Friday, April 30, 2010

Aolani's Second Month

I know it's 12 days overdue, but this is our panda at two months... riding in the car like a big girl! Okay, not really :)

Here are the shoes to that outfit (a stocking stuffer from Grandma Oliver)

She was 10.6 lbs at her 8-wk check-up. She is 24" long, and pretty much in the 50th percentile for everything!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Egg-Salad Sandwiches

Mommy, whatya eatin'?
Egg salad sandwich.
Yuck. Don't give me a taste of that!

Good thing I stick to milk only ;)

Daddy's Girl

Daddy's girl seems like an understatement. This child LOVES her daddy. She stares at him, smiles for him, laughs at him, sleeps for him, talks to him (in coos of course), and is all-around good when he is near. "When Daddy is here, I'll shed no tear." Okay, okay, that's a little exaggerration :)

The computer wears me out!

Two great wonders: a book and a baby

Butt-buddies

Bathtime with Daddy is fun!

This picture may be scary but too cute not to share!

Pushing...

...a baby out.

A few thoughts from Aidan:
I am definitely not a words person. Words of Affirmation is my LAST love language. I always did like the motto Actions speak louder than words. Therefore, I never really valued people telling me they believed in me, or any other nice common phrase (you know, like You are special.) However, I guess believing in someone must be an action, too, because I certainly felt it when someone did NOT believe in me (even though no one said, "I don't believe you can do it"). You see, with this disease (FA), I had no idea if I could seriously push a baby out. I mean I wanted to be able to, but ability and desire are not the same -- but might be a lot more closely related than even I realize.

I have good feeling "down there" but... I doubted myself. How could I not with the questions and comments I received from friends, family and strangers. Example: a good friend asked me if I was having a C-section -- EVERY TIME I SAW HER! I would tell her that I was aiming for a natural, vaginal delivery. She would look at me quizzically. I knew she was thinking Yeah, right but... or I don't want to be the one to burst your bubble but... But?? But you're in a wheelchair and can't walk. Obviously, people in wheelchairs aren't all paraplegics without vaginal feeling. The only people that thought I could do it were my doula and childbirth teacher (and of course my hubby). But I figured that I was paying them to say that and Ricky was obligated :) Most of the doctors I saw would give me the Aren't you being a bit ridiculous? look. Anyway, it's no wonder I had my share of doubts.

I have high pain tolerance and with the right preparation and knowledge, I thought I could endure the labor. Pushing the baby out? I had gotten to the point where I just didn't want to think about it. I'll deal with that when the time comes (actually, when Aolani comes). I was nervous -- maybe there was a little dread present also. When the time came to push, I didn't know what I was doing... bearing down... squeezing the biggest poop out EVER... listening to my body... following my instinct... GETTIN' THAT BABY OUT (my lingo)! Yet, when everyone there was shouting -- I see her head! She's coming! Look at her dark, curly hair! You're doing it! -- it was dizzying. I was first in disbelief, then relief flooded me, and finally I was exhilarated. I wanted to push again and keep pushing because whatever I was doing was working. I could do it! Yes, I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength I need (Phil. 4:13)!!!

Bottom line: believe in someone, tell them, show it in your eyes, and... be an encourager, not a discourager :)


p.s. That was cathartic. Thanks to whoever reads this.

p.s.s. I don't intend to be harsh or insult anyone. I understand people's hesistancy to think that I could push a baby out. I was hesistant myself. Point was that people chose to stand on the physical-reality (scientific; let's be realistic) side versus believing in the impossible (or at least unlikely). Sounds like a faith check to me... remember that all things are possible with God (Matt. 19:26)!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Earth Day



You can donate to this cause at: http://www.catholicvote.org/

Quick Update

Sorry for the delay in posting. We have been so busy and have so much to post. Lots of pictures and news to come (hopefully next week I can catch up).

By the way, she smiles a lot now (and it stops the world as our hearts just ooze) :)

Here is a teaser video from last night:

Friday, April 9, 2010

Aolani's Digs

The nursery is FINALLY being posted! Pictures are below, but if you want a visual tour, then there is a video at the bottom with Aidan as your very own Vanna White...

The door is to the left. A friend of ours from our church small group, Margie Boor, made that cloud for Aolani's shower. It's too perfect not to use for decoration. That tree is a stick-on applique that is removable (placed by Aidan's mom, directed by Aidan)!

The two white dressers are hand-me-downs from Aidan's dad. The area to the right is her changing table, which she enjoys. Poop has actually rocket-propelled to the wall on the right before! A lady at the hospital -- who we don't know -- saw us going to/leaving from work and wanted to make something for our baby; hence, the hanging!

Her basket of toys (and books)

Her crib surrounded by "heavenly clouds." The closet (with Ricky's clothes) is to the right.
(The clouds are more of those re-positionable stickers.)

There is going to be another post featuring the crib and changing area.
Sorry if you cannot understand me (Aidan)... my speech is on the decline...

Thursday, April 8, 2010

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Easter Sunday was our first time to church since Aolani's birth. Resurrection Day -- what a perfect day for her first debut to our home church!

This outfit was actually Aidan's
(the rear of the hose gave her a cute ruffle-butt)
Family portrait

Thursday, April 1, 2010

To Be or Not To Be

Pondering the mathematical complexities of pi (Uncle Rob)

Where's my dinner?

Skin-on-skin contact with Mommy is good for the soul.

Got Milk?

Watch her lips...

Practice makes perfect :)

Don't you love the head bob?!