The Greatest Gift

Miss A

Our daughter was born a week before Christmas on December 17th. We are in love with her and have thoroughly enjoyed these first 10 days with this beautiful, new life!

At nearly a week over due we decided with the doctor to induce labor on the 16th. It was a 19-hour day in the hospital, with about 13.5 hours of pain-med free go-get-em labor (while restricted to an oxygen mask and machines given bebe's propensity to move her heart away from the fetal monitor), I did not progress much in dilation (and not at all in the last 4 intense hours of contractions), so the call was made at 1am to move ahead with a cesarean section. A team was called in and assembled. My amazing doctor and her surgeon husband ran the operation which went as smoothly as could be. She was tilted in such a way that would not allow her to lower and engage for delivery. Plus, my pelvis was a bit small for her. Her being overdue and the failure to progress proved she would not arrive traditionally no matter what.

I don't know if the doctor wanted to make me feel better by saying so but she did state that in all her 22 years of OB work I was the toughest laboring women she encountered. As the surgery wrapped up Harry Belafonte's music played in the OR and we all sang along. I think I was delirious from the last 20 hours and for bebe to finally arrive! Andy was amazing and we never cursed--it was just a focused day of hard work as a team. And here's where that got us:

We love her hair. We love her alertness. We laugh when she poops on us. We love her sleeping on us. We adore her big hands. We marvel at her sounds and arm stretches. We strive to soothe her when needed. We feel all is right and we have our family.

I wasn't hit over the head with overwhelming feelings and emotions. Rather, this start to Motherhood has been like waves washing over me with its amazing meaning and love.

I'm sure we'll read more soon about our beginnings with Miss A from Daddy, but for now I need to sneak in a shower while I can and before she needs to feed.

*Amy

ps--it's amazing how quickly we have begun using the third person when addressing ourselves as Daddy and Mommy. No hesitation to embrace those titles!

Yup, the Waiting Game

I thought we'd be done with pregnancy posts, but why not share an update as we wait for bebe girl to decide when she wants to make her debut?

Her due date on Saturday the10th obviously came and went. Actually, it was a warm and fantastically beautiful day so we took to Totem Park in Sitka for some brisk walking (by Amy's standards). She's dropped a lot.

This location is where Andy and I took a walk in January and discussed being open to starting a family. Seemed fitting to return to the area on the very day we've focused on for most of this year.

Maternity leave started today and we spent a good while this morning at the hospital for an ultrasound, Non-Stress Test and bio-screening. Everything shows that bebe is still doing well inside and all is functioning as it still should. From the quick look at her face she seems to be sprouting some major lips! I think they'll take after Andy. We had very visible confirmation that she is still a she. And we were given the very loose estimate of weight at 8 lbs. 1 oz, plus or minus 19 ounces!!! What a margin of error!

I am 2 cm dilated, thinning and effacing without contractions kicking in. Let's get kicking, I say! The plan is to repeat this morning's routine again on Wednesday if nothing transpires.

As we just wait and wonder, we pick away at house cleaning and walking. The baby/guest room is nearly finished (but again, she'll stay upstairs with us for her early months).

The dresser can only fit in the closet. It is FULL!

Andy says it's a lot of toe-tapping and kinda stinks not having control, but we'll take her when she's good and ready. Thanks for your thoughts and inquiries!

*Amy

Gorneration @ 39 weeks

Final belly blog photos at 39 weeks (chubby face included)!

Bebe is moving around as I type. 9pm is her party hour. Like clockwork she gets ants in her pants, or amniotic fluid. Maybe she likes that hour because that's when Andy and I have been indulging in an episode of "Friday Night Lights" over Netflix. The football games in the show might serve as inspiration for an internal PE class.

Andy's been great with working on our to-do list. And in the midst of our list he managed to shoot another buck after Thanksgiving and get it processed this week in our garage. I hope bebe has been enjoying her salmon, halibut and fresh venison diet thanks to her daddy. We also bottled his homebrew beer which I expect to be one of my first adult beverages when the time is right.

Pretty much our plethora of snow has been washed away by warmth and rain. We could have any sort of weather (snow, rain, sleet, sun) what ever day she decides to arrive.

*Amy

A $2 Bet

At the start of our pregnant journey I said something about my belly button eventually turning into an "outie." Andy said it wouldn't happen to me. "Yeah right!" So the $2 bet was on. The bet stands until delivery day, but at nearly 39 weeks of pregnancy it's still hard to say what happened... I think Andy will technically win because it's not a full outie. Which is incredible to me given how big and far my belly has stuck out this entire time. He seems to know or guess really well on the 50/50 stuff, like gender. So we'll see how his guess holds in one week (the 7th) which is when he thinks bebe will decide to come....a little earlier than her due date.

Other bets I would have lost if we gambled more? Stretch marks. So far I don't have a one, which again, amazes me given that my belly has tracked bigger than average at all appointments. I'll give kudos and thanks to Burt's Bees Mama Bee's Belly Balm and Palmer stretch lotion. Also, I've never been "sick" with morning sickness, never had weird cravings, and according to Andy no mood swings. Overall it's been a lovely pregnancy.

I never expected to have such intense heartburn though. One day I drank heartburn soothing tea, chomped on some Tums AND took a max. strength Zantac (recommended by Doc.), only to have heartburn STILL afflict me that day! I get carpal tunnel pains on my right wrist/hand, and a wrist stabilizer worn while sleeping has really helped. Edema of my feet is ridiculous no matter how much water I suck down. The wedding rings were replaced in Sept. by my Claddagh ring from Ireland, but now my hands wear no jewelry. I can't wait to deflate to a smaller size and hopefully get back to some old shoes at some point!

Of course I'll miss the parts of pregnancy most women do....the baby movements, connecting to new life, letting your belly hang out, indulging in foods you wouldn't normally allow, and I'll really miss Andy's regular contact to my stomach, the kisses and little talks to the belly (of course I can't wait to see him with little girl in person). But at some point we can cuddle on the couch together again!

Andy says he'll miss rubbing belly but he won't miss restless nights of sleep (oh yeah, those have been no picnic). He'll miss watching me grow and says it's been interesting. He agrees that the pregnancy has been good overall. We both won't miss cardboard boxes. What kind of side effect is that? Well, when we've ordered or received packages for all we need to supply for bebe, it generates a lot of boxes from the mail. Thank goodness for the recycling center!

The baby/guest room is a disaster. Or, an organized mess which I understand. We've been waiting on a changing table and crib for awhile and they finally came on the barge this week! We don't need a crib right now as that will be downstairs in her room, but for awhile we'll have her upstairs with us in a co-sleeper. But it's hard to put together a room when major pieces of furniture are missing. So that will be a big task for us this weekend, our last without child probably. As you can see, I just have stuff hanging out and waiting to be dealt with, like bedding and a mattress!

One thing I'd recommend to all mamas-to-be is to check with insurance coverage for prenatal massages and chiropractic adjustments. What an amazing difference it makes for comfort! But almost more importantly, these weekly appointments give me something to look forward, some anticipation for relief from general aches and pains. The mental benefits for looking forward to and then enjoying those appointments added so much to this journey and I rarely thought, "when will this ever end?" Self-care is big time important.
But it is time to move on and bring little girl into the world. Just let me get a haircut and see "Breaking Dawn" in the theater before that very soon day arrives! And I better find $2 to give my husband.

*Amy

Full Term

Hurray! 37 weeks and feeling good about this marking of time. We reached full term during a very snowy Sitka day. We are no means new to snow but given that all last winter we never laid eyes on a shovel and never scraped off our cars, this week of luscious, wet snow brings back familiar wintry tasks and feelings.

Watching Andy shovel (since I can't!), wearing warm gear and taking in the breath-taking snowy scenery makes this winter so far a really great one.  Love it today as the rain will come again and wash it all away.

This past week we had our third and final ultrasound with bebe--just to confirm her position, which IS head-down. What developments in seeing a defined spine, close-up of her mouth practicing breathing by gulping amniotic fluid in and out. Just as we were starting to see her eyes, she flung her hand over her head blocking the view. The technician said it was very dramatic and Andy quipped, "she must get that from her mother." I don't know what he's talking about!  Once again, the photos we took home are no where near as neat as what we saw in real time.

We started the parental-to-be tradition of childbirth classes and have to say so far they're pretty fun! Our instructor is an OB nurse here but a certified midwife in her native Australia. Pretty great lady. And we have 2 doulas-in training attending. Among five other pregnancies in class we've got the closest due date. 

I've been feeling slight movements by my pelvis. Our doc., instructor and the doulas noticed bebe's  slight descent south. The beginning of the end (of pregnancy)! Andy's getting antsy.

*Amy

Anchored in Anchorage

Last month I spent 15 days in Anchorage for work. Time flew by, it was really fun, and I accomplished a lot for the office and myself. Can't beat being in the city during AFN time when people from all over the state travel for the biggest Alaska Native gathering. The opportunity to see, bump into, and spend a little time with friends, acquaintances and "Alaska family" blew me away. I reconnected with so many! It was hard to miss home when you're always surrounded by people special to you.

I've been trying to create my first picture collage but it is an epic fail with major frustrations. I took photos of nearly everyone I got to see but it's just not working out to arrange those photos. So I'll include just a couple although it's a sad representation from what I hoped to post.

While running around Anchorage for work events, presentations and trainings, I also got back out to the Valley, down the Kenai Peninsula for a visiting blitz, and of course shopped for home and Guppy Gorn (and even supplies for Andy's next batch of home-brewed beer).

It was like a big chicken soup for the soul couple of weeks. From meeting two friends' babies, to hanging out with a Nome elder whom I used to meet for coffee up North, and even getting my mother-in-law  from the airport on a layover, it was just awesome.

Here's my amazing Anchorage work crew (well, a couple of former co-workers showed too). They didn't mean to surprise me but they did at a staff lunch that was meant to celebrate bebe and me!

Getting back to home and my husband was quite sweet as well. He even had the house cleaned for me!
*Amy

Fall Time

Early November and I finally got out to track down a deer. In all honesty, I was just as excited to set a skate line for some halibut and and to throw down some crab pots as I was to hunt a deer. My neighbor (Matt) and I put the Cajun Queen in the water and headed out in our quest for local dinner fare. First the skate line went down, then a couple of crab pots, and finally we rowed the dinghy to shore to hunt some deer.

Who would've guessed it as we happened across a fat buck after a short time on land. He was chubby as far as Sitka blacktail go. One 30-06 round, a high five with Matt, and a bit cleaning got us ready for a short haul to the beach and dinghy.

A quick row to the Sea Sport and it was time to check the crab pots. Unbelievable, success in the pots. Local Sitka surf and turf!

The day was more than a success. Maybe next time we'll complete the trifecta and scoop up a halibut on the skate line! Here's to hoping.

Gorneration @ 34 weeks

We're deviating from the traditional in terms of type of pumpkin carved and the arrangement of our 4-week belly update. Gotta have some fun on Halloween, right? We picked out a sweet lil' pumpkin from the patch.

For real, though, I couldn't resist already exploiting our poor unborn daughter.

All continues to be pretty peachy-keen in pregnancy world. My feet did swell big time over night in Anchorage giving me the charming characteristic of "cankles." But they've gotten a little better and there are no medical concerns since my blood pressure is rock solid and I gained just a couple of pounds in 3 weeks. The doctor did inform of some important news that really supports my desire for a natural birth. Sitka has never offered epidurals and despite a new doctor starting, it won't be until the New Year that epidurals will be offered here for the first time. So I won't be tempted away from the birth plan I'm hoping I can handle. The nurses are used to methods and strategies for pain-free deliveries and my doctor has been known in another town as "Dr. Midwife."

To add to the fun of our remaining child-less time is that both Andy and I are up for trial jury service. We've both deferred before given travels but now we gotta face the music. Personally, I wouldn't mind serving in a trial but there's never a convenient time for it, right? I consider all I have to do with work before maternity leave. So when we have to appear Andy plans to wear his uniform, and I'll stay by his side trying to look as if I'll go into labor any minute. That might get us excused!

We're definitely in the homestretch now.
*Amy

Oh! The Places You'll Go

I just returned home after more than 2 weeks working in Anchorage. For me, the time absolutely flew by and was very busy. More on the trip another blog post.

As I flew home last night, my last flight without a child to watch and take care of for a long time, I thought about all the places Guppy Gorn and I have already traveled to together. We averaged at least one trip (by plane, or one trip by ferry) every single month. For now, we're grounded on the island until delivery time.

Maybe our getting around will instill a sense of travel and adventure within her! That would be so neat. I tracked the places we flew to during the pregnancy (or flew to and then drove to) for a little something I could print and put in her baby book.

It will look similar to this: [click here: MAP.] Most of these places were spurred by work.

So now we can get settled and set up for the last SIX WEEKS! That's right, tomorrow (Sat. the 29th) is the six week mark before approx. due date. It's sure nice to have our little family back together again. Andy will have to talk to the belly an awful lot to make up for lost time. :)

*Amy

Winter Surprise

Our neighbors, Matt and Naomi, spent the evening carving up some traditional scary pumpkins with their two boys. Little did I know that they also carved up a pumpkin for the parents of baby Gorn to be. They wrote a note to go along with the carved pumpkin that read "We couldn't think of anything more 'frightening' than becoming parents for the first time!"

Time will tell if Amy and I agree with them.

I thank them. The pumpkin looks great on our porch.

2nd Annual Oktoberfest

A night of friends and drinks came to the "von" Gorn Haus for a second year in a row. Bevies of all shapes and sizes (and alcohol content) showed up for seasonal sampling and enjoyment.

We're missing representation in this photo from the local Baranof Island Brewing Co. (BIBCO) but it's certainly not because it wasn't consumed. I hit up BIBCO not just for a growler of Spruce Tip ale, but for a GALLON--yes, a gallon, of their stellar root beer. In the midst of such special beers, some wine and ciders for Oktoberfest, the root beer didn't catch on with most (except me), including the kids. There's a lot left.

So, if you're interested in an artisan root beer float, just come on over! We also have some brats to offer. For the second year Andy boiled all the brats in beer, grilled them up and then placed them in warm crockpots full of kraut.

I completely forgot to take photos from the event, but we enjoyed having about 20 people and 3 kids over to our place. Any reason to socialize and "Prost!" right?

Andy recommends the Perseverance beer from Alaska Brewing-their 25th anniversary special. We were told at the brewery in Juneau that it will peak in 2-4 years so we actually have a couple of bottles stashed away, for now. By then I'll partake in the sampling for sure!

*Amy

Mama AND Bebe @ 30 weeks

We've enjoyed week 30 with seeing bebe inside and out! On Monday I noticed small ripples across my belly as guppy gorn moved about--and then Andy could see her too! We can now feel and see her at the same time. That's been an awesome addition. Then on Tuesday we had an ultra sound.

The ultrasound was ordered by my doctor as my belly is really sticking out. She wanted to be sure we aren't giving birth, at this point, to a giantess. Despite being on an empty stomach, little girl was sure active during our visit with her! We had a great knuckle appearance, further confirmation of having a girl, flashes of the nostrils, big eyes looking at us, beating heart, and one funny action: at one time she not only had her hand tucked under her chin but the technician was fairly certain she switched to sucking her thumb for awhile!

We were told she has a very round head right now and extremely long legs--tracking ahead in development more than anything else. We kept hearing about the ample amount of amniotic fluid bebe has in her home, and that she is very photogenic. Which is kinda funny because despite the cool stuff we saw, the pictures printed aren't....the best, or clearest. So we chose the two better ones to post here. The profile shows one eye and a fist, and the other--when looked at upside down, (make sure to flip your computer, haha) shows the arch of her wee foot.

In her debrief at our appointment my Doctor said she is tracking size-wise at the 48th percentile. Which is basically perfect, medium-sized baby. With no weight gain to report in these last two weeks I was told we are "perfect baby, perfect patient." Thank goodness! Let's pray this keeps up. Oh, and the Doctor likes hearing long legs and what that means for delivery. As for the bigger belly in the first place? Just how I am, built and my stature. Stomach may be big but my weight, the baby and fluid are, again, perfectly on track.

I had a break through at the chiropractor this week. My massage therapist explained some general pains I was having were probably related to being out of whack and so I went for an adjustment. The doctor pointed out that my hips were completely unaligned. It was so obvious--AND explained why I was pushing forward like a torpedo. After her magic work on me, I could immediately feel and see a more balanced belly. Bebe had more room rather than getting pushed to one side. I felt ....younger? It was so freeing and I am very grateful. I'll keep up adjustments throughout the last month to maintain an aligned body for birth. After this improvement my main complaint right now is that all my nice slip on shoes are getting tighter to wear. Good thing I don't wear shoes while working in my home office!

Yeah, week 30 was pretty sweet all in all. Much to be thankful for. And tomorrow we welcome week 31.

*Amy

33 and Colors

Andy's birthday was this past Tuesday and we had some fun with it, even with some massive rainfall. From big burritos at lunch to an impromptu, small hot pot for dinner, and other treats throughout the day.

I asked him what he thought?

He says he got lots of good stuff and was spoiled, and got to spend time with his wife. (which we've been doing this weekend as we ferried to Juneau for power shopping)

Well, after dessert and some clean up that day I discovered with delight that Andy was spending time with one of our little dinner guests.

He's testing out a new Colors book Auntie Stephanie gave us for Guppy Gorn. I think it's a hit already!

A pretty sweet way to end one's 33rd birthday, I'd say.

*Amy

Get-Together

Some other things to mention from MN last month...I timed the trip to coincide with the Minnesota State Fair! The second biggest fair in the country (after Texas) in terms of offerings and attendance. I was soooo excited to go, get my food on, wander familiar areas and discover new booths. Even better was my company that day---cousins!

The Fair isn't called the "Great MN Get Together" for nothing! This is a Fargo, Twin Cities and Alaska reunion. (thanks to photographer, Robert)

I graced the Facebook world with a photo of me diving into a disgusting amount of fried cheese curds. I won't go there again, but the overdose cured my craving (at the time). There wasn't even a wait at the booth.

We didn't see the baby animals but I couldn't resist. Our familia did sit by the Grandstand and enjoy the awesome sounds of Heart's opening music act for that night's concert. The Wilson sisters rock. It was a HOT day and we navigated our appetites and crowds like champs. I haven't lost my Fair connection.

Then I enjoyed another non-Sitka activity: mini golfing! My bro, sister-in-law and I went to a course with real grass, real sand bunkers, water hazards and flags in the hole. It was a hole-in-one time! And those two better golfers putted to a tie for first place.

And no visit back is complete without some spent in Roseville. Love you Grandma and Grandpa!

Got my summer bake on, time with fam, lots o eating, relaxing and visiting. Perfect and needed.
*Amy

Bebe says Thank you!

Sitka showers are happening as we get to the windy, rainy, dramatic fall weather season. Last month in MN, I was part of showers of another sort. Baby showers for Guppy Gorn, as my sis-in-law wittily coined!

I planned a trip to MN on the spur of the moment and following my announced plans I was generously offered a couple of baby showers. I am so touched and had so much fun with amazing women, and some very sweet girls.  I know the Gorneration felt the love, and she'll certainly see the love when she arrives and has many wonderful clothes, helpful items, books and treasures to make her life awfully sweet (and helpful for her parents). We are so fortunate!

My friend Sara hosted a gathering of some college gals and family. I miss these girls! It was fun for all ages!

How can one not feel supported for big changes ahead when surrounded by strong, smart and beautiful friends? A heartfelt thank you to Sara and her mom, and a big Congrats to her too for expecting her second baby! Her due date is just 3 months after our bebe. We are a growing crew.

And then my dear mother and sis-in-law put on a family shower that put me into such laughter I began to over-heat! Thank you for all the special touches and hard work. Even my loving mother-in-law came all the way from mid-Wisconsin to join celebrating her future grand-daughter. I returned to Alaska feeling all sorts of good energy, love and happiness. It's good to be with family.

Our "guppy" is showered with love.

*Amy

6 Months (26 week photo)

Today is 3 months away from our due date! Hooo-weee! How did we mark 6 months into pregnancy? By going fishing! Andy's mom has been with us all week, and Mother Nature gave us a break from the regular rain for a lovely, sunny weekend perfect for going on the boat.

This photo was taken last week at 26-weeks along. Excuse the fact I'm wiped from working two jobs for 11-hours, and then gorging on a fondue dinner.

Bebe girl Gorn has been moving regularly of course and I'm so excited that Andy has started feeling her too. Just the other day it seemed a long shot that he could connect with her little movements, but I put his hand to the right place on my belly and that's when he said she gave him "ten"--two quick high-fives. Needless to say I was touched and thrilled by the moment.

Back aches are starting in some usual places. I'm looking forward, naturally, to my upcoming prenatal massage. Maternity clothes purchased just a month and a half ago are already considerably smaller. The

"how can I get any bigger"-pondering has entered my mind often. 

So back to the day of fishing. Andy's mom reeled in two halibut--her first! And I managed one myself; a bitty one of 17 pounds. It could have 50 lbs. based on how it felt to pull the fish up from the ocean floor. I think it was a good arm exercise for a 6-month pregnant woman!

Great day with Grandma Judy!

*Amy

What to CHOOSE?

How about some R-E-S-P-E-C-T?

While en route to Alaska from MN today I'll share what took place in Sitka earlier this month. Well, I should back up a bit. Last fall I joined the local Choose Respect Mural committee. It fit in line with some projects through work and I thought it would be great to meet and get involved with Sitkans this way. The mural project addresses domestic violence and sexual assault through positive action and creative, artistic expression. Alaska has horribly high rates for these areas, and "Choose Respect" comes from the Governor's initiative to address these serious issues. After nearly a year of work by the committee, the hired lead artists came to town to paint the design derived and created through community engagement projects we organized during the year, along with heavy school involvement and more.

The most awesome thing about the actual painting, as proposed by our lead artist, Eliseo Art Silva of CA, was its paint by number system---to get the community painting and contributing, and get a lot of work done in a week's time! I was thrilled to learn the paints were non-toxic, water-based acrylic so I wouldn't miss out on the fun, connection and contribution. From our sign-in sheets I tallied over 178 volunteers gave 600 hours to bring the design In Living Color!

Here it is with all 18 panels combined, as shown on www.artchangeinc.org:

Let's break it down:

Like a topographical, camouflaged map with paint by numbers for grown ups!

I'm awfully proud of the painting effort, and myself, tried to be there every day to pitch in. It will be installed on the outside of the middle school, a visible spot within town. Our dedication and unveiling will be on Oct. 1 to commemorate Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness month.
MORE on this, with good interviews by the local public radio station, and talented reported, Ed Ronco!
http://kcaw.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op=centerBlock&ID=1309
*Amy