Introducing Caiden August Heidorn

*** BEWARE: there will be a lot of pictures. A ton of pictures. But what do you expect from a first time mommy that also happens to be a photographer? After things died down the day that Caiden was born I sat at the laptop in my hospital room and wrote out his birth story so that I wouldn't forget the details, so here it is!

I was scheduled to go to Mountain View Hospital at 8:00pm on the 14^th of March. We had decided to use cervidil for the initial induction. I entered the hospital dilated to a 3 and after 12 long hours after the cervidil was inserted I was a little more than discouraged with my body because I had only dilated to a 3.5. So around 10:30am the nurse ran an IV line of patocin and around 11:00 Dr. Baker came in and broke my water. The contractions got very heavy and painful. I had been planning on trying to do this naturally and laboring in the water, but for those who have had babies before you’ll understand, I dilated to a 9 in that hour, that’s how heavy and painful my contractions were, and there was only 30 seconds of relief between each contraction. I dilated 5.5cm in 1 hour! I asked Miles a few times to switch positions with me because I didn’t think I could handle it anymore. At around noon I asked for the epidural. It took him 20 minutes to get there. My IV line stopped working just as the anesthesiologist was about to administer the epidural so they had to find a new vein and run a new IV which took them another 10 minutes. He had a really hard time finding a break in my spine, it took him another few minutes; meanwhile I was still having really hard and long (about a minute and a half) contractions with 30 seconds to rest in between. I couldn’t even feel him wiggling that big ole needle around in my back because I was battling each contraction, trying to keep myself relaxed. At around 1:00 they came back in and checked me, I was dilated to a 10. I pushed twice and the nurse decided that he wasn’t ready and had me wait another hour to an hour and a half before pushing again. I was really happy to have the epidural at this point because I was looking at my contraction monitor line and it looked like the Grand Tetons, there were no moments of rest between contractions. I could still feel the urges to push with each contraction. Once Dr. Baker got there I pushed for about 35-40 minutes. Caiden August Heidorn was born at 2:02pm on March 15, 2011. He was 8lbs 1oz and 21.5in long. He’s a big boy with a full head of dark brown hair! I can’t even begin to explain how it felt to have my beautiful, perfect baby boy placed in my arms. It was the closest I have ever felt to heaven. It was surreal and so deeply spiritual. My mom and sister, Nikki, were able to join Miles and I in the delivery room. I loved being able to share that moment with them.

He was quite the acrobat in the womb. I could feel him tumbling around, but he had tied a perfect knot in the umbilical cord, which could have been fatal by cutting off his air supply. Luckily I was very active (swimming, running when I could, and towards the end walking on the track and walking stairs) and I ate pretty healthy, so the cord was very healthy! Dr. Baker kept marveling over how healthy and thick the cord was and the perfect knot.

I only had to have 2 stitches because my doctor was amazing! He would tell me when to push hard, when to push softly, and when to allow the contractions to move Caiden out and stretch me out naturally. The epidural wore off quickly and I was able to get up and move around within an hour and take a bath while Miles went to give Caiden his first bath! When they came back from the nursery I was amazed at how much Caiden already looks like Miles! Looking at my sweet baby swells my heart with so much love, and somehow he has made me love Miles even more. I didn’t think that was possible. Miles is an amazing daddy! He’s happily changed every diaper, burps him when he’s done eating, and wants to hold him close all the time. I love watching them together and seeing Miles kiss Caiden’s head when he falls asleep. He was so anxious to get Caiden from the nursery this morning. He said he couldn’t sleep any longer, that he missed Caiden too much and that it was like Christmas morning.

Sitting and typing this while he’s sleeping in the bassinet next to me I miss him. He is so perfect and beautiful. It’s amazing that I could love someone so much in a single second. From the first hello, from the first moment he was placed in my arms and looked into my eyes he had my heart.

Left: us outside the house going to the hospital. Right: us in front of the hospital doors.

 Mountain View Hospital in Idaho Falls where I delivered.

The first time they placed Caiden in my arms.

He was so alert from the moment he was born, he kept gazing up in to my eyes. It was so amazing!

 My sister Nikki and my mom holding Caiden in the hospital. I'm so happy they were both in the room to witness Caiden's birth. 

 This was Miles first time changing a diaper. He is a pro! In Caiden's 10 days of life I have literally changed maybe 5 diapers, and that's because Miles was in class. He always volunteers.

Left: Caiden is so expressive with his hands and loves to have them right up by his face! Right: this what he wore home from the hospital. He was all bundled up to face the Idaho cold! 

39 weeks and 3 days...

Today we went to our very last doctors appointment! Ahh it feels good to say that! I'm dilated to a 3 now, progress is exciting! The doctor still thinks I'll go in to labor before Sunday, in fact he told me he was surprised I even made it to our appointment today. But the most exciting news is that if baby boy doesn't come by Monday I'll be heading to the hospital at 8pm to be induced. Because my cervix is so "favorable" and I was pretty set on not using petocin, the doctor suggested we try misoprostal, also known as cytotek. It's a more natural way of inducing labor and isn't quite as painful as petocin. I'm just excited to know that the end is near! At the very longest we will have our baby boy in our arms on Tuesday!

(I'm not including my face in this picture because I'm currently retaining a lot of water and I honestly look horrible. But here's the mountain at 39.5 weeks.)

In other news, Nixon got his hairs cut and washed today in anticipation of the arrival of baby boy. He smells like a cinnamon stick and his nails are no longer eagle talons. Also, on our way home from the doctors I felt my left ear and to my dismay realized that my earring had fallen out. They're the nice diamond earrings that Miles gave me for our one year anniversary. I was devastated, and slightly confused because they're the kind that the back screws in to the front, making it nearly impossible for them to just fall out. So the whole way home from Idaho Falls I was praying that I would find the earring. We walked in the house, I went to go hang up my coat, looked down and there was my earring! Prayers are answered! It was a complete miracle. Heavenly Father loves us enough to listen to and answer all of our prayers! That's a blessing.

Family Update

I haven't had a whole lot to blog about recently because I basically sit home all day waiting for any sign that this baby boy is going to be making his way to our home. Our hospital bags are all packed, we have almost everything we need, and the car seat is already safe and secure in the back seat of the car. I can't wait to place him in it for the first time! I was watching a video on Baby Center today about what they do while the baby is in the nursery (Mountain View does it in your room if you prefer, but after watching all the pricks the baby gets, I think I'll have him go to the nursery and I'll take a shower!) and I just started weeping. It wasn't a full on cry, it was a weep, because I just wanted that to be my baby, I just want to hold him.
This weekend we celebrated our last weekend as just a couple. We got all dolled up and went to Idaho Falls for dinner Friday night. We ate at the Snakebite, which was good but the portions were not worth the price and our waiter was totally tweeking out. We probably won't be going back again. He yelled at Miles, it was awkward. Saturday Miles had a basketball game, so I went to that then we went to lunch with my friend and old roommate, Jenica. It was so nice seeing her! That night we went to Sammy's to listen to Jenica's friend's band play. Caiden was dancing like crazy! Sunday we had Stake Conference, then came home and made cookies and watched movies together all day. It was a nice and relaxing weekend to celebrate our last together as a couple. Here's a picture of us before going to dinner Friday. I wanted to document our last weekend alone. Even if Caiden doesn't come this weekend my mom comes on Friday, so it was definitely our last. It's a bittersweet feeling. Please don't mind my awfully chubby face. It's embarrassing.

Here's the latest with our family:

Miles: He's currently the CEO of his IBC company, Shukrani Beads. I did a blog post about them earlier. They now have an etsy site if you want to purchase things and don't live in Rexburg. Check it out here. His classes are keeping him pretty busy, but he really likes them. He's also playing competitive basketball on campus this semester. He has practice every Tuesday and Thursday and games every Friday or Saturday, it's been a lot of fun watching him play! He's in a little competition with one of his teammates to see who can lose the most weight during the season. They weigh in every Tuesday after practice, loser buys winner a Jamba Juice. Miles has won 2 of the 3 times! Miles has been applying like crazy for internships, and we're starting to see the fruits of his labors! He's been offered 3 or 4 internships in CT and NY, we're still waiting to hear from his top pick, Priceline, before he gives a definitive answer to any of the other companies. But we will DEFINITELY be moving to Connecticut this summer! YAY! So anyone that wants to take a trip to see the east coast come this summer! Miles is really excited to be a daddy, he talks to Caiden every night and rubs my belly, back and feet daily! He's a good husband!
Chelsey: I don't have a whole lot going on except for the ever growing belly and the anticipation of having this baby! I'm working to open my own little etsy shop of graphic prints, invitations, and photo prints. It's called The Print Boutique, I'll let you know when I have stuff posted. So far I've just been working on baby nursery stuff. I recently sewed Nixon some new toys, a blue fuzzy star and a brown gingerbread man with some leftover fabric I had. He brings the gingerbread man to bed with him every night. It's pretty cute, and it makes me feel good! My mom comes on Friday, which I am very excited about! Only 4 more days until I get to see her! Here are the things I'm most excited about living in Connecticut: only having to walk downstairs to talk to my mom, being close to my best friend Jenny Riddle, having a Panera in town, going to the beach that my dad runs during the summer, taking Caiden to his first Mets games, taking Miles to the Manhattan, Boston, and DC temples, taking Miles and Caiden to the ocean in Rhode Island, having a mall with good stores only 10 minutes away, being a part of a good family ward, going to Bunco nights with my mom and Jen, being able to see my nephews whenever I want, helping Jen and Scott move in to their new house, and having mildly humid summers (compared to Nashville, yuck!).
Nixon: Nixon is my best little bud. He hangs out with me at the house all day, protects me from the mailman, and cuddles up with us at night. He likes to sleep either at our toes under the blankets or up top in between us. He loves loves loves to eat carrots. Isn't that weird? And I don't feel bad giving some to him because it's better than meat or junk! He loves to go to the park. He shakes in anticipation when he sees us pulling up to it! His favorite toys right now are his old tattered leash, which we have dubbed "mini leash" and an octopus that's attached to some yarn and we "go fishing" for Nixon. He loves going on car rides and sticking his head out the window, no matter the temperature outside. He knows how to put the windows down on his own, which is extremely frustrating! He loves to cuddle up on the luvsac and take a nap, still wants nothing to do with his kennel. My sister, Nikki, got a puppy a few months ago and Nixon just loves her. They could seriously play all day long, and sometimes do. They're about the same size right now which I think Nixon really appreciates.

Left: what Nixon does every time we leave the house, it's his last defense to try to get us to take him along. It's so cute that it usually works. Right: Nixon testing out our new stroller. Don't mind his scary eyes, both pictures were taken with my phone and the stroller one was taken at about 10:00 at night so I had to use my flash.

He's so cute all cuddled up and sleeping! Once again, not the greatest quality because it was taken with my phone.

Pay special attention to seconds 9-11. This is Nixon and Kona at the park one evening.

Baby Mountain

So I don't really consider my belly to be much of a "baby bump" anymore, it feels more like a baby mountain! I am 38 weeks today, so just 14 days until my due date! WOOO! I told Caiden today in Sacrament meeting that I understand it's probably really hard to leave Heaven, so I'll be patient, but to know that his mommy and daddy are anxious to hold him and that there's a lot of love waiting for him down here on earth. I can't wait for him to get here. Miles and I were talking while eating lunch today and he said "You could go in to labor this week. Are you ready?" I really started to think about it, and I have no idea if I'm ready. I started to tear up a bit because I'm so ready to not be pregnant, but it scares me to think that at the end of that I'll be a mom! I'm not sure if I'm really really ready, but I sure am excited. Here are pictures of the baby mountain from weeks 37 and 38. I'm not really one for the bare belly pictures, but I had an idea for a picture that couldn't be done any other way than to have a bare belly.. so please don't be grossed out. I'm going to take another picture with the same backdrop and in the same shirt but instead of holding my belly I'll be cradling Caiden in the same place, and I'm going to pair them side by side. I hope you can get a mental picture of what I'm describing..

Looking at these pictures, and looking at all the pictures I've taken during this pregnancy side by side I'm still in shock that this is my body. 

Pregnancy Update

Here's my 37.5 week update: I went to the doctor's on Wednesday. After repeatedly telling me that I probably wouldn't go in to labor until after my due date the doctor did my check up. Turns out I'm already dilated 2.5 cm and 75% effaced! Though that doesn't really mean that I'm going in to labor any time soon, the doctor changed his prognosis, he said he would bet I go in to labor before my due date, which is in 16 days, just over two weeks left!

I can't wait for Caiden to get here. I can't wait for my appointment on Wednesday to see if I've progressed at all. I've been going for walks and eating spicey foods and having very painful, yet irregular, contractions. Sometimes those contractions stop me dead in my tracks, can't move, can't breath for a good 30 seconds, but they aren't getting any closer together. I can hang in there, but it's getting extremely uncomfortable. I just keep telling myself to soak up the last Miles and Chelsey moments before the baby gets here.

I'm sure Miles is getting reaaaaaaally ready for me to not be pregnant, poor guy has been dealing with extreme pregnant emotions lately. Sometimes I turn in to the incredible hulk and I can feel it coming but I'm powerless to stop it, and then when it's over I start to cry because of the things I just said or did and then Miles hugs me and tells me he understands and kisses my forehead and I'm happy. It's a full round of emotions in a 5 minute span. I'm just lucky to have a great and understand husband. Sorry for no pictures, I'm feeling too huge today to document, although I really should.

Maybe I'll go do that now...

Sweethearts Day

Every year Miles and I take turns planning out our Valentine's activities. This year it was Miles turn, and I must say he did a fabulous job! He realized that being nine months pregnant on Valentine's Day that I probably wasn't going to be up for a big romantic evening. He also has been paying attention to how frumpy and huge I've been feeling, and the fact that I stare at my closet for a good 20 minutes trying to figure out what to wear. So his first gesture of sweetness was to give me money to go buy myself a Valentine's outfit that would make me feel pretty! How sweet is that? And understanding. The Saturday and Sunday before Valentine's Day I made him breakfast in bed, pancakes and eggs on Saturday, then heart shaped french toast with bread from Great Harvest, eggs, bacon, and hash browns on Sunday. Even though it wasn't my year to plan, I wanted to do something sweet to show my man that I love him. On Saturday I picked up Miles gift and couldn't wait to give it to him. I crochet'd a little cell phone cozy and wrapped it up with a contract attached to it. The contract stated that I he absolutely had to keep his gift. There were some clauses and stipulations, but that was the gist of the contract. I made him sign it before he opened his present. So he opens his gift and finds the cozy. He had a mildly confused look on his face, when I pulled his new iPhone out from behind my back! He upgraded me for my birthday and had been envious of how awesome my phone was ever since, so I wanted to upgrade him for Valentine's day. He was like a little school girl with giddy! We went over to AT&T to activate it and he has not put it down since, which makes me feel great! 

On actual Valentine's day Miles told me I needed to be ready to go by 12:20pm. I got showered and ready in my new Valentine's outfit, first time I've been ready to leave the house before 12:00 basically my entire third trimester. (Oh the joys of being a college graduate and not having a job!) He got home from class, told me I looked beautiful in my new outfit, and handed me a cute little handmade card and a present. His card had a cute little poem inside it about how much he loved me and wanted me to relax, so he had booked us couples massages at Massage Envy and we were going to sushi afterwards. It was exactly what I needed! He had also bought me the newest Mark Mabry photography book, "Another Testament" which I love! I have the "Reflections of Christ" book and have wanted the Testament book since it came out. His photographs are beautiful, and I love the model he chose for Christ. 

We got our lovely massages, oh my goodness how much I needed that, and headed over to Blue Hashi for a nice Valentine's lunch. We both love sushi and sampled three rolls! I was pleasantly stuffed and we didn't have to wait in long lines to be seated. I'm glad Miles chose to do an afternoon Valentine's rather than an evening one. After lunch we walked around the mall for a while and gave each other $10 to buy something for the other. There were some pretty good sales going on, and we both ended up getting each other a shirt. Seeing as I don't have a whole lot of time left being pregnant, Miles bought me a shirt that will fit perfectly once this baby bundle of joy comes. I appreciate that! It makes me feel like the end is near! After the mall we went home and spent the rest of the day eating Cocoa Bean cupcakes, watching lovey dovey movies, and spending time with Nixon. 

It was the most perfect, relaxing Valentine's Day that a pregnant lady could wish for! I'm so grateful for a sweet and understanding husband that always knows exactly what I need. I love him so much! I brought my camera along to take pictures, but forgot the memory card at home. I felt so silly when I realized it, so all the pictures from our day are from my phone. They aren't the greatest quality, but they aren't bad either!

And there I am at 36 weeks. We got to park in the expectant mother's spot at the mall. It was exciting and closer than the handicap spots! I hope I haven't gotten much bigger in the last week, only 19 days to go! My face, feet, hands, and thighs are starting to swell and retain water, which is really uncomfortable and I feel pretty gross. I put my hands on anything cold throughout the day because they always feel like they're on fire and are swollen little sausages. Miles has to put on and take off my shoes for me now, and I think that I'm definitely waddling instead of walking. He says he can't tell, but let's be serious, I'm a duck. 

Shukrani Beads

Miles IBC company is up and running! For those that don't go to BYU-Idaho, IBC is the Integrated Business Core program in which a group of students create a company for the semester. They formulate an idea, propose their idea to the professors and other students, write the business plan, market and sell their product, and probably tons of other things that go in to the process that people don't see. Their business is called Shukrani Beads.
In Uganda Shukrani means thanks, gratitude, and appreciation. But in a country ravished by war and poverty many people try to survive on less than $1 a day, life in Uganda doesn't always leave much to be grateful for. They live in extreme conditions of poverty, finding work where they can. But the Uganda women have a special talent for turning recycled paper into beautiful beads. Shukrani Beads purchases their beads from a company called Beads for Life. Shukrani assembles special hand crafted jewelry that is making a difference for all that are involved. Each product is unique and offers a special opportunity for both the bead maker and the consumer.
You can check out their stuff on their facebook page: www.facebook.com/Shukranibeads But here are some of my favorite pictures. I especially LOVE the first necklace. I'll probably own 3 or 4 by the end of the semester because they are so cute! And I love the second picture because those are my hands! I feel a special part of the project, and they used that picture on their booth!

And here's a video clip on Beads for Life, their bead supplier.

They are selling their product in the MC and the Clark during the week, but if you see something you're interested in and don't live in the area let me know and we can work something out!