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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

10 on Tuesday

This week, I thought I would do something a little different! This post is dedicated to 10 random thoughts or tips on being a mommy, baby products and delivery of baby!

1. Labor and delivery is NOT like its portrayed on television. You do sweat…it is work; but there is no need for screaming like they sometimes do on television. The pain is intense, contractions are worse than pushing the baby out; but the pain really does instantly go away as soon as baby is out!
2. It’s okay to turn visitors away during your hospital stay. It is also okay to ask visitors to leave the room if necessary-this even includes family!
3. Don’t apologize for baby spit up or dirty diapers-those are things that are out of your control.
4. Everyone has advice! It is your choice to listen or ignore it. Do what you and your husband feel is best, listen to your “woman’s intuition”!
5. Favorite bottles, Playtex Drop Ins! I love these, they are so easy to clean! After baby has finished the milk, you throw the liner away and all that really requires cleaning is the bottle nipple!
6. Carry an extra set of baby clothes in the diaper bag-you just never know what could happen when you are out and about! And, if you are a nursing mom you might even consider carrying an extra shirt!
7. Munchkin carries an attachment for diaper bags that disposes bags that smells like baking soda for dirty diapers! These are perfect for when you are a guest in another home and don’t want to leave the stench of dirty diapers behind!
8. Speaking of dirty diapers…the Diaper Genie or as my husband calls it, “diaper incinerator” is a must!
9. There is no need to register for baby clothes or baby blankets!
10. Enjoy every minute of being a mommy! These days will not last forever.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Just Because

A just because I really like this picture post!

People to Meet

Over the past couple of weeks back on the road we have been very busy introducing Klayton to his great grandparents! We have also been back on the road for meetings; but that’s probably a minute detail in the eyes of the great grandparents and grandparents!
Klayton meeting my Grandma and Grandpa Collins! I think they were in heaven on earth with him at their house! Every night before bed Klayton would lay with my grandma and watch decorating shows-it was SO cute because he stayed wide awake during the shows!



While at my grandparents he also met my Aunt Lynette who shares his birthday, October 21st! And Aunty and Jim, Aunty is technically my mom’s aunt; but I have grown up knowing her as Aunty!



From my grandparents it was off to our 1st meeting in Martinsville, Indiana! Klayton did so well, probably better than mommy! I was still recovering from an infection that had taken me to acute care, wouldn’t let me sleep and gave me a notorious back ache-ugh. Thankfully, I seem to be on the mend!
We then headed to Michigan for Thanksgiving week! Klayton met his Great Grandma and Grandpa Barnhardt!



And here is a 4 generation shot of the Barnhardt Men!


Now were heading home for the month of December! Praying for a good day of travel and for safety on the roads!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Me, a Grandma??

How old do you think I am? 16? 20? 28? 30? 50? Well, apparently I'm whatever age you are supposed to be when you look like you could be someones grandma!! Just so we all understandI am 28! And, I apparently look like a grandma...maybe I need a new look? Maybe a wild hair style?! So, yesterday I was at Kohl's with my husband, mother in law and baby. My mother in law was paying for her items, Joseph was looking for a shorter line and I was waiting with Klayton in my arms-enjoyingthe admiration a new baby receives! A store employee begins to talk to me, asking questions about my baby, exclaiming how adorable he is! I am one proud mama, with a huge grin that quickly got wiped off my face when she then said, "what a proud grandma you must be!" Yep, I'm still hung up over this incident...

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving Wishes

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have much to be thankful for this year!

I am thankful for: Klayton, my husband, my family! Most importantly I'm thankful for my salvation and knowing that one day I will be in Heaven!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

One Month (A Few Days Late)


Klayton you are one month old! Wow, time is passing so fast already…I can only imagine how fast these days full of changes will come and go. But anyway…
*You wear newborn diapers.
*You weigh 6 lbs 12 oz, 22 inches long as of last doctor appointment.
*At night you sleep 7-8 hours, waking only once for a feeding.
*The shirts that fit you best are newborn/preemie and most newborn clothes are still too big.
*You are discovering your voice and make soft “oh” sounds.
*Your newest thing is sticking out your tongue.
*During the day you eat generally every 3-4 hours unless you are having a growth spurt then its every 2 hours.
*For the most part you are a very content baby-you hardly ever cry unless I’ve not noticed your hunger cues then we realize that you do have a very good set of lungs.

This month:
*You had your 1st car trip.
*You met your Great Grandma and Grandpa Collins.
*You traveled to Iowa, Wisconsin and Indiana.
*You went to your first wedding…Tommy Glosser and Ashley Foster.

Dear Babycakes,
I love you so much and I really don’t understand how it is possible to love such a little person in such an indescribable way. My love for you grows each day! Sometimes, all I want to do is stare at you and then I end up picking you up to cuddle because I just can’t resist!
It seems I apologize to you everyday, reminding you that I am new at this mommy thing! But, we are learning together! Daddy does a great job helping me out with you and encouraging me that I really am a good mommy! Hopefully, in 18 years you can say that you agree with him! Ha!
There were many days of waiting to get pregnant and many days of pregnancy and thinking the day will never come for me to hold my baby in my arms. I look back at those days and in hindsight the waiting really wasn’t forever long and I realize now that God knew the baby…the child I would need! You are that child Klayton-you were worth the wait! I am so thankful that God sees the big picture, He knows what He is doing and that He answers prayer! I praise the Lord everyday for you!
Love You Sunshine,
Mommy

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Hopeful Blogger

I have been silent-not on purpose...just very busy as we are back on the road! I have so much to fill you all in and I really want to post pictures and don't know how to do that on my phone! But, here is a list of blog posts to look forward to, hopefully, in the coming week!
1.) Klayton's 1 month...where has the time gone?!
2.) Travel update, including pictures of Klayton meeting his great grandparents!
3.) 1st Thanksgiving...
4.) New Mommy Tips
Come back soon! Have a good week!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The Goodness of People

We left my parents yesterday and are now finding our way to Kenosha, Wisconsin to visit my grandparents! Obviously, this is our 1st trip with Klayton and his first of many trips for Klayton! In these two days of traveling, I'm realizing the attention a baby brings to us and the willingness of people to help someone with a baby! If we make any kind of stop we take Klayton out of his carseat to give him a break from it, after all sometimes we need a break from sitting! Anyway, yesterday we were getting gas and I bundled Klayton up and headed into the gas station. A man with a ton of earrings in his ears saw me and rushed to the doors to open them for me! It was nice and funny because he made sure to let me know that he would also be opening up the 2nd set of doors for me as well! Then today, we stopped at Taco Bell for lunch. I was searching for a seat, there were several available; but some of them were near the door where it would be drafty and I didn't want to sit there. I found a seat and realized it was quite cold by the window. A man saw me gathering my things back up to find another place and he offered me his table because he was almost done. I thanked him but passed. Then an older couple who were getting ready to eat offered to switch tables with me! I thanked them as well; but passed and found a new table! So, I say this to say, there are still good people in this world!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Cradle Roll Announcement

Women's: Cradle Roll: Baby List

Precious Pictures

So, basically it is not a good idea and I repeat not a good idea! Not a good idea to do what you ask? Send in parents of the perfect baby boy (which I should clarify, I call him perfect because my doctor exclaimed him as perfect when we took him to his first doctor visit)into JcPenney to order pictures of their new bundle of joy because they spend way more money than anticipated! Here is a peek of the pictures we got!







Saturday, November 13, 2010

Love my Boy

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I just want it to be known that I love this boy! Three weeks of life and I keep falling more in love with my baby boy every day! Who knew it was possible to love such a little boy in such a way that I don't even know how to describe it or measure it!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Blog Challenge Day 7

Yes, I realize that I'm a day late; but better late than never!

Favorite Movies:
Pride and Prejudice! Love, love that movie! I don't get to watch it very often because it's long and not in my husbands genre of interest, though he has watched it with me once in our almost 3 years of marriage!
Other fav's: While You were Sleeping, Ever After, The Lakehouse...

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Birth Story Again

Monday, October 18th I had my 40-week check up was really hoping to have made some progress that would indicate an impending labor! Unfortunately, no progress had been made and now the question, when do I get induced? Do I get induced? Originally the plan was that if I hadn’t delivered by the 25th, that I would be induced then. However, after talking to my doctor she thought the latest I should be induced would be the week of the 25th and maybe it would be best to try and do it before then. So, it was decided, October 21st would be the day.

Thursday morning came bright and early, considering I didn’t get a lot of sleep-neither did Joseph. Joseph’s lack of sleep was out of utter excitement that he would be getting his baby boy and while yes I was excited, my lack of sleep was out of anxiety and disbelief. Anxiety that I would be pushing a baby out of me! Disbelief that I would no longer be carrying a baby in my belly; but in my arms!
We arrived to the hospital at 6:45 in the morning to register and get our hospital bands. Everyone was very excited, both sides of our families came along with us and were taking pictures of us like crazy and everyone thinks I ‘m picture happy; but on this day they were all just as bad! After being registered, I was taken to my room to get settled in and ready for induction. I was supposed to be induced at 7 a.m; but there were checks that had to be done before I could be given the pill. My vitals were checked and my doctor arrived to see if I had made any progress since Monday-I was now dilated at a 2 and thinned to 50%. After the check, my doctor gave the go ahead that induction could begin and the pill was ordered and administered at five minutes to nine. My doctor left and the walking began, I was told the more I walked the faster the pill would make its way into my system and produce gradual contractions. Everyone joined in the walking with me; they took turns walking the labor and delivery floor with me. Let me tell you, I probably lost the 10 lbs I had previously gained the week before, just by walking that day! The walking paid off and my body started to contract enough that when my doctor arrived at 12:30 to check my progress I was dilated to a 3, I wasn’t thinned any more; but I was definitely softer. So, at 12:50 I was administered another dose of the pill, this time it was half a dose and I walked some more! Around 3:00, I started to feel slightly uncomfortable and asked to use the whirlpool. My nurse, Candice didn’t know if this was a good idea because I was still only at a three and sometimes the use of the whirlpool would stunt labor when it was only just beginning. But, I begged her to let me use the whirlpool for 15-20 minutes because I was beginning to get quite the backache…with some hesitation she agreed. While in the whirlpool, I was still feeling discomforted and didn’t understand why the backache would not go away. Suddenly, it felt like I was going to the bathroom and I couldn’t stop myself! I looked at Joseph and said, “I just went to the bathroom!” His reply, “gross!” We then decided it was time to get out, I stood up and didn’t think much of anything until I heard Joseph telling Candice that when I stood up he thought there was something that was not right, more “stuff” had come out of me. Candice informed us that she thought my water must have broken and so she had me come back to the bed, where I got the sensation that I was going to the bathroom again! Oh my! Candice checked me and I was dilated to a 4, this was at 4:00 and by 4:45 I was dilated to a 6! Labor started to quickly progress and my doctor was called! Originally, Dr. Klein wasn’t going to come back until 5 or 5:30 to break my water; but now the question was did she come now or later? At 5:00 I was checked again and in 15 minutes time I had went from a 6 to an 8 and was 100% thinned. Dr. Klein decided it was time to come! During this time, my back labor was getting stronger and it was decided to attempt the whirlpool once again, yay! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to enjoy the tub for very long. I had been in the tub for about 5 minutes, when Candice came in and told me that even though it would be uncomfortable that I needed to quickly be moved back to the bed, so they could find Klayton’s heartbeat. They had been unable to locate his heartbeat for what had been to long. So, with the help of Candice and Joseph I was put back to bed. Then it was a flurry of commotion, nurses were everywhere and they turned the monitors away from me. A monitor had to be placed inside of me, on his head to monitor my contractions and his heart rate more clearly. I later learned that the monitors had been turned away from me because every time I would contract, his heart rate would dip down into the 30’s-a very dangerous place to be and it was very important that I relax. This had continued for a while, when my doctor arrived it was determined that Klayton could no longer handle the rate that my contractions were coming, I was having continuous contractions with no relief in-between. They gave me a shot to slow my contractions. Klayton’s heart rate still had to be monitored very carefully. After delivery my doctor informed me that the cord had been wrapped once around his neck and twice around his belly and every time I would contract the cord would tighten and put him in distress. During this time of distress, I called for the epidural; but they couldn’t give it to me at that moment because all their attention had to be on Klayton, I understood and tried not to think about my baby being in distress-I just had to take the grace from God that I had been praying for since the day we found out I was pregnant for delivery. Later, I was asked if I realized the severity of the situation because I didn’t freak out. I just knew that the best thing I could do for my baby was to relax. When they were done dealing with Klayton I once again asked for the epidural, my doctor told me that it would be best not to because it could possibly stunt labor and I needed to get Klayton out of my belly. So, pain medication was out of the question. I started pushing at 5:45 and shortly after they gave me pitocin to get my contractions moving again because now my contractions weren’t moving fast enough. I was able to get 2 pushes to every contraction, they were hoping for 3; but it was hard to get the energy through the pain. Around 7:30, my doctor wanted Klayton out or they were going to have to do the vacuum to help get him out. The delivery was taking longer than they wanted just because I couldn’t push as much as they wanted me to. So, I started pushing and it was only with God that I was able to start pushing three at a time! With the encouragement of my doctor and Joseph that I really needed to give them one more good push, Klayton was born at 7:45! My doctor wiped Klayton up, my mom cut the umbilical cord and he was placed in my arms. My doctor quickly whispered in my ear, that I did amazing and that it was very important that I had pushed Klayton out when I did-he wouldn’t of been able to handle the contractions for very much longer. During labor and delivery the contractions/pain were very intense, they say back labor tends to be worse…but suddenly when I saw my baby for the 1st time the pain drifted away and when I think back to it the pain doesn’t seem to be as intense as I remembered it to be at that time! I wish I could describe the moment, the feeling of having my baby boy placed in my arms, seeing him for the first time; but I can’t. All I know is, I would do it again and I would even do it again without pain medication! I think the first words I said to Klayton was, “I love you” and then I started singing, ‘You Are My Sunshine’, I sang that song to him every night when he was in my belly. Something else I also remember is that, he instantly calmed down when he was placed in my arms for the first time-he knew I was his mama!
What no one told me was, that even though I was exhausted I didn’t want to sleep Thursday night! I just wanted to stare at my baby boy all night long, not missing a moment! I love my Klayton Matthew more than I ever knew I could love someone! It was strange when I reached for my belly to feel him move and realize I no longer have to carry him inside of me, I get to carry him in my arms! I thank the Lord for what He has added to my life; Klayton is the child I prayed for!

Blog Challenge Day 3, Your 1st Love


I have to admit, unashamedly that my 1st boyfriend is also now my husband and my first love! Joseph and I met in February 2007, two weeks after I had turned 25. He came to my church to share his ministry for Norway. We hit it off and I remember thinking if this guy would stick around I could find myself interested in him! At this time I was also teaching kindergarten and I oversaw the yearbook staff at our christian school. The conference ended on Sunday and he left on Monday morning. Monday night there was a yearbook meeting and we attempted to prank phone call Joseph; but he didn't answer so it was forgotten. However, the following morning he called my number back and so began our telephone friendship! We officially became a couple in March of 2007, engaged in July of 07 and married in January of 2008!
I am very thankful that God knew the man I needed in my life! Joseph is not only my first love, he is also my best friend and is already being a great daddy to our baby boy! I am so thankful that God knew that I would need Joseph in my life and He sees fit to let us grow together daily! I look forward to my forever and always with my husband!

30 day Blog Challenge

First of all, I did publish my birth story, yesterday; but it appears as a Monday post. So, scroll on down and read it if you would like.
If you are interested in participating in the 30 day blog challenge, here is the list of topics:
Today-Your 1st love
Day 4-Your parents
Day 5-Your siblings
Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 7-Your favorite movies
Day 8-A place you have traveled to
Day 9-A picture of your friends
Day 10-Something you are afraid of
Day 11-Favorite tv shows
Day 12-What you believe
Day 13-Goals
Day 14-A picture you love
Day 15-A Bible verse
Day 16-Dream house
Day 17-Something you are looking forward to
Day 18-Something you regret
Day 19-Something you miss
Day 20-Nicknames
Day 21-A picture of yourself
Day 22-Favorite city
Day 23-Favorite vacation
Day 24-Something you have learned
Day 25-Put your ipod shuffle on, the 1st ten songs
Day 26-Picture of your family
Day 27-Pets
Day 28-Something that stresses you out
Day 29-3 wishes
Day 30-A picture

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

30 Day Blog Challenge

Well, I'm starting this a day late; but a couple of the blogs I follow are doing a 30 day blog challenge and I thought it would be fun to join in! So, here it goes!
Todays challenge: Meaning Behind Your Blog Name
Blog Name: whereiskendra
When I started blogging I originally started it to keep friends and family updated with the travels Joseph and I find ourselves in as we travel the United States. I kind of did a play on the title of wheres waldo because you just never know where you will find us. Since then my blog has embraced more than just our travels and that is how I came up with my blog title, This is Me and My Life!

Blog Challenge for day 3, Your First Love!
Day 4,Your Parents!

10 on Tuesday

1. I tried to post my birth story with pictures yesterday; but the pictures wouldn't upload...i will try again later this week.
2. I can't believe my baby is almost 2 weeks old-life for him outside my belly seems to be moving at a fast pace.
3. It's back to reality for me today. I haven't cooked a meal since I've had my baby; but that stops today. Life is so tough for mommies!
4. I think the weather is still undecided if it's ready for cold weather days or not. I personally am not ready for cold weather.
5. Is it seriously already November?! As I said time is moving by me at a rather quick pace...I better pick up my own pace and get things done.
6. Laundry...it piles up even more quickly than before even if it's just because of one little person!
7. We had pictures done at Jc Penneys yesterday and totally spent more than budgeted; but how could we resist our photogenic baby boy?!
8. Sleep, I love sleep and thankfully Klayton is definitely his mother and father's son-he loves his sleep as well! He only wakes one to two times a night! Yay!
9. I'm still recovering, having discomfort in my belly button region. Apparently, my belly misses Klayton!
10. Klayton finally has a belly button as of this past Sunday! I cheered for him when I realized this and I think he gave me the look that said, "mom, you are so embarrassing!"