Dear sweet baby Quintin,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I can hardly believe it's been an entire year since I held you in my arms for the first time. I looked at you and understood "love at first sight". You were perfect. Every little detail was perfect--little finger nails and ear lobes! I was exhausted, it took a lot of work to get you into this world. But all I could do was stare at you and silently pray to Heavenly Father thanking Him for such a wonderful blessing.
And now you are one year old. Some things have changed and others haven't! Now you are still perfect in every little detail. Even with that little scrape on the back of your arm, your tooth that is only half through the gums, and that horrible line in your hair from when I messed up cutting it last week. I look at you and see perfect.
Something that is changed is you can move!! Holy cow. Was I unprepared for a mover or what?! You've kindly shown me how un baby-proofed our house was over and over again. I feel like just yesterday I was snuggling you and doing my homework. I could leave you on the couch or the bed and you would stay right where you were!! Then slowly you started rolling, then rolling over and over, then scooting backwards, then army crawling, then crawling, then pulling up, then walking along furniture, and now so close to walking!
I am sad you've been sick the past few days but I'm not sad about all the extra snuggling we've had together. I think that's something not everyone can understand, not even daddy. I don't get tired of having you around, snuggled up in my arms. Sure you drive me crazy and we get tired of being cooped up at home. But then you give me one of your little smiles and everything is good again. No one else understands how I can be so fascinated by watching your little fingers pick up food and put in your mouth for hours on end. No one can understand the joy it brings to see you clap or shake your bum when music comes on. And NO ONE understands just how great it feels to hear you say ‘momma’ (Even if you do usually say daddy 1000 times to every 1 mommy).
So, here we are a year later. 100s of diapers, smiles, cries, late night feedings, messes, laughing fits later. And all I can think is how much I’ve learned and how much I love you. I thought I would be a pro at the mom thing. How hard could it be right? Oh how wrong I was!! Luckily, you are a good baby with a patient disposition. We’ve made it through a year of learning together. Thanks for letting me learn and thanks for teaching me so much this year.
I never thought I could love anything or anyone as much as I love you now. But then again one year ago, when you and I met for the first time, I never thought I could love you more than that minute. I am looking forward to an eternity of fun with you. I know soon enough it will not be cool to give kisses to your mom. And mom will not be nearly as funny as you think she is now. So in those more difficult times, I will have this sweet, perfect year to remember. Remember getting slobbery little kisses at just the right moment. Remember the look of surprise on your face when I cheered after you took your first steps. Remember the smiles, the tears, the giggles.
Thanks for choosing me to be your mom. Thanks for coming to our family. I knew we were missing something and that something was you! Quintin, you are my biggest blessing. I love you now and forever! Happy Birthday little man!
<3 Mommy
Showing posts with label families are forever. Show all posts
Showing posts with label families are forever. Show all posts
October 19, 2011
May 30, 2011
You can call me Master.
So, in case we're not facebook friends or you missed a few posts back, I have been working on finishing my Master's Degree. After a LOT of work, an almost all-nighter, and a lot of typing I FINISHED!! I actually finished with a 10 hours to spare. My final paper was supposed to be a thesis...which I wrote the first half of in my class last fall. Well, they changed the program requirements and changed it to a case study analysis. Awesome right? But, I sucked it up and wrote the dumb thing. Throughout my writing, I kept writing myself notes of encouragement.
Also, a few times in the middle of the night when I was writing I bought myself a few books on Amazon to motivate me to finish writing. I knew exactly how many points I needed to earn on the final to still pass the class (I had to get a D on the paper at least to pass with a C). Seeing as how I was completely burned out, I set my goals on just passing...and I did...with 101% (thank you extra credit) for my final grade. It was a rough last week, but I won't lie it feels great to be done with it! I started the program before I had any thought of being pregnant and I'm pretty proud of myself that I kept going and finished even though my life changed quite a bit!
Here's what it takes to finish a MA in HR:
wheat thins, several drinks, lots of encouragement, food, books, paper, and of course post-it notes.
To celebrate me actually finishing, we ran errands and I bought my new glue gun (Steven and I made a deal that I could get it and I had a coupon so it was like $2 bucks)
AND we went to Denny's. As anyone with kids probably knows, it's almost impossible to enjoy a meal at a restaurant when you have a very curious baby with you.
As always, we were taking turns with each other to eat, catch the toys, and entertain the baby. Also we were attracting attention of all the elderly couples around us. After a particularly long time which ended in Steven taking the baby for a walk, we finally finished. When we went to pay, we learned that someone else had paid for the majority of our bill. We are pretty sure it was an elderly couple we had noticed watching us and the baby. Did they know that we were there celebrating such a big thing for me? Probably not. Will they ever know? Probably not. But we hope they are blessed for their kind deed :)
AND as if this day could get any better, we got a call on the way home to learn that our sister-in-law was in labor. She ended up having the baby within the night...
So in one day:
I finished my MA in HR
We got dinner paid for by an anonymous stranger
AND we became an aunt, uncle, and cousin!
Also, a few times in the middle of the night when I was writing I bought myself a few books on Amazon to motivate me to finish writing. I knew exactly how many points I needed to earn on the final to still pass the class (I had to get a D on the paper at least to pass with a C). Seeing as how I was completely burned out, I set my goals on just passing...and I did...with 101% (thank you extra credit) for my final grade. It was a rough last week, but I won't lie it feels great to be done with it! I started the program before I had any thought of being pregnant and I'm pretty proud of myself that I kept going and finished even though my life changed quite a bit!
Here's what it takes to finish a MA in HR:
To celebrate me actually finishing, we ran errands and I bought my new glue gun (Steven and I made a deal that I could get it and I had a coupon so it was like $2 bucks)
AND we went to Denny's. As anyone with kids probably knows, it's almost impossible to enjoy a meal at a restaurant when you have a very curious baby with you.
As always, we were taking turns with each other to eat, catch the toys, and entertain the baby. Also we were attracting attention of all the elderly couples around us. After a particularly long time which ended in Steven taking the baby for a walk, we finally finished. When we went to pay, we learned that someone else had paid for the majority of our bill. We are pretty sure it was an elderly couple we had noticed watching us and the baby. Did they know that we were there celebrating such a big thing for me? Probably not. Will they ever know? Probably not. But we hope they are blessed for their kind deed :)
AND as if this day could get any better, we got a call on the way home to learn that our sister-in-law was in labor. She ended up having the baby within the night...
So in one day:
I finished my MA in HR
We got dinner paid for by an anonymous stranger
AND we became an aunt, uncle, and cousin!
January 21, 2011
To Eternity & Beyond
January 5th, 2011- Our 3 year anniversary!
We went from:
To this (you have no idea how hard it was to find a picture of just us with no Q):
In 3 years we have been through many things:
-We moved across 10 states & have lived in 3 different places.
-We increased our family to 3 :)
-We have been on lots of vacations: Prescott, California, Las Vegas (2x), Utah (way too many times), and then our road trip to move here.
-We have been to the emergency room 8 times (at least), 3 on holiday weekends
-We have taken probably close to 5000 pictures (with a very good portion since last October)
-We have been team primary teachers, YW 2nd Counselor (me), Scout leader (Steven), nursery worker (Steven), RS Committee Member/VT supervisor (me), Primary chorister (me), and now we are back to team primary teachers.
And many, many more things. We have had good days, bad days, TERRIBLE days, and wonderful days. Being married is not for wimps.
This year, we both decided that 3 years was just a drop in the bucket compared to eternity together. We still celebrated by going on a date (without the baby!) and Steven bought me a dozen pink roses and I bought him a tobogan hat with ear flaps.
I can honestly say Steven is my best friend. He is a wonderful dad and a fantastic husband. We have our moments, but overall, I think I'll keep him ;)
Here's to forever!
We went from:
To this (you have no idea how hard it was to find a picture of just us with no Q):
In 3 years we have been through many things:
-We moved across 10 states & have lived in 3 different places.
-We increased our family to 3 :)
-We have been on lots of vacations: Prescott, California, Las Vegas (2x), Utah (way too many times), and then our road trip to move here.
-We have been to the emergency room 8 times (at least), 3 on holiday weekends
-We have taken probably close to 5000 pictures (with a very good portion since last October)
-We have been team primary teachers, YW 2nd Counselor (me), Scout leader (Steven), nursery worker (Steven), RS Committee Member/VT supervisor (me), Primary chorister (me), and now we are back to team primary teachers.
And many, many more things. We have had good days, bad days, TERRIBLE days, and wonderful days. Being married is not for wimps.
This year, we both decided that 3 years was just a drop in the bucket compared to eternity together. We still celebrated by going on a date (without the baby!) and Steven bought me a dozen pink roses and I bought him a tobogan hat with ear flaps.
I can honestly say Steven is my best friend. He is a wonderful dad and a fantastic husband. We have our moments, but overall, I think I'll keep him ;)
Here's to forever!
Dorn Bowling
Jan 3rd, 2011- We were able to have a fun family night going bowling with Steven's family. Quintin got passed around from uncle to grandparent for the whole game. I love going bowling with Steven's family. For the record, I didn't win but I did beat Steven. After Nate kicked our trash, we went home and ALL the boys gave Q a bath. He splashed everything and got everyone wet--hilarious.
January 20, 2011
Quintin's Blessing Day
In our church, we give babies a blessing when they are little rather than baptize them (children are baptized at 8 years old). This can only be done by someone who worthily holds the Priesthood. Learn more about this here. For Quintin, this means that Steven was able to give him the blessing. Steven gave a wonderful blessing and the spirit was very strong. Big shout outs go to the Eagers who traveled across the valley to be with us, my grandparents who came down from Utah, the Drotars who missed the blessing because their car broke down on the way but they still came to the luncheon, and all our other family members who were able to be there!
After church we were able to have some friends and family over to enjoy soup and rolls and dessert. It was a great day! We are so thankful that we have such good support systems in our families. Here are some of the pictures we have. We still need to get some of Steven's family with Q from someone else's camera, but here are some with my family (including a 4 generation shot with my grandparents) and a three generation picture with Q, Steven, and Dad Dorn.
PS THANK YOU to grandma & grandpa Ferrell who bought Q's tux and for Grandma for making his red bow tie :)
After church we were able to have some friends and family over to enjoy soup and rolls and dessert. It was a great day! We are so thankful that we have such good support systems in our families. Here are some of the pictures we have. We still need to get some of Steven's family with Q from someone else's camera, but here are some with my family (including a 4 generation shot with my grandparents) and a three generation picture with Q, Steven, and Dad Dorn.
PS THANK YOU to grandma & grandpa Ferrell who bought Q's tux and for Grandma for making his red bow tie :)
Dorn family curse:
Boys. There are only boys in the Dorn family. All the girls have married in. We could have been even numbers if Quintin had been a girl and if our upcoming nephew had been an upcoming niece. However, the Dorn curse is boys so now we are down 7-3. But, it does make for some cute pictures like this:
Red tie day.
PS We're still holding out for a daughter sometime in the not-near future!
Red tie day.
PS We're still holding out for a daughter sometime in the not-near future!
Christmas
Christmas was tons of fun! We were all spoiled, but mostly Quintin. Quintin makes for a good alarm clock on Christmas morning so we were up EARLY. My family did something different than normal this year, but I loved it and everyone is planning on doing it again next year...homemade Christmas. Someday I will blog about all the crafting we did before Quintin was born which included our Christmas presents. We also got lots of movies and games and TONS of stuff for Quintin. My dad is making me and my sisters jewelry boxes (not finished yet) and making Q one of those shape box things out of really pretty wood (also not done yet but I can't wait to see it when it is!)
The hard part about having families that live 23 houses away (yes I counted them last time we were there) is that we often get split in a thousand directions on holidays. However, we are pretty used to it and our parents are friends so they understand if we're late or have to leave early. After we opened gifts with my family, we got dressed and headed to Steven's parents house to open presents. We got all the brothers Nerf guns. We made them all open them at the same time and once they realized what they were it was a contest to see who could open it and shoot everyone else first (Greg won). Nate tried to do it fast but was holding Quintin and gave up half way through because Q was off limits. Becky and I found darts all around the house for like 3 days after Christmas. We also got lots of much needed things and Quintin got some fun presents too (baby Vans, Little People Nativity, and TONS more). After opening presents, Steven's dad's extended family started showing up. We always get to eat lunch with everyone and the cousin's draw names for each other. Again, Quintin was spoiled rotten by Steven's aunts and we got the new MJ cd so I can't complain.
After lunch and visiting, everyone left and we went back to my parent's house to take a nap. When we woke up, we played games for awhile and then bounced back over to Steven's house to play games and give Quintin a bath. All in all, a great day full of family and we couldn't have asked for anything better!
Oh and my mom took our family picture in our matching pjs, but I don't have it yet. Believe me, it's cute ;)
Christmas Eve
For Christmas Eve, we had a ton of fun! Our Christmas Eve is always full of lots of traditions. We spent most of the day finishing up gifts for our homemade Christmas, wrapping presents, and tidying the house. Then, the nighttime activities begin! First, we started out with my family to have an early, delicious dinner. Then, my mom passed out our Christmas pajamas. Then, Steven and I got everything together and took Q to his first Cluff family Christmas party. Every Christmas Eve we get together with Steven's mom's extended family. Every year, I meet someone new! This year, we had the youngest baby so guess what that means? We got to be Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Quintin does not like to be swaddled and it was nap time so he wasn't a real cooperative Baby Jesus. After we read the Christmas story (and all the cousins act it out) we always have a family talent night. Luckily, Greg married Caitlin and she has real talent so she sang to represent our family. This year we added something cool where each Cluff kid and/or their spouse talked about a spiritual experience they have had in the past year. I had to go feed the grumpy baby so I didn't get to hear everyone's too well but the ones I did hear were awesome! After visiting with family, we loaded up with Steven's brothers (that's usually tradition too, they always end up going back with us) and headed for home. Once home, I was an elf for my mom and we all went to sleep. Steven was really mad because my brothers decided they were going to sleep on our floor. When we were little, we would always sleep in the same room on Christmas Eve (so I could make sure none of the kids snuck out). Well we haven't done this since I moved out of the house. BUT my little brothers cried and said we were ruining their favorite part of Christmas Eve so my parents let them sleep on our floor...haha surprise! I thought it was funny, but Steven not so much because he couldn't walk around in his G's. Oh well...memories are memories!
Christmas Tree
My parents have a 12 foot artificial tree. For most families, decorating this would be enough but not ours. On Dec. 17th, we headed to pick out a real tree for the front room. It was a lot of fun! My parents have usually made sure that we have 2 trees so that the kids coming home from college get to help put up some decorations. The years that my parents have a real tree in the front room we all get to put our ornaments on that we've made over the years. (The 12 footer is the pretty catalog-looking tree.) I especially enjoyed it this year because I didn't get to put up any decorations in our house. All in all, a good tradition!
PS The first picture is of Steven & my brothers making a chain of all the ornament hooks (Kind of like barrel of monkeys). Steven is always the instigator...
PS The first picture is of Steven & my brothers making a chain of all the ornament hooks (Kind of like barrel of monkeys). Steven is always the instigator...
November 2, 2010
Quintin Beckim Dorn
Our little bundle of joy has FINALLY arrived!! Actually he's snuggled up on my chest asleep (with his mouth totally open) as I write this. I can't believe he's 14 days old. But at the same time, I can't really remember life before being Quintin's mommy. Anyways...here's the story. I've provided it in 3 levels to let you decide how much info you want. I will warn you that the most extensive story spares no details (unless I already forgot them). And, this is my first time writing one of these labor stories out so maybe I included too much...But, I will throw in pictures in between to break it up :)
Or if you don't care how he got here, here are his stats:
Quintin Beckim Dorn
Born 1:17 AM Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Weight: 7 lbs 12.9 oz
Length: 20 3/4 inches
Shortest story: Went into the hospital at noon on Monday October 18, 2010. Had the baby at 1:17 AM October 19, 2010.
Short Story: Went to the OB at 11 on Monday October 18, 2010. They were worried I was starting to have preclampsia so they wheeled me over and admitted me to the hospital. Started pitocin at 2:20 PM. Had my water broke at 6:15 PM. Started really hating life. Got my epidural in at 7:30 PM and started loving life again. By 10:30 I was fully dilated and thinned out. At 10:45 PM I started pushing. At 1:17 AM on Tuesday October 19th, Quintin was born. Steven cut the umbilical cord.
The Story:
On Friday Oct. 15, I went to my regularly scheduled OB visit. Except, I was with the nurse practitioner because my OB was out of town. Everything measured normal except I had a high level of protein in my urine. So, they made me go down to the lab and have some blood drawn and do another urine analysis. We went home and waited for the call. At about 5:30 we got called by the NP and told that I was starting to show signs of preclampsia. She gave me the list of warning signs and told me to take it easy for the weekend and come back on Monday morning. So, Monday morning came and I got dressed and headed to the OB again (well the NP actually because my OB is still out of town). This time I went by myself. We had had so many false alarms we figured this would pan out normal and so Steven went to class and I went to the doctor. Luckily, we did put the hospital bags in the car just in case the slight chance I was having the baby came true.
Well, I got to the doctor and the protein in my urine had gone up even more over the weekend. I had also gained a half pound and another cm to the top of my belly. So, I was at 40 cms and officially full term. The nurse practitioner came in again and announced she had discussed with the on-call OB and I would be getting induced that day. She checked me and I was at 3 cms, 75% effaced, and 0 station. She told me I had a few minutes to call whoever I needed too and then I would be getting wheeled over to the hospital. So, I called Steven first. He was just as shocked as me...he was at work and had to take a test in about an hour...oh and I had the car. So he hung up in a panic and I called my mom, dad, and Steven's parents. By then, my time was up and the nurse came to take me on a 'cadillac ride' (her words not mine) over to the hospital. I know it's just protocol but man did I feel dumb being wheeled through the floor across the main entrance of the clinic and the hospital and up to the birthing center.
Then, I was in my birthing room. Still no Steven. I was turned over to a great nurse who started all the admission stuff. I got asked some of the dumbest questions ever, but the nurse was hilarious and we made the best of it. She got my IV drip started and also drew some more blood. If you don't know, there are 3 signs of preclampsia: high protein in the urine, quick swelling of the hands, feet, and face, and high blood pressure. Well, since I was showing one of them, they had to monitor the other 2 pretty well. I was getting my blood pressure taken every 15 minutes...talk about irritating. So after about an hour of questions and answers with the nurse, the on call OB came in- Dr. Lays. I had never met her before but man she was great too! She had excellent bedside manner. She came in and told me what was happening and what I could expect. She actually gave me the choice to not be induced and come back every day to the lab to have more blood drawn, urine samples given, and blood pressure taken...So basically we could wait for something bad to happen or I could have my baby within 24 hours...like that was really a question. She also explained to me the risks of being induced and the epidural and we talked through how I wanted my labor to go. Seriously I felt so at ease with her that I knew it was an answered prayer. During this time, I also met the on-call resident, Dr. Mahji. She was also an answered prayer. We had already been to the birthing center 2x in the past 2 weeks. Once because baby wasn't moving and we needed to check he was ok (he was-he just didn't like the contractions either). The second time, we thought I was in labor--I wasn't. During both those visits there had been another resident doctor that I didn't love, so I was happy with Dr. Mahji. Anyways...at about 2:20 the nurse was finally done with everything and started the pitocin drip. Steven got there very shortly after this. *A BIG thanks to McKenzie for driving him. He basically just showed up at her door and asked her to take him to the hospital*. At 3, we got a new nurse who I can honestly say was one of the most obnoxious people I have ever met. She rubbed both Steven and I the wrong way. She kept telling me that my contractions weren't strong enough and I wasn't in enough pain...it still irritates me just thinking about her. She also called in the CNRA (the lady who gives out the epidurals) to talk to me (this lady was great and put me at ease also) But, this obnoxious nurse was sure to point out that I wasn't hurting enough to get an epidural yet. SERIOUSLY I could have killed her...Then, she kept moving me around in bed which wasn't helping anything either. Finally at about 6:15, Dr. Lays sent word that I needed my water broken. So, Dr. Mahji came and broke my water (which actually was one of the worst parts of the night) and put in a inter-uterine device catheter to monitor the contractions from the inside. Baby does not like to be monitored and I think they were tired of him kicking off our monitors. After my water was broken and I have this new contraction monitor on, this obnoxious nurse says "Wow you must really have a high pain tolerance, I think you've been in active labor for awhile" Ya...like I was trying to tell you, irritating. After, I was checked again and I was at a 4 and I was cleared to get my epidural at any time. My goal was to get to a 5 on my own and then have it.
At this point, things really started to pick up. I was gushing fluid and having TERRIBLE contractions. Steven was helping me breathe through them and I was miserable...oh and did I mention I also had back labor?! The only good part of this stage was that the nurses were overstaffed so my nurse had to go home. Bummer. BUT again, with an answered prayer, we got Haley, a FANTASTIC nurse who made it through the worst part of labor with me and Steven. She was supposed to stay on until 7 am so she would be the one to deliver with us. When Haley came into the room around 7:15, I told her I was ready for the epidural. By this point, I could hardly catch my breath in between contractions and I had promised Steven he was never getting another child out of me.
Finally, they had me sitting up ready for the epidural. Sitting up caused me to GUSH fluid like there was no tomorrow. So, I'm sitting on my bed, gushing fluid, having regular HARD contractions, back labor, crying (which made my nose run like crazy) all while trying to keep still and relaxed to get the epidural in. It took about 3 or 4 of the worst contractions of my life to get it in and get me laying back down. All the while Steven and Haley breathed through them and talked through them with me. I laid back down and the epidural wasn't working yet. Dr. Lays came in right at the end of this stage and introduced herself to Steven. She also had to check me. I was still feeling contractions and I was at a 6. So that means I went 2 cms in about 40 mins...That's fast. AND I made it to 6 on my own. No wonder I thought I was dying.
After this point, things were much more relaxed. The epidural kicked in and I was able to relax a bit. In fact, it was more of an anxious waiting excitement at this point. I was one of the lucky third of women who get an epidural and it works perfectly for them. I truly admire women who do it without pain medicine, but not me, not ever. At about 9:30 PM Steven decided to go get some food and go for a walk. While he was gone, Haley checked me and I was at 9+ and 95% effaced. She told me I was about ready to push. She also said she'd wait for Steve to get back before she checked me again and called me ready to push. Also, she said that they needed a nurse to go up to the 5th floor to babysit a patient who kept trying to get out of bed or take their lines out...and it was her turn :( Almost in tears I asked her what we had to do to keep her there. She told me there was a good chance the baby would be there before she had to leave at 11 anyways. Steven came back at about 10 and I told him the good news. He was shocked out of his mind. He text my mom right away and she requested to be put on speakerphone so she could listen while we pushed...Steven obliged and I found out later.
At 10:35 I got all set up to start pushing and Haley taught me the counting procedures and everything. By 10:45 it was game time. We started pushing and Haley immediately could see baby's head. Even Steven looked to see how much hair the baby had. At 11, my new nurse Karlina came in and took over the breathing and pushing coaching. Haley was able to waste time and stayed until almost 11:30. We kept thinking the baby was almost out but he kept going right back up after every push. Luckily, Karlina was equally awesome and she got us through the next 2 hours of pushing...that's right I pushed for 2 1/2 hours total. Dr. Lays and Dr. Mahji came in after about an hour and checked on me. Dr. Mahji stayed for about 30 minutes and helped as well. Finally at 1 AM I made a deal with Karlina. If the baby wasn't there by 1:45, she would let me order food and I would save it until the baby was born. You see I had expected to be home for lunch...so I hadn't eaten anything but a cup of jello and water since 10 AM...that is a LONG time for anyone to go without eating. AND the hospital room service closes from 2-5:30 AM every morning. I needed to make sure I had some food. She countered with an offer of "If he's not here by 1:30 you can order food". Turns out both were unnecessary. At 1:05, the nurse supervisor came in and suggested a different position to push in. I tried it and it got things really going. I think I had finally figured out which muscles to use. By 1:10, Karlina called in the crew. The doctors got gowned, took out the IUDC monitor and left it up to me to feel the contraction and push the baby out. It only took one more contraction. In the second set of counting to ten, I got to 6 and something felt weird but I was still pushing. Then I heard someone say, You can stop...I opened my eyes and lo and behold the most beautiful thing I've ever seen: Quintin. I saw Steven cut the umbilical cord and then they laid baby Quintin on my chest. I got to hold him for a minute before they took him to the warmer. He got to the warmer and gave the nurses a shower in his pee...they all laughed about his plumbing working. I got stitched up (level 2 tear which I guess is normal for a first time delivery and pushing for so long). Steven ordered me some food, and things started calming down. I got to hold my baby for awhile while we waited for the epidural to start wearing off and my food to come. Haley came down on her break to see him.
(Not the most flattering picture, but I think it shows all the emotions I was feeling)
Quintin is honest to goodness THE most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I've seen lots of babies, but none that were BRAND BRAND new. And none that were quite so handsome. The nurses all loved his hair, and so do we. I couldn't help but cry when I first saw him. I was exhausted and it had been a long day, but he was worth every single piece of it. I'm still amazed how blessed I am to have seven pounds of Heavenly Father's most beautiful creation to take care of.
He is such a well-mannered baby. We were able to come home from the hospital on Wednesday evening. We could have stayed until Thursday but I was ready for my own bed and not to have people coming in and out of my room at their discretion. Quintin is a good little nurser and an even better snuggler. My mom came for about 5 days after he was born and it was wonderful. She helped take care of me and took care of Quintin. She woke up with me at night to help carry him and change him and get him back to sleep. I cried a lot when she left.
Steven is such a great daddy. He comes home in between any classes that he can and helps however he can. Today, he held Q while I took a shower...it's the little things that mean the most.
All in all, we were so blessed in labor and delivery of our little guy. We had great nurses and although our original doctor was not around, we were blessed with a wonderful OB and resident to deliver as well. We still pray that our nurses and doctors get extra blessings for the great work they did for us. We were also blessed with great nurses during recovery. We were lucky to have friends come visit in the hospital and also to have my mom come stay with us. She heard the birth via the phone and was on the first flight out the next day to come visit. In fact, she had to fly to Minneapolis and drive the 4 1/2 hours to get to us. But, I'm sure after she snuggled Q all that work was worth it ;)
Life is good, Quintin is beautiful and we couldn't be happier :)
PS Congrats if you made it through this whole rambling mess ;)
Or if you don't care how he got here, here are his stats:
Quintin Beckim Dorn
Born 1:17 AM Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Weight: 7 lbs 12.9 oz
Length: 20 3/4 inches
Shortest story: Went into the hospital at noon on Monday October 18, 2010. Had the baby at 1:17 AM October 19, 2010.
Short Story: Went to the OB at 11 on Monday October 18, 2010. They were worried I was starting to have preclampsia so they wheeled me over and admitted me to the hospital. Started pitocin at 2:20 PM. Had my water broke at 6:15 PM. Started really hating life. Got my epidural in at 7:30 PM and started loving life again. By 10:30 I was fully dilated and thinned out. At 10:45 PM I started pushing. At 1:17 AM on Tuesday October 19th, Quintin was born. Steven cut the umbilical cord.
The Story:
On Friday Oct. 15, I went to my regularly scheduled OB visit. Except, I was with the nurse practitioner because my OB was out of town. Everything measured normal except I had a high level of protein in my urine. So, they made me go down to the lab and have some blood drawn and do another urine analysis. We went home and waited for the call. At about 5:30 we got called by the NP and told that I was starting to show signs of preclampsia. She gave me the list of warning signs and told me to take it easy for the weekend and come back on Monday morning. So, Monday morning came and I got dressed and headed to the OB again (well the NP actually because my OB is still out of town). This time I went by myself. We had had so many false alarms we figured this would pan out normal and so Steven went to class and I went to the doctor. Luckily, we did put the hospital bags in the car just in case the slight chance I was having the baby came true.
Well, I got to the doctor and the protein in my urine had gone up even more over the weekend. I had also gained a half pound and another cm to the top of my belly. So, I was at 40 cms and officially full term. The nurse practitioner came in again and announced she had discussed with the on-call OB and I would be getting induced that day. She checked me and I was at 3 cms, 75% effaced, and 0 station. She told me I had a few minutes to call whoever I needed too and then I would be getting wheeled over to the hospital. So, I called Steven first. He was just as shocked as me...he was at work and had to take a test in about an hour...oh and I had the car. So he hung up in a panic and I called my mom, dad, and Steven's parents. By then, my time was up and the nurse came to take me on a 'cadillac ride' (her words not mine) over to the hospital. I know it's just protocol but man did I feel dumb being wheeled through the floor across the main entrance of the clinic and the hospital and up to the birthing center.
Then, I was in my birthing room. Still no Steven. I was turned over to a great nurse who started all the admission stuff. I got asked some of the dumbest questions ever, but the nurse was hilarious and we made the best of it. She got my IV drip started and also drew some more blood. If you don't know, there are 3 signs of preclampsia: high protein in the urine, quick swelling of the hands, feet, and face, and high blood pressure. Well, since I was showing one of them, they had to monitor the other 2 pretty well. I was getting my blood pressure taken every 15 minutes...talk about irritating. So after about an hour of questions and answers with the nurse, the on call OB came in- Dr. Lays. I had never met her before but man she was great too! She had excellent bedside manner. She came in and told me what was happening and what I could expect. She actually gave me the choice to not be induced and come back every day to the lab to have more blood drawn, urine samples given, and blood pressure taken...So basically we could wait for something bad to happen or I could have my baby within 24 hours...like that was really a question. She also explained to me the risks of being induced and the epidural and we talked through how I wanted my labor to go. Seriously I felt so at ease with her that I knew it was an answered prayer. During this time, I also met the on-call resident, Dr. Mahji. She was also an answered prayer. We had already been to the birthing center 2x in the past 2 weeks. Once because baby wasn't moving and we needed to check he was ok (he was-he just didn't like the contractions either). The second time, we thought I was in labor--I wasn't. During both those visits there had been another resident doctor that I didn't love, so I was happy with Dr. Mahji. Anyways...at about 2:20 the nurse was finally done with everything and started the pitocin drip. Steven got there very shortly after this. *A BIG thanks to McKenzie for driving him. He basically just showed up at her door and asked her to take him to the hospital*. At 3, we got a new nurse who I can honestly say was one of the most obnoxious people I have ever met. She rubbed both Steven and I the wrong way. She kept telling me that my contractions weren't strong enough and I wasn't in enough pain...it still irritates me just thinking about her. She also called in the CNRA (the lady who gives out the epidurals) to talk to me (this lady was great and put me at ease also) But, this obnoxious nurse was sure to point out that I wasn't hurting enough to get an epidural yet. SERIOUSLY I could have killed her...Then, she kept moving me around in bed which wasn't helping anything either. Finally at about 6:15, Dr. Lays sent word that I needed my water broken. So, Dr. Mahji came and broke my water (which actually was one of the worst parts of the night) and put in a inter-uterine device catheter to monitor the contractions from the inside. Baby does not like to be monitored and I think they were tired of him kicking off our monitors. After my water was broken and I have this new contraction monitor on, this obnoxious nurse says "Wow you must really have a high pain tolerance, I think you've been in active labor for awhile" Ya...like I was trying to tell you, irritating. After, I was checked again and I was at a 4 and I was cleared to get my epidural at any time. My goal was to get to a 5 on my own and then have it.
At this point, things really started to pick up. I was gushing fluid and having TERRIBLE contractions. Steven was helping me breathe through them and I was miserable...oh and did I mention I also had back labor?! The only good part of this stage was that the nurses were overstaffed so my nurse had to go home. Bummer. BUT again, with an answered prayer, we got Haley, a FANTASTIC nurse who made it through the worst part of labor with me and Steven. She was supposed to stay on until 7 am so she would be the one to deliver with us. When Haley came into the room around 7:15, I told her I was ready for the epidural. By this point, I could hardly catch my breath in between contractions and I had promised Steven he was never getting another child out of me.
Finally, they had me sitting up ready for the epidural. Sitting up caused me to GUSH fluid like there was no tomorrow. So, I'm sitting on my bed, gushing fluid, having regular HARD contractions, back labor, crying (which made my nose run like crazy) all while trying to keep still and relaxed to get the epidural in. It took about 3 or 4 of the worst contractions of my life to get it in and get me laying back down. All the while Steven and Haley breathed through them and talked through them with me. I laid back down and the epidural wasn't working yet. Dr. Lays came in right at the end of this stage and introduced herself to Steven. She also had to check me. I was still feeling contractions and I was at a 6. So that means I went 2 cms in about 40 mins...That's fast. AND I made it to 6 on my own. No wonder I thought I was dying.
After this point, things were much more relaxed. The epidural kicked in and I was able to relax a bit. In fact, it was more of an anxious waiting excitement at this point. I was one of the lucky third of women who get an epidural and it works perfectly for them. I truly admire women who do it without pain medicine, but not me, not ever. At about 9:30 PM Steven decided to go get some food and go for a walk. While he was gone, Haley checked me and I was at 9+ and 95% effaced. She told me I was about ready to push. She also said she'd wait for Steve to get back before she checked me again and called me ready to push. Also, she said that they needed a nurse to go up to the 5th floor to babysit a patient who kept trying to get out of bed or take their lines out...and it was her turn :( Almost in tears I asked her what we had to do to keep her there. She told me there was a good chance the baby would be there before she had to leave at 11 anyways. Steven came back at about 10 and I told him the good news. He was shocked out of his mind. He text my mom right away and she requested to be put on speakerphone so she could listen while we pushed...Steven obliged and I found out later.
At 10:35 I got all set up to start pushing and Haley taught me the counting procedures and everything. By 10:45 it was game time. We started pushing and Haley immediately could see baby's head. Even Steven looked to see how much hair the baby had. At 11, my new nurse Karlina came in and took over the breathing and pushing coaching. Haley was able to waste time and stayed until almost 11:30. We kept thinking the baby was almost out but he kept going right back up after every push. Luckily, Karlina was equally awesome and she got us through the next 2 hours of pushing...that's right I pushed for 2 1/2 hours total. Dr. Lays and Dr. Mahji came in after about an hour and checked on me. Dr. Mahji stayed for about 30 minutes and helped as well. Finally at 1 AM I made a deal with Karlina. If the baby wasn't there by 1:45, she would let me order food and I would save it until the baby was born. You see I had expected to be home for lunch...so I hadn't eaten anything but a cup of jello and water since 10 AM...that is a LONG time for anyone to go without eating. AND the hospital room service closes from 2-5:30 AM every morning. I needed to make sure I had some food. She countered with an offer of "If he's not here by 1:30 you can order food". Turns out both were unnecessary. At 1:05, the nurse supervisor came in and suggested a different position to push in. I tried it and it got things really going. I think I had finally figured out which muscles to use. By 1:10, Karlina called in the crew. The doctors got gowned, took out the IUDC monitor and left it up to me to feel the contraction and push the baby out. It only took one more contraction. In the second set of counting to ten, I got to 6 and something felt weird but I was still pushing. Then I heard someone say, You can stop...I opened my eyes and lo and behold the most beautiful thing I've ever seen: Quintin. I saw Steven cut the umbilical cord and then they laid baby Quintin on my chest. I got to hold him for a minute before they took him to the warmer. He got to the warmer and gave the nurses a shower in his pee...they all laughed about his plumbing working. I got stitched up (level 2 tear which I guess is normal for a first time delivery and pushing for so long). Steven ordered me some food, and things started calming down. I got to hold my baby for awhile while we waited for the epidural to start wearing off and my food to come. Haley came down on her break to see him.
(Not the most flattering picture, but I think it shows all the emotions I was feeling)
Quintin is honest to goodness THE most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I've seen lots of babies, but none that were BRAND BRAND new. And none that were quite so handsome. The nurses all loved his hair, and so do we. I couldn't help but cry when I first saw him. I was exhausted and it had been a long day, but he was worth every single piece of it. I'm still amazed how blessed I am to have seven pounds of Heavenly Father's most beautiful creation to take care of.
He is such a well-mannered baby. We were able to come home from the hospital on Wednesday evening. We could have stayed until Thursday but I was ready for my own bed and not to have people coming in and out of my room at their discretion. Quintin is a good little nurser and an even better snuggler. My mom came for about 5 days after he was born and it was wonderful. She helped take care of me and took care of Quintin. She woke up with me at night to help carry him and change him and get him back to sleep. I cried a lot when she left.
Steven is such a great daddy. He comes home in between any classes that he can and helps however he can. Today, he held Q while I took a shower...it's the little things that mean the most.
All in all, we were so blessed in labor and delivery of our little guy. We had great nurses and although our original doctor was not around, we were blessed with a wonderful OB and resident to deliver as well. We still pray that our nurses and doctors get extra blessings for the great work they did for us. We were also blessed with great nurses during recovery. We were lucky to have friends come visit in the hospital and also to have my mom come stay with us. She heard the birth via the phone and was on the first flight out the next day to come visit. In fact, she had to fly to Minneapolis and drive the 4 1/2 hours to get to us. But, I'm sure after she snuggled Q all that work was worth it ;)
Life is good, Quintin is beautiful and we couldn't be happier :)
PS Congrats if you made it through this whole rambling mess ;)
September 29, 2010
Our First Visitors
In mid-August, Allegiant had some GREAT deals on airfare from home here to GF. So, we convinced my mom and sister, Talia to come visit us...AND THEY DID!! FOR A WEEK!!
It was AWESOME! We warned them of how exciting our city was in advance, but we did manage to do some fun things. I'm only including a few favorite pictures because between my mom and I there are over 400 photos from the week...
Steven gave them the grand tour of UND and the airplanes.
We visited the farmer's market and took some pictures in the downtown district.
We drove to Fargo and visited Bonanzaville, USA- and yes it is as GREAT as it sounds. We laughed a lot.
Bonanzaville
We drove to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada one day. We toured the mint, went to Tinkertown to play mini golf, shopped, had a picnic at the park, and had lots of fun minus a few pregnant break downs :)
Holding half a million dollars.
We went to Kegs for some old-fashioned root beer and burgers.
We grilled at a park and played frisbee.
On the last morning, we rented a tandem bike from the union. It was hilarious to watch them figure it out. They did get the hang of it though. Steven dragged them ALL over the city on that thing too.
It was AWESOME! We warned them of how exciting our city was in advance, but we did manage to do some fun things. I'm only including a few favorite pictures because between my mom and I there are over 400 photos from the week...
Steven gave them the grand tour of UND and the airplanes.
We visited the farmer's market and took some pictures in the downtown district.
We drove to Fargo and visited Bonanzaville, USA- and yes it is as GREAT as it sounds. We laughed a lot.
Bonanzaville
We drove to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada one day. We toured the mint, went to Tinkertown to play mini golf, shopped, had a picnic at the park, and had lots of fun minus a few pregnant break downs :)
Holding half a million dollars.
We went to Kegs for some old-fashioned root beer and burgers.
We grilled at a park and played frisbee.
On the last morning, we rented a tandem bike from the union. It was hilarious to watch them figure it out. They did get the hang of it though. Steven dragged them ALL over the city on that thing too.
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