 3 of us!!