"birth" day

Ok Mrs. Swanson, this one's for you! So as most of you know my pregnancy lasted a little bit longer than I had hoped (9 days to be exact, but who's counting?) In that time my little bundle of love went on a growing spurt. In the end I gave birth to a 9 pound 5 ounce, 22 inch long, sweet baby boy....naturally. Now I'm sure many of you are thinking "Wow! That's one tough lady". Or "She's my hero". Or "HAS SHE LOST HER MIND?" The truth is I am not able to have epidurals due to a back surgery I had in 1997. The thought of this terrified me from the beginning. It was one thing to say I was "choosing" not to have an epidural (knowing I could get it if I needed/wanted it) but to be told I would NOT have an epidural, no questions asked, was quite a hurdle for me. Mike and I practiced lots of relaxation techniques. Massage was my favorite through the pregnancy, labor and delivery. I had prepared a whole play list of music which accompanied me through some of the labor but by 8-9 centimeters and contractions every 1-2 minutes I was done with that. QUIET PLEASE!

We checked in on a Friday night and the nurses began all the paper work, questions and attempted SEVERAL times to run an IV to me. I have terrible veins. Once they finally got one (six pokes and 2 collapsed veins later) it was time to hook up to the fetal monitors. For me, this was the most irritating part of the whole process. I could not seem to get comfy and every time I finally did, Isaiah would move, the alarm would sound and the nurses would come to adjust. Needless to say I got no sleep. Bright and early Saturday morning I was temporarily released from the straps and allowed a nice hot shower and some time to walk before the doctor came in to start the pitocin drip and break my water. I am SO glad I had this time. It was quite refreshing and rejuvenating.

8am enter doctor. Break water.
8:30 am begin pitocin.
....hmmmm, this isn't so bad. Contractions begin. Massage is working. Total relaxation. And they said this was hard....HA!
9:30 am contractions every 2-3 minutes but still not so bad. I am gonna ROCK this.
10:00 am contractions every 2-3 minutes but getting much more intense. A little queasy now but still nothing I can't handle.
10:30 am contractions suddenly begin to send me in to orbit. They are still only every 2-3 minutes but BOY that is some pain I have never felt. Nurse comes in and asks how I am doing. Being the IDIOT I am I tell her "fine". So no check for me. She tells me not to worry if it is night or the next day before I have this baby. Seriously? I can't take this pain all day.
11:00 contractions every 1-2 minutes and much worse. Mike is hanging on for the ride and being a great cheerleader. I continue to tell the nurse I am fine. What was I thinking? I have no clue. No time to be tough girl.
Finally by noon I decide the nurse should know of my pain. This if FOR REAL! She takes one look and RUNS to get the doctor. Next time I will communicate a little better. HA. Having a child is no time to be tough.
At 12:00 pm (3.5 hours after induction began) the real work began. I can honestly say the labor part was worse for me than the delivery part. At this point I could see the end in sight. My husband was absolutely amazing. The worse part was that my vein collapsed and between pushes the nurses attempted 5 times to run a new line (add 3 more collapsed veins) At 1:50 pm we welcomed our beautiful son into this world. I was a fluster of emotions and couldn't wait to get my hands on him. I couldn't believe how big and beautiful he was.
I am still amazed that I housed life inside of me. The whole process is truly amazing to me. I would love to pat myself on the back and tell you what a rock star I am but the truth is I didn't have a choice. The other truth is....God designed me for this purpose. He does not give us anything we can't handle. I would never advise anyone to turn down an epidural because we all have different pain thresh holds but what I will say is that I am glad I didn't have the choice. I am glad that I did it and hopefully I will do it again some day. I am glad that I was up walking and looking at my baby 30 minutes after he was born. I am glad that I am a woman, a wife and a mother!

Happy One Month Birthday!

What a month it has been. November is my favorite month of the year so it was very fitting that we came home from the hospital on November 1st and we are closing out the month celebrating his one month birthday. I love being a mom. It is the BEST job I have ever had....but WOW, it can get pretty exhausting at times. All of the benchmarks he hits make every tear worth it (and I'm not talking about his tears...hahaha) This week he has started cooing and talking to me during play time. This makes my heart SMILE! I hope you enjoy the video and I hope I get better at blogging, but don't hold your breath!

The End? Nope, it's just the Beginning!

October 30, 2010 marked the end of a LONG pregnancy and the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. I will spare you the details of birthing a 9 pound 5 ounce baby naturally (for now...hahahaha), but I will tell you the SECOND he joined our world all the pain went away. He is absolutely amazing and I fall in love with him more every day (if that's even possible). I haven't had time to blog and tonight's will be short as I have started a new "schedule" to welcome week 2. Just wanted to share a few pictures with my blog followers. This is the best job I have ever had. I look forward to all the challenges, memories, and blessings in store. I pray that we are the parents God wants us to be and that we always listen to Him and follow His guidance.

40 weeks PLUS 2 days

So the big day came and went. It was the day I had highlighted in hot pink with hearts and stars and fireworks for 9 months! If you know me at all you know that I am a very prompt person, usually a little bit early just so I'm not late. Let's just say that watching that day come and go with no Isaiah was a BIG struggle for me. I turned off my computer, cell phone and house phone. I spent the morning at church and the afternoon on the couch. No worries, I am all good now. I know this little guy will come when God is ready. His birthday has already been decided and now Mommy just has to learn a little patience (a very good parenting lesson for me). I am the person who can't stand to put presents under the Christmas tree until it is time to open them because they just scream out "OPEN ME NOW! CAN YOU GUESS WHAT'S INSIDE?" I shake them, flip them, question the giver and MAYBE have opened a few and rewrapped them. hahahaha....JUST KIDDING!
It has been so fun to hear everyone's "tips" on how to get Isaiah to arrive sooner. I have tried them all (except the castor oil, that just seems a bit scary). I now see that this is not in my hands. All I can do is sit back and enjoy the rest of this ride. God will send our little buddy when He is ready and not a moment sooner. I am taking the advice I would give anyone else....TRUST HIM WHOLE HEARTEDLY. I had a plan, but my plan is not His plan. I am trusting that He speak to my doctors and they give me the best new plan of action. My hope is that he still come on his own, but if not I will trust my doctor and take the induction next weekend. God works through doctors every day. TRUST!

10 days

I can't believe October is already here! I can't believe my due date is in 10 days! Today is my first day of maternity leave. I have some last minute things I need to get done before Isaiah's big arrival so I thought I would take a little time to myself. Time to relax and get rest, time to pack our bags, time to finish the nursery, time to purchase those last minute items, time to do yoga (which I haven't done in 6 weeks), time to enjoy my husbad and time to reflect on the past 9 months. I don't know if there is enough "time" for all of these things but that is my plan. I have started off day one by backing up all my documents on my work computer before I have to turn it back in. I have also made a "to do" list. While I keep busy with all these things all I can think about is Isaiah. Whose eyes will he have? Whose smile will he have? Whose personality will he have? Will I see our grandparents through him? Will I see our parents through him? Mostly, will we be the parents God wants us to be? I can't wait to start this new chapter in life! I can't wait for the joys and challenges that parenthood brings. I can't wait for Isaiah to meet his family. I can't wait for Isaiah to meet our small group and friends. Until then......enjoy my ramblings!

The Last Hoorah! Baby Shower #3!

If you follow my blog on a regular basis you have heard LOTS about my bestest, Ashely. Even from 800 miles away she has spoiled me rotten through this pregnancy. I think she officially out did herself this weekend. She started the whole thing off with a little red wagon. Who knew one little piece could spiral into such a fabulous day for me and Isaiah. The "traveling baby shower" was a fabulous idea.



The cookies and cupcakes weren't only delicious, but oh so precious! I am in love with Whimsey Cookie. Thanks for making my pregnant belly happy!



The centerpiece was a HUGE hit. Ashley had me fill the wagon with a diaper cake and her handmade topper. Surrounding the centerpiece was a fun and festive candy bar provided by Holli's Sweet Tooth in Oxford, MS. If you are ever out there you should stop in a fill up a bag. YUMM-O! I just loved the whole wagon idea and the colors were perfect.









Not only did Ashley organize the entire shower, but she arranged to collect and ship gifts from our nearest and dearest Memphis family and friends. Isaiah was spoiled all over again. Thank you, thank you, thank you to EVERYONE who made this day so special. Karen, I appreciate the fresh fruit, punch and homemade guacamole to top off the spread. You have been such a blessing in my life and thanks for helping with a SECOND baby shower. You are a true friend. Megan, Steph and Jen...I don't even know if I have the words to explain how much you each mean to me. Thank you for traveling on this pregnancy journey with me and being SO supportive. Your prayers, constant love and support have made it much easier. And to all our Memphis peeps (Leathers Crew, Phyllis, Sandy and boys, Brenda, Lindsey, Chris, Aunt Kristen and Uncle Dave, Aunt Ashley and Uncle Nick, and even my HUBBY) a BIG THANK YOU for all the thoughtful gifts. Isaiah is one lucky little guy and I can't wait for you all to meet him. I know he will be surrounded by love here and 800 miles away!
Ashley, you really are the greatest. I don't know what I did right to deserve a friend like you but I am thankful. A friend like you is once in a lifetime. LOVE YOU!

Wedding Bells and a Baby

The month of October marks so many exciting events for our family. This weekend my brother-in-law, David, is marrying his best friend! Kristen is an amazing woman and I am so excited that I can call her a sister and that Isaiah can call her an "aunt". I know that their wedding day will be perfect.
Although this is a time to celebrate I can't help but be a little sad. We were so excited to find out that we would be welcoming a new life into our family, but unfortunately it coincides with a wedding that is 800 miles away! This mommy-to-be is not allowed to fly or travel seeing as I am 3 weeks away from the big day. Daddy-to-be had fully planned on making the trip to Memphis to share in his brother's special day, but last week he got cold feet. Michael is a little worried that Isaiah may decide to make a surprise arrival and he does not want to miss that. What a tough decision! I know Michael prayed a lot about what to do and we just have to have faith he made the right choice.
It is so sad to me that I have had to miss out on such a joyous and special time in the life of my family. I have known David since he was 13. David is a man of character. He has a HUGE heart with lots of love to share with everyone. He is full of kind words and thoughtful gestures. I know he is going to make Krissy one happy girl! As they plan for their wedding weekend my heart is filled with the wonderful memories of our wedding day.
Friday night kicks off the rehersal dinner. I know they will have an amazing time. Mike's step-mom, Marianne, made our dinner SO special. She put a lot of time and planning into a night that will forever be remembered. The Italian food, wine, red and white checkered table cloths, candle light and acoustic guitar set the perfect atmosphere. The biggest surprise of the night was a very special video she made of our lives. I cherish that video and look forward to watching it with our children one day. Kristen and David, I hope your night is just as special for you....and if I know Marianne, it will be! (JUST REMEMBER A CAMERA!!!!!!!)
Saturday will be such an exciting day for them. I remember having butterflies in my stomach all day and suddenly breaking down into tears as I stood in the hallway with my Dad. Not so great timing but most women know....tears just happen. You have no control sometimes! I remember walking through the church doors and not being able to see Michael over the crowd and candles. My Dad knew I was looking for him and joked he was not there! NICE! What I remember most about that day was standing there with Michael promising to be the best wife I could be. I prayed that God would bless our marriage and carry us through the hard times. I don't think I have always been the best wife, but we are defintely blessed and HE definitely carries us through the hard times.
David and Kristen, I pray that God blesses your marriage for years and years to come. I pray that He stands beside you and holds you up through all the hard times and that you remember He is still there cheering you on in the easy times. Lean on each other and support each other, but always keep God at the center of your marriage and you will never fail. I love you both very much and know that our hearts are with you as two become one! CONGRATS!
Jenny

a surprise visitor and a baby shower

The last 5 days have been quite festive for the DeAngelis crew! On Thursday, GranDebbie (Jenny's mom) popped in for a surprise visit. I was so overcome with emotions before my first shower that grandma to be had to plan a last minute trip to surprise us and attend our baby shower #2. This was a WONDERFUL surprise and really made my heart happy. Thanks, Mom, for always thinking of us and for FINALLY pulling off a surprise. We love you very much (Thanks to Cappy for funding the trip....we missed you!)

Saturday night kicked off our "Little Hoot" baby shower. The shower was hosted by some of our small groupies, Mike and Stephanie. If you haven't already heard me talk about my small group I am going to brag on them for a minute. God has really blessed us with a "family" that has become a TREMENDOUS support system and a great group of friends. Stephanie really out did herself. She made sure that Michael, Isaiah and myself felt the true love and support of church family. It is such an overwhelming feeling sometimes but sitting back and watching it all happen Saturday night I knew that we were in the right place and God had just been waiting for us. TBA church is a true picture of Christ's love in action. Thank you, Stephanie for being you! You are my prayer warrior and a true friend. I don't think I can ever say thank you enough for all you have done for me!
Isaiah was so spoiled at the shower. Here are pics of some the goodies he received.




Stephanie made the precious animal monogram for Isaiah's room.
I am also finding that more and more of my friends have special talents. Check out the hand carved owl fruit bowl Rae Lynn made. And yes, Isaiah has another special treasure! A hand made blanket from Mary Beth. Not only did she crochet a blanket she made a matching tag a long blanket for outings!



Stephanie was so creative with her rice crispie party favors and all the handmade decor. The "words of wisdom" are just precious and a gift I will treasure for ever. Cappy and GranDebbie are helping Isaiah get his swing on. I love this little swing and it is so soft. Thank you Mike and Stephanie for loving us and this little boy we will soon be welcoming! Thank you to our small group family and church family for sharing in such a special time with us.
As Steph would say:
"Doing Life Together",
Jenny

Baby Shower....Take One

I feel so blessed to have such loving girls around me. Sometimes it is hard to be 800 miles from home, especially when you are celebrating such a joyous time in your life. These special ladies have loved me and been there for me so much! So let me first begin by sending a BIG thanks to Windy, Cheri and Karen. You have no idea what each of your friendships mean to me. Thanks for the shower!

As I left my house Saturday morning en route to the shower I was suddenly filled with an emotion of sadness. Hormones? Possibly! All I could think about was my wedding showers and how my mom and Mike's mom were so excited to join me for all the fun. Where were the Grandma's to be now? One was in Oklahoma and the other in Memphis. (INSERT TEARS HERE). Both sent me their love that morning via cell phone and both are always calling to check up on me so I know they were with me in spirit, but still...I cried the entire way to the shower.

Once I got in I was so happy to see my dear friends around me. Just the way I wanted it! Windy did a fabulous job with the decorations, Cheri was so gracious to offer her house and Karen made a YUMMY punch. Of course my favorite part was the MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM CAKE from Baskin Robbins. Someone knows me too well! Mmmmmm!

Thanks to all who attended or sent a gift. Your thoughts, kind words and generosity are appreciated more than you will ever know!





My WIndella crafted the super cute Halloween bucket for Isaiah's first trick or treat night (i'm sure his Daddy will eat most of the candy). I have a love of monkeys and some ladies from work sent me these cute little outfits and stuffed monkey. Karen's sweet momma knitted the blue and white afghan for Isaiah. If he is ANYTHING like me he will treasure this forever! What a special, special gift! There were so many more goodies but "blogger" is not letting me upload anymore pics at the moment. Stay tuned for more.....

Update

Yes, I know! I have not blogged lately. So much has been going on so I wanted to give a quick update. At the end of the summer I SUDDENLY found out that I would be teaching 1st grade instead of Kindergarten. The good news is I got to loop up with my kids from last year so classroom management has not been too big of a problem for me. However....I know NOTHING about first grade. I spend so much time at school and home preparing for lesson and researching stuff. I feel like a first year teacher, which is not so fun when you are oh so pregnant. I know God placed me here for a reason though and I have tried to see the positive in it all. My kids are GREAT, I just feel like a big dummy! hehehe
Football season is off to a start and that makes me HAPPY! Alabama is lookin' good and is undefeated. That makes me happier! Mike has really been missing my party throwing since I found out I was pregnant so this weekend I opened the "club" and had a "roll tide" party. It was fun to get together with everyone but boy was I tired after all was said and done. I have to say, though....our friends are SOOOOO worth it!
The four week grand opening at church has been AMAZING. Every sermon moves me in a different way and makes me realize how much God has been working in my life. Today's sermon was no different. I was a puddle of tears and it wasn't all easy to hear...but I am better for it! I hope God spoke to other members and visitors as much as he did me.
Mike will be gone this weekend as he serves on the Men's Tres Dias walk #12. I am so excited for the men going on this walk. I pray that God reveals His awesomeness to them in many ways. I,on the otherhand, am not looking forward to being alone. This week of pregnancy has brought about some pain. My bestest, Ashley, said she was wondering if I would ever hit a wall....HERE IT IS! I am so sore and so tired and so emotional. I feel lucky to have felt so great through this entire journey and I am so blessed to be caring this little bundle so I won't complain too much. Mike will only be 30 minutes away and I know I have a great Florida family to help me out if I need it.
I am so looking forward to my next THREE babyshowers! These are sure to keep me busy through the first of October. I am so blessed to have such wonderful, amazing, caring friends to support our growing little family. This weekend the festivities are kicking off with my Windella (and entourage). I have been kept in the dark about this one so I will have LOTS to blog about next weekend. The following weekend my groupie, Stephanie, has planned a HOOT OWL themed night for couples from the church. And following that is the "traveling baby shower" hosted by the one and only, Ashley (the hippest hostess in town-or out of town). Don't worry I will blog about ALL of these and be looking forward to some pics!
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Michael, Isaiah and myself. I hope our prayer warriors keep it up as the time draws nearer! Love to all!

33 weeks

Today I am 33 weeks pregnant! Last night at small group Mike made a comment that gave me butterflies. He was talking to one of the guys about weekend activities (shooting range, horseshoes, cornhole, etc)and stated he needed to get some of it in because he was gonna have a baby in the house NEXT month. AAAGGGHHHH!!!! Next month! I am so excited and nervous and happy and anxious and overwhelmed and overjoyed....ALL AT THE SAME TIME! We can't wait to meet you Isaiah Joseph. <3

* Forgiveness * Clean Slate * Standing Room Only *

Today was THE day! The grand opening of TBA Church. Trusting Believing Acting!
Earlier in the week a question was posed to our small group. "Have you ever FELT God's presence?" I know that I have and once I got home and rested my "first week back to work" pregnant brain I thought of a few moments. I want to thank Bryan Stiverson for that question because it brought today's message full circle for me.
I arrived at church early to help the REAL Women's ministry pass out flyers advertising some AWESOME events we have planned. I cannot tell you how amazed I was to stand at the front door and watch the people file in. Every time someone walked in I wondered "what will God say to them today?" I never asked "what will God say to me today". I was just so excited to see so many new faces. The church was packed! Standing room only! God had started his work.
Once it appeared the last had arrived I snuck in and crawled over to my seat with the "groupies". Just in time for one last song from Stiverson, our amazing friend and music minister. OH BOY did I feel God's presence in that room. Bryan is so passionate about praising God through music and it RADIATED from him and the band today. I was flooded with emotion and LOVE for all the work God has done in my life the past few months. When he sang "Overcome" I knew that I had arrived to the place I have been working so hard to get to. In March I attended the Tres Dias walk (which if you follow my blog you know this was my realization at all the work God had been doing to seek me and bring me back to Him). One of the things I struggle with the most is forgiveness. Forgiving myself and some other people in my life. I have seen progress in some of the most important relationships I have. Today I knew His work was done with one I have REALLY struggled with.
Don preached from Psalm 51 and it was an amazing story and testimony to God. If you have time you should read it and research the background of King David. The part that spoke to me was:

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

I want to be the hands and feet of Christ. He extends his forgiveness to me because he loves ME. I have now forgiven myself through His grace and I have forgiven others. I want to teach others His way. THIS is our job as Christians.
God grants us a clean slate every time we slip. He sent His son and sacrificed Him so I could be forgiven and receive this "clean slate". My prayer is that someone out there reads this or experienced the service this morning and accepted His forgiveness.

"Power in hand speaking the Father's plan
You're sending us out, light in this broken land

We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb
and the word of our testimony, everyone overcome" ~ (song lyrics to "Overcome")

AMEN!!!

I Miss My Groupies!

Congrats to our small group family leaders, Bryan and Jen, on the birth of their son Jason! I just know Ellie is going to be a GREAT big sister. Jason joined our happy little world last week. Jen and I have shared our pregnancy woes the last 6 months....now I must wait out the new mommy fun! When I found out the due date Jen and I were projected to be 10 weeks apart. I'm hoping for 8 or 9 weeks apart, but I guess that isn't up to me. hahahaha
I can't imagine what the first weeks of mommyhood are like, but I do know that I miss my small groupies. This summer was a whirlwind of vacations and missed group time. I am looking forward to our next meeting as I know I will be taking some off time when Isaiah arrives. Anyways, just wanted to send a shout out to my little family. Love you all and miss you!

***Mary and Brandon, you MUST join our next pic (or I will have to come over with my camera and get your pic!)

10 more weeks!

I can't believe summer has come and gone! I have gotten a lot done in the nursery this summer and with two friends having babies this week I am getting antsy! Isaiah can't come soon enough (of course I want him to continue baking as long as he NEEDS).
I start back to school next week and I am a bit aprehensive. A "little bit" of shifting and mind changing has landed me in 1st grade. I know God has placed me where he wants me but I AM CLUELESS! Hopefully this new challenge will keep me busy and keep my mind off the upcoming arrival of our little man (did I mention I can't wait for him to get here?) Surely a daily dose of 1st graders will help the time fly. On a good note (maybe) I am getting my same class that I had last year. The plus side of this is that I will already know their little personalities and they will already know my rules, routines and expectations. They were so excited about little Isaiah last year so it will be nice for them to ride these last ten weeks out with me. I can't wait for them to meet him!
To wrap up summer Mike has planned a date night for us tonight. Keep in mind we are on a pretty tight budget so I really look forward to these little "treats". Tonight we will be hitting up the local Silver Moon Drive In for a double feature. The whopping grand total will be $8! Can't beat that! For dinner we will probably pick up some fried chicken and biscuits. YUMMY!!! Picnic and movie! My heart is happy!
I hope all my teacher friends enjoy their last weekend of summer!