Merry Christmas to All

Priceless

I had asked Dave to burp Oliver for me, however he decided it was a better idea to play airplane! I guess sometimes mommy's know best!! The look on Oliver's face is absolutely priceless....

More jibber-jabber

Oliver started music class!

This past Saturday, Dave and I took Oliver to his first music class! Yes, a music class designed for infants and children of all ages. At the start of the new year, Dave and Oliver will embark on an 8 week music adventure! This past Saturday, Oliver stared around the room at the dancing and screaming children in wonderment before taking a snooze for the last 30 minutes of class!

The boy has a lot to say

Oliver has started talking, talking, talking. It's obvious the boy has a lot to say. I found him in his crib at 3:00am this morning just a talking away. I should also mention that Oliver has slept 8 hours in a row for the past two nights (knocking on wood that this continues)! 

Big Boy = Big Chair

Oliver can officially hold his head up and is strong enough to sit in his new big boy, bumbo chair! He seems to like this chair quite a bit!

Oliver's 1st Road Trip

Over the big Thanksgiving weekend, Dave, Oliver, Portland and I all packed up the car and headed to Surprise, Arizona! The trip took us about 6 hours each way. Oliver's first road trip was very uneventful (thank God!) as he slept almost the entire time there and back.

We had a wonderful visit with my Grandpa and Grandma Wimer (Oliver's great-grandparents)! The weekend was full of food and turkey hangovers! The dog, the babe, and the boy all seemed to enjoy themselves!

Oliver's 3 Months Old

Happy Turkey Day

Oliver got to spend 6 whole days visiting and meeting his family in Wisconsin. The fam was nice enough to move up the Thanksgiving feast so we could attend! Here's a snapshot of Oliver and his cousin Josee at their first Thanksgiving!

Oliver Introductions

The past three months have been filled with visiting family! Oliver has been lucky enough to meet 3 grandma's and 2 grandpa's! We've had a wonderful time with our families and feel so grateful for everyone coming out to California.

Grandma Lolli's 2nd Trip to California 

Grandpa Bob and Grandma Dorrie visit all the way from Winnipeg, Canada

Grandpa & Grandma Monroe...and Auntie Abby 

2 Months Old on November 5th, 2010

Today we are starting a monthly tradition....taking Oliver's photo next to his dinosaur on his monthly birth-day. Before long, Oliver will be larger than Mr. Dinosaur. It almost seems more appropriate to have the stuffed animal be a Buddha so we could compare belly sizes!!!! 

Daily Dose of Oliver

Oliver loves his bath time! Soon, he will be too large for our make-shift tub! 

Oliver's Weekend Recap

We all had a great Halloween weekend...including Portland. We spent a few hours Saturday at a doggie Halloween event in our neighborhood! Portland got to bob for hot dogs and be part of a doggie cake walk!

Then, on Sunday she enjoyed the afternoon at dog beach!

We spent Sunday evening handing out Halloween candy to all the kiddos in the neighborhood. Next year Oliver will be able to trick or treat!

Mr. Happy Cat in the Hat

The smiles just keep coming! We're waiting for our first giggle!

Oliver's first Halloween

While Grandma Lolli visited over the weekend, Oliver got dressed up in his 1st Halloween costume and we made a trip to the pumpkin patch! Oliver cooperated beautifully for all the photo opps!

Daily Dose of Oliver

Give Peas a Chance! 

Daily Dose of Oliver

While mama's sick in bed, Oliver get to stay in his pj's and camp out all day long! 

Weekend Dose of Oliver

Two peas in a pod

Daily Dose of Oliver

The First Day of My Life

The Birth Story of Oliver Lee Hosfield 

The story of Oliver Lee Hosfield’s birth starts on Saturday, September 4^th, 2010. This particular Saturday was a very special one; Dave and I spent the entire day with my mom who had just arrived the evening prior. We went for a walk, drove up the coast, ate a delicious Mexican feast, and curled up on the couch together. At 9 months and 4 days pregnant, such events were enough to tire a girl out. I was exhausted to say the least, dozing in and out of sleep on the couch. After about 6 hours of deep sleep, I woke up at 3:50am to use the bathroom. I had no feelings of labor at this point.

As I reached the top of the stairs, I saw Dave reading on the couch. On my way to bed, I remember the exact moment where I tickled Dave’s toes, hoping he would come back down to bed. He followed.

Just minutes after crawling into bed and curling up under the covers, I felt our baby move. It wasn’t a typical move and it was drastic enough for me to gasp and grab Dave. I told Dave that the baby was moving and it was “different.” I sat up in bed thinking…could this really be it? And, it was only a matter of minutes before I felt my first contraction. At the time I didn’t really know if it was a contraction, so I told Dave to start timing these weird feelings. And to our surprise, they continued and repeated over and over again every 4-5 or 6-7 minutes apart.

After we established something was definitely happening, I thought it might be a good idea to get my mom. Just moments later, both my mom and Dave were sitting on the bed comforting me. Having read many birth stories, Dave and I were both prepared for this labor process to last a good 10-24 hours. So in mind, I needed to stay calm knowing I could have hours and hours of hard work ahead of me.

The contractions seemed to be happening in shorter intervals than I ever expected; some happening every 30 seconds – 2 minutes. I decided we needed to call our doula (Sarah) and let her know that things were starting. We spoke for a brief moment; and she told Dave if things progressed to call her within the hour. I remember being nervous at this point that she didn’t think she needed to get in her car and come over instantly. 

From this point to the point in which Sarah arrived at our house was a bit of a blur. I was rocking in the nursery area of our room, breathing deep and moaning lightly to get through each contraction. It seems like only moments later I had Sarah sitting at my knees breathing with me. She spent about 10-15 minutes with me before telling Dave it was time! I remember when she told Dave to get the car packed up, thinking, YES, this is a good sign. Later, Sarah told me she knew the moment she saw me that things were happening quickly and she even said she was nervous things were happening quicker than we were prepared for. That wasn’t exactly the case, but it was time to go nonetheless.

The last moments I remember at home were being on all fours trying to get up the stairs and fearing I would wake the neighbors! We finally made it the car where I found it extremely difficult to get my seat belt on; so I went without!

The car ride is a blur, expect for the annoying safety beeps of the seat belt reminder, in which I yelled at Dave to turn off (although it is not possible). I remember glancing in the rear view mirror nervous that we would lose our doula. Nope, she was on our tail!

We arrived at the hospital at around 6am. I remember getting into a wheel chair and feeling a contraction start just after getting through the doors. I told Sarah to stop pushing because the thought of moving while a contraction is happening seemed unbearable. The entrance was dark and desolate…all except for the 3 patients standing over a balcony staring at me. After completing my contraction, I looked up at the people and asked them in a loud and aggressive voice, “what are you looking at?”

We wheeled into the check-in desk where I was asked to sign several papers. I remember while waiting for my room, looking around at all the nurses and doctors who were holding separate conversations. I remember thinking, how can these people have anything better to do than to tend to me. How can I be in such pain and no one even notices.

Next, we wheeled down the hall and into my room. I remember a great feeling of relief arriving in my room and closing the door knowing that I could shriek and cry and scream all I wanted now with the door closed.

Nurse Martha arrived and started to prepare the bed, etc. They got me into the bed and started doing all the routine checks. This part of my labor is a large blur. The contractions were coming so quick and so hard. I remember being checked by Martha and hearing I was 5-6 cm. I remember feeling scared at that moment that I was only half way done; despite the fact that my labor had only been 3 hours at this point. Martha attempted my hep lock (a.k.a IV); she was not able to get it in and I remember it feeling like she was poking a big thick needle into my bones. I told her just how much it hurt. We had a separate man come into the room to take my blood. He was set to take my blood, but a contraction came quick and hard. I ordered him to stop. I was very bossy, I do remember that.

The next few hours are a complete blur. I had absolutely no concept of time or anything that was going on around me. My only job was to get through each contraction; Dave and Sarah at my side and my mom at the foot of the bed (all three my labor angels). I have no recollection of what the contractions really felt like or really how bad they hurt. All I know, is it was like nothing I had ever felt. It took all of my energy to get through the 60-90 second contraction. Mother nature gives you just enough time in-between to catch your breath and prepare for the next wave. Getting an epidural or any other drugs never even crossed my mind. However, if tempted, I do not know what I would’ve done. Luckily doula Sarah asked the nurse to keep the anesthesiologist out of the room, unless I asked for him.

The next thing I knew, Martha asked to recheck my cervix. I remember being in so much pain that it hurt to get on my back she could do the check. Much to all our surprise, I was 100% effaced and 10 centimeters dilated (somewhere around 9:45am). This was the biggest relief for me; however I knew I had a huge job ahead of me.

The baby was coming and soon we would meet him. Martha scurried around getting things in the room ready and paged the doctor. It was almost instantaneous that I felt the urge to push.

The doctor (Rodriquez) came into the room and stated that I had a long ways to go and to page her once things picked up. This brought my motivation and encouragement down. I should mention that Dr. Rodriquez was not one of my doctors; the 3 doctors from my OB practice were not on call because it was labor day weekend. Martha and another nurse (who looked like my aunt Judy) came to my side and helped and encouraged me through the pushing.

I’m not sure at what point, but Doctor Rodriquez reappeared in the room. It was clear the pushing I was doing was not moving the baby. I was doing so much work and using every muscle in my body and somehow they wanted me to do more. Dr. Rodriquez was not pleased with the type of pushing I was doing. From all the books I had read and all the birth stories I’d heard from natural child births, the pushing was the best part or brought the most relief. For most woman it felt natural and good to start pushing. I did not have the same feeling. The pushing was like completing a marathon only to have someone tell you once you finish the race that you have to keep going. It took every bit of energy for me to push again after my rest. I do remember having little pep talks in my head between the pushes; “Lindsey you have to get this baby out” “you have to put everything you have into the next push.” I still don’t remember how the pain felt, but I do remember it being so intense and exhausting.

At one point, Dr. Rodriquez had suggested I stop screaming and use that energy in my push. I responded in a very loud and aggressive voice (Okay, I was screaming on the top of my lungs) “I will scream if I want to scream!” She didn’t have much to say to that. Dave told me later he had to turn his head because he was trying to hide his laugh.

After each set of pushes I would ask if he was coming; if it was almost done. At one point, I even told Dave and Sarah that I couldn’t do it anymore. Eventually our baby started to crown. After each push, he would slide back up and we would start all over again. He was a big boy and my body had to work extra hard to get him out.

With just a few more pushes, Oliver came flying out….literally! Their was no head then shoulder then body for him. He came out all at once and I instantly felt relief. Within 2-3 seconds of him arriving he was placed on my chest. He cried for about 30 seconds before he calmed himself and stared up at me with his beautiful big blue eyes. Several days after he was born I asked my mom and Dave what I was saying at this point. They reminded me that I kept repeating over and over and over, “Hi, Hi, Hi, I love you, I love you, I love you.”

The emotions at this point were overwhelming. He had arrived and I had done it. It was truly like an out of body experience. Everything around me seemed absolutely perfect at that moment. I have no idea what was going on around me except that I was holding my brand new, perfect baby boy. And perfect was exactly what he was. His big blue eyes stared up at Dave and I. While the nurses and doctors were busy cleaning up, my new family was busy enjoying this amazing moment.

The birth of our precious baby boy was more than I could’ve ever asked for. I truly feel like my labor was short and intense for a reason; that was the way in which I was going to have the labor I had hoped and dreamed of.

My amazing labor and delivery of Oliver would not have been possible without an amazing team. Dave, Sarah and my mom were everything I needed and more. When I would look into their eyes I knew I was safe… even during the hardest parts. When they told me to keep going and how great of a job I was doing, I truly believed them. Having my mom at the foot of the bed made me feel safe. I knew if something was wrong she would wear it on her face. I remember looking back at her occasionally and knowing it was all going to be okay.

Oliver is the new love of our lives; the greatest gift I could ever ask for. 

Daily dose of Oliver

Just takin' it easy

The Baby Chapter...with the baby

It’s been a little over a month since our little baby love arrived and said hello to this great big world! Oliver Lee Hosfield arrived on Sunday, September 5^th at 11:11am. He weighed in at 8 lbs 4 ounces and measured 20 ½ inches long. The story of Oliver’s birth was truly amazing. I have typed out the entire thing (an entire 4 pages long) and will share it with my followers if you’re interested in some of the intimate details.

Each day I still wake up and can’t believe this little bundle of joy is mine and I am his mommy! It’s truly the most wonderful feeling I’ve ever experienced.

Dave and I are still figuring this whole parenting thing out, but I must say, I think we are doing a pretty darn good job. I think we will continue to learn about what it means to be good parents till this little bugger is grown and moving out of our house! I think that is what makes it all so exciting.

We learn more about each other (Dave, Oliver and I) every day. I love the heck out of my new family! We’re taking one step at a time (all in style of course ; ))))

My dear baby brother...

My dear baby brother,

We have been patiently awaiting your arrival for weeks now....mummy, daddy, Lucy and I are so excited to meet you.

Mummy and daddy take me for sooooo many walks / skateboard rides thinking that may shake things up. And, I'm exhausted.

When I get home from all our walks, all I can do is sleep on the stairs by your bed and hope that you will come out and meet the world soon!

We love you already!
Portland (your big / furry sister)

August 31st, 2010

Today marks the ends of my "official countdown." 10 whole weeks and 70 full days of marking X's and updating numbers......

It's pretty odd when you are walking down the street and someone asks you when you are due and your response is "today!" Okay little dude....you can come anytime now!

Quote of the Day

"The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it."

                -Arnold H. Glasgow

Nursery Tour

We've had the little man's "nursery" (a.k.a. one large corner of our room) ready for quite some time now. I am very, very happy with how wonderful it all looks. Now, all we need is our little love bundle to occupy this space.

Feeling so loved...

Like I said before, when it comes to babies, people are so kind and generous. The packages haven't stopped rolling in. Not only the kind gifts, but all the messages, calls and emails. I really feel so truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I can't wait to share this little bug with all of you!

Check out the beautiful gifts sent to me from an old group of teammates at Nielsen:

And.....how adorable are these dino shoes? Thank you, Auntie Diana. With all the dino gear we have stored up, he is bound to be a RAWR supporter.

Lindsey...otherwise known as...Suzy Homemaker

When my very sweet and generous neighbor gave me her rocking chair a few weeks back, I decided it needed some sprucing up. I have to brag a little bit because I think it looks FABULOUS! I repainted the chair white to match our furniture and made cool green cushion covers. Scroll down to see the original chair in my post titled, "When it comes to babies".......

looks pretty damn good if I do say so myself!

Holy Crap!

I'm not going to get too far ahead of myself....but holy crap, I am 3 centimeters dilated and 75% effaced! Meaning....this little baby boy and my body are doing their jobs and getting ready! I am still 13 days away from my new due date and I very well may not have this baby for 13 days or more..........but, I AM 3 CENTIMETERS DILATED! 

We went for a doctors appointment yesterday where I thought for sure they were going to start checking my cervix. Much to my surprise the nurse told me they do not routinely do that anymore...I was instantly sad and she noticed. She asked if we would like to have one anyways and of course I said yes (I know that sounds strange). So, the doctors comes in and explains that first time mama's usually go over their due date and yada yada yada....He was setting me up so I wouldn't be disappointment when he said, nope, things are still normal down here. But that is not what he said at all. I think he was even a little surprised by the early progress!

So, with 1,001 thoughts in my head and 2,001 things I want to get done.....I'm trying to do like everyone tells me and rest and relax. Not really, I'm running around like a crazy person trying to get my hospital bags packed, the doggies overnight bag packed, the floors swept, etc. etc. We may be having a baby today or in 2 weeks.......Either way, our little person will be here SOON! 

The Birth Plan.

During the first few months after we found out were going to have a BABY (our very own little person!!!) the excitement feeling stuck around and never left but a new feeling snuck around the corner…the feeling of fear for the labor and delivery portion.


I spent the entire first half of pregnancy putting off those feelings and just kept thinking, “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.” Well, 7 months rolled around and the reality of labor began settling in. It was never a question in my mind, I always just thought, Oh, I’ll get the epidural and never look back. I didn’t even give natural childbirth a second of consideration.


I’m not exactly sure what inclined me to start researching childbirth, the process, all the interventions that can take place, etc., but one morning I woke up determined to be become more educated.


It all started with my research on doulas. I’m not even sure if I knew what a doula was at that point, but I quickly came to the conclusion, I HAVE to have one of these doula things. I set out in my 32 weeks of pregnancy to find the right doula for Dave and I. I wanted to find someone that respected MY birth plan and wasn’t pushy about her own beliefs, ideas on childbirth, etc. And, to my surprise, I found exactly that. Dave and I hired a doula in our 33^rd week of pregnancy and from the start she brought reassurance and confidence that we were going to have a magical birth.


After meeting Sarah (our doula), I delved into research trying to create my own birth plan. I needed to consider things like, do we want our baby continuously monitored throughout my labor and delivery, do we want the ability to try as many positions for comfort, do we want IV lines hooked up throughout my entire delivery, and the dooming question of all, do I want drugs readily available?


There was a lot to think about, but before I made my decisions, I thought it best to understand what they all meant. I’m not going to lie, I’ve probably gone a bit overboard with all research, ordering books, etc. But in the end, I have made some very important, educated decisions that I feel confident in.


It became quickly apparent to me that I hadn’t even given myself a shot; a chance at delivering this baby au’ natural. I wasn’t even allowing my body or my mind a fair shot. Hence, my new goal for the delivery of our son.


I started to read journal entries, books, and blogs all about woman who have experienced a natural birth. No longer was it about the agonizing and scary process, but it was about a beautiful and empowering event. It was these stories that gave me the confidence to even think for a nano second, “hey, maybe I can give this a shot.”


Any method with which a woman chooses to deliver takes courage, focus, and is a huge physical experience. I don’t want to feel pain anymore than the next girl, but as I began to fully understand how my body would deliver a baby and the history of maternity care in our country, I developed my own set of ideas and beliefs in the process.


Even with all of the preparations I am doing, there is a possibility that we will still require medical intervention. I’m not against getting an epidural if I have done everything within my power to go natural but am not physically able to do it. In the end, the single most important thing is the safe and healthy delivery of our son. I will take whatever outcome with a happy heart because I know I have done everything possible to set myself up for success - if it doesn’t go as planned - so be it. I’ll have no regrets.


But I am setting out to rock this birth. In fact, I’m going to kick ass. I’m actually excited for it now instead of fearful and scared. And, while I do still have some fear and anxiety, I feel more educated and confident than I did only a month ago. When the day comes, I’ll be ready!


PS: I know some of you think I’ve completely lost it, but wait to tell me that until after our son is born  ; - ) Please! 

10 things I am looking forward to...

I have had the most amazing pregnancy anyone could ask for. Really, I have not had not a single complaint and have truly enjoyed the past 37 weeks. However.....these last couple of days I have started to feel a bit uncomfortable. This has jogged my memory of all the things I really am looking forward to.. (some of these have to wait until post breast feeding days, but I know they will exist somewhere in the future)...

1. Sleeping on my tummy

2. Eating cold cut turkey sandwiches

3. High heels

4. Over indulging on red vino

5. Sushi

6. Shaving my legs comfortably 

7. Mojitos

8. Running

9. 2 cups of coffee in a single morning

10. Jeans without an elastic waistline

Papa Bear

Last Friday felt quite a bit like Christmas at the Monroe/Hosfield household! I am lucky enough to have a man in my life that does really special things for me and for the little one. He is the best, ever!

For the babe.....a specially designed piggy back and reggae CD for our rosta child:

And for mom....the cutest little clutch purse / diaper bag by Petunia Pickle Bottom for times when I don't want to lug a big diaper bag.

And last by certainly not least....this beautiful necklace that holds the birth stone for our little man. We'll Dave assumes this will be the birth stone. If not, the jeweler said he can bring it back for the correct stone! I get to wear this very special gift around my neck everyday to remind myself of how lucky I am!!!!

I heart Dave.....

The Pee-Pee Teepee

Likely a waste of my hard earned $10, but I had to buy these hilarious pee-pee teepee's; for the sprinkling wee-wee! You always see little boys in the movies peeing on their mommsies and daddsies...plus what a clever name! I told you I'm a sucker....

When it comes to babies...

When it comes to babies, people are so kind and generous. All in the matter of a week, I've had two wonderful surprises from people I really don't even know. The first came last week while on a walk with Portland. A neighbor woman whom I've only met once or twice flagged me down because she had a bag of clothes, shoes and a book that she had been collecting and wanted to pass along from her little boys.

Then, two days later, another neighbor whom I hardly know flagged me down to ask if I had bought a rocking chair yet.....Ironically, we hadn't! She asked if I would like the rocking chair that she has saved from her two children.

I'm going to work on painting this chair over the weekend to match our furniture. Then, I will post pictures of a nursery tour!

It just amazes me how kind and considerate people are who barely know us....let alone all the amazing things people have done for us that do know us! It's unbelievable and I feel OH SO VERY BLESSED! We (all 3 of us) are pretty dang fortunate to have so many wonderful people around us. I can't wait to share the little dude with all of you!