Before he wakes up...
He is now 9lbs and 21.5 inches long. He is a GREAT baby. He eats very well and quickly :). He has 2 or 3 really fun, long active periods each day. Today he played on his tummy without whining for 10 minutes! He's barrel chested, which is adorable; and, he self soothes by playing with his hair... a technique his daddy still uses! Ezra was baptized this past Sunday, and we are so overwhelmed with God's goodness in promising his love to us and our children.
I'm doing MUCH better. My labor kicked my behind, but I'm feeling mostly recovered. I'm extremely sleep deprived, but our system is getting better with each passing night. It seems that when I'm at absolute wit's end... he somehow lets me get 4 hours of sleep. God is good! I'll have to write someday in the future about my thoughts on natural childbirth and my first weeks of motherhood. The reviews are mixed! However, I'm blown away whenever I stare down into little Ezzie's face and reflect on what a gift he is. It feels like the rollercoaster I was on since my pregnancy with Speck has finally allowed me to exit! Of course, now I'm on another ride altogether... but, I've always loved a good, wild rollercoaster!
Just a quick preview... glad I did my birth naturally, but it was not the wonderful, cool experience all the books said it would be. Don't think I was naive, though! Not like I didn't think it would hurt :) Similarly, while it's cool from a biological standpoint, breastfeeding does not conjure words like "magical" and "rewarding," and it's been a breeze for us! Can't imagine what it's like for people who have trouble with it. Of course, Ezra thinks it's great ;)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
and some more
eventually,i'll write long, dramatic posts again. For now, i'm typing w/ just mylefthand while breastfeeding :)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Photo Update
Here are some photos from Ezra's second week:
Well, hello!
The Ribera cradle.
Three generations.
Whoa that STINKS!
Hi, Grandma Debbie!
I love my Poppy.
The Raspberry.
Blarking on my red muscle shirt.
Hanging out with dad.
I love CHUCKANUKA!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Something Quick
As I look back on the birth (which I'll have to tell you more about later), a certain line from a Crosby, Stills, and Nash song keeps springing to mind. "Sometimes it hurts so badly I must cry out loud" Yeah, that about sums it all!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Early Days
This is Jessica semi-cogent :). It was hard, but I love him. Now that I've had a little catch-up on sleep I'm really starting to feel exponentially better. Enjoy pictures! Gotta go feed him!
Monday, July 14, 2008
The baby formerly known as Spud
Brendan here. Spud has a great latch at the moment, so I have the honor of authoring this much awaited update.
Yesterday was an incredible day. Jessica's water broke at 4 A.M., and early labor contractions began immediately. We spent the morning laboring on the porch and in our living room, and headed off to the hospital a little before 2 P.M. At this point, Jessica's contractions were really intense and things seemed to be progressing quickly.
At the hospital.
Our midwife, Cindie, met us at the hospital and checked Jessica out. She was at 3cm; that news was disheartening to both of us, since Jessica had been working hard all morning. Cindie wisely reassured us that Jessica had been making great progress, and that (warning: the following is my math geek paraphrase) dilation is often a nonlinear function of time. Sure enough, she was right! Jessica labored from 3cm to 9cm in the tub, and it only took her 2 short-but-excruciating hours. She was incredible; I am so impressed by her stamina (both physical and mental) and her trust in the Lord.
Jessica transitioned in the tub; although the urge to push never really manifested, we moved her to the bed and she pushed even without the urge. True to her ballet roots, Jessica found a ridiculous, look-at-my-insane-flexibility-even-while-birthing position to be the most tolerable and productive. Pushing lasted for a while (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from the first time we saw the head until crowning), and Jessica was obviously exhausted from the intense labor she did in the tub. I must reiterate: this girl has endurance! Spud was an incredible trooper, too, maintaining an excellent heart rate throughout the day. On July 13, 2008, at 7:36 P.M., after nearly 16 hours of completely natural labor, Spud crowned and immediately flopped all the way out.
Birthing and acute angles.
Now for the details you're actually interested in:
Ezra Wray Ribera weighed in at 8lbs, 3oz. Being 19.5" long, he seems more like his dad... at least in terms of birth statistics. However, he makes the smooshy Meador face with excellent form, so we're decidedly undecided about who he takes after more. He is incredibly active and alert, and is almost holding his own head up already. He's also nursing well, and he has a really sweet, gentle temperament.
Thank you all for your prayers. Praise the Lord for this wonderful child!
The whole family.
8lbs 3oz, and such a good patient!
I love my daddy!
I love my mommy, too. What a day!
More pictures available on Flickr
Yesterday was an incredible day. Jessica's water broke at 4 A.M., and early labor contractions began immediately. We spent the morning laboring on the porch and in our living room, and headed off to the hospital a little before 2 P.M. At this point, Jessica's contractions were really intense and things seemed to be progressing quickly.
At the hospital.
Our midwife, Cindie, met us at the hospital and checked Jessica out. She was at 3cm; that news was disheartening to both of us, since Jessica had been working hard all morning. Cindie wisely reassured us that Jessica had been making great progress, and that (warning: the following is my math geek paraphrase) dilation is often a nonlinear function of time. Sure enough, she was right! Jessica labored from 3cm to 9cm in the tub, and it only took her 2 short-but-excruciating hours. She was incredible; I am so impressed by her stamina (both physical and mental) and her trust in the Lord.
Jessica transitioned in the tub; although the urge to push never really manifested, we moved her to the bed and she pushed even without the urge. True to her ballet roots, Jessica found a ridiculous, look-at-my-insane-flexibility-even-while-birthing position to be the most tolerable and productive. Pushing lasted for a while (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from the first time we saw the head until crowning), and Jessica was obviously exhausted from the intense labor she did in the tub. I must reiterate: this girl has endurance! Spud was an incredible trooper, too, maintaining an excellent heart rate throughout the day. On July 13, 2008, at 7:36 P.M., after nearly 16 hours of completely natural labor, Spud crowned and immediately flopped all the way out.
Birthing and acute angles.
Now for the details you're actually interested in:
Ezra Wray Ribera weighed in at 8lbs, 3oz. Being 19.5" long, he seems more like his dad... at least in terms of birth statistics. However, he makes the smooshy Meador face with excellent form, so we're decidedly undecided about who he takes after more. He is incredibly active and alert, and is almost holding his own head up already. He's also nursing well, and he has a really sweet, gentle temperament.
Thank you all for your prayers. Praise the Lord for this wonderful child!
The whole family.
8lbs 3oz, and such a good patient!
I love my daddy!
I love my mommy, too. What a day!
More pictures available on Flickr
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Nope, not yet
Just in case you're wondering, he's not outside yet :) I'm afraid to leave any status unchanged or blog un-updated for too long lest people think I'm busy doing something else! Just been hanging out with my mom :)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Due Date!
As I wrote Spud today, we've yet to see if this day means anything to him, but it certainly means a lot to me! Been through one due date before; and, although it, like today, definitely inspired some deep reflection on the goodness and faithfulness of God, this one is WAY more fun! I'm feeling ready for the long haul if Spud decides to be "late," but of course I am very eager to meet him. Mom arrives tomorrow!!! YAY! So, that event will help break up the waiting period.
Brendan and I bought a camcorder (thanks, economic stimulus pkg) in preparation for Spuddy's arrival. Here's how we've been putting it to use. I give you: The Due Date Dance
Brendan and I bought a camcorder (thanks, economic stimulus pkg) in preparation for Spuddy's arrival. Here's how we've been putting it to use. I give you: The Due Date Dance
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Cupcakes
All my facebook friends are well aware of my new obsession with Trophy Cupcake and Party in Wallingford. Now, I feel compelled to write a blog post about them too!
I have NEVER been a real dessert girl. Especially since moving to Seattle, I always wanted more dinner than dessert. But, now that I'm carrying the spawn of a sweet tooth, I really like the sugar. Of course, a lot of that stems from my increasing caloric and protein needs. My body only thinks it wants dessert because sugar is quick energy. But, WHATEVER. I pack in the protein and eat very healthily, so if I feel like one desserty indulgence a day - I'm doing it!
Trophy Cupcake's owner was featured on Martha Stewart several months ago, and I finally made a visit. Martha was definitely on to something because this shop makes the best cupcakes I have EVER had. The frosting is really what does it; it is super creamy, never crusty, and very flavorful. It all tastes nice and homemade, and they feature fresh ingredients (like the farmer's market blueberries in my blueberry cupcake today). I've been to other shops in town, and it would almost be cruel to compare them to Trophy.
Here's what I got today:
That's my half-eaten blueberry on the plate. In the box, from left to right, are hummingbird (pineapple-banana cake with cream cheese frosting), mint-chocolate, and vanilla-chocolate.
So, if you live in Seattle, EAT A CUPCAKE! Trophy Cupcake
I have NEVER been a real dessert girl. Especially since moving to Seattle, I always wanted more dinner than dessert. But, now that I'm carrying the spawn of a sweet tooth, I really like the sugar. Of course, a lot of that stems from my increasing caloric and protein needs. My body only thinks it wants dessert because sugar is quick energy. But, WHATEVER. I pack in the protein and eat very healthily, so if I feel like one desserty indulgence a day - I'm doing it!
Trophy Cupcake's owner was featured on Martha Stewart several months ago, and I finally made a visit. Martha was definitely on to something because this shop makes the best cupcakes I have EVER had. The frosting is really what does it; it is super creamy, never crusty, and very flavorful. It all tastes nice and homemade, and they feature fresh ingredients (like the farmer's market blueberries in my blueberry cupcake today). I've been to other shops in town, and it would almost be cruel to compare them to Trophy.
Here's what I got today:
That's my half-eaten blueberry on the plate. In the box, from left to right, are hummingbird (pineapple-banana cake with cream cheese frosting), mint-chocolate, and vanilla-chocolate.So, if you live in Seattle, EAT A CUPCAKE! Trophy Cupcake
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
"What do you do all day?"
I get this question a lot, so I decided to write a little post. It is growing increasingly difficult to be thankful rather than crabby about all the free time on my hands. I am blessed to have been out of work for 5 months now! I am SO EAGER to start my new job, Spudkin's Mom, full time. Although, I know that I've already been Spud's mom for 9 months. I'm just ready to start the hands on work!
So, meanwhile, here's what I've been up to today. I woke up this morning and immediately began harassing Brendan to come back to bed, chat, and snuggle with me. That's a great way to kill the first half-hour of awake time :). Then, I got all ready, ate some breakfast and immediately went back to sleep. That is extremely atypical. I'm usually terrible at napping, but last night my midwife told me that I should take an hour each morning and each afternoon to just lay down and rest. Having been given explicit instruction, I'm much more willing to do the resting I need to do. Also, I really don't sleep well at night, and I've become really exhausted the last week or so. I slept on and off until 12:30 today! How's that for an answer to "what do you do all day?"
Then, I got up, quickly ate lunch and went to a prayer group I attend on Tuesdays. I love doing that, and today was no exception. I was especially blessed today by all the praying that the Spirit led about putting off wickedness and putting on righteousness.
Next was a trip to PCC to replenish my vitamin stash. Added a B-Complex to help with my recent sleep-deprivation instigated crabbiness. A little side note: I'm into chelated minerals these days, and I really believe that they are wonderful. Since, I've been taking my chelated iron, I've had no tummy issues to speak of, even though I take 2 at a time! I also got some dark chocolate covered blackberry organic ice cream bars - very important in late fetal development ;)
I came home and wrote notes to folks. We've been blessed with a steady stream of gifts, so I had thank you notes to do. I also wrote a letter to my grandmother :)
Then, I began my cooking project of the day: quiches to freeze. I'm a HUGE quiche fan, and the little ones at Trader Joe's are great, but I eat them fast and think that habit could get expensive. Actually, I know that because they were my main food source during my nauseous first trimester. So, I decided to make some big ones to freeze. They'll be great to have once Spuddy Buddy is born.
The quiches are roasted tomato, green onion, basil, and cheese. They're cooking now, and they smell great! I used whole wheat crusts, and I can smell the wholesomeness. I had a little adventure with the tomatoes. I think I put too much olive oil on them, and they majorly smoked up in the oven. The smoke detector, a chair, a towel, and scared guinea pigs were then involved. Everything turned out fine, though, and the tomatoes are delicious :). I sauteed the green onions in butter to give them a little gentler, more savory flavor. Fortunately, enough filling was left for me to make a little extra "frittata," which for me is a crustless quiche, so we'll get to taste it sooner than later!
Then, I wrote this silly blog post. Another way I like to spend my time :). I also like chatting on gmail with far-away friends and my sister.
After a little rest, I plan to make dinner and await the arrival of the Rib. Tonight we're having salad and burritos... done enough fancy cooking for today!
So, meanwhile, here's what I've been up to today. I woke up this morning and immediately began harassing Brendan to come back to bed, chat, and snuggle with me. That's a great way to kill the first half-hour of awake time :). Then, I got all ready, ate some breakfast and immediately went back to sleep. That is extremely atypical. I'm usually terrible at napping, but last night my midwife told me that I should take an hour each morning and each afternoon to just lay down and rest. Having been given explicit instruction, I'm much more willing to do the resting I need to do. Also, I really don't sleep well at night, and I've become really exhausted the last week or so. I slept on and off until 12:30 today! How's that for an answer to "what do you do all day?"
Then, I got up, quickly ate lunch and went to a prayer group I attend on Tuesdays. I love doing that, and today was no exception. I was especially blessed today by all the praying that the Spirit led about putting off wickedness and putting on righteousness.
Next was a trip to PCC to replenish my vitamin stash. Added a B-Complex to help with my recent sleep-deprivation instigated crabbiness. A little side note: I'm into chelated minerals these days, and I really believe that they are wonderful. Since, I've been taking my chelated iron, I've had no tummy issues to speak of, even though I take 2 at a time! I also got some dark chocolate covered blackberry organic ice cream bars - very important in late fetal development ;)
I came home and wrote notes to folks. We've been blessed with a steady stream of gifts, so I had thank you notes to do. I also wrote a letter to my grandmother :)
Then, I began my cooking project of the day: quiches to freeze. I'm a HUGE quiche fan, and the little ones at Trader Joe's are great, but I eat them fast and think that habit could get expensive. Actually, I know that because they were my main food source during my nauseous first trimester. So, I decided to make some big ones to freeze. They'll be great to have once Spuddy Buddy is born.
The quiches are roasted tomato, green onion, basil, and cheese. They're cooking now, and they smell great! I used whole wheat crusts, and I can smell the wholesomeness. I had a little adventure with the tomatoes. I think I put too much olive oil on them, and they majorly smoked up in the oven. The smoke detector, a chair, a towel, and scared guinea pigs were then involved. Everything turned out fine, though, and the tomatoes are delicious :). I sauteed the green onions in butter to give them a little gentler, more savory flavor. Fortunately, enough filling was left for me to make a little extra "frittata," which for me is a crustless quiche, so we'll get to taste it sooner than later!
Then, I wrote this silly blog post. Another way I like to spend my time :). I also like chatting on gmail with far-away friends and my sister.
After a little rest, I plan to make dinner and await the arrival of the Rib. Tonight we're having salad and burritos... done enough fancy cooking for today!
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