Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Meet Our Newest Little Lehman!
He's here! I'd like to introduce you to Alexander James Gadingan Lehman!
7 pounds, 14 ounces...
Alex was born on January 17th, at 4:51pm, weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces, and 21 inches in length at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
7 pounds, 14 ounces...
more than 2 pounds larger than Amelia!
First Bath
"Gadingan Fan Feet"
An attempt at a family picture, ha ha ha
Going home outfit
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
A change in plans... VBAC!
Monday
11:00pm- Just a few hours before my scheduled c-section, I went into labor! I started feeling the contractions around 11pm.
Tuesday
3:00am- By Tuesday morning at 3am, the contractions were about 5 minutes apart. It was time to go to the hospital. (Remember, my c-section was scheduled for 5:30am!)
4:00am- I was in active labor and admitted to the hospital. Jimmy and I decided to try for a VBAC since my labor started naturally. We had hoped this would give us a better chance for a natural delivery.
We postponed/cancelled my 5:30am scheduled c-section. If the VBAC was unsuccessful, then we would go for the c-section later in the day.
12:00pm- I was progressing slowly and by noon, I was only dialated to 3cm. The doctor suggested that they break my water and then see if that would help things along.
2:30pm- I was dialted to 8cm, so it was looking very good for a successful VBAC.
4:20pm- I was ready to push!
4:51pm- Alex was born at 4:51pm! I only had to push for 5 contractions to get him out.
I am very proud to have had a successful VBAC! It was really scary, since there are so many more potential complications and it's not a common procedure. I feel truely blessed to have had the birthing experience and to have a healthy baby.
11:00pm- Just a few hours before my scheduled c-section, I went into labor! I started feeling the contractions around 11pm.
Tuesday
3:00am- By Tuesday morning at 3am, the contractions were about 5 minutes apart. It was time to go to the hospital. (Remember, my c-section was scheduled for 5:30am!)
4:00am- I was in active labor and admitted to the hospital. Jimmy and I decided to try for a VBAC since my labor started naturally. We had hoped this would give us a better chance for a natural delivery.
We postponed/cancelled my 5:30am scheduled c-section. If the VBAC was unsuccessful, then we would go for the c-section later in the day.
12:00pm- I was progressing slowly and by noon, I was only dialated to 3cm. The doctor suggested that they break my water and then see if that would help things along.
2:30pm- I was dialted to 8cm, so it was looking very good for a successful VBAC.
4:20pm- I was ready to push!
4:51pm- Alex was born at 4:51pm! I only had to push for 5 contractions to get him out.
I am very proud to have had a successful VBAC! It was really scary, since there are so many more potential complications and it's not a common procedure. I feel truely blessed to have had the birthing experience and to have a healthy baby.
Today is the day!
Last night was tough. Jimmy and I put Amelia to the bed, knowing we wouldn't see her until she was able to visit us at the hospital. I completely lost it. So many things running running through my mind... so many changes.
Well, we are off to the hospital. I can't believe this day is here. Alex should be here within the next few hours or so...
I know this goes without saying, but I probably won't be blogging as often with a baby and toddler in the house. However, I can promise you I will do my best to post pictures as I can.
Well, we are off to the hospital. I can't believe this day is here. Alex should be here within the next few hours or so...
I know this goes without saying, but I probably won't be blogging as often with a baby and toddler in the house. However, I can promise you I will do my best to post pictures as I can.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday the 13th
Yikes! It's Friday The 13th!!
I'll admit that one of my irrational pregnancy fears was that Alex would be born on Friday the 13th. I remember looking at my due date on the calendar and seeing it there... looming. Now it's here! It's around lunch time now, so we're not in the clear yet... I'm keeping my legs crossed until midnight!
I had a prenatal appointment today and everything is looking good. Alex has dropped, my sugar levels are awesome, and my doctor is pleased with my weight gain. I might actually make it to my scheduled c-section on Tuesday!
Jimmy and I are very thankful that I've made it this far. We were so worried I would go into labor before his mom arrived to watch Amelia. For the past two weeks, Jimmy has had me on his own version of "bed rest" to ensure I wasn't exerting myself too much to cause early labor. (That's why Amelia came too early!) An early delivery would have made taking care of Amelia complicated. His mom will be here tomorrow afternoon, so now Alex is free to come a few days early if he wants to ;0)
I hate Friday the 13th! Sadly, Amelia is really sick. She has a fever, cough, and what seems to be a sore throat. She was up at least every hour last night coughing and crying. It was heartbreaking. This is only the second time she's every been sick, so it was tough to see her so miserable. I hope she gets better before her baby brother arrives.
I'll admit that one of my irrational pregnancy fears was that Alex would be born on Friday the 13th. I remember looking at my due date on the calendar and seeing it there... looming. Now it's here! It's around lunch time now, so we're not in the clear yet... I'm keeping my legs crossed until midnight!
I had a prenatal appointment today and everything is looking good. Alex has dropped, my sugar levels are awesome, and my doctor is pleased with my weight gain. I might actually make it to my scheduled c-section on Tuesday!
Jimmy and I are very thankful that I've made it this far. We were so worried I would go into labor before his mom arrived to watch Amelia. For the past two weeks, Jimmy has had me on his own version of "bed rest" to ensure I wasn't exerting myself too much to cause early labor. (That's why Amelia came too early!) An early delivery would have made taking care of Amelia complicated. His mom will be here tomorrow afternoon, so now Alex is free to come a few days early if he wants to ;0)
I hate Friday the 13th! Sadly, Amelia is really sick. She has a fever, cough, and what seems to be a sore throat. She was up at least every hour last night coughing and crying. It was heartbreaking. This is only the second time she's every been sick, so it was tough to see her so miserable. I hope she gets better before her baby brother arrives.
She's wearing her pajamas, but she insisted that she wear her coat as well
I usually have a no TV rule, but since she was feeling sick, we cuddled all day and watched Sesame Street
She is miserable... poor baby :(
Monday, January 9, 2012
Week 39
I honestly didn't think I would get this far! Well, here I am and what can I say... I'm ready for this little guy to make his entrance into this world!
It's been a tough week. In fact, I would go as far to say that this pregnancy was more difficult than my first. With this pregnancy I feel much more pressure, have terrible backaches, and have difficulty walking. Most of this is probably attributed to that fact that I didn't get this far with Amelia and she was a much smaller baby.
At this point, I can barely walk, and get up off the couch and the floor without some help. I have trouble changing Amelia's diaper and picking her up. Our bed is up really high, so I can barely even get in and out of bed without a few grunts. OMG, then there's trying to turn in bed. Miserable. What an experience these last few weeks have been!
I know the end result is going to be our little Alex in my arms, but it's been a rough road!
Amelia came early and unexpectadly, so it just kind of hit us all at once and by surprise. Now, the anticipation is unbearable. I've been obsessing about keeping the house in order. I know that Alex can arrive at any moment and I just want to be prepared.
Having Amelia definitely makes the logistics of getting to the hospital and my hospital stay more difficult. We can't just pick-up and leave right away like we did before. Amelia needs to be taken care of since we'll be stuck at the hospital for a few days.
My mother-in-law is traveling all the way from Washington (state) and will be here next weekend to watch Amelia while I'm in the hospital. If I go into labor before then, we have a plan B. My cousins from Fort Belvoir (Amelia's Godparents) will care for her.
This will be her first night away from us, so it's going to be an emotional roller coaster for me. It's not just one night either, she'll be staying with someone else for at least two nights :( I can't even think about it without getting emotional.
It will all be worth it in the end and I'm really excited about finally bringing Alex home and settling in as our little family of four ;0)
Blech... I look like I feel.
It's been a tough week. In fact, I would go as far to say that this pregnancy was more difficult than my first. With this pregnancy I feel much more pressure, have terrible backaches, and have difficulty walking. Most of this is probably attributed to that fact that I didn't get this far with Amelia and she was a much smaller baby.
At this point, I can barely walk, and get up off the couch and the floor without some help. I have trouble changing Amelia's diaper and picking her up. Our bed is up really high, so I can barely even get in and out of bed without a few grunts. OMG, then there's trying to turn in bed. Miserable. What an experience these last few weeks have been!
I know the end result is going to be our little Alex in my arms, but it's been a rough road!
Amelia came early and unexpectadly, so it just kind of hit us all at once and by surprise. Now, the anticipation is unbearable. I've been obsessing about keeping the house in order. I know that Alex can arrive at any moment and I just want to be prepared.
Having Amelia definitely makes the logistics of getting to the hospital and my hospital stay more difficult. We can't just pick-up and leave right away like we did before. Amelia needs to be taken care of since we'll be stuck at the hospital for a few days.
My mother-in-law is traveling all the way from Washington (state) and will be here next weekend to watch Amelia while I'm in the hospital. If I go into labor before then, we have a plan B. My cousins from Fort Belvoir (Amelia's Godparents) will care for her.
This will be her first night away from us, so it's going to be an emotional roller coaster for me. It's not just one night either, she'll be staying with someone else for at least two nights :( I can't even think about it without getting emotional.
It will all be worth it in the end and I'm really excited about finally bringing Alex home and settling in as our little family of four ;0)
Week 39
Blech... I look like I feel.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Baby Shower
Baby Shower Play Date
My cousin, Jocelyn, wanted to throw me a baby shower. However, I was very reluctant since I don't like the attention and we really didn't need anything for baby Alex. She finally convinced me to do a baby shower, but with no gifts.
What we actually did was just have a baby shower play date. We invited my two playgroups and a few of my friends to get together with the kids for a play date. We had snacks for the adults and kids. While the kids were playing we tried to do a few baby shower type games and had prizes. It was very chaotic, with 16 kids and 14 adults in one room, but fun.
Even though I said no gifts, people brought some anyway, ha ha ha. One of my play groups all brought diapers and wipes, which was an awesome idea. Jimmy and I are stocked up now, thanks!
Manang Jocelyn, Mimi, and I
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Fashion Police...
Arrest this baby!
Who needs pants and a shirt when you have:
Who needs pants and a shirt when you have:
winter lamb hat, baby legs on one arm, one sock, and two scarfs?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Army Wife
A lot of people forget that the military is a big part of our life, especially the new friends I've met since moving to DC. Being in the Army is not just a job for Jimmy. It's a lifestyle that affects our whole family and every decision we make.
I'm been feeling especially disconnected from Army life since moving here. At our last assignment, Fort Lee, we lived on post and I worked for the Army. I was surrounded by Soldiers, military families, and most (if not all) of my friends we connected to the military somehow. There was never a need to explain our lifestyle and all the crazy things military life brings to the table.
I worked and lived on post with military families; our life revolved around everything Army. It wasn't unusual to hear the Soldiers marching by outside my window screaming out their cadences, talking about deployment experiences, and nearly everyone lived far from their loved ones. I was very aware of military policy changes and used the "Army talk" (slang terms and acronyms) on a daily basis. People were in uniform all around post.
We had so many families coming and going through our neighborhood as it was common to move every 2-3 years. Many people have lived over seas and there was constant talk of where you've lived and where you hope to be in the next year.
It is so different in DC. We live out in the economy and I no longer work on post for Army families. Although it's a nice change of scenery and good to get out in "the real world," I really do miss the camaraderie and sense of belonging I felt on post. Now, being in the military is a big mystery to most of my friends and it's hardly a topic that comes up.
It's probably just my raging hormones, but I got really emotional after I watched this video! I don't know why, but a friend posted this and it really made me miss all my military friends. It just got me thinking of everything we've been through and all the unknowns that lie ahead for our family. We have a few military friends here, but it's definitely not the same. I miss all my fellow Army wives so much!
Fortunately, Jimmy hasn't been deployed since 2005. That was a tough, long year for myself and our families. Although his traveling for training has also slowed down in the last year (thank goodness), another deployment is always in the back of our minds... and it's never a matter of if he gets deployed, it's WHEN he gets deployed. Fingers crossed...
I'm been feeling especially disconnected from Army life since moving here. At our last assignment, Fort Lee, we lived on post and I worked for the Army. I was surrounded by Soldiers, military families, and most (if not all) of my friends we connected to the military somehow. There was never a need to explain our lifestyle and all the crazy things military life brings to the table.
I worked and lived on post with military families; our life revolved around everything Army. It wasn't unusual to hear the Soldiers marching by outside my window screaming out their cadences, talking about deployment experiences, and nearly everyone lived far from their loved ones. I was very aware of military policy changes and used the "Army talk" (slang terms and acronyms) on a daily basis. People were in uniform all around post.
We had so many families coming and going through our neighborhood as it was common to move every 2-3 years. Many people have lived over seas and there was constant talk of where you've lived and where you hope to be in the next year.
It is so different in DC. We live out in the economy and I no longer work on post for Army families. Although it's a nice change of scenery and good to get out in "the real world," I really do miss the camaraderie and sense of belonging I felt on post. Now, being in the military is a big mystery to most of my friends and it's hardly a topic that comes up.
It's probably just my raging hormones, but I got really emotional after I watched this video! I don't know why, but a friend posted this and it really made me miss all my military friends. It just got me thinking of everything we've been through and all the unknowns that lie ahead for our family. We have a few military friends here, but it's definitely not the same. I miss all my fellow Army wives so much!
Fortunately, Jimmy hasn't been deployed since 2005. That was a tough, long year for myself and our families. Although his traveling for training has also slowed down in the last year (thank goodness), another deployment is always in the back of our minds... and it's never a matter of if he gets deployed, it's WHEN he gets deployed. Fingers crossed...
Another Good Video ;0)
I remember picking up Jimmy from the airport when he came back from Iraq.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for these videos!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Starting the New Year with a Bounce
Bubble Bounce
Trip to Bubble Bounce with our Playgroup- I wasn't planning on attending, but since Jimmy had the day off, he came with us and was able to chaperon Amelia in the bouncy castle. There was no way I could have done it with my gigantic belly, ha ha ha.
Dylan's First Birthday:
Cousins, Pinata, and Bouncy Castle
My cousin, Dexter, and his family are visiting the DC area from California. I haven't seen him since 2005! Dexter is actually the younger brother of Amelia's Godfather, Soliman. We were very close and grew up together when we were younger, so it was so awesome to see him. What made it more fun was that he has two young sons, ages 3 and 1, and they were able to play with our little Amelia.Two of my family members who were there are professional photographers, so hopefully I can get some of the pictures they took as well. We did a bunch of group shots with the kids and the entire gang. I'll post them if I get copies ;0) Here are some pictures from my (humble) camera and amateur camera skills.
Diva outfit for the party
"Boons!"
Bouncy Castle for kiddos
"Big Kitty" had to go everywhere with her...even down the slide
Cousins Katie and Mimi (and big kitty)
Dexter and Mimi taking pics of themselves
Happy Birthday Dylan!
Waiting patiently for cake, which she didn't end up eating. Seriously, my child doesn't like cake.
Pinata!
Candy and money fell out. We were all laughing because all the kids bypassed the cash and went for the sweets. We were trying to get them to pick up the money but they totally ignored it. It was hilarious!
An attempt at a group pic of the cousins:
Amelia, Braylyn, Charlie, Katie, Dylan, and Ding Dong (don't ask, I guess it's his nickname)
Amelia dancing under the parachute
Apparently the deflated bouncy castle was just as exciting as the blown up version, ha ha ha.
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