Thankful for what I lost

I feel like I should preface this post by saying, I'm not thankful for everything that I've lost, read further to fully understand what I mean by "what I lost".

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November is the notorious month of being thankful, and in my effort to document my little family's life, I, too, wanted to make note of the things I am thankful for as of late...

My new perfume is the scent of baby barf that seems to accumulate all over-it's like an epidemic some days!

My new 'do is a messy bun on top of my head...

My new style is a pair of leggings, and a comfy t-shirt that I can easily whip out a boob at a moment's notice (to feed the baby, that is)....

My heels have been replaced with a pair of low, comfy shoes-boots as of late...

Victoria Secret has been replaced with Motherhood wear- nuff said! ;)

What was once sleep-filled nights is now 2, 4, and 6am feedings.

And let's not forget losing my pride! Having a baby has a way of taking your pride, throwing it on the ground, and stomping on it. Oh, and then laughing. Yes, it's that cruel!

Nights snuggled up to the mister watching a movie are now spent with baby laying between us, blowing up his diaper followed by glances of "nooo, it's YOUR turn to change him!" and then analyzing the color of his poo to make sure he's still complying with the newborn poo guidelines. (Don't act like you never did that!) Romantic, huh?

And what was once 8 hour work days, filled with gratifying work I was paid for are now 24 hour UNPAID days of feeding, changing, calming, rocking and playing/teaching the tiny, drooling human.

In fact, there's not much that is the same since this tiny human being has entered my life.

BUT, I'm ok with all of this because for everything that I 'lost', I have gained a new life with the sweetest baby boy. So, my month of November has been filled with thankful thoughts of all the things I  lost, happily.

I do often wonder if my new identity is permanent or just a new mommy trying to figure it all out. Either way, when a puckered lip is made all better by momma's hugs, or when I see Matt in his daddy role- changing a diaper or rocking the baby (and I think, "he's never looked sexier"), or when I'm cluster feeding and I'm sure this is the time my nipples will fall off, or when the babe lights up and gets that BIG gummy grin on his face when he hears my voice or sees my face (nothing melts my heart more)- it's then that I know that I'm right where I need to be, and it's all the reassurance I need. So, I'm thankful for my new role, my new identity-as Henry's mom, even if that means I've lost my former identity, just a little.

Afterall, what I've gained far outweighs what I 'lost'.

Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll! 

Heisel Rules!

Henry is One month!

The past month has been a whirlwind of emotions- from the long labor/delivery (exhausting), to feeding and taking care of baby (restless)...and exhilarating! I had no idea being this tired could also be this rewarding! I don't mind the 2 am feedings just as long as I see that smile on my sweet boy! He brings so much unexplained joy to our lives and he continues to do so. I had no idea my heart was capable of loving this much, this deep, this endless. The best part is that I've fallen in love with Matt all over again. To see him as Daddy has been so amazing! He does diaper duty like a champ and he gives Henry great snuggles. I love my boys to pieces!

Since Henry was 2 weeks late, we joke that he's advanced! hehe He has been smiling ever since he was born, and no, it's not gas. ;) He has been practicing head control since he was 2 weeks, and now he is coo'ing and making all kinds of sweet 'hoo' noises like a baby owl. I'm amazed everyday at the strides this kiddo is making to learn things that we already do involuntarily. I keep telling him to slow down, but this lil dude is relentless; he's so eager to move! I find myself very emotional at times when I think about how fast it's going by, but then I reel myself back in and focus on the present!

He has a very calm demeanor and rarely cries. We take each day as a new slate as we learn our baby and our baby learns us. So far, we're the perfect pair; I can't imagine life without my mini Matt! He's the perfect mix of his father's looks and his mother personality. I love watching that flourish day by day.

Can you see why I'm so in love...his long eye lashes, the puckered lips, the rolls on the arms! This lil guy does not miss a meal and he nurses like a champ! Because of that, we count our days in rolls on the arms and thighs! Each day brings a new lil chub roll on our dough boy! Can't get enough of them.

I know I'm 2 days posting this, but I couldn't resist since the date is 11-12-13! Kinda crazy, kinda cool! Thanks for stopping by to read all about Henry and how we're adjusting. Check back soon for more pics and updates! It's hard to believe it's already been one month. 

Heisel Rules!

Welcome Baby Henry

It's been one week (yesterday) since we welcomed sweet baby Henry, which accounts for the delay in posting. We came home last Sunday and we've spent our time bonding with Henry as a family. It's been amazing!

It's been great to have Matt here as well! His work gave him 10 days off, which has been a HUGE blessing. He's been helping around the house and even taking care of me. We have our own little routine with Henry-I breastfeed and Matt does diaper duty! I think I have the better end of the deal considering Henry squirts very far...and often!

Yesterday was Henry's first doctor visit. He is completely healthy and even gained back all the weight he lost. When he was born he weighed 9.7 pounds, when we left the hospital he weighed 8.11 and now he's up to a whopping 9.9 pounds! He came out asking for a cheeseburger and hasn't stopped asking for more since! ;) We still find it hard to believe that he fit into my small frame! Here's my 41 week pic...6 days before he was born.

We had family visit the last 2 weeks and we ventured to the apple orchard the week before he was due-tried to walk him out!

Henry is such a joy to have around and I can't even imagine what life was like without him! We are so in love with this lil man! I especially enjoy seeing Matt hold him and talk to him. It has made me fall in love with Matt in a whole new way! I'm so proud of him for taking on this new role so naturally!

Henry is such a happy baby. He's always smiling and he's so alert and attentive. He rarely cries and seems to be satisfied most of the time, unless he's hungry and he takes his meals very seriously! ;) We couldn't be more blessed with our sweet baby boy! Even though he looks like his daddy, he has his momma's calm demeanor! ;)

What's New:
Henry is so attentive-he looks at you and even smiles when you talk to him.
He eats about every 2 hours.
LOVES to be swaddled!
He's getting chubby cheeks (again) and chubby arm rolls! Love a squishy baby!
He's discovering his hands-can almost get his thumb coordinated into his mouth.
Doesn't particularly like pacifiers.

Big thanks to everyone that visited us and sent their prayers and well wished during the labor and deliver! We are certainly blessed with great family and friends! HUGE thanks to our doula, Stacie Lopez with Empowered Birthing and our photographer Rachel Krull with Grace Abounds Photography who so lovingly stayed by our side. Special thanks to you ladies! Love ya! I'll post about our birth story very soon!

Have a great weekend!

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

40 weeks and this momma's birthday!

Well, I thought for sure Henry was going to be impatient and show up early. Guess I was wrong. So, here we are on due date and no baby Henry yet. I'm thinking he doesn't wanna share his special day with his momma. That's ok, Henry, you can have your own special day! ;)

Couple things wrong with this photo- bad posture (from holding this kid up) and the look on my face (I cropped it out, but it was basically saying...A.NY.TIME now!). But, alas, it is what it is!

I've heard of people getting this far and just being ready to be done. The truth is, I'm just ready to meet this lil man! He has a whole slew of people waiting on standby to see his sweet lil (or chubby) face! :)

We had our 40 week appt with the midwife on Monday, and even though we were a little early she checked me and we are 50% effaced (soft cervix) and about 1-1.5 CM dilated, but still a little posterior. The midwife seemed very pleased with the way we are progressing, and since this is our first rodeo, we were too! We go back tomorrow to meet the last midwife that we haven't met yet. That is, if we don't go into labor tonight, and in that case, we see whomever is on call! ;) Hopefully we'll have made progress! Fingers crossed!

My mom flew into town last night and we got out this afternoon to try to walk around a bit and see if we could get things moving. Now I'm just having random Braxton-Hicks. The key is to get in the car and drive and suddenly they come on! Matt said I need to take a ride on the 4 wheeler to get things moving faster; I politely declined! ha! ;)

So, today, I celebrate my birthday without my lil guy in my arms. But he's not late, right? After all, a due date is just a guess, right? Whatever day he chooses is the day he is meant to be born. Just so you know, Henry, we're ready and it's AWESOME out here! :)

Thank you to all my sweet friends and family for the birthday wishes; I appreciate each and every one! Here's to another year of adventure as we go from 2 to 3!

Special thanks to my sweet mister who surprised me with birthday flowers, a card and an iPad mini! Woot! Thanks, baby! I love you!

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

All About the Belly & My Must-Haves!

So, while we're waiting on baby Henry to decide what day he wants to be his birthday, I thought it would be fun to do some belly comparisons! First of all, I have to add quickly- our niece JJ and nephew  Kyler pronounce Henry's name- Hennery. JJ even made us a sign a couple months back that spelled his name that way. I think it's precious! I think about that every time I type Henry's name.

Let's start this belly journey at the beginning, shall we?...

Pre Pregger Pic
(My waist actually existed at one time!) ;)

This was the day that I gave Matt the good news! I was all of 3.5 weeks pregger. Yes, it's possible to know that early. We were trying so I was paying close attention and did a pregnancy test that morning after Matt left for work. I made that sign and was waiting for him by the door when he got home. :)

I only thought my belly was large at this point! ha!

Here's a collage starting at 16 weeks (when the bump was most noticeable) until now! :)

Pretty crazy to see how big the belly has gotten! I'm glad that it takes a period of time to grow or else it might be more of a shock! ;)

I'm gonna double this post with some of my favorite items that I use to take care of the bump!

Pregger MUST-Haves

1. First up- I cannot live without Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil! 

I use this stuff EVERY night. I slather on a thick layer of it and then just rock the pulled up shirt til it soaks in some. I honestly believe that this has aided in no stretch marks! My only belly blemish is above my belly button, where I thought I was being cute and got a belly button ring a long time ago. Ya, I'm regretting that now! ah, C'est la Vie... whatcha gonna do?! Go ahead, rub it on any area that needs extra moisture to stretch (thighs, boobs, back, booty)- You won't regret it!

2. Second must have is the belly band. 

I got one in white and one in black from Target when I was around 12 weeks pregnant. I have used those babies ever since. Initially it was so that I could wear my pre-pregger jeans longer, but now I like the idea of the bump being held tight. These were only $16, which was very reasonable as I've seen them way more at other stores.

Here's the link: http://www.target.com/p/be-maternity-beband-assorted-colors/-/A-10949803#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=belly+band  I';; be using those babies when I poop Henry out as well. I've heard that skin snaps back easier when it's held tight! 

3. My third must have are ANY pants that have a full belly panel. 

(Motherhood shorts) Like this, but gray...

Before I was pregnant, I thought these looked uncool and I probably wouldn't like it, but when you're prego, you'll do ANYTHING for confort! My summer staple are my Motherhood Maternity Cargo type shorts. Lemme tell you, I LOVE to dress up and be cutesy, but there are also times when I like to just be comfy, ya know?! These are the BEST! They have a full belly panel (Motherhood calls this "secret fit belly", but I call it amazing!), and they are made of a wonderful material that it just loose enough to be comfy, and doesn't make you sweat. I actually bought them from Goodwill, so I'm having trouble locating the exact ones online to show you, but there are close... http://www.motherhood.com/Product.asp?Product_Id=94305050030&MasterCategory_Id=MC4 I also found the cargo pants at Goodwill as well, and loved those just as much!

4. My next must have is a twofer- Mary Kay TimeWise Cleanser and Microderm Replenish Cream (this is step 2 of the microderm set). 

I usually use the TimeWise Moisturizer, but I have found that my skin changed so much during pregnancy that I needed the extra moisture. I would use the Microderm Refine cream (step1 of the set), but it was very minimal since my skin has turned very sensitive. The moisturizer, however, came in handy early on when my belly was getting these small dry patches. I'd put some of the 'Normal Skin' Moisturizer on the spots and it went away within a day. Miraculous!

5. My next must have are sports bras! 

My fave is a Champion Criss-Cross bra! It has the closure in the back so I didn't have to force it over my head. Remember earlier when I said I liked comfort, well these babies deliver, and without looking like I have a uniboob! The web page said Max Support for a reason. Especially helpful in the first tri-mester when girls are tender! ;) I'm such a bargain hunter that I bought this at a bargain store, but here's a link to the exact one...http://www.essentialapparel.com/champion-womens-custom-criss-cross-seamless-max-support-sports-bra.html

6. Another must have are my tennis shoes. 

I've never been a big tennis shoe wearer, except when working out, until I got pregnant. I got severe hip pain around month 4, thanks to hormones, and had to go to physical therapy. My therapist recommended a good pair of shoes. So I went to a store that specializes in shoes and bought for comfort, not style. There's a first time for everything! ;) I got a pair of Brooks Ghost with extra corrective insoles, and they are super comfy. Again, they've been a staple the whole pregnancy! (as I was looking for a pic on google, I noticed they are now conveniently priced MUCH lower than I paid just 4 months ago. ugh.)

7. My next must-have share are my stretchy tank tops.

Here's a pic of me wearing one...see how it stretches nicely over the bump?

I got these from the PX so I'm not sure I can find a link, but I have WORN these out! I bought several colors and I'm so glad I did. They are made of 94% Nylon and 6% Spandex. You can tell by the blend what kind of stretch these babies have! They are ruched on the sides so they expand well! They'll be great even after Henry is here as I can pull them down to breastfeed and layer with a cardie this fall and winter. Thinkin ahead, folks! ;)

8. My final must-have is this guy-

(uhh a less creepy looking version of him anyways) ;)

Yes, he has tried my pregger patience on more than one occasion (some due to those fun pesky hormones), but he has been so very supportive, patient, and loving, and that's what helps a pregger get through the entire nine months! He's all my other must-haves wrapped into one- comfort, support, blemish patrol (fixes my emotional issues). He's been a great hubby and he'll be even better at Daddy Duty! Can't wait to see him in that role!

Well, I'll wrap it up here. I have MANY more likes, but I think this about cover the top ones. Have a happy Saturday! Chat soon!

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

39 Weeks

Thirty-nine weeks. 39! One.More.Week til due date! It's hard to believe that it's already this close to the BIRTHathon! Super excited and just ready to hold this lil dude! :)

We had our midwife appointment 2 days ago and it went really well. I'm measuring at 40 weeks, but I've measured about a week ahead throughout the entire pregnancy. She's not concerned so neither am I. She gave Henry the blessing to go ahead and come on out anytime now! haha I didn't tell her to say that even though I'm feeling quite ready! ;) His "kicks" and jabs have gotten less cute and more intense, shall we say. I still like feeling him move, but he's out of room in the womb and his feet have been coming all too familiar with my ribs. :/ He's still head down and I can definitely feel that he's lower now!


At this point, pretty much everything is ready for the little man. I told Henry he needs to come on out because I'm finding other projects to do, and that's no good! ;)


I have to give major props to Matt! He's been paying close attention and even participating (asking questions) at doctor appointments and birthing classes. He's even done some reading to help to take the best care of me (and Henry) during labor and when Henry arrives. It's nice to be able to tell him something about the pregnancy and for him to understand what I'm talking about! He's such a trooper! Thanks, babe, for being such an amazing support! I can't wait til we get to welcome Henry together! :)

I took this time to capture a couple of fun photos that I've been wanting to do for a couple months now. Please don't judge quality, it's terribly difficult to adjust everything while taking pics of oneself! You understand! ;)

I'm so crafty, I make people! ;)

One more...just because I love artsy silhouette pics-

Well, that's all for now. Just waiting for any sign that Henry will join us. Until then, we shall chat next week...with or without baby in my arms (hopefully in my arms and not still in my belly!) :)

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}

38 weeks and Henry's Space

Well, here we are at 38 weeks! The first part of the pregnancy dragged on, and now i feel like time is spinning by so rapidly! Midwife says I'm doing well, and the fibroid is small enough, and far enough from the birth canal that there's no worries! We got to see Henry on ultrasound 2 days ago, but he's so crammed in there we could barely see anything! Soon enough, though! :) Come on out when you're ready buddy, but please, let's try not to be fashionably late! ;)

Luckily, we just finished hanging the final touches to Henry's space. :) It makes it feel more real now! As most of you know, we are inhabiting a one bedroom apartment, so that means we get the joy of sharing our room with Henry. {Like we have a choice! ha!} It's a good thing it's a big room, and we were easily able to get all Henry's stuff in there quite easily!

The wreath hanging on the mirror is a gift from my dear friend Courtney!

His changing station/dresser...

I love all the little decorations above his changer. The mirror is one we got from an antique store when we were in KY. The sunshine sign I made. The oval frame with the bow ties hanging was from a thrift store-it was an ugly color so I painted it white and strung string on it and hung his bow ties from my baby shower. Each guest made one for him! :) The 'Wheel of Responsibility' I found at The Salvation Army here in town, it was too funny NOT to buy! ;) The small pictures are ones I printed. The little wooden xylophone was thrifted, and his initials are compliments of his Aunt Courtney. :)

I made this paper mache piggy bank when I was in high school. :)

View of Henry's crib...

I made his name sign above his crib. One of my fave parts of his space!

I found this sweet, vintage mobile at an antique store. It was my inspiration for the entire space! :)

I LOVE to mix fabric patterns and textures! Gray and white chevron, mint and white polka dot, navy blue, sheer damask, linen and white.

Can't wait to be snuggled up here, rocking my lil man! :)

And that's about it, folks! There's still a few things that I'd like to do, but this is pretty much complete. Thanks for looking!

Heisel Rules! {the Bump}