Playing Dress-Up

The onslaught of photos continues...
It won't always be practical, but for the time being, we are having lots of fun dressing Kendall up in lots of cute outfits- this one is a personal favorite of mine. Uncle Derek gave her the cute boots she is sporting. Since she came out a little "riper" than we expected, we have to use her newborn clothes quickly! Ohhh, little girls are so much fun!

Santa Baby...

Spending Christmas at the hospital wasn't in our original plans, but it ended up being a neat experience. The birthing center was quite festive in decor and Christmas cheer, with Santa Claus making the rounds on Christmas Eve to visit the new babies. The newborns in the nursery were all wrapped in Christmas stockings, and nurses brought around Christmas cards made by children to brighten our day. Outside, the blizzard ruled the roads and unfriendly winds blew, but the snow was pretty to watch from our warm room as we ushered in the Christmas holiday with our newest gift.

How I Became Un-Pregnant!

According to my last blog, I should have a two-week-old baby by now. Lots has happened since then! Here's the deluxe version of our labor and delivery story for you curious folk. Read if you'd like...or just skip to the good stuff (PICTURES!).

INDUCTION FAIL

Chris and I packed up for the hospital for our scheduled induction appointment on Dec. 16th. I grimaced through the IV pokes and lab work as the pitocin drip was started. Contractions went from slow-going to intense and back to slow-going throughout the day...so slow, in fact, they decided to stop for the night and start again in the morning. After making little progress in the morning hours, we decided to pack it in and let it happen naturally. Our induction was postponed at that time until Christmas Eve...and it seemed like an eternity away.

THUMB-TWIDDLING

The days after the induction were the worst. My parents were here and Chris' family had come and gone. We were all expecting to be holding a baby by this point. Aside from the mental duress of waiting, physically I was a disaster. At almost 9 1/2 months pregnant, sitting on the couch was pretty much my only option. I think we were all experiencing a degree of cabin fever, and did our best to bide our time with games, movies and naps.

I'VE GOT SOME CRAZY BAD GAS!

On Tuesday morning (Dec. 22), I woke up with some unusual lower back pain. Staying in bed for a while, I wrote it off as constipation. Unable to get comfortable anymore, I relocated to the couch where I noticed that this gas pain came and went in semi-regular intervals. Not expecting contractions to appear solely as back pain, I was suspicious but began timing the pain anyway. Like clockwork, it would resurface every 6-7 minutes. After monitoring this for a few hours, I called Chris, who rushed home from work despite my warnings that it may just be gas. (After the last hospital disappointment, I did not want to get my hopes up just yet.) Building in intensity, I decided it was time to get an expert opinion...and off to the hospital we went. Again.

GOD BLESS THE EPIDURAL

Confirming what surely was contractions by this point, the doctor reported that we were making progress...already to four centimeters when we checked in! As we steadily approached 5 centimeters, I made the smartest decision I have ever made...I ordered an epidural. Though the pain was not unbearable at this point, the relief was sweet and I would NEED it in the hours to come! This, however, made the contractions slow down- so much so that we were briefed on the possibility of a c-section if they didn't start again. Chris and I used the following couple hours to rest up while the pitocin went to work, and I became worried because I was in no physical discomfort- surely it wasn't working.

I'M WHAT!?

The nurse disrupted our naps to check me again, and to our GREAT surprise, announced that I was 9 1/2 centimeters! I was more than pleased that the pain of active labor had taken place as I slept! We shifted mental gears and prepared for the big moment, which was coming soon. Now well after midnight, our baby would be born on December 23rd! The next hour and a half was spent pushing- and I was again surprised by the ease of this part of the process. It was hard work, but completely manageable. I didn't even break a sweat!

THIS IS A BIG BABY!

4:27 a.m. "You'll have a baby on the next push...I promise!" The doctor kept her promise, and with a little help from the good ol' vacuum, Kendall Rae Stavenger made her way into the world with the most precious cry I've ever heard. The doctor observed that she seemed like a big baby, followed by weight guesses flying around the room. After most estimated between 8.6 and 8.12, there were audible shrieks when the nurse weighed her in at 9 POUNDS, 14 OUNCES! I proudly accepted all the extra brownie points I was awarded from the staff and my husband. :)

WORTH THE WAIT

All that extra baking in my belly meant Miss Kendall popped out nice and healthy-looking, with beautiful big cheeks and adorable tummy. She was promptly visited by the troopers who waited out this long labor at the hospital: Grandma Marcia and Aunt Carrie (from Moorhead) and Grandpa Keith and Grandma Donna (from California). The experience was better than I could have ever expected, and the recent anticipation only made her arrival sweeter.


The Stats!
Kendall Rae Stavenger
Born December 23rd, 2009 at 4:27 a.m.
9 lbs, 14 oz.
19.9 inches long

Baby Kendall with her tired mommy and daddy.

Merry Christmas from Luna

...now the "overlooked child" in the house.

This is just a holdover post until the REAL update...soon!
Hope your Christmas was merry and bright!

One Way Out...

My Youth Pastor taught me to ski. I spent several ski trips honing my novice skills on the bunny hills in Tahoe, focusing on getting off the lift without biting it big time. On an earlier trip, Pastor Jeff asked me if I wanted to try something a little harder, assuring me it would be a breeze and he would ski down with me.

Youth Pastors lie.

I should have known when I had to have a special pass just to get on the lift. On the way up the hill, I interrogated him about my top-of-the-hill options. I'm not the thrill-seeker sort, so I hoped for a casual, scenic trail to cruise down. That is NOT what greeted me at the top of the hill- it was so steep it practically curled under. While Jeff giggled mischievously, I looked at the big black diamond staring at me and then to the photographer taking pictures of skiers at the summit. It would, no doubt, be my LAST picture should I attempt this hill. I pleaded with the man, "is there ANY other way down?" His answer confirmed my worst fear- the ONLY way was straight down.

It was a pee-my-pants terrifying moment in my life, but the fact that I am blogging now is testimony to the fact that I did it (albeit, sloooowly) and survived.

Tomorrow is another such moment in my life. A doctor appointment today set us on the path of induction, so Chris and I report to the hospital at 5:30 a.m. to get the party started. There's only one way for this baby to exit my body, and I hear it's....uh....not pleasant. But, I suppose much like the final exams many of my friends are undergoing, the unpleasantness will be followed by great relief- and greater joy.

Thank you for taking this journey with me and for sharing your insights and encouragement. I look forward to reporting from the next phase of life!

Farewell from pre-motherhood!

(The paparazzi followed us to our last doctor appointment.)

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

...and still no baby. But have some patience, ye of little patience. We have yet to reach our due date. It's after that passes that we can stomp and whine. Meanwhile, the Duluth Stavengers are ready for Christmas...and have been for a while. We caved this year and purchased an artificial tree, which turned out as beautiful as a real one (and as fragrant, thanks to Bath and Body Works Scentports).

Winter ambience.

Representing Biola here in the Northland!

The stockings were hung by the...television...with care. I know- hard to believe we don't have a fireplace here in Antarctica. But, in this digital age, I don't see why Santa couldn't somehow molecularly transport himself through our screen.

Yep...there's one for you.

Moorhead Maternity Mayhem

Before I pop this kid out, I should probably finish blogging about my baby showers! Just a quickie...My sisters-in-greatness, Carrie and Alissa, threw me a baby shower at the beginning of November. I was a little nervous to drive across the state by myself (Chris was on call that weekend and had to stay in Duluth), but said a prayer and did it anyway. It was worth the long drive, being greeted at home by all the Stavenger ladies AND my mother! She and friend Patty conspired to surprise me with her attendance at the shower, and I got a BONUS three days with her back in Duluth! Such a great time for both of us to turn our attention toward preparing for baby.

The hostesses had a great idea...all shower attendees included their favorite children's book with their gift. We now have a great library (in addition to my book from teaching days) to get our little girl started!

Auntie Carrie and Auntie Alissa- lovely shower hostesses.


Checking out one of baby's new books.

Important ladies in my life!

Beware the Wrath...

Dog hair. It is the bane of my existence.
And if you thought I was neurotic about it before pregnancy, just watch me freak out about it now.
Luna is shedding...just in time for the baby to arrive.
Just as my nesting/cleaning urges are kicking into full gear.

Chris promised, with the adoption of Luna, that he would take responsibility for cleaning up after her. And, to his credit, he's done a great job keeping the floor vacuumed.
That would be great if her hair was ONLY on the floor.
Unfortunately, most of it ends up stuck to the couch, blankets, pillows, furniture...anything she walks by or touches.

Because our lives are not broadcast on a reality show, let me sum up the last couple weeks for you:

(week of Thanksgiving)
Jamie: You really need to lint roll the sofas. There is hair everywhere.
Chris: Ok.

(Day before Thanksgiving)
Jamie: I have company coming on Monday. Can you please lint roll the sofas soon?
Chris: Yeah.

(Thanksgiving Day- total meltdown in the car)
Jamie: THERE IS DOG HAIR ALL OVER MY BLACK COAT!! UGHHHGHHHGH!!!
Chris: (silence)
Jamie: I CAN'T SIT DOWN ANYWHERE WITHOUT BEING COVERED IN DOG HAIR!! (Tears) You NEED TO LINT ROLL THE SOFAS!!! (More tears)
Chris: Okay sweetie- don't cry. I'll do it.

(Post Thanksgiving)
Jamie: The lint roller is right there.
Chris: Okay. Thanks.

(Day before company comes)
Jamie: Chris...look at the couch. There are HUGE globs of hair all along the bottom. I don't want our company leaving with white hair all over them. Lint roll, please.
Chris: (warning: fatal mistake) It doesn't look like it needs it.
Jamie: (INSERT EVIL STARE/SMOKING EARS)
Chris: (insert look of pure fear) I'll do it right now.

Thankful.

• For God's provision in my life. Food. Home. Warmth. Love.
• For the hope and peace that Jesus brings.
  
• For family, near and far.
  
• For my parents and the strength they demonstrate.
• For amazing and supportive in-laws.
  
• For the quality time I had with my brother this year.
  
• For the tearless feast he is now enjoying in Heaven.
• For my husband's endless hugs.
• For a healthy pregnancy.
• For the joy this baby girl has already brought to our lives.
• For the support of friends.
• For many ways to stay in touch across the miles.
• For a wonderful church that's beginning to feel like home.
• For the troops that sacrifice to keep us safe.
• For a hot coffee on a cold winter day.
• For blessings great and small.

Happy Thanksgiving, one and all.
Thank you for being a part of my life.

State of the Pregnancy Address

We are 19 (nineteen. N-I-N-E-T-E-E-N.) days away from the anticipated birth of our first child.

And I haven't peed myself (yet), so I'd say month eight is going fairly well.

The hospital bag is packed and the nursery is finished- that's the easy, external stuff. Baby has been a great motivator to get Christmas shopping and decorating out of the way early, and I'm happy to report I can check the shopping (and wrapping) off my list! (Don't expect efficiency like this every year.)

My weekly checkups at the doctor assure us that everything is fine with baby...measurements, activity, position and heart rate are all normal. Also normal are the increasingly intense back pains, restless nights, and grunting noises that emanate from me when I stand...or move. At our last office visit, our nurse exclaimed that her head is "right there!"...locked and loaded for the big moment. Now, it's just a waiting game.

Baby has fallen in to a predictable pattern of activity. Like clockwork, she starts jabbing at my ribs around 10 p.m. More subtle activity occurs during the daytime. She also has a little water fetish...and will do cartwheels in my belly after I consume liquids. Her feet poke out regularly on my left side, opposite the huge bulge on my right side that causes a very lopsided tummy.

Mommy has been taking it easy, working sporadically for repeat classrooms. The flexibility in my work schedule has been a GODSEND the last 9 months. Meanwhile, Daddy has been stepping it up both at work and home, pulling some extra "on-call" weeks and putting dishes away on the bottom shelves :) I don't know how anyone does pregnancy, let alone motherhood, on their own! My husband is the best...though he is more than worried my opinion of him will change during labor. I have assured him he is in no physical danger- unless I hear him chewing.

The countdown to December 14th is on! 

(Photo credit:  Torsten Mangner)

Rock-a-Bye Baby.

It's getting close...we're three weeks away from our due date and now considered full term! This info is a little easier to swallow now that the nursery is nearly finished. Only one task is left, and due to secrecy issues surrounding her name, we can't finish it until closer to her arrival. I believe I posted "before" pictures a while ago...so, without further ado, here are the "afters"!

Our furniture is a dark espresso color, and the nursery colors include various creams, neutrals, celery green and dusty blue.


The rocking bunny pictured above will be baby's first Christmas present from mommy and daddy.

The shelf above the rocker features baby pictures of Chris and me, with a special spot in the middle for baby Stavenger.


And, of course, Uncle Dizzle will be with us every day!

Move Over, Boys.

How it happened, I don't know.
Chris' colleagues started a Fantasy Football league.
One of the docs couldn't make the "draft", so I drafted his team for him.
He neglected to ever sign in and play.
So...I inherited a team with a 0-3 losing streak.
I started reading up on players, watching games, consulting experts.
Now Stavgirl is in FIRST PLACE.
That's right...I've taken down every guy in our league on a 7-week win streak.
And I love it.
You'd better believe I'm utilizing the "smackboard" to rub it in.

This Sunday, Chris will fight for his pride as the Stavengers go head-to-head in battle. Frankly, he has more at stake as he'll have to answer to his friends at work should he lose...but I wouldn't mind having a little extra cash at the end of this thing. It'll be a nice income for a stay-at-home mommy :)

Am I the only female football fan out there?

Autumn has Come and Gone...

...but the pictures remain! All the leaves are now on the ground and the frost on the rooftops tell that winter is just around the corner. A little late, here are some reminders of how pretty Duluth is in the fall.

Chris went to Phoenix for a conference in October, so my dear friend Karen came to keep me company for a week (and some bonus days).





In my humble opinion, this is the best time to visit Duluth. It comes like clockwork near the end of September and stays through the first weeks in October...so plan your Minnesota 2010 vacations now- I'm sure rooms at Chateau Stavenger will fill up fast! We'll show you a good time!

Making a List, Checking it Twice.

Nope...not for Santa.
Not even for Christmas.

We're making a list of items we'll need to bring to the hospital with us when "the moment" arrives. Our classes at the hospital and some literature have given us a good start, but I'm always impressed with the advice that I glean from my blog-o-rrific experienced moms. Therefore, I'm opening up the floor. What did YOU bring to the hospital? OR, what do you WISH you had brought to the hospital with you?

First item on my list:

Yep- sometimes that smell gets me through the day.

Halloween Hero

Ever since Captain Chesley Sullenberger landed his U.S. Airways plane IN the Hudson river saving all passengers on board, Chris has had a bit of a man-crush on the pilot. And for the better part of the year, he's been looking forward to sporting a "Sully" costume. I thought I'd be able to enjoy one more halloween without worrying about crafting a costume, but it turns out that husbands need help too...

I may be biased, but I think it turned out pretty cute. :)


Decked out in pilot duds, minus the facial hair.

His whole demeanor changed by adding the mustache...

The View from the Top.

Hello, belly.
I'll see you again soon, feet.

:)

One.

One life.
One blood.
One life,
You got to do what you should.
One life
With each other.
Sisters,
Brothers.
One life
But we're not the same.
We get to
Carry each other,
Carry each other.

One....life.



Enjoy the concert from above, Deez. We love you.

The Rebel and Me.

Just bought a new toy today...a brand-spankin' new Canon Rebel XS digital camera. As you can imagine, we'll be taking quite a few pictures in the near future, and the point-n-shoot just wasn't cutting it in the quality department. Until our photogenic little one arrives, I'll be practicing on the beautiful Duluthian fall foliage. Hopefully it will stop snowing long enough for me to get a few good shots.

Oh, and if you're within proximity of my lens, don't be surprised if you become the subject of my impromptu photo shoot. Just work it.

Don't Leave Me Alone With Myself.

Howdy-ho, partners.

The house is dark, I've completed my essential Thursday-night television viewing, and am now sitting down to pen some thoughts- which will hopefully be coherent despite my tiredness and a determined baby pressing against my belly.

Have you ever felt vulnerable? Of course you have...it's part of the human condition, and a challenging reality when it comes to the spiritual dimension. Vulnerable, that is, to attacks from the devil himself. I figured out my open door to these attacks a while back, and still struggle with keeping that door closed.

It happens when I'm alone for too long. Don't get me wrong...I've never considered myself to be of the co-dependent sort. But I can very easily let my thoughts snowball until I'm a weepy, sobbing mess. And I know that I can consciously stop that from happening, but often choose not to let Jesus fight that battle for me. It's just easier surrendering to sorrow.

Add into that mix a slew of gestational hormones and, well, I can be quite a wreck.

Chris is away at a conference this week, so I decided to combat the lonely-heart blues by surrounding myself with lots of distractions. I went to Moorhead for a couple days to hang out with Chris' family, a visit that was long overdue. Then I picked up my good friend Karen from CA, who will be staying with me for a week. All of this to avoid the inevitable meltdown.

Most importantly, I'm walking with Jesus on a minute-by-minute basis, and reminding myself that I'm never really alone.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Phil 4:7

Showered With Love

Ok....a little retroactive blogging is necessary. At the beginning of September, I flew out to Stockton for a couple days to enjoy some family time and a baby shower given by my mom and friends. It was really an incredible event- and I was especially blessed by those who traveled from out of town to be there (and a special appearance by my dad and brother made it complete). Lots of fun, GREAT food (I've been thinking of installing a perpetual chocolate fountain at my home to satisfy the fruit/chocolate cravings...) and a ton of love directed at this new little girl soon to arrive. I went home with a suitcase FULL of clothes and a heart full of joy.

Chocolate fountain heaven.

My beautiful mother (soon to be grandma!) and I. (Note the super cool diaper cake from Grandma Marcia in Minnesota!)

Party helpers and amazing friends.

The fabulous planning committee and my preggo self.

Sportin' the belly.

The whole shebang.

Just a sample of Baby Stavenger's adorable new wardrobe :)

This clothesline of sweetness was sent from my dear friend Stephanie...and there was another line of goodies in the box!

Hmmm....what to do with the leftover chocolate!?