9.13.12: Welcome Fields Benjamin

Hi Sweet Baby Fields,

Life is quite good. Your birthing adventure hit a peak and now we are resting in the valley. We did it. With lots of support. You're here. We're tired, but have peace. I've been spoiled with special deliveries of chai lattes and cranberry orange scones two days in a row. You're enjoying eating as well, every 2.5 to 3 hours for 20 to 30 minutes. Your check ups have been good, and we're snuggling quite a bit. Twice now, we've had the family of 5 together and your dad and I love it. 

Joy, joy, joy deep down in my heart, deep down in my heart to stay!

Love, 

Mom 

Due Date: Written In Ink

"Wohoo..."

Due Date Official: Thursday, September 13, 2012, 8am. 

And now a shout out to my peeps:
Thanks honey, for the slumber parties and old Office episodes that make me laugh out loud.
Thanks Tara for the peppermint tea.
Thanks Katie for the in-house bang trim, + Nick and Judah for the visit, flowers, magazine, and air freshener!
Thanks Micah and Taryn + Hazel for the sparkling water + yummy tea and all of my other requests from home. Plus the extra visit this morning!
Thanks Amy, for walking in playing your ukulele and the laughs and the visit.
Thanks Alan and Shanna for the sweet flowers and visit. 
Thanks Aunt Donna for the massage, dinner, + Robert for the visit.
Thanks Mike and Deb for the visit, magazines, and KC Star.
Thanks Mom for the visits, the pretty flowers, + thanks to you + Dad for keeping the children. XO
Thanks children for coming in and kissing me, dancing for me, and for being my bestest pals.
Thanks Tricia and Sela for the stellar magazines and visit and the special lip gloss application. 

Love ya.

Kristyn

Test Results: Indeterminite

Hello, hello from Level Two, where the nurses are nice and all the sofas are blue. Had a few deciding tests today. An ultrasound determined that I do still have placenta previa, so we must do a c-section to get fellow out. The other test was an amniocentesis to determine Field's development, which will decide how soon he comes. That was an exciting really long needle into my belly, in which Fields had to steer clear of. There were two options for the test results. First the labs went to St. Lukes where they could say "good to go," "not quite yet," or "we have no idea" aka "indeterminite." Good to go would have meant he'd come Saturday or Sunday. Indeterminite from St. Lukes means the labs go to Mayo Clinic where they have no "indeterminite" option. They are en route now and we will get results...hmmm...tomorrow I hope.  

On another note, I showered and shaved this afternoon, and feel like a new woman. Grandma Debby is trying not to be worn out by my children, and I'm in the hospital on bed rest, monitors, and meds until further instruction.

That's all folks. Enjoy the cool weekend.

Kristyn

(cartoon.)

Hello From: The Place With Mauve Walls

Hi kids! So I put you down for your nap today, then took a little trip to the hospital. Really thought your brother was going to make an appearance today. The doc gave me this sheet of paper that said if this this and this happen call me. Well this and this (many close contractions + lots of bleeding) happened and I called but didn't get a hold of him. At that point I had to discern that it seemed to be an emergency, called dad, and got to the hospital. Looks like Fields is not coming today, but he and I are being monitored. Still having the this and this stated above, but not enough to do a c-section. Their goal is to keep baby brother inside for another week or two. 

As you can see above, I'm not in a lot of pain, just thought I'd give you a laugh! It is nice and quite here, with the sound of Fields really active heartbeat. 

Love you guys. Tegegne, hope your first day of school is super fun tomorrow. Can't wait to hear about it. Grandma and Ababayeh (and earlier Taryn and Micah) are helping me out lots, but I miss and love you both.

I'll be here overnight and will let you know when I learn more. Mmmmm, can't wait to find out my dinner options!

Love,
Mom

Pregnancy: What's Up Doc?

A little update from my doc. 

(Good thing he's such a good doc, because he sure does keep ya waiting!)

Me: So when are we gonna get him outta here?

Doc: You'll stay on your contraction meds (Procardia) until 36 weeks, then we'll do another sonogram to see if you still have previa. If your previa has resolved, we wait until 39 weeks to schedule a c-section, or you can go into labor on your own. If your previa hasn't resolved, then we can do a growth scan and schedule it before 39 weeks. 

So that's that. I won't be 39 weeks until September 26th, so I ordered a jar of patience off Etsy. And I ordered a camo body suit so when I do go in public, I don't have to answer the kind inquisitive folks questions about twins, etc. 

My mom was just here for 4 days, and boy did we enjoy that. I have the kids and some books to keep me entertained during the day. And a really supportive husband who comes home after school. His dear class set up a meal schedule (mealbaby.com) for us during this time. 

Before we know it, Tegegne will be 5! (on Sept 20th) So we are discussing the details of his small but special birthday party. 

It's also quite exciting when Michael starts a new school year. The kids and I stop by the classroom, or pack lunches and join his class throughout the year. We love getting to know the students, too. He and I had a blast brainstorming decor for his classroom, and I love what he's done. 

Happy almost Friday to you.

Kristyn

(Etsy Honeycup.)

Dear Fields: Hey Big Boy

Pregnancy: Gestational Diabetes

Good morning! 

So here's what I learned from the dietitian I met with yesterday. "Getting gestational diabetes was not your fault. It was nothing that you did or didn't do. It will most likely go away once your baby is born. Here's the low down:
When you eat, your digestive system breaks most of your food down into a type of sugar called glucose. The glucose enters your bloodstream and then, with the help of insulin (a hormone made by your pancreas), your cells use the glucose as fuel. However, if your body doesn't produce enough insulin – or your cells have a problem responding to the insulin – too much glucose remains in your blood instead of moving into the cells and getting converted to energy.

When you're pregnant, hormonal changes can make your cells less responsive to insulin. For most moms-to-be, this isn't a problem: When the body needs additional insulin, the pancreas dutifully secretes more of it. But if your pancreas can't keep up with the increased insulin demand during pregnancy, your blood glucose levels rise too high, resulting in gestational diabetes.

I also learned that in order to get my glucose levels to lower I must start watching my carb levels. I learned that milk, yogurt, and fruit were carbs. She suggested that when I look at a food label I look at total carbs instead of sugars. Then she shared my doctor's recommendation for my diet. It goes a little something like this.

7:30am TEST (Meaning prick my finger with the monitoring system to see my blood sugar level after fasting (sleeping).)

Breakfast - 30 grams of carbs, + protein (no juice, fruit, milk)

8:30am TEST

9:30am Snack - 15 grams of carbs

11:30am-12pm Lunch - 30-45 grams of carbs

12:30-1pm TEST

3:00pm Snack - 30 grams of carbs

6-7pm Dinner - 30-45 grams of carbs

7-8 TEST

9:30 or later Snack - 30 grams of carbs + protein

Fifteen grams of carbs is like one slice of toast, one small piece of fruit, half cup of pasta, or a slice of thin crust pizza. Meats and vegetables do not count as carbs.  I must steer clear of white flour and white rice and Michael's chocolate chip cookies would probably send my number through the roof. Anywho, that's what I've learned. Now I've just got to be better at pricking my finger. This morning I couldn't get the thing to work and pricked 6 times for only two readings. 

Here's to soar fingers and a good day to you!

Kristyn

Weekend: And Results

Cousins. Andrea and I.

I think you know these two.

My mama and Cousin Christina (who supplies most of Hensley's wardrobe...we are sooo grateful!) 

Happy Birthday Grandma! She got a Shirley Temple doll which took her back to childhood and telling stories! 

Cousins. Played so well together.

Andrea and her Boy Orien, just a month younger than Hensley. 

Andie and Bob's Strawbale house and a beautiful sky!

My Mama (Grandma Debby), Grandma Ileen, Aunt Donna, Aunt Deanna

We enjoyed our weekend. Did you? Although we missed the Jacob's Well Pilgrimage (which is usually the highlight of our year, seriously!) we did get to attend a lovely party in the country. Remember Andie and Bob and their straw bale house? They are still working hard on it, but this weekend they just had a party to celebrate the half way point. We also celebrated Grandma Ileen's birthday! 

Sunday we had a nice visit with the Joneses. Ababayeh thought he had to go back to work today, but got there and realized he starts tomorrow! So he gets another day at home and we are all so happy. Went to Soho Bakery for a breakfast treat and now he's tiling the bathroom floor. I must get down there and help, or at least be moral support!

Got the test results back and I do have gestational diabetes. I am hoping to meet with a dietitian soon to find out what kind of diet she suggests, and to get a few of my questions answered. In the mean time I'm trying to eat only whole grains for carbs and limit my sugar intake.  

That's all from this home front. May the start to your week be a good one!

Love,

Kristyn

Pregnancy: 32 Weeks

Dear Fields,

Hi there sweet baby. Here's the deal. I went to the doctor today and got an update. First of all, I got to see you in a sonogram and I love that. Secondly, you are 5 lbs 5 oz already and I have lots of extra amnionic fluid, so I'm taking the gestational diabetes 3 hour test tomorrow to see if I have that. I'll let you know what they say. If this is true, I'll have to adjust my diet and such. We'll figure it out though, no worries. I also still have partial placenta previa so this most likely means a c-section delivery.

And guess what else your dear 'ol mom gets to do first thing tomorrow morning. Have a root canal! I don't sit around eating lollipops or drinking juice, but I don't have the best luck when the dentists do those x-rays. Please inherit your father's tooth genes, (if, in fact these things are hereditary.)

Besides those wah-wah's we are doing well. Your pops is working night and day trying to get the first floor bathroom done before school starts Monday. I think he may have some form of superhero in his genes. He dreams of the day that you and Tegegne can help him on projects! Oh the things you two will learn.

We've had some sweet house guests, dear Kate, my college friend, and her 4 year old daughter, Norah. Kate's been cooking for all of us and Norah and Tegegne have been playing a ton. They screwed together those "drywall robots" with Ababayeh!

Love you little guy. Thanks for moving around all of the time. It brings me great joy.

Mom

Dear Hensley: Girl Names

Dear Fields: Boy Names

Good Evening: And Good Night

Tegegne, Spring 2010

Good evening. There are many signs of spring here in the midwest, and we are so grateful. Folks are getting reacquainted with their neighbors and the grass is nearly all green. I'm wishing for a garden so badly, but then I remember that I've tried that before and I did not put forth the effort to make those poor plants grow. We do have a great farmers market a few blocks away. 


Things are well with the Joneses. Spring break for Michael next week and we are looking forward to a retreat to Big Sky with dear friends. Fishing, bon fires, reading, frisbee, and relaxation. We will hold down the fort while Grandpa Ben and Gramma Debby are in the Big Apple. 


I asked Tegegne if he thinks this baby in route is a boy or girl. Tonight he thought boy. I asked him if he still wanted to adopt, or just have 3...because 3 is plenty, right? He says for sure adopt. A boy and a girl and he wants to have bunk beds! Michael and I are thinking that if this baby is a girl, then we will adopt a boy between Hensley and Tegegne's ages. Someone for Tegegne to really wrestle with, because Hensley is only in the mood for that 1/3 of the time. We will find out the sex of our baby soon enough!


I go to the doctor for my 12 week check up Wednesday. This pregnancy has been pretty similar to my last one, aka, not a walk in the park. Not unbearable either. The nausea is lessening, and I do have energy during the day. I look forward feeling this growing baby's movements. And then I remember that we must name this baby, but where will I look for inspiration because we rarely go to movies and I used to write down so many names when the credits would roll! Neither of our kids were named via movie credits, but still. 


Michael and I have really enjoyed our small group. Last night we sat for 2 hours and had an informal marriage counseling session. A good discussion that spurred after reading this article found via A Cup of Jo's Articles Club. 


Well, good night.


Kristyn


P.S. Turn down the sound b/c it's a windy video, but look at that little guy run!

DRC Adoption: Unexpected Turn

(I wrote this Feb 15, but didn't post it...)
It's a rainy afternoon here in Kansas City. The children and I just had a snack, and I chime in to share some very unexpected news we received last night. I guess there's no beating around the bush, so I'll just say it. I'm pregnant. As you can imagine, this news came as a complete surprise. What? Pregnant? Aren't we supposed to be adopting? God, you know about this right? There were so many signs leading to that. And we so were not trying to get pregnant. 

So, I'm guessing you are just as surprised as we were. It's confusing. After some thought and wise words from friends I've already learned the following:

God still cares for orphans. He is still feeding them, and giving them forever families.  Prayerfully our family will still be home to one of those precious children. I mean, have you read her story? (Kisses from Katie)

We are also God's children and He cares deeply for us.

Our step of faith was not in vein just because it's not working out as we thought. We still took the step. 

Even though our journey to this child will not be full of crazy adventure like adoption is, it is new life and God sees it as good. 

I get to be pregnant and have an itty bitty baby at the same time as my best friend. 

God is faithful. 

His ways are not our ways. 

We still hope.

We still crave justice.

We still love children, and care deeply for orphans. 

And I'm writing the following today...February 24...


Two posts in one. Because at the moment we found out we were gonna have a bebe via me,  we gave it some time to sink in before "sharing the news." So here we are. Went to the doc today for an ultrasound to see how big this baby is...and it's an inch. Teeeeny tiny. Got a heart beat though.  I'm 8 weeks and 2 days into the blessed hard work of "growing a baby" and we are all good.  The babe has a head and some "limb buds." Looks pretty promising in the picture.  


Here is a prayer for you - child of my womb,


Our plans did not include you, but God knows something we don't. You see, we had formed a place in our hearts for 2 children from Africa. We had started the process to bring them home, but you are coming instead. And we have peace. We know that you are a gift, and feel very blessed that you are coming. 


So here's the low down. You have a dad. He stands at 6'1", is a school teacher, and likes to ride his bike. I'm your mother. I'm view life from 5'1", unless I'm in heals, but when does that ever happen?! You have a kick-butt brother, who is 4 and a half, and loves to do whatever "your dad" is doing. And then there's your big sister, 'bout to be 1. She's a cutie patootie, and she will show you the ropes because she has just done all that you're about to do. Don't know why I told you our heights, and the kids ages...probably because I often forget the kids heights and how old we are. Okay, I remember...your dad and I share a birthday, and we will be 29 very soon. 


Love ya,


Mom

Our Birth Story: by Doula Catherine

A Birth Story: Kristyn, Michael, and Hensley Jones


by Catherine Martin, labor doula, kcyogamama.com


Kristyn worked this birth journey as a champion and a Warrior Woman! From the moment I arrived at 3:30 am on Sunday, February 27th at their home, and saw her on all 4's rocking and swaying with the first surges of labor- I knew she would be just fine! She could do this~she would do it!


Kristyn rested briefly a couple of times when encouraged to do so, but for the next 24 hours, until her baby was in her amrs, I can honestly say she never gave up- she was focused & determined and continued to step up to the plate ready to do whatever was needed to be done next. Throughout this amazing birth journey- we were all transported to magical forests filled with tropical plants, green moss, stones & streams; to the treetops themselves and Kristyn's tree house sanctuary; to a beautiful Hawaiian lagoon with a waterfall; to a sandy beach watching the sunset and collecting seashells; and deep into the ocean herself to swim among the coral & fishes and sing with the whales. 


I am so honored to have been able to witness the strength & power of this amazing woman, as well as the beautiful power of the love shared between Michael  & Kristyn. Michael was not only present to Kristyn the entire time, but he truly stayed with her wherever she was and was able to help take her wherever she needed to be. A true birth partner, anyone in the room would've thought she had two trained professional doulas. How blessed am I to be a part of this amazing team! Michael was always ready with a word of encouragement, visualization, a supportive movement, a touch- exactly what was needed in each moment. Kristyn continually dropped into her body, vocalizing, breathing, visualizing, relaxing, dancing, chanting, listening & responding beautifully- this was truly a Magical, Active Birth!


Some of my favorite images of this birth journey- 


Kristyn asking Michael to turn on the rap music- and proceeding to rock it out, grooving with a primal urge to modern music, completely free & uninhibited- awesome!


The three of us standing and swaying together in the middle of the birth room, embracing each other as the news of needing to use pitocin to encourage more powerful rushes sinks in- Who was holding who? I becamse so aware in that moment that althought Michael & I were there to support Kristyn, it was her incredible spirit that drew us in and sustained us all.


Kristyn lying on her side at 5am on Monday, February 28th, skin to skin with her baby girl Hensley looking up at her mother with big, bright, loving eyes that seemed to say, "We did it, Mama- we did it!"

(These were a few of the images we had posted around the birthing room. Michael and I will eventually share our story as well. For now I must say that we will be forever grateful for inviting Catherine to share this journey with us. I highly recommend her as a labor doula. We did not know her before this pregnancy, and she will be a close friend of ours for years to come.)

Labor: Ways to Get Things Going

No, not in labor yet but I'm working to get things going! There are several suggestions I've gotten on getting labor started, most of which I read in Ina May's Guild to Childbirth. 

One of those is castor oil. Here's what I read: 

Indigenous peoples all over the globe have used castor oil to induce labor for centuries. Taken orally, castor oil acts as a laxative, and the stimulation of the digestive tract often starts labor at term. No one knows exactly why castor oil works to start labor. When there is little or no money to be made as a result of research, generally little or no research is done. Nobody has figured out how to make an appreciable amount of money from castor oil, so this subject has received virtually no research attention. Nevertheless, it seems to be quite safe. Nearly nine percent of nearly eleven thousand pregnant women in a large birth center study used it to start labor, with no adverse outcomes. At The Farm Midwifery Center, we recommend beginning a castor-oil induction at breakfast after a full night of sleep. One tablespoon is added to scrambled eggs or mixed with fruit juice to make it more palatable for the woman. If necessary, she takes one more tablespoon one hour after ingesting the first. 

I just bought my castor oil at the pharmacy, and I think I'm taking my dose tomorrow morning since I thought that my due date was Wed 23rd and my midwife said Sat 26th. Sure hope it works! 


Here's a funny add about the stuff. Looks like they used to give it to children.

Don't worry, Tegegne, I won't make you take any of this yucky stuff!

photo source

Pregnancy: Yep, Still Pregnant

So I heard the average "spontaneous" delivery date is 3 days after ones official due date. Even though my stomach is larger than life, my midwife says that Hensley is not taking this into consideration and that she will come out when she chooses. Besides my immediate family and friends, you, dear blog reader, will be the first to know when I go into labor for real. 


clock

Pregnancy: The Energizer Belly

So, this belly keeps growing and here is the lovely proof:

38 weeks

39 weeks

My due date is Saturday, but I have had lots of early contractions. One group of them lasted 4 hours and were 6 minutes apart, waking me up from my sleep. I thought for sure that was the real deal. Nope. I'm thinking the way that my contractions are going right now, that she may come tonight but that's also my wishful thinking, so please don't wait up for the news! My father-in-law just informed Michael that he is sure she will be born on March 8 (our b-day), but that is not the prediction I am interested in right now. 


It is neat to think of the similarities between this process and adopting you, Tegegne. We waited for our referral phone call and picture of you, then waited for our court date, then anticipated our travel dates. The most exciting part (that I think will be similar to really being in labor) was when we were in line at the Transition Home to meet you. You walked out holding Fami's hand with a curious look and we scooped you up. Our love for you was so real from that moment. 

Hensley, I've heard that when you are placed on my chest I will feel a special kind of love and bond with you. I look forward to this experience so much. So, come on already.

Our bags are packed. We have your sleeping basket and the tiniest diapers ever by our bed. I've got my "visualization images" printed that intend to distract me from the most intense pain ever, and I have a lovely birthing playlist. Two actually. One upbeat and one mellow. I spend half of my days in the productive squatted position or on all fours to move you in the right direction! Both positions are multi-tasking while I play with your brother. I have six books that I've read/skimmed including  Active Labor, Pregnancy, Childbirth & The Newborn, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, BabyWise, Sacred Parenting, and Safe Haven (for something off the topic) all sitting by the bed for quick reference. Most importantly, I've got a husband that is ready to be my birth partner, and a doula and a midwives team on call.

Good night. Sleep tight on my behalf. Please, may we meet you tomorrow, please?
 

The Joneses: Day to Day

Well, the snow kept us in last week, so this week we are getting back in the swing of things. For Tegegne and I it's a new schedule, and I think we are about to enjoy a few weeks together before Hensley comes. Today he got some undivided mom time that was oh so fun. He also had no timeouts, which is probably correlated to my undivided attention!

Last week I fell on the ice and my midwife sent me to the hospital so Hensley could be monitored for 4 hours. My placenta could have detached which would have caused an emergency situation, but everything turned out okay. I took advantage of hearing her heartbeat for 4 hours straight, ordering lots of food off the menu, and sleeping. 

Although half of the people who see me now comment that my baby must be coming any minute (some women even saying "Oh, Kristyn!), my midwife believes that she'll come on time (Feb 26) or late. Michael and I were born on March 8 (fyi, I'm 2 hours older), so it would be crazy if she was also born on March 8.


We had a great meeting with our doula tonight. Michael and I are in great anticipation for this labor thing to start. 


Tegegne has his second day at his new school tomorrow. He's quite excited to go back. The transition will be easier than I thought. I figured he would be very sad not to see his old friends at his "new school." 

I was quick to realize that dishwashers are not overrated, as our new house is lacking one. We had planned to remodel the kitchen later on, but we are thinking that a dishwasher would be a great idea before we are a full family of four.


Kristyn

Our square little Eskimo.

Growing Baby, Growing Belly

33 weeks

32 weeks

28 weeks

27 weeks

25 weeks

23 weeks

22 weeks

17 weeks

13 weeks

Pregnancy: 34 Weeks

Girl Nursery Stella&Henry, designed by Kim Zimmerman

We are officially at 34 weeks today. You may ask, what does that baby belly look like at 34 weeks? And I would respond "oh, huge." Really "out there." I'm bumping into everything. Yes, I do have photos to share that I will post soon.

Hensley, here's what's up. You are moving more, and I am moving less (or at a much slower pace). I'm ready to meet you. Your dad and brother are ready too. Everyone at works thinks you're coming early. We have a guessing game going. I wondered if you would just let me know when you are coming so I can win the game. It is quite clever of you to keep us wondering. We officially still have about 7 weeks, but I've started packing the hospital bag just in case.

Here's what else is up. We may have sold our house + bought a new one and if all goes through we move in 2.5 weeks. Fun, fun! I was reading the other day about how to avoid post pardum depression and Ina May, a birthing midwife, suggested not to change your living situation when the baby comes. Oops, one strike against me. She also said what a mom with a newborn needs is lots of help and support. Your dear dad said he'd try to get a week off and your Gramma Debby plans to stay until we get settled. (She is really great at unpacking boxes, too!) I will definitely have good support.

P.S. I've been designing our *new kitchen in Sketch Up and having so much fun. An interior designers dream is moving into a blank slate. And I'd say the new house is just looking for some design. Of course, our design on a dime projects will come little by little, but I'm sure getting ready. *Thanks honey, for being my handy man so these ideas can become reality!