Like a natural WOMAN... ;o)

Breastfeeding

https://www.divasanddrooligans.com/

The most earthy natural thing I have ever done and I love it!! I debated on doing this post, but I am tired of feeling embarrassed about such a great thing.  While pregnant with Mac I really wanted to be able to breastfeed.  I read books and talked to lots of friends.  Mike did not understand why I thought I would not be able to do it.  I knew some people found it easy and others very difficult.  I really think I was successful because of the amazing nurses at my hospital who were so patient and helpful with my first day or two of feedings.  A C-section I feel makes it harder for women because you are in so much pain.
To be honest I wanted to do it for all the amazing benefits for him and to help me lose the baby weight.  It seriously came off except for 2 lbs in less than 2 weeks.  It has been so much more than that.  I love going to the doctor and seeing how much weight he has gained all because of me.  I love how he needs me.  It is such a special time between you and your baby!  It can be demanding at times, but I am so thankful it has worked out for us.  I made small goals for myself and my most recent is 6 months.  I know right now I will not be ready to completely stop by then.  I am traveling alot these next couple of months and working full time, so that may lead to some use of formula. 

For future mommies here are the things that helped me:
1.  Find a support group near your home
2.  Find friends on facebook who have babies close to the age of yours (My friends I have connected with have been such lifesavers through this crazy wonderful adventure.  Love you ladies!!)
3.  Be prepared to breastfeed before the baby gets here with all the equipment things (bras, pumps, etc) you will need
4.  Do not be afraid to ask for help at the hospital (I found the nurses more helpful than the lactation specialist)
5.  Fight through those first couple of weeks because they are the hardest and then the next hard phase is managing a life while breastfeeding.  Once you figure that out you are good to go.
6.  Think of the money you are saving $$$ (Since I was not working and we needed to save that was a big motivator for me)
7.  Get a cute cover for feeding in public if you do not want to bare all.  I honestly do not care about this anymore, but at first I was nervous.
8. Get your husband on board with you
9. Get the breastfriend!!

Mac is already a boob man! hahaha

Thank goodness for 1 month!

Mac,

We made it through the first month!!! PRAISE THE LORD!! Mom and dad were not stupid when we knew it was easier to stay in the hospital for as long as we could, but they do eventually give you the boot.  Once home I definitely had the baby blues for the first 3 weeks.  The cause HORMONES and I could not wrap my head around how much I loved you and how scared I was of losing you.  My mom stayed with us one week after you were born and then Nana stepped in at night the next week.  I do not know what I would have done without these two wonderful women.  Your dad was of course cool as a cucumber the entire month.  He had to travel for work the second week, so I was extra glad to have Nana around.

Weight & Height: 
At your first appointment on March 24th you were almost back at birth weight 7lbs 7oz , 20 inches, and 50th percentile for both.  The next week you made it back to birth weight and had already grown another inch making you the 75% percentile for height and 25th for weight.  At your one month checkup you weighed 8lbs 9 oz and 21 1/4 inches placing you in the 25% for weight and 50th for height.


Sleeping patterns:
3-3.5 hours- mommy however did not sleep the first 3 days ;o)  I just stared at the monitor until my body gave out.


Eating habits:

You eat pretty much every 3 hours around the clock.  Mom has so much milk and a powerful let down that she has to give you breaks every 3 minutes or you get choked and over fill that belly which leads to a big spit up.


Discoveries and accomplishments:

At 3 weeks you began cooing which Mommy loves.  You demonstrate great eye contact and head control at four weeks.  The only time you fuss is when that mean ole gas gets you.  The last very exciting thing this month is your cord finally came off at 2.5 weeks.  Big boy bath time here we come!!


Highlights:
Your first Target trip was when you were 6 days old.  This was really silly on mom's part because we just sat in the lawn and garden area while Mimi shopped because mom was to exhausted and sore.  Hey we made it though!  Your first restaurant outing was to Cowboy cafe at 2 weeks with Nana.  It hit me once in there that I might should worry about germs.  ;o)  Hopefully your mom will stay care free!  You do not like being woken up from a nap.  Your first road trip was at 3.5 weeks to TN to stay with Mimi and Papaw for a week!  You were a dream boat in the car.  We are so lucky to have you baby Mac!!  You have made your parents better people and we are madly in love with our Macaroni! hehe

Chatty baby boy

Being a speech therapist I maybe guilty of doing therapy activities with my little man. It looks like he will not be a late talker like a lot of little boys are. My mom said I was born talking! (not me ;o)) This makes my heart happy!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:My parent's house

24 hours old

In the hospital it just blew my mind when they would refer to Mac's age by hours.  These precious pictures were done by Mac's Aunt Maura who is an amazing photographer when he was just 24 sweet hours old!!!

Thank you Maura!

I love my baby LOVE!



Malcolm's Birth Story

It all began Friday afternoon about 3:00pm I began to notice Braxton Hicks which were nothing new at this point.  Mike arrived home after five and it dawned on me that they had not slowed down.  We kept timing them throughout the evening.  (sorry sort of graphic)  Later the "bloody show" had begun and the phone calls were made to family because we were pretty positive this was the real deal.  I was puzzled though because it wasn't painful uncomfortable yes, but not painful.  Mike and I went and got BBQ sandwiches and sat underneath the most beautiful moon and timed contractions.  We were both so excited because we felt pretty confident our son would be here on Saturday.  

The contractions kept coming and were beginning to be uncomfortable at 12:30am I called the doctor because the contractions were five minutes apart for an hour.  When I called I found out that my doctor was on call all weekend!!! YAY!!!  I let her know about my contractions and that I did not think they were as painful as they should be.  She let me know since we live literally five minutes from the hospital that I could come in and get checked and if I was not to far dilated I could go back home.  I wanted to make sure he was doing okay and that I had not dilated to far to where I would wake up and it would be to late for the epidural. ;o)  Mike and I decided to go in and be evaluated.

I am going to go back alittle bit because now that I have been through real labor this makes me laugh.  Before we went to the hospital I took a shower and did my hair and makeup and dressed cute.  I know the nurses probably laughed after I went into my room because clearly I was not inreal deal labor yet.

We get to the hospital and check into our room.  My wonderful Dr. McClendon came in to check me and I was dilated to a 3 and 75% effaced.  Mac was doing good, so we packed up and returned home.  At 4:30am I woke up to painful contractions!!!  I took a bath and Mike distracted me until about 9:00am.  I knew this was real labor because I did not care about my outfit, hair, or makeup.  I sat on the couch waiting for a contraction to end and then I was going to make a mad dash to the car.  Our ancient old home has locks like Fort Knox.  I jump up to go to the car and Mike was not far behind me and all he could here was click click click of the STUPID LOCKS!!! 
(I am not one to ever use bad language) Mike hears me yell "I can't get the damn door OPEN!!"  He was trying not to laugh and came to my rescue.  So much for trying to get to the car fast.  I cried telling our dogs goodbye and we headed to the hospital.  This time around I am practically laying on the counter checking in.  One question they asked was "Have I ever abused drugs?"  I told them not until today and I needed the epidural stat!!!  We get into our labor and delivery room and the nurse informs me that she is going to check to see if I could stay... "what surely to goodness I can stay with this much pain."  Good news I was dilated to 4 and 80% effaced and my doctor was admitting me. 

Now it was time to be brave and face my fears!  Fear number one the IV which did hurt way worse than the epidural.  Mike had claw marks when they stuck that sucker in my hand.  Mike was so amazing through all of this.  He helped me focus on my breathing and remained so calm and positive which is exactly what I needed.  Fear number two the epidural which was a breeze.  I hope no one takes offense to this, but I was fully prepared to tell a nurse anesthetist to go and get an anesthesiologist.  With the fear I have of needles I felt much more comfortable with an MD doing it.  They had my epidural ready to go in less than 45 minutes after checking in ;o)!!  The anesthesiologist came in and was a very cool guy.  At this point my contractions were less than two minutes apart and some were on top of each other.  I told him you have two minutes when I say go.  He was such a pro and all I felt was a bee sting from the initial numbing shot.  After that was done it was WONDERFUL!!!!  Mike and I were hanging out and just so excited about meeting our little man.  Mike went out to lunch with his dad and his mom stayed with me.  My mom's flight was supposed to get in around 5:00pm.  Around 1:00 pm my water was broke (strange feeling) and I was at a 6 and 86% effaced!  I was so excited that labor was going as I had hoped, well that changed soon.  Once my water broke mega contractions started.  I even had to juice up my epidural.  Dr (Dr. M) came back in shortly after my last check and informed us that baby Mac's heart rate was dropping after each contraction and then going back up.  She wanted me to try different positions and oxygen to see if it would help the little guy out.  She said they were closely monitoring it and I knew in my gut how this probably going to turn out.  Mike had her show him exactly what the problem was on the monitor.  This made me very proud of my non medical husband. Well, not even 30 minutes later the doctor came back in and said it had become a consistent pattern.  She did not feel good about it and thought it may have been related to his two vessel cord.  She checked to see if the cord was around his neck and that was not the issue.  She told me there was no way to know if I would quickly progress to a 10 or not.  If I had been at a 9 she would give me an opportunity, but with the risk of labor lasting a couple more hours she was not sure if he could take it.  Mike and I had already decided when she had left the first time that we would go ahead and do the c section if his heart rate continued to drop.  My biggest fear of pushing time was losing his heart rate and having to rush to an emergency  c section.  With all that said at 2:35pm we all made a collaborative decision to go ahead with the c section. 



My Rock



The team was so organized with the process Mike had his scrubs on and they were rolling me down to the OR in less than 10 minutes.  I did not even have time to call my family.  I think I sent some quick texts.  On the way to the OR I said "oh lord I am about to be a parent in a few minutes." Once in the OR the nurse anethesis (NA) came in and began juicing up my epidural and numbed me from my shoulders down.  She was great and began talking to me to distract me from the strange feeling room.  The doctors began testing my sensation and I could feel them.  I told them "PLEASE do not let me feel you cut my body open!!"  Mike was brought in to be by my side and the incision was made.  A c-section with an epidural is so strange.  I could feel them moving organs around, but could not feel sharp pain.  The NA talked me through each step, so I knew what was going on.  Suddenly Dr. M said you are going to feel lots of pressure and boy did I.  It felt like tons of people were pressing on my chest.  They announced there is his head and waterworks started for Mike and I. 

 We looked at each other going on my gosh this is it and then the Dr. M said it's definitely a boy and the most beautiful cries began.  Malcolm was brought into this world at 3:11pm.  Dad was not sure what to do because he did not want to leave my side, but was dying to see his son.  I had to tell him I was okay and he was up and taking about 100 pictures.  Once they were through checking Mac and giving him his awesome scores of 9/9.  He was swaddled up and given to his daddy which is when Mac immediately stopped crying.  All I could see was his head full of curly hair and at that point I actually thought it was strawberry blonde. LOL 

Mac you have already made your daddy and I better people.  We are madly in love with you! When you came into the world is was such a life changing indescribable moment.  It was like the moment we heard you cry and were waiting to see that precious face I couldn't breathe. 

Welcome to our crazy spontaneous world!!

24 hours old

XOXO,

Mom and Dad

Malcolm Raylynn Rigby has arrived!!

At 3:11pm on March 19, 2011 Malcolm Raylynn Rigby came into this world at 7lbs 10 oz!!!! 
Meet our little miracle!

 Hello World!!! Apgar score 9/9 (the doctors said they don't give tens) and he came out screaming, so I am sure he will be a singer like his mom! ;o)

If you only knew what was in my hair....

Meet my rock!! If delivery day is a testiment of the kind of father M will be then Mac is one lucky boy!  More to come on that in the birth story!

Thank you for all the prayers and kind words! We are so thankful to be surrounded by so many loving friends and family!

Love,

The Rigby"s

Mac's Nursery

Here is his room!! I LOVE LOVE It!!  I describe it as vintage and rustic.  Thank you to all of our family and friends!   I videoed this from my iphone and the quality isn't as clear as it was on my phone. If anyone is interested in the custom painting please let me know!

It was done by my childhood neighbor Mary Beth Hyman.

Enjoy!!

Ready or not Mac's about to come!!!!

I went to the doctor yesterday for my 38 week appointment and I got great news!!  I am dilated to a two and 50% effaced!!  This morning there other signs he is getting ready to rock on out, but I don't want to gross out my prebaby readers.  Our only problem is Mike is out of town until Saturday morning, so I informed little man to hold out until then.  Mike's orders are to "sit on the couch with my legs crossed!" HAHA  I am staying pretty stationary writing thank you notes because I need my man by my side for this.  Saturday afternoon we will hit the walking trails!  I cannot even explain my thoughts right now.  I have read some blogs this week that have made me realize I can do this!!  I am not scared anymore and just want him safe and in our arms.  The prayers are working friends and family, so keep them coming.  I haven't really worried about motherhood, but delivery I have stressed until this week.  Like Mike says "We got this babe!"  So here goes nothing baby Mac!!  I hope you are ready for a wild ride with your parents and crazy dogs.

Love you already!

DC Baby Shower "Sweet new baby coming aboard!"



March 5, 2011

I know I say it a lot, but I am one lucky gal. 

I have been here a little over a year and have been blessed with amazing friends.  They hosted a lovely shower this past weekend.  The food was delicious and my favorite thing was the CUPCAKES!!!  I may or may not have eaten two a day since Saturday.....  They were the best cupcakes I have had in this area.  My sister in law Jamie and niece Mae came down from New York and two of my best friends Ashley Brown and Jessica Hopkins came in from TN and NC.  I have been touched through this whole pregnancy with kindness and generosity by many wonderful people. 

Mac is one lucky boy!

Ashley and Jessica

Mums for the new "mum" as said by my New England gals and of course the CUPCAKES!!

My mother in law and Hillary had these adorable thank you notes made with my maternity pictures!

This was to funny to watch!  The girls had to race drinking out of a baby bottle.

My mother in law Suzanne and I

Jodi and Lia my former work besties!

The perfect Hostesses!

Thank you ladies!

Love you all!!

I can't wait for Mac to be touched by each of you!

The waiting game has begun.....

So everything is all good with the work situation.  I will be doing PRN work which I realized after a previous post that not everyone works in the medical field.  PRN is working as needed, so I will be doing that for four companies until Mac is here and then once he is here I will work if I want to or not.   PRN is the best because when they call you can say yes or no. 

March 1st was my first day to not work and I have enjoyed it.  I am able to keep the house super clean, go get groceries without a million and one people there, close parking places, walk, pedicure, hair appointment, love on my dogs, eat lunch with my honey, baby appointments, cook dinner, write thank you notes, etc.  My friend Missy who was an ADPi with me at MTSU just moved to the area, so she came down yesterday.  We went into Georgetown ate lunch and got delicious cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcakes/DC Cupcakes.  It was a great time catching up and we had such a beautiful day to walk too.  I am holding strong with my weight gain at 23 lbs!!  Mac is growing like a weed.  If the estimates of his weight are true he should weigh about 7lbs next Wednesday.  At 37 weeks he is good to come on out at anytime.  I am honestly ready for it to be here.  I think about what they day will be like and how I will handle it everyday.  M is heading out of town for work Sunday through Saturday..... and yes that makes me nervous!!!!  The first sign of consistent contractions and he will be on the first flight here. 

 Last Thursday at work they through me a surprise facility wide shower.  It was so unexpected and very touching.  I already miss the wonderful people I worked with.  This weekend I have my shower here and I cannot wait!! I have truly been blessed to have made such good friends here.  Family and friends are coming into town for the party, so we are going to have such a great weekend waiting on little Mac. 

Picture from:  http://www.himho.com/georgetown-cupcake/

Good Boy

Mac gave me my Valentine's Day present today!!! He let us get a sneak preview of his face.  I think it is a good sign of how well he is going to mind his momma. 

Mac weighed 5lbs 11oz and his heart rate was 149 today.  I am still having irregular contractions.  Mac has hair on his head.  I think he is less active and hopefully sleeping at night because I am not waking up near as hungry as before. 

 Look at those chubby cheeks!!!

Can't wait to hold you sweet boy in 5 weeks or less!!!!

Stay tuned for nursery pictures.....

Happy Love Day!

This is our last V-Day without kids! 

We do not really make a big deal out of Valentine's day.  I told Mac this morning that all I wanted from him was to let me see his precious face tomorrow at our last ultrasound.

Mike surprised me early with the Iphone 4

picture from:  http://themaclawyer.typepad.com/

and I baked him a homemade Apple Pie!  I even made my own crust! 

Apple Pie is Mike's FAVORITE dessert. 

At our wedding we had these

Mini Apple Pies instead of a groom's cake because at the time that was the only dessert he liked.

This is the pie in the making.  Most of you know I am not the most domestic wife on the block which is why this meant even more to Mike.  Everything was going perfect until I needed a rolling pin.  Can you guess what I used instead??? HAHA  This also gives you a good idea of how small kitchens are in the big city. ;o)

Oh and the pie turned out GREAT!!

I can't wait to have two Valentines next year!!!

Love you baby daddy!!!

Updates on Life

• Mac looked great at our Non-stress test (NST) and Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) on Tuesday!  We have been having those weekly since 32 weeks leaving each time with a good report.
• His head is way down and they let me know small CONTRACTIONS have started!!!!  I havn't noticed them, but I was very excited to hear my body is starting the process on it's own.
• Still working out about 3 days a week and weight gain total as of last week 17 lbs!! (healthy range for normal BMI is 25-35lbs)  I was hoping for the low end of that range and as of right now I should reach my goal.  I am very pleased with my 17!  Mac should be weighing almost 5 lbs now.  I have noticed some first trimester symptoms returning at times.  We have our last big ultrasound next Tuesday. 
• Work mess breakdown-  I found out two weeks ago that the rehab companies where I work are changing.  The building wants to keep our entire rehab team and the new company led us to believe they were going to make the switch easy effective March 1st.  I immediately had such a sick feeling come over me.  This would happen a month or so before I am due with our first child. The past 9 months I have planned my maternity leave, insurance, and PTO all to spend precious time with Mac.  The new company did none of the above.  They low balled "me only" an offer and asked for a two year commitment with no maternity leave.  To be honest I was devastated at first about the possibility of them messing up my time I had planned with our little boy and second at the principal of it all.  How did he make that offer to 8 1/2 months pregnant woman and sleep that night????  They did knowing I would not accept it and they would not have to pay my benefits while I am off.  It is 100% discrimination and I have since found out this type of thing happens frequently to women in the workplace.  It just makes me SICK!!  So no corporate America I will never accept such an offer in my industry!!
• Mike to the rescue- Thank God for my amazing husband!!!  I cannot explain the level our marriage has gone to during this pregnancy.  I cannot wait to see how even more in love we will be once our little boy is here.  Mike has our insurance figured out and finances for me to be off for 6 months.  If you know me there is no way I will be able to not work for even two months.  I love what I do that much.  I am going to do PRN work until I deliver.  Once Mac is here we will see where life takes the Rigbys!!!

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Showered with *LOVE*

This past weekend I flew home to Tennessee and had a huge baby shower in my hometown Bolivar.  The airport was interesting I had lots of comments (congrats, should you be flying?, I can't believe you are 8 months, etc).  TSA did not even pay attention to me in security because they were to interested in my baby belly.  I will really miss the perks of pregnancy!  

Anyways back to the shower it was at one of my best friends from high school's shop Greenberry Bright.  The shower was perfect and I was overwhelmed with all thoughtfulness of all these people that helped shaped me throughout my early years.  I am so blessed and I try to not go a day without realizing it.  I had friends drive from all over just to see my belly and spend time with me.  We talked every night until at least midnight and woke up the next morning and talked some more.  It was the PERFECT grown up girl's weekend.  Mac was well taken care of with all his gifts and we feel much more prepared. 

Leaving my parents was emotional and exciting.  It is really hard to explain, but I think it has alot to do with me being the baby in the family.  I have always been the young cool wild and free Aunt.  The next time I am home I will have a family of my own.  I am very ready and excited, but that other chapter in my life is about to end.  My dad got me with these words "You will always be my little girl."  Wow tear jerker!

These beautiful pictures were done by my bestie Amy Love!!! ENJOY!!

My Sweet Mom (MiMi) and I

8 months!

"No little boy will keep me from my heels!"

Mariellen Rigby

Pa paw and Haley Grace

Thank you to all of the hostess!!! It was such a wonderful event! I love you all!

7 weeks or less until Baby Mac is here!!!