Sorry for the Delay Folks

So last I blogged, I was in the early stages of my labor with my sweet little Skeletor. I can't believe I was blogging now that I look back, but I admit it helped take my mind off of the painful process. Soon after my last post, I received my epidural because let's face it folks childbirth is not that fun. I don't care what people say, it is not a beautiful process. The contractions, the exhaustion, the puking (oh yes there was puking!)...if you saw my pics of me right after he was delivered this Modern Mama was not pretty!

The epidural helped tremendously up until I had to start pushing and realized I could feel my left side. I tried to pump up the volume on the drugs, but it didn't do a damn thing. So I pushed for almost 3 hours with one side in pain and one side numb. It is definately one of the hardest things I have ever done in my entire life, but I was very lucky to have Team Tracy to help me deliver. Mama Mia and Auntie M were the best coaches a girl could have! They pushed with me and they encouraged me when I was tired beyond belief. They even took control when my labor nurse had to leave to monitor another patient. I am so grateful to them for helping me get through the whole thing.

After 20 LONG hours, Kellum Sawyer arrived at 10:38pm. It was so surreal for them to lay him on my chest. I carried him in me for 9 months, wondering what he would look like and not knowing what to expect when I finally saw him. I couldn't believe that I had pushed him out of me. I know that sounds strange. But you have to admit, the whole pregnancy and childbirth experience is strange.

Now that we have gotten home and have 2 1/2 weeks under our belt, we are doing pretty good. Kellum is a very good baby and I'm learning what mommy-life is really like. I have a lot of help from Mia and Auntie M, as well as my family and friends thankfully. We are very lucky to be surrounded by so much love. Aunt Meg comes in a few weeks to meet Kellum for the first time and I can't wait to see her! I know it has been killing her that she hasn't held him yet. I am enjoying my time home with my baby, but I know the reality of work and everything else will be coming soon. Until then I will keep ya'll up to date on what's going on in this Modern Mama's world!

Here We Go...

I know what your thinking. She's blogging while in labor? Well, I got news for you folks: labor is not that interesting. In fact it's pretty boring. A girl's got to find some way to pass the time I guess.

So our adventure began last night around midnight. Mom hasn't been sleeping that great lately because of the anticipation and she had actually gone to bed early. I put on my brand new p.j.s that Auntie M gave me for Christmas. I was laying on the couch with the dogs watching Jersey Shore (guilty pleasure), and all of a sudden I felt a warmness come over me. My first thoughts were: "Okay...That's definately different;" "I hope Bowie didn't get wet;" and "Oh Shit!"

So I woke up mom and let her know, we got everything ready, picked up Auntie M, and headed out. At first I wasn't positive my water broke because I wasn't sure what to expect, but after one pee stop I was certain my water had broken. Plus the mild contractions I was having clued me in. I don't care what any of those stupid girls on "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" say, you definately know when you are having contractions. I've gone 9 months without a single cramp. So far even the mild ones feel like bad period cramps, so those girls are either complete idiots or full of shit.

We got to the hospital around 1:45am and got checked in and hooked up to the montiors and IVs. I'm 12 hours in and hoping that this petocin kicks into high gear soon! Can't wait to meet Skeletor!

It's Going to Be a Long Weekend

Monday is the big day. That is if Skeletor doesn't come on his own. Doctor's appointment went well yesterday, but apparently my child enjoys his mommy so much he doesn't want to leave the womb. Mama Mia and I headed to Wilmington early for my appointment yesterday which was very long and consisted of a stress test, ultrasound, and exam. Lots of fun let me tell you. Mom went in with me during the stress test. I was hooked up to a contraction monitor and a fetal heart monitor, sat in a recliner, and was given a buzzer to click every time the baby moved. This went on for 20 minutes. The baby sounded like he was playing the drums or riding a horse on a cobblestone street. It was so loud! I know that in labor they hook you up to a fetal monitor, but I hope they cut the volume down because it became annoying after about 10 minutes. Does that make me a bad mom?

After they unhooked me, I had an ultrasound. This is the first time I've seen him in like 3 months. He still looks like a skeleton to me, but he definatly looked crammed in there. He kept looking at me and mom, which made it clear that he was perfectly content being in the womb.

During the exam, Dr. Hall informed me that I was still only 1 cm dialated! WTF???? So she is giving Skeletor the weekend to come on his own, and if he still isn't here by Sunday they will induce me on Monday. While I would really prefer for him to come on his own, I am really glad to know that there is an end in sight. It's much more comforting to have an actual day to go to the hospital and to know that he will be here soon.

And I am Officially Overdue

Day One. I don't know if I can do this people. I apparently am having a stubborn child...great! Spicy food, pineapple, moving, painting, walking...NOTHING! What's even more frustrating is that I have no idea when he will come so I can't mentally prepare for labor. I mean, I'm somewhat prepared, but I'm not a big fan of surprises. I like to know when and where things are going to happen. I like to know what to expect in situations. I've had contractions, but I'm not entirely sure they are contractions. Every time I used the bathroom, I check for any signs of labor. I'm becoming paranoid about my body because my little stubborn bundle of joy is enjoying the free hot tub he's become accustomed. Doesn't he want to meet me? Doesn't he want to meet all the people who are excited to see him? Doesn't he want his mommmy to be happy and have her body back?!!!

The house is almost done and I'm glad I took the last week of December off to help get things done. Megan was a huge help while she was here, I just wish she could have gotten the chance to meet her nephew. I'm starting to go a little stir crazy though. Not only because I'm waiting for the baby but also because I'm so used to working. I kind of miss the salon. Not to mention making money. 8 weeks of no pay is not an ideal situation for a single modern mama. So if anyone needs there hair did while I'm off let me know. Yet another reason he needs to come on...mama needs to get back to work!

Everyone has been so supportive and helpful with the house and helping me get through this whole experience. Mom & Dad, Meg & Matt, Mary & David, my whole family, Daniela, everyone at the salon, Mandy, and Nikki: thank you especially for all the encouraging words and help with getting ready for Skeletor's arrival. We are both so lucky to have such a big family that loves us!

Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed their day with the family and friends. I had a great day with my family! The only thing missing was a baby being born! I will admit I'm glad that Skeletor did not make an appearance on Christmas Eve of Christmas Day. That would have been a little overwhelming to say the least. But now that we have made it through the holidays, he can come on anytime now. I have about a week and half left and I am SOOOOO ready for it to be over with. So if you get the chance, please say a little prayer that I go into labor very, very, VERY soon.

I can't believe how much my life has changed in the past year. Last year, I was in a completely different place in my life. I never even thought about having a baby. I feel like I have grown up a lot from the person who I was a year ago. I'm making better decisions about my life. I've eliminated a lot of stress and realized I don't need to be with anyone to make me happy. I am a lot stronger and more resilient now. I appreciate the people in my life who effect me positively everyday and accept their help because they genuinely care about me. I know that I could not go through this whole experience without my friends and family.

This week is going to be a super busy one. We have so much to do in the house still and we have to move everything out of my apartment. Needless to say, I'm trying to keep busy so I don't go crazy between now and the baby's arrival. Hopefully it will be soon!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

I cannot believe Christmas is next week. I feel like the time has flown by this month. Skeletor's arrival is 3 weeks and counting, and holy crap am I ready! I totally understand why some women elect for C-sections and inductions. These last couple of weeks SUCK!!!

I am no longer a Modern Mama. I am a waddling, crabby, tired blimp. My pregnancy clothes are getting snug, I can't tie my own shoes (let alone put them on), and I would give anything for a good night's sleep. I try to put on a good front, but I am praying that the full moon next week will get things going. I don't know if there is any truth behind the moons and gravitational pull, but I will believe just about anything now.

The house is coming along. We have been doing lots and lots and LOTS of work. My mom and dad have been absolutely amazing with all the time they have put into it. I wish I had the money to send them on a vacation for everything they do for me and the baby. Painting is the main agenda it seems now. Hopefully we can get everything we need to do done before the baby gets here.

My last week of work is next week, and then I have to be out of my apartment by the 31st. I figured I might as well keep myself as busy as possible the next 3 weeks. My plate is definately full! It is going to be so weird being off work for so long, but I know I won't be getting much rest.

Hope everyone is getting in the holiday spirit!

WTF Memory Book

Like every mother, I aim to keep track of Skeletor's every milestone throughtout his childhood years. My mother did for my sister and I with a memory book and a First Year Calendar. So I decided I needed these on my baby registry. Well apparently First Year Calendars are either extinct or you have search through hell and high water to find them. I did however find a cute memory book and one of my client's was kind enough to buy it for me as a baby gift.

So I received the memory book yesterday in the mail, and I was very disappointed when I discovered how much info was going to be left blank because the "Daddy" info won't be filled out. I would have to rip out at least 3 pages, and I really don't want to do that because I don't want to mess the book up.

All I have to say is when did the choice to be a single parent become a punishment? It is about to be 2011 people! Guess what? More than 1/4 of kids live in a single parent home. You would think that memory books would be more accomodating. I looked online for some that were more single-mom friendly, but apparently being a single parent isn't expensive enough without throwing in a $60 baby memory book. Are you kidding me?! And the ones I found were plain and boring.

All I want is a cute memory book that can satisfy my need to recored and organize my child's first milestones as they happen chronologically. I want somewhere to put his little hand prints, footprints, his first lock of hair, ect. Is that so much to ask for???

Alas, life is hard for single modern mama.