He's here!

Here is our little sweetie, Jack Robinson Webb, born Friday, July 27, 2012 at 11:23 a.m. He weighed 6 lbs 11 oz. and was 19 inches long.

Just in case you were wondering, here is how it happened.

On Thursday night around 7:30 we were eating dinner around our little card table, laughing, and having a good time when I thought I peed my pants. Oops! I thought as I ran to the bathroom. Being just over 38 weeks pregnant, I knew there was a chance that it was not pee, but also being 38 weeks pregnant knew there was a very good chance that it was pee (anyone who has ever been pregnant can relate, I'm sure). Anyway, I decided that it was nothing significant until the same thing happened 30 minutes later. About an hour later, yet another episode. Now, I was starting to get a little nervous. This frequency of pant wetting would be unusual, even for me. I called my OB office, and they told me to head to the hospital.

I started freaking out a little (or maybe a little bit more than that). We had only been in Ithaca about 2 weeks. I had expected to have another 2 weeks before having a baby. My bag was not packed. I had not washed Jack's laundry. There were 6 half opened boxes and their contents strewn about our living room. Jack's car seat was still in in a box somewhere in the attic. His bed was not set up yet. And most of all, I did not have anyone lined up to take care of our little Maggie-pie while we went to the hospital! I was not planning on having a baby yet.

My mom was to arrive 1 week before Jack's due date (in plenty of time, I thought!) to be here to watch Maggie. In the very unlikely chance that Jack decided to come more than one week early, I had planned to ask our neighbor to watch Maggie. Turns out, she went to Ohio for the weekend. Crap!


I had ONE (and only one) other phone number in my phone for any person living in the area, a girl named Trina. "Well," I said to Joe, "I guess I will call her." She has also been so welcoming and kind from the very day that I arrived. Still, calling her, I felt like I was saying, "Hi, remember me? Yes, we just met one week ago. Will you come over to my house, right now, and watch my two-year old and keep watching her for an indefinite amount of time while I have a baby?" Luckily Trina is wonderful and sweet and came right over without hesitation. Still, by the time she arrived, I was in tears because I felt so horrible asking such a big favor of someone that I hardly know, because Maggie was going to wake up in the morning in a house that she still doesn't really understand with no idea why Joe and I weren't there, because my house was in a complete disaster, and because I was really not quite ready to have a baby.

Joe and I headed to the hospital arriving around 10:30 p.m., and sure enough, my water had broken. The MD on-call recommended that we begin induction that night to avoid the likelihood of infection, so around 12:30 pitocin was running, but at a very slow drip. I had hoped that with just a small dose my body would kick into labor on it's own. By 7:00 a.m. (and after a few blessed hours of sleep) it was clear that labor was not happening, so the medical staff started cranking up the infusion. Every 20 minutes they increased the dose and within a couple of hours I was in active labor and only starting to actually believe that I was going to have a baby and soon. Things started moving quickly. At about 10:00 a.m. I was dilated to a 4-5, and I asked for an epidural. By the time the anesthesiologist made it to my room around 10:30 a.m., I was at a 7. By the time he left a little before 11:00 a.m. I was at a 9. Ten minutes later, a 10. A healthy, beautiful, little Jack came to join us at 11:23 a.m.

Even though I was quite unprepared and unready to have a baby, I am so happy that Jack is here! I certainly would trade a messy house and a little unprepared-ness for a shorter pregnancy (Maggie didn't come until 41 weeks!) and a healthy little baby. My little brother Jeff jumped right in his car after work and drove out from Boston on Friday to stay with Maggie to relieve Trina who cared for Maggie through Friday afternoon. We are so grateful to all of the people who so willingly helped us! I was really nervous to move across the country and away from friends and support systems right before having a baby, but thanks to so many kind people, things have turned out well. In many ways it is a blessing that Jack came two weeks early. Because of his early arrival, Joe still had about a week before starting school and we have been able to enjoy some wonderful time as a family.

And, WE HAVE A BABY!!!

Welcome baby Jack. We are so glad that you are here!

Belly Full

By way of announcement, sort of (it is a little overdue) . . .

Yesterday, Maggie was sitting on my lap and tried to lean back into me and cuddle. When she was blocked by my growing belly, she patted it with her little hand, and said "belly full." Then, she jumped down to go play.

Yes, my belly is rather full of a growing baby. A little boy due Aug 7. Yay! (I am kind of scared, actually, but super happy too).

I am 26 1/2 weeks. I guess this picture was taken a few weeks ago (23 weeks I think), but it is the only belly shot I really have to document it. My belly is certainly much fuller now.

Still waiting . . .

Well, I wish that I had some really big news for this post, but alas, still no baby. Instead, the only news I have is that I have become very proficient in staying busy and/or wasting time so as to try and calm my impatient attitude. I am doing all that I can to get things moving in the right direction . . . I took a nearly 2 hour long walk today, all the while sucking my thumb (do you think it really works?) I know that it definitely works to get people looking at you funny but as for inducing labor, I am not quite as sure . . . Tonight maybe I will try some spicy food and a good comedy. I am going to put every old wives tale to the test. Wish me luck.

In the mean time, I thought I would post some pictures of my new curtains and pillows that I made for our kitchen and living room. With careful attention, you could definitely notice that they were made by an amateur but for my first attempt I think they turned out pretty well. I especially love the brown fabric at the bottom of the drapes. It is some leftover fabric from a dress that my friend's mother had made for me when Joe and I visited Ghana several years ago. I love seeing it hanging as a reminder of the unique and amazing experiences that we had while we were there. Anyway, here are the pictures.

In other news, Joe and I purchased our dream stroller. We have been contemplating purchasing this stroller since I think before I even knew that I was pregnant. We will be trading rented movies, eating out, and basically anything else that is unnecessary and optional for an unspecified amount of time to pay for it, but I am so excited, and I think that it will be well worth it. The stroller is called the Cougar Chariot. It is uniquely amazing because it converts from running stroller, to biking trailer, to strolling stroller, to skiing stroller, to hiking/off road stroller; this stroller can do everything. It also has a special seat attachment that allows you to use it for a baby starting at 2-3 months. I can hardly wait to start running with my little munchkin; it sounds like sooo much fun. I am so excited to start running again, and having a good stroller will make such a big difference. I think that this stroller will give us the freedom to continue to do the things we want to do. Plus, it can be used with one or two children, so it should last us for a very long time. 

Now I just need a little baby to put in it :-)

A race to the stoplight

This morning I went walking; it was my attempt at exercising for the day and part of my attempt not to turn to a bowl full of jelly before our little one makes her appearance. Anyway, I was walking and this little old man was walking next to me. Then I saw it. A competitive gleam in his eyes. He was racing me! Well, surely I couldn't let him out walk me, so the race to the stop light began. The only question remaining is who can walk faster, a 36 week pregnant woman or a little old man? I can. I can! I left him in the dust, . . . but just barely.

34 and counting . . . and a sunset cruise

On Sunday our friends Rachel and Steve took us for a sunset cruise on their yacht. (I guess not technically their yacht, blah blah blah, but close enough :-) Holy beautiful sunset! It was so fun! Thanks again you guys!

I stole this picture from Rachel's blog. To see more pictures of the trip (and enjoy Rachel's amazing photography) check out http://steveandrachel.blogspot.com/

Now, for a brief pregnancy update.

Tomorrow I will be 35 weeks pregnant (and not loving it). I have not been for a decent run in 3 months or played soccer for 6, and it has been even longer since I have not had to gag down fresh veggies (and they used to be my fave!). I still don't have a job, and even the seal rescue that I was going to volunteer at wouldn't have me because of my current impregnated state. As it turns out, as I get more and more pregnant and have fewer and fewer distractions I get more and more crazy. Sometimes I wonder if Joe even recognizes the girl he once married (because I don't seem to recognize myself). I think I have become totally neurotic and emotional. Ugh. I am so amazed with the women who just seem to sail through pregnancy (even enjoy pregnancy?). I think they might be lying. With that being said, Joe and I are getting sooo excited to meet our little girl. The way I see it, she is just about ripe and it is about time for her to make her showing. While our apartment is not nearly ready (and we still have absolutely no idea what to name her) we are very, very ready. Here are a couple of pictures (for better or worse) that capture me with my current globe of a belly. The scary thing is that for the next 5-6 weeks it can only get bigger. I know I have been saying this for about 6 months now . . . but I think I am going to pop.

One thing about being pregnant that has been amazing . . . Joe and I have already felt so much love and support from our friends and family. A few weeks ago I traveled to Utah/Idaho to visit. Not only was it fantastic to see everyone, but Joe's family threw me an amazing baby shower, and my friends from work threw me a shower. Then, I came back to Cali and my friends and ward threw me another amazing baby shower. Joe and I are so grateful for the love and generosity that everyone has shown us. It is a little bit daunting to think about bringing a new baby into the world, and it is so encouraging to know that we have so much support and that we really are not alone in our new adventure . . . so to everyone . . . thank you and we love you!

The Holidays and a New Year

Well, Christmas has passed yet again (and a good one it was). Joe and I spent the holiday in Shingle Springs with my family. The highlight was definitely having everyone together, and Shingle Springs was a beautiful escape from the bustle of Los Angeles. Good food + good company = one great Christmas! We also celebrated Tabria's (my niece) 1 year old birthday; I just have to mention that while she wouldn't eat any of her cake, she LOVED my gingerbread cookies, and as the only baby in the house received more attention and more sweets (aka gingerbread cookies) than her mom probably would have preferred. I didn't manage to take many pictures (silly me) but I did take a few of us out frolfing (a favorite activity for the break. . . at least for all the boys and me). I even managed to win one game (of course that's when you count my 3 stroke handicap on each hole).

Unfortunately, Joe and I had to leave Shingle Springs the day before Jenni had her baby. We were definitely hoping that the baby would make her appearance a little bit sooner, but on that note, Joe and I received the greatest Christmas present this year . . . a new niece and a new nephew (both healthy moms and healthy babies). Christian Gabriel was born on Dec 26th and Lydia Kayla was born on Dec 29th, making Joe an uncle and myself and aunt for the 22nd and 23rd time each. I am so excited to meet the two newest munchkins, hopefully in the very near future.

Of course, after Christmas comes New Years. Joe and I were back in Santa Monica and had a HUGE celebration which consisted of watching a movie, and when our friend called at 12:07 to say "Happy New Year!" we said, "oh yeah! Happy New Year!" Then of course . . . we kissed. Aren't we cool? I felt more than a little like an old, married, pregnant woman (which apparently I am), but nevertheless, I am very excited for the year. It is definitely going to be a year of change. I have set all my resolutions (which I am not going to publish online) but I am determined to work hard, and hope to be a better person by this time next year. On Saturday following the holiday, we decided to make up for our lameness, and went hiking up Santa Ynez Canyon. It is amazingly beautiful and so close to our house. After following a half dozen wrong trails we finally found our destination, a waterfall (only a trickle at this time of the year) but worth all the hiking around.

Yes, the weather is SO nice that I was only wearing shorts and a tank-top (but I guess that kind of weather is just the norm around here . . . they keep telling me it is cold and snowing in other places around this country . . . I guess I will just have to see it to believe it :)

Even the pregnant lady can climb ropes . . .

The only negative thing about our hike . . . Joe came home with a FLAMING case of poison ivy, which he is severely allergic to, and still recovering from. Poor hubby! Oh, and we seemed to have tracked some kind of nasty roach into our house. Ick!

Finally, I had my 26th birthday. I am officially closer to 30 than I am to 20 (hence the old lady, see above). Joe was so sweet. He made me breakfast (in bed!) which was delicious; I may have mentioned it before, but Joe is a REALLY good cook. He also took me out to dinner and we walked on the beach while the sun was setting. It was beautiful. All in all, a great day and birthday, and a great way to start out 2010.

Updates

Well, I have to include my little baby updates. First of all, I have started feeling my little girl move around all the time. I am starting to get really attached to her; I think this whole pregnancy thing is actually starting to get fun (even though my running has all but turned to walking and now Joe is planning mountain biking trips and all I can do is pout.) I imagine that every time I feel her kick, she is saying "Hi mom. Don't forget I'm in here." One night she was especially energetic, and Joe could even feel her kicking around--sooo cool. We are so grateful for apparent good health so far. Also, I had another ultrasound done. This one they did to look in detail at her anatomy. They also did a portion of the ultrasound in 4D. I have never seen anything like it. The actual ultrasound looked like a little baby moving around, sculpted from golden clay. I decided I would include a copy of the pictures, even though they aren't very clear and my friend Jared said she looks like something from a horror movie (isn't that what you want to hear about your little girl?) Anyway, I think she is precious (but I guess that is my job, right?) p.s. it is her umbilical cord that you see by her neck and arm.

Also, for the masses of people screaming for belly pictures, here you go. My sister took these at Thanksgiving when I was not quite 20 weeks (which of course, was like a whole week and a half ago) and I am getting more rotund by the day.

The news . . .

We just found out last week. I asked the ultrasound technician what percentage of the time she might be wrong. She stared at me . . . for a long time . . . then she said, "I am NOT wrong," so apparently we are having a little girl. It's funny because almost as soon as I found out I was pregnant people started asking if I thought it was a boy or a girl. I actually thought it was a girl; I guess I had a 50/50% chance of feeling it correctly, but I guess it is finally time to start thinking pink, admiring frilly little girl clothes, and studying out girly names. Joe is already starting to plan his daughter's college education . . . his comment about having a girl, "I think girl's can get athletic scholarships easier than boys," so I guess she's gonna be a soccer player :-)

Changes

Wow, I guess life is crazy. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and then runs away really, really fast. I don't even know what to talk about first because so many things have happened since the last post. But I guess first things first . . .

Joe and I are expecting our first baby. I am about 15 1/2 weeks pregnant, making our due date April 21. In honor of the newest Webb-to-be, here is a clip from The Office.



Joe and I have joked about the whole pregnancy vomiting thing . . . at first he was so sympathetic and sweet whenever I, well, you know . . . now, he has become so accustomed to watching me throw up that he doesn't even pause mid-story. He just keeps talking (as if I keep listening :)

Really though, we are very grateful for the opportunity to be growing a family. Here are our earliest pictures of the little munchkin. Not much to look at, but it was amazing to be able to see all the little fingers and toes, even this early on.

On to other big news in our lives . . . we now live in Santa Monica, California. Joe got a job working for an engineering firm, named CDM (Camp, Dresser, and McKee) in downtown L.A. It is a fantastic job. He is getting involved in some amazing water/environmental engineering projects, doing exactly what he wanted to be doing.

We have definitely felt the hand of the Lord in our lives as everything has just fallen into place for us. We found an awesome apartment (just 12 blocks from the beach . . . calling all family and friends to come and visit!!) and the manager talked the owner down about $300/month in rent. I don't have a job yet, but have started my search in earnest, so hopefully sooner than later something will turn up. Here are a couple of pics from our Sunday evening walk on the beach (just to further lure you out to our new home.)

Here are a few pictures from our early days in Santa Monica. We went mountain biking in Crystal Cove in Orange County (which, by the way, nearly killed pregnant, tired, me) (p.s. thanks again for the bike Diane!!!!!) and we went hiking up to the Griffith Observatory (see Dean, James). We have also been lucky enough to have both my brother Jeff, with his buddy Matt, and Mindy, Nick, and Tabs, out to stay with us.

It is always fun to have new adventures, explore new places, and meet new people, but it is also very hard to say goodbye. Provo has been our home now for several years, and there are many things that I am going to miss . . . just to list a few . . . BYU football, finding a soccer game anywhere and anytime I wanted it, the weather (yes I know I just moved to Southern Cali, but I love the seasons), the mountains, Provo River Parkway Trail (the most beautiful running trail in the world), and ESPECIALLY family and friends. Thanks so much to everyone whom we have been close to and had so much fun with over the last few years. We love you! Here are just a few pics from our last few weeks in Provo.