Emerson's First Halloween

Since Kyle and I love Halloween so much, we couldn't wait to share our favorite holiday with our little one. Even though we weren't expecting him to be here for the day, we were sure glad we got to dress him up for his first Halloween!

We did forgo pumpkin carving this year due to our little distraction, but we at least had pumpkins out and decorated the house a bit to invite trick-or-treaters to come.

We also went for our second walk in the stroller today, a longer one and during the daytime, and wore our Halloween bib (which Emerson tried to eat the entire trip).

 

It was nearly impossible to find a newborn-size Halloween outfit last minute, so we settled on a bib that did the trick. I think you'll agree.

At our annual "pumpkin carving" where we just enjoyed each other's company this year!

With our oldest cousins Keiren and Aidan!

Mom was his Lois Lane!

Our family photo on Halloween night in between answering the door and feeding him!

I gave in and had a nightcap (well, half)

Phoenix Baby Shower

Since our son came to this world early, I get to do a number of flashback posts! I shared pictures from my baby shower in Wisconsin/Minnesota, but barely made it with my shower in Phoenix before Emerson arrived. My mom was excited to host a shower for me here at her clubhouse, Tuscany Falls, in Pebble Creek. My sisters-in-law helped a lot with decorations and desserts, and my mother in law and mom helped with food and planning as well. Karen, my sister-in-law, made these adorable cube blocks with pictures from throughout my pregnancy on them. Anji and Peg, sister-in-law and mother-in-law, made S'more's cupcakes that went with the theme, complete with buying a torch for the marshmallows on top to be toasted! This shower's theme was camping and the great outdoors. I really appreciate all the friends and family who came out to support me and baby E. I am truly grateful for all the books, diapers, and cute outfits (we have already found out how many of the diapers and outfits we need/go through every day).

Anji Davis, my sister-in-law, was the contest winner in the "guess my birthday" game- she guessed October 27, but that was the closest guess to our 3-week-early little man!

Here are some great pictures from the event:

The invitation (prototype- I altered slightly)- The triangle in the center is a tent (the flaps close)

The dessert table- complete with "Camp Davis" banner by Karen!

Cookie favors! Barb's Bakery, of course!

Our gift table- See the cute picture blocks?!

Karen crafted candle centerpieces (with Casey, her husbands, help)- with moss and pinecones

My friend Lindsay helped me make these chocolate pretzel campfires!

And these white chocolate pretzel birch trees!

Anji and Peg made the S'mores cupcakes!

A Frog Pod by Boon is a must have for bathroom organization!

So many cute gifts- and bags!

The grand Chianti room where we held the shower!

Handmade gifts from Cozy Cactus Creations (Etsy)- That is a light-saber rattle!

My 36 week baby bump!

With one of my pregnant friends- Candi!

The Davis family women (well, Shannon is a Snipes now but Davis by blood!)

Thanks for always being so supportive, Kelli, and everyone who came!

Monday's Milestones

Well, over the past week, we have had a great number of ups and downs, as anyone would imagine with a newborn/firstborn at home. This parenting thing is making my job look like a piece of cake, and making my pregnancy look like a cakewalk. I am more tired than I've ever been, but I am able to relax more than ever. I do feel slightly lazy and lethargic, but I know that I need to let my body recover.  We haven't completed hermitted, however. If any of you know me and Kyle, you know that we are a far cry from "homebodies", so we have found excuses to take our little man out on some errands just for our own sanity this past week.

Here are the milestones from days 4-11 of Emerson's life!

-First restaurant experiences- Jason's Deli (at 2 in the afternoon so no one was in there but us!), and Arriba with our friends the Arnesons! Plus first trip in the stroller to get Froyo.
-First liquor store run (which was for dad, but mom just drooled over the pumpkin beers- the day will come!)
-First trip to Target (of course!- it was only for 10 minutes)
-First photo shoot (can't wait to get our newborn photos!)
-First night slept in crib (has for 3 nights now, although getting up sometimes to eat and one night we had to give in and take him out because he did not want to stop crying)
-First 2 doctor visits with a 2 ounce weight gain (finally- he is a little jaundice so we are monitoring weight closely as well as his color and eating habits).

Emerson continues to smile when he gets done feeding and has a little tummy gas- so I can't wait for his real smiles to start! He is a pretty mellow and happy baby. He has had so many gifts and visitors, and we are so blessed to have all these wonderful people as a support system. He is getting used to a 2-3 hour feeding schedule (which is nice for mom, but I still need some "getting used to" before I feel comfortable with this whole breastfeeding thing!).

And some pictures for you from this past week!

Love those baby eyelashes!

I need a "mommy" shirt! He is still a sleepy baby but I could just watch him sleep all day long!

Mom's Pumpkin Pie Froyo while Emerson slept in the stroller at Yoasis across the street!

Well, at least one Davis is early!

I know it has been 9 days since it all went down in a blaze of midnight glory, but I have to share the wonders of Blueberry's latest adventure- BIRTH!

Announcing our wonderful, adorable, lovable, and perfect little man-

Emerson Ryder Davis!

Born October 16, 2013 at 6:07 a.m.

Weighing in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces

19 inches long

Here is the REST of the story! (It is rather long, but I really don't want to forget all these details!)

Having already planned to give birth at Mercy Gilbert Hospital, we had luckily toured, registered, and taken our classes (as you already read about), but other than that, we really weren't ready for our little bundle to decide to join us nearly 3 weeks early! I was at 37 weeks, 3 days, and had no indication of early labor at all throughout the pregnancy, much less the day he decided to arrive!

At about 11:00 p.m. on October 15, after returning to work following my 2-week fall break, I had just finished a really productive day after the best sleep I had had in days. I got most of my work done in a timely manner that Tuesday, feeling really confident in my ability to finish the rest of it in the following 2 weeks until my maternity leave was set to start. I always spend Tuesday nights on my own, since it is Kyle's guys' night out, and so I had attended prenatal yoga, had dinner on my own (a salad), talked to my mom about my last blog post and her concerns about my mental health after reading it, and settled in for the night. I was feeling restless, which is not uncommon for me on the night before going back to work. I sent Kyle a text and asked him when he was planning on heading home. He joked that he was going to the casino, but showed up about 11:30. By this point, I had a terrible back ache, and politely begged him for a tennis ball massage of my lower back. Again, this is not uncommon to me by this point, as my back has hurt more and more throughout the third trimester.

And then... I turned over in bed and felt the pop. That indescribable, but undeniable popping sound and sensation that told me things were about to change for the rest of my life! I remember just laying there, wondering when I'd feel the gush of my water breaking. Baby Blue was still moving about, but it took about 5 minutes before I felt the warm sensation like I had just peed. But I didn't pee. I started to call out Kyle's name. I called, and called, and then finally, I called. No, I mean, like picked up my cell phone and called him. He was just downstairs, in a zone of video games and TV. I feel the need to revisit one of my popular wedding blog post's genre at this point to depict the six hours that followed more accurately.

Kyle: Hello? What's up hon? (probably expecting me to whine about needing another back rub or some water.)
Erica: Honey, my water just broke. I need you to come up here and bring me a towel.
Kyle: Like, your water broke, like this is labor. Like this is the real thing?

[10 seconds later, Kyle arrives at the door, runs in the bathroom closet and grabs a grubby old towel, hands it to me]

Erica: Ok, I am going to head to the bathroom to check this out.
Kyle: (already beginning to get frantic) Ok, well, this is really happening, huh? Are you having contractions?
Erica: No, not really contracting, but feeling the adrenaline and now I'm wide awake.

[In the bathroom, I'll spare you the details, but the decision is made that my water has most definitely broken. 4 towels and some time later:]

Kyle: Should we call the doctor?
Erica: Yes, probably, who else can we call. Oh wait, it is 12:30, your brother is just getting home from work. Call him!
Kyle: (calling his brother) Casey, so lets just say someone's water just broke. What should we do now?
(not sure what happened at this point as I was distracted and only heard Kyle talking about getting stuff together).
Erica: I should probably call the doctor.

[Dials the doctor, pushes 0 to get the doctor on call, gets transferred to an answer service, waits to get transferred to doctor, doctor is not answering, gets answer service to leave doctor a message. 5 minutes later, the phone rings in a call back from the doctor. Doctor tells me it is ok to wait a little bit, to pack up and take a shower, but that once your water breaks, you should try to get to the hospital pretty quickly.]

And the rest of the play looks a little like one of those sketch comedy segments that they run in fast forward to emphasize the chaos of the situation. I get in the shower, while my water continues to "break", and Kyle runs around getting things together to bring to the hospital. The following list includes all that we did in that hour before getting in the car to head to the hospital:
-Packed clothes for Kyle, and some PJs and robe for me.
-I showered and then had to change about 3 times due to the mess. Finally settled on a tank, sweater, and sweats that I didn't care about, and grabbed an extra towel.
-Started laundry as we hadn't washed any of the baby's clothes.
-Called Casey and Karen and sent texts to the rest of the family that "It was time!"
-Called my mom (for the following 3 hours) until she finally realizes that a phone has been ringing and calls Kyle back
-Downloaded a contraction tracking app for our phones
-Started contractions that weren't too painful or frequent at first, for about 25 minutes, but progressed to 5 minutes apart by the time we got in the car

I know this is a lot of information by this time. Thank you if you are still reading.

We arrived at Mercy at about 2:00. By this point, I had 3-4 painful contractions. I wanted to be on all fours or standing, so the car ride was excruciating. In the ER, no one is at the check in desk. No one is in the waiting area. Kyle finally calls out to get an answer. As we are checked in, I am standing with my head down on the counter. Luckily Kyle thrusts my ID and insurance card at the clerk. A wheelchair arrives. My contractions are about 3 minutes apart by now. WHAT IS HAPPENING?!

I get to triage. They tell me to put on the robe and then leave a urine sample. I could have given them a sample of amniotic fluid, it was all over the floor (sorry for the over-share), but not urine as I was then in a lot of pain and contractions were pretty much constant. I was in triage for about 3 minutes and they moved to admit me into a labor room.

The nurse came in, all I remember is requesting an epidural. They made me lay down to get my IV and to draw my blood, which I don't even remember. I remember gripping onto the sides of the bed and pulling while I fought through the pain. I had some serious back labor, so laying down was the LAST thing I wanted to do. I got hooked up to the contraction and fetal heart monitors. Then the nurse checked my dilation.

8.5 centimeters!!! WHAT THE CRAP!? It was only 2 hours since my water broke and I was about ready to push out a baby?! This is my first pregnancy, right? The one where labor is supposed to last 24 hours and move at a snail's pace. My only concern was that I was too late to get the epidural. I almost panicked.

Then my best friend arrived. The anesthesiologist. I love him. Somehow, by some miracle, he was available, and arrived by 3:00 a.m. to administer my epidural. Even though watching a video of one had previously freaked me out, at that moment, I didn't care as all I wanted was the pain to stop. I somehow fought through one last strong contraction sitting perfectly still (most likely because Kyle whispered to me that it was the last one I had to feel), and then PURE HEAVEN! I felt nothing. I made the comment "Why doesn't everyone get one of these?!" I lay down, completely relaxed. This was the point where Kyle finally got a hold of my mom and she headed on her way to the hospital. I had also made Kyle log in to my computer and get a sub for the following school day for me. The nurse came back and told me I was too numb to push, but was at 9 centimeters. I took a nap.

Mom and Kyle were great to assist me during labor pushes, which I started sometime after 4:00 a.m. I think I only had to bear down about 7-8 times (sets of 3 pushes during contractions) and I had Emerson Ryder on my chest. Being a little early, he didn't want to take his big breaths, and he had to spend a little time in the nursery with some oxygen, but he was here, and I couldn't believe it was all over after only 6 hours.

So, in the grand scheme of labor stories, I had a pretty great one. The rest of the 48 hours in the hospital are for another post, but now you all know about Blueberry's latest adventure... his whirlwind appearance into this wonderful world.

And henceforth, Blueberry shall be referred to as Emerson!

Pictures:

Pre-birth, post epidural

Emerson's first photo- not too bad for a new, newborn!

Weighing the little man

The cutest little feet- he got his dad's!

First mother-son picture (his eyes are gunky from the solution they put in them at birth!)

Stats

First picture of father and son!

Our "professional" hospital shot

Is the honeymoon really over?

A year ago, we were returning from our amazing honeymoon to Tahiti, in a state of pure bliss even after having to return to reality and work. As I returned to work today, I did so in a completely different state than I have been in for much of this pregnancy.

I am a mess.

From the beginning, I considered myself lucky in my pregnancy because I seemed to have relatively small amounts of discomfort. I was rarely too sick to function normally. I worked out and felt strong and confident. I even stayed small (still really haven't ballooned out too much) and felt like I was a cute pregnant woman!

And now, I feel like a house that has met its end: the foundation is cracked and now the creaking floorboards (my back) and pressure on the support beams (my hips) along with the leaks in the air systems (heartburn) are making me consider selling the place.

Everyone warned me that I'd hit this part. In fact, to see the positive side, I was told baby won't want to come unless I've gotten to the stage of feeling completely done with this pregnancy. Well, maybe this will help (like "The Secret")- I AM SO READY TO BE ABLE TO SLEEP COMFORTABLY (even if not through the night due to other reasons), and I WISH I COULD MOVE WITHOUT ENCUMBRANCE!

The happy, honeymoon stage of pregnancy is over. I have hit the "get me out of here" stage. At least my emotions are relatively stable.

OR NOT AT ALL!!!

Compounding on top of physical pain, discomfort, and fatigue, I cannot seem to stabilize my emotions, crying at the drop of a pin, feeling grumpy (that is probably a direct result of poor sleep quality), and wanting to strangle Kyle and other people who really don't deserve it.

So, I try to practice peace, relaxation, continue to attend pre-natal yoga, get in the pool when I can to relax, and hope that my return to work is a welcome distraction. Maybe all my nesting will help bring peace to my environment and that will transfer to my inner being.

Perhaps I can use these honeymoon pictures to practice visualization and turn things around, also!

Sunset on Moorea from the Intercontinental

The bay in Moorea

Sunset Beach, Bora Bora

Happiness in the ocean with the stingrays in Bora Bora

So excited for this honeymoon to Moorea!

How could this not make you happy?!

Soon I can Scuba again... soon...

Blueberry, even though I am complaining and cranky, I still love you!!

And now:

At nearly 37 weeks on The Farm at South Mountain- every year we have my birthday lunch here, but given the due date, we decided to go early just in case we don't make it out!

Getting our Learn On

I had heard mixed reviews about my friends' experiences with the classes offered for first-time parents. From the start, I knew that I was going to take them despite any negative feedback I had heard about them, and I knew that I was going to drag Kyle along with me so that I could feel totally supported and prepared. After all, I am kind of a "planner", so after the books, the phone app, and the classes, I don't know if there is really anything I'm not anticipating. Kyle says this has just caused me to have a case of "the worst-case scenarios" worrying mentality, although I, on the other hand, feel rather calm in spite of what I could be feeling giving the impending finale to this pregnancy.

Well, here is my take on our classes (in case you were pregnant and planning to ignore whatever I have to say about classes, too).

Class 1: (we went a little out of order here) "Baby your Baby"
This class taught us all the basics of what happens after we leave the hospital, except it started with what happens at the hospital. Having extensive experience as a babysitter, nanny, and older sister, I felt that I didn't really learn all that much (that I hadn't already, in a fit of paranoia perhaps, read in a book) that was useful. I did learn the difference between newborn pacifiers and other pacifiers, what my baby's poop will look like each day of his first week, and what rashes to ignore vs. rush to the doctor over.

Pros: A little bit of hands-on work with a plastic doll to practice swaddling and diapering, burping holds, and some useful information about how many diapers I'll be expected to need in stock for the first year or so of baby's life.

Cons: This class is subtitled "100 Ways to Kill Your Baby". From hanging pictures on the wall, to crib bumpers, from pacifiers with loops, to husbands with plastic bags at their disposal, we covered all the safety hazards you knew about and some your  never imagined. It was also repetitive to the labor and delivery class (as we found out later) in that it covered the hospital procedures as well.

Memorable moment: Kyle decided to swaddle the plastic baby like a ninja, and then since the baby's legs were molded in a bent position, thought swaddling the head was easier. The neighboring couple only egged him on. I was, at that point, dreading the full-on labor and delivery class.

Class 2: Labor and Delivery Class (expedited- we did it in 1 shot on a Saturday instead of spread out)
This class,  I was told, would be awkward, and feel useless when you aren't actually planning a natural birth. On the contrary, I wound up really enjoying the class! I think our presenter was just really dynamic and listened to and answered our questions. Then, I reverted back to my biology obsession of high school and sat through the videos and graphic illustrations with fascination about the human body.  I think that being knowledgeable about the process biologically will actually help to calm me when I want to be freaking out during labor. It was a bit long to be sitting in uncomfortable chairs, though.

Pros: Biology is freaking cool. And I got a massage with a tennis ball that felt SO good during the practice relaxation and visualization exercises.

Cons: Graphic videos of natural childbirth are disturbing. Preparing for a C-section when I really don't want to have to is not pleasant. Practice visualization in a group of people is awkward.

Memorable moment: I was SO glad that my mom didn't decide to accompany us, as one woman's mom was there and she asked innumerable questions. She even commented at one point that she "just doesn't feel prepared for this" after learning her daughter wants a natural birth. Um, not you having to be prepared, lady. Kyle and I was also center of attention when he insisted I give HIM a massage after he gave me mine. Then we had to demonstrate a wall-supported labor position that was a bit inappropriate!

Class 3: Breastfeeding class (and yes, many men were there!)
This class was pretty dry (no pun intended). It could be that I was just worn down from the end of the quarter. Either way, I did find the tips useful. Will I remember them when it comes down to it, not sure.

Pros: I really want to breastfeed, so it will hopefully help me be more successful. I now know what to do to "start" the process in the hospital.

Cons: It really focused on women who would be able to breastfeed solely because they are not going to be working moms. Unfortunately, many of us will be pumping and feeding with both boobs and bottles. The class really didn't ease any of my worries about achieving this balance.

Memorable moment: When they split the dads up into their own group and made them brainstorm ways they could help moms out. Nothing makes Kyle more comfortable than having to contribute to a group in an academic way.

Final thoughts on this whole experience: I have always been one to try to get the most out of classes and trainings, no matter what the subject matter. I think I approached my pregnancy classes with the same mentality, and I think that I came away with some valuable information. Hopefully the more I know, the more I'll feel relaxed during the process of labor, delivery, and bringing baby home, all the way through the first year.

Kyle proving to me he could diaper a baby.

A proud papa after his actual swaddle- not the ninja!

Minnesota Baby Shower!

In honor of my Arizona baby shower, I guess I could finally post about the shower I had this past July in Minnesota/Wisconsin. It was technically in Wisconsin, but along the bordering St. Croix River in Hudson. We had a beautiful room at a great restaurant reserved, and had 17 wonderful women from many different aspects of my life attend. My old neighbors were there, including my piano teacher and our neighbor whose pool we used to crash in elementary school; my aunts and great aunts; my sisters, including the soon-to-be new Jensen, Irina; my life-long hair dresser; and of course my friend Jill from college!

It was great to be able to work with my sisters and mom to help organize and plan this shower. We got to be really crafty and use our Etsy know-how and some Pinterest inspiration to decorate and I think things turned out great! The theme was "Ahoy! It's a Boy!" in honor of my Delta Gamma anchor. Although this is not the direction we will be going with the baby's room, it would not be out of the question for a nautical nursery!

I got some amazing gifts that will be much appreciated, from bath time necessities to handmade booties, and our humidifier (an Arizona MUST) as well as my squeeze station to make our own fruit squeezies instead of spending $2 a pop on them! (I know solid foods are far down the road, but it is best to be prepared).

I absolutely loved having the opportunity to visit with some amazing women and feel so much love and support for the arrival of this little man.

I know what you REALLY wanted was pictures, so here you go!

Our dessert table- with chocolate favors and a due date guessing game for baby's college fund!

A view of the decor we put together. We made pom poms, those fans on the mirror, and bought the banner.

The gifts and scrapbook signing sheet for all our guests to welcome Baby Blueberry!

Our cute banner!

Cupcakes from the Food Channel Cupcake Wars winner- "Cupcake"

A Delta Gamma shout out- Creme roses and anchors

The guests arrive and mingle- the noise level of that room was unbelievable!

My udder cover!

The only appropriate gift when in Wisconsin!

So grateful for all the gifts for baby!

The family! Aunts Sue and Marcia, Irina (newly engaged to Brian!), sisters Amanda and Cassie, and mom

The park along the river across the street. Sister pic!

One more family pic on the bridge by the river

My 24- week baby bump

My friend Jill!