celebrations

We are enjoying a nice celebratory weekend. Friday night our friends Sterling and KC came over to get some Asher face time before we leave. Saturday we went to Buca di Beppo with Danny, Stacey and Jax for a dinner celebrating Quinn's new job. I took my camera but totally spaced taking pictures. Saturday was also Asher's three month birthday. He is getting bigger every day. It has been so fun watching him grow and discover the world around him. Today we are celebrating Quinn's first Father's Day.

I made him a dinner of chicken piccata, parmesan garlic rosemary roasted potatoes and zucchini. I bought him and Asher a mini mango cheesecake also for both of their milestones.


Asher couldn't wait to try it.

we are moving

Here:
Quinn has accepted his dream job in Cary (just outside of Raleigh), NC. I'm so happy for him and so proud of how hard he has worked. Working at his new game studio will really be a dream come true for him. It is one of the premiere studios in the country. I won't be saying the name of it on the blog because I don't want our blog to come up in any internet searches.

We are sad to leave Texas but are excited for the road ahead.

Also, thank you for everyone who prayed on our behalf. We are very grateful!

sunday and dance party 2

We had a great Sunday. I spoke in church (not so fun) but Danny, Stacey and Jax came and heard me speak which made it more fun. After church Stacey brought over most of the dinner and we ate. We spent the rest of the day playing games. I think we played games from about 2 pm until 11 pm. We played some Wii Golf, lots of Wii Smarty Pants, Disney Scene It and regular Scene It. We had so much fun. It is so nice to live by family even if it is only temporarily.

I've mentioned before how much Asher loves music. We can sit with him on our laps for quite a while and be at the lap top as long as there is music playing. I found Quinn and Asher doing this today and just had to get it on video.

12 weeks

This is what I woke up to today on Asher's 12 week birthday.


Asher woke up around 7:15 this morning. After feeding, I put him back in his swing in hopes he would fall back asleep because I was still pretty tired. Well, he didn't but I did. I woke up about 2 hours later and neither Quinn nor Asher were in the room. So I went out to the living room and found Asher like he was above. Quinn had bathed him and put him down for his first nap of the day. So he was so happy and content just hanging in his chair waiting for his mommy to wake up.


Isn't he adorable?

good morning

Asher has turned into a sleeping machine. He sleeps from 8 to 8 now every night with only one night feeding usually around 3 or 4 am. I love it!

This morning he was so happy to be awake. He was going crazy with the talking. Of course, as soon as I turn the camera on he quiets right down and gets distracted by the camera in his face so this is the best I could do.

Enjoy!

learning

I'm already learning a lot from my new book (see the side bar to the right). With just a few pages read, I've learned that little Asher is probably over-tired (hence why he is SO cranky at night). So yesterday he took 3 good naps and was fast asleep by 8:15 pm and slept until 7 am with only one feeding at 2 am. Granted most (ok all) of this sleeping was done in the swing but it was sleeping nonetheless.

For about two 1/2 days he did so wonderfully in the crib. Went down without a peep. Now he screams absolute bloody murder the second I put him in it. So I'm going to finish reading my book to learn more skills and try again.

two months

Asher had his two month check up today. He is a big growing boy. Here are his latest stats:

Height: 24 inches--75 percentile
Weight: 13 lbs 10 oz--80 percentile
Head: 16 1/4 inches--75 percentile

The doctor said he is an awesome baby and very healthy. They gave Asher three shots. The doctor had said the nurse was really fast at giving the shots. She was like a shot giving ninja. I turned away for a second and heard Asher start to cry and she was already on the third shot. Asher screamed really loud and Quinn teared up just a bit. It was cute (Quinn, not Asher screaming bloody murder).

Today also starts Operation Sleeping In Crib. I told myself I would give him until two months and then I would start training him to sleep in his crib. I hope it goes well. He is napping in his crib right now. I hope this is a sign of good things to come.

At two months old Asher coos and smiles all the time. He has discovered his tongue. He snorts when he gets frustrated. He has started sucking on his fist. He has started to sleep about 4 to 5 hours at a time (finally!). He still is a bit of a cat-napper but has started taking one long nap in the morning (heaven!). Asher loves music. He loves to be sung to. Sometimes when he is a little bit fussy I'll sit him on my lap in front of the computer and spin the hits on YouTube. He loves Leonna Lewis and Westlife (obviously). He has a mind of his own. He knows when he has a wet or messy diaper and lets it be known. He doesn't like to be left alone in a room, he wants to be in the action. He likes sitting face forward on your lap to watch the fun colors on the TV. He loves his bath and is all around absolutely adorable.

In honor of our new efforts to get him sleeping in his crib, here are some pics of the various locations in which he currently sleeps or naps.

dance party

This is what my boys were up to yesterday while I was in a drug-induced sleep.

one crazy and eventful week

Poor Quinn, in the span of 7 days was our anniversary, Mother's Day and my birthday.

Our anniversary started out normal. We weren't planning on doing anything major that day as we were waiting for the weekend when Danny & Stacey were going to babysit. Unfortunately, that day Quinn got some bad news. The company that he was working for announced that they were shutting down. It came as a complete shock to everyone. Long story short, their publisher pulled funding and they just don't have enough money on their own to keep going. Needless to say that put a damper on the celebratory mood. But Quinn actually has quite a few prospects and I'm very confident something will work out soon in the coming weeks.

We ended up celebrating by leaving Asher with Stacey and Danny and going to watch Star Trek. It was a low key celebration but nice to get out and just sit and watch a movie sans baby.

The rest of the week was hectic and busy and stressful consisting of everything that accompanies losing work and looking for new work.

Yesterday was my birthday. It was nice to have Quinn home all day to help out. Around four or so in the afternoon I started to have some cramping. At first I thought it might be menstrual cramps and that I was going to be one of those women who menstruates even though she is nursing, but eventually the pain began to feel different. We went to dinner at Carrabba's with Danny, Stacey and Jax. Dinner was delish followed by a delicious orange/chocolate cake courtesy of Stacey. At home, I started to feel more and more pain. Then around 10 o'clock I could feel the intense pain in my back...by my kidneys. I knew I had a stone. I had a prescription from my pregnancy when I had another flare up, so I took some of that and tried to get the pain under control. No such luck. The vomiting began. The dinner and cake was not so delish the second time around. Finally around two the pain was pretty intense and I knew I wasn't going to make it through the night. I called Stacey who graciously came over to stay with Asher while Quinn took me to the hospital. Some lab work, a CT scan and some morphine later it was confirmed that I have another stone. Thank goodness we still have insurance! The doctor says it is close to passing so I'm certainly hoping this one won't give me as much trouble as the last one.

We got home around 6:30 this morning and were both exhausted. The worst part is that Asher had his best night ever and slept for 6 1/2 hours and I wasn't able to enjoy it. Luckily, once we got home he went down for another 3 hours to let me get some sleep and he has been so good today. And speaking of Asher, here is a Mother's Day picture of us. Enjoy!

hawaii

I just had to post this picture of Asher in this outfit I bought from my favorite store for little boy clothes (it was on sale!).

just because

=

genius

I just got back from Walgreens with my sister Stacey. We went so I could try out the advice of this blog in my attempt to become thrifty. Unfortunately, they were out of stock of the item I was trying to purchase to get started on this whole Register Rewards thing. However, I did buy dish washing liquid with a coupon and feel pretty good about that. But I digress. The reason for the post is I was in the candy aisle buying a treat for my nephew when I came upon these.I love Starbursts. One of my fav candies. Although I hate the Halloween two-paks because you run the risk of getting a yellow/orange combo which I do not like. A few years ago, my friend Erin gave me one of the greatest presents ever...it was a tin full of only the pinks and the reds. I loved it. Now, I can replicate this gift on my own. How genius is this idea...a pack of only the red ones. Truly genius. I'm enjoying them now and I'm quite content.

blessing day and smiling

Today Quinn blessed Asher in church. Most of my family (minus the Brijs family) arrived into town yesterday. They were all able to go to church with us today so we decided to bless Asher. Quinn gave such a beautiful blessing. It was a really neat experience to hear your husband bless your child. Here are a few pics that we snapped after the blessing.

Uncle Cameron also worked with Asher all afternoon to get him to smile. Here are the results:

one month

Asher turned one month old today. I can't believe it has been that long already. Some days it feels like he has been here forever, other days I feel just as overwhelmed as the first days home from the hospital.

In honor of his birthday we are making a cast of his footprint that some friends gave us tonight for FHE.

Asher is a very good eater. He pretty much eats every two hours and if something delays this he is not a happy camper. He is not the best sleeper but we are working on it.

Asher has marked his territory all over the house. He has spit up on the couch, my pillow, my bed, the floor, etc... I've found poo on my pants, the boppy, Quinn's shirt, my hands and Quinn's hands. Fun, fun. And for people who know me they know I don't do well with poo.

He is growing like a weed. I measured him for fun last night and he is just about 24 inches long already...crazy...no wonder he eats like crazy. This outfit he is wearing is even a 3-6 months.


We also just got back from my postpartum check up. The doctor said everything is fine and I was happy to see I only have 3.5 lbs to get rid of to get down to pre-baby weight.

he is a fan of Lost

This is a picture of Asher we took Wednesday night as he pondered the deeper mysteries of Lost. He seemed to really enjoy the show. Although, he thought the episode could have revealed a bit more.

happy easter!

The Easter Bunny found Asher this morning. He brought him a stuffed bunny, a onesie from Game Developers Conference, a rattle/toy that attaches to his car seat and interestingly enough an assortment of his parents favorite Easter candy.

Asher and I also braved church for Easter Sunday. Isn't his outfit cute? We only went to Sacrament as we are going to slowly ease into this 9 am church thing.

more pics

Grandma with Asher




Uncle Danny came to visit Asher also

pediatrician

Asher went to the pediatrician today. I started getting ready at 7 am to make it to the doctor's by 10 am. We made it. He was so good the whole time (minus the bloody murder screaming when they pricked his heel but that is understandable). He is growing like crazy. He has gained 10 ounces and now weighs 8 lbs 8 oz and has grown an inch. The doctor says he looks perfect and is doing beautifully.

While I was at the doctors, Quinn was picking up his mom from the airport. We are all so excited to have her here and look forward to lots of fun during her visit.


Here is a picture for my mom. She requested an updated picture. This is Asher just before we headed out to the pediatrician.

grandmas

Asher and I just got back from our first outing. We took Grandma Kathy (aka Gangy) to the airport. We are very sad she is gone but so thankful that she was able to come and spend time with us. I really don't know what I would have done without her.

Thanks Mom!

Another Grandma is on her way on Wednesday. I'm excited Vicky can come as well. Picking her up will be our second outing and another good prep for our third outing which will be a trip to the pediatrician on Thursday morning. I'm scared of trying to get up and out the door and to somewhere on a schedule. Wish me luck!

week one

I can't believe it has already been a week. It has been a long hard week, harder then I thought I would be. But things are looking up. At first, Asher wanted nothing to do with his crib or really anything that didn't involve him sleeping while someone held him. This made for extremely long nights. But last night progress was made. My mom stayed up with Asher until 4 am (hallelujah!) while I got some sleep and worked with him all night on sleeping in his crib. He slept for 3, then 2, then another 2 all in his crib. And all day long he has napped in his crib, not as long as I would like, but progress nonetheless.

We are starting to get the hang of eating. Asher has a tendency to fall asleep rather quickly whilst feeding which makes it hard, but today I've worked on trying to stretch the time between feedings since he was wanting to eat so frequently due to falling asleep. It seems to be working. He was also much more alert and content just to be sitting in his vibrating chair today then he has been in the past.

Despite all the stress and lack of sleep, he is an absolute delight to have in the home. My mom has been a lifesaver especially while Quinn has been gone. Speaking of, Quinn gets home in a few hours and I can't wait!

dimples

This video was shot right when the brought Asher to me. If you look closely in the video you can see Asher's adorable dimples.

Also, here are a few of my favorite photos from today.Getting ready for his sponge bath

I just love this look

Check out his mullet!

Can you tell Quinn was having fun dressing him up?Daddy and Asher getting in some bonding time before Quinn had to leave for San Fran.

27 hours give or take

Thursday March 19th

7:30 pm: Check into hospital, we are moved upstairs where I'm hooked up to monitors etc... and then given the Cervidil to try and get things started. They monitored me all night and I had contractions ranging from 3 to 7 minutes apart. They weren't that bad at all and I was able to sleep through most of them.

Important to note (at least it was to me) that I was not allowed any food from this point on or any liquids after midnight.

Friday March 20th

7:00 am: Moved down to Labor and Delivery and started on the drip to get things going even more.

8:30 am: My doctor comes in and checks me. She has a very discouraged look on her face and tells me it is going to be a long day as I'm only at a 2 (which I've been at since 35 weeks). They turn the drip up.

10:00 am: My mom arrives with McDonald's for Quinn for breakfast. It looks delicious.

11:30 am: Doctor returns to check me. 3. Not much progress. She "breaks" my water. This really really hurt. I'm having contractions but they aren't very strong.

1:00 pm: I start to have more intense contractions especially back labor which is not so enjoyable.

1:30 pm: Quite a bit of pain and I decide to bring on the epidural. Anesthesiologist comes in. He was extremely funny and we spend most of the time discussing March Madness and Pres. Obama. At this point Quinn is out picking up some food for him and my Mom. I was pleasantly surprised at how not painful the epidural. To me the nurses attempt at getting my first IV in the night before hurt much more than this did.

2:00 pm: Starting to feel much better. Quinn and Mom eat Subway. Dr. comes and checks me a 4. She says she can still feel the membranes so breaks my water again, basically meaning she didn't get it the first time. I felt a gush this time where as I felt nothing the first time. We are hopeful that this will really get things started.

4:00 pm: Dr. returns. Still a 4. She is starting to get concerned. She says she will come back in two hours or so and if I'm not at least at a 6 we will have to discuss our options (i.e. cesarean).

6:30 pm: She comes back and checks me. I hear her tell the nurse it is a miracle and I'm at a nine. I start to get excited because I really didn't want to have to do a c-section.

7:30 pm: I can start to feel the epidural wear off on my right side. We try to fix it by changing positions but the baby doesn't do well unless I'm on my left side.

8:00 pm: We start pushing. I had a great nurse who really helped me through it. We pushed for maybe 40 minutes or so before she brought in the doctor.

8:40 pm: The doctor comes in and everything starts moving. I keep pushing. I can feel him moving down the birth canal and it is pretty painful if I don't push through it.

9:11 pm: Asher is finally born! We stay in labor and delivery for a while while they finish everything up.

10:30 pm: We are taken up to our room and Asher goes to the nursery for a check-up and a bath.

11:00 pm: I am finally able to eat something. They brought me which I'm sure was a secretly disgusting turkey sandwich but it tasted like heaven to me along with some fruit and cottage cheese.

1:00 am: They bring us our most precious little boy all washed and clean. I had never seen anything more beautiful!

P.S. For a much more peaceful delivery of which I am very jealous check out my cousin Lacy's blog who had a beautiful little girl Lucy Marie on Sunday morning. A special shout out to Lacy for holding off until Asher was born or I might have had a complete breakdown since Lacy was also due after me.

here he is

Asher Quinn DelHoyo
Born: March 20, 2009 at 9:11 pm

7 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long

induction

I went in early this morning for another ultrasound with the doctor. She said my fluid is lower than it was on Tuesday and just barely above the mark they would use anyway for induction so she feels good about inducing me tonight, said she probably would want to anyway even if I hadn't asked. So I'm suppose to report to the hospital tonight at 7:30. I'm off to take a nap now as I have a feeling it will be a long night and morning!

swollen

It's official. My hands and feet are officially swollen. I'm just glad it took this long to get to this point. I'd been having a bit of swelling at the end of the day for the last week or so, but yesterday it pretty much stayed that way all day and today looks to be about the same. I'm not complaining and it isn't really even that bad. It just looks like I have fat fingers and I can't wear my wedding ring anymore.

appointment update

We just got back from the doctor. It was pretty disappointing. Still no change. Nothing. Zero. Which means I've pretty much been at a two for about 4+ weeks. They did an ultrasound to make sure the baby wasn't getting too big. She said right now he looks to be about 7 1/2 pounds so they aren't worried about him getting too big. She said they would induce on Monday. I very politely asked if there was anyway they could do it earlier since my husband is suppose to go out of town Tuesday night. She was really sweet about it which is good because I was nervous, I didn't want to come across selfish. So she stripped my membranes (ouch!) then told me to come in on Thursday morning for a quick ultrasound to come up with a reason to induce (since it would be before the official 41 weeks) and hopefully induce Thursday night. So things are looking up. I really hope Thursday works as that would allow Quinn to be there for the first few days and still get to SF. Who knows maybe my water will break tonight! That would be even better.

the mall

We spent 4 hours today at the mall. My mom got in yesterday so she, Quinn and I headed to the Galleria today. With his birthday money and 30% off at Gap and Old Navy (thanks Mallory!) Quinn pretty much made off with a whole new summer wardrobe. Then we walked a lot, had lunch at The Grand Lux Cafe, and walked some more. Hopefully, it will help. After the mall, we headed over to Sprinkles to pick up some cupcakes for my mom to try, then back home for a rest. I'm feeling good but tired and just wishing for some baby action sometime soon.

28

Today Quinn turns 28. He is my best friend and an even better partner in life. He will watch cheezy chick flicks with me, he'll watch TV shows like AI and The Bachelor with me even though I know he would rather poke his own eyes out. He calls me at least once a day while at work to check on me and tell me he loves me. He would do whatever I ask of him to make sure I'm comfortable. He makes me laugh all the time. He tells me I'm a great wife even when I don't make dinner or haven't cleaned the house. He is great with kids and teenagers and I can't wait to see him with our own son. I could go on and on...but it boils down to this...I love him and I'm so grateful to have him as my husband. Happy Birthday Quinn!!!!

PS. Just a small blurb about the pregnancy, I went to the Dr. yesterday and there is still really no progress. I'm learning patience.

sunday

Quinn spoke in church today. He gave a really great talk on the importance of knowing who we are as sons and daughters of God and how that will help us make the correct choices in our lives. The chapel was a sauna. When I walked in I knew I was going to be miserable. Before church started, I was chatting with the Bishop and casually mentioned how hot it was in the building. He said that the heat was on when he got there this morning. Keep in mind it has been in the 80's lately. I seriously thought I might pass out from the heat in the chapel.

Now we are home and Quinn and I are going to go out for a walk. I'm trying to stay somewhat active even though all I really want to do is sleep.

My sister Stacey's SIL had her baby this morning. I was ticked as she was due a few days after me. My nephew Jaxson kept telling me that her baby was going to "pop out" and is now wondering when mine is going to "pop out." I'm wondering that myself.

In other happier news, it was finalized yesterday that Danny, Stacey and Jaxson will be moving to the Dallas area for April through Aug/Sept. I'm so excited. They were either going to Seattle or Dallas. My preference was obvious. I'm so excited to have family close by even if it is only for four months.

advantage

One advantage of still being pregnant is that I am free to enjoy--guilt free--the four boxes of these that Quinn brought home last night.
Yummy!

Although I do think Quinn was slightly frightened by my enthusiasm for this cookie when I found out that one of his coworkers daughters was selling Girl Scout Cookies.

anticipation

It's killing me. I don't think I was done any favors by having early contractions at week 31 and 36 that had to be stop. False starts get your mind going and now that I'm 38 weeks and they would let me just go...of course nothing. I know I shouldn't complain, it's not like I'm overdue or anything, but nonetheless I'm just so anxious and so on edge all the time.

Quinn told me to go to Barnes & Noble to get a book to occupy my time. I want a serious page turner, nothing to serious, just more fluff. Btw, I really should bite the bullet and get a library card. Oh well, that is for another time.

i caved

I just had to turn on the air conditioner. It is in the low 80's here today. I had all the windows open and the fans going but still found myself wiping sweat off my brow while just sitting at the computer. I just couldn't take it anymore...and it is suppose to be even warmer tomorrow.

i finally got it

My sweet sister Stacey gave me a gift card to Williams Sonoma along with a Barefoot Contessa cookbook for Christmas. I've had my eye on the Cuisinart ice cream maker for quite a while. I've only heard fabulous things about it from everyone who has one. So today I finally went and picked one up using the gift card. I'm so excited. I have the bowl in the freezer and I'm eagerly anticipating being able to make some delicious home-made ice cream tomorrow after church. Quinn wants the first batch to be mint chip. I hope it is delicious and delightful as everyone says it is.

3 things

There are three things I can't live without right now.

1. Tums
I don't dig on the taste, but they are a necessary evil right now and one that I'm glad exists because without them I would have an even harder time sleeping.

2. Heating padThis is a new addition to my comfort seeking but it really seems to be helping to keep my back muscles loose and not hurting so much.

3. QuinnHe has been spectacular throughout this whole pregnancy, from the beginning when he would hold my hair back while I was throwing up all the food he had just gone out to get me...to now, when he massages my back or calves or whatever part of my body is aching. And he doesn't complain when I am too tired to make him dinner. I love you sweetie!

nursery

The nursery is finally all put together...or as much as it is going to be before the baby comes. So many friends and family contributed to the nursery and we thank you so much for all the very generous gifts that have made it all possible.

Here it is:View from the door way...crib and changing dresser

Dresser/changing station

Close up of my favorite part

The rocking corner

a first

I've never actually done a tag before, usually I just ignore people when they tag me, but this one I'll do because I like talking about Quinn and if I don't do this all I have to blog about is how uncomfortable I am and how bad I want to have this baby already!

Husband Tag

1. Where did you meet your husband? At the townhouse I was living in. He was trying to work his magic with a girl who was staying there for a few weeks before she left for Paris.
2. How long did you date before you got married? That is a tough one...we were so on and off that I couldn't really say but I knew him for 18 months before we got married.
3. How long have you been married? It will be 3 years in May
4. What does he do that surprises you? He is a baby talker...this really surprised me when we first got married. It use to drive me crazy but now I kind of like it.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? His hands.
6. What is his best quality? wow, he has a lot, but one of my favs is that he will pretty much do anything I ask him to do and he pretty much never complains about anything.
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Bunny
8. What is his favorite food? hmm...he has many but I would go with the Thai noodles that I make.
9. What is his favorite sport? Football
10. When and where did you first kiss? In his apartment after watching Remember the Titans.
11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? my favorite thing is just having a lazy Saturday morning with him.
12. Do you have any children? almost
13. Does he have any hidden talents? This is not so hidden, but he can master any video game like nobodies business. In fact, just the other day someone at his work asked him if he had special forces training because of the way he was playing and dominating the game.
14. How old is he? 27
15. Who said 'I love you' first? I think he did, to be honest I don't really remember.
16. What is his favorite music? DJ Tiesto type stuff
17. What do you admire most about him? It takes A LOT to make him mad. He is extremely patient. I am the exact opposite.
18. What is his favorite color? Blue
19. Will he read this? Eventually, he checks the blog every so often.
20. Who do you tag? I take Kim P. because she hasn't blogged in forever.

34 weeks

Today is such a beautiful day....65 degrees and sunny. I just had my 34 week appointment. All is going well. She said he is a good size baby and that "my weight is fantastic!" She said he has turned and dropped which I was glad to hear since this last week it has really started to feel like I was squishing something every time I sat down. So now it is basically just a waiting game. I can't wait! in other news, I received in the mail today the crib bedding that my mom made and I'm so excited to get it all set up so stay tuned for pictures of that.

And only because my friend Kim asked I'm posting a picture of me in all my 34 weeks and 2 days glory. This is a self-portrait because if I wait for Quinn to come home I will forget...so this is for you Kim. Enjoy!