Eli 2 Months

Here you are 2 Months Old!!

Eli-
I keep hearing from other moms the first few months are a blur. Well, coffee was my best friend, sleep is just something that I have to get used not having, and every 2.5 hours give or take you have to poo and your eating 4oz or more! We have so many changes going on in our life not to mention.... I can not believe how big you are getting. It is incredible how much you have changed. You are cooing now, wiggling all over and that toung of yours if you could just figure it out.

I feel like you have been here with me forever it just amazes me. Your smiles just met my hears and your eyes are so piercing, it is impossible to describe how much love I have for one little one.

I love our mornings together, its the best part of my day. We take our time and cuddle. You are always up with a smile and a giggle... Im just waiting for you to figure out that laugh!!!

Month Highlights:
You interacting so much more with everyone smiling and trying to talk all the time.
We have to buy more toys for you because you constantly want to change up what you are doing.
I think next month you would be sitting up, you never want to be laying down.
Grandpa calls you bobble head because it it constantly moving all around observing everything around you.

Elis 1st Video Debut- Full Belly

This is my milk face.

More of my milk face.

I am so entertained by all of your expressions "the many faces of Eli". Your milk face, milk drunk, milk coma how ever you want to call it I can't get enough. Until a few weeks ago I though you would always have this frowny face. I swear you are working every muscle in your face to work up some of those grins.

Eli: 1 Month Old

Grandma got you your outfit at the hospital. We are going to see how much you grow each month.

I Love to sleep.

I Love to take walks with Mom.

Sometimes I Love to do tummy time but most of the time I end up checking myself out in the mirror.

You can always catch me making funny faces.

Mom said I am a pro at being a cuddle bug.

Thats right I am a heart breaker, just check out these guns.

I am Loving bath time.

We have lots of play time and at the end we are all tuckered out, even Skittles.

Eli-
They say it goes by so fast. I feel like every second I lay here with you watching you grow into your own, everyone else is passing us by. I live in the moment with you and it all passes us by. You have taught me to be patient and to live every moment every day.

Month Highlights:
Sleeping, Pooping, and keeping mom up all through the nights.
You are still eating every 2.5 hours and throughout the night.

Eli William Bowling's First Weeks

Our way out of the NICU, your first car ride.

This is proof you were tiny at one point.

Tummy time, it was not your favorite.

The shoes did fit, if you were wondering ;).

Moms DIY Shirt. 

First Bath, he is already a stud!

My Cuddle Bug, the moment where I feel so content.

My Little Babe.

That sums it up... just add poo to that.

My first few weeks were a little hectic. You think you got it all prepared, everything is clean, nursery set, laundry done, diapers stacked, meals set.... Below are a few lessons I had to learn that I want to pass on to other moms.

•  Get sleep before you go in to delivery if you can, because it is true you will no longer have the option to nap whenever. 
• Don't wash all of your babies clothes. Eli didn't fit into most of his newborn clothes and I washed everything. 
• Allow people to help or ask for help! I did everything myself. The very next day after being home I was in the emergency here for more. 
• Start off with a routine feeding, changing etc. Babies love to have a pattern, the thrive on it and it will save you time in the end to rest. After every feeding I changed him, it takes a lot of energy to eat so make sure you change him after he is full. He will also be more relaxed. 
• Cut out all of the "small stuff". I found out the hard way. I was pumping, breastfeeding, bottle feeding and at the end I had to start all over again leaving me with no sleep here is more of what I went through. 
• Buy loads of bottles if you are using them. We only had a few I did a lot of washing and having to sanitize, sterilize, and merging milk, time is so valuable and it goes by so fast. Now I just wash them at the end of the day or as needed. "Cut the small stuff", it adds up!
• Know there are resources out there to help. A nurse was able to come over and assist me with anything I needed, support groups, lactationist, etc. 
• This is time for you and your baby! If things don't get done around the house etc. its not going any where!! Don't be a super mom!

There was a lot of pressures on building a routine, breastfeeding, staying awake, having everyone sanitize and everything else unexpected it was overwhelming. I found that if its not fitting into you bonding with baby get rid of it. Mothers instinct is nothing you can teach!!!!

Eli- you on the other hand were wonderful. From the first day in the NECU you were so calm, they told us just wait, well I'm still waiting... I knew from the beginning you were like mom, laid back and peaceful.
With those long nights, tears & no sleep I just have to gaze down at you and I feel so content and at peace.

This is just my personal experience up until now. I looked forward to reading on other mom advice. I hope this helps with other mom-to-be.

Introducing Little Baby Fig

Eli William Bowling arrived into this world

Or should we say Eli William Bowling!!!
Born : 5.2.2014
Weight : 8lb 1oz
Height : 21in

Baby E and Delivery

Eli William Bowling has arrived. After a long fight/ 24+ hour delivery on Sunday afternoon at 1:22pm, weighting a huge 8.1lbs at 21in. He was so culm right out of delivery.

Due to me having Gestational Diabetes Eli had to stay in the NICU. His sugar was low and they had to monitor him. They expected him to have to stay in the NICU another week after we were home. This little guy it tough and loves to eat. He ended up coming home with us!!!

Where do I start.
My pregnancy and delivery is deffinatly something to be talked about, well thats what the nurses were saying when they found out I had a blog. They couldn't wait to see pictures and hear about how little Eli was doing.

I have never felt so taken care of as when I did while I was in the hands of Spectrum Health Family Birthplace staff. I could never imagine how they do this every day, they made me feel so special and unique. I will update the names on who took care of us to come*.

Lets start where I left off here. I had not 1 but 2 very uncommon pregnancy conditions Obstetric Cholestasis and Gestational Diabetes. While I was pregnant I remember thinking this is going by so slow. The pains, the itchiness, sleepless nights, feeling uncomfortable in your own body, weight gain, not being able to bend over, shortness of breath, another symptom another week, feeling like your constantly tired, feeling stuck, wrestles, bloated, heartburn, emotionally not stable, unbelievable cravings, and thats the tip of it. But looking back it really did go by fast. Honestly, I get it now why women are so much stronger. Even today looking back yup I did that!!! All that!!!
Towards the end you just want it to pass. They gave us 9 months because another month we would have go nuts. I would have to say I feel the same about child birth. You don't think about what your body just went through for that long. I would do it all the exact same if I had to.

My Delivery: I had a birth plan set and it was important to me to stick with it. Everything else through my pregnancy was exactly what I didn't expect or I had unexacting conditions. I felt like this was something I really wanted to experience and embrace. This was such a special moment in my life and I wanted to know I had control over it. It was my first and I was being induced and I knew it was going to be long road. I wanted popsicles, a tub, and most of all to be natural.

For the first 17 hours I did it natural. They gave me Oxytocin to start my contractions and keep them going. During that time they Ruptured my membrane and this triggered my water to break.
At this point from not sleeping from Obstetric Cholestasis and being up in the nights before and the intense amount of pain, I couldn't keep my eyes open. My body was convulsing, shivering, I had intense back labor. Eli was not getting any closer. They gave me an epidermal. It is amazing on how one point you are watching and FEELING your contractions and another laying in bed just watching them on the monitor not feeling a darn thing. It also was the freakiest weirdest thing I had ever felt, I didn't want anyone touching my bottom half fear of them breaking something and I would never know.
That was shortly lived. As I started to feel the pain again I was able to push stronger my body was at it again. Shaking uncontrollably and to add to it the back pain was so bad to counteract the pain someones full body weight and strength had to be pushing on the center of my back. The pain was so bad I was getting sick and I never get sick!
With all of that pushing Eli did not want to come out. I couldn't keep my eyes open I was a mess.
I had to have a C-Section. I was devastated and terrified.
I then brook down. It was so important to me to be able to hold Eli and bond with him those first few seconds, I needed to!!
That was is with in minutes I signed a paper, behind a sheet, cut open and I had my baby in my arms.
That was all that mattered. He was here safe and healthy.
I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. My Dr made that happen. I would not change a single thing.

Eli arrived 24 hours in the delivery room.
Due to my Gestational Diabetes he had to go straight to the NICU.

Reflecting back the next day. I could not believe what I had been through. Not to mention 9 months of completely giving up myself and body.
We did it, you and I Eli

I ready the pain a mother feels while giving birth is similar to 20 bones getting fractured at a time. A human body an only bear half that.

Look here for further information.

38 Weeks 5 Days Its Time!!

Here you are 38w 5d & ready to come out! 

Here you are 38w 5d & ready to come out!

Here you are 38w 5d & ready to come out!

As you can see my blood test came back this morning and I do have Obstetric Cholestasis or OC. The danger is not so much in mom, yet the intense itching all over is overwhelming at points leaving me awake at nights exhausted. The main concern with OC is our little one. Usually they would monitor me just as they are doing for my Gestational Diabetes, but having both and being full-term Dr. Klyn has decided to induce my labor.

Wow wowowow!! This is the day!!! My baby is going to be here. Little E, Little Baby Fig, My little man....

On this morning I got the call. My first though I get to sleep on my stomach, kidding. No but really I was asked to come in soon, I asked to come in at 1pm so I could "prep myself", double check my packing, take a bath, and paint my nails ya know. Your dad was gone for work in Holland so I told him to stay finish up while I was getting ready. I couldn't believe it my little wiggly worm who I hold every night and watch kick is actually going to be here.

How far along? 
38week 5days

Total weight gain?
My max weight was 175 week. I think I gained 5-8lbs my last week.

Maternity clothes?
At this point I will have to start a whole new wardrobe after baby... No more black and white or flats.

Stretch marks?
Some, nothing really noticeable.

Sleep?
Cholestasis has taken over I am itching all over all the time. Sleep.... I have no idea what the meaning is.

Best moment this week?
I am ready to meet you!!!!! The call this morning!!!

Miss anything?
Nothing at all!!

Movement?
Soon to be in my hands!!!

Food cravings?
Nope!

Gender?
Baby E is on his way!!!

Labour signs?
Only hours now...Eeeek

Symptoms?
At this point my main symptoms are Gestational Diabetes & Cholestasis.

Belly button in or out?
Its ready to go back in.

Happy or moody most of the time?
Over the Moon!!!!

Looking forward to?
My Little E!!!



Keep in-touch for upcoming post....
Little Baby Figs name reveal....
Our First & More to come....

37 Weeks 5 Days - Destress Test

Here you are 37w 5d Big.

Here you are 37w 5d Big.

I do indeed have Gestational Diabetes. That being said I have to monitor what I eat each week and I will have to go in and do a nonstress test. It is a painless procedure as you can see above. All it will do is monitor Baby Figs heartbeat to make sure you are being active. I had no problem with that, you were always active. I did love hearing your little heartbeat while I was in there.

How far along? 
37week 5days

Total weight gain?
Lost track.

Maternity clothes?
I have been sticking with the same clothes each week. A white tee and stretch pants. I did find this sweatshirt at Nordstrom Rack by  Free People, it fits nice and loose.

Stretch marks?
I did see a few, but at this point I really don't mind.

Sleep?
At this point I don't have any new symptoms. I am itching a lot more and I have to do some testing to see if I have Cholestasis.

Best moment this week?
Hearing my babies heartbeat. I can't wait to meet that little guy.

Miss anything?
Shaving my legs, its a pain in the butt.

Movement?
All the time. He wants to come out!!! Baby Fig lays along my right side, he is so big!

Food cravings?
This has been tough. I have to now test my sugar in the morning and after each meal and monitor each meal due to having Gestational Diabetes. So no more sugar, fruits and a lot of protein and fiber.

Gender?
Baby Boy E____ William Bowling!

Labour signs?
Nope not yet!

Symptoms?
I have Gestational Diabetes  so that has been a challenge with having cravings and having to track what I eat and my blood sugar. I have been extremely itchy in the next week I will be doing testing on weather or not I have Cholestasis, it is rare, but with my record thus far its not looking too good.

Belly button in or out?
It has no more room to stay in so its now poking out. :)

Happy or moody most of the time?
Annoyed and worried, same as last week.

Looking forward to?
Im just waiting on more testing!!!



Keep in-touch for upcoming post....
Test results on my itching problem....
Will our baby E be here...
Baby Checklist for You and Babysitter...

37 Weeks and 1 Day- Happy Easter!!!

Here you are 37weeks and 1day. Moms getting ready for you to come. 

This is too cute to pass up. It does have blue ears :).

Here you are 37weeks and 1day. 2 little monsters under my covers, Skittles and Baby Fig

Happy Easter to all!!! I never thought too much about Easter, but now that we have our own little guy on the way it is now one of my favorite holidays. I love seeing all the little kids running around in their bright pastel clothes hunting for easter eggs.

We did not have an Easter Baby as you can see :)!!! Next year we will have our own little one dressed up, maybe not hunting for eggs just yet, but he will deffinatly be the cutest one around! I am so ready for this little guy to come say hi. 

I wanted to share this video of Baby Fig and Skittles in beg. He is very active, its our little time together, I love it. This is what I do must nights and I actually got it on video this time <3 <3.

Keep in-touch for upcoming post....
DIY Teepee...

Information on Gestational Diabetes...
Grandmas nursery before/after...

35 Weeks 5 Days

Here you are 35w 5d and growing.

Here you are 35w 5d and growing and skittles saying hi.

Here you are 35w 5d and growing. 

With only a month I am getting a little restless. All of my DIY projects for you are coming to an end and your nursery is complete I am trying to stay occupied as much as I can. My best moment this week would be the Belly Cast Party, now you can see how "big" you really were in moms belly. I also found out that I had Gestational Diabetes, I was told we have a "chubby" baby. This coming week we will find out more.


How far along? 
35week 5days

Total weight gain?
Total weight gain so far is 30+lbs.

Maternity clothes?
Above I have a mens (daddies) white t-shirt on. I have been wearing these quite often these days. With the wormer weather I was able to finally wear more maxi skirts. The one above I bought a few months back from Old Navy Maternity.

Stretch marks?
Well, I did spot what I think are stretch marks above my right hip. Sense I can't see from my waste down I can't tell what they are. I did get a little upset at first, but really I am ok with it.

Sleep?
I have been taking Unisom to sleep. It doesn't help me fall asleep or stay asleep it more helps with me falling back to sleep when I get up on an average 2 hours to use the bathroom. He is most deffinatly getting bigger I am pretty solid so its hard for me to lift myself up from bed and move.

Best moment this week?
My Belly Cast Party, it was so so nice to feel like myself again laughing with my friends. They also got to see our new home. I have the most amazing friends to all come together and give me a dose of the single girls life, updates on their life and help me survive the wait... it was nice.

Miss anything?
Being able to eat whenever and whatever I want. Oh and my identity back!

Movement?
At night while I lay in bed on my side I can clearly see is little feet move. I love it, its like our time together :) look ahead for the video!

Food cravings?
I don't have any cravings, but I did do some testing this week and I didn't pass my glucose screening test for Gestational Diabetes. Meaning I have to see a specialist because I do in-fact have Gestational Diabetes.

Gender?
We have a name!!!! It is.... _________ William Bowling... We are not telling the first name :)

Labour signs?
No, but I feel like I am always on alert.

Symptoms?
My Heartburn is not as bad or I am just used to it. I have Oedema still, some days I can see it on my fingers and in my face, but it is always in my legs and feet. Like I said above I have Gestational Diabetes they found out late in my pregnancy so I have to take a crash course into what to do and how to handle it. Look ahead to find out. Another addition, I am itchy, really itchy all over all the time.

Belly button in or out?
It is an innie but also an outie. Look ahead for pictures.

Happy or moody most of the time?
Annoyed and worried.

Looking forward to?
Finding out more about Gestational Diabetes and what I can do about controlling it.



Keep in-touch for upcoming post....
More DIY projects before our little man comes...
Information on Gestational Diabetes...
Happy Easter will we have an Easter Baby??...

33 Weeks 7 Days

Here you are 33weeks 7days big!

Here you are 33weeks 7days big!!

Nearly 7 months apart Baby Bump!!!

Baby Bump, here you are 33weeks 7days. 

We finished up your nursery this week, I can not tell you enough how much I enjoyed creating this for you. From the time you were just a little bump in my belly I was brainstorming and creating inspirational projects for you and this is just a start to a who life of adventure for us to come... xoxo mommy. here is the outcome!!

How far along? 
33week 7days

Total weight gain?
Total weight gain so far is 30+lbs. I will have an update in the next post.

Maternity clothes?
I haven't bought any more maternity clothes at this point. Today is the first sunny worm day this year and I took full advantage of it!! This dress is not a maternity dress. This maxi pre-pregnancy fit me like a glove, so any bit of a belly that I had that day you could see it, I don't have to worry about too much now ;). I have a feeling that I will be wearing a lot of these maxi dresses this summer :)

Stretch marks?
Nope, we are so close lets hope I don't get any at this point I don't think it would bother me too much.

Sleep?
I have been waking up ever 2 hours or so. My bladder doesn't have much room any more and just being uncomfortable, so the same. The told me I could take Unisom to sleep through the nights, I have never been a fan of sleeping medications, but this one really is light on you and doesn't make you feel drowsy.

Best moment this week?
We finally put the finishing touches on the nursery and I could not be any happier with the turnout. Here is our reveal. All we need now is Baby Fig to get here!!!

Miss anything?
Being able to sleep on my belly or any other position besides my left or right side as a matter of fact.

Movement?
He is very active now!!! Mostly in the early mornings and late nights.

Food cravings?
Not too much, but I have to watch what I eat because Im still doing testing on Gestational Diabetes. So sweets and sugars are out of my diet for now. No more juice or fruits and even milk for mow. Lots of high fiber and protein foods.

Gender?
We are narrowing down on a name for our little Baby Fig!!! But we are not revealing it until he gets here <3 <3.

Labour signs?
No signs at all!

Symptoms?
Nothing to add to. Just the same as it has been. Mostly Heartburn, Oedema, and now I have to limit my sugars until I fond out more on Gestational Diabetes, its not too fun.

Belly button in or out?
I have a little nub right now, its trying to poke out.

Happy or moody most of the time?
Ancy.... tick, tick, tick...

Looking forward to?
Now that everything is coming to an end and getting close I am getting too ancy. I will have to find more ways to keep my mind busy... I see  Belly Cast Party in the near future!!

Keep in-touch for upcoming post....
Belly Cast Party...
Grandmas Nursery DIY Before/After...