The birth of Levi Patrick Hembree

Levi Patrick Hembree – Named after my Grandma, Patricia, whom we love dearly!

For months I had researched, planned, discussed and anticipated the birth of our son, Levi.  Nothing could have prepared me for the rawness, intensity and above all pure beauty of labor. 

Friday, May 1st, I woke up with contractions that were 7-8 minutes apart and I was excited to get things rolling.  I called my mom and my friend/doula, Niccole, and I assumed I’d be having the baby by the evening.  Boy was I wrong.  I went for a brisk walk to try and get them going again.  Contractions tinkered out mid day and I went for a massage to hopefully have my pressure points trigger labor again.  Again, it was wishful thinking!  By evening, contractions started again, but were sporadic and I realized this baby would come when he wanted, not by my timing.  Saturday morning, there were more contractions like the day before…contracting in the morning, tinkering out in the afternoon. 

Saturday night was different however in that a  HUGE storm rolled through the area.  We were sitting on the couch and I started contracting.  10 minutes apart.  8 minutes apart.  7, 6, 5, 4, 3.  They quickly intensified and I had trouble focusing as the pain tightened around my lower abdomen and my lower back.  We called the birthing center and talked with the midwife on call.  She told us to come in since the contractions were so close together.  I called Niccole to tell her that we were heading in and she told me to buy some time by taking a hot shower because the roads were so bad from the storm.  We headed out to Allen Birthing Center 20 minutes later and as we drove further into the heart of the storm, the contractions intensified and grew closer together.  Nate called Kelly his sister to let her know I was in labor and to send out a mass text to our friends and family so they knew what was going on.  He also called our photographer Ashlee who was going to document the birth.  We approached the birthing center and they were right on top of one another.  I was ready to meet my baby.  He had other plans though as the midwife checked to see how dilated I was and discovered that I was only 1 1/2 cm dilated and 80% effaced.  The falling barometric pressure had caused pre-labor!  Her advice was to go home and get some rest.  A tired body does not labor well.  Defeated, we called Niccole  and Ashlee and told them to turn around and go home, it was a false alarm. 

We tried to sleep that night and the contractions although not as close together as they were ensued throughout the night.  Sunday, tired, hurting and wanting to see my baby, Niccole came over to discuss any fears that I had that might be hindering labor.  The mind is a powerful thing and not only was I exhausted, but there were so many unresolved fears I had of labor, motherhood, etc that I hadn’t let go of.  Take my advice:  resolve your fears early, get LOTS of rest during labor and relax.  Your body will take over and know what to do!  That night was miserable to say the least.  I tried every position I could to ease the pain…leaning over an exercise ball, lying down on my side, having Nate do hip compressions, press on my sacrum, take a hot shower, bath, etc.  At 1:00am, the contractions were 3 minutes apart and we headed to the birthing center again only to find that I was dilated to 2cm.  I wanted to cry as I imagined laboring like this again throughout the night and again through the next day.  Amy the midwife told me that I needed to rest and gave me a shot in my hip to help me sleep.  We went home and I tried to sleep the best I could. 

At 9:00am on Monday, May 3rd, we headed to the birthing center once again and I told Nate that we were not heading home again.  I was determined to have this baby!  Praise God we discovered that I was dilated to a 5 when we arrived at the center.  I was FINALLY in active labor.  A little sleep goes a long way!  I was so exhausted and needed to continue to dilate that Amy gave me a shot of Nubain to help ease the contraction pain so I could sleep.  Again,  a tired body does not labor well!  I went upstairs to the room where I would have the baby and slept for 3 hours.  At noon I woke up telling Nate that the Nubain had worn off and I needed more.  Amy checked me again and I was dilated to an 8.  Things were really moving now!  At that point, everything was a blur.  I remember I started yelling that I had to go to the bathroom and as I got to the restroom my water broke.  The waters had some meconium in it, but not enough to worry the midwife.  She started filling up the birthing tub and I got in as soon as I could.  It was instant comfort since water had been my main form of relaxation during pregnancy.  Niccole came at some point during this time and I was so relieved to have her there.  I couldn’t have imagined having my baby without her!  I labored in the tub for quite some time and Nate helped aleviate the pain with hip compressions and helping me to relax and not be tense.  The corny phrase you hear over and over in the natural childbirth community is “Just let go.” But it’s so true!  My body was designed to give birth and I had to trust in the process. 

Then began the pushing…no one told me it was time, but it’s amazing how my body just knew.  With glazed eyes, I pushed and rested.  Pushed and rested.  And then I pushed.  And pushed.  At one point I said I couldn’t push anymore and asked Niccole to encourage me.  She helped me to refocus and remember why I chose a natural child birth.  I realized that this baby wasn’t going to come unless I pushed through the pain.  When I felt his head, I was determined to hold Levi and push with all my might.  At 2:35, Levi Patrick Hembree was born into the world.  I was instantly in love and one of the first things I said to him was, “I would have pushed a million times for you!”  It’s true.  The reward of holding your precious baby at the end makes the pain of labor endurable.  There was nothing sweeter than holding my baby boy in my arms.

The only complication was that Levi’s umbilical cord was short and broke when I pulled him out of the water, but other than that, it was a smooth delivery.  We went home about 3 hours after the birth and began our life as parents.  I have to say, there is nothing quite as beautiful as beginning a new role:  Motherhood.

Levi and his beautiful conehead. =)

                                                                Nate calling his family.

                                                      7lbs 2 1/2 oz, 20 inches long

                                                      10 perfect fingers and toes.

                    Daddy praying over the newest addition to our family.

                                          The proud and very tired parents. =)

Newborn session

There aren’t words to describe how much I love being a mommy.  The cuddles, the kisses.  Soothing my boy after he’s been crying.  Looking into his eyes and hoping he knows just how loved he truly is.  The list could go on and on.  I was telling my friend the other day that all the trite things you worry about in pregnancy are simply that, trite.  I would have taken a thousand stretch marks if it meant getting to hold my little boy for a day.  I laugh that I worried about how I was going to get to the pool this summer when now I realize I haven’t been outside for a full week.  I’d much rather soak up each precious coo of my little one.  Can you tell that I’m in love? 

Ashlee came and captured a few moments of our new life with Levi when he was just 5 days old.  He’s changed so much already since he was born!  Thank you Ashlee for sharing your talent and beautiful gift with our family.  We will be forever grateful!

Top 5 Pregnancy Books

I’ve done a lot of reading this pregnancy, baby related and not, but there are a few books that I have continuously gone back to for advice.  Here are my top 5, but feel free to leave a comment and add your suggestions!

In no particular order…

The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley

A great book for those who don’t want to do the “cry-it out” method, but also don’t want the alternative of being a martyr for the next few years.  It teaches you what a typical sleep cycle looks like for a baby, a variety of sleep solutions for different parenting styles (which I love b/c every baby is not the same!), setting nighttime routines and bedtime associations, etc.  I’ve read this book twice and feel like until Levi is here, I won’t be completely aware of his sleeping needs until I experience them myself. 

The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer

This book taught me that we have options in child birth and made me question routine procedures that doctors do.  No, I don’t think doctors are bad, but it’s VERY troublesome to study the amount of unnececesary cesareans:  ones that are brought on by other inverventions like induction, premature rupture of membranes, epidurals, etc.  There are two sides of the coin with one being that some interventions are absolutely necessary and lifesaving.  But the scary fact is that many of these interventions have a cascading effect leading to almost a 40% rate of cesareans, when less than 10% are necessary.  I know this is a sensitive topic and is often loaded.  If you’ve had a cesarean birth, I am no way judging your choice of delivery.  The end result was a healthy mom and healthy baby which is the best outcome!  Moreso I was blown away by the staggering statistics of interventions and attitudes of modern medicine.  While it’s important to understand that things might not go as planned in labor, it is imperative to be educated on the birthing process and your choices.  This book comes HIGHLY recommended.

The Baby Book by William Sears, M.D.

This book is such a wonderful compilation of everything from birth, preparing for baby, bonding, diapering your baby, breastfeeding, babywearing, nighttime parenting, common medical problems, postpartum adjustments and everything inbetween!  It’s a thick read, 749 pages, but one of those books that you can read sections that you have questions about then put it down.  Dr. Sears is a fantastic mix of holistic and traditional care so most people would be very pleased with this book.

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon

I’m planning on giving birth at Allen Birthing Center by way of a water birth so this book has been so important in labor preparations for us.  Stop right there, I know what you’re thinking, “Okay, this girl has lost her mind!  A water birth?!  Is she some sort of hippy?!”  No, yes, not really.  Water helps relieve some of the pain of contractions and is considered “the midwifes epidural” and for me has been my main way of relaxation during pregnancy.  Back to the book…this is a great book for laying out the different stages of birth, getting your body/mind ready for birth, and how your husband/partner can help coach you during labor.  The book is pretty graphic, but so is labor.  

Lastly…

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger

What I love about this book is the layout:  pregnancy/physical emotional changes, pregnancy/anticipating the birth, The experience of birth, you and your newborn and different scenarios like a hospital birth, a home birth and a water birth.  Again, a very graphic book, but such a wonderful overview of natural birth and relaxion methods. 

I’m 39 weeks pregnant today!  Looks like I’d better get cracking on posting nursery pics. 

Happy reading!

The hope of the gospel

After listening to a quick sermon on Good Friday by our pastor, Matt Chandler, I am reminded of the hope of the gospel:  That we who were once under wrath are now under mercy, not because of ANYTHING we’ve done, but in God’s benevolent love, He poured the wrath, which was meant for us, on his own son, Jesus by sending him to die on the cross. 

Thank you Lord that your death on the cross meant that we too have died and are now counted alive within you!

More maternity portraits

Aapparantly we just can’t get enough of Baby H!   Ashlee Cabrera an aspiring photographer took some awesome photos for us this past weekend and we are forever grateful.  Take a look below and then check out her website.  You won’t be disappointed!  I have to give a shoutout to our friend, Emron, who has his own denim company, Prospect Denim, and gave me the fabulous jeans I’m wearing in the pics.  Thanks Emron!

5 1/2 weeks to go!!

Undeserved blessings

It’s bizarre the way you meet people.

Nate and I plan events for our apartment complex and had a “Doggie Portrait” session for our residents.  Our friend Aina was originally going to shoot it, but had to cancel so we asked our friend Matt if we would help out.  He couldn’t and referred us to Brian Braun, a commercial photographer and member of the Village (our church). Brian came and so graciously shot the doggies of Northside and then was off to a shoot for Porshe.  I had joked with him about doing my maternity pics in exchange for a really nice dinner and he laughed.  And then accepted. 

So here we are with INCREDIBLE maternity portraits and a new friend.  He printed two of the pictures yesterday and gave them to us as a gift for our son.  Wow we are blessed.  Thank you Braun for sharing your amazing talent with our family! 

I’m astounded at the generosity of those we know and the God who put them in our path.  All I can say is that He is good and He provides, even for our things like maternity portraits. 

Matthew 6:26-27

²⁵“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[a]?

Maternity session shot #2

Here is the latest from Brian Braun…the photography stallion!  More to come…

Maternity session teaser #1

Brian Braun shot some incredible photos today…here’s a teaser:

50 days

50 days to go and it feels like forever and like it’s coming too soon!  My list of things to do is mainly for me, but I thought you might enjoy seeing the madness going on inside my brain at 1am.

1.  Wash bedding…my dear friend Niccole is washing the rest of baby boys clothes.  Thank you Niccole!!!!

2.  Find a rocker/glider that’s not ugly, but affordable

3.  Paint the room

4.  Assemble shelves and find cute baskets

5. Start long-term sub binder!!

6.  Find fabric for artwork

7.  Stalk mama bargains daily

8.  Read  “No Cry Sleep Solution” and ”The Breastfeeding Book” to name a few.

9.  Relax and enjoy the last 50 days…it will be here before we know it!

32 weeks – T minus 53 days

Hi there friends!  I cannot complete a single task right now as pregnancy brain/nesting/being frantic as the due date nears has completely taken over.  I started cleaning, writing a grocery list, organizing, unloading the dishwasher and here I am on the computer writing a blog.  Goodness, I need help. 

As you can see in the title, baby H is busy cooking and preparing to meet everyone very soon!  It’s looks like an alien moving inside my stomach and you can see him moving inside.  I can’t imagine what he’s doing in there!  I wonder what he’s thinking, if he knows my voice.  If he is prepared to be smothered with hugs and kisses from his mommy and daddy.  I wonder if sweet baby H knows how much he is already loved! 

I’m 32 weeks along and feeling great.  At my 32 week appointment, I measured 32 1/2 cm, right on schedule!  10 toilet paper squares around for those who like non-standard units.   We’re excited to take some maternity pictures soon with the incredible Brian Braun.  He’s never taken maternity pictures, as he’s accustomed to taking pictures for Porche, BCBG, etc.  I told him to just make me look good and that’s all that matters.  I can’t wait!!

Other than that, I’ve been busy researching and buying things for the nursery and got some HOT deals:

*Skip Hop “Mod Dot Bedding” Normally $220…mine for $131.  The bedding previously posted was discontinued and after Right Start had a going out of business sale and I finally bought my orginal bedding selection.  It worked out perfectly!  It also comes with a white/brown polka dot sheet, but I love how bright the yellow is.

*Easy Walker carrycot for my stroller!  I tell you, THIS was seriously a huge blessing.  The day I found out about the website, www.mamabargains.com was the day they were featuring the carrycot for EasyWalker….for $57.00!!  It normally costs $150 so we seriously scored big!

*Letterpress Alphabet Poster – well, this wasn’t a steal, but will certainly look cute framed in baby boys room!

And lastly, we went to a baby shower for our friends Trog and Mendi last night.  Mendi is due the day after me so it was fun comparing bumps last night.  She was wearing HIGH boots, but she’s not that much taller than me actually.  Ok, she’s still quite a bit taller than me.  It’s a cute pic nonetheless.

Happy Sunday to everyone!