Boden Jeramy Miller

I had plans for the weekend. Like pumpkin patching, hanging curtains, laundry catch-up and birthday parties. None of that happened. Unless you count the unexpected birthday that was celebrated at Valley Medical Center on Sunday afternoon.

I was 37 1/2 weeks along. It was a peaceful Saturday morning. We cooked a big family breakfast and lined up our plans for the day. Meanwhile, I had been having contractions 3-4 minutes apart. This wasn't rare. I have had them a ton throughout the pregnancy, but they started to get more and more uncomfortable. I couldn't discount them because with Lucas I felt no pain until my water broke - and he came in just 2 short hours. I'm not a fan of highway deliveries, so we packed our things and headed to the hospital.

I met my midwife in Triage where she checked and I was 4cm dilated and 80% effaced. This could mean anything, so she sent me on a walk to see what my body would do within the hour. I dilated some more and contractions were now right on top of each other, so she checked me into a room. After which, everything slowed down. Here I was dilated to a 7, still constant contractions - but less painful and checked into the hospital. Was I wasting time? I had things to do today!

This is where I start to cry. Not because of anything labor related. I had this image in my head of Lucas standing at the door, rain boots on, emergency over-night-back-pack strapped on his back, ready to come with us to get the baby. -Which is exactly how we left him. I started to feel like we were doing something wrong to Lucas by having another. I worried that he felt left out. He missed out on the pumpkin patch that he had so looked forward to which didn't help matters. My midwife is probably excited to deal with me now in tears, hubby confused with my emotions and I'm ready to go home and cancel this whole have-a-baby thing so I can hug my son and make him happy.

After much struggle, *emotions were in check*

back to the matter at hand...

Because I was still 2 1/2 weeks early, they hesitated to "help" the labor process. So, I went to bed. Jimmy and I slept beautifully. I woke up angry that I had slept in until 7:30 and that there was no progress. I walked that hospital like never before. Jimmy and I did stairs where we even almost got locked in the stairwell! There may have been a jumping jack or 2 somewhere in there as well. ;)

...Still contracting, but pain was minimal and no water breaking... Midwife takes matters into her own hands and strips my membranes. ...More walking... more nothing...

I thought back to the words from the blessing Jimmy gave me before we left. "WHEN THE TIME COMES, you will have a smooth delivery."
ANNOYED.

I was fine if the baby wasn't ready to come. I just didn't want to go home being dilated to a 7/8, completely thinned and wait for my water to break so I could rush back to the hospital. We debated, we waited and by 1pm Sunday we came to the decision to break my water. 

Just like Lucas, after the water broke the active labor only took about 2 hours. The pain was unmistakable and so intense. There's nothing that can describe it. No drugs this time-but I had Jimmy! He really helped me through the pain, as did my 2 Moms right by my side. I was not very responsive at the time, but I am so grateful for them! Jimmy was able to be very hands-on and he liked that. When it was time to push, the midwife let him jump right in, catching and handing me the baby. He delivered the placenta and even proceeded to dissect it. (Sounds disgusting - but that's my Biology major husband - and somehow to me it was cute.) We talked about how some people eat it in foreign countries or save it to plant a tree in... I know - I'm taking this afterbirth thing a little far. Jimmy thought it was pretty cool. 

What came from that complex little bag was life. I was so glad to be able to take my time with him after he was born to snuggle him and meet him for the first time. He didn't cry much. His eyes were wide with wonder as he stared into mine. He was completely calm and limp laying on my chest. This was the moment I realized that blessings come through sacrifice. That this immense pain that I just went through was to bring forth a blessing. A blessing that was LONG awaited and prayed for. I remember several times during hard labor, looking to my Mom and Mother-in-law in between contractions and asking, "why does it have to be this way?" or "why would anyone want to go through this?" My Mother-in-law came by my bedside and said something like, "we wouldn't know true blessings if we didn't know the pain." Our Father in Heaven made things this way. Life is one of the greatest blessings of all. Women carry babies for 9 months, some with agonizing pain and sacrifice. Labor is not supposed to be easy. Nor is any trial we go through. In this case the reward was so great, so the pain had to match it, I guess.

After over 24 hours at the hospital, 2 hours of intense pain and much anticipation, Boden is here.

We are so grateful for this addition to our family. He is perfect in every way. Here are some of his stats:

Born: 10/23/11 at 3:11pm

Size: 7lbs, 7oz  18 1/2" long  34cm head circumference

Appearance: Fair skin/hair - he looks strawberry blonde right now :) 

Interests: He's nursing like a champ and LOVES to sleep!

When Lucas met him he asked, "Is your name Santa Claus?" and Boden shot him a scowl. Lucas thought that was pretty funny. Boden has a brother who is head over heels for him and wants to be part of everything. Lucas even took the "first bath" with Boden. (Boden pooped in the water which made the moment *extra* special)

Faye and Mom

 Lucas: not sure what's going on

Welcome to the family, little Boden. We sure do love you!

The Job Interview

I once applied for a job. I was coming straight from a salon in Seattle where I worked as a hair stylist. This job I was applying for was to be just that - a job. I needed to stop commuting so far and I really needed health insurance. I was newly married and things started to become more 'important'. I stumbled upon this job on Craig's list and it was just minutes away from our place. I would be the front desk girl for a company that sells gloves. Exciting.

Interview #1 - phone interview. Went well. 

Interview #2 - phone interview. Wait. ANOTHER? I had to do some speed type test... that turned into a game between Jimmy and I. (he won and proceeded to take MY type test for me.)

Interview #3 - Met customer service manager. His shirt was not ironed. I was unimpressed. Not sure I wanted to see what interview #4 was about. 

Interview #4 - Met some warehouse guy. WHY did this place have so many interviews? It led me to think that a.) these people are crazy. or b.) maybe this is some prestigious company that really sees a future in their "front desk girl." 

Interview #5 - Met Wendy. Interview seemed to be going well. Until she asked the question that made me want to walk out of the place. 

"If all the stars were lined up, WHAT would you be doing?"

Some people grow up and want to be a fireman. or a dancer. Some peoples' lives are all mapped out. Some people have a PLAN. 

My first thought was: Who would actually WANT to work? (sounds lazy, hu?) I thought a blissful life would be to just... "be". Or to live and have fortunes and help those around me. 

My second thought: What I really want to do is become a Mother.

and that's what I said. 

OH. MY. GOSH. I just went through FIVE interviews to screw myself over by telling her I want to be a MOM? What the crap. Here I am, educated in the beauty industry - stumbling upon some internet-found job, sitting across the table from this woman who CLEARLY knows what she wants in life, and I tell her I pretty much would rather be home wiping butts.

Awesome. 

I leave the place angry that I wasted all that time to finally realize that what I want out of life is NOT to do hair, it's NOT to sit at a desk, it's NOT even to be a fast typer! 

I WANT TO BE A MOM.

I got the job. 

totally shocked. 

and still annoyed at Wendy's question.

I worked for them for about 2 years when I found out I was going to be exactly what I had always wanted - A MOM! I decided to stay home with my cute little Lucas and since then have found other ways to "provide" for our family while Jimmy finishes school. I will always be grateful for Ammex for providing me with a great stepping stone to get to where I am today. I learned a lot about life, more than I care to know about accounting and met many wonderful friends. :) Even Wendy.

Well, I got a promotion.

We're pretty excited about it. 

Due 11/8/11

Lucas says it's a girl and wants to name her Oscar.

This happened at a time when Doctors said it couldn't and we are thrilled to know that it DID. 

So in 7 months or so, you'll see me waddling with swollen feet, larger than life and making my 3 year old carry in groceries. If you ask me if I still want to be a Mom, I'll say YES!

The stars are lining up. 

Webster's Newbies.

I like to hear what new words come out each year in the Webster's dictionary. This is one from a couple years ago that I wasn't too excited with:

• crunk
  

Pronunciation: \ˈkrəŋk\Function: noun
Etymology: crunk, word of fluctuating meaning used during the 1990s in lyrics of the rap groups OutKast and Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz a style of Southern rap music featuring repetitive chants and rapid dance rhythms

What's funny, is in the official definition, they didn't even use it in a sentance. This was definitely not Webster's-worthy. Maybe I'm a little old fashion, but just because it was in some rap songs doesn't mean it should be in the dictionary.

...and then there was:

• gi·nor·mous

Pronunciation: \jī-ˈnȯr-məs\
Function: adjective
Etymology: gigantic + enormous

extremely large : humongous

So many people use this word whether it's part of the dictionary or not, but I was just surprised to see it added. It still seems slang to me.

My favorites from this year are:
staycation (probably because I need one) and frenemy. (it's just fun to say)

I want to know who comes up with these? Who decides what belongs in the dictionary? As long as "crunk" doesn't end up on my children's spelling tests, I'll be ok.

Check out the new words for the year here.

It's Official.

We are staying in Washington for another 2 years. Jimmy will be attending UW in the fall. All thanks to your votes. Ok not really. All thanks to a FULL RIDE $cholarship! GO JIMMY! We are excited to stay in the area so close to family and friends.

Belated Birth Announcement

I excitedly designed these announcements BEFORE I even had Lucas. Did I mail them out? no. Did I even finish them? no. I made four. 3 of which I did not like and the one I liked got sent to Grandma and Grandpa. I did get the itch to finish them, but it became time to make Christmas cards. (which I did finish, and are in the mail box as of today. kudos for me!)
So - Because he deserves to be announced, here it is.

He's Here!!!!!!

Lucas Maxwell Miller

Born 8/25/2008

7:40 pm

7 lbs 14 ounces

20 inches

and healthy!!!!!!!!!


Wow! This was the most exciting experience. Sara was so strong and Jim was able to deliver the baby (of course with the doctors help).

more to come within the next few days......

it's a BOY!

We are so thrilled. We had our 20 week ultra sound last week. Not long after the nurse turned the machine on, we saw the evidence! By that time, Jimmy had already text messaged everyone in his phone book! The baby looks healthy and the best part is... I can finally go SHOPPING! ;) This has been a smooth pregnancy so far. I feel great. I have regionals basketball this weekend, and I'm determined to finish up the season strong! We'll see if the others appreciate me waddling up and down the court...

We are so lucky to be future parents and are excited to take on this adventure. The Lord blesses us in mysterious ways. This has really been a miracle. We can't wait to meet our little bundle.