The Birth of Genevieve

My amazing, spunky, fiesty, beautiful, smart daughter turns 2 tomorrow. I'm holding in the tears...for now. Literally, these past 2 years have been a whirlwind. I don't want to forget the details of her birth, so 2 years later, I finally blogged about it.

Enjoy, or don't. Whatever. ;)

Ah, labor...it lasted, for what seemed like, forever. I didn't sleep that night as I was up all night with irregular contractions. It was a full moon...around 11pm on the 18th I started pacing the apartment complex. That's what I did with Julian and It really sped things up. Around 2am on the 19th I was still pacing and annoyed. I called my midwife, who was dealing with 3 other laboring women thanks to the full moon. My contractions were not close enough together so I stayed home and paced. I went up and down the stairs and attempted to to go back to bed numerous times without luck. 

Morning came and after having contractions all night they were still only 10-30 minutes apart. Sigh. I wasn't miserable, just wishing things would go faster as I was exhausted. I packed my bags and took more walks. There really wasn't much else I could do since I knew birth time was imminent. I called one of my best friends, Jana and my online doula friend, Stacie. Loved having those mamas to give me some coaching and perspective! Things finally progressed a bit and I felt the need to retreat to my bedroom, get in the child's pose (yoga term) and laid my head down on a stack of pillows in front of me. Thankfully, I was able to doze off in between contractions that were 5-10 minutes apart. (Another bff, Hannah,  had mentiontioned to me that a laboring mother cat goes off on her own to labor and it's a good clue to when the time is actually near. I never forgot that! My inner mama feline came out. Haha!)

At 2pm things were still progressing slowly, in my opinion, but I just "had a feeling" that I needed to get to the birth center. It was a 30 min drive to Hillcrest from Escondido and I did not want to be stuck in 5:00 traffic during active labor. I was so thankful to be given the "go ahead" from my midwife. She could sense the urgency in my voice and even though they prefer contractions to be 3 minutes apart, she told me to come in. We stopped in at a liquor store to get some ginger ale for my nuasea and I had a contraction while in line. Needless to say, all the patrons let me go ahead! ;) I had 2 more contractions in the car and they were hell, I'm not gonna lie. Laboring in a car is highly unpleasant. 

We got there and I was 5 cm and finally feeling relaxed about the whole ordeal. I went back into the waiting room and joyously announced my progress. The gals in the waiting room were high fiving me and said they were impressed that I was was dealing so well with everything.  Contractions were still 5 min apart. I walked down the sidewalk and had to stop multiple times as things progressed and intensified very quickly. I told jordan we needed to get back inside. I was having horrible back labor and the only comfortable laboring position was leaning way forward while Jordan pressed hard on my lower back.

I wanted to sit on the yoga ball in an attempt to turn Genevieve into a better position, but it was extremely uncomfortable. I had to be standing. Transition hit not too long after getting there. I threw up during it, which is normal for me. At that time I also had my bloody show. Things were gettin' real intense up in there. I said I needed the tub filled asap and got in before it was full. My midwife told me to tell her when had the urge to push and she left to attend to another gal who had given birth that night. 

I was on my knees, pushing against the side of the tub with jordan pushing with all his might on my lower back. All of a sudden I had a crazy intense contraction and started bearing down hard while moaning the loudest I possibly could and yelled "I'm pushing!". (My mom said I sounded like a cow!). That was my first pushing contraction, which means I went from 5 to 10 cm in about 90 minutes. My midwife came running in and put a mirror under the water to check. She said, "oh! There's her head!" I pushed one more time and out she came! Literally, 2 pushes. The most intense, and yes, painful, experience I have ever had. (It was surprising to me because pushing was such a relief with Julian and lasted about 25 minutes!)

We all laughed at how fast she came! It was unexpected! I just sat in the tub holding my beautiful, cheesy little girl. Exhausted and in awe of the whole experience. We waited a while before cutting the cord, as I did with Julian as well. Then we gave Genevieve over to Jordan for a little bonding while I birthed the placenta. It felt different than with Julian. I think my OB helped it come out with him, but with Genevieve my body naturally expelled it in about 15 or 20 minutes. It was facinating and I allowed them to use it for the interns to examine. My body is amazing. My husband is amazing. Birthing is amazing.

FAQ

1. Did you tear?

Yes, I tore. She flew out before my midwife had a chance to help guide things slowly. My body just went for it. 2nd degree tear, just like with Julian. But, I healed much quicker.

2. When did your water break?

My water probably broke when I pushed out her head.

3. How was this birth similar to or different from your first?

It was very different, and yet very similar to my birthing experience with Julian. Twice as long, twice as painful, TEN TIMES BETTER, however, because I was in a wonderful home environment with a hands-off birth team. Julian's birth lasted about 12 1/2 hours. I labored at home for 10 hours and then went to the hospital when my contractions were 1-3 min apart. With Genevieve I went to the birth center when my contractions were 10 min apart and as soon as I got there, I progressed very quickly. Both times I had my bloody show during transition and both times my water broke during pushing. I birthed on my back with Julian and on my hands and knees with Genevieve. I threw up during labor with both kids. I did not use an IV for either. Yes, I pooped during labor with both children because pushing feels identical to being insanely consipated. Okay, much worse. (Don't be embarrassed if it happens to you because it happens to basically everyone.)  I didn't really have back labor with J, I did with G. I didn't sleep at night with either of them before birthing. I was confident with Julian, but FAR MORE so with Genevieve and very at ease. **side note** definitely take a laxitive after labor. You'll thank yourself.

4. How long was your labor?

Total labor was about 24 hours with active labor around 90 minutes. Pushed for about 1 - 2 minutes.

5. When did you go home?

I went home when Genevieve was only 6 hours old. It was terrifying and amazing all at once.

6. Stats?

Born around 5:30pm on November 19th. Can't remember the day of the week! Approx 4 days "late".
19 3/4 inches (I think?! Sad that I can't remember this either. Poor second child.)
7 pounds 6 ounces. (Or was it 4 ounces? Shoot, #failing)

Photo Ops: Unfortunatly, we neither had a real camera with us, nor a phone with flash. So, this is the best we got. I'm a girl who likes pictures and I think birth is beautiful, magical and an amazing miracle. The following includes some photos that may seem unpleasant to some.

P.S. read The Birth of Julian here.

The beginning of transition. I needed Jordan to push against my lower back through the entire contration. This was before I stripped down butt nakey. Laboring in clothes is for the birds. Haha!

Moments after she was born. I grabbed her and sat down in sweet relief! Look at the cheese! Julian had no vernix on him. 

My mom did the honor of cutting the cord. 

My beautiful placenta. Amazing!

Bonding with dada. 

Checking her vitals in dada's arms. 

Loving on my baby girl while my midwife stitched up my lady bits. 

Love this squishy face!

Big brother meeting his baby sister!

Our new family of 4. 

The face of perfection and peace.

Going home at 6 hours old. So peacful and an amazing sleeper! She slept better as a newborn than she does at 2!

Miss Sassy Pants....

Loving Life

TGIF! I can't wait to sleep in till 9:00 tomorrow! :D ;) I am loving life and how the days play out. I feel like I have a pretty good routine going with my kids and the kids I watch. I still haven't become a "morning person", but seeing a sunrise is overrated anyways. (Juuust kidding, they're gorgeous, I just sleep in until the latest possible time because staying up late is way more fun. Haha).

I love our little house and the neighborhood. We have recently become friends with our next door neighbors who have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and  4 year old son! The mom is a SAHM and we definitely clicked. We're even at the piont of letting Julian go play without me on occassion (for about an hour).

 I'm totally loving working my Thirty-One business and can't believe I am on track to becoming a Director! (Just gotta work it a little harder!) Obviously, hit me up if you want to know more about it! (www.mythirtyone.com/gabbarossi)

Living near both sets of our parents is basically the best thing ever. Even though we don't see them all that often, just knowing that they're a stone's throw away is so comforting. Kind of like a security blanket.

We've been at our church (Covenant Presbyterian in Paso Robles) for one year now and couldn't be happier! I absolutely adore our church home and the relationships that are growing there. I'm excited about getting plugged in to the upcoming small groups and stoked that Jordan will be teaching the adult Sunday School classes this fall. He's even had the privelege of preaching there 3 times over the past few months. Each time has been very well received! I'm so proud of him and can't wait to see the Lord use him for His glory! A committee has been formed and meetings have taken place to discus a church plant. (Jordan is on this committee and we are super excited about where the Lord leads!!) Things are going very well and we are blessed.

Fall is nearly here and I couldn't be more thrilled! Pumpkin Spice Lattes?! Comfy sweaters?! Cute boots?! Yes, please!! Of course, once it gets to be freezing I'm sure I'll be changing my tune! Born and raised Coastal Girl. <3 p="">

Demise of the Morning Nap

You guys, the morning nap is starting to diminish and it hurts. We've gone from 2 hours from about 10-12 to about an hour from 10-11. That hour is precious, I tell ya. During that hour I plop the male-child in front of a show, take a shower, get dressed, drink my coffee and work on my business (ebaying stuff, Thirty-One Gifts orders and marketing, etc). After Julian's show I would usually have him sit with me and color/draw while I worked. But that is slowing changing. Now I only have an hour! One precious hour! I feel rushed. I'm not a morning person and I move slowly before the noon-time hour. Errands are typically done between 12 and 2 and then it's back home for afternoon nap.

While 2 naps makes it so I can't get much done out of the house as far as errands and play dates go, I still cherish them dearly. Don't leave me, morning nap!! I plan to cling to you as long as my 15-month-old cooperates. I'll take 45 minutes, even. I just need that small moment of respite in the morning.

Let's talk about Ebates

If you're a SAHM mom like me, or maybe someone who just hates getting out of the house and shopping...then you will probably benefit from ebates! What is it, you ask? Well, if you Google "What is ebates" this is what will come up:

And also check out this:

So, it's pretty cool, ya know? I've had a couple people use my link and because of that, I've earned over $80. Simply from people using my link! I've made about $10 back from shopping online at places like Kohls, Old Navy and Overstock.com. I love online shipping, I'm not gonna lie. Getting out of the house with two littles and shopping for clothes is never fun for me. I prefer to just get over with after some intense google searching for sales and coupons! ;) And all from the comfort of the couch, bed or kitchen table. 

In case you are skeptical, I've received a legitimate check from them and you can search the internet for other ebates success stories. Please use my referral link and sign up today! You'll be helping yourself and benefiting me. I say it's a win-win. 

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=Jjk7ntOKgzNBQZibGJQRrg%3D%3D&eeid=26471

This is what your ebates screen should look like. Here's mine:

Got my cashcrate check!

Pretty excited that this finally came in the mail! You can earn little income from the comfort of your home,  too. I also got a free tampon sample. Haha.  Check it out!

http://www.cashcrate.com/5534934

Earning a tiny income from home

Hey blogger friends!

If you're anything like me (SAHM, broke as a joke, can't handle working away from your kiddos, live in town where rent is through the roof, etc) then you might constantly be looking for a way to bring in a buck or two. This isn't a "get rich fast" plan. This is a "earn 20 bucks in a couple of months so you can help pay bills" kinda thing.

First up, ebates. Ebates is really simple and uses about 0 brain cells and minimal time spent doing it. All you do is sign up using my link and start doing your online shopping. You get cash back!! I've earned 6 bucks from shopping at overstock.com and oldnavy.com. It also gives you cash back for shopping online at walmart, target, ebay, macys, kohls, etc. Seriously good stuff!! And not only that, but I received a $10 Target gift card just for signing up. Plus, if you get friends to sign up UNDER you, then you get EVEN MORE. Which is precisely why I'm telling you about this. :) So here, use this link and I'll love you forever:

http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=Jjk7ntOKgzNBQZibGJQRrg%3D%3D&eeid=26471

And next in line we have the good ole survey option. No joke, these work. This is a painfully slow, but ridiculously easy way to earn some cashola. I like to use globaltestmarket.com. I've earned about $20 bucks doing their surveys. You can get paid via paypal. Join under me today by visiting this link:

https://www.globaltestmarket.com/join.php?contact_email=&utm_source=gtm&utm_medium=refer_a_friend&utm_campaign=friendreferral&utm_content=text

My favorite is this one, however. This is from cashcrate.com. Super easy and dare I say even a little fun at times? I have a check for $20.04 coming to me. I actually prefer to do the offers. You just have to know how to weed through and pick the right ones. You can go through them super fast, especially if you download roboform onto your computer. Perfectly safe and harmless, btw. It will fill in some of the fields automatically for you. I've even received free samples. Please use my referral link when you sign up!

http://www.cashcrate.com/5534934

And last but certainly not least, you all know I sell Jewel Kade!! Gorgeous, fun, fashionable, vintage AND modern, timeless, personal jewelry. ;) Many of you have ordered from me and for that I am forever grateful! It blesses my entire family! Have you thought about doing direct sales? It's something that I personal think is a lot of fun and a really great way to earn some income while making your own schedule. I do 1-4 parties a month and have earned anywhere from $50-200 per party. You can do online or home parties. I prefer home parties because then your customers can try pieces on and see the beautiful bling in person! Check out my personal Jewel Kade website and read all about Janet Kinkade, creator of JK, and see what you're missing out on. xo

https://gabbarossi.jewelkade.com/Home

Why is it so hard to just get ready for the day?!

Confession time: I'm lazy. Okay, so maybe that's not news to some of you, but just thought I'd throw it out there. A while back I decided to check out The Fly Lady and her helpful website. Man, she is a real go-getter. I'm not like her. I'm really, really not. Ya, I want to be. But if I try to be just like her, I'll just make myself depressed. I can't even DO a load of laundry a day right now because I don't have a washing machine. We also don't have a dishwasher so I make no promises that my sink will be empty and sparkling clean when I wake up in the morning. (In fact, it usually isn't because I'm never the first one to wake up!) And if I'm being completely honest with you, which I am, I don't even do the dishes very often. Jordan usually does them. Now, I'm trying to break that habit. I don't want him to have to hand-wash 2 bins of dishes. I did them last night and it took an hour and half. My arm is literally sore today from that endeavor.

Dishes is not what this post is supposed to be about, however. That was just an aside. Or an introduction. Or whatever. This post is about "getting dressed". Funnily enough, almost exactly 2 years ago I wrote a post called "Getting Dressed". (Read it here.) Apparently this is an ongoing issue?! Am I REALLY that lame when it comes to getting ready for the day? Sheesh. Pre-motherhood I think (I hope) that I did a better job. Or, maybe I was simply forced into getting ready for the day because I had a "real" job.You know, office gigs and what not. Although I do recall always looking a little less put together than my co-workers. At least, my hair did. I reeeally don't like doing my hair. Maybe it's because it won't hold a curl, or it loses body in 5 seconds flat. I don't know. I just don't like it.

So anyhow, it's 2 years after my original post and I'm still struggling. But, I think I'm doing better! I still hate wearing jeans and shoes when I'm just hanging around at home and doing chores. So.totally.uncomfy. I'm honestly not as productive in jeans. I'm really not. I can't comfortably sit on the floor and play with my kids in jeans. I can't get on my hands and knees and scrub the floors. I just.can't. I HAVE learned of the incredible usefulness of the apron, however. Those things really do serve a purpose! If I'm going to be doing some heavy cleaning, washing dishes or simply making dinner I always put on my apron. Saves my clothes and it makes me oddly productive.

And then there's the whole "putting on shoes even when you're just at home" thing. Come on, Fly Lady. Shoes aren't even good for your feet. I try to be barefoot as much as possible. Either that or I wear slippers around the house. Heh.

I'm also trying to be better at putting on makeup.,..again, another lazy bad habit of mine. (Check out this blog post I did the other day. Click here.) I don't like washing my face at night and if I put on makeup, it means I HAVE to wash my face. :/ But, like most normal females, I look better and feel better with makeup on. I'm not above going out and about in yoga pants, messy bun and clean face...but when I'm dressed nicer and done up a bit while doing my errands I think I'm actually a nicer person. It must be because I feel more confident which then leads to me smiling more and talking more to strangers. I mean, I like talking to strangers regardless of how I look, but I truly think I'm nicer when I look better. Is that weird? Also, I just look tired without makeup...and then I think about these memes:

OK! I'm toootally just rambling. So look here, I've been getting dressed more! I even took photos to document the occasions. I should have taken a picture of my outfit on Sunday because I thought my shoes were exceptionally cute. (In reality they were just plain black ballet flats, but they were new, so that made them better).

Last Tuesday I went to Target. And I got dressed up to do it! I EVEN left my hair down, which is nearly unheard of for me these day. (Long hair + grabby 9 month old + summer heat = ouch/hot). I'm wearing a top and cardigan thing that my mom and sister picked out. My mom said it brings out my boho side, which she's always loved. They're both from Styles 4 Less. The jeans are a dark wash skinny jean from Target. The boots are from Kohls. The necklace is from World MarketI felt good that day. I even got a compliment from a mom pushing her 3 kids in her cart. She said she liked my top. Of course I had to go on and disclose that my mom and sister found it for me because I have no style of my own. (Why did I do that?! Why didn't I just smile and say "thanks"? Seriously people.)

Yesterday was Monday and I took Julian to the library and then did some grocery shopping. I got dressed in my Lucky jeans that I snagged off of Ebay, clearance rack Old Navy top and favorite gold sandals from Target. I really, really like these sandals. I got them on sale and I wish I would have bought a second pair in another color. I did my hair in a simple high bun (#momhair) and threw on an old belt to complete the look. JK...my pants are too big and I didn't want to be constantly pulling them up. P.S. Like the sticker on the mirror? Yes, I have a 3 year old. 

Here we are on Tuesday. I took this picture at my mom's house and I didn't have access to a full length mirror at the time. So, no shoes. :( I was just wearing some simple beaded flip flops from Target) I didn't have any grand plans, but I did end up going to my parent's house with the kids and doing a load of laundry. While they were there I did a solo trip to Big Lots. My peasant top is from Old Navy and the shorts are an ancient pair of cut offs. They used to be my favorite jeans from American Eagle Outfitter. Super comfy, but the bottoms were also super worn out. They're probably about 9 years old and I finally turned them into shorts this summer. I didn't wash my hair today (OK, so I didn't wash my hair yesterday, either) so up it went in a simple bun again. Not sure why I'm not wearing a necklace. Just forgetful, I guess.

So there you have it. A really long blog post about how I don't like getting ready for the day and a few simple outfits I threw on. Thanks for reading! Hope I inspired you to get dressed, too. :D

Mondays at the Library

It's the beginning of the week again. It's Monday. Right now it's about 3 pm and I'm having my second cup of coffee. (Which may come back to bite me in the butt at 1am...but for now, I'm thoroughly enjoying. Genevieve is taking her afternoon nap and Julian is having a little quiet time. I wish that meant he was in his bedroom and I had the entire house to myself - nice and quiet. But, I tried that, and he kept trying to sing, and I wasn't about to let him wake up baby sister! So, now he's in the recliner behind me reading books outloud. I'll take what I can get.

Today was library storytime and I'm trying to get Julian out of the house more often. Genevieve came down with a cold so thankfully I was able to leave her home with Jordan today. I didn't want other moms glaring at me as snot dripped down my daughter's face. I don't mind some germs, but I definitely don't do sickee ones. Why expose your kid to illnesses if you don't have to, right? Anyhow, it's amazing how easy it is to go on adventures with just one little 3 year old! I don't even need to pack him anything these days! (Although I do bring a water bottle and snack for us to share and a toy for the car). Getting in and out of the car is quick and easy (except for when he sees the park across the street and begins flipping out because we didn't go there today. Oops). He holds my hand when we walk most places and he is a very good listener when we're out and about. It helps that we put the fear of death by cars and abduction by strangers in him. Heh.

While at the library he enjoyed showing other kids his Bumblebee Transformer and asked if he could help build with the Lincoln Logs. Of course, the other little 3 or 4 year old said "no" but I would expect nothing more. Julian isn't that into building things anyhow. He would much rather play pretend or with with his action figures. So then it came time for the story and songs. He sat front and center and was later joined by his Lincoln Log building friend. They proceeded to being very silly and bit disruptive together. Giggling and wiggling and what not. Boys will be boys. Afterwards came the craft, which Julian is totally into. I feel bad because I'm very much so not crafty and don't provide any sort of "craft" for him to do at home, aside from coloring. But, thankfully, the library provides that kind of entertainment. ;)

We came home with a few picture books, a couple chapter books to read at bedtime, 2 chick novels and Anne of of Green Gables VHS tapes. I'm pretty stoked!! New laundry folding movies. ;) Julian also brought back his project and colorful Wonder Woman.

And so that was that! Now the dishes await, as does vacuuming and folding laundry. Oh, and I should probably figure out dinner. Until next time...

Actually Doing a Pinterest Pin

I saw this pin on Pinterest and I was like, hey, I'm gonna try that. It was a makeup pin. The gal claims that it takes her less than 5 minutes to do this routine (which is vital because she has a baby crawling around her legs) and that it helps her tired eyes. (P.S. I didn't notice dark circles on her..sooo there's that. #jealousmuch)

Even though I'm not even leaving the house today and Jordan isn't even here, I tried it. A) It took me 15 minutes, not 5. B) I look nothing like the model, so that's a bummer. C) I look silly smiling with my mouth closed. D) The model appears to already have perfect, even, freckle-free skin. E) I must have really low brow lines?? But alas, here is me compared to her and also my before and after. Scary how much of a difference eye makeup makes, btw. Also, I think I look better IRL without makeup on than I do in photos. At least I hope I do...

P.S. Here's the link to the chick's tutorial: http://www.laurenmcbrideblog.com/2014/04/eye-makeup-tired-eyes/

And summer is nearly over...August 2014

Well, this brings us to the current month and it's now more than half way over. Sooo much going on! We had  4 weeks of swim lessons for my little water hater named Julian. I am beyond thankful that his wonderful teacher, Miss Casey, was so patient with him. He is no longer terrified of getting splashed and will even, on occasion, let me wash his hair! It's nearly a miracle, I tell ya.

This month has had its ups and downs! We discovered our toilet has been leaking thus causing not only a terrible sewage smell but also a case of black mold. I may or may not have had a little emotional breakdown last week, but this week things are looking up! I love Sundays and worshiping our Lord with my spiritual family at Covenant Presbyterian in Paso Robles and sometimes at Redeeming OPC in Santa Maria. (Jordan preached there twice this month, btw and did a great job!)

We decided that since we cannot afford preschool this year that grandma Nori will come up and spend the day helping me with Julian (taking him to the library, etc). Yesterday she was a HUGE help and I felt so much relief having her here! I even got ALL my laundry put away. LOL)

Tuesday I was supposed to go with the MOPS group to the zoo but we had a horrible night of sleep and didn't wake up in time. :( Thankfully it was a gorgeously cool day so I put on my walking shoes, put the kids in the double stroller and walked to the nearest park about 6 blocks away. The library is across the street so we also hit that up. Julian is such a fun, kind, social boy! He says hi to everyone, young and old. I love that about him. Afterwards Genevieve took a long nap, Julian watched a show and I took a little snooze on the couch. It was glorious.

Today felt like a lazy day. I did a small amount of chores, just enough to make me feel like I didn't totally waste the day away. I ended up running to Target (ALONE!!!??) in the afternoon and got some groceries and some adorable fall clothes for Genevieve. (Because seriously, I cannot resist that stuff!!) I also "dressed up" for this little errand. The other day I went shopping with my mom and little sister. I needed some serious fashion help. They took me to Styles 4 Less and I got a couple key pieces. (I'll blog on that later!) I felt pretty hip walking through the Target aisles, sans children. Note the boots and cardigan thingy. Hip, I tell ya.

Thanks for taking the time to read the updates on my life! I hope to keep writing more in the future, specifically more about the birth of Genevieve and our family's future career goals in the ministry.

-- 
Gabba Rossi