My Favorite Birthday

You may have noticed that this post is titled "My Favorite Birthday."  This might lead you to worry that upon her arrival our newest edition ousted big sister from her thrown.  Do not fear, that is the title of Emery's birthday post as well.  Why not a sequel like my pregnancy posts?  Because they are both legitimately my favorite birthdays.  Neither is more special, sacred or important to me than the other.  That might sound like I'm trying to be diplomatic, but it's sincerely just the truth.  Before you have your second you wonder how on earth you can love another creature as much as you love your existing earth-dwelling child.  At 10:14 AM on November 18th when our newest pride and joy, Miss Brynn Marie, arrived - I suddenly understood.

As I mentioned before, I was stubbornly resisting a scheduled induction.  The last few weeks at my regular appointments Brynn was measuring large (7 lbs 9 oz at 36 weeks and 8 lbs and 9 oz at 38.5 weeks), I was making good progress (4 cm & 70% at 38 weeks) and my doctor reminded me regularly that she would be happy to schedule an induction if I wanted.  I felt very strongly that I wanted Brynn to pick her own birthday though.  Heaven knows I'll control enough other things in her life, whether I mean to or not.

November 17th, her due date, came and went with no baby arrival much to mine and Nonnie's chagrin.  I'd been having irritating contractions for weeks, so I didn't think too much of the contractions I felt that day during my lunch-time walk nor than evening before Ryan and I went to sleep.  When I term them "irritating", I believe it's warranted.  I kept having what I'd deem peek-a-boo contractions.  They would come very regularly for about an hour and then just... disappear.  I thought on the evening of November 17th that they were a little stronger but given my history I was pretty hesitant to tell anyone that.

At 4:30 am on Tuesday November 18th I woke up, as I'd done many times in the weeks leading up to it, and felt a contraction.  I opened my iPhone timing app and started timing.  The same way I had maaaaaany times in the 3 weeks before.  After 2 contractions I felt in my gut that this was probably the real deal.  I figured I should go ahead and take a shower to make sure they hung around before I got anyone worked up.  After a quick shower I told Ryan he needed to wake up because I thought we needed to go to the hospital.  Sleepy Papa Bear kindly responded, "why?"  Even he didn't trust my contractions at this point.  After he witnessed a yelp during a contraction he called his Dad to come stay with Emery and quickly got ready himself.

The wait for Ryan's dad to arrive around 6:15 felt like the longest 45 minutes of my life.  My contractions continued to get stronger and by the end I was hunching over and squeezing the crap out of Ryan's hand during them.  We got to the hospital around 6:30 and they wheeled me up to Labor & Delivery.  They sent me to triage where more waiting that felt like years ensued.  By the time they finally checked me the nurse said "Oh- we're going to have a baby.  Soon."  I was at 7 cm and I immediately burst into tears as I was sure that meant I wasn't going to get an epidural.

Around 7:30 they got me into a room and my Mom arrived.  By the time they checked me then I was at an 8 bordering on 9.  Thankfully they got the anesthesiologist in there stat and I got my epidural around 8:35.  My doctor also came by and broke my water.  Life got a lot better post epidural.  Puppy dogs and rainbows, people.

As you may recall from Emery's birth story, Ryan finds documentation of traffic conditions imperative.  Here are the roadways from Sir Hospital Sky Eye on Brynn's birthday.

Ryan talked me into "one last pregnant picture."  I blame that on how excited I was for the relief the epidural provided.

Around 9:25 or so the nurse came by and told me I was at a solid 9 but that Brynn's head wasn't positioned exactly correctly.  She rotated me into some very yoga-esque pose and told me she'd be back to check on me in 30 minutes but that I should call if I thought I needed her before.  About 5 minutes later I stopped my Mom mid-sentence and told her to call the nurse.  The nurse came and confirmed it was go time.  

Again- more waiting.  It felt like it took forevvvvver for my doctor to make it from the medical building next door.  Then, miraculously, at 10:14 am our darling lovebug joined us.  She had a head full of dark hair, the cutest chipmunk cheeks anyone has ever seen and dark eyes.  Love at first sight is equally as fulfilling the second time around as it is the first.  

Oh, and she tipped the scales at 9 lbs 4 oz and 21" long.  This is funny because at 36 weeks the two measured EXACTLY the same size.  With Emery, everyone was convinced she was going to be a big girl.  When she was born (8 lbs and 21.5") my doctor's direct quote was "Oh, you aren't as big as I thought you'd be."  So I assumed that Brynn would be roughly the same size.  This time around everyone was surprised at, and commented on, how big she was.  Not the last time that these two will surprise us, I'm sure.

Just getting her stretches in.  Emery warned her the real world is rough.

Pondering why she decided to ditch her previous abode for THIS.

Footprints.  Baby's first autograph.

Do you not just want to pinch those cheeks through your screen?  No?  Just me?

For about an hour, Miss Brynn hung out with just Mama, Daddy & Nonnie.  The bonus of the second time around is that you know how special those first few moments of soaking her in on your own are and I was so much better at actively doing it.  After our initial bonding sesh, Brynn's fan club started to arrive.  First Grandma came by to see her.  

Hi Grandma!

At some point, I don't even know what time because who can keep track of such things when there's a gorgeous baby to snuggle, we got transferred to our post partum room.  Then Aunt Julie came by, bearing Panera I might add, to meet the newest target of all her spoiling.  Bringing Panera might have made her my second favorite person that day (after Brynn- duh).  She knows that the way to all good Boarman women's hearts is through their tummy.

Ugh.  Guys.  Enough with these pictures.  Can't a girl just get some sleep?

Proud Grandma.

Proud Auntie.

Gah, I just love her.

Proud parents.  Not sure Brynn was so proud to call us her's with that hair I was rocking.

Later that evening, both Pawpaws, David, Jen and Brendan came by to dote on baby B as well.  Of COURSE, Brynn also got to meet her big sister that day but I'm saving that for it's own post just because being gifted a sister will hopefully be one of the most important moments in both of their lives.  Obviously that deserves it's own moment in the sun.  Plus... there are probably too many pictures.  Shocking?

Jen and Brendan.  I promise they didn't actually look like they were interviewing Julie about her new child in real life.

As with Emery, and I am sure any new parents' stay in the hospital, those first few days are a total whirlwind of sleeplessness, groggy discussions with doctors and much screaming... typically by baby.  Photographic documentation of this time:

Awake and just admiring her Daddy.

My precious baby.

We got to take our newest family member home on Thursday November 20th to start life as a family of four, which we were so, so ready to do.

Oh #*%#.  Do they know you guys think you're going to take me from here?  I hear there's a needy dog and a noisy kid where you live.  I'm not sure I'm on board.

Mom, does this giant flower make me look fat?

So you're my chauffeur for the past 9 months, huh?  Let's talk about that singing, shall we?

Sister told me genetically I'm supposed to hate this thing.

Once again, November 18th was the greatest day of my life.  I can't thank my team enough for all their love, support and encouragement.  From texts to phone calls to emails to flowers to bringing us food- you all helped immensely.  As if meeting the newest love of your life isn't smile-inducing enough, being reminded of how loved you are through others' thoughtfulness and actions truly makes your heart feel like it might burst.  Of course, very special thank yous to my amazing husband, who knows when to make me laugh and when to just let me squeeze the crap out of his hand, and to my mother, because there's no one who can soothe your soul the way your mama can.  I am not sure what I would have done without either of you.  We are just almost as blessed to have you in our lives as we are to have two healthy, gorgeous daughters to call our own.  In conclusion- happiest of birthdays to the piece of our family we didn't realize was missing.  We all love you to bits Brynn Marie!

The 40 (Week) Old... Pregnant Lady

Why HELLO there long-lost blog world.  Are you getting tired of hearing that phrase this year?  I'm getting tired of typing it, that's for shizzle.  Maybe more timely blogging will be my 2015 resolution?  We will see what my bosses (read: children) have to say about that.

For now, let's turn back the hands of time to the days of yore.  The days when sweet baby sister was still in my belly and I was desperate to change that, shall we?  It feels like so long ago now...  Did you notice that this post wasn't a sequel?  That's because I didn't make it to 40 weeks with Miss Emery.  I induced with her at 39 weeks and 3 days.  Because that wasn't the smoothest ride for me, I was bound and determined not to do that this time around.  I succeeded!

So, I hit 40 weeks on November 17th, my due date.  I honestly did not expect to hit 40 weeks.  Why, you ask?  Oh, because on Sunday October 26th (36 weeks & 6 days), Ryan, Baby Sister and I spent the night in the hospital because I was vomiting and having contractions 3 minutes apart.  I was pretttty nervous that her highness was about to pull an Amy and make her world debut far ahead of schedule.  I didn't even have my bag packed, guys.  Luckily we learned that I had an infection and that is what was causing my contractions.  I was put on antibiotics and that slowed them down.  So on October 27th we were sent on our way expecting that based on the progress the contractions had made that I would be back in a week or so.  Little Miss didn't get that memo though, apparently.  I guess she just felt pretty strongly that a warning shot needed to be fired to get me to tackle the last few things on my to-do list.  She knows me well because the message was received and heeded.

Thanks to the little practice run, the last 3 weeks and change were brutal for me because I expected that at any moment my water could break and it would be go time.  Had it not been for the little mishap above, I'd have gone about my business as normal expecting that this baby would come around her due date if not later because if I learned anything from Emery, it's that my tummy makes for a very comfy abode.  Not one that's easy to leave.  This elevated level of anticipation plus heightening discomfort made me fairly unpleasant to be around.

To save my co-workers from potentially having to rush me to the hospital, and/or dealing with my grouchiness, I worked from home starting on Monday November 9th.  If you know me, you know I'm not big on working from home.  I'm not that fun to be around and my only colleague (Lola) during that time did a lot of farting.  I was so ready guys.  So ready.

That's about all I can remember from the last 4 weeks or so.  At this point as I sit here watching my precious angel sleep I am too excited to remember all the nuances and/or want to document them.  I'm ready to skip ahead to the fun part... when she made her world debut.  Hopefully I get to that part soon.  In the meantime, enjoy a few pics from the farewell tour of the baby bump.

37 weeks - post evening in the hospital.  I really wasn't interested in dressing up for this photo op, clearly.

38 weeks.  Baby girl was pretttttty prominent.

39 weeks.  I apparently thought a scarf might distract from my large bump.  Wishful thinking.

40 Weeks & 1 day.  This was my last pregnant belly pic at 5:00 am before we hopped in the car to head to the hospital.

What was I doing during my last week of work from the Katy Office, you ask?  Well, working, but also this.  I thought maybe if I gave her a place to sit it might inspire her to get her booty out.

Also this.  A LOT of walking.  This is a true testament to how badly I wanted her here with us.  It was very cold the week before baby girl was born and I walked every day at lunch.  With earmuffs.  And fuzzy socks.  My girls will be embarrassed of me one day- why not start now?

Oil Ranching with the McMarthouses

On Friday October 24th, we decided to continue our grand McMartin tradition** of heading to the Oil Ranch to properly pay homage to the season of pumpkins.  This year the Shannonhouses, Natalie and baby Zan joined us in the festivities making it the McMarthouse + Friends day o' fun.  Also in the grand tradition of McMartin family outings, we left slightly later than anticipated which left us in completely random traffic on 290 which nearly resulted in 2 divorces and much laughter prior to the fun getting started.

By the time we arrived, we were left with only about an hour of time to maximize our family farm fun.  Luckily when you have 5 kids under the age of 4, this is MORE than enough time to completely wear out all parties involved.  Horses were ridden, cows were fed, poor pumpkin photography took place and Ryan probably wound up on a CPS watch list somewhere for bringing our large camera to a children's location.  Basically you could call the day a complete success, as you'll see below.

Thanks to all who organized the event (read: Mama Mel- where would we be without her?!) and all who participated.  I look forward to a three-peat next year!

How adorbs are these little cow-kids-in-training?!  This bodes well for the future compound.

Emery was really excited about the pony... until we got too close to it.  Please note this is the only time our child is cuddly- when she's unsure and/or manipulating.  In this photo she might be multi-tasking.

Jake pointing out some bunnies.  I think.

That smirk only means one thing- she has an idea...

... looks like Jake had the same one.  "You down to terrorize some chickens?  Great, me too.  We have so much in common!"

Seeing how happy they were chasing these poor barnyard animals made the entire day absolutely worth it.

Seriously, is there anything greater than this unfettered excitement from little ones?  Provided they didn't get lucky and catch any chickens, obviously.

Okay... what victims do we have in this area?

Goats?!  Shut up.  They're bigger and faster.  I love a challenge.

Should I dive for one?  I'm thinking about it.

C'mon big Mama- this way for more animal heckling!

Sweet Patrick and his hot Mama.

Jake, Em & Av feeding a cow.  A cow who subsequently huffed hay all over Emery.  Moo moos are soooo funny.

Dad.  Did you see that cow snort hay on me?  Is that how you feel when I spit my full mouth of yogurt all over you?

The other half of the double date we were chaperoning.  I think Patrick was playing hard-to-get.

Mama and her girls just taking a little waddle stroll around the farm.

Hands down this kid nailed most photogenic of the day.  We have about 10 more like this that are equally adorable.

Natalie, baby Zan, Lynda & Patrick showing us how rural modeling is done.

I can't stop laughing at his facial expression.  How could I not post this?  Pumpkins did not impress him.

This is as good as it gets for a family photo with this crew.  Sorry Charlie.

Showering Baby Covington

On Saturday February 8th I was privileged to help host a baby shower in Dallas for one of my beloved college roomies, Melissa.  I hosted with 2 other college friends, Meredith & Katie, her high school friend, Lauren, & her step sister, Dianna.  I have been fortunate enough to get to know them throughout the course of Melissa's wedding as well as other post-college visits and they really are kiiiind of awesome.  Melissa must pay them very handsomely to keep them around.  ;c)

Luckily for this over-busy-seasoned, out-of-towner, Miss Meredith took the lead in the planning department.  She definitely missed her calling as a party planner because she managed to come up with the cutest theme (the Hungry Caterpillar) and did an incredible job spurring us all into action to get it pulled together.  She basically is Pintrest in the flesh.  Major kudos to this organizational Goddess.

We threw the party in the rec room of Katie's apartment building and it. was. awesome.  As the pictures below will evidence  Just seeing it makes me want to move there and we all know that Dallas and I are frenemies.  Sure there may have been an older lady who randomly came in to "get her vitamins" (play piano) while we were setting up.   And yeah, there may have nearly been a confrontation when a different lady kept trying to utilize the room despite the fact we very obviously had it reserved- BUT the free Flavia machine and warm cookies totally outweighed that.

We guests were treated to a delicious HC-themed smorgasbord o' food, some fantastic company and Melissa and sweet baby boy C were showered with some fantastic loot.  I had such a great time getting to visit with the old 5th year PPA crew as well as Melissa's Dallas folk- so tragic that Houston and Dallas have to be separated on opposite ends of the state with only a Bucees between them.  It's pretty much the geographic version of Romeo & Juliet.

The fun didn't end at the shower though because Melissa & Blake were kind enough to let me stay with them despite having LOTS of family in from out of town.  Why would a very pregnant lady agree to add stress to her life by letting me stay with her?  Because she's crazy?  She is and I don't know why they're so nice to me.  Probably because she subjected me to 2 nights of a whining feral cat my 5th year of school.  That's neither here nor there though.

Thanks to their generosity I got to pretend to be a Poorvington for the evening.  I tagged along to dinner with Melissa's Dad, Mom & Aunts as well as Blake's Grandmother, Mom & Sister at Love & War in Texas.  The food was topped only by the company.  I already knew that baby C was a lucky little man to have such wonderful parents, but after breaking cornbread with the extended fam I can say that he is far more blessed than he'll understand for a long time to come.

Lots and lots of thanks to my fellow shower hostesses, the Poormans, the Covingtons and mostly the proud parents-to-be for a wonderful weekend.  I love you all and I can't wait to house crash again in April when sweet Norman* makes his world debut!

* name subject to change.

How perfect are those eyes the Katie fashioned from pipe-cleaners?!  If this whole bad@ss lawyering thing doesn't pan out I think there's an Etsy shop in her future.

Only Meredith would own her own helium tank.  Is this not the cutest?!

Gorgeous flowers that Katie picked up.

Meredith's childhood books really dress up the place.

Is that a caterpillar head or a tomato?  Who can tell?

Lots of treasures for the little Mister.

Blake just found out Melissa's pregnant.

Melissa and her incredible Aunt Sue. 

Can't WAIT for pics of Little Man in the precious wardrobe he scored.  Best Dressed List Dallas, look out!

I'm still a little upset Becca didn't pose suggestively on the ottoman- I think that's supposed to be Auntie tradition.  Especially because Katie appears a full foot taller than the rest of us.  Can't wait to meet you, sweet boy!