More photos....and videos!

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You're blocking my sun Mom

We finally had a nice day over the weekend and Denver, Helena and I spent some time out by the lake shore. Here are some of the moments we captured. She's way too cool in those shades!

I've got one hand in my pocket

No, Helena hasn't learned to put her hands in her pockets. I'm still getting over the fact that her pants actually have pockets. Explain to me, somebody, why my baby needs pockets on her pants? Those Baby Gap designers are somewhere still having a laugh about it, I'm sure.

Denver put her hand in her pocket, we had a chuckle, and I snapped a photo. Thus marks the beginning of many unknowingly entertaining/embarrassing moments for Helena.

Helena Who?

So on Helena's Baptism morning, she did what any normal baby would do- on the ride to the church she spit up ALL over her beautiful outfit. She had the booties, the adorable bib and the little heirloom dress with a matching sweater and in 10 seconds it was soaked- all of it.

Luckily, I had a change of clothes. But it was a white footed one piece so as Helena was up on the alter she was the one baby who looked like her mom woke up, rolled out of bed and decided today was the day to Baptize her child.

As we arrived at the church, I headed right for the bathroom for a changing table. Being a church, the first person who walks in offers support.

"Do you need any help?"

I wouldn't even know where to begin.

The second person who walks in is a little old lady. Church Lady #1, if you will.

"OH look at this precious little baby, look at her! What's her name?"

"Helena."

"Katrina?"

"No no, He-lee-na."

"Selena?"

"No no, with an H, HEH-LEE-NA."

"OOh, Elaina. How old is she?"

"Two months."

"Oh she's just precious"

At this point she walks into the stall as Church Lady #2 enters the bathroom. She just oh's and ah's and heads to the stall but in the mean time Church Lady #1 becomes my spokes person.

Church Lady #2 "That baby is adorable, what's her name?"

Church Lady #1 (shouting from the neighboring stall) "Elaina and she's four months old, isn't she precious?"

Church Lady #2 "Oh my yes."

Oh my indeed.

Contest Worthy

I'm not trying to brag (yes I am), but I'm pretty sure that I could win some sort of million dollar sweepstakes with this photo.  Not only am I an incredible photographer, but this just happens to be the cutest picture ever.  

See this, and more at http://gallery.me.com/kristen.hagan.

Whatchamacallit

Remember pregnancy brain? Of course you do. It was the reason for many an imbecilic discussion between Denver and myself. Well, here is the kicker. It never leaves. I mean, maybe if you get pregnant again it cancels itself out, but I'm afraid pregnancy brain has turned into mom brain.

I notice it most with simple words like car, train or baby.

"Hey Denver, will come over and hold the um, the uh, hold the..."

"The baby?"

"Yeah, will you hold the baby while I go grab the laundry?"

Someone call child services.

Sike.

And I'm spent...

As you can imagine, I have experienced PLENTY of incidents and events that are not only blog worthy, but would probably make some of you physically ill.  For today, I thought I would just run down the course of events leading to Helena's birth day, (in the most vague language possible) in case you missed hearing it from the horse's mouth.

March 9, 2009

7:15AM  

My water breaks.  Did you know only one in ten women experience this?  I was in full-blown denial at this point.  I went to get a third pair of underpants when Denver looked at me and the puddle below and asked, "Did your water break?"  To which I giggled and simply said "Nah!"

8:00AM

We get to Triage at Prentice Women's Hospital where they confirm that my water has broken and I am contracting.  I feel zero pain at this point and I am just a giddy, chatty mess.  

10:00AM

I head to the Labor & Delivery room where I have a sick view of Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive.  I realize that I'm incredibly hungry but I am forbidden to eat until I deliver the baby.

1:00PM

I'm still hungry and I still don't have any pain.  

4:00PM

GIVE ME THE EPIDURAL!

9:00PM

By this point I've made almost no progress.  All of these contractions and no progress.  I'm hungry and anxious.

10:00PM

I am devouring ice chips.

10:15PM

I snap at Denver when he asks if I want more ice chips.

March 10, 2009

1:00AM

Doctor says to start pushing! (FINALLY)

5:05AM

Our Baby Girl arrives!!!  My exhaustion & hunger is traded in for shear joy and overwhelming emotion.

Hello Helena!!