Abigail Worthington Wheaton: Birth Story, part 2

If you missed the first part of this story, catch up here:

http://fromwoodfieldwithlove.blogspot.com/2016/01/abigail-worthington-wheaton-birth-story.html

It's now almost 24 hours since I checked into the hospital. I'm tired, hungry (as much as I love popsicles, they won't keep you full), and I wanted my baby. 

After the epidural, we had the conversation about how things "could" go from here. Isn't it great knowing you have options? Like myself, my doctor had experienced a "failed induction"...simply, we told my body to go into labor and it said no. Go figure. In my sleepy state, Dr. Drake asked what I wanted our game plan to be and I responded "whatever you want!". Can you tell I was feeling much better? That was definitely a highlight moment. 

Thankfully the epidural allowed me to sleep and I was able to rest for about 2-3 hours. Now it's about 8pm & when I was checked at that point I was at 5cm! YAY for progress. I remember thinking, "even if I have to have a c-section, I'm just glad to know my body will sort of do this thing". I was beginning to believe it wouldn't. 

After an epidural, you aren't allowed to get out of the bed which is zero fun. My mom, ever the entertainer, brought coloring books for us to have distractions. Serious mom win! We colored, laughed at my husband who couldn't stay in the lines, visited with friends, and just enjoyed the calmness of the world around us. Thankfully we were one of the few people on the floor that night so we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

About 10 o'clock everyone left and I took another nap. Knowing now how little sleep I'd get for the next 48 hours, I'm so thankfully I got those few hours of rest. At midnight Dr. Drake came in, checked me, and said "Ok, you want to push?". I remember looking at Andrew and shrugging! :)

I have maybe pushed 2 times before my phone rang & it was my mama. I was torn, do I answer or keep pushing? My parents had left to go get some sleep at my house which is thankfully just down the street. Ultimately we didn't answer. I think I knew in my heart that if we didn't answer that mom would just show up...and I was right. It wasn't 20 minutes later that we heard a knock on the door and it was my mom. She came in, hugged me, then went to the waiting room. 

If you talked with me at all during my pregnancy about how I wanted birth to go, I didn't have many opinions. We were very laid back about the entire process because I've been told by many that it never goes the way you want it to go. The one thing I was adamant about was how I wanted this girl to enter the world. I love my family & friends dearly and I enjoy sharing life with them, but I knew I didn't want a crowd there. I am so thankful that everyone was respectful of that. 

We had been listening to Norah Jones radio all evening on Pandora, but I had turned it off once all the nurses came in. I just didn't think everyone would want to have to listen to my music. I know I could have danced for joy when my doctor asked "what happened to our music?". I know it's not the norm, but we were SO lucky that my doctor was there through the entire pushing process. My nurses were great, but I was so so so glad my doctor was there. 

The next hour is really a blur of exhaustion. I was so tired and was starting to give up hope that Abigail was coming. My husband was the best coach I could have had. He kept telling me that I could do it, how great I was doing, and just being so encouraging. But I was getting close to my breaking point, I could just feel it...and thankfully so could my doctor. When she asked if I was OK with her using the vacuum to get Abby out I remember looking at Andrew & his eyes being as big as golf balls! :) 

But that's all the help she needed...one push after that & she literally popped out. And in a second, my heart grew more than I ever thought possible. She was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Abigail Worthington Wheaton, 6lb 8oz, 19.5 inches long...and born at 1:26am. She made it out with 4 minutes to spare! 

We still don't understand how we got so lucky. Our lives will never be the same. We love you big time Toady!

 

Big love!

Abigail Worthington Wheaton: A Birth Story, part 1

Warning, this is LONG...and it's only half of it. 

As a blog reader, I've always enjoyed reading the birth stories of the women whose daily lives I follow. Even before becoming a mother, I loved it. Now as a mother, each one brings me to tears. Every story is different, but beautiful & precious.

If you aren't one of those people that thinks these stories are amazing, time to go back to online shopping! :) I'm not sharing this for any reason other than I know I'm going to forget pieces of it, and because as a soon to be mom, I read every story I could so I'd know what to expect.

So some back information. I was extremely lucky & had a fantastic pregnancy. I felt great, my hair did the right things, and I wasn't gaining crazy amounts of weight. But, I had gestational diabetes. To keep that in check, you must follow a very strict diet with reduced carbs & sweets. And let me tell you, all I wanted to do was eat bread & popsicles so I struggled. 

Because of my diabetes I had 2 ultrasounds that aren't typically done to monitor growth. As a general rule, moms with GD have larger babies. These ultrasounds were to make sure that Abigail had not gotten over the magical number of 9lbs. At our 37 week ultrasound to monitor growth, she weighed just over 5lbs and I was already having contractions. All good things!!

After that, things sort of stalled for us. I was still having contractions but they weren't increasing, I wasn't progressing either, & Abby had quit growing. So at my 38 week appointment we decided to induce. I wasn't happy about it, but I was just SO ready for her to be here that I was OK with it.

Fast-forward to Thursday, December 3rd. We check into the hospital about 530 that afternoon to start the induction. Even though I had been having contractions for weeks, I had not actually started "active" labor. As my doctor said, my cervix wasn't "ripe". Add that to the list of things I didn't think I'd ever hear said to me (or that I ever thought I'd type for the public to read). So starting about 630pm I took my first pill to get things moving, and then the shift change happened. I'm not sure if someone dropped the ball, or if my nurse really believed it, but they didn't give me another pill at 10pm like they should have because my body was progressing normally. YAY! But, alas, it was not. So when they gave me my next pill at 2am, it was like starting ALL OVER. I was still only dilated at 2cm...which is pretty much what I was at when I arrived at the hospital 8 hours earlier.

The pill at 2am started my contractions back up and they became more steady. We did this same exact thing for the next 12 hrs. Not kidding. We moved to labor & deliver, walked the halls, played cards, visited with people...anything I could do within about 50 feet of the room, I did. But nothing happened. 

My doctor got to the hospital about 2 that afternoon & came in to see me. And ya'll, let me tell you. If you don't have a doctor, or don't have one you like, I've got the lady for you. I literally had a meltdown the weekend before Abby was born because I was afraid I was going to go into labor & that Dr. Drake wasn't going to be the one who delivered her...but all that was for nothing! :)

When she came in to check, she went ahead & broke my water and our hope was that things would start moving, but really all that happened was that things started hurting, mainly because we had also started pitocin. Up to this point I had been laboring with essentially no pain. I had hoped to go through the birth process without an epidural, not for any "I am woman hear me roar" reason, but because I have very strange reactions to pain meds, and my husband soon found out. 

Because I was in pain & didn't want the epidural, my only option was morphine. Sure, why not? Pretty much what it did was knock me out, but kept my eyes open. Andrew said it was the scariest thing of the entire process. So yeah, no more morphine for me. AND on top of all of that, I didn't progress AT ALL. I'm not kidding...not one single inch, and I wasn't feeling fantastic.

So after talking with Dr. Drake & Andrew we decided to go for the epidural to see if it would make things happen. I wasn't opposed to a C-section, but I really wanted things to work naturally. So at 5pm the best anesthesiologist team came in, gave me the epidural & were out in about 30 minutes, which was amazing. They made us laugh (not during the procedure) and kept us distracted. That procedure couldn't have gone better, which was great since I didn't want to have it to begin with anyway. 

Ok, I'll have part 2 either tomorrow or Wednesday! 

Big love!

Weekend recap (I know, we are almost to the next one!)

So honestly, there isn't much going on in my life right now that isn't either baby related or Wheaton & Whaley related. I don't want to bombard you all too much with that stuff, because I want to keep you intrigued...so posts might be a little sparse until something exciting comes...like a baby! :)

This past weekend, my friend Laura & I did a craft fair in Greer. It was called The Vintage Market, and it was VERY impressive. This is the first fair I've done, so I had no idea what to expect. Since my line is more custom items, sometimes it's hard to sell them on the spot. The day was definitely not a waste. I learned so much about how I want to handle things in the future: what makes a tent successful, what things catch the eye and drawn people in. I hope to be doing another fair before the baby comes, but I don't want to over commit too much. We will see!

Here are some pictures from this weekend. Laura is a great photographer & grabbed some images for me. Her pictures put my iPhone pics to shame. 

Laura's entire family is creative. Her mom & sister have started a bonnet line on Etsy & I swear, they are the cutest thing. What little girl wouldn't look precious in a Scottie bonnet??? I think I see one of those in Abby's future...or several.

On the Wheaton & Whaley front, our pillows are now in a shop in Easley called Peace, Love, & Junebug. If you haven't been in the store, definitely stop by. June is the owner & she has some amazing, vintage items. 

Also, my Etsy shop has some new items...and I think they are great! Go check them out!

That's it for now! Much love!

Five on Friday: Current loves for fall!

This fall, so far, has been very different than any other fall...and for obvious reasons. Generally by this point I've attended at least 1 Clemson tailgate & game, sat around a fire pit & drank wine, and eaten WAY to much candy corn. Ok, so I've definitely done one of those things...

What hasn't changed is my love of the season & clothes. At this point in my pregnancy (32 weeks!!!), I'm not buying anything new because it would ultimately be a waste of money. But that doesn't mean I can't help you all spend your money! :)

So here's what you need to get your wardrobe Fall Ready!

Something Cape-like!

Vince Camuto Cape

First up, this amazing cape! I mean, it brings together everything that is "in" right now. Want to try the Aztec craze? Check. Want to try the cape trend? Check. Need something that you can wear with anything? Check. See, told ya! 

I actually did purchase this cape (during the anniversary sale) because it is great now & will be awesome once Abigail gets here.

It's also a great length! On me the fringe area hangs about mid-calf.

Something with a tassel!

Sole Society bag

Tassels are on everything right now...which is totally fine with me because I love tassels. This bag is a great grey color & incorporates that popular tassel trend. It's also a great price point so you won't feel bad if next year the tassel trend is no more!

Something animal print!

Nine West flat

So you are the one person still living under that far away rock and you don't have anything animal print? That's ok...we will all forgive you. But only because you are going out to buy something right now. 

To me, one of the easiest ways to bring in this trend is in a shoe. It makes a statement, but not too much of one. I am a shoe connoisseur. It's a genetic problem thing really. My mom loves shoes so I love shoes. I have bitty feet too, so that makes it difficult. Nine West always has the BEST options for under $100 & they hold up well. These shoes are no different. I purchased a pair from them last year & wore them all year and I'm on year 2. They are starting to look worn, but still have LOTS of life.

Something flared!

Gap flared jeans

So this is one of those trends that never actually left for me. I love the 70's and think just about everything from that era is still wearable (except that super short dress & white go-go boots...those are out). For me, the more flare the better, but I realize that is probably just me. These jeans are the perfect way to bring in some flare to your wardrobe without going all in on the budget scene. They are also higher waisted which is currently on trend as well. #twobirdsonestone #iftheyonlycameinmaternity

Something that makes a statement!

BaubleBar earrings

I would like to think the only addiction I got from mom was her love of shoes, but I also inherited her love of jewels. Statement necklaces are still big for fall, but what's making a comeback? Statement earrings! And I am NOT sad about it. I think earrings are SO fun & essential. Many of my friends wear the same earrings everyday, which is fine. But when they wear different earrings...I notice! They are a small thing that makes a big impact. And no, I didn't pick these just because of the name! :)

The thing I like about all of these items is that they are wearable. You can incorporate each of these things into your everyday wardrobe. And if you're like me, that's what is SO important. 

I have a cost per wear theory. It is how I decide what to spend more money on & where to save. For me, it's different for each type of item. Example, for tops, it's $2 or less. Say you are looking at a sweater that's $50. I will need to be able to wear it at least 25 times to get my cost per wear right. Well, there are 52 weeks in a year...so do I see myself wearing this sweater 25 times this year (if it's trendy)? If it's classic I'll just estimate how many years I think it might survive. This is an excellent way to make purchases that you might be on the fence about. In a typical day, I try to keep my "cost" at about $12-15. Try it out...you'll be surprised.

That's it for today lovelies! Happy weekend!

Much love!

Channeling my Inner PD!

That's Paula Deen, for those of you who don't know.

My personality is one that hates hates reading directions. I'd prefer to dump everything out and just go for it. Unfortunately, that has led to several IKEA mishaps (can I get an AMEN?!).

That bad personality trait filters over to cooking as well. I will look over a recipe and then decide I can make it better (I can't), and then I'm disappointed when it turns out poorly. I cannot count the times that I have "modified" a recipe and then wondered why Andrew didn't want to eat it.

So, Saturday night it was rainy & chilly here. I decided it was definitely a soup night. For me, a bowl of soup is a meal. For my husband, it's an appetizer. Soooo, if I was going to make soup, and not have to worry about having to cook an additional meal to go with it, I needed to make it substantial. Enter Paula Deen's Taco Soup.

Ya'll, it was SO good. My husband said when he saw the "we are having taco soup" text come through, he was not thrilled. But he loved it! Raved the entire time he was eating it about how good it was. 

Now, I am going to list all the ingredients, but I need to let you know....I did change some things. Old habits die HARD around here. Some of the changes were purely based on our specific dislikes (chunky tomatoes) and money (soup shouldn't cost $30 to make).

I am no photographer. This is what it looked like, just believe me.

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
2 cans pinto beans (I only did one can since Andrew isn't a bean fan)
1 can pink kidney beans (I did light red instead)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes (I did tomato puree b/c we don't like chunky tomatoes)
1 can diced tomatoes (left this out entirely)
1 can tomatoes with chiles (I just purchased Rotel)
1 can diced green chiles
1 can black olives, drained & sliced - optional (I did these as a garnish b/c I don't like black olives)
1/2 cup green olives, sliced - optional (left out entirely)
1 packet of Taco seasoning mix (we like spicy, so I used a mild mix)
1 packet ranch salad dressing mix
Tortilla chips, for dipping
Sour cream, cheese, pickled jalapenos - for garnish

Directions
1. Brown your meat with the onions. I personally made my meat on the chunky side. 
2. Mix everything else in your crockpot (pintos, kidneys, corn, all tomatoes, chiles, black olives, green olives).
3. Rinse meat & add to crockpot (I did not rinse my meat, rebel).
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Serve with garnishes.

EASY! This recipe is for 14-16 servings, so be ready to share with friends! :)

Happy Tuesday & much love!

5 on Friday and other happenings!

Hi friends & happy fall!

1. I have been traveling for work this week and the weather has been amazing. Boston is not known for it's nice weather, but thankfully I hit it just right this week. Yesterday when I left, it was sunny, breezy, & 75 degrees. So beautiful. I asked my cab driver on the way to airport how long they would have this gorgeous weather. His response "two weeks". EEK! Glad I was coming home to the same temps, but for more like 2 months. 

2. Well football started back, which means that the only nights of the week I might get the remote are now Tuesday & Wednesday. Between college & the NFL, there is a game 5 days out of 7. It's a good thing I like football so much. :) My husband got really lucky I tell ya! So far this year, all the teams we love are undefeated. I might have just jinxed us, but hopefully not. Go Tigers! Geaux Tigers! Go Falcons! 

3. My Etsy shop (www.wheatonwhaleydesigns.etsy.com) has been going great as well. I'm constantly adding new things, so be sure you check them out. I'm trying to update Instagram (@wheatonwhaleydesigns) as I make stuff, so be sure to follow me there! I'm going to be doing a Christmas in October sale where I offer one thing super cheap each day & will have a limited quantity of each thing at that price. Get excited! It's going to be fun! 

4. And in baby news, we are officially (plus some) in the 3rd trimester! 30wks! WOAH! She is definitely active & moves constantly. She loves Jeopardy! Every time the theme song plays, she goes crazy...like we can see her move from the outside. It's so neat & just amazing. God is such a creator. We can't wait for her to get here! We talk to Milly every night about her getting a new sister. I'm not sure she understands one word we're saying, but still. 

5. One of my friends mentioned to me earlier this week that this time last year we were preparing for my bachelorette weekend. If you told me then that I'd be very pregnant at this point, I would have laughed & told you that you needed some counseling. God had bigger plans that I could have ever imagined. 

Sorry I took such a hiatus! Gotta do better! 

Happy weekend pretty people!

Much love!

Wardrobe Wednesday: PinkBlush Maternity

Hi friends! Sorry it's been a few days. We were away for the Labor Day holiday to celebrate the marriage of one of Andrew's friends and just an overall sweet couple. It was a lot of fun, except for the rain...which it is doing here today by the boatloads.

First up, lots of new things on my Etsy site! Go check it out! https://www.etsy.com/shop/wheatonwhaleydesigns

Finding maternity outfits to wear to a wedding can be tricky. You either are wearing black, which I didn't want to do, or you just seem under-dressed.

A while back I came across Pink Blush Maternity and was really surprised at all the trendy while classic options. And ya'll, their prices are wonderful. I had looked at several maternity dresses for the wedding and was this close to paying $150 for a dress I knew I wouldn't get my money out of...just because the options were so slim. Glad that was a quick moment of insanity.

So, what did I buy? Of course you know I'm going to share! :)

The dress I wore to the wedding is called the Mint Damask Maxi (faux wrap) dress & it is so comfy. I ordered a medium (my pre-maternity size) and it fit nicely. I'm right at 5ft tall and I had to wear it with heels.

And yes, I cropped my husband out of the picture. He specifically asked me NOT to post that picture of him looking tired. #toomuchfunthenightbefore

I also bought the same dress in another fabric that I plan to wear to a shower later! The color is much more neon in real life, so be warned!

I have worn this cardigan several times since I got it. I'm nice & long so you can wear leggings & a long tunic top with it. 

Cardigan

Also, since all of my orange attire for Clemson games has gotten a tad small, I decided a sweater was a better idea. I can definitely get more wear out of it, and it doesn't look so college like. I'm excited to wear it when it gets just a tad cooler.

Fall please hurry & come see us!!!

Much love,

5 on Friday!

Today I'm linking up with April, Christina, and Natasha for Five on Friday!

If you missed it on Monday, my Etsy shop Wheaton & Whaley Designs launched! Woohoo! It has been crazy since...but in the best way possible!

Since there have definitely been a few "standouts", I thought it would be cool to bring you my 5 most popular fabrics this week! 

All of these can be ordered through my Etsy shop and I take custom orders as well!

5. Orange & Taupe diamond print - I just love this print for fall & autumn. It's subtle enough of an orange to not take over a room, but it's still a statement.

4. Red Pagoda - Asian inspired fabrics & all things chinoiserie are very in right now & have been for a while, much to my husband's dismay. This is a great way to bring in just a hint of that Asian flare, and in a pretty color.

3. Palm Print - Even though summer is over, that doesn't mean that we quit making our porches look glamorous...and this pillow definitely does that! It is very Beverly Hills Hotel to me and will look great on any porch!

2. Floral Multi-color - Who doesn't love a good pop of color? I know I love color in decorating. This pillow went crazy this week, and it's obvious why. Isn't it the prettiest thing? I even have a bride using it during her reception to add color. Smart idea!

1. Asian Toile - I was shocked that this pillow cover did so well. I personally loved the fabric, but I wasn't sure everyone would agree with me. Boy was I wrong!!! I've had to order more fabric in this pattern because it has been SO popular.

I am so excited about this little business venture & am thankful for all the support that I have gotten so far. My sweet husband has been amazing, even though I've taken over our living room as a work station! :)

Have a great weekend & a happy and safe Labor Day!

Much love!

Wheaton & Whaley Designs is LIVE!

As if I didn't already have enough going on, I have started a new business venture with my sweet mama. 

A few years ago, a friend & I had a dress line. We were pretty successful (by small business standards), but people just didn't really understand that a dress is made for an overall size, not to fit perfectly. Because of this, we spent more time changes dresses than we did designing, so we called it quits.

Since then, I've missed sewing & creating things. Since home decor has been one of my favorite things for many years, I figured it would be best to incorporate that with sewing. Enter Wheaton & Whaley Designs (my married last name & my sweet Nana's maiden name)! 

If you visit the site right now, you will see there are only pillow covers available. There are over 5 fabrics as of yesterday, and all covers can be made in sizes 16x16, 18x18, and 20x20 (or smaller/larger if you wish). 

I will be adding more covers within the next few days. I also love custom orders, so if you are wanting a specific fabric, just message me through the Etsy site & we will set it up.

We also will be featuring monogrammed baby items such as custom burp clothes, bips, bloomers, and onesies. 

Since I am new to the monogram & embroidery scene, I am working on finding & creating new designs that are different, but still classic. Once I get that section ready to go, I'll let you know!

We are SO excited about this venture and hope you are too!

You can view the site by clicking here!

Much love & happy Monday!

26 Week Bump Update!

We are definitely on the downward slope of this pregnancy. It's kind of crazy to think that we could legitimately have a baby in 10 weeks. We are just SO excited. I know people say they are, but it's just SO true. I swear this is how Andrew feels:

True statement.

Jeans ~ Shoes ~ Necklace

Weeks: 26 

Gender: Girl!! The pink keeps piling up, especially with the nursery taking shape.

Name: Abigail something. 

Size: As big as a head of lettuce (which seems small to me...I guess maybe my grocery store is just not supplying the good stuff). She's 1.5-2.5 lbs and 13.6-14.8 inches long. 

Movement: Still active! At our last appointment her heart rate was faster than it had ever been, 152. Glad it's variable! They have been doing heavy construction near my office & let me tell you, she is NOT a fan. It's almost instant...when they start drilling & jack hammering, she starts kicking. The minute they stop, she stops. Guessing she is going to like a more calm environment. 

Cravings: The last 2 weeks it's been egg salad sandwiches. I've probably had 20, no joke. Still loving popsicles and have rekindled my affair with the Skittles in the purple bag.

Mama thoughts & feelings: I am still feeling great. Such a blessing to feel so good during pregnancy. I am starting to get uncomfortable at the end of the day from sitting so long, but that's probably expected. We probably all should get up & move more often. 

Now that her nursery is almost complete, it feels even more real. I walk through that room several times during the day & every time by heart just skips a beat. 

This week I am just especially grateful that God has given me this precious soul to love & take care of here on earth. I see so many women around me who are struggling with infertility, loss, and grief. I want to wrap my arms around each one of them & let them know that I am praying fervently for them. I prayed before, but of course, I pray even more now. God please grant them their wish. 

Ok, drying my eyes now. The jeans I'm wearing above are a great maternity flare jean for fall. Since that trend is coming back (YAY), I figured we probably all could stand a good pair!

So excited that it's almost the weekend!

Much love!