Q & A time

I am having a hard time finding time to do such things as pictures and blogging (you are shocked I know) but I have a rare moment today (dont worry, it probably wont last) so I thought I would try to answer some of your questions... (like I thought, this was not done in one sitting, and warning, its pretty long- sorry!)

What's the labor story? So, I was having contractions that were different that morning. I just felt different. But I hated to say something because I was pretty sure this baby had decided she was never going to come out. Alex and I ran some last minute errands to Target and Hobby Lobby because I had been out of commission for several days sick with the stomach bug that Alex had. Yep, I got it. 9 mo preggo...no throwing up, but I had to fight it! I was not able to escape the other part of the deal unfortunately. It was horrible! But back to the story...So I felt pretty good actually and had more energy that day than usual. I should have known. When I put Alex down for his nap I was having to bite my lip through the contractions but they still weren't consistent enough. I watched and waited over the next hour. When they got really painful I called Travis and told him he better come home. He was at work, an hour drive away. I was so nervous that it wasn't really time but I knew he better come home just in case. The next few contractions and I KNEW it was time. Poor Travis had to drive the hour home anxiously (and I am sure, quickly). I was so thankful that Honey was on her way over to help me with Alex anyway (perfect timing). I showered and finished packing and as soon as Travis got home, we packed up and headed to the hospital. When they checked me I was at a 3 and 90% effaced...thats a go for having a baby! I was so excited!! They got me set up and I said bring on the epidural! :) The rough part about this labor was that the epidural didnt work fully. I had a "hot spot" that never got covered...super. But they pumped the juice so much trying to get it that I was pretty numb everywhere else. They broke my water right after the epidural and that brought on the worst pain of my life. I was not a happy camper about the epidural taking its sweet time to kick in and then not working fully. (I was screaming "10! 10!!!" to tell the nurse what level I thought the pain was at! Eventually, and very quickly, I had the baby! It happened soo fast! My doctor was not on call that night but she rushed in at the last minute to deliver her. I am so honored and pleased that she delivered both my babies! I love Dr. Orth! It was kinda funny because I had my sister by my side (so glad she could be here this time) who is an obgyn, the doctor on call, and then my doctor at the last minute all in the room...how many obgyns does it take to deliver a baby?! :)
Everything went really well with the delivery! Eliana was healthy, happy, and just perfect!
I was doing pretty well but I broke out in a horrible itchy rash on my face and upper body the next day. Not a pretty sight. They have no idea what did it but loaded me up on drugs to help fight it and prevent it. Then I was so drugged up, I was exhausted and a mess! By the following day I was looking much better. The frustrating part is that I still am having these (thank goodness they are smaller)...dont know what is causing them or what to do about them. They are not pretty and I am praying they stop soon.
(I am trying to put together a slideshow of pictures...hope to post soon!)

How do you say Eliana? You say it like the name "Ellie" then "ah-na" but altogether. Hope that makes sense. In French it means "light" and in Hebrew it means "God has answered me"


Where did you get the name? We struggled and struggled finding and choosing a name. I entered a raffle and it signed me up to get emails from a lady named Eliana Owens. So I continued to see it in my inbox. I wrote it on a sticky note with a question mark and left it by the computer. Travis saw it later and said that he really liked it. He thought it was perfect and pretty much sold me on it over the next few weeks. Also, Alex liked it and tried to say it (in the cutest way)...how could we resist that! I have always like the name Faith and it just sounded so good with Eliana, so that part was easy.

going to the doc for 2 wk checkup

How is life going being a mom of two? Well, I have had my ups and downs. I have had so much help from my mother in law and my parents that it made the first few weeks really easy! It has been so nice!! They are lifesavers!!!!! oh, and the fact that Eliana slept a ton helped too! Now that she is waking up more and is a little more demanding and I am on my own more...its getting a little tricky. Lets be honest...its hard. If its not one kiddo, its the other. I am constantly juggling...it gets a little exhausting. I seriously feel that I have no time to get things done (hence, the lack of blogging and pictures). But I realize that I am raising 2 kids, so I do ALOT everyday. I am normally feeding or wiping someones booty at all times. :) I do so enjoy both kids tremendously (who wouldn't be happy with double the love) and it keeps things interesting for sure...but I think for mothers day I will ask for some naps (yep plural) and some time to sew. :) Oh, and thank goodness for a cleaning lady bc the house has become a constant zoo. That won't last too much longer so I am cherishing it for all its worth! I have gotten out with the two of them a few times this week and even though its harder, the trips have been successful! Eliana sleeps well while out and that makes it pretty easy and a lot like when I had just Alex. I did have to put Alex on the handlebars of my stroller today at the outlet mall. I am thinking I may need a double stroller :)
The hardest part of the day is lunch time and then the evening (dinner, bath, bed). We LOVE when Dadda comes home! Its nice that we can each "take one".
But really, I am doing much better this time around. Everything seems a little easier and I am much more calm about things.



How is Alex adjusting to being a big brother? He is just so sweet to her. Always wants to check on her when she cries. Asks where she is. Wants to help when I change her. He brings her toys and tries to share his food with her. If she is laying somewhere, he wants to lay right beside her. He really likes to bring her the pacifier and try to shove it in her mouth. :) Not good when she is sleeping but really sweet. He needs to work on being gentle around her. He doesnt understand how he could hurt her. (we are praying she makes it to her 1st bday) He also loves to get right in her face to talk to her. Poor girl is hardly ever left in peace- I am sure she will need therapy some day. :) She has to sleep through his crazy screaming and playing...not an easy task...so really, Alex hasn't had to change that much in that department. I know he gets jealous of her (whoa the crying fits about nothing) but he handles it pretty well....well, for a two year old. I have to give him some credit, it has been a big adjustment for all of us.
He does have the "terrible twos" and that makes my day pretty hard. But just when I think I can't handle him any more he surprises me with something very mature, like going in the house when I ask him to. (What?! Who is this kid?!) So, its kinda hit or miss these days.


Hope that I answered some of your questions! :)

I want to give a shout out to all the families that have so graciously brought us food (might I add yummy yummy food!) over the last 3 weeks...its been priceless! We are so blessed to have each of you in our lives! Thank you for your help!!