What we've been up to...

So it's been a while. I thought I'd give an update on life since our new addition. She is so adorable, a ton of fun & WE LOVE HER!
Alice Teal has many names, and the poor girl may never know what to answer to. She is Alice, Teal, Ali, Tealy, and the list goes on; there are the other nicknames of precious, sweetheart, honey... we figure she'll let us know what she wants to be called when she gets older. I call her all of them, her dad calls her most of them, plus others.
Some of the things she's experienced and her firsts.
She has been to several football games, high school & college.
She has been golfing with us a couple times, she's good at driving the cart & getting her picture taken. :)
She has been with us to preg check cows, ship cows, & sell calves.
She has taken her first 2 flights, and been to Tennessee & Mississippi, she got to meet her MS relatives. They LOVED her!
She's spent her first night in a hotel.
She is a happy smiley baby, she smiles with her whole face, and her eyes LIGHT up. She will smile like crazy in the morning.
She follows me with her eyes, and likes to keep me in her line of vision.
She knows her mom & dad very well, and is starting to get pretty attached. She's usually pretty mellow about being passed around to everyone, but that has changed a little as of late. She wants Mama or Daddy!
If she could, we're both pretty sure, she'd already be trying to talk & run around. She is very verbal, & likes to jabber & coo. She never quits moving & squirming.
She had her blessing & was such a charmer to everyone that day. Hootie gave her a beautiful blessing, he did such a good job!
She has the most beautiful, long, dark, curly, thick eyelashes. She makes grown women jealous!
She loves when Daddy baths her, he is funny & lets her splash the water everywhere!
She was SUPERGIRL for Halloween, but the only trick or treating we did was Maddox takeout, but she sure looked cute with her cousin Trey, the HOT DOG!
She is a TALL girl, who now has some meat on her bones. The Dr. says she's getting some good cream! (She was so skinny when she was born, hello chicken legs.)
Some of her 2 month stats; Height- 24" (95%), Weight- 11lbs, 9oz (75%)
Hootie was her first babysitter, the first time I was away from her (went to Thriller) and they got along good.
I am heartbroken about going back to work next week, but I'm sure it'll be good once i get there & get back in the groove. I will just be doing locals, no overnights for now. That would be pretty rough on all of us. So there is a little about us, & our baby girl for now.

Alice's Birthday

So I really have no great excuses as to why it's taken this long to post. But we've been busy (weddings, Dr's. appts, jaudice & baking in the lights, and heel pricks), I've had fun with my baby, and getting on my computer & blogging has been pretty far from my mind.

But here's some of the story...
We were at the fair all day on Thursday & the rodeo that night. On Friday I just felt off, and not very good. I figured I’d just overdone it the day/ night before too much walking, sitting, & heat. I had lots of pressure in my lower half & no appetite.
At 3:00 my water started leaking/ small gushes, by 3:30 it was a little blood tinged, so I called the nurses line at my Dr.s, started to get my last minute things together & put on my makeup (I hadn’t done much that day). I called Hootie & told him to meet me at the hospital when I called him. My mom & I got there around 6:00. My contractions were only a couple minutes apart, but they weren’t bothering me, I was so calm and relaxed.
Unfortunately, having no appetite that day & not drinking enough water was very bad (I had eaten a peach that afternoon). I usually have awesome veins. That day I was so dehydrated, 3 nurses each tried to get the Heplock IV in me, with no success. They then told me they’d have the anesthesiologist do it (at that point I puked up my peach; I hate puking, but apparently hate needles more.) The anesthesiologist also stuck me 3 times, his 2nd time the vein collapsed, and he got it the 3rd try. I had to get poked 6 times for my IV, so they could give me penicillin and liquids, and when they drew my blood it was nearly black, and the penicillin burned. NOTE: don’t go to Labor & Delivery dehydrated & on an empty stomach, I totally should’ve hit up McDonalds drive thru.
The next 6 hours flew by, I was so relaxed and time just passed quickly. I can honestly say I didn’t have pain, I had some discomfort. But how many people are smiling when they are dilated to a 10, pushing, and have no drugs. It’s possible!

Alice Teal Roche was born at 12:58 am.

I’ve put a few collage pictures on here. I had a hard time finding many of me where I’m not feeding her, or have half my boob hanging out, so take what you can get. ;)

I’m totally getting the falling more in love with your husband when you see him with your child. Hootie is amazing, and I love seeing him as a daddy! He loves her so much, and is so concerned for both of us. He takes care of her, will get up in the night with her. I feed her, he changes her, often. He willingly changes so many dirty diapers. I love how excited he is to see her when he gets home from work, he misses her. I love it, I love him, I love her!








Read next post for my take on Natural Childbirth.

About the Natural thing...

Having a natural, drug-free childbirth is something I’ve always said I would do. It really seemed like the only way to me. As far as I can see there are a million pros & no cons. 2 minutes after I had Alice, and there was no pregnancy amnesia, I said I wouldn’t change a thing and I would do it natural again.

I used the Hypnobabies program & felt so prepared. I had several tools & resources from them that I could’ve used to prepare me even further; it was all at my disposal to use as I wished. The program changes verbiage, so there in no negative context or association to words about childbirth. Contractions are pressure waves; labor & delivery is your birthing time; there are no references to pain, it’s your comfort level; you really teach your mind and body that the strongest you will experience is pressure and discomfort. It definitely helped to be committed to a program and have a supportive birth partner. The Hypnobabies program teaches & uses self hypnosis, relaxation, visualization, and creating and directing anesthesia.

I had to keep my mind & thinking very positive. I didn’t show up to the Labor & Delivery marathon, without training for it. I also read up on the FEAR-TENSION-PAIN cycle. You FEAR it’s going to hurt, because of what people have told you or what you’ve seen on TV (Why do people want to share and exaggerate their BAD stories?); Therefore you TENSE up; which causes you to have PAIN. I could tell when I would start to tense up anticipating a strong pressure wave, I would tell myself to relax or Hootie or my mom would, I’d relax, and the pressure and discomfort was nothing. I think that another difference is I said I was having a natural childbirth, not that I was going to try (already setting yourself up for failure). So many people thought I’d chicken out or cry for an epidural, I had no desire to, and I am too stubborn and determined, it never would’ve crossed my mind.

Since I wanted a natural childbirth, I had to be committed to everything being completely natural, no interventions. No Pitocin to speed things up, I didn’t want super-human contractions, if I was doing things the natural way. Intense piggy-back contractions I can do without.
I was at a 2 ½ & had been for a couple hours. The Dr. told me if things didn’t speed up he’d want to administer Pitocin, because I was Strep B & my water had broke, he said I needed to deliver within 12 hours. Here’s another example of mind over matter for me, I asked him to talk to me about it later, if it became an issue. I was determined no Pitocin. So I told Hootie we needed to walk. Immediately, my contractions became much stronger and intense. I had 2 ½ hours of these productive contractions, then told the nurses they needed to check me again because I felt like I wanted to push. I was at an 8½, and the nurse said she could make me a 10, I was so close. It all seemed like no big deal, and went by so fast.

I would love to say she was out in three pushes, but she wanted her elbow to come out with her head, so it took more than that. My little darling was crowned for awhile & did a good job of tearing me. Even with that, I’d say I didn’t hurt & I wasn’t miserable. I could still smile throughout the experience.

I am still on a high, and am so glad I did everything natural. I would recommend it, and if anyone ever has questions about it or wants advice, from my experience, I'd be happy to share it.

She's Here

Just now posting this...

Alice Teal Roche arrived Saturday, August 29th at 12:58 a.m.
She was 7 lbs. 6 oz. , and 20 1/2 inches long. (Dr. appt she was 21 1/2", probably the more accurate measurement.)

For all those that didn't think I could/would do it... my birth was completely natural, 100% drug & epidural free & I think it is the way to go!!! I'm still on a high!

Pictures and birth story coming soon.

Ology

I'm doing this tag because I definitely need something more than just baby talk on this blog, but there isn't anything too exciting going on besides watching my tummy grow. And Criston had faith that I would do it.

Foodology
Dessert? Boxed brownies & homemade rice krispy treats. But all the banana bread I've made lately, is pretty high up there too.
Ketchup? Like it. But I don't eat it on a bun by itself like I did when I was a kid. (I hated hotdogs, & that was the alternative if it was a hotdog lunch.)
Appetizer? Chips & Salsa, or veggies & dip
Soda? Pepsi
Alcohol? Nope
Food I'd like to try? I'm not that adventurous with my tastebuds, if I want it, I think I've tried it.

Technology
How many tv's do I have? 3
What color of cell phone do I have? Pink
Do I have DVD player in my vehicle? No, but I'm betting I will when I have kids who need it for entertainment.
Do I follow directions when I put things together? Yes, for the most part. I've been successful with all the furniture I've put together lately.
Do you text a lot? No, but I love Blackberry Messenger.

Biology
Right or left handed? Right
Anything removed from my body recently? Not that I recall.
Last heavy item I lifted? Sheep corrals, mineral & feed for sheep & horses.
Eye color? Green
Broken any bones? No
Piercings? Ears & belly button, but that is out now.

Bullcrapology
Would you want to know when you were going to die? No
What superpower would you want? Flying or invisible
What would be my theme song? Final Countdown, just kidding I don't know.
Would I want to see the future? No. But the lady in the mall that approached me said she was getting Very Strong Vibes from me, and wanted to read my cards. (Or do you think she says that to everyone, so the curiosity will get them there.)
Do I believe in ghosts? Yes
When will the world end? I can't even think about or try to answer that, it freaks me out.


Dumbology
How many pairs of shoes do you have? Too many, & more than I can count that are in a DI box.
Last time I had a run in with cops? I haven't, but I can start thinking of people who have this week! ;)
Last person I talked to on the phone? Hootie
Last person I told a secret to? I don't have secrets & I never tell someone else's, so...
Did I like the presidential outcome? I didn't, I don't, and I never will. We'll all be paying for this for a LONG time.

Faveoriteology
Season? Summer
Book? A favorite, I love to read, but can't think of just one. I enjoy John Grisham & Jodi Picoult, to name a couple authors.
Holiday? Christmas & 4th of July (it's not usually that exciting for us, but I love the patriotism. Does that seem oxy-moronic :) after my presidential answer?)
Comedian? Dane Cook & Brian Regan
Time of day? Sunset/ Dusk

Currentology
Mood? Good
Listening to? My blog playlist; I never eliminate songs, just keep adding, it's pretty long. Now, I'm listening to Joyful Pregnancy Affirmations. ;)
Annoying tv episode? Family Guy, it comes on TBS after Friends, I think, usually while I'm making dinner. I can't change it fast enough.
What tv show do I never miss? I don't have shows, my schedule is always too inconsistent to follow something. But, I DVR Army Wives and watch it when I can. I think I judge people who have like 10 or 15 shows that they follow and cannot miss; Seriously, who has time? Pick up a book, play with your kid, clean your house, workout, just do something! I think those people are & get more depressed about real life, because they live in fantasy. (Sorry if that's any of you, but I doubt it is!)
Worrying about? Pushing out & then taking care of a little person who is totally dependant on me.
Weather? Sunny, after the rain this morning.


Randomology
1st place I went this morning? Bathroom
Last movie I saw? Ugly Truth
Sleeping alone tonight? No, I love being home in bed with Hoot everynight now. This is something new in our marriage, since I've always flown 3 & 4 day trips.
Dream vehicle? One that I didn't have to put gas in, but could still drive.
Worst household chore? Mopping my tile floor.
Do I own a gun? Yes, but they kinda freak me out.

Otherology
Weirdest pet I have? I've had a racoon. We just have the standard dogs & a cat that showed up last summer. Not too exotic.
Can I do push ups? Yes, but I wouldn't do them right now.
Have an accent? It depends. I don't think I do, but passengers in Utah always ask me where I'm from, & say they can't place my accent. I've had passengers in the South try to guess which southern state I'm from. I think it's a combination of learning how to talk from a southern mama, and that bad western twang.
Felt like I hit rock bottom? No
Hate right now? Negative people.
What song would I dedicate to my significant other? When It's Love, Van Halen
3 people who will do this? I don't know, I'm not putting the pressure on anyone.
Tattoos? Eyeliner
Would you be a pirate? That's my favorite halloween throw together costume.
What do you sing in the shower? I don't really sing, in the tub, I have a horrid voice. But I can remember really belting out the Paula Abdul cassette track when I was little. Opposites attract, Cold-Hearted Snake, etc. I'd sing everything I could think of.
Last person I took a picture of? Probably me & my ever-growing belly. So, can I say my daughter?
What music do I listen to? Everything
Would I be friends with my ex? Yeah, I've never had anything end badly.
Do I like pulpy o.j? No. I prefer Sunny D, or as Hoot calls it, my sugar water.
What job would I LOVE? Event Coordinator.
Song that gets me goin? Bon Jovi
Did I like High School? Yes
How many kids do I want? 3 or 4. If we have a boy after this girl, I think I'll be hard pressed to get more out of Hootie.

There you have it, kinda random, not too exciting, but it is something new & updated on my blog.
Does anyone else see that the floating fetus in nearing 3 weeks! CRAZY!
Any bets on if she'll be early, or on time; I won't consider over right now.
Oh, and I think we've figured out a couple names. We just have to meet her & see who she is.

Happy Anniversary

Just wanted to say Happy Anniversary Babe!

Yesterday was our 4th anniversary. We spent the whole day together. We ran a bunch of errands getting supplies for the sheepherders, then headed to Wyoming to take the herders their groceries, feed, cash & all the other essentials they needed. We stayed up there for quite awhile. Then had a late dinner of Pizza & Salad in Soda Springs.
Maybe it doesn't sound overly exciting to some, but we had fun. It beat the pants off of flying and being out of town & apart on our anniversary, which I think has happened. It is way better when you get to spend the day together.
Hootie gave me an amazing anniversary present. A piano. I have wanted one for while. I've hardly played in the 4 years since we've been married, (maybe twice) and I've definitely lost some skills, but now I can practice and get them back. So excited.
He wanted me to play for him, so he could see the fruit of his labors and he enjoyed it. Even if I thought it was a little rough sounding. The piano will need to be tuned, & I'll need some major practice, but it's better than not having one, or a keyboard. Love the feel of real wooden keys.

I am so blessed to have this cute boy in my life. He is so thoughtful & caring. Definitely my best friend, I can talk to him, share with him, & laugh with him. He doesn't give himself enough credit about what an amazing person he is, he underestimates himself & all those he touches. I love him for all his strengths & few weaknesses. I appreciate all I learn from him & that he's constantly looking out to help another. Thank you babe for all you teach me, it is more than you know.

Thanks for making me be irreverent, & laugh & snicker at our mealtime prayers for the things you come up with, especially when it has to do with baby girl . You are funny, even when you aren't trying!

I love that I get to spend my days, nights, and many more with him. I love that he is my "EC" ;) To say it as someone told me today "I am the Luckiest Girl in the World"!!!

I am so excited for him to be a father & see him with our daughter. I appreciate all his support as we prepare to bring a child into this world, especially, since I plan to do it the "hard", non-coventional, Natural way. That makes him a bit more nervous, but he has still been a great support, and a good sport as he's kind of having to play by my rules with the whole childbirth thing. He is coming along, and I love when he comes up with his random words of encouragement, and shows me that he gets it & knows it's important to me.

I Love you Babe!!! Here's to looking at Forever, Together!

Summer update

My excuse for not getting on my blog, or updating... I think seeing that ticker dwindle down FREAKS me out! It is sooooo close. How can I possibly be ready? Excited, yes; scared to death, YES; so excited to see Hootie be a daddy, you guessed it, YES!

We have been busy since I last updated.

Father's day came and went, without a peep from me. So Happy Father's day to my dad, I'm excited for him to have a grandchild. I think he's excited too, he's waited a long time. I am grateful for all he's done for me, for teaching me what is right, for always providing, & being a great support. Love you!
Next year, will be exciting, when Hootie really feels like he can take part in the day!

We had a fun summer party BBQ. It was a good chance to see & catch up with friends.
I am done with work & love it! I do get cabin fever, but it's pretty nice, not waking up at 2, 3, or 4 am to get ready & fly all day long! I know I will be seeing those early morning hours again very soon. I already do alot, I CAN'T SLEEP!

We have been trying to get in some playing time, and some one on one time. We've been to Lake Powell, and boating a few times this summer. We took a long detour on our way home from Powell to drive through Zion's N.P., it was beautiful. Our pictures of us make me laugh, we drove home in our swimsuits. We looked like White Trash Touring America, until I saw the guy who one-upped us. It was pretty comical.

I don't think I've turned Hootie down yet, for a day at the ranch with him. Even when those days have started at 4 am, and meant 8 hours of driving, shipping sheep or whatever. I'm trying to enjoy our last time as just us, and sometimes I get a little melancholy. I'm so excited for the upcoming changes in our life, but know it will be different, too.

We've been to a couple rodeos, and I definitely have to sport the flip flops, my feet are too fat and swollen to get into my boots. The day I tried, they were numb. NO BUENO!

I'll throw a few pictures on of what we've been up to.
I'll do some belly pics too, I have definitely grown. It was a slow start, but I feel like I've caught up. It doesn't help, that my child is already 6 pounds. I'm all baby & yep, she's gonna be a big one. We'll see if she waits around to her actual "Guess Date".

She moves around like crazy & I love it, I can't get enough of it! Although, I prefer her not residing in my ribs, especially when I have to drive Hoot's truck, a stick, and that's usually when she likes to hike up there. Hoot isn't as keen on feeling her kick, it kinda freaks him out. He thinks it would make him sick to his stomach to feel that on his insides. He didn't even like feeling her hiccups the one time she had them .

Her nursery is about ready. I still need to get her lots of stuff. But the crib & chest is set up, & bedding is here. And she has a darling little wicker rocking chair, Hoot brought home for her.
So excited to have a cute little girl in there.

Happy 4th anniversary tomorrow BABE! I LOVE YOU!

34 Weeks

33 weeks


32 weeks

31 weeks

...

So I put up the baby ticker, I even used the creepy one! ;) I decided it was time.
Forget the slight freak I had seeing it in writing, how little time I have left. It didn't seem sooo close in my head.
This pregnancy has gone by so fast & effortlessly... except for that part about still being a Full-Time working flight attendant with 2:30 am wake-up calls. Other than that, I'm peachy. I'm going to finish out my flying schedule for June, then call it good.
(No more 22 hour days between waking up & going to bed, if so, this child won't have a chance at a good sleep pattern!)
I need to get ready for this sweet girl sometime. I have yet to buy stuff for her or her room. We built me a closet in our room, we just need to add the guts of it, then it will be useable. Then I can clean my junk out of Baby Girl's room & get it ready for her. Hope she doesn't plan on joining us anytime too soon. Luckily, I painted it & did new carpet last fall. So the only major thing is getting her a cute place to sleep. Fun, Fun!

Any suggetions, advice, must haves, things I could overlook, or great places to get STUFF is welcome.
Hope you are all enjoying the warmer weather, I'm lovin' it!
(Though that Mexico vacay would be even better.)

Baby Bump Pics

I've had a few people ask me to post some belly pics. I didn't take many before 20 weeks, because really there was very little change. I am now 25 wks prego, and while some days I look pregnant, other day I look like I had a big burrito. I usually have bad food baby + real baby, by the end of the day! (I take pics, right after breakfast, on Monday mornings.) I'm sure it'll soon change, and I'll look like a big buddha.

But being pregnant has been so much fun. I've been lucky. I love to feel her kick & move, and play little games with her to get her active. I've felt pretty good and I've had it pretty easy, now if I wasn't flying, life would be great.




Because I am struggling I can't put the weeks by the pics quite right, sooo...
White shirt= 21 wks
Light Blue shirt= 22 wks
No 23 wk pic, I was in a hurry, I had visiting teachers, then had to run to my Dr appt.
Pink shirt= 24 wks
Teal shirt= 25 wks, today.

So there they are, beautiful, right?!? Have a great week!

I'll work on adding a baby ticker. ;)