Happy Holidays...and a baby!

Attention: The following baby possesses superhuman powers; look at her preparing to fly!

Here I come to...poop my pants!

So, Indy has been filling our days with laughter, fun and chaos, especially during the holiday season. One thing I have learned about having a newborn during the holiday shopping frenzy is that you can never be too prepared! A trip to retail shops requires the following: lots of time, a stroller, hooks to attach to the stroller, diaper bag, bottles, boobs, a patient husband...the list goes on! Luckily, we have a super-baby, so despite the fact that shopping takes a REALLY long time, Indy has been quite cooperative and polite. For instance, take our Thursday-before-Christmas excursion:

1. Feed her before we leave so we have an interval of time to shop

2. Pack the stroller

3. Prepare the diaper bag and make sure we have the essentials

4. Don't forget the blanket to cover the car seat so random strangers can't fawn over our daughter (Kelly came to the rescue on that one--she actually made a car seat cover!)

5. Pack snacks for the parents

6. Constantly peek over the passenger seat while driving to check on the little-one.

7. Arrive at destination

8. She's hungry and must feed so shopping is postponed...40 minutes later....

9. Shop

10. She's satisfied for now and then the cycle starts again

So, what would normally take a couple hours to accomplish is now a 3-4 hour affair! We're learning. But like I said, the nice thing is that Indy has been great; we're just learning to adjust to her schedule. Once we thought we had shopping down though, we drove to Fresno to visit G-ma and G-pa Hipp and gang: W-O-W. A five hour trip is no longer five hours...try 8! 

Indy's first Christmas was so special. Take a look at some of her firsts:

First adorable Christmas outfit

First bouncy chair ride!

First introduction to Uncle Robby, Aunt MB and cousins Bekah and Bethany

First of many comic-themed gifts (from Madeleine) :) 

Hang out time with cousin Caitlyn! Naked style!

There are so many things we can share, but I will leave it to those pics above. Otherwise, I would fill this entire entry with ridiculously cute pictures of our daughter! Here are some other notable changes we've noticed over the last month: Indy's features are coming out more; we're not sure, but she may have blue eyes; she's started to smile and we witnessed her first smile the weekend of Christmas; she has dimples on her butt (so cute); her farts are steadily becoming more robust (loud and smelling of eggs); she spits out her pacifier whenever she wants us to pick her up (it's a vicious game she plays in an effort to monopolize all of our attention); she's beginning to sleep for 6 hours during the evening and lastly, she's awesome! 

A Month of Sunshine and Surprises...

Indy has certainly changed our lives! Having a baby is one heck of a game changer. It's funny because Dan and I have always said that bringing a baby into our life together would change us, but one never really knows how true that sentiment is until experiencing it hands-on! Here are some of the eye-openers that we've been surprised, delighted, and quite frankly, terrified of discovering:

1. Projectile poo--Indy has an Olympic sphincter. NO JOKE! She approaches pooping like a javelin thrower. If the soiled diaper is removed too quickly and a new diaper is not readily available, Indy's bottom has the ability to launch poop directly out of her bung-hole, over the rim of the changing table and onto the wall; we're talking 3 feet here, people! It's crazy! She's so sweet; you'd have no idea she could shoot green sludge out of her bum quite so aggressively.

2. Booby Blunders--This is no fault of Indy's; she doesn't know she's causing her mommy such pain, but seriously, I am so glad that babies are born without teeth! She can gum a nipple like it's nobody's business! I have heard of sore, tender, throbbing nipples, but once I experienced it myself, it took that whole "Hallmark" image I have had of nursing to a whole new level. Now, don't get me wrong, nursing is a beautiful time with Indy. I stare at her longingly and think she's the cutest, most precious thing alive, but at the same time, IT HURTS sometimes. Plus, she eats like a 400 pound, fat man!

3. Chunky legs and arms--I love a fat baby! I am thankful that Indy is becoming a little fatty. She's gaining weight; our last doc appointment had her at 8.13! She gained 6 ounces since birth. What I love the most though is that she's developing little marshmallow arms and legs. Give her a few more months and she'll be Jonathan Swift material (don't worry, I won't eat her).

4. Daddy's songs--Dan loves to sing to Indy and he's come up with the best lyrics ever! Some of the lyrics include nicknames for our little one: Buggle-Butt, Little Bean, Miss Piggy, the list goes on. Oh, and while we're on music, we even have dance parties for Indy. We've found that she loves dance jams and we'll rock her around the kitchen until she dozes off--it's awesome! It's actually a technique recommended in the book, Happiest Baby on the Block, a gift we received from Matt and Julie!

5. Family--Indy has met many of her family members. It's so special to us to see Indy wrapped in the arms of her grandparents, uncles and aunts. Thanksgiving brought many of us together and it was really sweet to see all the people that love Indy so much! She celebrated her first holiday with lots of love!

Aunt Jaime and Julie, Uncle Matts and cousin Caitlyn! 

6. Sleep deprivation--We've been lucky in that I can get 5 hours of sleep at night (interrupted by feedings of course). Indy has been a relatively thoughtful baby on that account. I will say though, it's amazing what the hormones do to a mommy. I thought it would be impossible to function with such limited sleep, but I think something kicks in and you just GO. I try to take naps during the day, but my body hasn't let me yet; my mind keeps racing. I am sure that will change though. Once work begins again, I will be wishing for a nap!

That's all for now--here are some pics of our Indy in her first four weeks of life! :) We are so thrilled to have her! She's amazing!

Grandpa Shaffer

First visit to Laguna! She loves Grandma Maddy and Uncle Andy! 

Stylish socks and an ever-growing leg! 

Grandpa Hipp

Happy Fam!

Indiana Sunshine Hipp has arrived!!!

Well, she's here-and boy, oh boy, she's beautiful! Our little Indy, as we so lovingly refer to her as arrived on November 15th at 4:56am. She came into the world weighing 8 pounds and 7 ounces and she is 20 inches long! She is a cute, pudgy ball of love! Dan and I are so thrilled and we both never knew it was possible to feel so many emotions all at once! 

Labor and delivery was a crazy experience, as I am sure it is for every couple and expecting mother. Our journey into the labor process began on November 13th at 3:50. I say this, because this is when I detected my first contraction. As so many mothers have told me, it simply felt like an intense menstrual cramp. I informed Dan and like a good father-to-be, he started the clock. Things started progressing at what seemed like a normal pace. My contractions were felt every 15 minutes until about 8 O'clock when they decreased to every three-four. I also started to experience severe back labor and my mucus plug drained, so we figured it was time to hit the road and head to the hospital. 

Pain and discomfort increased by the time we arrived to the hospital, but unfortunately, I was only 1cm dilated. My contractions maintained their 3-4 minute pace and my back pain wouldn't let up. Despite this, we were sent home! It was 2:30am at the time and once home, I was never relieved of my contraction pain or back labor (so painful!!!!). I proceeded to yell and scream throughout the entire day, most likely rousing suspicion in all neighbors. Dan of course was extremely protective and supportive. He rubbed my back with almost every contraction and he tried so hard to help calm me down, but I was a mess! I cried, I screamed and I quite literally couldn't take it anymore. It had been almost 24 hours since my first contraction and here I was, at home and cursing everything in sight (not really as I don't swear, but I made up my own language). We were told that evening that I needed to wait for my water to break, but it seemed that there was no indication of this happening. So, it was at 4:00pm that I was done waiting! I told Dan I was calling my doctor and if they didn't suggest a hospital visit I was going to lay someone out! I cried and wailed into the phone, not for effect; I seriously couldn't get through a moment without tears! I swear, I thought I was going to be tough, but I sobbed and yelled like the baby I so wanted to meet! 

My doctor suggested walking around the house for an hour and if my water broke, come on over. Luckily, it was in that time frame that it must have broken, so we made a mad dash for the hospital again.   Now, over 24 hours in, the nurses took one look at me and admitted us into the hospital. Now, I recall telling people that I was going to try and do things "naturally," but I would reserve the right to change my mind: I CHANGED MY MIND! I couldn't get drugs quickly enough! I was not asking; I was demanding anything! Since I was only 2cm dilated and the pain was so intense, I couldn't have an epidural, so I pleaded that they hook me up with some nubane (Oh how I loved nubane). It was a delicious cocktail of drugs that took the edge off of my contractions. I think Dan was relieved to hear that I would be getting drugs as well; his hand must've been ready to fall off with the 24 hour marathon of back massaging as well as the yelling and screaming that he believed led our neighbors to think he was chopping me into pieces. :) Here is a picture of me on drugs--much happier! 

That's better!

Anyway, the story continues with many strange antics. Apparently, I started concocting strange stories that I would tell Dan about; these of course, were drug induced nonsense that probably stemmed from going in and out of dreams. I guess I mentioned anything from feeding our farm animals to checking out the Gotham City night-sky that was outside our window. I am not really sure, but Dan said it was hilarious! 

Time passed and by 4am, our nurse Amy said it was time to push! We were excited! Everything happened so quickly--the epidural began wearing off, which was a good thing--I needed to be alert for pushing! Dan coached me throughout every contraction and I was shaking and shivering like a leaf. After about 35 minutes of pushing, our little Indiana arrived! They laid her on my chest and I fell in love in an instant! We are truly so happy. 

I have yet to forget the pain (so many women tell me I will), but the outcome has been so rewarding! She is perfect! Yes, we're sleep deprived; yes, I cry at the drop of a dime, and yes, we're overwhelmed, but we're so in love with this little monkey! 

She's such a cutie! There will be more pics to follow, but these are a few of the firsts! Thanks for reading the blog and following our journey! Indy appreciates all the love!

The Final Countdown...

Well, I have been thinking lately that maybe this little girl really likes her home in my belly; she has dropped significantly in the past week, but there's no sign of effacement or dilation. So, here Dan and I sit, simply playing the waiting game. We just got back from a doctor's appointment this morning and he said that he detects no dilation at all--that isn't to say that I still can't go into labor any time, but it just means that she's not making any great attempts to jump ship! So, we'll continue to anticipate her arrival while my stomach continues to balloon--she's totally hulking out! The official countdown is at 6 days!

I think she may come in around 8lbs. I originally thought she would be smaller, but she's bulking up right now, collecting her fat stores or something. I kind of picture her sitting in the womb laying down fat on her skin with a trowel, much like a brick layer would lay cement. I picture her cramming clumps of fat into all those cute, little divots, nooks and crannies. I am hoping for some nicely formed marshmallow-segmented arms, the kind that resemble the Michelin Tire Baby! You know, really chubby and soft. I could go for that! I will take her any way I can get her though.

In the meantime, Dan and I have been racking up QT. It's been really nice to have time to simply hang out. We've watched some incredibly dumb movies; one that tops the list is Scream 4. It was a nice slasher flick, but pretty stupid. At least it entertained us! I think Courtney Cox needs to lay off the botox though, just saying. She's pretty without a weird, frozen, swollen face. Dan and I have been making the rounds to see family and friends too. We had breakfast with the McLendon's and lunch with the Komer's recently (separate trips), and it was nice to hang out and chat. Here are some pics from those events:

Mommy and Daddy To-be

Uncle Andy

German Grammy

Aunt Jaime and Uncle Matt

So, things are going smoothly thus far! It's certainly weird not having to work right now. I think of my students often and then realize that I am a crazy person! I am convinced that once little-one is here, I will worry  A LOT less about my classroom. I think it's just one of those "letting-go" things. I love my job, but now is that time in my life where I need to learn to relinquish a bit of control, which is really HARD when you're OCD like I am. Heck, I have two vacuums in my room! FREAK! Anyway, we're learning as we go!

Maybe next time you tune in...baby will make her debut! We're kind of hoping for an 11-11-11 due date! :) We'll see...

Things are getting REAL!!!

Attention folks! The nursery is complete! We are so excited! Dan spent the better part of his work days a couple weeks ago putting the nursery together. He then added final touches this past weekend! We are so excited! We sometimes go in the nursery just to hang out! The smell, the books, the fun colors--it's a little baby-sanctuary.

We also installed the car seat, which we thought would be a painstaking task, but it wasn't. It's weird to look over my shoulder while in the car and notice this little seat in the middle! She'll be in it soon! It's just so WEIRD! Now that we're in the final stretch, we're finally realizing that it's only a matter of weeks or even days!

The doctor's visits have been good. Everything is checking out great! Baby is growing happily and she's moving like a juggernaut! We'll be sure to keep you informed of her arrival!

                                                                                

                                                                                

                                                                                

So, as you can see, we're having lots of fun with her room! Dan has adorned the walls with all sorts of original work--we're super excited about that!

Until next time...

Birthday Time, Shower Time, Doctor Time...

These past two weeks have been more than eventful! With the final countdown on the clock, Dan and I are brimming with excitement, but overwhelmed with fear too! I guess that's to be expected! So excited to meet baby girl, but nervous about how we'll adjust. Anyway, with all these emotions permeating in our brains, it was nice to have other things to distract us: More birthdays and more showers...oh, and some doctor visits too.

Celebrations #1: My birthday! The actual day is the 11th, but we started celebrating on Saturday. I insisted that Dan take me to Tea! I LOVE TEA, so we went to The Tea House at Los Rios; this is a place located in San Juan Capistrano! It's in the Los Rios District, by the train station. It's adorable! The area is really quaint, with old houses lining the street and Saturday vendors selling arts and crafts. The food was really scrumptious and very well presented. Take a look:

Doesn't everything look amazing? We ate until we wanted to nap--I practically did once we got back in the car! My stomach was content and my eyelids were super droopy, but Dan came up with an inventive Country song that he kept singing while we drove through OC, so that kept me from nodding off.  The tea we had was really something too--Vanilla Bourbon Rooibos tea (decaf), name after Bourbon St. in New Orleans!

Celebration #2: Kelly Hosted a Baby Shower!

My very dear friend and colleague, Kelly, threw a great Fall-Themed baby shower for me and my friend Nicole. Kelly hand-made these amazingly decorative pumpkins and planted gourds and pumpkins all around her house. It really added to the charm and quaintness of the day:

So many of our friends from Vista arrived to celebrate the arrival of our little girl and Nicole's little boy!

And this is what the two "pregos" looked like on their fine day:

Yeah, we're awesome! 

Kelly made incredible treats for her guests as well! She did a fantastic job and it was truly sweet of her to host such a lovely event. She had a co-captain in our friend Jess too! Jess rocked it like a super star and made sure everything went smoothy. Kelly and Jess were quite the team! 

Aside from some rockin' celebrating, I of course, had to attend a routine doctor's visit to ensure baby girl is ripening just right. According to Doc, she's doing great! I feel wonderful, with the exception of my incredibly shrinking bladder, and Doc seems satisfied with her growth and heartbeat. I am hoping that with my next visit, I will get an ultrasound--it'd be nice to see her again! So, we're now at 28 days to go! SCARY! Stay tuned, people. Our little Turkey-baby is coming soon!

A Baby Shower Fit For a Princess...

Let me begin by saying this: if one should leave it up to Madeleine to throw a shower, they are in for the ride of their life! Boy, did she stop at nothing to make my baby shower a beautiful, tantalizing, exquisite success!

My SoCal baby shower was last weekend; Madeline hosted, along with the help of my two best friends Shelby and Crystal. The day began perfectly. I awoke early on Saturday morning to get a start on the day. It was so nice to wake up and have Dan's mom, Sue, sitting in our kitchen and sipping tea. It's always so lovely to have her in our home. We get to have really great talks when she visits and it's so nice to catch up. I was thrilled that she came down for this shower!

I went on my morning run (yep, still at it--a waddling freak at this point) and then returned home for breakfast and a shower. Shortly after, my aunt came over so we could all drive over the mountain together and head to Laguna (the shower destination). Upon arriving, I was greeted by this glorious spread that you see above. Madeleine included such detail in every single aspect of the shower, down to the hand sewn napkin holders that she made!

She even created the cutest theme for the shower: STORKS! In each napkin, she included a story that detailed the lore of storks and pregnancy. The tale even went on to explain the connection between Vlasir pickles (which include the stork as their mascot) and pregnancy cravings! It was adorable! Who knew? Apparently Madeleine did.

In mentioning the food, my mouth begins to water! She made exquisite quiches: Lorraine and Spinach, both of which melted on your tongue and had you begging for more. She accompanied the quiche with a colorful salad that tasted superb!

All I can say is: MORE! It was so good! I can go on and on about this shower--it truly was a wonderful day! Unfortunately, I can't post pictures of all the games, as sneaky Shelby managed to make one of them a little too realistic, bordering on pornographic! Okay, not really, but she blew up a picture of my face and then had her sister-in-law, Deirdre draw my pregnant, naked body onto a poster board. To put it bluntly, Deirdre made sure to include extra detail, just to get the point across. A boob draped over the pregnant belly and a tuft of...well you know, in the appropriate place! The name of the game was "Kiss the baby"; it was done in the same fashion as "Pin the Tail on the Donkey". The girls all took turns trying to find the baby that was pasted on my belly. Julie took home the consolation prize--she kissed my "bits and pieces" if you know what I mean! Madeleine was the WINNER; she kissed the ultrasound right, smack-dab on the baby herself! Way to go!

Crystal put together a relay in which we were meant to diaper a team member, spit a pacifier as far as we could and chug down a bottle of apple juice. That was so much fun! One, my aunt in a diaper was absolutely hysterical! Two, Jaime (my sister-in-law) should get a gold medal for binky-spitting, and three, I have never seen anyone chug down apple juice from a bottle until I saw my friend Jess do so! She was fiercely competitive and determined to win! It was AWESOME! She had that competitive fire in her eyes!

Here are some other highlights from the day:

Grandma Hipp

Great Aunt Lynn

My sweet friend Shelby! 

Bumble Bee bedding from Crystal! 

Aunt Jaime! 

My friend Nicole and I are both prego together! 

Thank you Madeleine! WE love you!