Friday, June 30, 2006

10 days old... and I have an opinion.

Can the neighbors please STOP mowing the sidewalk? I mean, seriously, folks, I'm 10 days old, and I'm trying to sleep! Stop taking the edger too close to the cement! It's noisy, and it drowns out the lovely chimes on my front porch!!! Sigh, Can't a kid get a break around here? jeeeeeeze!


My friend Megan made me this sweet soaker. Don't I look gorgeous in it!! :D


My great Tia Nancy crocheted me this beautiful blanket.. it's super cozy. and oh so soft! Thank you :D

Thursday, June 29, 2006

9 days old!

Ruby is NINE days old today. Hard to believe she's only been around for NINE days. It feels like she's always been here. Today was a 'rough' day for poor Ruby. Rough meaning she didn't want to be put down, and would wake everytime you moved her. So... she spent a lot of time either in peoples arms, or really close to mama. Not a bad way to spend the day for any of us.

Here she is sleeping on mama.

More time with mama.

Who doesn't love a polka dot burritto??

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Introducing....



Little Ruby Riding Hood!


Introducing.....Can I BE any cuter??? I mean, Seriously? Aunt Mary really did it with this outfit!


Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? Not me?

Last night Ruby had her first bath. We'd planned on giving her a sponge bath then putting some olive oil on her little skin, but then we found out that Ruby doesn't like Belgian Chocolate Pudding. (no, don't be silly, she didn't eat it, I did).... our first projectile vomit! (no I didn't get a picture of that! - if I had stopped to take a picture, I'd win the award for WWM (worlds worst mother) not just be in the running for eating the pudding). We were lying on the couch watching TV for the first time in over a week when.... Warrf! barf everywhere. in the eyes, in the ears, all over Ruby. Of course she didn't even cry. She looked a little shell shocked, but not a whimper. I of course went from lying on the couch to standing up with her in arms in one movement. Not so good on a freshly operated belly. And I'm paying for it today!
So we headed into the bathroom, and filled the sink that Daddy built and put in the baby that Mommy built and this is what we got.....




Yes, bathing a new baby takes 4 hands - well three to hold and clean the baby and one to take a picture.

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Hey world! guess what!

Last night the bellybutton fairy came! she left me this gross stump, a poopie diaper, and what may or may not be an innie! What do you think?

Before sleeps last night (the few we got) Daddy read a book to Ruby. On the day that you were born. Tears were shed all around, I'm pretty sure this book will be used often.

Daddy just can't get enough of the little Rublet. again... who doesn't want to cry looking at this picture!

But with all that pooping, eating, stump losing and reading, there must be lots and lots of this.....
Whew... Time for a nap!!

Monday, June 26, 2006

Why yes... yes she was.
She was more than worth the wait.

She has long long fingers, has her daddy and mommy wrapped around them.

She's the MOST beautiful baby in the history of the universe. Seriously. She is she really really is.

Of course her coming home outfit was hand knitted. Soaker by the amazing Aunt Mary, sweater/hat/booties combo by mom.

Daddy has already put her to work helping out in the yard.

Her birth wasn't all we had hoped it would be. We had a beautiful labor at home, and then pushed for an excruciating 13 hours before we realized that she just was stuck and not coming out. So... we ended up having a c-section. As sad as we are to not have had our dream home birth, and as difficult as the hospital stay was, she of course was worth every push, and every staple in my belly. It will take a while for us to get over it, but in the mean time... we've got these chubby cheeks to love on and this little feet to snorkel.



Stay tuned for more Ruby. All Ruby, all the time.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Baby Ruby is finally here!!!





Ruby Rasmussen
Born June 20th, 2006
8lbs, 9oz
19 inches

BEAUTIFUL, Perfect. We are in complete and utter amazement of her. She hasn't been out in the world for 24 hours and it feels like she's always been here. Birth story to follow shortly after mom gets some much needed rest (this post being brought to you by the proud poppa). Just know that this wife of mine is one amazing, strong, courageous woman. How did I get so lucky?!? There aren't words to describe how proud I am of her and how so completely in love I am with her and our sweet little Ruby. The babe doesn't cry much (unless she needs a diaper changed), but even when she does it's one of the sweetest sounds in the world to me. Enjoy the pix.....more to come shortly.

Love,
-K,R&R : )

Sunday, June 18, 2006

41 weeks 3 days...

Still no baby. Fathers day! It was never a big holiday for Ryan growing up, so I'm hoping to give him a good present... but so far, nothing.

Stay tuned. Maybe tomorrow?

Friday, June 16, 2006

41 weeks 1 day.....

Guest appearance by Mik.

Gosh, I'm freaking huge!

The bed - will the baby be born here?

The bath.... mmmm maybe goonie will be born here!

And of course.. quite possibly, the sweetest picture in the entire universe..... My sister Kasi sent us this book, and Ry has read it to the belly every night since.



Yes... all sigh a collective Awwwwwwwww.

Until tomorrow!
Still pregnant. Nothing to report. Have made plans to go out to movies tonight (to see An Unfortunate Truth!!) with Ryan. Surely... SURELY that will do it, right?

We shall see folks, we shall see.

Later will post pix of gargantuan belly, birthing suite ( aka my bathroom) and Ryan reading to the belly. Now.. Must sleep.

Thursday, June 15, 2006

41 weeks.

So today we are a week "overdue". I hate this term. Babies are born when they are ready to be born. This '40 weeks for all babes' is really a farce. So... we went to the midwife. All is well. Everything is still perfectly normal. So.... we wait. And we wait. I wish I had something more exciting to tell you, but I don't.....

I hate these boring posts, but I know if I dont' post something everyday, someones gonna wonder, and then the phone starts ringing. So... until tomorrow....

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

So for today's entry we'll see who is still in the running for guessing correctly.

We had: 18 boys, 10 girls

9 people haven't passed their date yet. One for today, two for the 15th, two for the 16th, two for the 17th, one for the 18th and one for the 20th.

And of course weight.. but i doubt I'll go back and look at that ;)

Who knows who will be right......


So far.. Nobody. hee hee hee

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

It was brought to my attention that the blog wasn't showing up... well it's all fixed now! And... nothing to report. :)

Keep your pants on. This could be a long wait!

Monday, June 12, 2006

No baby. Nothing happening. Just hanging out, and waiting. Don't worry, you'll be informed, one way or the other.

Thankfully our phones don't ring all the time with people clammoring to know what's going on. For this, I am beyond thankful. My mom and my mother in law have checked in occasionally, but no one is bugging us or being annoying. Very thankful. Goonie will come when goonie is ready, not a moment sooner. So.... we wait.
And we wait.
Funny how when you're trying like mad to get pregnant, and then going through infertility treatment waiting is what it's all about. you wait to ovulate, you wait for your period, you wait for your first appoitnment with the specialist, you wait for your test results to see what the hell is keeping you from getting pregnant like regular people, you wait for your IVF cycle to begin, you wait for your next blood test or ultrasound scan to see how many follicles are developing, you wait for your egg retrieval, you wait to find out how many fertilized, you wait for your embryo transfer, you wait for your first beta, you wait for the call to tell you if you're pregnant or not, you wait for the ultrasound to see the heartbeat, you wait to be transfered to your midwife or ob.. on and on and on. I thought I knew what waiting was. Oh hell no. This, my friends in the computer, is waiting.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

40 week photo update.....

Good god she's huge!!!

Looks like I'll fall over .... I'm a little front heavy ;)

And now for some random pix of things going on....

Here's a shot of the front yard, as it's looking now. I LOVE the grass-crete. It's still not ready to be driven on yet, but it looks so cool! Like a bunch of little ch-ch-ch-chia pets.

Oh Oscar. Can he be any cuter?? Seriously. Can he?

And finally.... for your viewing pleasure... This little piggy...... me eating (before bed snack of half a watermelon) and a great view of the living room color/curtains.
40 weeks!

40 weeks ago today, I was starting my last period. I'd like to type that it was the last time I saw blood in my underpants, but we all know that would be a lie. 40 weeks ago I was not pregnant, and beginning to shoot drugs (or maybe I already had, I don't remember) into my belly. 40 weeks ago today, I was about to get on the ride of a lifetime, and I had no clue. 40 weeks ago today, it all began.

40 weeks. Today is our official 'due' date according to the IVF. Of course we all knowthis means absolutely nothing, as baby will come when baby is ready. Could be today, could be in two weeks. And currently I'm fine with either. I feel as ready as I'm going to be (read: scared shitless) to have this baby, but at the same time, I'm not miserable, and could stay pregnant a bit longer. Whatever is going to happen, is going to happen, and I have no control. It's nice to just be, and not obsess, or freak out or worry. It's nice to just TRUST. huh, hows that for a change? We'll see how I feel in a few days, right?

Every morning since the embryo transfer Ryan has kissed my belly good bye before he hops on his bike and heads to work. It has been sweet and tears my heart open every time. For the past week or so, everytime he pulls the sheet back to kiss it good bye, I wonder "is this the last time?" Everyday could bring about the biggest change I can ever imagine in my life, and I say...

Bring it on.

Monday, June 05, 2006

The Birth Blessing
(click on pix for larger view)
How can I tell you about the birth blessing? Well first, let me say that a birth blessing is kind of the polar opposite of a baby shower. Some times people bring gifts, but it's not about things, it's about love and blessings, and it's just my style. After years of infertility, and many painful baby showers, the last thing I really wanted was one of my own. And besides, we already have SO MUCH STUFF that was handed down or bought second hand, that we really didn't need people to buy us things, but to send us love. Oh... and love we got.... by the truckloads. From near and far, from known and unknown..... love love love. It's enough to make a girl cry. Oh... we did that too. And my amazing friend and doula Jackie put the whole thing together for me. I have never felt so loved, and so special. Thank you thank you thank you. You are truly an amazing friend.


First, Mona, (Dr. Mona to some) the naturopath i work with, who is also a wonderful friend, and an indian godess, came to do henna on my belly. All pregnant women must do this. It's amazingly fun, and even though I needed help getting up from the chair, it was very relaxing. Of course, the baby was going crazy kicking and rolling around for Mona, which made her job a little difficult, but she is a rock star, and it came out beautifully. i think that anything you can do to adorn yourself while pregnant should be done. It's one time in your life when you are such an amazing vessel, and even when you don't feel so beautiful, you truly are... and you should enhance and enjoy it!
Mona, the Henna Master!

Yes, I'm really that goofy!

here is the finished product!


While we were doing the Henna, women started arriving, and so did the food. OH GOD THE FOOD. Turkey Enchiladas that are to die for (ala Jackie, the mastermind behind the event), veggie casserole, home made salad rolls (by Joi), salad (ala mona), chocolate covered strawberries (mmmmmmm Theresa!) and so many other goodies, I can't even tell you. Wine flowed for those who were able to partake, and the rest of us had delicious juices, tea and of course... water, every pregnant woman's favorite cocktail ( at least mine! ) Of course I didnt' get a pix of the food spread, which is sad, because frankly it was beautiful!

Once everyone was fed, and watered, the blessings began. Each woman took her turn and read her blessing for me (sigh! For me!!) and gave the bead to go with it, and then did the same with a blessing and bead for the baby. I have hosted and planned many birth blessings, but having one thrown for you is so amazing. So very amazing to have people give you their kindest most sincere words in a blessing.
We went around the circle, and everyone shed a tear at some point (some many many more than others, Jo). Some of the highlights...Laurel told everyone that motherhood was all about the lion king (of course there was an explanation, and everyone was weeping) , jo cried at everything, Joi brought the traditional Navajo blessing (a blesssing way is the tradtitional Navajo name of this ceremony, but since i'm not navajo, we chose to call it something else, and just use some ideas from a blessingway).
Theresa giving a bead
Overview of everyone
Lyn chose a bead that she felt her mom Joan would have picked (joan just passed away a few months ago).
Erin reading a blessing.

Blessings were sent from all over from knitting bloggers I've never 'met' and women who have also dealt with infertility. From friends I haven't seen in ages, to family on the other side of the country. From co-workers who i've known for years, and some I've known for months. People who have touched my life, and who will continue to touch my life and this baby's life. Again, I felt so lucky, so special, and so very very loved. I am again, amazed at the generousness of the internets, and the love that people are willing to give and share. This life is a humbling experience.

After the beads were strung and blessings were said the final part of the ceremony was done. A read rope is bound around each womans left wrist by the woman to the left of her, and then this quote was read
"From women we were born into this circle, from women we were born unto this earth".

Then the rope is cut, and each woman wears the red rope around her wrist until the baby is born, as a way to tie all of our energies together, and to support the woman in labor. Also, everyone takes a candle as they leave, to light when labor starts (I think Jackie bought long buring candles. ;) ).

My mom ended up being sick and not able to attend (horrible allergies, and I knew my cats would make her worse, so she had to stay home) and so did my BFF De. We've been friends since we were nine, and as much as it broke my heart she couldn't be there, her little babe was barfing, and we all know a sick babe comes first, no matter what. ((cause she's a great mommy!)) However, mom put her beads in the mail, and De was able to meet someone else coming from Tacoma area to bring her beads and gift. Sigh. When you've known someone for almost 20 years, they really do know how to make you cry, you know?
She made these cute candy blankets ((um, i LOVE DOTS) and sent a great baby memory book set. (which means I'll have to actually do something with it!).

She also sent this gorgeous piece that says on the back "I may never paint a masterpiece or wriet a novel or sing on stage,orchestrate world peace. But when i look at you, I know you are my masterpiece, you are music from heaven, you are my peace." yeah... that made everyone cry.

As everyone reading this blog knows, our path getting to this place was a long, difficult, and relatively painful one (both physically and emotionally!). We isolated ourselves many times from others to avoid pain and trauma and because of that we lost many friends along the way who weren't able to understand what we needed, or who just couldn't support us because of their own busy lives. Although losing friends is hard, as I looked around the circle of women in my living room this weekend (those that were there physically, and also those that had sent their love and blessings through the mail, email or just the heart) I realized how lucky I truly am. Every woman there at some point has been such a blessing, inspiration, and support to me (and ryan). Sometimes it was a shoulder to cry (or weep profusely) on, or just an ear to hear me rage and complain about the injustice of it all. Sometimes it was a meal delivered while on bedrest, or just a friend to knit away an afternoon in silence with. Sometimes it was just a person to be with who wouldn't make me feel like they felt sorry for me. I looked around the room and saw many friends who had held my hand, held me up, and held up their end of the bargain of friendship.... to just be. I felt supported, loved, and understood. I knew that many of these women have had to deal with me when I was sad and bitter beyond words, and yet they had never judged me for it, and they never took it personally. I was amazed at the love and respect that I was given, and for the tremendous hearts my friends have. Again and again, I am amazed at the generousness of those around me, and the milk of human kindness. I hope that I am half of the friend that these women are to me. My life, is very very full of love.

Other gifts will be posted over at Knitting Zen, cause this entry is already pretty pix heavy!

Friday, June 02, 2006

39 weeks..... and it grows!!

Yep... one week till we hit our 'due date' ... which everyone knows means nothing. Baby will come when baby is ready, so don't you all start calling obsessively and asking if the baby is here. Don't worry... we'll let you know....as soon as we know! So.. without further ado.. here is the latest version of my belly. Hard to believe it could get any bigger, and yet, it does!



All is going well inside the belly. Goonlet tends to get the hiccups everynight before we go to bed.. and Ryan spends the entire time with his hand on my belly. It's pretty funny. Ryan also has admitted that he's 'in love with the belly' and will miss it when the baby comes... I think he'll forget about it soon enough, when there is a living human being outside of it! (and when it's a big flabby mess!)

Tomorrow is the birth blessing, and I'm so excited! my friends are the best, and are so sweet to pamper me this way! Of course there will be many many pictures uploaded... but probably not till the end of the weekend, as we'll have people staying here till sunday.
However..... Thursday my doula and amazing friend Jackie, and my massage therapist and equally amazing friend Lyn came over and did a belly cast!!! once it's cured, then I'll get crafty and decorate it... and we'll show another pix... but for now... you can see the work in progress
This was the only pix I got of the two of them... i was kind of ... well in a cast, so I couldn't take many pix!



It was tons of fun and thankfully quick drying plaster cast.. so it was done in less than an hour.

Wednesday was FINALLY TRULY HONESTLY FOR REAL my last day of work. Today I had a massage and facial courtesy of my magnificent husband... everyone needs a husband like mine! ((but get your own ladies, I refuse to share)) and now, I'm on forced relaxation, while he vacuums the house. Ah... pass me the bon bons!

One last thing... of course I'm not the only one hit with the nesting bug.... Last weekend, we had a nice long weekend... thought we spend it relaxing and getting ready for baby???? no! Ryan decided it was time to repaint the living room! he even managed to replace and repaint all of the trim work, and it looks AMAZING :) He's quite the handy man. (( again, get your own, ladies))



Once he had finished the window trim, there was no way we could put the hideous, nasty disgustingly dirty vinyl blinds back up.... so..... I did a little unnecessary nesting myself!
Before


After! Looks so summery and clean now! and.. machine washable! Of course I'm the worlds worst seamstress (I inherited NONE of my mothers amazing skillz at the sewing machine) and not a single seam is straight, but from a distance, they look pretty darn decent.