POOPhead

For some reason, I have no clue why, the word POOP has been the most commonly used word in my vocabulary.  Not just POOP, but variations of the word; Poopbutt, poopface, Captain Poopface, Poopalicious, POOPHEAD, etc...  Immature, a bit.  Impolite, at times. Does it get old... not to me.  Well I promised a good poop story and I am glad I waited because on Tuesday POOPHEAD became more than just a call sign.

Our bible study gifted us a 1 hour photo shoot with a photographer to capture Sofia as a new born.  In each of these newborn pics Sofia was as God made her, in the nude!  I made it home for the end of the photo shoot so that we can take family photos.

  The photographer, an innocent young woman, had Michelle and I lay on the ground with our heads together and our legs pointed in opposite directions.  Sofia, again... Naked, was placed on my shoulder between both Michelle and I's faces.  When something is rather close in your field of vision, the object appears blurry.  This object was Sofia's butt! (Do you see where I am going).  I close one eye and squint, noticing my sleeping child's bottom was dangerously close to my face and commented, "Sofia you better not poop on daddy." Before I finish the phrase, my precious, sleeping, NAKED newborn, POOPED on her daddy's head. Now, I call everyone else POOPHEAD, Poopface, etc... Never had I referred to myself in those names, I guess now I can!  This POOP wasn't just a cute little dropping, this was a forceful explosion that painted the tips of my hair and discolored mommas new sweater.  One upsetting part about this whole thing is the photographer was so busy laughing, as well as were mommy and daddy, that she did not capture this miraculous event on film.  So as punishment, while Michelle and I cleaned up and the photographer held Sofia, Daddies precious little angel proceeded to pee on our innocent little guest.  So, in conclusion, POOPHEAD will forever mean more than just "Friend," "Buddy," or "Pal." It will now be synonymous with Sofia's first Photoshoot, or POOPshoot!

Sofia's first Shot!

For the record, we are not giving our baby alcohol! On Monday morning Michelle and I had our 2 week (16 day) check-up.  For Daddy, everything Sofia has done, each movement, sound, bodily function... has been adorable.  This included her first vaccination!  We weighed her (7lbs 3 ounces, back to birth weight) measured her (19.5 inches, at this rate she will surpass her mom and dad very quickly) and then the Pediatrician gave her mom and I the amazing news that everything looked great! We asked our idiotic, rhetorical, new parent questions and received the answers we expected but still needed to hear.  Then came the nurse.  Now, we knew what was going to happen and it was still frightening. We both nervously awaited as the awful, mean nurse, sterilized Sofia's foot and thigh.  Starting with the foot, the nurse pricked Sofia to draw blood.  At the beginning of the post I mentioned everything Sofia does is adorable... So was this.  Shockingly, the reaction time from the prick to crying seemed delayed; however, the sudden change in expression made it so much more memorable, that even mom giggled.  The next one, the real shot, was not so funny.  The nurse knew how we were going to respond because the second it was over she was out the door!  The second it happened for Sofia, she screamed!  The reason I say this is adorable was because this scream brought me back to the moment our baby girl was born.  The same high pitched, red faced, full body cry would make anyone stop!  As I smiled in memory of her birth, I looked at my bride... she was crying!

- Justin

Week 2 pictures

2 weeks of Sofia!

Well, obviously my original post turned out to be quite a fib. I mentioned that Justin created the blog but that I would be the one blogging and clearly that has not been the case. Lucky for me, I have the most wonderful husband who has done an incredible job documenting these past 2 weeks of our life with Sofia. After he told me he posted about Sofia's birth, I thought for sure I would have some things to add, but he literally covered every detail! I can share a little of what I was feeling that day though...That day for me felt like I was in a dream state.  I went in on the morning of December 9th, knowing there was a 50/50 chance we were going to meet our daughter. It seemed so bizarre to me to have something partly scheduled but not 100% certain. While I kept telling myself she wasn't going to be born that day, deep down I knew she was.  As Justin said earlier, Sofia was never meant to turn head down. She knew exactly what she was doing all along by staying breached and in hindsight I wish we had never tried to take things into our own hands to turn her. It was a horrific couple of minutes watching the doctors and seeing the expressions on my husband and mom's face. After the first couple of seconds, I knew that the version wasn't going to work, and that a c section was likely going to happen. My heart was so heavy and already grieving the loss of a natural birth, but when Sofia's heart rate dropped and they put the oxygen mask on me, all the grieving over a c section left me and my only concern was Sofia. All I wanted was for her to stop hurting and for her little heart rate to stabilize. At that moment, I knew with 100% certaintly that Sofia was meant to be born via c section and I have had peace about it ever since.

Fast forward 2 weeks.. I LOVE all things about being a mom to this precious little girl and I have thanked the Lord more times than I can count in a day. My favorite time with her is actually in the middle of the night. As exhausting as it is, as every new mother knows, I absolutely love the fact that it is just me, daddy, Sofia and total silence. During the day, our house is quite busy and loud. Aside from all the friends who have visited and brought us delicious meals,  my whole family is here, and we literally just pass Sofia around from one person's arms to the next. I would not change this for the world though.  I love watching my brother, sister and parents melt with one look at Sofia. Last night the 6 of us literally hovered over my dad as he pretended to exercise Sofia's arms and legs. We were all frozen in that moment just watching our beautiful little girl.

And then there is my love. Watching Justin with Sofia brings tears to my eyes. He is the most gentle, loving, protective father, who is such a natural at being a parent it kinda makes me look bad!  In the hospital, he literally was teaching me how to change her diaper and swaddle her! I love every interaction between daddy and Sofia and hate when he has to leave for work every morning.

The Christmas season for me has often focused on all the wrong things. I have gotten wrapped up in the shopping, gift giving/recieving, etc. and rarely stopped to reflect on the real reason we celebrate Christmas;  to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ. I have always acknowledged Him during this time,  but only for a few minutes here and there. This year, with Sofia coming right before Christmas, has changed everything for me. All the wordly things have been put out of my mind and I have found myself in the word reading the real story of Christmas and giving thanks to such a loving God for giving the greatest gift to the world, His one and only Son, to give us hope and salvation. My only prayer is that I continue to make Christ the focus of my life year round and not just in December.

Hiccupfartburpsneezecough

Week 2 has been amazing.  I have experienced why it is so difficult for mothers to return to work because for me, every second away from Sofia is unbearable.  Granted not much has truly happened, as far as development, in the first two weeks but the joy she has brought is palpable.  During the day she eats, sleeps and poops.  When she is hungry she fusses enough to get fed and to her feedings are ravenous! By that I mean, she will fight to find the "nip" so much so that even the nurses were calling her Piranha!  It is a sight and ohhh so cute!  When she sleeps she will "Coo" this sound is so precious it makes her daddy melt.  In the middle of the night, I will assume Michelle is asleep, but little Sofie will make a sound that both of us will simultaneously giggle or ohhhh because we secretly sit up listening to her.  The only time this has been a problem is when she will make a random sound, only to be described as a Hiccupfartburpsneezecough that causes mommy and daddy to leap from bed to make sure Sofia is still breathing.  Come to find our precious gift sound asleep or looking around with her melting eyes. Sometimes I will wake in the middle of the night and listen for her (this is why new parents don't sleep) to make sure she is still breathing and once I hear her, coo, cough, poop (hehe) or even Hiccupfartburpsneezecough I can sleep sound knowing my baby girl is ok.  I would go into poop stories but most of you probably know me well enough that because of my obsession with pooping I will be dedicating a post or multiple to stories of poop! (did I repeat the word poop to often, poop!)

Quick mention about Michelle, she has been absolutely, indescribably the best mom!  Her interactive affection to Sofia makes me appreciate, even more, God's gift of her for my life!  She is, without a doubt, meant to be a mother!

- Justin

Sofia's first week

Baby Girl is here!

Praise the Lord our daughter is here and she is amazing.  Within minutes she has completely changed Michelle and I's love; love for each other, love for our family and friends and most importantly love for our heavenly Father.  For the previous 40 weeks (today being her actual due date) we have prayed for a natural delivery but in the final moments before birth, all we cared about was Sofia's safety.  Now 5 days later, our little miracle is happy, safe and with every minute we love her more and think she is more precious. Even today I spent 3 hours at work and could not be home quick enough just to see her.  The other remarkable thing is my wife has blossomed! In the middle of the night I will wake to see her staring at our daughter completely mesmerized with her.  To me this is the most beautiful thing in the world.  My wife, completely in love with our family and our new life! 
I hope not to bore you (truthfully this is for our own record) but if you are interested; here are the order of events that transpired on 12.9.11, Sofia's birth!   This is written as I (Justin) experienced it, but Michelle will add as she wants (in pink). Friday at 10:00am we were to be at Medical Center of Plano to prep Michelle for an external version / C Section.  The day started out weird, kind of like the feeling before going on vacation... anticipation, worry, anxiousness, etc. Looking back it was because we were mentally preparing for the birth of our daughter, not for returning home.  Michelle and I got about 30 minutes of of cuddle time, and my last time to feel Sofia in my wife's belly; which at the time I wish I had known.  We had a good prayer and daddy talked with his daughter telling her not to be afraid and to listen to the doctors... Sofia had the biggest job of all and she needed to know it.  I got out of bed and made some coffee and dove into the word for some wisdom as Michelle showered.  Together we went through our final check list of items in case we were to be at the hospital more than just for the version. 

It was foggy outside, about 40 degrees.  I walked out on our back porch to steal a minute alone and to call Jackie.  We spoke for about 10 minutes.  We needed to.  This was also the first time of the day that I cried, not to be the last. I walked inside and Michelle could tell I was upset but her response I will never forget, "Would you rather have Jackie her for one day our would you rather have your kids grow up together." She was right.  It was time to go, 9:25 and Michelle, Gloria (Michelle's mom) and I left for the hospital.

The two things I remember most about the morning were 1) how overcome with the spirit I was and 2) how beautiful my bride looked.  She was truly as vibrant as our wedding day!  We got to the hospital in a little under 30 minutes and walked straight to labor and delivery with just the cloths on our back.  Room LD 17 was ours and we were immediately approached by our nurses Jody and Kimiesa (Kim).  We went though the normal routine, DOB, weight, family history.  I remember this was when I started to get really nervous.  The CRNA Andrea, who ended up being one of our favorites, asked if anyone in Michelle's family ever failed to wake up from anesthesia.  My eyes were glued to the fetal monitor and my thoughts on my Michelle.  Epidurals were something we both wanted to avoid but was important to relax Michelle's uterus increasing the successes of the procedure.  I held Michelle's hands and stared into those beautiful eyes as the medicine was applied and began to take hold.  Within minutes nausea began to overcome Michelle.  I remember her saying, "this is why I did not want a C Section." For my wife it was not just about the feeling but about the loss of control she now felt.

Michelle's heart rate/Blood pressure dropped sharply bringing on the nausea.  Her blood pressure read 70/35.  The nurses administered ephedrine to increase her vital signs.  Baby's during all this was fine.  Shortly after 12 Dr. Arlene Jacobs and her partner Dr Moss arrived. After a few," how you feelings," and "any questions" we began, it was 12:30.  In the room were the two nurses, patient, both Doctors, Michelle's mom and I.  For me and Glo, the sight of a version was horrifying, unbearable to watch.  The doctor's literally pushed, probed and manipulated her (Sofia) so that Michelle's belly looked as if it wasn't part of her own.  Because of the epidural, Michelle was in no pain, but after 5 to 7 minutes the baby was.  At about half turned, or verted, Sofia's heart rate dropped drastically.  So much so that they applied oxygen to Michelle, Bad Sign!  Abruptly they stopped the version because the baby was not tolerating it, later to find it was because of a shorter umbilical cord.  This is when everything changed for me.  Now both momma and baby are in trouble. Dr Jacobs looked at Michelle and with sorrowful eyes apologized that it was not working.  Michelle cared about only one thing at this point, Sofia's safety! All the worry of epidurals, natural births, c sections, none of that mattered.  With tears streaming down her face she just nodded her approval.  I leaned down kissed my wife on her face and whispered, Sofia is coming!

For me a lot of my emotions of the day came from sharing the experience with others.  My parents, and sisters were anxiously waiting word.  As they frivolously worked on Michelle I turned to Glo and with tear filled eyes I told her to call my parents who were literally waiting at the airport to board a plane... or not.  "Get on that Plane!"  As I put on my scrubs I sent a quick text to Jackie and J D that simply said, "Sofia is coming today!"

I would not leave my wife's side as they wheeled her back to the OR.  Given the success rate of external versions (50%) hospitals prep OR in case what happened happens.  1:00, Michelle and I were hand in hand discussing how out of body this whole thing felt.  Her adrenaline was evident by her shaking which was wildly uncontrollable. A blue curtain was placed at Michelle's chest dividing us from the sight of the surgery.  Dr Jacobs came to me and explained she will let me know when I can look, which felt almost instantaneous.  at 1:28 pm, 3.5 hours after arriving at the hospital and about 30 after being placed in the OR, Dr Jacobs said, here she comes! Camera in hand I stood and peered over the divide to see the emergence of Sofia. Butt first followed by the first cries of our new baby girl! Sofia was born.  One sight I will remember for the rest of my life, a sight that will forever take my breathe away, and a feeling that will always make me smile, laugh, cry, and praise, was the sight of Dr Jacobs place a crying baby girl over the partition to a crying Michelle reaching for her baby girl's hand.  As if a life flashed before my eyes, I witnessed a love that everyone claims you can't describe but only experience.  Yes it was amazing! Yes hearing my daughter cry her first breathe was life changing! Yes I will be forever changed as of 1:28 pm on 12.9.11 but of all things that truly touched my soul was seeing Michelle experience exactly the same thing!

Praise be to God!

38 weeks belly pics

counting down the days

Justin and I could very well have had our last weekend of being completely selfish with our time before our world is rocked! We took full advantage of spending quality time together and enjoyed time with good friends. We are anxiously awaiting Friday and the potential arrival of Sofia. We feel as ready as we can be (at least physically prepared with having all of our i's dotted and t's crossed). At 4:30 this morning I woke up to use the restroom (obviously nothing out of the ordinary at this point) but this morning was different. No matter what I couldn't turn my mind off to go back to sleep, but rather I laid there, feeling Sofia moving all around and giving thanks to God for all my undeserved blessings. These past 9 months, I have loved every second of carrying this baby that the Lord has so perfectly knit together. Feeling her move is the best parts of my day and I just can't imagine what it will be like the first time Justin and I lay our eyes on her. I hope that our daughter has so many of Justin's traits: (physical ones of course, but mostly his joyful spirit, generosity and his ability to love others deeply).