My Baby Girl is 4 Weeks Old

I can't believe Marielle is already 4 weeks old. She is growing so quickly. Last week she learned how to roll over from her stomach to her back. At only 3 weeks old I could not believe it.

I wanted to write down my birthing experience with Marielle so I don't' forget how amazing it was. I apologize for the length of the entry but I didn't want to forget the details.

When I first discovered I was pregnant my thoughts immediately went to how difficult Easton's birth was and how there had to be a better way. With Easton I started having contractions around 11:30 at night. Finally around 4:30 a.m. the contractions were much more painful and I decided I should go to the hospital. My biggest fear was that the hospital would send me home because I wasn't far enough along in labor so I wanted to make sure if I was going the hospital they weren't sending me home. Once I got to the hospital I was found to be dialated to a 7 and they immediately said I could have my epidural. Due to my minor scoliosis it took the anesthesiologist almost an hour and several failed attempts to get the epidural in. Once in however, it was wonderful but at the same time I think that's where all the difficulty with Easton's birth came into play. The doctor told me that around 8:00 a.m. he would come back and we could start pushing at that point. He indicated it was good to just let the baby sit to help things out. Yeah right. Finally around 10:00 a.m., after performing an emergency C-section on another patient, he came back. At this point I knew I was long past the point of needing to push. I needed this baby out 2 hours ago. We started the arduous pushing process, with the doctor coming and going as he pleased. After 2 1/2 hours of pushing and no baby I was terribly worn out, my epidural was wearing off and I could feel Easton in my birth canal. Plus, as Clint always likes to indicate, he had been holding up my leg for all that time and was tired as well. The hospital should have paid him for having to do such work. Finally the doctor came back in, discovered Easton was posterior, did a little flip move to turn him around and out he shot with a giant cone head. Thanks doc, could have used that two hours ago. Needless to say I was completely exhausted and really did not have much desire to even hold my sweet little boy. I felt as though because I had an epidural the doctor and nurses were not that concerned with delivering my baby on both my baby and my body's time table. Instead it was what was convenient for them making it much more difficult for my baby and me.

After that experience I just felt as though there had to be a better way to birth. So, I looked into several birthing options and decided to try hypnobirthing and hiring a doula. Hypnobirthing is simply relaxation techniques which allow you to naturally birth your baby more comfortably. A doula is someone is who there just for you as the birthing mother. They don't take part in any of the medical aspect of the birth, they are simply a coach for the mom. They are normal people unlike many preconceived notions family and friends had when I explained I was hiring one. I found a hypnobirthing instructor named Becky who was also my doula. Clint was expecting some hippy lady but was very surprised to discover she was normal and not weird. The thing I loved most about taking the hypnobirthing class was the fact that Clint and I were doing it together. It wasn't like he did his part and now the rest was up to me. He was as much a part of preparing for the birth experience as I was. Every night he would read me my relaxation exercises and he recorded them for me to listen to on the iPod. I felt more prepared for Marielle's birth and a lot closer to Clint.

May 4th was my due date and even though I was dialated to a 3 and 90% effaced, the day came and went. The next day I had the doctor strip my membranes and Clint, Easton and I hung around the area for the day thinking at any minute I would go into labor. We went shopping, out to lunch with Clint's grandma, to the park and to get ice cream. However, nothing was happening so we came back home. Shortly after arriving home around 6:00 p.m. Clint went outside and started doing yard work and then I started having contractions. I wasn't sure at first if I was in labor but it quickly became apparent that I was. Whenever I had a contraction I would stop what I was doing and proceed to do my breathing exercise. Easton would say, "What's wrong mom?" Finally I knew it was time to go to the hospital. Clint was still outside and I couldn't find him. I told Easton to go find Dad and tell him I needed to go to the hospital but he couldn't find him either. Around 8:15 p.m. I finally found Clint and told him I needed to get to the hospital soon. He quickly began rushing around getting his bag packed and Easton ready. It was funny to watch the flurry of action. Clint revealed that he didn't think I would be going into labor until the next day and so he wasn't quite prepared and felt bad he had left me in the house without checking on me. We left the house around 8:45 p.m. and headed for the hospital. I continued to do my breathing and relaxation exercises on the way. Easton continued to ask, "What's wrong mom?" Once we got to the hospital, I was found to be dialated to a 5. We called my doula to let her know. Clint's parents came and picked up Easton. While walking to my birthing room the lady next door to my room was screaming and yelling. She kept saying, "Help me, I can't do this!" Needless to say it was a bit unnerving. I quickly asked to get in the tub. Shortly after getting in the tub my doula arrived and then my sister Danielle. I listened to my relaxation exercises and just focused on each contraction. Everyone said I looked like I was sleeping. I was slightly cognizant of what was going on around me and could feel the peak of each contraction but I was still relaxed. My doula was able to sense if I needed a little something extra and would help me focus. I remained in the tub for over 2 1/2 hours. I finally felt ready to get out of the tub. At this point the doctor called to check on my status. The nurse found me to be dialated to an 8+ and almost ready. My sister, Clint and my doula were massaging me and helping me stay focused. I began to feel a lot of pressure and contractions were coming really close and hard. The nurse checked me again at which point my water broke. Right then the doctor walked in. At this point I lost all focus and was in need of a little extra help to get me through. I asked Clint for a blessing at which point everyone stopped what they were doing and folded their arms while I received a blessing. Labor was very intense at this point and I remember saying, "I need my baby out" several times and began pushing. A few pushes later and out she came. It happened so quickly. It was 12:53 a.m. when she was born. The doctor laid her on my chest and I was so overwhelmed with her beauty. Outside of the temple, it was the most spiritual, amazing experience I have had. I was on such a natural high and felt so good after her birth. It was the birth I had wanted, prayed for and worked together with Clint to prepare for. Clint was so amazing throughout the whole thing and must have been on a natural high as well because he proceeded to provide quite a bit of comic relief. Marielle was perfect and began to nurse within the hour. I couldn't have asked for a better birthing experience.

First Week and a Half of Life

Our beautiful baby girl. Big brother is slowly getting adjusted. He doesn't show much interest in her, other than the occasional kiss and hug. He does want to be held if she is being held which he never wanted before. He also has developed a passion for her blankets, or "nokets" as he calls them. There are certain ones he has taken a keen liking to and doesn't want to relinquish them once they are in his grasp.

Marielle's first big outing was to Salt Lake to attend Clint's induction to the Bar Association ceremony.

She didn't care for her first sponge bath much.

Marielle's bilirubin count was a bit high when we left the hospital so we had to have a light table brought to our home which she spent all of her time on the first 24 hours. After the first day her count began to slowly go down and she no longer needed to constantly be on the bed. Thank goodness. I wanted to hold my little girl. I was actually surprised her bilirubin count was high due to the fact that she is an excellent nurser. Within the first hour of life she latched on and has been going strong since.

We found out Marielle does not like being put in her car seat. She cries for a brief moment every time we strap her in.

It's so fun to get to know our little girl and see more of her personality unfold each day. She is such a sweet girl and is rarely fussy, only when she wants to eat and at night when we are trying to sleep. Hopefully she gets her nighttime schedule worked out soon. Clint has been such a great help. I think he gets less sleep than I do.

Welcome Marielle!

Marielle Thompson was born at 12:53 A.M. today. She was 8 pounds, 3 ounces and 21 inches long. The birth went really well (no epidural...just a lot of focused relaxation techniques on Charisse's part). Marielle and Charisse are doing great and looking very lovely. More photos and comments are forthcoming.

Final Countdown

With only one week left until my due date, I've been busy getting things ready for my little one. We still don't have a name picked out. I'm leaning towards Leona, Elle, Estelle or Lydia. Clint doesn't really care for any of those names. Anyone's input would be greatly appreciated.

I made some little do-dads for her hair. Hopefully she has some. If not, these will help her not look like a boy.



Easton wanted to model the hair accessories. Doesn't he look lovely.
I got my thank-you cards made.

I actually made a quilt. I dislike sewing immensely and I am not any good at it. Maybe that's why I don't like it. Thanks to my husband who can do anything, including electrical work without having any instructions, Clint hung the chandelier and installed the medallion. I can't keep my eyes off it. I have to look in her room every time I walk by.
The best news about the chandelier, I got it for free. The company I purchased it from sent it to me without any crystals. When I called to request them they informed me the manufacturer didn't have them and they would credit me the cost of the light. Woo-hoo. I just went to Home Depot and bought some crystals instead.

Now I will wait for my little one to come. The doctor said my body is ready so she could be here anytime now.

Introducing C Thomp Esquire

The beastie pregnant woman thought she would make a blog appearance to announce some very exciting news. My dear husband is now Clint R. Thompson Attorney At Law. After months and months of stress, loss of appetite, lack of sleep and arduous studies, Clint passed the bar exam!! We are so very proud of him.

Not only is Clint one smart cookie but he can lay tile like a pro. He created our beautiful tile surround and installed the fireplace mantel.

If you need cement laid- Clint can do that as well. He is currently working on our patio in the backyard.

Clint is also quite the workhorse and is teaching Easton the same work ethic.
I hope everyone had a good Easter. We sure did. There were lots of egg hunts and treats to be had. Enough to make little Easton sick from eating too much candy.

On the baby front, I am three weeks away from my due date. We've been busy getting her room ready and preparing for her birth. I will post pictures once we are done with the room. Thanks for everyone's love and concern.

A Farewell To Blogging

This just in from Charisse:

"I'm through blogging...and you can tell everyone I'm not reading their blogs either!"

Don't worry friends. I think it's just the pregnancy talking. I'm sure when the baby girl arrives in about a month the spirit of blogging will be re-born as well.

By the way, we haven't decided on a name so we are open to suggestions (except for stupid and trendy ones).

Signs of Spring

The annual spring tumbleweed storm. This one even topped last year's.

Luckily I was home during the storm and was able to deflect most of the tumbleweeds away from our house to a convenient location in front of my neighbor's garage.





The really good news is that President Obama declared Eagle Mountain a Federal disaster area. He allocated one trillion dollars toward the cleanup efforts. We never would have gotten that kind of love from McCain.


After the wind died down, Easton and Sandy decided to dig a huge hole in the back yard.

After a few hours Easton needed a break. Grandpa Mark would probably "peak out" if he saw this kind of laziness in the hole. Then again everbody needs a "spell" from time to time. (Disregard these comments if you've never dug a hole with my dad before).

New Car

I appreciate everyone's voice on our tough decision. Clearly the overwhelming majority of you voted for the Honda Pilot. So I suggested to Charisse that we consider getting something different. After lengthy negotiations and marriage counseling sessions, we decided we would get a car instead. We ended up getting this nice Chevy Impala. Moral of the story--If you're a big enough jerk, you won't have to get your wife what she really wants.

Rush

Charisse disclosed today that she had never heard of the band Rush nor had she ever heard the song that is currently playing. Well she’s going to hear it now baby! Crank up the Tom Sawyer!

Incidentally, Charisse and I have been in the market for a newer vehicle. I know what you’re thinking—“why do they need a newer vehicle when they have that kick-A Geo Prism?”



Answer: we would like to have a larger vehicle for when the new baby comes. There are no other reasons (especially not the blue replacement front fender or the bondo and primer or the missing hubcaps or the mysterious Pizza Hut smell that introduces itself whenever the carpet is damp). After all, the Prism played a substantial role in Charisse’s decision to marry me.

Now the dilemma: we test-drove two vehicles last week—a Chevy Tahoe and a Honda Pilot. I am strongly pulling for the Tahoe, while Charisse has her feet firmly planted in Pilot Land.

Please friends, make let your thoughts be known in your comments…I mean try to talk some sense into her.

Thanks


Honda Pilot (left) Chevy Tahoe (right)


P.S. Happy 29th Charisse. Enjoy your last year as a bubble-gummer. Next year you’ll join us grown-ups (who carry heavy loads—not unlike the Chevy Tahoe).

We're Back!

Last Monday Clint and I returned from our trip to Cancun. I flew into Grand Junction from Cancun and stayed the week with my family for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Clint flew into Salt Lake as he had to work a couple days and then joined us on Thanksgiving Day. After almost three week's worth of vacation I'm glad to be back in my own comfy bed and to see my little Easton but I sure had fun lying on the beach.




We stayed at the Mayan Palace Resort. We actually were able to stay there for free. Clint and I endured a three hour time share presentation in order to qualify for a free weeks stay. Dare say it was well worth the three hours. We also were able to get free flights down to Cancun because we cashed in our miles.



The resort was absolutely beautiful. It was so large that shuttles were needed to take you from place to place. The pool is the world's largest pool and holds the Guinness Book of World Records. It wound it's way around the resort and was amazing to see.



The resort provided various activities everyday. We participated in bingo, tennis, water aerobics and a bike tour around the resort. I also did stretching on the beach and dance lessons. This is my little dance buddy Luis. Clint wouldn't dance with me so I had to find a new dance partner.




We spent a lot of time relaxing on the beach. The weather was perfect. It was in the 80's everyday. Don't worry, Clint and I didn't get sunburned. With our pasty white skin we didn't take any chances and lathered on the SPF 500.


This is Tulum, an ancient Mayan civilization. The people that lived here were not as barbaric as other civilizations and didn't believe in sacrificing people. They did, however, believe in stretching out their babies heads so they looked like aliens. Fifty-percent of babies died during the process.


(See my baby bump. For some reason Clint and I like to take vacations while I'm pregnant. It's better that way because then I get motion sickness really bad and need to throw-up any time we drive or fly some where. Needless to say the flights were not my favorite part.)



We sent snorkeling at a place called Xel-Ha. The water was perfect. Clint and I did much better this time with our snorkeling skills. Not that it's very difficult but we kind of struggled in Hawaii when we were learning how to do it.


Xel-Ha was an all inclusive "water park" with trips down the river, cliff jumping and bike rides. The 'trip down the river' was not really what I thought it would be. It was more trying with all our might to move our tube anywhere and not making much progress. The water did not flow like a river, it was like a lake. Apparently they don't know the difference between a river and a lake.

We loved swimming in the ocean. Due to a bad hurricane that struck several years ago a lot of beach was washed away and so traveling out into the water was made difficult unless you had water shoes. We went and purchased some right away to save our feet from the rocky shoreline.

We also went to Chichen Itza. It was much larger than I thought it would be. They were a very barbaric civilization and sacrificed men, women and children. I would not want to be hanging around that place at night. It felt strange just being there during the day.

This wall was double in length and featured the heads of the team captains who were killed after they lead their team to a victory or a loss. Historians aren't sure which. A game was played, apparently often because there were a lot of heads on the wall, and when it was over the captain of one of the teams got his head cut off. Sounds like a lot of fun.

We really wanted to climb to the top of the temple but unfortunately they don't allow it any longer. It was very steep looking and appeared to be quite dangerous.

The last couple days of our trip we actually spent in Cancun. Our resort was about 30 minutes south of Cancun. The first day at our hotel I was admiring how pretty the water was and thought I would wade out a little bit to see how warm it was. I still had all my clothes on and hadn't yet prepared to swim. Well, I wandered out a little too far and looked up just in time to see a giant wave come barreling towards me. I couldn't run so I thought I would hold my ground and brace myself for the impact. I was no match for the giant wave and was knocked on my back and thrown completely to the ground. After the wave washed over me I quickly sat up to see who had witnessed the embarrassing wipe-out. I looked up to the beach and saw several beach-goer's laughing and smiling at me. So at that point what else is there to do but laugh at yourself and try as discretely as possible to get the sand out of your pants. This is me shortly after the wipe-out. I figured a flower in my hair might help me regain some of my dignity back.

Cancun is awesome and I loved the time I had to spend with Clint. I didn't even get sick of him once. We missed Easton so much and everywhere we went we would comment on how much Easton would love to see this or that. I want to thank my parents as well as Clint's parents for watching our little guy while we were gone. As much as we missed him it was really nice to just be able to relax and not have to change diapers or worry about what he was up to.

As beautiful as it was there I am so glad to live in America. I couldn't believe the amount of poverty we saw as we drove to different places. Billions of dollars are coming in from tourists and yet ten minutes away from these beautiful resorts people are living in stick huts with dirt floors. It was so sad to me to see little kids living in such squalor. I also appreciate the fact that I can pump my own gas at the gas station, I don't have to give anyone a tip and there is more than just one gas station chain to go to.

Thanks for letting me share this really long post about our trip.