People have asked me how motherhood is different than expected. It’s a lot more humbling. First, I planned on a med-free birth. That went out the window with an induction, pitocin contractions of doom (that the monitor didn’t pick up so they kept turning the awful stuff up–I’m still a bit bitter about that one!), and back labor from Hades. Then I was looking forward to blissfully nursing our little one. Enter tongue-tie and supply issues and it’s taken almost two months to get things mostly working (still seeing a doctor about her and possibly my issues next week). Because of her feeding issues, it’s taken a while to get her on some semblance of a schedule, which stresses me out. Virtually nothing is how I expected.
But those things aren’t the most humbling. The most humbling is looking at this amazing little one who is learning how to smile and interact with the world, who has her daddy’s brown eyes and mommy’s ears and toes, and thinking that I grew her and birthed her. I don’t know if I’ve ever been responsible for something so beautiful. It’s pretty humbling.

Natalie Grace Baker joined our family on Monday 11/23/09 at 9:32 am, measuring 7 lbs. 14 oz and 19.5 inches long.  She handled labor beautifully and came out wide eyed and ready to meet the world!  It’s hard to describe how truly amazing she is, so here’s a few pictures instead:

Before the action started. I sure thought my belly didn’t get that big–ha!

 

 

 

 

The view that made the four days of induction attempts and labor  (and nine months of pregnancy) worth every minute.

 

 

Natalie gets a thumbs up from her daddy.

I wish I could express the joy of meeting Natalie and being her mommy, but I can’t, and don’t know if I ever will be able to.  What can I say?  I’ve loved her since she was the size of a poppy seed.  Welcome to the world Natalie!

We now have a baby swing in our dining room. Every time I look at it, I can’t wait to see her in it. It makes me miss someone I’ve never met. I guess it’s a good thing we waited a while to set up the nursery.
Baby, you can come as soon as you’re done cooking in there. Mommy misses you.

She’s getting so big in there!  The little turkey continues to keep us entertained with her stretching (or trying to stretch), kicking, and pushing on her mama.  I can’t believe she’ll be an outside baby in about a month!

(And is it just me, or does the baby in the picture look really peeved to be stuck in there?  I hope Baby Baker is a bit happier than that!)

50 days until the due date (or more accurately “guess date”).

And I now weigh more than my hubby. That’s a great day in any girl’s life.

Okay, here’s an update. Not organized, but here nonetheless. :) Wait! I’ll put it in a numbered list to make it look organized!

1. I had an appointment with my midwife today. Baby seems to be head down already, which is good for two reasons. One: that’s the way they’re supposed to end up. Two: I thought she was head down and it makes me feel like a good mother that I can tell the difference between my child’s head and rump. My belly is measuring a bit ahead of schedule (34 weeks while the calendar says 32 and change). I was born at 37 weeks. That’s not long from now.

2. I have been subbing a bunch at school. It’s really fun to see my kiddos from last year and the other teachers. It’s also nice to get to spend time there without the responsibility of having my own room. I certainly wouldn’t switch to substitute teaching as a career, but it’s good for now.

3. I am totally blown away by people’s generosity at baby showers. Really, it’s quite amazing, and I feel very loved. Our little girl will be very well dressed.

4. No, we have not picked out a name yet. We are waiting to name her until we meet her.

5. There is a latte stand in Bothell that already has eggnog. It’s October, people!

6. Jamie and I both had the sniffles this week. No, I didn’t get a fever, so it’s okay. I just felt super run down. In other news, you know you’re married when you can tell each other that you snore and laugh about it.

7. I still have ankles, though it’s getting harder to wear my wedding ring.

8. In general, I feel really good. In fact, feeling tired/achy often surprises me until I remember that I am indeed growing a person and some discomfort is to be expected. That said, every symptom in the book will probably hit me like a truck tomorrow.

How are you?