Announcing the birth

I am proud to announce the birth of our beautiful baby girl. But first:

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THE STORY

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Around 9:00, Beth sent me a text that she thought she might be having contractions 7 minutes apart. I replied back asking if she was still in bed and she said she was getting up to take a shower. She then sent one asking if amniotic fluid was clear or yellowish. I told her I thought clear and to let me know when she was out of the shower. In the meantime I googled and found that generally it's clear, but can be other colors.

When she got out of the shower she called and she said the contractions had went away once she got up and that what she had leaking was yellowish. So I told her she could call the doctor if she wanted a better answer. In the mean time, I went on with work as I figured it was just false labor and urine leaking, but just in case, I decided to have my Friday meeting with my boss earlier rather than later. I was only in his office about 5 minutes when one of the secretaries came in and said "Dan, you need to call Beth, her water broke. She just called." So I quickly headed to my desk and called Beth back and as everyone looked on asking "Is it time?" shut down my computer and headed out. When I got home, I literally ran into the building and to the elevator.

On the way to the hospital, Beth had a couple of contractions but they were irregular and stopped once we got to the birth center. The nurse checked and said her bag did break but they couldn't tell which part of the baby was presenting because Beth was hardly dilated and the cervix and the baby were still very high up. Because of the risk of a prolapsed cord, she had to stay in bed. When the Dr. checked her, she confirmed that Natalia was head down, so we could proceed with labor and hoping for a vaginal birth, but there were still some decent chances that we may have to have a c-section.

We started pitocin and contractions finally started around 12-12:30, but remained irregular. By 5:00 they were pretty intense and Beth went for the stadol (as opposed to an epidural). That helped for nearly 2 hours and then she needed another dose. By 9:30 or so, they checked her and she was at 5cm. She was able to hold off on another dose of pain medicine for a little bit, but soon after was having a hard time and felt the urge to push. We convinced her to hold off and paged the nurse. The nurse was going to get the Dr. to see if she could have another dose, but when she heard that Beth felt the urge to push, she checked and found that she was fully dilated at 10 cm. So instead of more pain medicine she prepped for pushing and got the Dr. Beth's mother and I held her legs and counted for her and with probably only about 15 minutes of pushing Beth delivered our beautiful baby girl. Beth of course immediately turned to smiles and didn't appear to feel an ounce of pain and I broke down into an emotional wreck at the joy and beauty of this new life.

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THE DETAILS

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Natalia Rachel Harkness

Born: 2/19/10 at 10:34 PM

Weight: 5 lb 14 oz.

Length: 18.9 inches

Hair: Very little, appears to be blonde

Pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/harkyfam/BabyNataliaAtBirth?authkey=Gv1sRgCNbkpM232enkiQE&feat=directlink

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THE PRAISE

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I would like to give praise to God for watching over Beth and Natalia during this delivery, for keeping Beth strong and giving her endurance, and for both mother and baby being healthy. I praise him for the incredible gifts he has given me: salvation and 2 amazing women (ok, 1 woman, 1 baby girl). Your work is beautiful.

I would like to praise Beth for being amazing. Your strength and determination were incredible. I knew that you could do it and your ability to fight through the pain without giving in to the epidural was great. I knew that you had it in you and am so proud of you. When you were pushing you were phenomenal. I also thank you for not biting off my head for getting you pregnant and putting in all that pain. I am amazed by you and in awe of your capabilities. I know you are going to make an amazing mother and can't wait to experience this journey together.

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THE THANKS

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Again, I must start off with God. Thank you for protecting my wife and baby girl and bringing them through this with good health. Thank you for my wife and our baby girl.

Thank you to Beth for being so strong and for giving me the gift of a baby girl.

Thank you to Beth's parents for being there and providing support throughout the labor and delivery.

Thank you to all of you who prayed for us and sent their wishes.

Thank you to Natalia for finally coming out and meeting us and for being so little so that you could make it a bit easier for your mommy.

Valentine's Day.....

Sunday was Valentine's Day and Dan and I agreed not to get each other anything. Well, that is easier said than done. His beard trimming thingy was on the verge of dying and parts were breaking. He would use it as long as he possibly could if I let him. He does so much for Natalia and I, so she and I went shopping (not that she had choice in the matter) and we bought a new one! Nothing speaks romance like a new beard trimming thingy right? :) After he opened his gift, I blurted out, the romance is gone. I didn't mean this and wanted to put the words back into my mouth as they fell out. But, I couldn't.

Dan was finishing up taxes and we just had a lazy Sunday morning which is very rare for us since we go to small group and church on Sunday's. But, lately I have been wake most of the night rather than sleeping, so I was able to sleep a little bit longer Sunday morning and just enjoyed not having to rush.

Dan had to go shopping for our dinner and while he was gone, I did what I do best, I took a nap! It was nice and very much needed. He also had to get a gift, since I got him something, he felt bad that he didn't get me anything. Well, he did what we agreed on, but even a card would of been nice. That's besides the point. So, he came home and ran to the kitchen with bags in hand. He brought me the card first, and it said, "Don't tell anyone what I got you for Valentine's Day. I promise the romance isn't gone, but that's what they'll think." He got me a new mop and a broom! I was actually very happy for both of these. I threw out our old broom in Peoria and had to borrow a neighbors broom. Our mop didn't have anything to wring it out, so I had to do it by hand when I washed the floors. Gross!! So, he got me one that wrings out without my help. He also took my car for a car wash (MUCH NEEDED) and he got me flowers. On the back of the card were two coupons. One for a free broom and mop of the kitchen floor (I will wait until Natalia makes a HUGE mess to redeem this one) and the other was for a 15 minute massage.

Then, I watched TV while Dan made a delicious dinner. Steak, sauteed mushrooms, baked potato and veggies. MmM. It was perfect. There was red wine as well, but my taste buds are off and it wasn't for me. We ate by candle light and I literally had butterflies in my tummy. Dan got dressed up for the dinner too! As we sat there I was falling in love with him all over again. The dinners that we share from now on are super specail because soon, very soon, there will 3 of us and a candle light dinner may not happen as often as we would like.

After dinner we watched my most favorite Disney movie, "Beauty and The Beast!" I have seen this movie a dozen times, but it never gets old. During the dinner scene they play my favorite song, "Beauty and The Beast," and I asked Dan to dance. It was perfect. It is a moment that I will truly never forget. Right now, the simple things in life mean the most to me. Hormones? Very well could be, but either way, I am so happy with our life right now. Ok, so it would be a little bit better if Natalia was here instead of hurting ribs and pushing on my bladder every 5 minutes.

Valentine's Day 2010 is a day that I will never forget. Now, what other day in February will I never forget, well that just depends when Natalia is born!!

Bye for now.




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Signature Figured Out!!!!

Just added a signature and I am thrilled that I was able to figure it out!!!!!!!!! :) Are you thrilled too??

**There are a lot of braxton hicks contractions going on!! Bring on the real ones please!!!!**

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This Month.....

**Advance warning---there is a lot of "venting" in this post.**

**I feel a millions times better after writing this, thank you for reading and the wonderful comments you will leave** :)

Can you all believe that this month Dan and I will each have a new identity? Mommy and Daddy are such sweet words to my ears. Yes, I am fully aware that she won't be able to say these words for some time, but none then less, we won't just be a son and daughter, brother or sister, friend, husband and wife, nephew or niece (you get the picture) we will be a mom and dad as well.

How am I feeling right now you ask? I have so many emotions going through me right now that when Dan left to head back to work after lunch I just started crying. Why? Who knows! I get spoiled by the weekends that is for sure. I enjoy our one on one time so much and cherish our time together, but soon that will all change. I am ready for that change, but it came sooner than I thought. For 37 weeks I have been pregnant, but in reality it hasn't felt that long! Okay, so maybe the last few weeks have dragged on because Natalia is running out of room and I am running out of energy to put a dang pair of socks on! But, I am over come with joy to finally meet this little miracle that has taken up residency in my body. I am ready to wake up in the morning and not have to worry about making it to the sink in time. I am scared about the unknown of labor and delivery. Sure I know what might happen, what could happen, or what will in fact happen. But, I am or try to be organized and I am planner. I plan out what I am going to wear at night for the next day, I plan out lunch the night before, I plan out weekends, weeks in advance. The fact that this is one event in our lives that I can't plan really makes me a tad bit nervous. ALL of the bags are packed, the pillows, the snack bag for my mom and Dan, the blood cord box, the relaxing music, and the car seat are all set to go. This is just one time that I will have to fly by the seat of my pants and I will be quite honest, I don't like it!!! So, Natalia can you give mommy a heads up when you think you might come? Didn't think so, but it was worth a shot.

We had some friends over for dinner on Sunday and there was some straightening up that needed to be done, nothing major and I got yelled at for getting on the floor and dusting! Granted I had to bend really low and practically squish Natalia (she was not harmed in any way) but Dan got really upset with me and told me to sit down and relax and he will take care of everything. He told me to take advantage of him saying that because soon I won't have that luxury of just sitting back and relaxing. So, that is what I did. It was very nice!! After everyone left and we were able to relax he gave me the most incredible massage ever. My back was in desperate need of it, and he knew it somehow. Thank you Dan!!!!

Okay, well after that post I feel much better and I think I am going to update my address book so when announcements are ready to go out, I will be able to just slap a label on the envelopes.

Random pregnancy facts about me......

Pregnancy is different for everyone, but here are some random facts about from the last 8 months or so......

1. I was the first to find out we were pregnant, Dan was 3rd! My pal Kari was the 2nd, only because I knew she would be just thrilled as I was since I had played an April fools joke on her the year before.

2. The first test I took the line was VERY faint, so I sent Dan a frantic text to get another test. He was at Dollar General and did get a test, $1 test! What in the world!! So, at 9 PM we took a trip to Wal-Mart and got Clearblue Easy. As soon as we got home I took the test and PREGNANT popped up on the screen!

3. Our 3 year wedding anniversary was June 9, 2009 and we found out the thrilling news on June 10, 2009.

4. We told my parents the weekend of Father's Day. We were out to dinner with my brother, his girlfriend Dana, and my parents. We said we had a belated anniversary gift for my parents (their anniversary is June 6)! The opened the gift and I told them just to read the back of the picture frame which was holding a picture of Dan and I and a Harkness in the oven. The back of the frame said, Price of picture . 20 cents, Price of frame $4.18, Realizing there are 3 people in this picture PRICELESS! My parents were speechless. It was perfect.

5. Dan's family didn't find out until July. His mom and step dad and grandparents arrived on a Friday early evening. Dan wanted them to have a snack before dinner. Everyone got a tiny bowl with M&M's. The M&M's had the words Baby Harkness Is On The Way. Everyone was thrilled. Now, we were able to tell friends and the rest of the families!!

6. The start of the 9th week I had daily sickness, and I had it bad! Breakfast was a lost cause. Lunch varied as well as dinner. I don't know why I bothered to eat at all. My body was not adjusting well to the baby growing inside of me.

7. I LOVE mexican to pieces, and that is one cuisine I have had to put aside and not eat. I could eat it, and then immediately following I would be in the bathroom. So, just to save myself the time and energy, I have not eaten mexican in a REALLY, REALLY, long time.

8. I tried the fish oil vitamins and wanted to gag every time I attempted them. Finally, I said NO and haven't taken them since.

9. The smell in the Peoria apartment hall was bad enough that I either had to hold my breath or breathe and get sick. It was just myself that had this problem.

10. I used to cough an odd cough before I would get sick, and Dan, my mom and a few coworkers knew the cough.

11. I have know from very early on that we were having a girl. Mother's intuition? Who knows, but deep down I knew and I was right!

12. I have only gained 9 pounds this whole pregnancy. My doctor was very concerned in the beginning, but since Natalia is right on track she doesn't mind anymore. So then, after she is born I will end up losing more right?!?! The fact that food was my enemy in the beginning didn't help at all.

13. I couldn't drink skim milk without having chocolate mix in it for a very long time.

14. 2% milk has been the best thing for me!

15. I crave oranges more now than any other time in my life! For a while orange juice would not stay down, but finally, it has!!!!!!!

16. My belly button has NOT popped out yet, but at night I fear it might when Natalia is pushing on it!

17. I have given up on shaving my legs. Dan has graciously volunteered to do it on Saturday mornings when needed. Awwwww.

18. The nursery is complete and I vacuum it 2 times a week. :)

19. My wedding ring still fits, for a while it was pretty loose, but now it is just right.

20. Last night (1-26-10') we were able to hear Natalia's heartbeat on our fetal monitor that we bought when I was 20ish something weeks in hopes to hear it back then. The $30 that we spent on it, was finally worth it last night!!!

21. Natalia is being named after a dear friend of mine, Natalie, that passed away when we were Juniors in high school. We became friends when we were 5 years old and in Kindergarten. She lived a mere 7 houses away from me.

Her middle name Rachel is also after a dear friend of mine that passed away March 24, 2009. The day after my birthday. When Rachel didn't call me on or after my birthday I was going to call her. But, I was too late. Rachel and I met in 2003 on the College program and she is one of the best girls I have had the privilege to know.

22. I can eat Twix or Caramello anytime of the day! For a while chocolate was not a good choice either.

23. My size 11 shoes are waaaaaayyyy to tight for my feet. They don't make cute shoes in size 12!

24. Heart burn has been a regular thing at night and for the longest time I didn't know it was heart burn. Then, I asked Dan about the buring feeling in my chest and found out, I was having heart burn. Tums! My best friend.

25. I want to sleep for longer than 1.5- 2 hours without getting up to use the bathroom!!!!!!!

That is about all I have for now. I am sure my list could go on and on. But, I am in need of some water and a couch!

Bye for now,

Beth

Falling In Love....All Over Again

The 9th, my parents, Aunt Maryla, Aunt Debbie, Faretta, and Holli threw Dan and I and Natalia the best baby shower ever. After loading the van with our treasures, you would of thought we robbed a baby store! We came home from the shower and unloaded the van into our living room. The treasures have been sitting there since then, and slowly but surely I am making the piles less and less.

Laundry has been lurking around the corner and instead of spending hours doing it here, Dan said we could spend sometime at the laundromat. Phew. That saved me several hours, literally. While at the laundromat, Dan spent his time not only traveling to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to get dryer balls since we can't use dryer sheets or fabric softner with her clothes and I HATE static more than nails on a chalk board. So, needless to say, the dryer balls were needed and I LOVE THEM!! After that journey he came back and spent the next 40 minutes reading the car manual about car seat instructions and such.

Buuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, the dryer is done. I get up and start folding the ever so tiny socks, mittens, onesises and then my manly husband decided to help. Watching him fold the NB onesie and smiling and actually enjoying folding clothes made me fall in love all over again with him. Right now it could just be hormones (mine), but I think he turns into this totally different person when he is doing something baby related and I shed a tear or two of happiness. He was carrying on a conversation with her while folding and all was right in the world.

Natalia is due the 21st of February and we are just praying that she waits until the 1st. After the 1st Dan will have 40 hours of vacation time,which means he will get to spend a whole week with Natalia and I after she is home. While in the hospital, his boss is letting him use sick time! Such a blessing.

The 27th is our 7 year dating anniversary. 7 years just blows my mind. We have been through a lot in those 7 years, and it amazes me to see how much we both have changed. What will the next 7 years be like? I will let you know in 2017! :)

Well, I am going to relax before I have to start on dinner. Comments are always welcome, I would love to know who reads my posts if anyone!

Blessings,
Beth

Rubber Band

Greetings,

I have got to get better at blogging. Since I last wrote not much has changed. We had a wonderful holiday with my family. The older I get, the more I look forward to spending time with them. I sit back and look at my younger brother and wonder if he will ever be the same way. I guess it could also be that Dan and I are at a different stage of life than he and Dana are. Either way, family is very important to me and I am so thankful Dan doesn't mind spending time with them.

The day after Christmas was painting day. We chose neutral colors for Natalia's room and it came out amazing! Dan and my mom were going to do it together, but there was only one roller. So, Dan took over and she relaxed with my dad and I. Early in the morning I noticed my back was hurting more than usual and I thought it was from the way I bent down. Later in the day I had also noticed that Natalia was not moving as much as normal. So, at 6:45 during dinner I decided I should call the doctor. At 7:15 they called back and wanted me to go in to get monitored. I was scared for Natalia and the drive to the hospital felt like an eternity. After the fetal monitor was in place and her heart beat was clearly strong, I was able to relax.

I am learning to relax more and take breaks when needed. I think I just over worked myself, and put stress on my back. My back is much better right now.

My body is changing rapidly now, and I feel like a rubber band. I can't imagine that my skin can stretch anymore! I am waiting to see a foot or a hand at any moment. She is slowly running out of room and feels that sitting on my diaphragm is the best idea yet, aside from my bladder. Baby girl, I love you, but my bladder is NOT a trampoline. :)

I have to get busy with baby shower things. So, this post will have to end for now.

Take care,
Beth