A few more pictures

You can check this link for some adorable pictures of Violet that show off a bit more of her hair (that's for you, Megan). They are pictures 9-12.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150145668833933&set=t.17806058#!/album.php?aid=312779&id=123307673932

Violet Louise!

Well, IT finally happened.

Short story: Violet Louise joined our family 12:28 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2011. She was 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 21 inches long, and is absolutely perfect in every way (no fake Mary Poppins humility for THIS proud little mama).

For my sisters-in-law and others who want to know the details, please continue reading, but be warned: things may get a little graphic. Childbirth is NOT for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.

***

Monday night we went to a local park, where I walked around hoping to get things into gear. Alas, the contractions stopped once I got home, and I resigned myself to NOT having her on Tuesday, as planned. I popped my last pre-natal vitamin (Michael: THAT's why she hasn't come yet--you hadn't finished them) and reconciled myself to going into work the next day (couldn't wait to hear "What are you STILL doing here?"). In my prayers I pleaded for her to come, and also asked for a sure sign that I would know I was in labor.

I didn't sleep super well, waking up at 2 am, and then again at 4, and then at 5 with a back ache. That came back after 7 minutes. And then 7 minutes later. Trying not to get my hopes up, I got out of bed to use the restroom and felt a little somethin' somethin' that just so happened to be my mucous plug leak out! Gross (you were warned), but AWESOME when you wanted to know if for sure you were in labor.

I told Michael, who oh-so enthusiastically said "Oh, great," and promptly rolled over and fell back to sleep. Needing a LITTLE more enthusiasm, I excitedly called my parents (so what if it was 5:20 in the morning?) and talked to my dad, who agreed that this just might be it. I went to the kitchen to make brownies for the labor and delivery nurses (so they would be nice), popped 'em in the oven, woke up Michael and told him to take them out at the right time, and climbed back into bed to try and get as much rest as possible.

Well, the next 12 hours were pretty unremarkable. The time FLEW by. My mom came over about 9 am, braided my hair, and did a host of other things: spray painted the embroidery hoops I needed to finish a little bird mobile for the nursery, sewed sheer curtains for the guest bedroom, sewed tabs onto our duvet and cover to keep in place, and miscellaneous chores (dishes, vacuuming, revealing that the real color of our kitchen sink is white, etc. My mom rocks). The contractions were fairly manageable and I could still talk through them, but we finally called my doctor at about 3:40 pm to see if she could check my dilation before driving all the way to the hospital in Carmichael. Despite having a surgery scheduled for 4 pm, she agreed to come into see me (she's pretty awesome), and I was 100% effaced and dilated to 4 cm. It was up to me about whether I should go in, and being concerned about rush hour traffic, my mom thought we should at least make it to the hospital and then decide once we were there about whether or not to check in.

We were checked in by 5 pm, and then endured two hours with the most crotchety nurse EVER. Not only did she insist that I had to be hooked up to the fetal monitor continuously (because the baby's heartbeat was dropping during contractions), but she was weirdly hostile from the beginning (I'm pretty sure she rolled her eyes and snorted to herself when she heard Michael say the word "doula"). By 6 pm, I was dilated 5-6 cm and still feeling pretty okay. The nurses switched at 7 pm, and then we had the nicest nurse. She had read my birth plan, knew I wanted to do things naturally, and basically just left us alone but was available whenever we needed anything. She didn't make me be hooked up to the fetal monitor AT ALL, and she also didn't make me get a saline lock (which I don't think my doctor was too thrilled about). I just signed a waiver and we were left to ourselves. I was on my way to an intervention-free birth!

Celeste (our doula) came to the hospital right around that time. By this point, things were getting more intense. I was on the birth ball for the most part, with someone applying counter pressure to my back and someone else holding me in place in the front. Celeste was beyond amazing. I am absolutely convinced things would have gone a completely different direction without her there. She did a wonderful job coaching me, showing me how to breathe, reminding me to relax, etc.

At 8 pm I was checked again, and still only at 6 cm. That was a little discouraging, because the contractions were definitely intensifying, and I was becoming pretty tired. The nausea during the peak of contractions was the worst, and my dad was nice enough to go out and find a fresh lemon for me to breathe (it sounds silly, but it helped a ton). I think it was around 10 pm that I moved onto the hospital bed. By this point, I was barely hanging on. Again, it was Celeste who helped me maintain my focus and relax through the contractions. I was maybe at 8 cm by 10:30 (a little fuzzy on the details), and getting more desperate. I think it was around this time that I threw up all over Celeste (who was more than gracious about it), thus ending my 12-year puke-free streak. At least I felt better.

By this point, I was having an overwhelming urge to push with the contractions, and they agreed to call in my doctor. It was so hard to NOT push, and I wasn't completely successful. I think they let me try pushing by about 11 pm, even though the doctor wasn't there. The fore bag of my water still hadn't broken, which I guess is pretty unusual, and everybody was standing back from "the splash zone." Michael was hoping it would burst open and hit the TV. It didn't.

I was pushing for almost an hour-and-a-half and was beyond exhausted at that point. The doctor was staying pretty hands-off, and I finally asked her if the baby was ever going to come out. She then helpfully pointed out that my pubic bone was in the way and that I should change my position. My mom is a little mad that she didn't say anything before, but I think it was because she thought I wanted to do things on my own.

Anyway, once I changed things up, on the next push the baby's head started crowning. I was so relieved that I pushed four more times during the contraction, which got her completely out. Looking back, probably not the best idea, but I was pretty out of it by then, and once people started saying there was actual progress, I just wanted her OUT.

Well, out she came, with a perfectly round little head (the circumference of which her mama felt every millimeter as she ripped out like a cannon ball). No molding of her skull for THIS little girl. (I did end up having a 2nd degree tear, which my doctor said was average, but I didn't even care by that point.)

They slapped that wet little baby right up on my chest and it was the most glorious moment of my life. I remember glancing down to double-check she was, in fact, a girl, and just thinking what a beautiful newborn she was. She was chubby, with delicious cheeks, a plump little mouth, and red, wavy hair.

Three and a half days in, and we're getting along. She is nursing like a champ and my milk came in after about two days.

So, yes, I did have a completely natural childbirth. I don't know HOW I did it, and I don't know that I could do it again (although my mom assured me it would be much better next time). I'm sure that most of what got me through to the end was the infamous Taylor Stubborn Streak ("I had said I would do it naturally, and gosh darnit, I will do it natural if it kills me").

The hospital stay was horrendous (double occupancy, with a roommate with a wracking cough and partner who SNORED, not to mention dozens of loud, noisy guests that far exceeded the 2 per patient maximum, who brought smelly food to eat) and I got out after 36 hours. Violet scheduled her arrival just in time, as the hospital was so packed when we left that women were laboring and DELIVERING on gurneys in the hallways. Yikes.

Being at home is great, my mom has been amazingly helpful, and Michael is taking to daddyhood beautifully. I know we have a long road ahead, but our little girl is so worth it.

Sorry that this is so super long. I have been madly typing in between Violet's cluster feedings and am not even going to re-read it before publishing. Maybe later.

Update and Recap

Well, Thursday the 17th was my due date, but no baby as of yet (Sunday the 20th). I, for one, fully expected to go over, so I am not surprised. However, I WAS hoping to have her by Monday or Tuesday (you know, after a nice, relaxing 3-day weekend), but at this point I am not too hopeful. Apparently there are some things that are just beyond my control :)

If she continues to be as accommodating as she has been this entire pregnancy, her delivery will not interfere with the 2 mid-terms Michael needs to take on Wednesday.

I am still waiting to hit that pregnancy wall that everyone says will come. It's like other women have a hard time believing that some of us ENJOY being pregnant. Everyone (save a select few, to whom I am grateful) told me that the last month is just awful, or that the last week is really miserable, and that by the end even the prospect of labor and delivery seems preferable to another minute of pregnancy.

I, however, respectfully disagree. As of now (40 weeks and 3 days), I still feel fantastic, am sleeping reasonably well, do NOT waddle when I walk, can get fully dressed by myself, do not need assistance getting up, and still have really great energy levels. {My doctor told me that I was the epitome of the perfect pregnancy, and I give full credit to the little one occupying my womb. Her growth has been spot on, her positioning has been incredible, and she has been very considerate of her mother thus far. She will even move when I ask her to if I haven't felt her in a while and start to get worried. Really! She's incredible.}

I fully acknowledge that I have had an amazing pregnancy and feel SOOO lucky to have not had to deal with severe morning sickness or freaky things like cholestasis (my SIL Megan had it with BOTH her pregnancies, and I am absolutely positive it would have driven me INSANE. I had to deal with a couple dozen mosquito bites this last week and it was torture. I cannot IMAGINE how much more awful cholestais would be!!!).

Really, the few minor things that I had to deal with were temporary and just made me appreciate a healthy body once they went away. Let's reminisce, shall we?

• Sciatic nerve issues: At best, it made walking painful, and at worst made it impossible. NOT a good thing when you have "an episode" in the middle of a crosswalk downtown and are barely able to reach the safety of the other side. I considered buying a cane for a while, but then *poof* it was gone after a few months. I still have occasional twinges, but they are more than manageable.
  
• Morning sickness: I never actually threw up, and it was just a general yucky feeling first thing in the morning, again between 11 am-2 pm at work, and then in the evenings. Not too terrible, and fortunately, I had work as a distraction. Again, it disappeared probably by 4-5 months, and I quickly forgot that I had even experienced any sort of nausea.
• Carpal tunnel: This flared up by about 3 months and was gone completely probably by 6-7 months. Each "episode" would only last a day or two, and only once a week or every other week. It was pretty miserable when it lasted (in addition to the typical numbness/tingling in the hand and forearm, I had this horrible dead-arm feeling going all the way up my arm and through my shoulder), but it was relatively infrequent.
• Swollen legs and ankles: This didn't start until maybe 6-7 months, but it is still going strong. It was more of a cosmetic issue than anything painful (and psychologically speaking, no one should have to see their ankles swollen up bigger than their feet--ew). Wearing super-sexy compression hose helps tremendously. An unfortunate side effect has been that I discovered this morning what I fear to be varicose veins at the top of my right leg, wear the compression hose band was. Bummer. I knew it was a possibility, of course, but I had hoped to make it through at least my first pregnancy without them. Oh well!
• Heartburn: Some nights were pretty horrible, but between Tums and prayer, we've kept it under control (seriously--every night that Michael and I remember to ask that I not have heartburn in our family prayers, I DON'T. It's miraculous).
  

As an important side note, I must say that I have huge testimony of prayer and priesthood blessings after this pregnancy. I have not been shy or hesitant to ask Michael to give me a blessing when things would be awful for whatever reason, and I am sure that things would not have been as good as they were without divine intervention. I am so grateful to have the priesthood in our home, and I know that I will be even more grateful once we have a child to take care of. It is such a comfort, and I am so thankful to have first had a father and to now have a husband who serve in their homes faithfully and selflessly.

The wonderful things about pregnancy MORE than make up for the petty inconveniences along the way (again, I acknowledge that so many women have much more difficult pregnancies and I am in no way, shape, or form trying down-play what can be a very difficult, miserable time for many women).

While I DO look forward to being able to

• more comfortably bend down and pick things up without experiencing contractions
  
• wear my old clothes
• wear heels!
  
• pick things up without fear of injury
• sleep on my back or tummy
• run/ride a bike/dance
• weigh less than my husband (after an impressive 45 lbs. of weight gain, I now way more than Michael EVER has)
• pick up my dogs
• reach the bottom of the washing machine/back of the dryer without my belly getting in the way
• use spray paint and furniture stain
  

I know that pregnancy--with all it's ups and downs--will all too soon be a fading memory. I would not trade any of the pain, inconvenience, or discomfort of pregnancy for being able to feel my baby move inside of me. I can't believe how connected I feel to her already, and how much I love her. I really do feel bad that men never get to experience what women do. I think it is such an incredible gift, and I will enjoy it while it lasts!

***Michael notes that now women will tell me I had a good pregnancy because it was my first, and to "just wait for the next one." Of course.***

Arizona

Note: As you can see, this was written some time ago, and there are no pictures. I have tried MULTIPLE times to upload photos, but no dice. Sorry.

I can't believe it has been 3 weeks since we got back from Arizona for our Thanksgiving visit with Michael's side of the family. (Of course, when I remember that I subsequently spent a week each in Oakland, San Diego, and Fresno traveling for work, that does seem to explain why the time has flown by so fast).

Before Christmas has passed, I thought I should post about our wonderful trip. Sorry it is so short, but Susan does a good job recapping the trip here.

Anyway, Michael's parents flew us down on Tuesday (my mom and Michael picked me up after I got off work and we went straight to the airport). We got in late, and the next day went to Michael's Aunt Cathy's and Uncle Bob's house (BTW, Michael has new fewer tan SIX Uncle Bob's. You will have to ask him about it sometime). We hung out and then went to see the newest Harry Potter movie. I haven't seen them all, but this was definitely my favorite.

Later that afternoon, Michael's brother David's family arrived from Utah (wife, Angela, and three boys Josh, Ammon, and Lincoln). Then Cathy's kids came over for dinner, and it was great to get to know Michael's cousins better (it was the first time I met most of them).

The next day (Thanksgiving!) the Bragonje clan headed over to a nearby park to tire out the boys before dinner. The whole family got in on the fun, playing baseball, volleyball, and soccer at various times.

Friday we went to this awesome train park that all the kids LOVED (and the adults got in a rousing game of softball), followed with dinner at Pipes and Pizza, a favorite restaurant of Michael's dad, Brent (he LOVES organ music). It was a fabulous day.

Saturday, Michael and I went to the Phoenix Zoo with his parents and his Aunt Cathy, who volunteers there. I think my favorite part was seeing Michael play with the animals at the petting zoo. I need to get that man some sheep or goats.

Saturday evening, we went to Michael's cousin's daughter's wedding. Everyone had a great time, and then Brent was kind enough to take us to the airport after the reception (and my mom was kind enough to pick us up later that night, despite the multiple delays to our flight!).

We had a fabulous time, and are so appreciative for Aunt Cathy and Uncle Bob's hospitality, and Brent and Susan's generosity.

Long-overdue ultrasound pictures

How is that for reassuring--a thumbs up!

Proof positive that she's a she.

My little alien baby. ALMOST a peace sign.


And our darling girl's profile.

Our Utah Trip

Back at the end of July, we went to Utah to visit family. It was a fantastic trip, and hopefully will be repeated before too long. Here are some highlights (and by highlights, I mean the only pictures that I remembered to take:

Penelope getting ready for a hiking trip with Michael. She knows she is about to go somewhere super fun...

An apron I made for Camryn. All by myself.

One of the two stuffed bears I made for Tamsin and James


Camryn with one of said bears


James! What a sweet boy!

At the park with Michael's brother, Dave

The girls were so popular with the kids at the park. It was pretty cute. Dave's family was there, too, but somehow I don't have any pictures of them.

My friend Kim and her adorable girl, Avilynn. We got to hang out at Ikea, which everyone knows is the REAL happiest place on earth.

It was a great trip. We got to see lots of family, we went to the annual Taylor Family Reunion, I swam in the frigid Provo River, Michael went on lots of fun hikes with the girls and my brother Steve, I got to spend some quality time with my amazing SILs, and I got to visit with some of my very best friends from college. Hopefully, we'll make the trip out next summer with our new arrival!

How Michael is like Danny DeVito...

Michael is my very own renaissance man. Since moving out here in May 2009, Michael has worked as a commercial painter, technical writer, Census supervisor, jury foreman, quail farmer, and my private contractor.

The above should tell you that Michael has been understandably busy. Following are just a few of the projects he has been working on.

Replacing the retaining wall in the front yard:


Raising quail (including building their multi-level hutch):

Taking an ash bath--their favorite pastime

Checking out their digs

The "fruit" of his labor

Tending the dogs:



Raising vegetables in our garden (actor portrayal):

Tearing down and replacing our siding and windows:


Ripping out our brick hearth and wood burning stove:

(Thanks Dad, Colin, Nathan, and Nate Ashby for helping Michael remove the stove!)

Next on the agenda: painting our house!!!

We have brought in a contractor to scrape down our popcorn ceilings and re-texture them (it was soooo much cheaper than we expected, and he had all the equipment for re-texturing), and as soon as he finishes, Michael will have yet another project to tackle when we get back from our Thanksgiving trip to Arizona (thanks again, Brent and Susan! We can't wait!!!).

What a talented man I married!