Our Greatest Joy And Strength

Our little guy is 3 months old. Can't believe he is not a newborn anymore. They truly do change and develop right before your eyes. Adam and I are enjoying seeing Everett do new things on a weekly basis. Parenting has our greatest joy and biggest struggle...even as I think back on the past 3 months.

Everett. I slowly became more and more attached to that name as Adam jokingly called him that throughout our pregnancy. Adam loved the name and kept trying to convince me to like the name. Secretly, I enjoyed and laughed when Adam would keep referencing our unborn child as Everett. Although I liked to keep Adam wondering, the name grew on me, but I didn't want to decide on a name for sure until we met our little guy face to face. I mean, what if he didn't look like an Everett?

Then, I won't forget looking up the meaning of his name. Everett: strength of a wild boar. Immediate thought: weird and freaky. The meaning of a name is really important to me and I thought: what am I doing to myself by naming our child this seemingly obnoxious name? I mulled it over and over. I even prayed about it. I mean, this is the name this child will have for life. And then, I remember the moment my thought shifted and I saw the meaning in a positive light.

"Strength of a wild boar." My child could or could not have a dominating personality, but he would be clothed with strength. Strength to love, show compassion, persistence in meeting his goals, an interesting and fun personality. I thought about the strength of Sampson and how he was used by God. Yes, with every strength is a side of weakness too. And it was then, that I realized God would use his strengths and weaknesses to glorify him. That was the moment I knew Everett was his name and I was proud! Little did I know that he would live up to that name.

The more time goes on, the more I realize that Everett was given a very strong personality. You could call him a high needs baby. Very draining but vivacious and full of energy. Without going in to a long story about high needs babies, I am learning lots. Never has been a great sleeper/napper. Never likes to be set down. Makes his demands known. Is either laughing loudly or crying loudly. Mommy only can shower when daddy is watching him. Dinners are prepared during nap times if at all. And the only way I can get anything done is by wearing him in our wrap. Not to mention he is very strong and wiggly. I say this not to complain because my little guy means the world to me and very much depends on me. No one knows him like my husband and I. I also say this not to vent or ask for parenting advice. Truly, no one even understands what I am saying unless you have one.

But I am reading the most fascinating book.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Fussy-Baby-Book-Parenting/dp/0316779164/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355335893&sr=8-1&keywords=Dr.+Sears+fussy+baby

In the book, Dr. Sears talks about how a strong-willed, high needs baby while draining as a newborn, etc..turn in to the most passionate and compassionate people when they have had parents who foster and channel their personalities. And it hit me, I am blessed to have a child with the "strength as a wild boar." It is so neat how God has used the meaning of Everett's name to teach and encourage me. God gave me Everett and I am the best mother for him. His daddy and I can't wait to see our little guy develop and grow in his strengths and learn from his weaknesses all for the glory of our wonderful Savior. In the meantime, I know this time will go fast so I am determined to enjoy each stage as it comes.

I did not have the time to get Christmas cards together this year, so I will just post some pictures of Everett. He is our greatest gift, joy, and blessing this year!

2 Months

I can't believe it! Everett is 2 months old. (well, on the 10th of November) I find myself writing this while I have already had my nap for the day and Everett has been sleeping away in his crib. FREE TIME! So what do I do? I write an update in my blog while sipping some peppermint tea to give you all an update on our May family happenings. 

Love chewing on my hands now that I can get them to my mouth!

Life is definitely faster paced! It changes daily and weekly with our little guy, and I am loving it. NEVER BORING! I don't know what happens...I wake up and our little guy has decided to do something new. I swear he woke up one day and decided he was going to start chewing/sucking on his hands...and slobber was all of a sudden everywhere. This is our new adventure with being two months. SLOBBER! I was so confused at first why he was bring his hands to his mouth after he just got done feeding. Surely, he's not hungry?! Nope, just wants something to chew on. He is starting to teeth already. Hates pacifiers, but loves his fingers and Mommy's. I have some Hyland's Teething Gel that I started using and it works so well. He's not fussy and not wanting to gnaw on my finger (or nipples, ouch!). I admit, the teething stage has been one I have been dreading...especially with breastfeeding.

Everett has decided to give this momma a little more sleeping time. At 6.5 weeks he started sleeping 5-6 hour stretch at night and it is absolutely the most wonderful thing ever! He also is nursing so much better. No pain from his tongue-tie and lip tie revision. Nurses more efficiently, within 30min. This has been such a relief and such an answer to prayer. 

I have started venturing out more...the world is a tad more intimidating having an baby with you. The conversations in my head go something like this: "Do I carry him in his car seat in the grocery store?...but I need my hands...so I'll carry him in my baby wrap...but where do I set him to put it on?..what do I do with the cart when he needs to feed?..where do I go to feed him?...do I just feed him in public? (so much easier) or do I hide out in the bathroom? (gross!)"...so needless to say I haven't attempted the grocery store, but I have gone out to meet some friends and to some meetings/appointments...ha.

Sadly, I had to give up dairy. Little E got constipated and the only thing we could think of was my dairy intake. Since eliminating it, E is doing much much better. If you know me, you know that I love my milk with cereal, but I am learning to branch out. Almond milk: not as amazing as milk, but a good substitute. I have to say though, I had some mint choc. chip coconut "ice cream" and it was to die for...even caught Adam eating it. I am hoping E eventually grows out of this, but for now I am staying away from dairy. I don't ever want to see my little guy that miserable again!

We also had another baby shower to attend to in Illinois. Everett was a pretty popular little man and got some great stuff. He especially loves his mobile. He loves sounds, lights, and MOVEMENT. My love- bug is not so much a cuddle-bug (except when tired). Every other time he likes to be moving (in mom's arms) and looking around...he is going to be an active one when he starts walking/crawling. Phew!

Lastly, E still hates the car seat which makes trips/car rides a bit stressful. Have you ever been trying to drive when a baby is SCREAMING in the back seat?! I have tried everything: "tanking" him up with food, putting him in sleepy or asleep (of which he wakes up immediately when strapped in), playing toys with him, putting up a mobile, making faces, using a paci, etc. Nothing works! He likes to be in someone's arms and not confined. I am praying this is just a stage because it makes the 3-hour long car drive to our hometown nearly unbearable for mommy. 

Needless to say, I can't believe how fast he's growing and learning new things. But my favorite is snuggling with him in our Moby wrap (the only thing that puts him to sleep these days) and seeing his smiling face.

Well, my time writing this blog is short-lived these days. Baby is waking...so off I go! Did you keep up with my blog? Any one have any of the same feelings/thoughts with their first child? 

That face melts my heart!

What was that you were saying? I can't quite understand his coos, but we're working on that!

  

Meet Everett Lee May

Having fun with Daddy!

Lovin' the camera

Welcome Everett! This momma has needed some much needed sleep the past month, so I am finally writing an update. Little Everett graced us with his presence after 11 hours of labor...he was 8 lb. 7 oz. and 19.5 inches long. Here's our story:

 I started contractions the night of Sept 9th at 10:30pm...I told Adam that I was having some intense cramps, we wondered if I was "in labor," but decided to go on a walk and try to get some sleep. I laid down and immediately Adam and I felt a thud. Adam thought I jumped, but then I realized my bag of waters broke (@12:30am). I got out of bed, looked at him and said, "And it starts..." He immediately started getting the birthing tub ready and called my mom, work (telling them I wouldn't be in in the morning), and the midwife. My contractions started at 7 minutes apart. In the meantime, I labored on our birthing ball and really didn't want anything but reassurance that I could do it through each contraction. We experimented with different positions to labor in, but the birthing ball was the winner. (On my back in bed was the absolute most uncomfortable position ever!!!) 

To clarify...yes, we planned on having a home birth. I knew that I wanted to labor at home. Yes there are definitely risks, but I felt that laboring at home minimized the potential risks of unnecessary interventions in a hospital. Secondly, I also felt confident in my midwife(s) and had spent a significant amount of time with my birthing team. They were more friends then a doctor/patient relationship. Lastly, I knew my body knew what to do and all I had to do was surrender. I had been educated on what to expect and knew I could trust my husband to provide the comfort and reassurance I needed. Our home is a place that is quiet, peaceful, and private. 

So, continuing on with our story...

Around 3am our midwifes and birthing attendant arrived and helped get the birthing tub ready. Once ready, I spent the rest of my labor in the tub...it felt great! At 8:30am I started pushing (I was completely dilated and the heart tones sounded good) and Everett was born at 9:50am on Monday, September 10th. Adam helped "catch" him and he was immediately brought to my chest for Adam and I to admire. Suddenly, all that intense labor seemed a blur and our world was changed for the good!

Postpartum was the most difficult part for me, but I am so thankful for my knowledgeable birthing team. I hemorrhaged and was incredibly dizzy and had difficulty hearing. I was immediately given a few shots of pitocin, along with having to be catheterized to help empty my bladder. (Helping my uterus to clamp down). An IV was started and I received 3 Liters of IV fluid. I lost around 1200 ml of blood total. And unfortunately tore a little, so I had to be sutured. After all that, I eventually started re-couping, but was completely exhausted! I was so thankful to be home recuperating! My mom and dad came out to help out that first night, along with Adam's parents the 2nd day. I was so thankful for the extra help seeing as I needed help just getting up.

Overall, I wouldn't change a thing and I definitely would have another home birth. I loved it!! I loved being home. I loved the relationship I established with my birthing team. I loved sharing in the experience with my husband...the list could go on and on. 

I feel empowered! My husband and I made it through the delivery together, and I didn't take any pain medication! If there's anything I can pass along it is that an unmedicated delivery is possible and do"able." Not going to lie, it was the most intense work I have ever done but so short in retrospect, and completely worth the benefits.

So that's our wonderful story! (And it doesn't end there...)

Everett: a big name for such a little guy

1 mo already!

Patiently Waiting; Eagerly Anticipating

Waiting...still waiting. ;)

Well, I have gotten lots of comments from people waiting to here something about Baby May. Adam and I are eager as well, but I have no idea when our little one will make his appearance. My due date is looming in the near future (couple days). The house is clean and ready (for now). Thanks for the thoughts, prayers, and sweet comments of anticipation.

 I am (still) working full-time on limited duty, which means I get to sit and do "secretarial work." Right now, it is just a struggle to get up and ready for the morning, but I am also thankful for this "stage" in the pregnancy as well. I think I would be scared to death of delivering this baby, but since I'm so miserable, I am anticipating labor! (Adam you can remind me I said this during 2nd stage of labor...haha) As much as I would love (I think) sitting at home at this stage, I also feel like sitting and waiting is more painful. Who knows, I could go in to labor tomorrow or in 2 weeks...so right now I am just keeping myself occupied.

Right now I have a peace, a calmness, a wonderful husband, a refrigerator full of food, a clean house, and a baby that will be coming soon! This nearly 40 week pregnant person is happy and content!!

Psalm 139: 1-4:" O Lord, you have searched me and know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know if completely, O Lord."

Psalms 139: 13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

I woke up with the thought today about how wonderful it was that my God KNOWS me. He formed and created me. He is a personal God who cares for me. He personally created me how he wanted me...my nose, hair, and personality. I was created with a purpose and a plan before I was even born! I pray you will feel encouraged knowing that our God is not distant, but knows every part of you. A baby being created and growing inside me is a reminder of this everyday. We can't wait to see how he created our little man...looks, personality, etc.

Until then, we are patiently waiting, but eagerly anticipating his arrival...whenever that will be. :)

38 weeks (last weeks picture)

 

Busy Lives, but Happy Ones

We decided to take our maternity pictures while on vacation in late June with my sister . She did a fabulous job! These were all taken at Multnomah Falls in Oregon. 

This picture was taken on the coast in Seaside, OR. 

Add caption

Just thought I'd share some of my favorite maternity pictures with you. I am nearly 33 weeks and I can't believe it. This pregnancy has gone by so fast and so slow. :) Adam and I have been busy getting things ready whether by attending our weekly birthing class, cleaning our apartment, reading and researching "baby topics," meeting with pediatricians, or attending a cloth diapering class. Soon will be our showers and I can't wait to start adding things to our nursery (aka Adam's office, our bedroom, and living room...haha) We are excited to meet our little boy. Do you know the feeling when your life is about to completely change, but you have no idea how exactly? There is an element of surprise, wonder, and eager anticipation for a coming blessing.

Our marriage has been strengthened as we have been having to make needed adjustments in anticipation  to our baby boy coming. Adam switching jobs and leaving ministry for now, changing to a midwife after 20 weeks pregnant, and making some decisions that have definitely put us against the grain of society have been a few, but I am so thankful my husband and I are unified on our decisions (not always at this same time, but eventually :) I knew choosing a man who was confident in his relationship with Christ and sensitive to the Holy Spirit would be the most valuable attributes to me. I could not be more thankful for a man who has stood by my side, supported me, cared for me, and sacrificed for me (and our little one). This pregnancy has made us dig deeper in our marriage and we have both discovered a new part of ourselves and a strength in our relationship with Christ. Am I the only one that thinks it's exciting that marriage is in a constant state of adjustment? I love going through changes with my husband. I know I can depend on him and his character and eventually we'll find what works for us after seeking God together and independently.

Just wanted to update you all with the happenings of the past few months and share a few pictures. 

Last week: 31 weeks.

Did some baking the other day after craving mom's blueberry muffins. I was proud of the outcome that came from substituting vegetable oil to coconut oil and using coconut palm sugar instead of cane sugar. I even had to "claim" some for my own before Adam ate them all. :) I would say this was a success!

This has been my nursery project. I just painted the hoops white and added fabric of my choosing. So cheap and inexpensive and a cute way to decorate a nursery. The picture is one that my mom sent me as a gift and a reminder of Jesus' love for children. 

Boy or Girl?

Well, Adam is already scheming at what cubs outfit to put our little BOY in! And 90% of you already guessed it, so to be honest, we weren't surprised...haha! Our ultrasound technician had a hard time getting all his measurements because he kept moving and flipping around. I predict having an Adam May Jr....lots of energy! :) Not feeling flutters/movement yet, but soon. Baby is healthy and the best news...no big head!! We had to include Ginger in the announcement, so I hope you enjoyed it! I was giggling the whole time I was trying to get her to pose. 

At 19 weeks on 04.17.2012, we found out we were having a boy.

~Feeling bigger, but excited! 

~Reading lots and taking naps throughout the day (unless at work of course). 

~Adam and I definitely foresee change coming our way...

~Was so neat to see our little one moving around on the ultrasound

~Adam was sure it was a boy

~Feeling incredibly blessed!

~Now to figure out a boys name...

A Crown of Love and Compassion

I just finished one of my favorite books! Joni Eareckson has such a powerful testimony. At seventeen after a diving accident (and near drowning). Joni became a quadriplegic, unable to move her arms and legs. Her world as she knew it was shattered. She struggled with depression and anger, but eventually reached out to her loving Savior for the strength to go on. Not only did she go on, but she learned to use her testimony to share of God's redemptive love. She also was blessed with finding out she had an amazing gift...painting/drawing...with her mouth.  

Joni had a love for drawing horses.

I have really enjoyed this book. Mainly because one of my passions is working with teenage trauma patients, especially teenagers with spinal chord injuries. I knew I liked taking care of the teenagers, but didn't know spinal chord injuries were a passion of mine until I had taken care of a handful of patients with this type trauma. Teenagers are awesome! I think I found this out even more when combined with my job as a nurse, I started becoming involved with the teenagers at our church. I love them! There is so much they question and experience. They may not always tell you everything, but you get little glimpses of their thought processes every once in a while. Those you hold onto like priceless rubies!

After reading this book, I learned not only how to better my nursing skills, but was encouraged in my walk with the Lord as well. I was amazed at how many "stupid" responses and "advice" Toni received from people after they found out she was paralyzed. I can't believe people would be so insensitive and not think before speaking the first thing that comes to mind. But she showed such patience and love! I want to use one example that spoke to me:  

(After speaking at a conference) "Someone asked me,' Do you suppose you were so strong willed and stubborn that the only way God could work in your life was to 'zap' you and put you in a wheelchair?' I shook my head. 'In the Psalms we're told that God does not deal with us according to our sins and iniquities. My accident was not a punishment for my wrongdoing- whether or not I deserved it. Only God knows why I was paralyzed. Maybe he knew I'd be ultimately happier serving Him. If I were still on my feet it's hard to say how things might have gone. I probably would have drifted through life- marriage, maybe even divorce- dissatisfied and disillusioned.'" 

(Tada, 1976)

So many people that struggle with an illness, sickness, or injury at some point or another usually questions if God did it to them to get their attention or deal with them in some way. My heart breaks when I hear the person question it or hear others put this disbelief in their minds! I become angry! If this were the case, we would all deserve death (and we do). But thanks to our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ who died in our place for our sins, we now inherit the righteousness of Christ when we trust in his sacrifice on the cross. Eternal life is ours! Accidents, trauma, rape, abuse, tumors, cancer, etc. are in no way punishment, but the result of a fallen world. If you are struggling with this I want to give you a Psalm to cling to. This is the Psalm Toni quoted:

Psalm 103: 2-5, 8-12

"...Praise the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Who satisfies your desires with good things...The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger for forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. "

That's just me getting a little something off my chest and out there. I pray daily for those I know going through loss and suffering. I believe the Lord reveals himself in special ways to those who are experiencing suffering. To those of you that are healthy, I pray the Lord will use you, abilities and all, to serve those in need. God called us to be servants to each other out of the example he set. Praying you have a blessed week ahead.

Love, 

             Michelle