Thursday, June 14, 2012
11.
We all have our lucky numbers. Growing up, mine was 16. But for a while now, I have discovered the number 11 has so many good things related to it, like my favorite time of the day to make a wish; 11:11. How appropriate is it to title this post 11 because 1)Travis is 11 weeks today!! He is growing up so fast and that means I am inching closer and closer to returning back to work. Something I am dreading but also looking forward to at the same time. Being a mom is the most incredible feeling in the world. Its a roller coaster of emotions and I never want to get off this ride. Travis brings such a overpowering joy in my life and I would do anything for him! He reminds me everyday why I am here and what my purpose is. And its to be his mom.
who can resist his cute face!?
My cousin Joana posted this on her blog the other day and tagged me. I couldn't resist! She posted 11 random things about herself followed by 11 questions she created. (I am such a sucker for questionaires; i remember doing them all the time in high school, emails, and myspace! haha) So while the baby is sleeping, I am going to use this little amount of quiet time and have fun with these questions...
11 RANDOM FACTS OF ABOUT GENEVIEVE:
one- i like to hold on to knick knacks. i wouldn't consider myself a hoarder but i do like to keep on to small things because of the memory that is attached to them. i don't know why i do this and i don't do this as much as i used to but i do have two trunks full of memories from when i was little to when i moved out on my own at the age of 19 that i love to look through at times.
two- i am a huge disney geek. i love its history, i love hearing stories from people who have worked for disney, i can watch documentaries about it for hours, i get excited when new things are premiered at the parks, my wish of finally getting into club 33 came true last year, i love seeing disneyland memorabilia.
three- i tried out for american idol twice. looking back, i think the second time was more significant then the first. it was in san diego and i went all by myself. i drove down the first day for registration and the second day for the audition. i waited around all day for my audition and even though i was alone, i didn't feel lonely. i didn't even cry when i didn't the "YOURE GOING TO HOLLYWOOD" ticket.
four- i have three tattoos. my first one is on my left wrist of the "jesus fish" with 413 inside of it representing my favorite childhood bible verse, philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". my second one is on my right wrist and its a g-clef incorporated with a heart, inspired by the musician musiq soulchild. and my third is on my right ribcage/hip area and its of two birds singing to each other with lyrics sung to me by my grandma when i was a child.
five- i wish i could own my bakery or dessert food truck!!! i have this vision in my head and i think about it at least three times a day.
six- i could spend countless hours in target. and i don't need a reason to go to target. just knowing i get to cruise around target with their big red carts with no agenda brings a smile to my face.
seven- if we don't go to church on Sunday, our week feels that it has not started on the right foot. church is very important for our family. its a nutrition that feeds our soul.
eight- i truly enjoy karaoke. i have been doing karaoke since i was six years old! i remember the very first karaoke song i picked out when we bought a karaoke machine. it was BAD by michael jackson. i loved singing that song.
nine- anytime i share the testimony of my gramps and the day he passed away, i feel this warmness in my heart and i am brought to tears. if you were to ask me what his story was, no matter what i am doing at that moment, i would gladly share it with you.
ten- i love naps. naptime is something i always look forward to. i sure do miss them lately. naptimes before were 2 hours of bliss, im lucky if i get a solid 20 minute now. but its all worth it because those minutes missed taking a nap are now spent with Travis.
eleven- i believe i have a high tolerance for pain. i hate the pain of stubbing my toe on furniture though.
One Day At A Time's Questions for You:
1. At this point in your life, what is your biggest accomplishment?
-my biggest accomplishment would be marrying the love of my life and becoming a parent to Travis. Family is important to me.
2. What is a lifelong wish of yours?
-to learn and embrace my heritage. to learn where i came from. i want to share that with my children. and to also visit the world.
3. What would you do if you won the lottery?
-after taking care of all the taxes and paying my tithes, i would spoil my parents. they gave up a lot for us to have better lives and i would love to grant them a few of their wishes.
4. What makes you happy?
-the number 5 from chik fila with a large sweet tea and large fries. YUM.
5. What is your most favored article of clothing and why?
-my wedding dress. just looking at it and i relive our wedding day all over again.
6. What advice do you have for the upcoming generation?
-trust in the Lord with all your heart. don't be influenced by others. discover yourself through your mistakes and don't let failure bring you down.
7. What is your all time favorite song and current favorite song?
-to choose one song as my all time favorite song is impossible. i have too many. but at the moment, i love listening to "call me maybe". i will always love cheesy pop songs.
8. What are your plans for the summer?
-looks like its getting back to work and counting down the days to when i celebrate my 30th birthday.
9. If you are a parent, what is the best part of being one? If you aren't one [yet], do you want to be one, or what are you looking forward to the most when you become a parent?
-the best part of being a parent is know that Travis is a part of me. I look at him and there is so much love radiating that i cry i am so happy. I love rediscovering life through his eyes.
10. Have you found your calling yet in life? If so, what is it?
-to be a parent.
11. What is your favorite thing to do?
-bake and share it with others.
Monday, April 23, 2012
a successful day out...
still can't believe that travis is already 4 weeks old.
*quick side note: does anyone who have kids know how to "measure" their kids age? because technically since travis was born on a sunday, yesterday marks him reaching 4 weeks old. but then if you look at the calendar, the 25th of april is this wednesday which would also mark him being a month old. see what i mean? its confusing!! let me know if you figured it out! [back to the show]*
being a month meant that it would be "safer" to take travis to outings. yes, we have been told that there isn't an appropriate age of when you are allowed to take a newborn out but to be cautious. going to the store for a quick errand or a walk around your neighborhood is absolutely safe. but be smart!! so we've done our shares of target errands (seriously, how i could stay away from target??), grocery runs, or the occasional dinner out but today marked a real full day of adventures for travis. we went to the bank, a visit to the mall, lunch and ice cream at ferrells for greer's birthday (if you have not been to a ferrells, i highly recommend going and saving some room cause their desserts are delicious and make you feel like a kid! they have whats called the zoo and serves 10 people!!!) and then closing the day with dinner at el toritos! and travis was just amazing!! lets just say, he has is already the ladies man. i just feel so blessed with how well he does in different enviroments. he never throws a fit or is startled easily. he is content in his stroller or in my arms. he doesn't just kind of hangs out and observes everything around him. i have noticed he is really lifting his head a lot. i am just so in awe of how much he has grown already and its only been 4 weeks. as much as he is discovering new things everyday, i feel that i am discovering the joys of seeing him grow and i am loving every moment.
its 11:30 and were quietly tucked away in bed, he is fast asleep next to me in his bassinet. i am so thankful for today. i am excited for all the fun things that are in the coming weeks including mother's day. my first mother's day as a mommy. we are having brunch at knotts berry farm (i've heard its delicious!!) with the grandparents and aunts/uncles. i can't wait. but before all the fun, we need to get our sleep. i think we are all going to get some good sleep tonite...
Thursday, April 19, 2012
field trip to the pediatrician
i remember going to the pediatrician as a kid and looking forward to getting mc'ds afterwards (my "reward" for not crying or throwing a fit when the doctor checked my ears). i can't believe that i am now the one taking my child to the pediatrician and having to be confident and fearless for them.
today was travis' 3 week visit to his pediatrician (THANK YOU sarah btw for recommending your sister in law! we love her and are so happy to have her as travis' pediatrician). we were excited to find out just how big travis had gotten since his last visit. travis was such a trooper while the nurse took his measurements. so here are his official measurements:
(as of 3.29.2012): Travis Evan Barry
i can't believe that we are just 3 days shy of Travis' being a month old. time really flew by. he even "rolled over" during tummy time!! (i am trying to tell myself that it was just a crazy coincidence cause he's technically a bit too young to do that on his own but then again, i am not shy to brag that he could be advanced. haha) i can't wait to see what adventures travis will take us on as we venture into his second month...
today was travis' 3 week visit to his pediatrician (THANK YOU sarah btw for recommending your sister in law! we love her and are so happy to have her as travis' pediatrician). we were excited to find out just how big travis had gotten since his last visit. travis was such a trooper while the nurse took his measurements. so here are his official measurements:
i can't believe that we are just 3 days shy of Travis' being a month old. time really flew by. he even "rolled over" during tummy time!! (i am trying to tell myself that it was just a crazy coincidence cause he's technically a bit too young to do that on his own but then again, i am not shy to brag that he could be advanced. haha) i can't wait to see what adventures travis will take us on as we venture into his second month...
Monday, April 16, 2012
3 weeks strong and growing...
i can't believe that travis is one week shy of being a month old!! all the little things he does just amaze evan and i. we could seriously just stare at him for hours and be amazed at how much he has blessed our life.
in the past three weeks, travis has grown so much. i remember trying to find pants that would fit him when he was a week old and now some of those pants barely reach his feet! his cute little smiles are becoming a daily routine when he takes naps. and now, he is starting to focus on things including a teddy bear mobile that hangs over his pack and play. he is completely engulfed in those little bears everytime we do a diaper change. his appetite has definitely increased. last wednesday through friday, it seemed like he went through a growth spurt; he was attached to me almost every hour, feeding for 20-30 minutes at a time. he is starting to get a little double chin and i think its adorable! at two weeks old, travis was able to venture to church to celebrate his first easter. it was a success and he didn't cry the entire service. he finally woke up as we were leaving.
so much has changed for us and we are still learning how to accomplish things (like changing a diaper quicker so we don't get pee'd on! haha) but we feel so lucky cause it has been pretty easy so far. his cries are few and his diapers are full (with his growing appetite means more diaper changes!). we are getting a good amount of sleep and his nap times allow us to do other things like laundry or the dishes (or grab a quick bite to eat). i can't wait to take him out to the dog park with brewsky or visit family and friends. with the summertime around the corner, we should have some fun family fieldtrips lined up.
sleepytime with daddy
bathtime with mommy
in the past three weeks, travis has grown so much. i remember trying to find pants that would fit him when he was a week old and now some of those pants barely reach his feet! his cute little smiles are becoming a daily routine when he takes naps. and now, he is starting to focus on things including a teddy bear mobile that hangs over his pack and play. he is completely engulfed in those little bears everytime we do a diaper change. his appetite has definitely increased. last wednesday through friday, it seemed like he went through a growth spurt; he was attached to me almost every hour, feeding for 20-30 minutes at a time. he is starting to get a little double chin and i think its adorable! at two weeks old, travis was able to venture to church to celebrate his first easter. it was a success and he didn't cry the entire service. he finally woke up as we were leaving.
so much has changed for us and we are still learning how to accomplish things (like changing a diaper quicker so we don't get pee'd on! haha) but we feel so lucky cause it has been pretty easy so far. his cries are few and his diapers are full (with his growing appetite means more diaper changes!). we are getting a good amount of sleep and his nap times allow us to do other things like laundry or the dishes (or grab a quick bite to eat). i can't wait to take him out to the dog park with brewsky or visit family and friends. with the summertime around the corner, we should have some fun family fieldtrips lined up.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
i can't believe that its almost two weeks since the day Travis was born. funny because yesterday was technically his due date (people swore he was going to be late, but just like his mama, he was ready to come early! haha). as i look back on that day, i can't help but smile and shed a tear of joy...
friday, march 23rd. 9am. my stomach had been experiencing false contractions for the past two weeks, nothing painful but definitely noticeable. just like any other first time mom, i had done my share of reading and attended all the birthing classes to know that there was nothing to worry about and just wait patiently for the arrival of our little one. i was supposed to go and watch the hunger games but since it was a late showing, i decided to be "responsible" and stay home instead. at 8pm, my stomach was starting to get uncomfortable. again, i decided to just relax and indulged in a almost three hour nap. when evan came home that night from work, i mentioned to him the tightness in my stomach as we go to bed. little did i know, the next few hours would be sleepless.
saturday, march 24th. i couldn't fall asleep. my stomach was so uncomfortable that nothing i did could distract me from it. i drank glass after glass of water. i walked around for a little bit.i changed sleeping positions. no luck. i decided to start timing my contractions. they were 5-10 minutes apart. no pattern at all. finally, at 5 am, i decide to wake up evan. "hey babe, i think we need to go to the hospital". groggy eyes and all, we quietly drive to UCI hospital in Orange. we arrive and discover that the labor and delivery ward was quite busy, despite the early hour. i had to wait an hour before even getting an observation bed! it was finally my turn to be seen by the doctor. we discover that i am 80% effaced, at plus 1 (baby was very low in my pelvic bone) and 1 cm dilated. the doctor instructs me to walk for 2 hours to see if i progress since they couldn't admit me due to early measurements. i remember walking around with evan inside and outside of the hospital in my unflattering hospital gown thinking that the baby will soon be in our arms. thank goodness for evan being an awesome breathing coach because my contractions were getting stronger and starting to take my breath away. after two hours, we return to labor and delivery to hear that there was no progress. the doctor instructs us to go home (HORRIBLE WORDS TO HEAR WHEN ALL YOU WANT IS FOR THE BABY TO COME OUT!) and try to do stuff like have lunch, watch a movie, go shopping. basically anything that distracts me from my contractions but to return to the hospital if my contractions become very painful or if my water breaks. i sadly look at evan who hands me my clothes. i stand up to feel [this is when it starts to get graphic!] wetness drip down my leg. i look down to see a small puddle form on the tile. i glance up at evan "thats not pee cause i can't pinch it to make it stop!" the nurse overhears me. "OH! looks like you are not going home, your water broke". evan and i are in shock but also excited!! its really happening! we are then moved into our labor and delivery room (a very large and nice room with a view). the doctor decides to check me again "baby is really low! looks like we may have a baby by 7 tonite!!" the next 24 hours seemed like an eternity...
i wasn't dilating. so pitocin was introduced. i was also tested positive for strep b (something that doesn't harm adults but can be dangerous to a newborn) so i was also given penicillin every 4 hours through my ivy so i had a very achy burning sensation in my left arm. my contractions continued to increase with intensity while the pitocin tried to aid in my dilation process. evan was such an amazing breathing coach and helped me stay calm during each contraction, despite the tightness and pain growing in my belly. the doctor continued to check me every so often. i wasn't progressing well so they decided to up my pitocin intake to speed things up a bit more. around 2:30pm, my contractions had gone from uncomfortable to tears streaming down my face. "we are going to turn off the pitocin for you because your contractions are really really strong" the nurse could tell i was in pain. not only that, but the baby wasn't reacting to the pitocin well so then i was given extra oxygen to help the baby. at this point, i wasn't scared but definitely getting a bit stressed. the last thing we would want is for the baby to be stressed during the delivery. after 30 minutes, my contractions had still not lessened in intensity, my body had taken over the strength of the contractions. thats when evan said "don't be a hero babe! if you are in pain, remember, the epidural will take another hour or so before it kicks in so if you want it, its best to get it as soon as possible." i listened to his advice and requested the epidural. sure enough, i had to wait over an hour for the epidural procedure. there are precautions, questions, observations and setting up that needs to be done before i am even asked to hunch over like a scared cat so they can give me the epidural. i remember the anesthesiologist saying that the local anetheshia placed in my back will burn and hurt and when she did it, it wasn't painful at all. i joked how my tattoo hurt more then that! the procedure wasn't bad at all (i guess it depends on your tolerance of pain) and soon i could feel my entire lower body go numb. i couldn't feel my contractions at all! it was wonderful. i was able to visit with my parents and evans parents in our L/D room before i started to drift into dreamland. i needed that sleep too since i hadn't slept at all for almost 24 hours.
sunday, march 25th. 5am. another check by the doctor. i was finally at 4 cm. thats when things started to speed up. before we knew it, it was 11am and i was completely effaced and at 9 cm. the doctor decides its time for me to sit up in a labor position and start laboring down to get me at a full 10 cm. both evan and i are so ready for this baby to be born. at noon, its time to start pushing. my contractions were still about 4-5 minutes apart so between my pushes, i was able to have conversations with the nurse and the doctor; nothing like the movies with continuous pushing and sweating and discomfort. i am so thankful for the nurse and doctor because they made my delivery peaceful and i was at ease even though they noticed that my epidural was very low. they gave me the encouragement to push through and get the baby delivered despite the lack of medicine. i could feel the immense pressure in my lower area and that made me even push harder. and finally, at 1:46pm, with all my might, Travis Evan Barry was born. "he is so small!" they gently placed him on my bare chest and tears of joy filled my eyes. Travis first cry was music to our ears. i was holding our new born son. it was the most incredible feeling and there is no way to describe it. the moment just takes your breath away. time stops and all is well in the world for those precious moments. all the pain i had gone through in the last 36 hours was worth it. at 5 lbs 9 oz and 19 inches, Travis fit perfectly in our arms.
travis evan barry (taken a few minutes after being born)
proud daddy holding travis for the first time
already, as i gaze upon travis while he naps or sits in his lamb rocker, i see he has grown so much. i am trying to take in every minute while he still this small because i know he will grow fast. our family is so blessed and travis is proof of that. becoming a parent truly changes your an entire outlook on life. yes, i am still the same person. i just know that what i do and say isn't just for myself, its for travis and our family.
friday, march 23rd. 9am. my stomach had been experiencing false contractions for the past two weeks, nothing painful but definitely noticeable. just like any other first time mom, i had done my share of reading and attended all the birthing classes to know that there was nothing to worry about and just wait patiently for the arrival of our little one. i was supposed to go and watch the hunger games but since it was a late showing, i decided to be "responsible" and stay home instead. at 8pm, my stomach was starting to get uncomfortable. again, i decided to just relax and indulged in a almost three hour nap. when evan came home that night from work, i mentioned to him the tightness in my stomach as we go to bed. little did i know, the next few hours would be sleepless.
saturday, march 24th. i couldn't fall asleep. my stomach was so uncomfortable that nothing i did could distract me from it. i drank glass after glass of water. i walked around for a little bit.i changed sleeping positions. no luck. i decided to start timing my contractions. they were 5-10 minutes apart. no pattern at all. finally, at 5 am, i decide to wake up evan. "hey babe, i think we need to go to the hospital". groggy eyes and all, we quietly drive to UCI hospital in Orange. we arrive and discover that the labor and delivery ward was quite busy, despite the early hour. i had to wait an hour before even getting an observation bed! it was finally my turn to be seen by the doctor. we discover that i am 80% effaced, at plus 1 (baby was very low in my pelvic bone) and 1 cm dilated. the doctor instructs me to walk for 2 hours to see if i progress since they couldn't admit me due to early measurements. i remember walking around with evan inside and outside of the hospital in my unflattering hospital gown thinking that the baby will soon be in our arms. thank goodness for evan being an awesome breathing coach because my contractions were getting stronger and starting to take my breath away. after two hours, we return to labor and delivery to hear that there was no progress. the doctor instructs us to go home (HORRIBLE WORDS TO HEAR WHEN ALL YOU WANT IS FOR THE BABY TO COME OUT!) and try to do stuff like have lunch, watch a movie, go shopping. basically anything that distracts me from my contractions but to return to the hospital if my contractions become very painful or if my water breaks. i sadly look at evan who hands me my clothes. i stand up to feel [this is when it starts to get graphic!] wetness drip down my leg. i look down to see a small puddle form on the tile. i glance up at evan "thats not pee cause i can't pinch it to make it stop!" the nurse overhears me. "OH! looks like you are not going home, your water broke". evan and i are in shock but also excited!! its really happening! we are then moved into our labor and delivery room (a very large and nice room with a view). the doctor decides to check me again "baby is really low! looks like we may have a baby by 7 tonite!!" the next 24 hours seemed like an eternity...
i wasn't dilating. so pitocin was introduced. i was also tested positive for strep b (something that doesn't harm adults but can be dangerous to a newborn) so i was also given penicillin every 4 hours through my ivy so i had a very achy burning sensation in my left arm. my contractions continued to increase with intensity while the pitocin tried to aid in my dilation process. evan was such an amazing breathing coach and helped me stay calm during each contraction, despite the tightness and pain growing in my belly. the doctor continued to check me every so often. i wasn't progressing well so they decided to up my pitocin intake to speed things up a bit more. around 2:30pm, my contractions had gone from uncomfortable to tears streaming down my face. "we are going to turn off the pitocin for you because your contractions are really really strong" the nurse could tell i was in pain. not only that, but the baby wasn't reacting to the pitocin well so then i was given extra oxygen to help the baby. at this point, i wasn't scared but definitely getting a bit stressed. the last thing we would want is for the baby to be stressed during the delivery. after 30 minutes, my contractions had still not lessened in intensity, my body had taken over the strength of the contractions. thats when evan said "don't be a hero babe! if you are in pain, remember, the epidural will take another hour or so before it kicks in so if you want it, its best to get it as soon as possible." i listened to his advice and requested the epidural. sure enough, i had to wait over an hour for the epidural procedure. there are precautions, questions, observations and setting up that needs to be done before i am even asked to hunch over like a scared cat so they can give me the epidural. i remember the anesthesiologist saying that the local anetheshia placed in my back will burn and hurt and when she did it, it wasn't painful at all. i joked how my tattoo hurt more then that! the procedure wasn't bad at all (i guess it depends on your tolerance of pain) and soon i could feel my entire lower body go numb. i couldn't feel my contractions at all! it was wonderful. i was able to visit with my parents and evans parents in our L/D room before i started to drift into dreamland. i needed that sleep too since i hadn't slept at all for almost 24 hours.
sunday, march 25th. 5am. another check by the doctor. i was finally at 4 cm. thats when things started to speed up. before we knew it, it was 11am and i was completely effaced and at 9 cm. the doctor decides its time for me to sit up in a labor position and start laboring down to get me at a full 10 cm. both evan and i are so ready for this baby to be born. at noon, its time to start pushing. my contractions were still about 4-5 minutes apart so between my pushes, i was able to have conversations with the nurse and the doctor; nothing like the movies with continuous pushing and sweating and discomfort. i am so thankful for the nurse and doctor because they made my delivery peaceful and i was at ease even though they noticed that my epidural was very low. they gave me the encouragement to push through and get the baby delivered despite the lack of medicine. i could feel the immense pressure in my lower area and that made me even push harder. and finally, at 1:46pm, with all my might, Travis Evan Barry was born. "he is so small!" they gently placed him on my bare chest and tears of joy filled my eyes. Travis first cry was music to our ears. i was holding our new born son. it was the most incredible feeling and there is no way to describe it. the moment just takes your breath away. time stops and all is well in the world for those precious moments. all the pain i had gone through in the last 36 hours was worth it. at 5 lbs 9 oz and 19 inches, Travis fit perfectly in our arms.
already, as i gaze upon travis while he naps or sits in his lamb rocker, i see he has grown so much. i am trying to take in every minute while he still this small because i know he will grow fast. our family is so blessed and travis is proof of that. becoming a parent truly changes your an entire outlook on life. yes, i am still the same person. i just know that what i do and say isn't just for myself, its for travis and our family.
Friday, April 6, 2012
starting up again
hi everyone! i can't believe that the last time i updated my little blog was last november 2011. so much has happened since then including the arrival of Travis Evan Barry on March 25, 2012. As antsy and impatient i was to him being born, his timing was even sooner then I had wished for. With that said, he arrived healthy and beautiful. i hope to keep up with this blog and try to blog as much as possible (especially since most of my day i have an adorable little guy cuddling in my arms which would make it difficult to type with just one hand). i know there still quite a few people who have yet to hear the story of Travis' birth so i am going to save that for later today. so stay tuned...story time is just around the corner.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
a house full of boys!!
I can't believe we have reached the 18 week mark! We still have a lot of weeks to go but knowing the 1/2 way mark is just around the corner is so thrilling!!! If you haven't been on facebook or have been hiding under a rock, you most likely didn't hear the news that we found out what we are having yesterday at our ultrasound. We are having a BOY!! Here's how those moments unfolded:
"okay guys, im going to take some measurements of the baby. would you like to find out what you are having?""yes!!!"
a few minutes pass and we quietly observe as different angles are shown on the screen but none giving clues to the gender of the baby..."okay you guys ready?" i look up at the screen and there was no denying what we saw! (my jaw was dropping as i said this)"is that what i think it is?"the ultrasound tech started to laugh"Yes it is! It's a boy!" we were both stunned. I looked over to Evan who had a gigantic smile on his face. In my head, 1000's of thoughts were racing. I couldn't help but just smile in amazement that a little boy was growing inside of me.
The thought of us having a little boy is still sinking in. We are on cloud nine right now. I told Evan that those cute basketball courts for will be soon taking over our living room and I don't mind one bit. Everyone thought we were having a girl (including us!). Good thing we didn't place a bet! haha.
Thank you to everyone who celebrated and congratulated us yesterday through facebook, texts, and phone calls. We are so loved by many and we couldn't ask for anything more. This year has been a year of blessings and we have so much to be thankful for.
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