August 31, 2006
Self Portrait Challenge - Enclosed Spaces
Enclosed in a pregnant body and Ian enclosed in me - now, seven days out, we feel much better.
More at SPC.
August 29, 2006
Home Together
We are more together
than we know, how else could we keep on discovering
we are more together than we thought?
You are the known way leading always
to the unknown,
and you are the known place to which the unknown is always
leading me back.
Wendell Berry
Erik holding Ian when I first got home and me with my Jack that I missed so much
I love this little family. I remember Kelly's words in a letter to me, "You grew into a family so fast." Now we are four since Ian and I came home Sunday. I listened to all the bells ringing in the churches below as we waited for Erik and Jack to come fetch us.
The other night night as we were getting ready to go to sleep, Erik on one side of the bed giving Jack a bottle and me on the other side feeding Ian, a look and a smile passed between us. It was a look of complete friendship that has already crossed over many bridges, difficult and wonderful, in this short time we've been married. Here we are hand in hand, embarking on a new journey together.
I know how things go when God is not in the middle of it all bringing us forward. I've seen how rich it can be when we are in fellowship with him accepting his grace. There is a closeness then, deeper than words between my husband and I, friend and dear friend, and our family bound together; four growing together into something meaningful...into something eternal.
In the midst of babies crying, trails of tiny socks and my one year old's kisses I find myself looking beyond all this while soaking it up too, praying for God to be with us and in us and most of all for this little world within our home not to be about us but about him. I am grateful that he is giving me the eyes to truly see.
the sign they put on all the doors in the maternity ward
In the hospital they dress all the babies in a wrap t-shirt, a wrap-around sweater and these jumpers. I thought it made Ian look like some sort of a little German worker.
Angel had to leave us Monday morning - we will miss her a lot.
Ian checking out his Papa
It was funny that I called Ian an elephant the last half of my pregnancy and Angel brought him an elephant not knowing that. Plus all the blankets they used for the babies in the hospital were little duvets with elephants on them.
Something that helps after a long hard day.
My husband brings me coffee in bed every morning. I think somebody loves me.
August 25, 2006
This Time Last Year
we were in the hospital with another brand new baby.
Happy Birthday to Mr. Jack
Angel brought presents for us to open
Jack thinks his new best friend is a pretty sweet gift
mama should be coming home the day after tomorrow; we really miss her in our very quiet home
opening and closing the box was even more fascinating than the wrapping paper
we had a croissant from the neighborhood bakery in lieu of some sort of elaborate cake and related accoutrements
August 24, 2006
A New Person
Or, as Dr. Krabbendaum would say, "A new little God-fearer."
Ian Leif Erikson
Ian was born at 7:05 a.m. European time (1:05 a.m. EST), he was 8 pounds 13 ounces, 20.9 inches long, 14 inch head; Michelle says he looks like her mom's branch of the family
mama is doing well; I am certain she will share all of the details of the labour with all who dare to read in the near future
Jack was not entirely certain what the new little person was doing with his mama, but he will have ample time to figure that all out
beautiful, beautiful, amazingly strong mama; I stand in awe of the wonder of creation and the courage of motherhood
Angel stayed awake with Michelle all night long and coached her through the pain better than I ever could have done. Jack and I spent the morning getting ready to meet Ian and listening to the album October by U2, and there truly was much rejoicing. We have appreciated your prayers greatly and look forward to introducing Ian to all of you as time and place permit. -Erik
New Baby Here
I just spoke with Angel at the hospital at about 7:15 European time and I heard the first healthy cries of Ian Leif Erikson, new into the world. Thanks be to God for his marvelous goodness. Our prayers now can shift to the recovery of Michelle and to the first two months with a newborn and a one-year-old. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement. -Erik
August 23, 2006
Hospital Bound
If you're reading this it means that I'm on my way or at the hospital and Erik is posting for me. Depending on what time it is when I go into labor - remember we are six hours ahead of you folks in the States - Erik and Jack will be taking Angel and I to the hospital and going back home to wait for news. Angel was so great to sit and copy out pages and pages of phrases and words we may need since our printer isn't hooked up. Fun stuff like this...
Wird das weh tun - Will this be painful?
Ich habe schneidende schmerzen - I have pain like cut with a knife.
Ich muss mich ubergeben - I need to vomit.
Dammschnitt - Episiotomy
Kaiserschnitt - C-section
Pressen - Push Hard
August 21, 2006
Ten Days, Vino and a New Friend
I know, I know...this is getting old. I'll be forty and still updating you guys on how the baby hasn't come yet.
We went to the hospital today and they wouldn't induce me. My doctor insisted yesterday on sending me in today telling she would call ahead and have it all set up. Since things of this nature hardly ever seem to work out and we waste our time I asked her again and again if she was sure because the hospital told me they induce on the twelfth day. Sure enough we get there and they tell me my doctor should know better. We all pretty much got up early and out the door for nothing. They checked me out - Yes, you're still pregnant with an elephant, no the baby's head hasn't moved down, Yep, you're still dilated one centimeter, heartbeat is good, baby hasn't run out of room and you can go home.
This little bird of a midwife I like named Agnes told me to drink a glass of red wine, eat spicy pizza, take a bath in lavender with aromatherapy candles, walk, dance and kiss my husband. Sounds like a fun full day.
So after my imaginary appointment we walked from our house and looked for a place to eat. It was nice and chilly out for our stroll.
I'm paying for it now with heartburn but that was good pizza and vino.
I also have a new friend in my neighborhood. A couple days ago Claire from England approached my husband and Angel and asked them in German if our car was American. When she found out they spoke English she told them she'd been looking for an English speaking friend. She has a husband, two kids and lives in the same square as us. She and her family speak fluent German because they've been here five years but they speak English in their home. I went out to the square yesterday to meet her and she said maybe we could have coffee sometime. Today as we were walking in she called out to me about the baby still hanging out and said she had been thinking about me today. It was so strange to have a neighbor who knew what was going on with me. It made Germany feel more like home. It was good.
Happy Birthday Dearling
Before I leave for the hospital I have to send birthday blessings to my little sis Marley who turns 11 today. I love you Mar!
August 20, 2006
I Needle to Have This Baby
9 days baby. NINE DAYS LATE! What the heck. Yeah, so it was a rough morning. I got suddenly very depressed about things and spent a good hour in my bed sobbing. Angel has been here for two weeks and flies out in one. My husband has to go back to work a few days after that. I am required to stay in the hospital 3 1/2 days at least and I'm running out of time. I don't know how I'm going to do 10 to 13 hour days alone, sleep deprived, recovering from birth and no family or friends. All I could do was cry.
Erik took Jack for a nice morning walk and they came back rosy-cheeked and happy. I don't know if these backpacks are uncommon over here but Erik gets gawked at a lot when he's out.
My OB had planned to meet us in the office which was really nice since it's a Sunday. She checked me all out and then set me up with some acupuncture. 13 needles - the weirdest thing was having them in my head. I tell you what though, my mood changed drastically after that. I wasn't hormonally up and down on my sad roller coaster.
It's so nice to have someone to play with Jack because Jack really doesn't play alone for very long.
Tomorrow my doctor is sending me to the hospital to get induced with a small amount of Oxytocin. Please pray for me. I wanted to go in to labor naturally so I could avoid them jump-starting me, therefore bringing on the pain too fast and me not being able to cope with it. I'll be going to the hospital tomorrow morning at 8 am with bags packed just in case. We shall see...
August 19, 2006
How Much Does the Elephant Weigh?
8 days late and counting. If you want to put in your vote for the weight of the baby be my guest. Maybe we'll send the winner some German chocolate. I'm ready to get this over with. Pretty much every time I think about going into labor or talk about it I get sick and have to run to the bathroom. Now I am to the point where I am so tired of being scared that I just want to get it over with. My sister Amy will be posting for me when I go into labor, updates and arrival of the elephant.
Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, comments here and emails. All of them mean so much to me and I feel very loved.
I know this one is freaky but I had to put it up because it looks like The Giant Floating Tummy
August 18, 2006
Incentive to Walk
place we get eis
Lots of walking and no baby but at least I get treats and photos out of it. Wednesday Angel and I walked straight to a cafe I like and had cappacinos and cake.
inside a cafe that sells coffee, chocolate, breads, etc.
Yesterday I had to go in to see my OB so she could make sure the rabid, elephant baby was doing ok. While I was in my appointment Erik, Angel and Jack walked to a castle in Alzenau. I think it's in Bavaria because my doctor is right on the border.
castle in Bavaria - (photo is not mine)
While they were on their walk this is what I got to do...
my throne
In the part of the appointment when you go in the last room (you go into four different rooms during the two hour appointment) for your cervical exam they have these not so cool chairs to sit on. I tried to draw why but it doesn't quite capture my discomfort. First of all the seat isn't large enough for the skinniest person's behind and the back is reclined. So you have a choice while you wait half naked with a dish towel over your lap - you can perch on the seat, on tip-toe like a bird/hobbit (being short doesn't help) or you can lay back and put your feet in the stirrups which face an open window. If you try to lay back without putting your feet in the stirrups you fall out of the seat. Yesterday I perched there like an idiot for almost thirty minutes. I'll have to admit my mood turned a bit sour and my humor dark as I looked out the window wishing I was on their walk too.
almost to the river
Later in the day Angel and I decided to walk to the river that is near our house so I could get my walk. Of course it doesn't feel that close when you're a human weeble with a pumpkin sitting on your pelvic bones. There is a church beside the river that rings it's bells in the afternoon and it's quite lovely.
church by the river
We decided we needed eis (ice cream) on the way back. It's always good to have something sweet to put in your mouth when you feel like complaining about the walk home.
my reward
August 16, 2006
Ausfahrt Baby!
Exit in German
Exit \Ex"it\, The act of going away or out.
A passage or way out
To make one's exit; depart.
Alrighty, here's the deal...we really need this baby to exit within the next few days at least. My husband started his leave time on Monday so I think he has to go back to work September 2nd. Also my sister in-law Angel flies home on the 28th. So if I'm going to have any help while recovering, with my dear rabid chipmunk and new baby then the little guy needs to make a grand entrance. As much as I dread birth I'm beginning to dread being alone with two babies while I'm trying to get my strength back. I've been praying that a free ticket would fall into my Mom's hands. It will be interesting to see what awaits us on this new journey we're about to embark on. I seriously feel like everyone is just waiting for me to perform. I'll make a face or look uncomfortable and everyone will perk up. If anyone wants to volunteer to do this for me just let me know. Until then let the walking and waiting begin!
August 15, 2006
And for today...
No baby yet, not even close. My OB told me to go to the hospital on Monday if the baby hadn't come yet to get the heartbeat etc. checked. So we went and no progress. Today I've been cleaning like crazy. I'm getting progressively more and more into this nesting thing as I wait. Tomorrow if I haven't gone into labor I'm supposed to call my OB on her cell.
Just to make sure our situation is clear in case I haven't explained it in past postings...
* I'm having my baby in a German hospital.
* The midwives that are in the hospital when you go into labor deliver the baby, not the OB I've been going to regularly (doctors are on hand in case they are needed).
* They Are Not big on inducing labor, epidurals, episiotomies, hooking you up to IVs or circumcision here (which is great to me). In fact, epidurals are uncommon enough that you have to pre-register for them in your 36th week if you want the option to even be available. I did register for an epidural just in case.
* You are encouraged to walk around and eat if you want (you can bring a cooler with drinks and snacks). They only have carbonated water so you have to bring regular bottled water if you don't like it.
* They have alternative coping measures for pain, like -herbal teas, aromatherapy, whirlpool baths, labor ball, massages, rice-heating pads etc. They will do water births if you want that option.
* My sister in-law Angel will be with me at the hospital during labor and delivery and my husband is staying with Jack. The main reasons for this include that we want a car here and someone who can drive staying with Jack in case something happened, we still have never left him with anyone, Erik did awesome last time but was a bit traumatized by my last birth and I really want someone with me who has also gone through the birthing process. I'm looking forward to Angel going with me and can tell from her personality and relating to her that she is a great person to have at my side.
* There is always a chance that the midwife we get might not speak English so if we want we can call a liaison 24 hrs a day to come translate.
* You are required to stay 72 hours and 7-10 days if you have a C-section. I'm really going to miss my Jack.
* The baby is handed to you immediately so you can begin breastfeeding. Then they clean the baby up.
* When I had Jack and they had trouble getting him out they said it was because he wasn't fitting over my pelvic bone. They had to use suction, then forceps and told me a couldn't have a baby larger than Jack (6.5 lb). Since then I've talked to different doctors and midwives who have had contradicting opinions on this. Most of them have said that it doesn't make sense because your pelvic bones loosen and begin to separate in preparation for birth. Either way please pray for me because this baby is already much bigger than Jack was and I really don't want a C-section.
Have You Put Your Couch Together Today?
Yeah, weird. Last week I called Erik at work and told him the couch was delivered in pieces. He wasn't especially thrilled about this with all of the other things he had to do. I know that part of the good price at Ikea is that you put most everything together yourself, but the couch?! I've never seen a couch put together and the strangest part to me was that the covering velcroed on.
finished result
Mason's Second Birthday
My nephew Mason turned two this past Saturday. What a doll, wish we could have been there.
Severed Finger= Beaver Tail Splint
Ok, so it's not exactly severed but I think it was close. I slit my finger open with scissors trying to get into boxes to look for nightgowns for the hospital. Apparently they don't give you a hospital gown so I was searching for more pajamas. It was a big drama. My husband said it was quite a cut but I didn't need stitches. I told him that I saw bone and guts and he laughed. Hopefully it will be all healed before I go into labor so I can make a fist. My husband wasn't too happy that I broke one of the kiddy, plastic ware to make a splint for it. He liked the beaver knife but the tail was perfect for what I needed. It saved my finger, really.
I love that boy in overalls
Sick Husband
Erik is on the road to recovery. For those of you who knew and were praying, thank you. He suddenly got really sick starting Saturday and I haven't seen him that miserable in a long time. I was worried about him and about everyone else getting sick (especially Jack and possibly the new baby if he gets here soon). He still isn't completely well so I don't feel good about going into labor until then. Please keep praying that he continues to get well and no one else gets sick.
More Random Pictures From a Walk Around the Neighborhood
Goofing, Waiting...
...Playing
at Ikea
Angel rode my bike through the neighborhood, the town and down by the river. Glad it's getting some use since I've been pregnant for almost two years and couldn't ride it. That is one of the first things I'm going to do after I have this baby and recover. It's one of the most enjoyable ways to go exploring.
playing on the teeter totter with Aunt Angel
After getting some gelato from the ice cream truck we all sat in the Square and ate it. I actually let Jack eat a cone with no ice cream which is a big deal if you're familiar with what a paranoid Mom I've been since I had him. Poor little guy, he held it in a panicky kind of way and shook with excitement like I might take it away at any moment. Then I took his socks off and walked him through the grass and some sand. It was so nice outside - cold reading weather all morning and then a light Fall feeling before dinner.
Jack, giving me a Jerry Lewis face with the sun in his eyes
August 13, 2006
Wandering the Streets
a little morning reading before going out
Ah, no baby yet but we have been having good conversation, walks, food and lots of laughter. I think we can put off the inevitable pain for a wee bit longer. You might also be able to tell from our apparel that it's cold here. It's been quite pleasant for a couple weeks but the last few days have been chilly, hot chocolate days. I love it, it feels like Fall is here.
open market
the Euro Tree
being the tourists that we are at times
tasty lunch - we forgot our dictionary but managed to communicate just fine and had a delicious meal
must have coffee afterward with the doors open and a little rain
always good to come home
August 11, 2006
Is He Done?
So today is my due date but I don't think the baby is ready to come out of the oven. It doesn't feel like it's going to happen for a few days which is good because I'm still working on packing my bags etc. The last few days I've started getting scared of the pain to come. It makes me start to feel a woozy kind of sick just thinking about it and I try to re-direct my mind. I want to go into my birth with a positive attitude so your prayers are appreciated. More later today, for now it's time to pack.
August 08, 2006
Send Me An Angel
So, with great happiness and relief for many reasons we have our first guest here in Germany. Aunt Angel! She came over for three weeks to help us during the birth and after. Not knowing anyone really well and my due date this Friday I was so worried I would go into early labor. My husband couldn't be there with me in the hospital and watch Jack at the same time so I would have been alone. Now I can relax and let my body go into labor whenever it wishes to.
Having Angel here is like a breath of fresh air. Not only is she family that we've missed but she's so excited to be here that her enthusiasm has spread to me. I don't have time to explain the things that continue to go wrong but I was settling into a very negative, fearful spirit about things. Seeing Germany through her delight over things, her positive energy and encouragement about how my birth will go has already done so much to help me.
Plus, Jack completely adores her. First of all you could tell he remembered her but I've never seen him react this way to anyone. He will start crying sometimes if she leaves the room. They are pretty darn cute together.
It's so good to have our dear friend her during this time in our life. Thank you to cousin Christian for sharing your Mom for such a long time. Thank you to my sweet in-laws for taking care of Christian while Angel is here. I'm so grateful all of this worked out. Now we just need elephant baby to make his grand appearance!
We went for a short walk near our house this afternoon and had so much fun. Mostly since we've been here I've been left to explore by myself. Today I discovered that it's so much more fun with someone else.
As we were crossing the tracks to explore on the other side the bell started dinging to let down the gate. We watched a family who had been biking together get seperated. The parents were on one side and their little boy was crying in panic on the other. We couldn't believe that for a few seconds the parents were trying to get him to cross over with the gate coming down. Thankfully the mother rushed back and made it to the other side to wait with him. I love that we can hear the train from our house and I like watching it rush by when I'm on walks.
We went to this little newstand and did our best to order all this funny candy we wanted to try in German. Then we stood on the curb with the candy so big in our mouths we could hardly talk and sour so we were making faces and laughing. It felt like childhood again and it was good to loosen up and have some fun. I'm looking forward to this time we all have together and meeting my new baby.
August 06, 2006
The Ice Cream Truck
How do you get the fattest girl in Germany to come out of her house?
You guessed it. Ring the ice cream bell, Baby! We have the nicest Italian guy who comes through the neighborhood every day with delicious gelato. Gelato is so much better than our ice cream and much richer so it's hard to eat as much. Also, the ice cream truck experience here is diffrent from what I've seen in the States, which can be kinda creepy and unsanitary. It's nice to know if you have a sweet tooth that someone will be there to take care of it, once a day, parked in our square. MmmmmHmmm.
August 05, 2006
Sister of Mine
Jamie and Luke at their engagement party, taken from Jer and Michelle's site
My sister Jamie gets married to her best friend Luke today. I can't believe I'm missing it. Last night going through old pictures and recent ones I got teary. I wanted to say to you Jamie, "Look how far we've come. Remember all these places we came from, hard and wonderful, and look at where God has brought all of us."
An old picture of Jamie and I at the cabin in Georgia one Christmas
We're all with you today, I'm just there in spirit and prayer. I'm so happy for you and I wish I could be there to witness your union with the man you love. Jamie I'm so proud of you and the woman that you've become. I love you little sister. May God shine upon you today.
Jamie reading to our nephew Mason and niece Moriah
Jamie and Luke at her mother's house, taken from J & M's site
Old photo of Grant, Jamie, Katie, Jer and a very small Marley
Having popcorn with Moriah, taken from J & M's site
Old photo of Jamie, Kelly and Katie visiting me in Chattanooga when I was a nanny
James and Marley
Old photo of Katie, Me, Jamie and Kelly when we still lived in Tallahassee
Jamie and Mom
All the older sisters together
Jamie and Luke, taken from Kell's site
August 01, 2006
Appreciating...
The weather today...
All day long it felt like Fall. I took Jack for a walk for the first time in over a week since the heat has been so bad. He actually wore clothes today and the inflated weeble (me of course) lumbered along happily.
My morning coffee turned tea lately...
I love this time of the morning before you know if you're going to have a stinky day or not.
Natural cleaning products...
We've been looking for a place to buy good stuff since we arrived. Strangely, my teeth led us to them. When I went to my German OB this week I showed her my teeth and asked if it might be pregnancy related. She stepped back with a look of horror on her face and said in her deep, German accent, "No, and please go to the dentist. They were good before." They, meaning my teeth, which had become discolored with transparent looking patches. Then she insisted I go see her dentist who was right around the corner from her office. I declined but she said I only have one pair of teeth and wanted to know right away what was wrong with mine. When I went to see her dentist it took five minutes and for no charge they told me it was the high amount of iron I had been taking. They polished one tooth and it came right off. So after that we walked around the area and discovered some nice shops. One had great natural products like Alma Win and Haba toys too.
Itty bitty baby ribs...
He has the most perfect little body.
Kell's new drawing...
You can get it here. I think Jack would love to have a painting like this in his room and want to commission Kelly to do a similar one with things he likes in it.
The photo in my husband's latest post...
He has an eye for taking pictures like this.
Amber's new bags...
You can get them here. She makes all sorts of lovely things.
The new comfy chair...
I've been enjoying the new chair this past week and we're getting ready to buy a couch. Yay! If you don't understand what I'm talking about refer to section of this post titled Master Bedroom, Etc.
The window is finally fixed...
We reported to our landlords almost a month ago that the line to the metal blinds on the largest window in our room broke. We were stuck waiting for them to fix it with only the tiny, prison-size window during some of the hottest weeks Germany has had in a long time. Today they miraculously showed up to remedy the problem after canceling on us numerous times. Now there is so much more light and air in the room. Jack is in heaven because he can watch the children play from his perch once again.
Snuggles...
I have a cuddly boy.