Dear Obadiah,
The moment you were born, I'll never forget. Nine pm, I was pushing, your daddy was quietly counting in my ear. Nine and a quarter, the doctor was getting things ready, my eyes were tearing, your daddy was smiling. You were almost here! Nine and twenty, I felt you come out and greet this world. You took my breath away when I saw you for the first time. My son, my very first child, you were beautiful. The first sounds of your voice as you loudly proclaimed that you were alive and well, those sounds were music to my soul. I couldn't keep the tears back as I held you in my arms. You were whom I had prayed for, longed for, cried for. You felt a bit like a stranger, and a bit like heaven that first moment. We were greeting each other for the first time...staring into each others face as if to say "so this is who you are!". It was a moment that I'll never forget. I cherish that moment. You only meet your child/mom for the first time once...in case you ever wonder, ours was a fabulous meeting!
The past 5 and a half weeks have flown by. There have been some bumps in the road, but none of them have been from you. You are my angel child. I couldn't ask for a more sweet and gentle spirited baby. I have learned your cries and your expressions. My heart melts when you nuzzle into my neck and try to eat my chin...silly boy...chins don't have any milk! I don't mind when you are hungry at odd hours of the night, but I do thank you for your patience when my eyes close quite tightly when you are eating (I can't help but nod off every now and then). Every morning, and sometimes in the evenings, I get to give you a bath. No one likes stinky babies! Your little froggy legs are so intent on splashing during bathtime, that we graduated to the "big boy" tub this morning. You smiled a huge smile, finally...room for you to make some waves.
I have a hunch that you are going to be my little chatterbox when you get older. Already you are smiling and trying to tell me things. I am sure you will ask many "why" questions. I probably won't have an answer for most of them, but I can't wait to hear your curiosity be vocalized. Oh the fun we are going to have together my son. I know that one day you won't want to be rocked to sleep anymore, and snuggling with your mom won't be cool. But, I do hope that you'll always let me kiss your little cheeks goodnight!
You are precious my son. You are a blessing beyond what I thought was possible. There have been many moments when I've thought "ah, so this is what it is like to love as a parent does". Thanks for letting me be your mommy. I know your dad is pretty excited too!
We love you our Obi.
Mom
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
four years ago today
Four years ago today I was sitting on a curb outside my apartment, crying! Yes, it was the night before my wedding, I was EXHAUSTED, and the keys to my apartment had conveniently been left inside the apartment as everyone headed out to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Haha...when I finally did manage to get the landlady to let me in, my dad tucked me in my bed and kissed me goodnight. The next thing I knew, it was 8 am on my wedding day! :-)
I have been blessed beyond measure to be married to my best friend. He is all that I am not. He can make me laugh more than anyone else and there is no one that I feel as safe and secure with. His quirks are endearing (sometimes aggravating...I'll admit it), but I love him just the way he is. I wouldn't change much, maybe just the fact that he lets the dog chew on his socks all the time.
When I look back on my wedding day, I thought I was in love. And, I suppose I was. But compared to my relationship now, I can say that I really was just "in like". God knew that I needed Jason to balance me, push me, love me, and be an unconditional friend. We've had our ups and downs. We've had our yelling matches. I definitely had the thought "Now, why did I marry him?" in the middle of a fight. BUT, at the end of every day I am always so thankful that on that day four years ago I did say "I DO". I wouldn't be who I am now without my husband.
And...he has given me the best gift a person ever could...our son. I am looking forward to the next years together. May we ever grow closer together. May we grow in the Lord together.
Here's to you babe!
I have been blessed beyond measure to be married to my best friend. He is all that I am not. He can make me laugh more than anyone else and there is no one that I feel as safe and secure with. His quirks are endearing (sometimes aggravating...I'll admit it), but I love him just the way he is. I wouldn't change much, maybe just the fact that he lets the dog chew on his socks all the time.
When I look back on my wedding day, I thought I was in love. And, I suppose I was. But compared to my relationship now, I can say that I really was just "in like". God knew that I needed Jason to balance me, push me, love me, and be an unconditional friend. We've had our ups and downs. We've had our yelling matches. I definitely had the thought "Now, why did I marry him?" in the middle of a fight. BUT, at the end of every day I am always so thankful that on that day four years ago I did say "I DO". I wouldn't be who I am now without my husband.
And...he has given me the best gift a person ever could...our son. I am looking forward to the next years together. May we ever grow closer together. May we grow in the Lord together.
Here's to you babe!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Today I woke up at 8, fed Obi, and then the two of us proceeded to snooze off and on until 1. We were both super tired, so just resting felt good. I kinda feel like a bum sometimes, but when i can't keep my eyes open...closing them for a nap seems like a great option.
We are doing well. We are slowly figuring out how to do things with a baby in tow...but we are figuring it out and that is what matters (at least I think). There are lots of things that are going by the wayside, like our un-mowed lawn, my garden, the bathroom floors and my fridge, but I am ok with that at the moment.
We are doing some fun things together as a family. Like, last weekend we went to the grape festival and took Obi on his first ferris wheel ride, we've gone on walks around town in the evenings, and we even managed to sneek him into a movie. Jason is a GREAT dad. I can't say enough about how wonderful he has been. He changes diapers, burps Obi and loves to hold the little man. They've got a great bond going on already.
Here is me and my son as we were heading to the carnival!
We are doing well. We are slowly figuring out how to do things with a baby in tow...but we are figuring it out and that is what matters (at least I think). There are lots of things that are going by the wayside, like our un-mowed lawn, my garden, the bathroom floors and my fridge, but I am ok with that at the moment.
We are doing some fun things together as a family. Like, last weekend we went to the grape festival and took Obi on his first ferris wheel ride, we've gone on walks around town in the evenings, and we even managed to sneek him into a movie. Jason is a GREAT dad. I can't say enough about how wonderful he has been. He changes diapers, burps Obi and loves to hold the little man. They've got a great bond going on already.
Here is me and my son as we were heading to the carnival!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
on our own
My mom went home yesterday. I almost started to cry when I hugged her goodbye at the airport, but I held myself together. I kept repeating in my head "I can do this, I can do this". I am not nervous about taking care of Obi. I am more just nervous about being alone so much. It is starting to hit me at how quiet things are going to be now compared with working at JBU. Don't get me wrong...I KNOW there is going to be lots to do, but until Obi can start interacting a bit more, it is going to just be me talking to him. We'll figure it out, but it is just an adjustment.
On our first day alone together, Obi and I ran some errands around town and then went to Wal-mart...because really, when you live in our little town there isn't much else to do. I've had several people comment on me being out of the house already when Obi is only two weeks old. I think they mean it as a compliment, but really, for my sanity I NEED to get out of my house and see the outside world. Even if Obi and I just go for a walk around the block it helps my outlook on life. :-) I can get a little cranky if I spend too much time in my house.
I meant to post this earlier, but I started a blog for Obi. It is mainly for family to keep updated on what he is up to and for me to post a ton of pictures of him.
God has been teaching me so much about Himself these past two weeks. There are so many new fears or worries that had never crossed my mind before. I do not want to become a worrisome person, so there are a few verses in Psalms that have meant a lot to me over the past few days. There is one in particular that speaks about us taking refuge under the shadow of His wings. It is such a beautiful picture to me. To think of being nestled underneath God's wing and know that He is braving whatever storms may come. God is so good. When I think about all the prayers and tears that I said and cried before getting pregnant, it causes me to be so extremely humbled that God has entrusted this little soul into my care. I need His help for certain! And, when any thoughts of fear start creaping into my mind, I keep telling myself that Obadiah belongs to the Lord first and formost. He will not allow anything to happen to him unless it is supposed to.
Well...enough of my rambling. My eyes are barely staying open, so I am going to hit the hay. I've got just another hour-ish before my babe will need a lil' something more in his tummy!
On our first day alone together, Obi and I ran some errands around town and then went to Wal-mart...because really, when you live in our little town there isn't much else to do. I've had several people comment on me being out of the house already when Obi is only two weeks old. I think they mean it as a compliment, but really, for my sanity I NEED to get out of my house and see the outside world. Even if Obi and I just go for a walk around the block it helps my outlook on life. :-) I can get a little cranky if I spend too much time in my house.
I meant to post this earlier, but I started a blog for Obi. It is mainly for family to keep updated on what he is up to and for me to post a ton of pictures of him.
God has been teaching me so much about Himself these past two weeks. There are so many new fears or worries that had never crossed my mind before. I do not want to become a worrisome person, so there are a few verses in Psalms that have meant a lot to me over the past few days. There is one in particular that speaks about us taking refuge under the shadow of His wings. It is such a beautiful picture to me. To think of being nestled underneath God's wing and know that He is braving whatever storms may come. God is so good. When I think about all the prayers and tears that I said and cried before getting pregnant, it causes me to be so extremely humbled that God has entrusted this little soul into my care. I need His help for certain! And, when any thoughts of fear start creaping into my mind, I keep telling myself that Obadiah belongs to the Lord first and formost. He will not allow anything to happen to him unless it is supposed to.
Well...enough of my rambling. My eyes are barely staying open, so I am going to hit the hay. I've got just another hour-ish before my babe will need a lil' something more in his tummy!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Adjusting
My son has been home for a week and it has been the hardest and most rewarding week ever. Hard, not because of Obi, but because of other things. I have struggled with extreme constipation (pain worse than labor), stitches that came apart in two places, a dog that dragged 10lbs of frozen chicken onto my living room rug and let it thaw, that same dog of mine ran into a skunk last night at 11pm, and my husbands grandmother passed away on Wednesday...so he is driving almost to Colorado to be a pallbearer this weekend, and then the roller coaster of emotions. The things that happened NEVER happen...why this week? I don't know other than that the Lord must have a sense of humor or is trying to prepare us for something. I am hoping that it is just the first reason and not the second.
Obi has been a perfect, wonderful baby though! He is very laid back and doesn't fuss unless he's hungry. The first few nights he was up and feeding every two hours or so, but then the last three nights I've fed him at around 10:30, then not again until 1:30ish and he sleeps until 5:30. These four hour stints have allowed me to get some good rest and feel like I am getting back to myself a bit. It still hurts terribly to sit down, but every day it gets better. I do have my emotional moments, would by lying if I said otherwise. Once I start crying I have an awful hard time stopping...BUT, I absolutely adore being a mommy. I can't believe that I am so blessed to call this child my own. There are many times that I have been fearful or I have thought about what "could happen", but I am trying to remind myself that above all, Obi belongs to the Lord and He will watch out and protect him better than I ever could. That is very comforting!!
I was talking with my bf Elizabeth about breastfeeding and she said that she hasn't heard of anyone ever having such an easy time with that as I've had. For that, I am extremely thankful. For everyone who has had a hard time, I am so sorry!! I am just starting to get used to the routine of feeding every 2-4 hours. Obi and I are going to be attached at the hip for a while I guess. :-) I don't mind, it will just be an adjustment for me.
I've been putting this post together for the past three days and am just now making it happen. Funny how life changes, huh?! All for the better...wouldn't trade my new life for anything.
He couldn't be any sweeter if he tried!
Obi has been a perfect, wonderful baby though! He is very laid back and doesn't fuss unless he's hungry. The first few nights he was up and feeding every two hours or so, but then the last three nights I've fed him at around 10:30, then not again until 1:30ish and he sleeps until 5:30. These four hour stints have allowed me to get some good rest and feel like I am getting back to myself a bit. It still hurts terribly to sit down, but every day it gets better. I do have my emotional moments, would by lying if I said otherwise. Once I start crying I have an awful hard time stopping...BUT, I absolutely adore being a mommy. I can't believe that I am so blessed to call this child my own. There are many times that I have been fearful or I have thought about what "could happen", but I am trying to remind myself that above all, Obi belongs to the Lord and He will watch out and protect him better than I ever could. That is very comforting!!
I was talking with my bf Elizabeth about breastfeeding and she said that she hasn't heard of anyone ever having such an easy time with that as I've had. For that, I am extremely thankful. For everyone who has had a hard time, I am so sorry!! I am just starting to get used to the routine of feeding every 2-4 hours. Obi and I are going to be attached at the hip for a while I guess. :-) I don't mind, it will just be an adjustment for me.
I've been putting this post together for the past three days and am just now making it happen. Funny how life changes, huh?! All for the better...wouldn't trade my new life for anything.
He couldn't be any sweeter if he tried!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Obi Herron is Home!!
We are home...all three of us (four if you include the dog). :-) It feels great to be back from the hospital and starting to settle in. (Quick side note, I am typing this while laying on my couch and my laptop is ON my belly, it is amazing to have full use of my stomach again.)
Thursday morning we went in to the hospital for a scheduled induction. Got there are 6:30 and was in a gown and in bed by 7. The nurse started a low pitocin drip in my IV to get it going. By 9:30 I had my epidural and then the nurse raised the dose of pitocin right up. For the better part of the day I stayed at a 3-4cm dilated and 90% effaced. The contractions I was having looked really strong on the external monitors, but because I wasn't really dilated they went ahead and put in internal monitors for both me and the baby. Once they did that they realized that the contractions weren't terribly strong afterall. So, the upped the dose of pitocin again and within an hour I was completely dilated and almost ready to start pushing. The doctor came to check really quickly before she had to do a c-section and since the baby was still not quite low enough she wanted me to wait and see if he would move down a bit. The fabulous thing was that all day long I felt NOTHING!! We hung out, watched some tv, talked, had some friends stop by and just really enjoyed the day. However, by 5pm there was a whole side of my ride hip that was not getting any epidural medicine and it was terribly painful. I could handle it with breathing, but let's just say that I was made very aware of how grateful I was to not be feeling the rest of my body. Thankfully the nurses were able to fix everything and by 7:30ish the doctor was back and I was ready to start pushing. To be honest, it was a great experience. We just chatted with the doctor and nurse about their kids and families, the differences between pentacostals and baptists and then they were giving us suggestions for baby names. We'd just stop talking every time there was a contraction and I would push and then we'd pick back up our converstation. Unfortunately, the baby's head was rotated sideways and everytime I pushed they could rotate him back around, but not enough to where he would stay put. After over an hour of pushing the doctor said that he wasn't going to come out without some help...so we could do a c-section or try the forceps first. We opted for the forceps...which, I was SO grateful I couldn't feel those go in. The doctor rotated the baby's head and when she did that, the whole rest of the baby rotated to, it was such a wierd feeling. Within 6 pushes I had his head and the rest of his little body out!!! There are two things I remember first after he came out. 1- that his head was huge and cone-shaped and I was SHOCKED at how big he was, 2- that my stomach was immediately like jelly. They took him immediately over to the warmer to get him cleaned up and I had torn pretty badly, on top of having an episiotomy, so it took a while to get stitched up. Jason called my mom to come in to see the baby and as they were looking at him I started to get sick feeling. I called Jason over to grab a bucket and I was going to heave. He got there just in time, I rolled over started throwing up and just as I did, the pressure from throwing up caused the placenta to shoot out...literally. It hit the doctor smack in the middle of the chest and splatted to the floor and sent blood everywhere. It was like a horror film. The doctor stood up and I remember hearing her say, "um, I think I need a new gown". She was covered head to toe, her hair was dripping blood. It was so gross and funny at the same time. I was embarrassed and mortified to have done that to her, but she just laughed and said it was all part of the job.
So, there in a nutshell is the birthing story. What about the babe?
His name is (after much deliberation): Obadiah Knight Herron. We call him Obi, and it totally suits him. Knight is a family name on Jason's side, so that is where it came from. He was 8lbs 11oz and 21 inches long. He is terribly bright and alert and incredibly beautiful. I did not at all expect for my baby to be so cute right from the beginning. We are both smitten with him and decided that we would bring him home from the hospital after all. ;-) He is cuddly and snuggly and just perfect in every way. God has blessed our family immensely and we are in awe of this gift we have been given.
Here are a few pictures of our new man!
Here he is...just a few minutes old.
I was pretty darn excited!!
Awww...so sleepy!
Jason finally has someone to test his toy on. :-)
So sweet...I am in love.
I'll be posting more pictures again soon. Things are getting a little more settled in. My mom is here until next Wednesday and it is SO helpful having her here.
Thursday morning we went in to the hospital for a scheduled induction. Got there are 6:30 and was in a gown and in bed by 7. The nurse started a low pitocin drip in my IV to get it going. By 9:30 I had my epidural and then the nurse raised the dose of pitocin right up. For the better part of the day I stayed at a 3-4cm dilated and 90% effaced. The contractions I was having looked really strong on the external monitors, but because I wasn't really dilated they went ahead and put in internal monitors for both me and the baby. Once they did that they realized that the contractions weren't terribly strong afterall. So, the upped the dose of pitocin again and within an hour I was completely dilated and almost ready to start pushing. The doctor came to check really quickly before she had to do a c-section and since the baby was still not quite low enough she wanted me to wait and see if he would move down a bit. The fabulous thing was that all day long I felt NOTHING!! We hung out, watched some tv, talked, had some friends stop by and just really enjoyed the day. However, by 5pm there was a whole side of my ride hip that was not getting any epidural medicine and it was terribly painful. I could handle it with breathing, but let's just say that I was made very aware of how grateful I was to not be feeling the rest of my body. Thankfully the nurses were able to fix everything and by 7:30ish the doctor was back and I was ready to start pushing. To be honest, it was a great experience. We just chatted with the doctor and nurse about their kids and families, the differences between pentacostals and baptists and then they were giving us suggestions for baby names. We'd just stop talking every time there was a contraction and I would push and then we'd pick back up our converstation. Unfortunately, the baby's head was rotated sideways and everytime I pushed they could rotate him back around, but not enough to where he would stay put. After over an hour of pushing the doctor said that he wasn't going to come out without some help...so we could do a c-section or try the forceps first. We opted for the forceps...which, I was SO grateful I couldn't feel those go in. The doctor rotated the baby's head and when she did that, the whole rest of the baby rotated to, it was such a wierd feeling. Within 6 pushes I had his head and the rest of his little body out!!! There are two things I remember first after he came out. 1- that his head was huge and cone-shaped and I was SHOCKED at how big he was, 2- that my stomach was immediately like jelly. They took him immediately over to the warmer to get him cleaned up and I had torn pretty badly, on top of having an episiotomy, so it took a while to get stitched up. Jason called my mom to come in to see the baby and as they were looking at him I started to get sick feeling. I called Jason over to grab a bucket and I was going to heave. He got there just in time, I rolled over started throwing up and just as I did, the pressure from throwing up caused the placenta to shoot out...literally. It hit the doctor smack in the middle of the chest and splatted to the floor and sent blood everywhere. It was like a horror film. The doctor stood up and I remember hearing her say, "um, I think I need a new gown". She was covered head to toe, her hair was dripping blood. It was so gross and funny at the same time. I was embarrassed and mortified to have done that to her, but she just laughed and said it was all part of the job.
So, there in a nutshell is the birthing story. What about the babe?
His name is (after much deliberation): Obadiah Knight Herron. We call him Obi, and it totally suits him. Knight is a family name on Jason's side, so that is where it came from. He was 8lbs 11oz and 21 inches long. He is terribly bright and alert and incredibly beautiful. I did not at all expect for my baby to be so cute right from the beginning. We are both smitten with him and decided that we would bring him home from the hospital after all. ;-) He is cuddly and snuggly and just perfect in every way. God has blessed our family immensely and we are in awe of this gift we have been given.
Here are a few pictures of our new man!
Here he is...just a few minutes old.
I was pretty darn excited!!
Awww...so sleepy!
Jason finally has someone to test his toy on. :-)
So sweet...I am in love.
I'll be posting more pictures again soon. Things are getting a little more settled in. My mom is here until next Wednesday and it is SO helpful having her here.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
insomnia
It is 3:56...and I am awake! Having only slept for about 45 minutes tonight, I can most assuredly say that I am tired. Why, oh why, dear eyes can you not stay closed?
We went to the Dr. today for my 40 week check up. Still 2cm dilated, but I am 75% effaced. Unless he makes his own grand entrance, we will be checking into the hospital at 5am on Thursday morning and we'll start the gig. I am relieved to know there is an end in sight. I have had quite a few contractions tonight, 30 t0 be exact since midnight, but there isn't any regularity of timing or strength. I am still praying that he decides to come on his own.
That's all I got for now. If I wasn't so tired I would try and come up with something clever to write about, but my brain is mush. The only pleasant thing about being awake tonight is that I have been listening to the rain pitter patter on my skylight. Such a sweet and relaxing sound.
We went to the Dr. today for my 40 week check up. Still 2cm dilated, but I am 75% effaced. Unless he makes his own grand entrance, we will be checking into the hospital at 5am on Thursday morning and we'll start the gig. I am relieved to know there is an end in sight. I have had quite a few contractions tonight, 30 t0 be exact since midnight, but there isn't any regularity of timing or strength. I am still praying that he decides to come on his own.
That's all I got for now. If I wasn't so tired I would try and come up with something clever to write about, but my brain is mush. The only pleasant thing about being awake tonight is that I have been listening to the rain pitter patter on my skylight. Such a sweet and relaxing sound.
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