Alex Paige, Wonder Photographer Extrodinaire!

So once again Alex went above and beyond awesome in capturing our family! She came to our home to snap some pictures of newly born James. Thankfully he was nice and sleepy so he was pretty agreeable for the most part-towards the end he was ready to chow down.  Alex did such a wonderful job getting shots of our sweet little guy and of us just being with him, and our fur boys too! As usual, we were all laughing and having a nice time just chatting.  It's amazing to see how much he has changed between those very first pictures and what Alex took at 3 weeks old. Thank you so much Alex for doing such a beautiful job-I think you may have become the official Moritz family photographer!

We're finally starting to adjust to what the new normal will be like. The first few weeks were a little rough-James was not a big fan of sleeping. It seems as though the last week he's figured out that sleep is a good thing for him, and especially for mama! When he's awake he's usually a fairly happy guy, giving me some smiles (the first ones were glorious and so stinkin' cute!, poor Matt has yet to see one.) but no giggles yet.  He's proving to be fairly easy to calm down most of the time and he just loves to lay and wiggle on his changing table, it's hilarious! We're not sure what it is about the table and the wall by it that he loves so much but we're happy we can put him down for a while and get some stuff done sometimes. Matt has taken to being a daddy so well-it's lovely to see and be a part of! We just love our little Critter so very much!

Hello, My Name Is.....

So as you all can tell, I've been rather quiet these last few weeks.  Well, I've got a super legit reason for this. Critter made a grand entrance into the world on June 15.  Ok, last chance to guess if Critter is a boy or girl....did you guess? It should come as no surprise that Critter is a little boy!! We have named him James Curtis and he couldn't be more amazing! God really did bless us with this little guy! He has been pretty awesome so far.  He came 3 days early and was 7 pounds 12 ounces, 20 inches long (according to hospital stats.  At the pediatrician's he was 18.9 inches long and 7 pounds 4 ounces (this was 3 days after birth, they always lose a little weight so that was expected) so not quite as long as the hospital said.) 

Now I said I would be honest and real about baby life on here so I'm going to share some of the birth with you all.  Don't worry, I won't go into too much detail ;)  Basically my water broke first, with no contractions happening before hand; it was intense from the beginning. With no fluids in there, there was no cushion for him to float around in so contractions were really tough.  And they started out three minutes apart. So I really didn't get eased into labor, lucky me! We only stayed home a few hours because with the contractions being so close together we were unsure if I was going to actually have him rather quickly. 

When we got to the hospital (at about 1 am), the midwife checked me and I was only 3 cm dilated-so not much. So we settled in for what was looking to be a long night.  As time went on, the contractions were growing in intensity and were getting closer together, about 2-3 minutes apart.  Along with the intensity I also had back labor (oh so fun) and lots of pressure, downtown. We'll just leave it at that. After being checked again at about 7 or 8 am, I wasn't dilated much more so I asked for an epidural.  As much as I didn't want to have one, I'm so glad that I did! As soon as the doc shot me up, relief.  I could finally sleep! And stop convulsing-I didn't know that was something that could happen in labor. Apparently hormones and pain can make you shake uncontrollably.

After the epidural I slept, for several hours.  That rest made all the difference. I awoke to being almost ready to push.  James just needed to get a little further south and we were good to go. So in those 2 hours before it was time to push, Matt and I just chatted and rested, preparing as best we could that we were about to have a baby. I realize now that nothing can prepare you for this-maybe physically I was prepared but mentally it still hadn't hit me. 

Now when it  came time to push, we found out why I was having so much pressure downtown; James was "sunny side up," meaning his face was up and the back of his head was against my pelvis and spine.  So our lovely midwife looked at me and said "ok, you're probably going to have to push longer than an hour because of the epidural and that he's sunny side up. Those two factors make it a lot harder work. Are you ready?" I was and was not at the same time but said let's do this.

So there we were, Matt holding a leg and being so encouraging. The midwife talking me through it all and letting me know what was going on.  And worship music playing the whole time, helping to keep my focus on the task at hand, and to keep me in a prayerful mindset as well.  It was so cool really.  The nurse working asked about my play list, if it was on Pandora or if it was one I had made (I made a sweet list for my ipod which everyone loved).  To have both the midwife and nurse humming and singing along with the worship songs was such a blessing.  In the midst of this terribly physically grueling task, we were all so calm and focused, casually chatting in between contractions/pushing.  The next day that same, awesome, nurse said that ours was one of the most peaceful births she had ever helped with.  That we were so calm, and with the worship music, it was nice to be part of.  I feel like there is no higher compliment that can be made-and it's all because the Lord was with us the whole time. 

So after only one hour of pushing, James came into our lives.  Now you know how Matt and I are; we're not the most emotional of folks.  But my beloved, sweet husband hugged and kissed me with tears in his eyes, thanking Jesus for our little guy and his safe arrival.  Me? I was in shock. When they put James on my chest, I just looked at Matt and said holy crap. I couldn't really believe that I had a kiddo to love and care for. I know, I had 9 months to prepare for that moment. But nothing prepares you for actually holding and seeing this life for the first time.  It was very surreal.  Even now, two weeks later, I look at him and think, holy crap, I've got this little one to care for.

Now I had been told by several ladies that giving birth is like the most satisfying poo you'll ever take in your life.  I don't know what kinds of poos they have but that is not what I would liken the experience to! It was very relieving to get him out that's for sure!  Apparently the fact that it only took an hour to shove him out was rather impressive as well.  The midwife and all the nurses told me that it was a sort of accomplishment. I chock it up to all the hard work I had been doing the whole pregnancy. That. And the fact that I am a beast and really didn't want to have to work longer than necessary.

The funniest part of this whole experience is when I passed out on the toilet.  Yes, I really did! Apparently this is also common.  After the epidural wore off and we were getting ready to shift over to the recovery room, the nurses said ok let's get up, have you pee and change.  As I stood up, I felt all my guts start to tumble and fall back into place.  This is a weird feeling.  It's like that sinking feeling you get in your stomach when it lurches after a big hill or roller coaster, but on every kind of crack, speed, dope, and upper you could possibly think of. In truth it made me a little nauseated. But I soldiered on.  We slowly get to the potty where I was stripped down to being naked as a jay bird, sit down, and get light headed, which I tell the nurse.  She then gets some smelling salts and wafts it under my nose.  Now for a person who is terribly sensitive to smells and such, this was torture.  I've never done drugs but I imagine that the sensation I felt must compare to that first hit of some good smack, immediate and mind numbing.  I know it's supposed to shock you back into reality but it just made my head explode.  So I told her, "that made it worse!" What does she do? Wafts it again!! Next thing I know, I've got three faces staring at me asking "are you ok?" Of course my response is "why wouldn't I be ok?" "You passed out." Oh.  Well then. Mind you, I'm still naked as can be but now have a larger audience.  There's nothing like waking up butt naked to complete strangers.  And there was Matt, peaking around the door, checking to make sure I'm ok. He lasted there just a few minutes before going to back James who was also getting cleaned up.  The funny thing is I didn't know I had passed out because I still heard music playing in my head so I didn't think anything of it. People had told me that any modesty you have goes out the window when you have a baby-you don't care who sees what so long as that thing gets out of you.  Not me. I was still very aware of the fact that more people than I cared to count were witnessing me so unbearably vulnerable that I was still shy about it.  I'm a modest gal. Having a baby really didn't change that much.  

So we got over to the other side and recovered just fine after that.  Matt took to being a daddy like a pro and changed the diapers like he had been doing it his whole life.  Now, he thinks I'm crazy (what else is new?) but I say he has a new daddy glow about it. You know how sometimes people look different after they get married, or women get a glow in pregnancy? He got this new look about him as soon as he started to hold his little boy.  Pride. Love. Accomplishment. Purpose. I'm sure all of these things and more contribute to this new look he has.  See for yourself.....

 

I'm pretty sure I'm saying "hey buddy! Thanks for coming out of me!!"

 

Such a cutie!

Welcome home little boy!!



 



 

In the onsie my friend Amanda helped me embroider. He's laying on the same blanket that Matt was brought home in from the hospital.

 

Such a proud daddy!

 

He's pretty snugly after eating.

 

First bath. Samson LOVES James so much!! He is fairly protective over James, always watching. And giving kisses. 

 

Mama snuggles after the bath.

 

 

We're settling into this parenting thing alright for the time being.  We'll see how the next few weeks, months, and years go ;)

Click click!

So earlier in the month we had some maternity photos done.  Now you all know us, we're not normally formal photo kinds of folk.  However, my dear auntie kept asking for belly shots (which I was hesitant to take) and once Matt and I started talking about it we thought, well, why not? After asking around we decided on Alex Paige Photography (http://www.alexpaigephotography.com/)-she came highly recommended and she did not disappoint!! We took the boys along as well (since they are so stinkin' pretty!) and got some amazing shots! Critter is already super photogenic! Just like his/her daddy ;) Happily, Alex has agreed to come back once Critter makes its grand entrance into the world for some newborn shots. We had a beautiful evening down at St. Mary's City for this shoot and I am beyond thrilled at how great these photos came out.  She's made pregnancy look good on me! I would HIGHLY recommend Alex if you're looking for any photos to be done; she's very professional, engaging, works to no end to make sure the shot is right (always following the light!) and is a very reasonable price.  Thanks again Alex for such a lovely time and photos! Can't wait for newborn Critter shots!!

 

My handsome and goofy hubby!!

Kicking

So Merriam-Webster dictionary defines kick as:

1a :  to strike out with the foot or feet

b :  to make a kick in football

2a :  to show opposition :  resist, rebel

b :  to protest strenuously or urgently :  express grave discontent

Here is a good example of the type of kick I am thinking of:

Similarly, punch is defined as:

1a :  prod, poke

b :  drive, herd <punching cattle>

2a :  to strike with a forward thrust especially of the fist

b :  to drive or push forcibly by or as if by a punch

c :  to hit (a ball) with less than a full swing

Again, corresponding image of the punch I am thinking of:

Obviously that is the baby on the right and my uterus on the left.  Critter:1 Uterus:0

Now obviously, there are some differences here. One is done with the foot, the other with the hand/fist. I would imagine kicks are more powerful than punches but I think that may also be relative to who is doing the beating. 

However, both are the verb forms of their respective words, and both are physical. Both are usually, and correctly in this instance, associated with force.  Yes, I am being kicked and punched on a daily basis.  By something that only weighs approximately 2 pounds.  Thankfully it doesn't hurt, at this point.  Talk to me when it's jabbing a foot or arm under my rib during one of their play time sessions. Or during labor.

I get that the baby jiving around in there is a good thing; it means that they are A) alive! B) healthy C) growing and D) a future athlete.  We're right in the middle of the 4 week period where the baby is most active-little fish, big pond sort of situation going on here. Between weeks 24-28 is that period of high activity and Critter is taking full advantage of it. 

I'm ok with Critter flipping and stretching around. I'm ok with them movin', shakin', and getting ready for the outside world. What I'm not ok with, is that their favorite time to do this has been at 4 AM the last few nights. For 30-45 minutes. Kid. You. Not.  Critter is most active first thing in the morning, right before bed, and at 4 AM. And after eating chocolate. Not sweets in general, just chocolate. It's pretty hilarious actually. I'm sure they are moving around all through the night as babies are typically more active when we mamas are at rest.  Since I'm moving almost all day, Critter is lulled to sleep most of the day by me just being active.  So when I'm at rest, they are like a tumbler at the circus! I imagine something like this:

This is what I feel like I look like first thing in the morning after a marathon night of kicks and jabs by my new little beloved (said sarcastically, ironically, and with some disdain):



I know some preggos who LOVE feeling their baby moving around. Once again, this is an area where I differ.  I don't hate it but I'm not going to run up to you and say ooooh, feel this!  It was actually one of the areas in which I was most nervous about getting pregnant.  I hated feeling my food process through my belly so who knew how I was going to take another, live human being (an alien or parasite as some may call it) having independent movement and control INSIDE me start to do their own thing?!?!  The first flutters did feel like gas bubbles; not too distinctive of baby movement but questionable.  Now the first major movement where I'm sure Critter was doing a big somersault fliperoo? Oh. My. Gosh.  I seriously almost vomited. Partly because it caught me by surprise.  But mainly because I felt and saw it at the same time and my belly moved. Actually, physically moved. I didn't like it when other people made me feel their bellies when they were preggo and the baby moved so I really wasn't having it to begin with.  Now, as time has gone on, it's not so bad.

And to those crazies out there who are shows like I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant, you have GOT to be on some sort of drugs to think that you were feeling gas bubbles (while you're getting the crap kicked out of your insides) and just having a really hard time losing that weight or processing your food. Are. You. Kidding. Me????? I always laughed at shows like that because I thought, how can you not know? Now. Now I really think they need to be evaluated by a mental health professional.  And I'm sure my opinion of them is only going to get worse after I actually have to go through the labor process myself. Ok, rant over.

Poor Matt, his hands are so big and warm I swear to you that as soon as he touches us, he soothes the baby to sleep. I'm really hopeful that this will translate well for when Critter is on the outside world. He just keeps chuckling the next day when I tell him what time and how long the little monster moved in the night to keep me awake. He also jokes that the baby is starting to condition me for no sleep. And in the same breath he says he's really not looking forward to me being sleep deprived for those first few weeks? Months? Years? Indefinite period of time.

All I'm saying is that at the rate this kid is going, they better get a scholarship to the school of their choice in some kind of sport that involves kicking, punching, and tomfoolery in general.  

I Realize You All Have Missed Me....

So I fully realize it's been a while since I last updated you on the craziness that is our life. Welp, we've been kinda busy. I went to Portugal with mom to ride some really fancy horses and learn tons! It was amazing! I'm going back for sure, just don't tell Matt ;) It truly was a great experience and I learned so much about riding, horses, and what I want in a horse. I really think I improved a great deal which is good news for the horses here! I can't describe what 9 rides in 5 days will do to you! Thank you so much to the Valenca's for being willing to teach and share their knowledge!! I am a better rider because of it!

Last ride-those are the 2 horses we rode the most-mine is Lotus and mom is on Jaguar. And yes, we did go really fast!

After our week of horseyness we decided to stay in Lisboa (Lisbon to the laymen) for a few days and tour around. WOWIE!! Who knew Portugal was so stinkin awesome?!?! Seriously, I think Portugal is like the neglected cousin of Europe. Honestly, do you really include it in your places to go while touring around Europe? NO! It's always a "if we can squeeze it in" kind of place. Well let me tell you, don't just squeeze it in, make it a stop!! The people are so amazing and friendly. The food is pretty tasty. They have some amazing sites and history. Just go there people. You won't regret it!

Hey mom! Looking pretty good by the arch there!

I made a new friend at the Ocenarium. Which by the way is REALLY COOL!

As usual, we did a bike tour. It was pretty good!

Eating the local treats, pastel de belem. It's a custard pastry. Yum yum!

After Portugal, mom came home with me for a week for a nice visit. It was good to have her here. We went riding, saw some sites, cooked, and spent a lot of money in Lefkara. After mom left the Moritz's came for a visit! Matt was so happy to have his parents here for the week, and to take time off from work! They also got to go all over the place and spend some big bucks in Lefkara.I'm pretty sure Marina loves me and wants to adopt me now! The weekend that they left I had a horse show to compete in! Now I haven't competed in YEARS! So I didn't have high expectations for myself, or the old man I was riding! Monnie is one of the club's school horses so he's a good, quiet boy but doesn't work all that great. But we did pretty well! We got a third and a fifth place in dressage tests and a clear round for jumping. That's better than I could've imagined! I had a great time and can't wait for the next competition!

Look at us go!! WEEEEEE!!!

He's so happy!! I'm glad I could take him!

And today is Thanksgiving. In America we would probably be with one of our families, getting ready to gorge ourselves on tastiness. But this year we're hosting a bunch of Brits. Crazy I know. But they are all so excited to get to do a traditional American holiday! And they are bringing food from the motherland! This will take place Saturday so I've still got 2 days to prepare. Speaking of which, I'm off to the grocery store to get goodies to make! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and we love and miss you all so much!

Finally, the End....

So here we are, the end. The finale. The last installment. We made it back to Paris Friday night and decided to go up to Sacre Couer since we didn't get to make it during the week. It was one of the things I REALLY REALLY wanted to do. And oh man am I glad we did!! We didn't really think about the fact that this is a catholic church that we were visiting on Friday afternoon, yup, right in time for mass! We went inside and walked around a little, during mass, then decided to go into the bell tower since it's supposed to have the best view of the city. Those who told me how amazing it is up there were right-it was fantastic!

What a beautiful basilica!

Up the stairs to the tower!

The walkways at the top-kinda mystical and creepy huh?

Gargoyle almost eating the Eiffle Tower.

Look! I'm squishing the Eiffle Tower!


At the top overlooking the city on a glorious summer day!

After finishing at Sacre Couer we went back to our hotel for the night, ready to see a few more things in the morning before heading off the the airport and home.
From the beginning Matt said he really wanted to see the Arc du Triomphe. So that was where we headed first thing Saturday morning. As it would take more time and money, we didn't go on the top which I was ok with since I had been before.

Take that Napoleon AND Hitler!

Our next stop was to go back to Notre Dame but to go into the bell tower! On the way we walked down the Champs Elysee and by the Louvre. It was such a lovely day and we had a wonderful walk!

We realized we had never gotten a pic in front of the Louvre, so here we are ;)

So after waiting a few hours, yes hours, to go up the bell tower we made it! Matt was having a great time up there. Me? Not so much!

Gargoyles and Notre Dame go hand in hand right?

Great View of the city.

You can see Sacre Couer just off the wing of the gargoyle. And in case you didn't know, this one is photographed A LOT!

In front of the cathedral after descending from the very top. If you look really close you can see people on the top right part of the tower-we were there. Insert me freaking out a little bit.

So there you have it loyal follower(s). An entire 2 weeks of food, culture, art, rain, bikes, and fun with my amazing hubby. We had so much fun! I hope you had fun seeing it and are inspired to go on your own crazy adventures! I can't wait for our next big adventure/trip! But before we go anywhere again, we have a college friend of Matt's coming for a long weekend, I'm off to Portugal with mom to ride fancy horses, mom comes home with me for a week, and then Matt's parents come for a week. Phew! It's about to get really crazy here!