Yep, Nyomi is a whopping 8 month's old! Can you believe it? I can. It's been an amazing 8 months, and I can truly say "Happy Mother's Day to me!" I have the best, most amazing, most adaptable, most chill, darling ever! I feel like I'll blink and we'll be singing "Happy Birthday!"
As I sit here listening to her cry, knowing that in 5 minutes she'll be asleep, I mentally pat myself on the back, for finally doing what needed to be done (despite how much it hurt my heart) and embarking on sleep training. It's been over 3 weeks now, and she's down to either no crying to go to sleep, or 10 minutes or less and then fast asleep through the night. Every now and then, she wakes up through the night, but getting her back to sleep is easier than ever, and doesn't require me nursing her! I pat myself on the back for being a great mom...I mean obviously I am, right? :-)
However, as I think of the past year and a half; the ups and downs, the long nights and even longer days; the moments when I thought I couldn't do it anymore...I take those pats on the back from me and I place them on the backs of every family member, friend, counselor, volunteer, and helping hand that has supported my daughter and I even before she arrived. The support, in whatever way given, has provided me the strength I need to go on. To be the best mother I can be. To not have to worry about certain things, has allowed me to focus on making sure my daughter's life is stress, drama, and burden free!
People comment frequently on how all Nyomi does is smile. When she does cry, it comes as a shock to most; and usually indicates I have taken too long to feed her, or kept her awake too long. However, all in all, she is constantly smiling! But it's because she really doesn't know anything else! She's never seen mommy in an argument, nor seen mommy crying or depressed. Nor has she seen mommy anxious and wallowing in self-pity. With God's help, she will never be exposed to these behaviors. Seeing mommy happy is all she knows. So aside from basic instict, my daughter has no other learned behaviors but smiling and being happy.
I literally want to get up and shout at the top of my lungs right now! If it wasn't for God's grace and Him loving me when I felt I didn't deserve to be loved, I would have passed those negative feelings on to my daughter. Gosh! If it weren't for my family and friends, etc that have given me a word of encouragement, provided our needs, and been prayor warriors, I would be in a different place right now.
So anyway, to sum it up...I'm no island...peninsula maybe. And my circle of support is one strong isthmus.
What's that? Silence...less than 10 minutes since beginning my post; Nyomi is asleep. High five to you...you know who you are. You rock. And by the way--Happy Mother's Day to you too, regardless of your gender.
Until next time, even when you think you've pulled yourself up by your bootstraps, remember those who bought you the boots in the first place!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Saturday, April 20, 2013
In Retrospect...
Soooo...it's been a minute, huh? Motherhood has been awesome so far! My daughter is a beautiful, even-tempered, smart (did I mention beautiful?) little girl. She has made me so very happy about my decision to be a mom. She loves to laugh, is silly like her mommy, and amazes me every day with how fast she learns. The world is definitely her play ground. And she is absolutely the joy in my life!
Do you feel the love?? Good. Moving on.
Unfortunately, despite all the wonderful reasons I love my daughter, the past few weeks have been a steady progression toward the realization that I've created a sleep monster!! LOL. Not literally, but seriously. My daughter is demanding like her mom, and I've allowed her to develop some not-so-attractive sleep behaviors. Not to mention, since I'm a nursing mom, and I pretty much feed on demand, she's gotten used to eating all through the night (sleeping with me) and pretty much running things.
Well today, I made a decision to take a stand against this little tyrant. She don't run nothing! (except my heart) But anyway...I said I wouldn't, but I realize that nothing else has worked--I tried CIO again, for like the 4th time, but I finally stuck to my guns and let her cry until she fell asleep. She really whined most of the time, but all-in-all the total time before falling asleep was 45 minutes.
Of course, I nursed her then read a book before bed time, and plan to follow this routine every night, regardless of bed time. Yes, to bed at the same time every night is preferred, and recommended, but how realistic is that when I work varying hours and attend extracurricular events throughout the week? Not very.
I really expected her to shriek for more than 30 minutes as she has in every other attempt made in the past, but she really just whined and fussed me out in her baby talk. Before I knew it, I didn't hear any more noise, and she was fast asleep. I only checked on her once, but it seemed to make her even more animated, so I decided against going in again. After all, I believe she is past the point of thinking I won't be there.Ever.Again.
As I type, 2 hours later, she has awakened again. She started off with a grunt--clearly saying "mommy, I'm awake, you can come get me now." Then that turned into distressed babble and fussing and has stayed that way for the past 10 minutes. But she has yet to get loud enough to turn on her voice activated sleep machine...that says a lot! There are 1 minute intervals between her fussing now...which let's me know she is either almost back asleep, or she's listening to see if I'm coming. LOL. Sorry hon, I'm not.
I'm gonna turn over, and get me some shut eye--finally.
And just that fast, no more fussing. Hmph. Seems I should have put my foot down sooner. Ah, well. All in due time right?
Until next time, remember that no one can convince you when the right time for ANYTHING is. When it's time--you'll know.
Do you feel the love?? Good. Moving on.
Unfortunately, despite all the wonderful reasons I love my daughter, the past few weeks have been a steady progression toward the realization that I've created a sleep monster!! LOL. Not literally, but seriously. My daughter is demanding like her mom, and I've allowed her to develop some not-so-attractive sleep behaviors. Not to mention, since I'm a nursing mom, and I pretty much feed on demand, she's gotten used to eating all through the night (sleeping with me) and pretty much running things.
Well today, I made a decision to take a stand against this little tyrant. She don't run nothing! (except my heart) But anyway...I said I wouldn't, but I realize that nothing else has worked--I tried CIO again, for like the 4th time, but I finally stuck to my guns and let her cry until she fell asleep. She really whined most of the time, but all-in-all the total time before falling asleep was 45 minutes.
Of course, I nursed her then read a book before bed time, and plan to follow this routine every night, regardless of bed time. Yes, to bed at the same time every night is preferred, and recommended, but how realistic is that when I work varying hours and attend extracurricular events throughout the week? Not very.
I really expected her to shriek for more than 30 minutes as she has in every other attempt made in the past, but she really just whined and fussed me out in her baby talk. Before I knew it, I didn't hear any more noise, and she was fast asleep. I only checked on her once, but it seemed to make her even more animated, so I decided against going in again. After all, I believe she is past the point of thinking I won't be there.Ever.Again.
As I type, 2 hours later, she has awakened again. She started off with a grunt--clearly saying "mommy, I'm awake, you can come get me now." Then that turned into distressed babble and fussing and has stayed that way for the past 10 minutes. But she has yet to get loud enough to turn on her voice activated sleep machine...that says a lot! There are 1 minute intervals between her fussing now...which let's me know she is either almost back asleep, or she's listening to see if I'm coming. LOL. Sorry hon, I'm not.
I'm gonna turn over, and get me some shut eye--finally.
And just that fast, no more fussing. Hmph. Seems I should have put my foot down sooner. Ah, well. All in due time right?
Until next time, remember that no one can convince you when the right time for ANYTHING is. When it's time--you'll know.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
So what, I'm still a rockstar!
OMGoodness! The holiday season has come and gone, and Nyomi is yet another month old! Gosh, how time flies...
So, as you know, Nyomi took her first flight a few weeks ago. She was SO amazingly wonderful! Thank God her ears gave her no problems...it's as if the take off lulled her to sleep! I did nurse her upon take off and landing, as I've read that helps her ears pop. Otherwise, I didn't do anything special. The times that she was awake, she just sat quietly taking in all the sights around her. On one flight, she was sitting across from an 11 month old little girl, and she couldn't get enough of trying to make eye contact with her so they could giggle and baby talk to each other. It was super cute! Every guest in my vicinity, as well as the flight attendants commented on how good of a baby she is. I just smiled, and said, "Yep, I know." LOL.
What a relief it was though [that she proved to be a great flyer] , because you should have seen the people's faces when they realized I was coming to sit at their same gate. I can imagine it is the same face I've given dozens of time when I was "sans baby," and saw an infant boarding my flight. I mean, I'm not offended by it, because there is always that chance that your baby will be screaming the entire flight...but not my baby...Nyomi has proven to be the most spectacular little lady since conception.
But I digress...you guys know I could go on and on about her and never bat an eye. Travel with her was highly different than traveling alone; I didn't have more bags, but making sure what I needed was on board and not under the plane was key. After the flight to ATL, I pretty much had it down to a science of how I'd carry her (in a holster/sling), my baby bag on right shoulder, and my rolling carry-on in left hand. I was dressed to impress (in cute flat boots of course) and breezing through the corridors like a pro! I was right proud of myself [chuckle]. Okay, I'm gonna share this, and DON'T JUDGE ME! I pretended like I was a celebrity traveling, and I had to be on my A game [fashion-wise], plus successfully look like a caring, well-prepared, doting mother. Ha! It worked though, I felt the paparazzi at every turn, trying to snap shots of Nyomi, which is why I made sure her head was covered. She--being the star she is--was sure to look around the room giving the cameras her best angles! Bwahahaha...back to reality.
My imagination got a little carried away just now, but it's ok, that's how I stay young! I can't wait for Nyomi to get of age where we can pretend together, and frolic like I used to do as a little girl. But until that day...I will gladly just listen to her cooing, giggling and blowing bubbles.
Overall, our holiday break was fantastic. As soon as I walked through my mother's door, I smelled aromas of holiday food!!! For those of you who don't know what I mean...it was the smell of turkey, ham, mac n cheese, collard & mustard greens, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potato salad, sweet potato casserole, cakes and pies! OMGEEE if I didn't hurt myself that week. There is nothing, I repeat NOTHING better to me than holiday meal leftovers...I'll eat them till their gone; and that's exactly what I set out to do.
Christmas day was wonderful and it felt surreal being the parent for the first time in 30 years...smiling so hard because you see the pleasure on your nieces faces at their gifts, and not really caring that there are hardly any gifts for you...never thought I'd see the day. Nyomi racked up on clothes, but of course she enjoyed just sitting there looking around. LOL.
Next year we should get some delight out of her, even if it's just tearing gift wrapping paper. LOL. Well, gotta go...Nyomi's just awakened and given me that "goodmorning Mommy" smile. I can't resist her!
Until next time, remember you're only as old as you feel...use that kid-like imagination sometimes; return to a place where life was exactly how you created it to be--and enjoy the moment!
So, as you know, Nyomi took her first flight a few weeks ago. She was SO amazingly wonderful! Thank God her ears gave her no problems...it's as if the take off lulled her to sleep! I did nurse her upon take off and landing, as I've read that helps her ears pop. Otherwise, I didn't do anything special. The times that she was awake, she just sat quietly taking in all the sights around her. On one flight, she was sitting across from an 11 month old little girl, and she couldn't get enough of trying to make eye contact with her so they could giggle and baby talk to each other. It was super cute! Every guest in my vicinity, as well as the flight attendants commented on how good of a baby she is. I just smiled, and said, "Yep, I know." LOL.
What a relief it was though [that she proved to be a great flyer] , because you should have seen the people's faces when they realized I was coming to sit at their same gate. I can imagine it is the same face I've given dozens of time when I was "sans baby," and saw an infant boarding my flight. I mean, I'm not offended by it, because there is always that chance that your baby will be screaming the entire flight...but not my baby...Nyomi has proven to be the most spectacular little lady since conception.
But I digress...you guys know I could go on and on about her and never bat an eye. Travel with her was highly different than traveling alone; I didn't have more bags, but making sure what I needed was on board and not under the plane was key. After the flight to ATL, I pretty much had it down to a science of how I'd carry her (in a holster/sling), my baby bag on right shoulder, and my rolling carry-on in left hand. I was dressed to impress (in cute flat boots of course) and breezing through the corridors like a pro! I was right proud of myself [chuckle]. Okay, I'm gonna share this, and DON'T JUDGE ME! I pretended like I was a celebrity traveling, and I had to be on my A game [fashion-wise], plus successfully look like a caring, well-prepared, doting mother. Ha! It worked though, I felt the paparazzi at every turn, trying to snap shots of Nyomi, which is why I made sure her head was covered. She--being the star she is--was sure to look around the room giving the cameras her best angles! Bwahahaha...back to reality.
My imagination got a little carried away just now, but it's ok, that's how I stay young! I can't wait for Nyomi to get of age where we can pretend together, and frolic like I used to do as a little girl. But until that day...I will gladly just listen to her cooing, giggling and blowing bubbles.
Overall, our holiday break was fantastic. As soon as I walked through my mother's door, I smelled aromas of holiday food!!! For those of you who don't know what I mean...it was the smell of turkey, ham, mac n cheese, collard & mustard greens, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potato salad, sweet potato casserole, cakes and pies! OMGEEE if I didn't hurt myself that week. There is nothing, I repeat NOTHING better to me than holiday meal leftovers...I'll eat them till their gone; and that's exactly what I set out to do.
Christmas day was wonderful and it felt surreal being the parent for the first time in 30 years...smiling so hard because you see the pleasure on your nieces faces at their gifts, and not really caring that there are hardly any gifts for you...never thought I'd see the day. Nyomi racked up on clothes, but of course she enjoyed just sitting there looking around. LOL.
Next year we should get some delight out of her, even if it's just tearing gift wrapping paper. LOL. Well, gotta go...Nyomi's just awakened and given me that "goodmorning Mommy" smile. I can't resist her!
Until next time, remember you're only as old as you feel...use that kid-like imagination sometimes; return to a place where life was exactly how you created it to be--and enjoy the moment!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!!!
Okay, so first off...Happy 3-months old Nyomi Arie!! [as I exhale and cringe at the same time]
We have made it through the earliest rough patches...our biggest concerns right now are the enormous and almost sudden growth spurts, and this horrific, old-lady who ate collard greens, gas!
Nyomi is definitely the happiest baby on the block! She smiles all the time, and still greets me every morning with a big "Hi again mommy, I missed you!" grin. And then she proceeds to undressing my top half with her eyes!! LOLOL. I am SO serious. Breastfeeding (BF) is one of the greatest decisions I could have made for her, but sometimes, I wish I had not....let me count the ways. Oh please! Don't judge me! I will continue to BF [gosh] but here's why sometimes I wish I wasn't BF:
1) Anyone could feed her at ANY time;
2) I could take an overnight trip...well technically, I could.
3) She would not attack random people's chest when hungry;
All in all, as previously stated, it's the best decision I've made. BF, although not for everyone, has been proven to protect infants much better than formula. Your baby will gain immunity from certain germs through your breast milk! In addition, a book I'm reading's research showed that cow's milk--with all its additives and hormones fed to cows, is actually linked to allergies, asthma, and [dun dun dun] ADHD!
I believe a baby will bond with its mother regardless of how he/she is fed, but breastfeeding is just as much about the mother bonding with baby as baby with mother. Last but not least, for those who care less about the previous statements, BF is simply cheaper!
Anyway, enough with my rant...I love doing it, and enjoy the feeling of being needed. When Nyomi smells me, no one else will do! LOL. When I see her, I have a physiological reaction...erm...details not needed. Let's just say, my body instinctively says, that's your baby, she's growing and healthy because of what you provide to her!
Time is flying by so fast! Christmas is coming, which means only a few more weeks till Nyomi is 4 months old. Sometimes I gag at my own self for how everything revolves around Nyomi. LOL. I can't talk about ANYTHING without relating it to her. I'm still on my babymoon, and I like it!
Once again, back to the topic I was trying to make it to; Christmas is approaching, and I can't wait to get to GA to see my family! I've booked me and Nyomi's flight, and am sitting here imagining how I'll have to pack to accommodate both of us.
Before, I could throw a few favorites in the bag and go. Now...I must be well prepared, in advance, to have a good trip, even to the grocery store. LOL. We'll make it. Hopefully I don't do something silly like put her pampers in the suitcase to be stored under the plane! LOL. Been there, done that, had the uncomfortable baby and neighbors to show for it. Bless your heart Tionne, Auntie didn't have a clue.
Nyomi's first flight will be a success, and we will have a great time in GA. I CAN'T WAIT! Can you tell I'm excited?
Until next time, spend time only with people who make you smile, even if it means spending time alone.
We have made it through the earliest rough patches...our biggest concerns right now are the enormous and almost sudden growth spurts, and this horrific, old-lady who ate collard greens, gas!
Nyomi is definitely the happiest baby on the block! She smiles all the time, and still greets me every morning with a big "Hi again mommy, I missed you!" grin. And then she proceeds to undressing my top half with her eyes!! LOLOL. I am SO serious. Breastfeeding (BF) is one of the greatest decisions I could have made for her, but sometimes, I wish I had not....let me count the ways. Oh please! Don't judge me! I will continue to BF [gosh] but here's why sometimes I wish I wasn't BF:
1) Anyone could feed her at ANY time;
2) I could take an overnight trip...well technically, I could.
3) She would not attack random people's chest when hungry;
All in all, as previously stated, it's the best decision I've made. BF, although not for everyone, has been proven to protect infants much better than formula. Your baby will gain immunity from certain germs through your breast milk! In addition, a book I'm reading's research showed that cow's milk--with all its additives and hormones fed to cows, is actually linked to allergies, asthma, and [dun dun dun] ADHD!
I believe a baby will bond with its mother regardless of how he/she is fed, but breastfeeding is just as much about the mother bonding with baby as baby with mother. Last but not least, for those who care less about the previous statements, BF is simply cheaper!
Anyway, enough with my rant...I love doing it, and enjoy the feeling of being needed. When Nyomi smells me, no one else will do! LOL. When I see her, I have a physiological reaction...erm...details not needed. Let's just say, my body instinctively says, that's your baby, she's growing and healthy because of what you provide to her!
Time is flying by so fast! Christmas is coming, which means only a few more weeks till Nyomi is 4 months old. Sometimes I gag at my own self for how everything revolves around Nyomi. LOL. I can't talk about ANYTHING without relating it to her. I'm still on my babymoon, and I like it!
Once again, back to the topic I was trying to make it to; Christmas is approaching, and I can't wait to get to GA to see my family! I've booked me and Nyomi's flight, and am sitting here imagining how I'll have to pack to accommodate both of us.
Before, I could throw a few favorites in the bag and go. Now...I must be well prepared, in advance, to have a good trip, even to the grocery store. LOL. We'll make it. Hopefully I don't do something silly like put her pampers in the suitcase to be stored under the plane! LOL. Been there, done that, had the uncomfortable baby and neighbors to show for it. Bless your heart Tionne, Auntie didn't have a clue.
Nyomi's first flight will be a success, and we will have a great time in GA. I CAN'T WAIT! Can you tell I'm excited?
Until next time, spend time only with people who make you smile, even if it means spending time alone.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Got love???
Happy 2 months old Nyomi!!
If every month means we're making leaps and bounds as this past month, then we're gucci baby! LOL. Yes, I said gucci. I don't really talk like that, but you get my drift.
Nyomi is the best baby ever! She is getting so much better with car rides, and the car seat in general, not having to be held all day, and going to sleep on a regular schedule. You should hear this little lady when it's time for her to be sleeping and I've got her doing something else. My baby is definitely a creature of habit, and that works for me!
She is smiling genuinely (not just gassy grins) and greets me with a smile EVERY morning. Part of me knows it's because she knows I'm her food source. LOL. But the other day, I caught her staring intently at my face. I looked her in the eyes and smiled, she smiled back. My heart swelled to a bigger size, and I realized, this baby, who doesn't yet understand what the word love means, definitely knows what the feeling of love is.
These are the times that I will get unadulterated, pure, honest love from her. She doesn't yet have a long term memory, so those times where I wait too long to feed her, or clumsily put her clothes on, or don't realize she needs to burp--again, are all long forgotten seconds after they happen. And as soon as mommy makes it right, she looks up at me and smiles this cute toothless grin, that lets me know she loves me still flaws and all; and I love her right back!!
Thank God her memory is not so great right now, because 2 month old shots are right around the corner, on Tuesday. I'm not ready...so not ready. But just like pregnancy and birth and these past 2 months--I'll face it like a woman, and remember that it too shall pass!
Until next time, greet someone in pure, simple, love--give them a smile!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
And the beat goes Boom---Ba Boom Ba Boom
Yo! It's officially been a month (30 days) of being a mother...and I'm still alive! Yep, through sleep deprivation and being everything to my daughter, including her nutrition, I am yet alive!
I will not lie, it's been pretty hard! Probably--no, definitely--the most challenging thing I've yet to endure in my lifetime...it's been so hardcore, that my birthday came and went, and I wouldn't have noticed (or cared) were it not for the amazing people in my life. Those women who told me I'd survive, were right...but few shed light on the "in between" of delivery and now.
It must be the same selective memory that allows women (present company included) to not remember the physical pain of childbirth. Most of my labor I can describe aptly with words...but there came a point where words were not a good fit to describe the physical feeling I endured. See...I had to call it a "feeling," because pain or pressure just doesn't do it justice! LOL.
Anyhoo...all in all, Nyomi and I have had a good first 30 days. Thank God SHE is still alive. LOL. She seems to be a pro at everything she does...eating, sleeping, wailing, pooping;, and stealing every heart she encounters. It's me who is the amateur. :-)
She is progressing steadily though. She holds her head up (being nosy), is very alert and responsive to sound and faces; she even checks out the scenery around her! She is babbling already, and I receive a genuine smile on the regular now!
AND, today, on 3 separate occasions, she has gone (and stayed) to sleep with no help like a big girl! I mean no rocking, not during nursing, no tears! I am impressed and grateful for the reprieve. We must be nearing a milestone marker or something. Even if not, it shows me that it can be done! As my sister (and a complete stranger today) told me, "Give it a few more months and things will be so much easier. You will breathe and enjoy being a mom!"
In spite of the lack of sleep, the sore nipples, the frustration because I can't seem to console her, every morning I wake up, look over, and thank God for her. Not because I wouldn't have it any other way, but because I was entrusted with such an extraordinarily precious life! If that doesn't make a person stand taller and want to be better, nothing will!!!
Until next time, remember, it will all get better in time; and you should too!
I will not lie, it's been pretty hard! Probably--no, definitely--the most challenging thing I've yet to endure in my lifetime...it's been so hardcore, that my birthday came and went, and I wouldn't have noticed (or cared) were it not for the amazing people in my life. Those women who told me I'd survive, were right...but few shed light on the "in between" of delivery and now.
It must be the same selective memory that allows women (present company included) to not remember the physical pain of childbirth. Most of my labor I can describe aptly with words...but there came a point where words were not a good fit to describe the physical feeling I endured. See...I had to call it a "feeling," because pain or pressure just doesn't do it justice! LOL.
Anyhoo...all in all, Nyomi and I have had a good first 30 days. Thank God SHE is still alive. LOL. She seems to be a pro at everything she does...eating, sleeping, wailing, pooping;, and stealing every heart she encounters. It's me who is the amateur. :-)
She is progressing steadily though. She holds her head up (being nosy), is very alert and responsive to sound and faces; she even checks out the scenery around her! She is babbling already, and I receive a genuine smile on the regular now!
AND, today, on 3 separate occasions, she has gone (and stayed) to sleep with no help like a big girl! I mean no rocking, not during nursing, no tears! I am impressed and grateful for the reprieve. We must be nearing a milestone marker or something. Even if not, it shows me that it can be done! As my sister (and a complete stranger today) told me, "Give it a few more months and things will be so much easier. You will breathe and enjoy being a mom!"
In spite of the lack of sleep, the sore nipples, the frustration because I can't seem to console her, every morning I wake up, look over, and thank God for her. Not because I wouldn't have it any other way, but because I was entrusted with such an extraordinarily precious life! If that doesn't make a person stand taller and want to be better, nothing will!!!
Until next time, remember, it will all get better in time; and you should too!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Nyomi's Birth Story
On September 10th, a highly magnanimous event took place: Nyomi Arie Williams graced us with her presence outside of the womb! Here's my birth story; I hope you enjoy!!
My due date was Friday 9/7. On 9/6, I cried and cried, because I had absolutely no labor pains, and just knew my daughter would come a week or so late. I barely started having braxton hicks a week or so before the due date. Anyhoo, After crying, my mind said, "hey, you need to keep busy and make sure you're prepared, just in case." So, I cooked everything in my freezer into meals and froze them for later!
On Friday 9/7, I cried once again, because my due date had come and still not even a small sign of labor. I wanted something! Pain even, to let me know she would be here soon...
On Sunday morning, I woke up around 7:30 am and started watching internet T.V. I noticed cramping, very similar to period pain, but honestly didn't give it a second thought, since the pains were very mild; nothing to even complain about. I got up at 10 a.m. and got ready for church. On Facebook, I posted a pic in my get up and said "Hopefully my last Sunday pregnant." By the time the church service ended, my "pains" which were identified as contractions by Mrs. Tangi aka "Gma", were a teeny bit more intense, but still, nothing to pause about.
My dad and Gma wanted to go to dinner with me, so we went to a buffet. Yummy...I got good and full. By this time, Gma was timing my contractions. They were 20 mins apart. We finished eating roughly 3:00 pm, and she suggested we go walking in the mall. So she and I met around 4:30 pm and walked through the mall for a bit over an hour. By the time I left the mall, the contractions were 10 mins apart, but still mild! I'm thinking to myself...I must be in VERY early labor...yet, I was still super excited.
I called my best friend, who would also be my main support person in delivery and told her what was going on. She decided to grab a bag and come on over "just in case." When she got there, I downplayed it, and was like, "Girl, no need to rush over here...I don't think it's happening today." My contractions were now consistently at 5 minutes apart. But they were so mild, I was in disbelief of being in labor.
My friend said, "Better safe than sorry."
I said "I don't wanna get sent home."
Called my mom and she said "Go to the hospital; all 5 of my births were VERY fast. You may take after me."
I whined and said "But I don't wanna get sent home!"
Called my grandmother, and she said, "Baby, it's your first baby, you better get to the hospital, because you don't know what your body is going to do!"
Finally, I said, "Fine. But let's not rush."
My best friend and I both took showers, got last minute things, and headed to the hospital.
We joked the entire way...got to triage, which was absolutely empty! I told my friend, "Aha, I see why Nyomi (daughter) didn't come Friday, she knew Sunday would be very light in traffic, and of course she wanted all eyes and ears on her!" LOL.
We went to get checked by the nurse, and by this time, I had to breathe through contractions, but was still having a great time joking with my best friend in between. The doctor came in around 9:00 pm and checked my cervix. In my head I'm thinking, "please be at least 2 cm dilated, please!?"
The doctor looked amazed and said "Wow, you're a first time mom?? I'm impressed! You are 4-5 cm dilated and your cervix feels amazing!"
My friend and I started clapping and chanting! There would be no going home for me! I thought to myself, "Sheesh if I'm halfway there, and this is all the pain I feel, I'm gravy!!"
~Cue ironic music here~
1-2 hours later, I am comfortably in a room, have already expressed my birth plan wishes to my main nurse, taken my stress test, and am free to move about the room and the wing. My birth plan was simple: No epidural, skin to skin immediately after birth, and to delay cord clamping until after cord stops pulsing.
My bestie and I went for a short-lived walk. I had to use the restroom. So we went back to the room. This is when things got "REAL."
I started having actual pressure and discomfort with my contractions, and was not even able to joke in between. They were definitely a lot closer together, and it took more focus to breathe through them. The nurse came in to check on me, and asked if I'd like to take a warm bath. That sounded like heaven to me! But first, she checked me. I was 7 cm dilated! "OMG," I thought, "It's really happening. I'm about to have a baby!" From that moment on, I just made sure to focus in my mind and repeat my mantra; "this is productive pain."
My due date was Friday 9/7. On 9/6, I cried and cried, because I had absolutely no labor pains, and just knew my daughter would come a week or so late. I barely started having braxton hicks a week or so before the due date. Anyhoo, After crying, my mind said, "hey, you need to keep busy and make sure you're prepared, just in case." So, I cooked everything in my freezer into meals and froze them for later!
On Friday 9/7, I cried once again, because my due date had come and still not even a small sign of labor. I wanted something! Pain even, to let me know she would be here soon...
On Sunday morning, I woke up around 7:30 am and started watching internet T.V. I noticed cramping, very similar to period pain, but honestly didn't give it a second thought, since the pains were very mild; nothing to even complain about. I got up at 10 a.m. and got ready for church. On Facebook, I posted a pic in my get up and said "Hopefully my last Sunday pregnant." By the time the church service ended, my "pains" which were identified as contractions by Mrs. Tangi aka "Gma", were a teeny bit more intense, but still, nothing to pause about.
My dad and Gma wanted to go to dinner with me, so we went to a buffet. Yummy...I got good and full. By this time, Gma was timing my contractions. They were 20 mins apart. We finished eating roughly 3:00 pm, and she suggested we go walking in the mall. So she and I met around 4:30 pm and walked through the mall for a bit over an hour. By the time I left the mall, the contractions were 10 mins apart, but still mild! I'm thinking to myself...I must be in VERY early labor...yet, I was still super excited.
I called my best friend, who would also be my main support person in delivery and told her what was going on. She decided to grab a bag and come on over "just in case." When she got there, I downplayed it, and was like, "Girl, no need to rush over here...I don't think it's happening today." My contractions were now consistently at 5 minutes apart. But they were so mild, I was in disbelief of being in labor.
My friend said, "Better safe than sorry."
I said "I don't wanna get sent home."
Called my mom and she said "Go to the hospital; all 5 of my births were VERY fast. You may take after me."
I whined and said "But I don't wanna get sent home!"
Called my grandmother, and she said, "Baby, it's your first baby, you better get to the hospital, because you don't know what your body is going to do!"
Finally, I said, "Fine. But let's not rush."
My best friend and I both took showers, got last minute things, and headed to the hospital.
We joked the entire way...got to triage, which was absolutely empty! I told my friend, "Aha, I see why Nyomi (daughter) didn't come Friday, she knew Sunday would be very light in traffic, and of course she wanted all eyes and ears on her!" LOL.
We went to get checked by the nurse, and by this time, I had to breathe through contractions, but was still having a great time joking with my best friend in between. The doctor came in around 9:00 pm and checked my cervix. In my head I'm thinking, "please be at least 2 cm dilated, please!?"
The doctor looked amazed and said "Wow, you're a first time mom?? I'm impressed! You are 4-5 cm dilated and your cervix feels amazing!"
My friend and I started clapping and chanting! There would be no going home for me! I thought to myself, "Sheesh if I'm halfway there, and this is all the pain I feel, I'm gravy!!"
~Cue ironic music here~
1-2 hours later, I am comfortably in a room, have already expressed my birth plan wishes to my main nurse, taken my stress test, and am free to move about the room and the wing. My birth plan was simple: No epidural, skin to skin immediately after birth, and to delay cord clamping until after cord stops pulsing.
My bestie and I went for a short-lived walk. I had to use the restroom. So we went back to the room. This is when things got "REAL."
I started having actual pressure and discomfort with my contractions, and was not even able to joke in between. They were definitely a lot closer together, and it took more focus to breathe through them. The nurse came in to check on me, and asked if I'd like to take a warm bath. That sounded like heaven to me! But first, she checked me. I was 7 cm dilated! "OMG," I thought, "It's really happening. I'm about to have a baby!" From that moment on, I just made sure to focus in my mind and repeat my mantra; "this is productive pain."
Shortly after going over my mantra, I mentioned getting an epidural. LOL! My nurse waved me off and said, "You're almost to the finish line. Let's have this bath!"
I was in the tub for "it seemed" about 20 mins before I went into transition! In reality, I think it was at least double that time. I could barely breathe through the contractions, but my bestie was a GREAT help. She kept reminding me to breathe and breathed with me, and kept bringing my focus back to "good & productive pain." She even rubbed my back as I'm naked in the tub...that's a TRUE friend indeed! LOL
At this point, I point-blank asked for an epidural! LOL!! I was delirious. It was not so much "pain" I was experiencing, but soooo much pressure! I told the nurse "I've got to push!" She said "Oh, I think it's time for someone to get out of the tub!"
I literally thought to myself, "What are you so darn cheery about!?" LOL. I made it out of the tub, and got in the bed. I was at my wits end now...so quickly after the contractions being manageable just 20 mins before. My doctor and 50 nurses "it seemed" ran in after hearing my wailing. It was literally about 10 people that came in. I was flailing from side to side in pain! I screamed "get her out of meeeee!" LOL.
Then as if on cue, my water broke, GUSH! OMG, it felt like heaven. Better than any feeling I've felt before; LOL. I told the doctor "my water broke." No sooner had I gotten it out of my mouth, another contraction rolled over me, and the rest of my water gushed out.
I screamed "I'm gonna push." My friend and another nurse grabbed a hand and soothed me back from the edge. I was ready to jump off in the deep end! The doctor got my focus, encouraged me, then said "You have to focus. We have to work together. You've done so great this far, but we can't push just yet. We're not ready." Where is this "we" coming from?? LOL! The nurses were now in action breaking down the bed for delivery.
The doctor gave me instructions on how and when to push. I repeated the directions to her...this was to keep me focused and sane. When the next contraction hit (2 seconds later), I was pushing! The pushing was the best feeling in the world. It felt so right, and was not painful...it was literally so right. The nurses and Dr. egged me on, and someone said "ok, breathe through the ring of fire." I thought to myself, what ring of fire; I felt nothing unique about the moment her head crowned. It felt like the next natural step in the process.
3 contractions and 9 pushes later, in au naturale style, Nyomi Arie Williams was born @ 1:25am!! When she slipped out, I felt a relief like no other. My adrenaline was on an all time high, and I started yelling "OMG, that was AMAZING! You guys did a great job! OMG, she's perfect!" LOL.
10 days later...
I was in the tub for "it seemed" about 20 mins before I went into transition! In reality, I think it was at least double that time. I could barely breathe through the contractions, but my bestie was a GREAT help. She kept reminding me to breathe and breathed with me, and kept bringing my focus back to "good & productive pain." She even rubbed my back as I'm naked in the tub...that's a TRUE friend indeed! LOL
At this point, I point-blank asked for an epidural! LOL!! I was delirious. It was not so much "pain" I was experiencing, but soooo much pressure! I told the nurse "I've got to push!" She said "Oh, I think it's time for someone to get out of the tub!"
I literally thought to myself, "What are you so darn cheery about!?" LOL. I made it out of the tub, and got in the bed. I was at my wits end now...so quickly after the contractions being manageable just 20 mins before. My doctor and 50 nurses "it seemed" ran in after hearing my wailing. It was literally about 10 people that came in. I was flailing from side to side in pain! I screamed "get her out of meeeee!" LOL.
Then as if on cue, my water broke, GUSH! OMG, it felt like heaven. Better than any feeling I've felt before; LOL. I told the doctor "my water broke." No sooner had I gotten it out of my mouth, another contraction rolled over me, and the rest of my water gushed out.
I screamed "I'm gonna push." My friend and another nurse grabbed a hand and soothed me back from the edge. I was ready to jump off in the deep end! The doctor got my focus, encouraged me, then said "You have to focus. We have to work together. You've done so great this far, but we can't push just yet. We're not ready." Where is this "we" coming from?? LOL! The nurses were now in action breaking down the bed for delivery.
The doctor gave me instructions on how and when to push. I repeated the directions to her...this was to keep me focused and sane. When the next contraction hit (2 seconds later), I was pushing! The pushing was the best feeling in the world. It felt so right, and was not painful...it was literally so right. The nurses and Dr. egged me on, and someone said "ok, breathe through the ring of fire." I thought to myself, what ring of fire; I felt nothing unique about the moment her head crowned. It felt like the next natural step in the process.
3 contractions and 9 pushes later, in au naturale style, Nyomi Arie Williams was born @ 1:25am!! When she slipped out, I felt a relief like no other. My adrenaline was on an all time high, and I started yelling "OMG, that was AMAZING! You guys did a great job! OMG, she's perfect!" LOL.
10 days later...
She's still as perfect as can be! Eating good, sleeping REAL good on her "own" time, and having me sleep deprived. What more can I ask for?
Until next time... remember there is nothing to fear, but fear itself!
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