May 31, 2013

Finn's Arrival

Finn
Finley Benjamin Snarr
May 14, 2013
4:14pm
7lbs 5oz
19 3/4 inches

Two weeks before his due date, and three weeks before our guesstimated arrival date, little Finley Benjamin Snarr decided it was time to make his debut in this world.

And we couldn't be happier.  





Sunday, May 12th, Mothers Day, I sat in the pew at Church listening to the primary children sing to their mothers and thought of my own son who would one day be up there singing to me. I couldn't help but smile at the thought.  As I sat there, for the first time, I had a pain in my lower back that was very uncomfortable, so much that I used my own fist to apply a bit of counter pressure for relief.  It went away shortly after but I couldn't help but think how that pain was a bit of what the labor pain might feel like.

Monday, May 13th, I went about my day as normal... went for my usual 3 mile run and 2 mile walk at McAllister Park.  Talked to my mom and sisters on the phone, worked at the computer and went out to dinner with Ben that night.  Ben had a remarkable day at work-he got 6 sales and we celebrated by getting his favorite food: sushi.  (Of course, I skipped the sushi and got chicken).  On our way to the restaurant I commented to Ben about how my contractions seemed different, a bit more uncomfortable than the usual Braxton Hicks.  I then started timing the contractions (there is an app for that!) and noticed they were consistent and about 5 minutes apart.

Tuesday, May 14th, at midnight we headed to bed but I couldn't sleep-- at this point the contractions were too uncomfortable.  Was I in labor!? So I took a hot bubble bath, painted my nails, and started packing my hospital bag.  You see, I wasn't quite prepared-- I hadn't packed my bags or gotten the mani and pedi done like I had planned to do before labor. This was all happening so unexpectedly, so quickly!  My contractions were just 2-3 minutes apart by 4:30am so I woke Ben and said, "WE ARE HAVING A BABY TODAY, GET UP!" I think I startled him, definitely surprised him because he too, wasn't quite prepared for this day to be here just yet. So Ben woke up and got some work done before I rushed him out the door to go see our mid-wife.  We arrived at the office when it opened at 8:30am.  I could barely talk through the contractions at this point so when she said I was dilated to a 2, almost a 3, I thought--does it really get worse than this!?  She instructed me to go home and come back when I've progressed more.  So, Ben and I went to the mall... we needed an outfit for Finn to wear home from the hospital!  I thought it was a good idea until I got there and found myself miserably walking through the mall and breathing like a maniac through contractions, in front of tons of people.  Store workers would greet me so nicely and I couldn't even look at them because of the pain I was in.  And then... my water broke. Luckily I was wearing black so no one could tell.  As we left the mall I followed my instincts and we went to the hospital rather than going home (good thing because he was born just 4 hours later!). I was checked in around 12:30pm and I was dilated to a 3, almost a 4.  SERIOUSLY? 
I cried. 
It was at that point that I said, "tell me more about the epidural!?"  My birth plan was to have a natural labor with no inducing, epidural or pain meds, and Ben was reminding me of this, but the pain was UNREAL. I said, "Ben, you don't even know, this is worse than I thought!" 

I ended up following my birth plan and gave birth naturally (but I don't blame anyone for getting the pain meds!)  I just kept telling myself that the labor would take longer if I got the epidural.  Plus I barely had the time to make a decision because between contractions I was so exhausted that I would fall asleep, and during contractions I was focused on breathing and couldn't speak.  My mid-wife, Amy, instructed me to sit on a ball and roll my hips around while Ben applied counter pressure to my lower back.  She also had me take hot showers.  I rotated between the ball, shower and walking around. I was so glad I didn't have to be strapped to the bed since lying down was extremely uncomfortable.  The next time they checked I was dilated to a 4, almost a 5.  It seemed I had much more time to go so Amy went across the street to her office for a bit.  I don't think it was even an hour before I was standing in the bathroom, leaning up against the sink and told Ben, "His head is coming out!"  He ran to get the nurse, Jessica and when she rushed through the door she urged me to get in bed. I don't think she believed the baby was coming until she looked down and immediately got on the phone with my mid-wife and said, "Your patient is at a 10!" The nurse moved fast and almost delivered the baby herself.  Amy arrived just in time... with just a couple more pushes he was out, crying, and in my arms.  

The moment Finn was placed in my arms my heart burst with a tremendous love for him. A love that can't be described or fully understood. It's the love a mother has for her child-- and in that moment I learned for myself what that means. I'm sure Ben was filled with that same love and emotion as he held Finn for the first time as well.  I watched as he looked into Finn's eyes, tears streaming down Ben's face.  I didn't need to ask what he was thinking or feeling... I knew.  



24 hours later Finn and I were healthy and happy and on our way home from the hospital.  

We are so blessed to have Finn in our life and we hope to be blessing in his life as we teach him all that we know and guide him along the right path.  

Life is wonderful. 



Just when I thought my world couldn't get any brighter this beautiful bouquet of flowers was delivered to our doorstep from my work.





May 26, 2013

Where do babies come from?

After the big wedding day in December 2008 the expected question started popping into our conversations with most everyone, everywhere... "when are you going to have a baby!?" Our answer: "3 years from now."  That would give us time to "bond" as hubby and wifey, right?  Well, bond we did! -as we traveled, worked and moved all over the country.  In 2011 the 3 year mark snuck up on us. It was time to discuss starting our family--but how? Our life seemed so crazy with all that was on our plate, definitely not "perfect" enough to bring a baby into it!?  You see, we had a list of everything we'd do, we'd have, we'd be before a baby would join us and that list was not nearly checked off completely. I am a list maker and a planner so when discussing starting a family with Ben I wanted to know when and how and everything else.  He just said, "You'll be pregnant on your birthday next year."  I guess that answer would have to suffice. So, I set up an appointment with the OB to remove the IUD that potentially could have lasted us ten years if we chose.  The OB warned me many times that we could conceive the very day we removed it.  (Hello!? That is the purpose--no need for the warning doc.) After receiving such a warning, we were very surprised to learn that we didn't get pregnant that very first month, or the next, or the next... Is there more of a science to this baby making? Should I be counting days, standing on my head and eating yams? Maybe. But as the old adage goes, "timing is everything," and i'd like to continue to believe that.

Late August, early September Ben and I took off on an adventure to France and Switzerland. The first days of our trip were spent in Paris. We stayed in a charming flat, just a stroll away from the Eiffel Tower, on the street, "54 Rue du Docteur Finlay 75015."  When I noticed the street name I couldn't help but think to myself how sweet it would be if we were to conceive a baby boy here since the name we planned to call our first son since the first days of our marriage was Finley.

When we returned from our adventure I thought I might have a few of the early pregnancy symptoms and although it was a bit early to check I couldn't help myself from dusting off the pregnancy test under my sink.  Positive! Really? I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my face all day long. I was counting the minutes until Ben came home from work so I could shout it out and we could share in our joy.  I made the picture of the positive pregnancy test his computer screen saver and propped his favorite childhood book, "Go Dog Go" by Dr. Seuss next to the computer.  Inside the book I wrote a note about how one day soon he'll be reading this book to our baby. 

Where do babies come from?
Ours... Paris.


And heaven and sugar and spice and everything nice... of course.

Ben was right. 
I was pregnant just in time for my birthday on September 29th.  He was inspired and I'm so blessed to have him leading our family. I'm also very grateful to see God's Hand in the details of our life; assuring us that He is there and has a plan for us. A plan that is better than our own.

On May 14, 2013 we welcomed Finley Benjamin Snarr into the world, into our home and into our loving arms.

Stay tuned for the story of his birth...


May 10, 2013

Showered!

I was so lucky to have both my church and work shower baby and I with love, great advice and gifts galore!

My friend, Holly, from church put on the most adorable travel themed shower...


This is where you drop your gifts...

A little advice for momma and a note on the bum of the diaper...



Party favor...






During the party each of the guests made a customized onesie by choosing a fabric, cutting out their choice of a picture and ironing it on.  Holly then sewed around each one so that they will hold up in the wash.  What a cute and clever idea!





How big is my belly!?


Renee Higgins made me this "Ma Boss" t-shirt since that was my pioneer trek name and I was the Ma to her son, Daniel.  Now I get to be a real Ma Boss to my real kiddo!




My sweet co-workers, Lidia, Megan and Mandy threw me a cute Paris themed shower...

  
I'm SO grateful to have such good friends who put in so much time and effort to throw these parties for me... I feel pretty special. 
And SO grateful to all my friends who attended and were so generous in their gift giving.  I now feel much more prepared for baby's arrival!

May 05, 2013

37 Weeks!

I never thought I'd be one to have pregnancy pictures taken of myself.
I just never really wanted them. 
Nor did I think I'd like them. 

But my friend Holly convinced me to let her take a few pictures and to tell you the truth...
I'm so glad she did.

The pictures will be a reminder of how sweet it was to carry my child in my belly, to feel him move and kick, and to experience such a miracle.  







(Pictures were taken Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 37 weeks pregnant.)

May 04, 2013

Cuatro de Mayo!

Ben and I threw a Cuatro de Mayo party... which essentially is a Cinco de Mayo party except it's on the fourth... 
in case you didn't catch on to that.  

Ben created another one of his famous fliers to invite our friends from church:



We decked out the house by hanging streamers, and sombreros, filling candy dishes with chicles and hot tamales, and throwing blow up lizards, peppers and cacti on the couches. Maraiachi music played in the background, Nacho Libre played on the TV screen.  Guests enjoyed a delicious taco bar , mingling and games (lucky winners received Taco Cabana gift cards and second place won hot tamales)...











Jessica (and Henry)... winner of BEST MEXICAN DRESSED!

Bishop and Cindy Ellsworth

Winner of GUESS HOW MANY HOT TAMALES!? 

NACHO EATING CONTEST:



 WINNERS!


2ND PLACE (but won the Mexican Trivia Game)









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