What pain?

I thought I had it all figured out. Perhaps I was a little wrong.
The eighth of December started out much better than most weekdays. Chase had the day off, so we were able to sleep in a little. After going to my OB appointment, Chase and I headed to Wilmington to go car shopping. Our poor little Saab didn't offer us enough room for the car seat and our 80 pound pooch.
It was a cold, windy day and getting in and out of several vehicles left me feeling miserable and very pregnant. By the end of the afternoon, I was just ready to be home, so after finding an SUV that we liked, we began the trek home. I had contractions all the way back to Jacksonville...
Chase and I kept track of the contractions and around 1 a.m. the contractions came every two minutes. My mom had very short labor for both my brother and me. I didn't want to take any chances, so I woke Chase up and we headed to the hospital. These contractions were not much fun and they kept getting more intense. The nurse asked me, "On a scale from 1 to 10, ten being you'd rather die than go through another one, what would you rate your contractions?" I told her a five, but after she left the room, I spoke with Chase. "I think I just lied," I said. "I think my contractions are a 9, but I really don't want to die"
Needless to say, the staff at the Naval Hospital said I still had a week or so to go before our little man would make his appearance. I was only  1 cm dilated and my cervix was not ready at all... Great, how was I going to handle the pain of these contractions for another week? The nurse that checked me told us to come back when the contractions were intense enough for me to be hunched or whenever I couldn't handle the pain anymore. We went back home and I was able to get a little sleep.
On the ninth, those dog on contractions kept occurring. Everyone kept telling me, "Once you have that son of yours in your arms, you'll forget the pain that you had during those contractions or labor." Yeah, right - I thought. I'm not the smartest cookie, but I'm not the dullest crayon in the box, either. I had it all figured out. The reason our world has such a large population is due to forgetfulness. You see, having a child causes lots of pain (even before those teenage years). If these people only remembered the pain of labor, then there wouldn't be nearly as many families having multiple children. I don't know how many times I asked Chase,  "Would you PUHLEEEEAAASSSEEE just rip my ovaries out?"
Chase's parents, Mom and Dad H., were on their way for a quick visit and to deliver/set-up the crib that Dad H. made for our little guy. They arrived at our place on Friday, the tenth. When they arrived, the contractions were affecting me so much so that I couldn't even pick on my father-in-law, and that's saying something! Mom H. started making her famous Cream Chicken and Biscuit dinner (which I had requested). When the meal had been placed on the table, my contractions were again two minutes or less apart and I couldn't handle the pain any longer. Chase and I headed to the hospital, once again, and poor Chase didn't even have a chance to eat any of that yummy food.
The nurses put us in a room, hooked me up to the NST monitors, then checked me. I was 6-7 cm dilated and they immediately got us set up in a birthing suite. I was shaking so much and ready for some relief from the pain. After what seemed like forever, and signing I don't know how many waivers, the nurse finally loaded up my IV with some sort of drug that helped me calm down and take away my shakes, for awhile... It did nothing for the contractions, so I said bring on the epidural!
A little after 0100 on Saturday, we welcomed our handsome bundle of joy into our lives. He was almost 8 pounds, a little less than 20" long, and absolutely perfect. Best of all, I honestly didn't feel any pain after receiving that epidural. I didn't even feel when Chase dropped my leg onto the bed, but I sure heard it make a loud "THUMP."

"Don't retreat. Just reload!"

Let me make no bones about it. I hold strong Conservative values and believe in a Conservative ideology. The other day I saw a preview for Sarah Palin's Alaska that is featured on TLC. Now, I have not had the chance to watch this show (we get the Farmer 5, if we are lucky), but if we did have cable, this would be mandatory for the Hand family to view.
I have found that there are two types of people, those that love Sarah Palin and those that despise her. However you view her, I have to think that most people would have the smarts not to corner her. I mean, she seems like one of those huge Alaskan mama bears that will do anything to protect her cubs. That automatically earns my respect.
Anyways, during one of her show's previews, Palin tells her daughter, Bristol, "Don't retreat. Just reload." This quote rocks my world, not gunna lie. In the preview, Palin and her daughter are shooting, but I think this saying can apply to much more than just shooting some skeet.
In our day to day lives, we come across many obstacles. Take for instance the situation Chase and I are in. We're expecting our first child any day now (not that I'm calling Slater an obstacle, we feel blessed). Now, we can't simply turn away and retreat from this next adventure in our life. Instead, we're excited and looking forward to meeting our new little addition.
I'm a simple military wife. There are things that happen that can really honk me off. Sometimes, I would much rather choose a different course and give up on certain things. Yet, we can not be like that. We have to be able to tackle what God puts in our paths. We have to be willing to "reload" and go after the things that need accomplished.
I wonder where this country would be if Washington always retreated during the Revolution, or if Abe decided not to upset the apple cart during the Civil War. I wonder how my life would be different if everyone around me gave up on challenges instead of attempting to overcome them. I am so thankful for the persistence of good men and women, and their willingness to accomplish what God puts in their path.

Pies, Udders, and Planes

What a great Thanksgiving! I know, everyday we should give thanks, but it was especially great this past week. Chase and I were fortunate enough to have some great visitors! Meghan (Chase's sister) and her future hubby, Chris, arrived Thursday morning, after driving from Indiana the whole night. Want to know what the first thing unloaded from their vehicle was? A Raspberry Cream Pie that Mom H. made for me! : ) A few minutes later, there was a slice missing from it. This all happened around 0500. What a great way to start the day!
After we let Chris and Meghan rest for awhile, we headed to Surf City to celebrate and feast with some friends from church. Our friends laughed when they saw someone had already dug into that pie. What can I say, the pregnant lady was hungry!
Relaxation was in order for Friday. We played Risk and watched a couple of movies. By the way, I love my husband, but when it comes to board games, he lets a very aggressive, competitive side come out and it's funny to watch him dominate the game, even though it gets annoying when you are the one losing. Take my word on that.
Chris and Meghan had decided to take off Saturday morning so they could rest up prior to starting the work week. Chase and I fixed them some French Toast and waved them off, after the car was loaded. I also washed and sent the pie plates back home with them, so that way there was no excuse for being pie-less the next time visitors came, hehe!
It was great to have them visit! It was also great for the Meghan massages. She's a professional on making your aches go away!
Saturday was a big day for us. Not only did we have Meghan and Chris over earlier in the morning, but my parents were due to arrive in the afternoon.
My poor parents, I was so excited to see them, and I think I called almost every hour to see how far away they were. Boy were we surprised when they arrived.

Mom and I after getting our drunk bird out of the oven on 11/27/10

At one point, I called and Dad said they “were” in Myrtle Beach, the next time I called, they “were” some place (I never heard of) in North Carolina, but Dad said they spent a few hours in Myrtle Beach so they were just taking their time on arriving in Jacksonville. A while later, I called again, and dad said they “were” in Wilmington. I started getting REALLY excited and was hollering all over the house "They're in Wilmington! They're in Wilmington." - which is only about 45 minutes to an hour from us. Well, in an hour or so, I called again (good thing for unlimited minutes, huh?), and he said they were on the other side of Jacksonville, headed our way. Chase and I decided we'd wait for them outside our housing entrance in a nearby parking lot. We waited, and waited, then waited some more....
Here to find out, my parents had been in Jacksonville for some time (since the "Wilmington" phone call). They went to Sam's Club, bought us a deep freezer, and all sorts of food to fill it up so that way Chase and I won't starve after Slater gets here, if I am not up for cooking! It was so thoughtful of them.
It reminds me of Jon M. Huntsman, a very wealthy millionaire (or billionaire?). He says when he dies, he wants to die broke. Not from having material goods (what good is that, when you can’t take them with you?), but by helping others. He has funded numerous people through college, founded the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, and continually donates to worthy causes and people. I want to be like that, thinking of others, helping others, instead of spending money or time on myself.
Oh, don’t let me forget the U-Haul full of stuff that mom and dad brought too! Chase was very excited for my parents to arrive, they brought him RC planes that my Gpa B flew twenty years ago. They also brought us some more dressers, some items from my Gma W, and the baby shower gifts and baby clothes from home. While mom and I were excited to go through all the baby items, the guys were in the “Man Cave” looking and learning about the planes. I sure have one happy husband!
Now, you may wonder, what does udders have to do with this post? Well, let me tell you. As most of you know (or should know by now), I’m not one to censor myself or be politically correct, and honestly I make no apologies for that. So, I’m going to lay it straight out there for you.
When a lady gets pregnant, it seems like a perfectly fine, coherent female specimen is soon replaced by a hormonal cow with huge udders that complains of back aches and not remembering what her toes/hooves once looked like. This isn’t including the emotional roller coaster she rides.

Since peeing on those 3 pregnancy tests, I have laughed more, gotten angry more often, and ate like there was no tomorrow. I thought I was doing really well on not crying though, as long as I wasn’t watching some sappy movie or reading some heartfelt blog or book. Nevertheless, when my parents pulled out of the driveway for their trek back home yesterday, I was lost. As soon as I turned my back on the red Dodge, the waterworks started. Chase tried to console me when we got inside. I knew how bad he wanted to be with his planes, so I suggested he go work on those instead of worrying about his emotional wife. I went upstairs and changed into more comfy clothes. Instead of listening to me, Chase came up stairs, too. He took the time to make me laugh, relax, and when I came back downstairs, he even had the Christmas music playing for me. I admit, I am one severely spoiled wife, but I am so thankful for a loving husband that goes out of his way to try to help me feel better and takes care of me. When I was dating, I had this saying, “The more guys I meet, the more I love my dog.” Since day one, Chase had Bubba beat. I love you, Handsome, thank you for EVERYTHING you do.

Hayley and Chase at The Oceanic on 11/28/10

Time Flies! 35 Weeks

We are going to meet Turbo in approximately 34 days (please, Slater, work with me, here!). I can't believe how fast time has flown by. It seems like just yesterday, we were staring at a pregnancy test, trying to figure out if that was a (+) or a (-) sign.

As most of you know, with a pregnancy comes classes. Our experience in birthing class continues! Chase wasn't able to attend last weeks class with me, he was at the rifle range (lucky for him, he got out of watching 2 more birthing videos). However, he was able to come with me last night, and boy am I thankful.

Can you say "Pampered"

We took 5 pillows with us to this class (we were told to do so). Due to my asthma, I was really looking forward to this class, because it was supposed to help us with our breathing techniques during the labor process. Well, once we arrived and spent a few minutes in class, Chase came to the conclusion that we're going to have lots of kids. Want to know why? Too bad, I'm going to tell you. The class was 2 hours long, and Chase had to give me massages the whole time! Our crazy, funny, little wacked out instructor taught the husbands where to massage their wives to help relieve tension and pressure. This also helped us wives relax and concentrate on our breathing.

Poor Chase, if I would have known about this prior to coming to class, I would have washed my feet. Instead, I wore shoes that had been on the beach (so my feet were sandy and gritty), I had on a Sunday sock (you know, the "Holy" kind), and Chase felt the need to inform me that my feet stunk! Don't worry,  our instructor must have noticed the stench, because he ran out to his truck and brought in smell good oils and Chase rubbed that on my feet (I wasn't the only one with the oils on my feet, pretty much every wife present took advantage of that stuff!). I tell you what, I walked out of that building feeling relaxed, comfortable, and drowsy (I don't exactly know what was in the $30 bottle of oil, I guess).

Coming to week 3 of Birthing Class was worth it! Chase even lucked out, we didn't have to watch a movie! I am so thankful for such a thoughtful, caring husband that massaged my back, neck, hands, and head, then rubs my feet, even if they may have smelled like roadkill.

*Disclaimer, just because I really enjoyed the massages, doesn't mean we'll have lots of kids... It just means that Chase doesn't have the excuse on not giving me back rubs and such, now that he's become such a professional!

33 Weeks and Counting! Boy, oh Boy!

Just what exactly are we getting ourselves into?

It's official, ya'all! Less than two months until our lil' guy gets here! Wow, time has flown by. According to babycenter.com, this is what's going on with Slater this week:

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

 What happens when you progress in your pregnancy? You drag the hubby to birthing classes with you, that's what! Chase and I attended our first birthing class last night. We were under the impression it was just going to be a simple 2 hour class, and we'd get out of there, no problem, right? WRONG! During the first few minutes, our instructor informed us it was a 5 week course that meets every week! Holy Cow, is there really that much to go over? Apparently so! 

Speaking of the instructor, Chase and I were both surprised when a male showed up to teach our class! Lo' and behold, he's a certified Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Mid Wife. He seemed really knowledgeable, experienced (he's delivered over 5000 babies!), friendly, and funny. But really, he can't honestly say, "Oh, I know exactly what you're going through," am I right?

Anyways, let me get back to the birthing class experience. We arrived a few minutes early for the class, just to make sure we knew what building we were supposed to be in. Shortly after we got there, other couples began arriving, and they were carrying blankets and pillows! We never got the memo about bringing anything with us, I thought I was doing good because I had a pen and some paper in my purse. Perhaps this was an early sign that we were on our way of failing this first class?

By the time the instructor was 10 minutes into his presentation, I could tell Chase was ready to bust out of the joint. The instructor was funny, but Chase just really wanted him to get to the point so we could get out of there. After the presentation, the instructor allowed a 5 minute break. We came back to the room to find a live birth video ready to be played on the big screen. I kept thinking, "Umm, how is my big, bad Marine of a husband going to handle this?" The answer was not so well! 

Chase turned a little pale and was shaking during most of the video. He even thought he was going to pass out. You should have seen his reaction when the baby was born. He said, "That's not human!" and continued by saying, "God did not intend for this!" The best part was when the placenta had to be delivered. Chase leaned over towards me and whispered, "Did that baby's head just pop off????" He was serious. I couldn't stop laughing, and may I just mention we were sitting in the front row? I've seen many sows farrow, and I guess I just kept comparing this birth video to my experience in the farrowing room, but Chase was another matter entirely. How do you not laugh when you have a husband that is rough and tough, ask you questions like this? Sign number 2 that we were to fail this first evening of class.

Post birth video, the instructor introduced us to Guided Imagery. It was a CD that focused on meditation. The sounds coming from the CD included birds chirping, soft sounds of a river, and just mainly made us feel like we were in a little woods enjoying the outdoors. The speaker on the CD kept saying in a soft, relaxing voice, "You are loved." She then said, "you jump into the river and the water is the perfect temperature for you. Now, you go under the fountain." At this time, I wanted to lean over and ask Chase if he brought his fishing poles, but I could already hear my husband trying to smother his laughter. I kept my eyes closed and tried to follow along, but it was getting pretty difficult. Towards the end of the CD, the voice said, "You are loved, let it all out." Sure enough, Chase did as she requested. He let it all out! He was laughing so hard, trying to smother it, and it came out like a squeal! I couldn't help myself, I don't see Chase this way very often, and I ended up busting out, laughing at him. The rest of the room was silent, the 40 other people there didn't really know what was going on with us. Our poor instructor didn't look that thrilled with us, however, that hasn't stopped Chase and I from laughing whenever one of us says, "You are loved." 

I tell you, if you ever want to see a Expert Rifle Qualified, Wood Chopping, Outdoor loving Marine double over in laughter and behave like a giggly school girl, just tell him, "Let it all out" in a soft, comforting voice. 

Here's to next weeks class going a little smoother! 

Mike's Farm - 10/23/2010

A Fishing We Will Go....

Who doesn't like the feel of a fish on your hook, and reeling in your line to see what you've caught? Well, Chase and I were able to have that experience this weekend. A couple from church knew about Chase's addiction (and I DO mean addiction) to fishing, and they invited us over to their friends beach house on Saturday to learn how to Surf Fish. It was a lot of fun! Chase, Rich (our friend from church), and Dennis (one of Rich's good friends) spent hours catching Pampanos (Nate is in the picture with this type of fish), Flounder, Mullet, and even a very unhappy Sting Ray. Nate, Rich's son, taught me all about Sand Fleas! Boy are those little critters fun! Chris, Rich's wife, and I spent most the day chatting about numerous things and watching the guys. Oh, if Chris ever says, "You look a little red, want to get out of the sun?" you may want to take her up on it, or you'll end up with raccoon eyes and a tan line any farmer would be proud of, trust me!

When we got home Saturday, Chase filleted the fish we brought back and we fried them up in a bread crumb batter. They tasted very yummy! On Sunday, Chase informed me that our poles weren't good enough, nor did we have enough poles, so he wanted to purchase another one he found at Wally World. We made a deal, he wouldn't purchase it until he caught $40 worth of fish. We did agree to buy a cooler, though.

Well, Monday was Columbus Day and Chase had a 72, so what did we do? That's right, we loaded up the truck with fishing gear, the cooler, towels, chairs, and Bubba, then we hit the beach. Onslow Beach didn't have much going on, and the fish were not biting, but Chase sure enjoyed driving through the sand and the ruts! We decided to leave Onslow and head back down to Surf City. Of course, we had to stop for some better fishing bait (fresh shrimp that would be labeled Jumbo back in Indiana) and a breakfast burrito from the most expensive Hardees I have ever been too (what can we say, we were famished!). We set up fishing camp, right outside the beach house our friends invited us to on the weekend. Chase caught a mullet (who ended up wiggling off the hook and back into the water, then was gone before Chase, Bubba, or I could tackle him), a big Blue Fish (pictured above), and 2 Pampanos. It was fun watching Chase hook one and see him smile when he was reeling it in.
While Chase was being the fisherman, I spent a few minutes catching Sand Fleas or knitting. It was a very relaxing day, and this time both Chase and I poured on the sunscreen! I have to admit though, I think Chase needs another fishing pole. So, it's off to Wal-Mart we will go. : )

Call me crazy, but...

Living in coastal North Carolina isn't exactly what I had in mind, when I was growing up. Of course, being on the east coast is very different than waking up every morning and spending quality time in "God's Country" - AKA Indiana! For instance, I have been searching for an apple orchard around here, so that I could pick us some yummy fruit and possibly can some applesauce for our baby to use. While I'm at it, I should be honest and mention that a homemade apple pie sounded pretty dog on delicious, too. Did you know the closest orchard is approximately 4 hours away from us? Here's another thing people around here do not know they are missing, COMBINES! Yes, for those back at home, I miss getting stuck behind a combine, on our country roads! I miss the dust from harvest, I miss running food out to the guys in the field, I even miss seeing farmers (and my dad) dusty and aggravated from a broke down machine. I miss the grain trucks driving by, I miss seeing fields opened up after months of beans or corn decorating their landscape, and I even miss seeing deer run out in front of me!
Here in North Carolina, I am just excited to see dark clouds and feel rain drizzle down my face. Speaking of rain, our area has had over 10" since Sunday, and it is pouring as I write this. Chase is not so thrilled about working on the aircraft during this type of weather, but we both like hearing the rain on the roof and the distant sound of thunder, or is that artillery going off?  Deer, ... let me tell you about our deer. Around here, we do not have deer, we have Bambies! We like to go in and visit the game warden at Camp Lejeune, and the deer they have showcased in their office don't even compare to the button bucks we have back at home. Get this, though. There are bears here! The game wardens are very funny and approachable, they told us "If it's brown, shoot it!" This applies to both bear and deer! They seem a lot less strict than the DNR I've encountered through the years. Oh, while I am at it, I may as well tell you what else the game wardens mentioned... Chase and a friend are planning on cutting firewood this fall, as our friend has a wood burning fireplace in his apartment. Well, we filled out the forms, to cut firewood on base, and I particularaly didn't want to use a chain saw, but figured I could carry the wood, while the guys cut it. The game warden said that was fine, but to be sure to wear snake boots! WHOA! Let's just stop this apple cart, right here. SNAKES??? Apparently some sort of diamand back, and several other kinds of snakes, have infested the base and can be very dangerous. Let's just say I don't need those snake boots, I'll keep my happy, little (okay, I am pregnant, so maybe it's not so little) hiney away from those woods and wait until those monsters decide to sleep, or hibernate, then maybe...