This is a belated documentation of the timeline of Anderson's conception, fetal growth, and delivery.
Michelle went off birth control on November 20th. While we had plans to have a baby as soon as possible thereafter, we had no idea if that was even possible or how long it would take. We had discussed the possibility of infertility and what we might do if that reality lie in our future. Because family is central to God's and our plans we knew that children would come into our home in one way or another (e.g. adoption, fostering, a large litter of pets). Knowing that some of our friends have struggled to conceive after years of trying and that this can be a very sensitive issue, resulting in a series of questions for God about why some can conceive with ease and others cannot, I say with all the sensitivity and love that Michelle appears to be quite the fertile myrtle.
Michelle went off birth control on November 20th. While we had plans to have a baby as soon as possible thereafter, we had no idea if that was even possible or how long it would take. We had discussed the possibility of infertility and what we might do if that reality lie in our future. Because family is central to God's and our plans we knew that children would come into our home in one way or another (e.g. adoption, fostering, a large litter of pets). Knowing that some of our friends have struggled to conceive after years of trying and that this can be a very sensitive issue, resulting in a series of questions for God about why some can conceive with ease and others cannot, I say with all the sensitivity and love that Michelle appears to be quite the fertile myrtle.
The Birth of an Idea
We belatedly celebrated our two year anniversary over Thanksgiving of 2014, in Asheville NC. We stayed in the Willow Room at the Beaufort Bed and Breakfast and had a great time sight-seeing at the Biltmore, enjoyed amazing breakfasts, and did a wine tour. It is probably we also conceived around this time.
An Idea Becomes Reality
Michelle found out she was pregnant on Monday December 22nd
and retested on the 24th to confirm. I had no idea! Rather than tell me immediately and since Christmas was fast approaching, Michelle decided to wrap up the positive test and give it to me as a Christmas gift. It was the greatest, most emotive gift I have ever received and as we knelt in front of our faux netflix fire and dimly lit, humble Christmas tree in the early hours of the morning, our hearts were filled with joy, expectancy, and gratitude. We both teared up of course and I knew in that moment that families were eternal and that although they can produce great heartache, they are one of the greatest sources of Joy.
Baby Bumps
Throughout the pregnancy, Michelle and I used a pregnancy App (something our parents never dreamt of) to watch videos and read information about how our baby was developing, what size it was etc. Apparently the universal baby measurement system consist of a variety of the fruits; e.g. our fruit, I mean baby, grows from a plum to a kumquat, to a melon...you get the idea.
The interesting thing is that until about week 25 no one could tell Michelle was pregnant even though friends in their 16th week were quite large. The midwife said this was mostly likely due to three things: 1. It is the first baby, 2. Michelle has great abs, and 3. Michelle has a long torso. This picture is the first sign that not only is the baby alive and well but growing too.
Heartbeats to Soothe the Soul
Any time we were worried, we'd hear the reassuring sound of a strong heartbeat...
Bleeding/Spotting- I did have a bit of unexpected bleeding probably around two months. I was really worried, but the midwife was pretty sure it was a clot from implantation.
Cravings
Surprisingly, Michelle didn't have too many new cravings, however, I am a big fan of the ones she did have. I think the first really craving came in response to morning sickness. When Michelle first started getting sick, we pretty much lived off saltine crackers and slept more in a day than I thought was humanly possible. My favorite cravings came later on when in the middle of the night, long after we had gone to sleep (so you know for us, that would be just before 10PM...we are early birds), Michelle would wake up craving chicken and biscuits. We rarely did anything so "late" or spontaneous at the time (we are planners and homebodies apparently), but we would get up, throw on our shoes and, in our P.J.s and race to Bojangles or KFC to grab some fried chicken strips and buttermilk buscuits before closing time. I looooovveee fried chicken and biscuits, so being the loving husband that I am, I obliged of course and acted chauffeur.
In reality, those were the only real cravings I remember. However, I will say our grocery shopping experience changed drastically. I remember shopping at Aldi or one of the other local stores and sticking very tightly to our list. Occasionally we would "splurge" for that small tub of Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia but more often than not it was the bare essentials. After Anderson joined the ranks we sang to a whole new tune and who was I to argue? As our cart spilled down the aisles, Michelle had become much more inclined to give me a big eyed, eye-lash twittering glance and slide in that extra box of crackers or the alluring chocolate bar. I just zipped my lip and enjoyed our new spoils.
Baby Bumps
Throughout the pregnancy, Michelle and I used a pregnancy App (something our parents never dreamt of) to watch videos and read information about how our baby was developing, what size it was etc. Apparently the universal baby measurement system consist of a variety of the fruits; e.g. our fruit, I mean baby, grows from a plum to a kumquat, to a melon...you get the idea.
The interesting thing is that until about week 25 no one could tell Michelle was pregnant even though friends in their 16th week were quite large. The midwife said this was mostly likely due to three things: 1. It is the first baby, 2. Michelle has great abs, and 3. Michelle has a long torso. This picture is the first sign that not only is the baby alive and well but growing too.
Heartbeats to Soothe the Soul
Any time we were worried, we'd hear the reassuring sound of a strong heartbeat...
Bleeding/Spotting- I did have a bit of unexpected bleeding probably around two months. I was really worried, but the midwife was pretty sure it was a clot from implantation.
Cravings
Surprisingly, Michelle didn't have too many new cravings, however, I am a big fan of the ones she did have. I think the first really craving came in response to morning sickness. When Michelle first started getting sick, we pretty much lived off saltine crackers and slept more in a day than I thought was humanly possible. My favorite cravings came later on when in the middle of the night, long after we had gone to sleep (so you know for us, that would be just before 10PM...we are early birds), Michelle would wake up craving chicken and biscuits. We rarely did anything so "late" or spontaneous at the time (we are planners and homebodies apparently), but we would get up, throw on our shoes and, in our P.J.s and race to Bojangles or KFC to grab some fried chicken strips and buttermilk buscuits before closing time. I looooovveee fried chicken and biscuits, so being the loving husband that I am, I obliged of course and acted chauffeur.
In reality, those were the only real cravings I remember. However, I will say our grocery shopping experience changed drastically. I remember shopping at Aldi or one of the other local stores and sticking very tightly to our list. Occasionally we would "splurge" for that small tub of Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia but more often than not it was the bare essentials. After Anderson joined the ranks we sang to a whole new tune and who was I to argue? As our cart spilled down the aisles, Michelle had become much more inclined to give me a big eyed, eye-lash twittering glance and slide in that extra box of crackers or the alluring chocolate bar. I just zipped my lip and enjoyed our new spoils.
The first Kick
Baby first kicked while were watching one of our favorite netflix series "Call the Midwife" (how
fitting, I know). As would be the case for the next few weeks anytime Michelle felt a kick she would pull my hand to her belly and, like a dog whose learned a new trick and has been put on display, Anderson would shy away and I would miss it. When I first felt a kick I realized I thought the foot or hand would come right through the skin. It was hard and fast and I thought for sure Michelle must be aching all over. In fact, as we were talking to a friend of ours at church the other day, baby kicked so hard that it literally stopped Michelle mid sentence. He's particularly good with his aim and likes to take periodic pot shots at Michelle's bladder...one of the all to common side effects of pregnancy.
Seeing him kick is a whole other story. I officially saw Michelle's belly move because of a kick for the first time on Sunday afternoon May 31st. It was amazing. Now her belly moves like there is a little loch-ness monster swimming beneath the surface...and if you've ever seen a fetus...that's about what they look like for awhile.
It's a boy!
Seeing him kick is a whole other story. I officially saw Michelle's belly move because of a kick for the first time on Sunday afternoon May 31st. It was amazing. Now her belly moves like there is a little loch-ness monster swimming beneath the surface...and if you've ever seen a fetus...that's about what they look like for awhile.
It's a boy!
At week 21, on Thursday April 16th, we went in for the ultrasound and found out it was a boy (you can tell by the feet, haha).
The ultra sound was so surreal and was hands down one of the coolest things I (Garrett) had ever seen! We could see our baby moving, yawning, playing coy, and living inside Michelle. It was beautiful.
This was such a cool shot. It does look eerily skeletal but check it out, a yawning baby in a fetus. Woah! This same little arm came out next to his head during delivery and continues to work its way up during naptime.
What's its Name?
So I know what you are thinking..."have you thought of names?" Of course! Though I am sometimes reluctant to tell and get either the queer eye or the "I knew a so-and-so once" or "where did that name come from?" or "ooh, that's a good name." (although I am guilty of all of these babyisms). Believe it or not we actually have lists of semi-agreed upon girls and boys names. Currently, the chart-topping boys names are Anderson and Clark. However, we are most strongly leaning towards Anderson and that is what we have been calling baby for the time being. Why Anderson? Well other than the fact that we like it and its nick-name varieties I could say that it is a family name (my middle name, prior last name, and the name of a great uncle or some such) but in reality I am geeking out a little and secretly hope to call him Ender for short (the name of one of my favorite book protagonists, and surprisingly Michelle does not disagree).
I think the funnest part about naming our child was sifting through all the names that were not candidates. I fondly remember our two hour drives to the temple where I would steal names off of street signs and billboards and Michelle would quickly return them to their rightful place.
In the end we settled with Anderson John Stone!
Maternity Clothes
What's its Name?
So I know what you are thinking..."have you thought of names?" Of course! Though I am sometimes reluctant to tell and get either the queer eye or the "I knew a so-and-so once" or "where did that name come from?" or "ooh, that's a good name." (although I am guilty of all of these babyisms). Believe it or not we actually have lists of semi-agreed upon girls and boys names. Currently, the chart-topping boys names are Anderson and Clark. However, we are most strongly leaning towards Anderson and that is what we have been calling baby for the time being. Why Anderson? Well other than the fact that we like it and its nick-name varieties I could say that it is a family name (my middle name, prior last name, and the name of a great uncle or some such) but in reality I am geeking out a little and secretly hope to call him Ender for short (the name of one of my favorite book protagonists, and surprisingly Michelle does not disagree).
I think the funnest part about naming our child was sifting through all the names that were not candidates. I fondly remember our two hour drives to the temple where I would steal names off of street signs and billboards and Michelle would quickly return them to their rightful place.
In the end we settled with Anderson John Stone!
Maternity Clothes
Worse than morning sickness (granted hers was short lived and mild, thank goodness) and general fatigue is probably the fact that a pregnant woman soon comes to realize that her clothes do not continue to fit as they once had. Pants that once served their purpose well now require a little finagling and the occasional rubber-band to keep them on and appropriately loose. Michelle bought her first blissful pair of maternity pants at the end of April and looked pretty dang good in them too. I think I saw more sweet relief in her face after that shopping spree than at any other point during the pregnancy. I think I take for granted that my clothes fit.
Showered with Love and Gifts
Showered with Love and Gifts
The Utah baby shower happened on June 9th and was hosted by Chelsea Stone at the Stone Residence in Eagle Mountain Utah. Those in attendance included...
The South Carolina baby shower happened on July 18th and was hosted by Summer Merrell at the the green on the square, a little Bistro in Downtown Pendleton, South Carolina. It was a double baby-shower, favoring the other mother. Despite the slight awkwardness, it was fun to catch up with the ward friends who came!
Preparing for Parenthood
Michelle has always been an avid ready and seeks to know the most up-to-date information about the things that interest her. Her ability to consume, retain, and recall information she has acquired or read astounds me and is one of the many things that drew me to her. After becoming pregnant, her desire to read, know, plan, and prepare did not cease. She poured over book after book to ensure that she was ingesting what she should, catching danger signs, and meeting milestones. I read more than one book chapter on doulas and dads or "what to expect when you are expecting." That said, I still feel so unprepared and unsure of what to expect or what to do when the time of delivery arrives.
The Birth Center
We had our orientation of the birthing center on Thursday June 4th, and it was a PAIN. Literally, those chair were so uncomfortable, especially considering their pregnant participants. But, the birth center was beautiful! Here is the link to the birthing center's site where you can "tour" the rooms: http://www.greenvillemidwiferycare.com/our-birth-center.php
Preparing for Parenthood
Michelle has always been an avid ready and seeks to know the most up-to-date information about the things that interest her. Her ability to consume, retain, and recall information she has acquired or read astounds me and is one of the many things that drew me to her. After becoming pregnant, her desire to read, know, plan, and prepare did not cease. She poured over book after book to ensure that she was ingesting what she should, catching danger signs, and meeting milestones. I read more than one book chapter on doulas and dads or "what to expect when you are expecting." That said, I still feel so unprepared and unsure of what to expect or what to do when the time of delivery arrives.
The Birth Center
We had our orientation of the birthing center on Thursday June 4th, and it was a PAIN. Literally, those chair were so uncomfortable, especially considering their pregnant participants. But, the birth center was beautiful! Here is the link to the birthing center's site where you can "tour" the rooms: http://www.greenvillemidwiferycare.com/our-birth-center.php
Hypnobirthing
What...what was that...oh sorry, I was in by bubble of peace and couldn't hear you. Our first birthing class was a study-at-home hypnobirthing class that involved daily hypno-exercises, reading, and affirmations. While hypnobirthing was amazing for naps, mindfulness, and relaxation during pregnancy and up to transition, we will probably explore Bradley exercises for the next delivery.
The birth
Baby is due on August 27th, 2015...
Memories and reflections of the birthing process, our panic, and the our first moments with baby are documented in another post :).
The Hardest Part About the Pregnancy for Him
Seeing that Michelle was as beautiful as ever but knowing that she didn't always agree.
Feeling like I couldn't provide the clothing or other necessities that would have made the pregnancy go more smoothly for her.
The Hardest Part About the Pregnancy for Her
Morning sickness and fatigue the first several weeks. Clothes that don't fit!!!! Overall I think my pregnancy was pretty mild, and I was able to maintain a high fitness level up to the delivery, despite having gained almost 45 pounds.
Memories and reflections of the birthing process, our panic, and the our first moments with baby are documented in another post :).
The Hardest Part About the Pregnancy for Him
Seeing that Michelle was as beautiful as ever but knowing that she didn't always agree.
Feeling like I couldn't provide the clothing or other necessities that would have made the pregnancy go more smoothly for her.
The Hardest Part About the Pregnancy for Her
Morning sickness and fatigue the first several weeks. Clothes that don't fit!!!! Overall I think my pregnancy was pretty mild, and I was able to maintain a high fitness level up to the delivery, despite having gained almost 45 pounds.
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