I was told multiple times to expect my baby right on time, if not early. So, my mom bought her plane ticket out for July 10, 2015. Seeing as that was my due date, we were both very concerned. I wanted her there for the birth, and she assured me if I went into labor, she would hop on the next flight and be there in the nick of time. You see, my brother just had his baby, and they'd be moving across the country, so of course my mom had to stay an extra few days to see sweet little Maria. Besides, I needed my mom for after the birth, not so much before. So all was okay in my books.
her grand arrival.
July 10, 2015
You thought I was referring to my baby? Oh please. Was today her due date? Yes. Was I told she'd be here before then? Yes. Was she? NO. But it's okay. Cause someone else came today instead.
I got to the airport quite early. I was so excited that waiting on the couch caused too much anxiety. I just had to go and get her. The earlier I left, the earlier I'd see her, right? Probably not. But I decided to go anyway. I anxiously waited outside the terminal. I paced back and forth. People began to walk out. I watched as person after person left the walk way. I couldn't find my mom. Why wouldn't she be the first one off the plane? Did she even get on the plane? I began to panic. People were not coming out any more. After what felt like an eternity, my mom FINALLY came around the corner. I shouldn't have expected anything different. She was chatting with the woman next to her. You see my mom is the friendly type. She makes friends everywhere she goes. She has that gift. However, it was time for her to be my friend. And only mine.
I was as happy as could be. I even ran up to her, with my arms open wide. I gave her that look. The look like I was meeting my mother after years of being away. Had I? No. It had only been three months. But I cannot explain the emotions that were running through my body. I actually cried. And I cried kind of a lot. I needed my mom. I really needed her.
There is something about a mother's love. In my home growing up, there was a poem my mom had embroidered. It goes like this:
A mother's love will follow you
Wherever you may go.
A mother's love will never change
Except perhaps to grow.
I never understood those words, but I always felt them. There is some power that comes from a mother, and I was feeling it then. I was so excited to have my baby girl, and soon create the same bond my mother had created with me. But that aside, I was just super glad my mom would be there for it all.
day by day.
Each day that went by, and my mom kept trying to keep me entertained. It was difficult since every ten minutes I'd get a text asking if I had the baby already. Mind you, those texts were from the same three people--my dad, my sister Brit and my little brother Spencer.
Throughout pregnancy, I hate to admit it, but I wasn't too active. I mean I walked all over campus, but once we moved to Arizona, it was so much easier to sleep. Only in the afternoon, because we all know I never slept at night--stupid restless legs. My mom was bound and determined to get this baby out of me. We walked. And walked. And walked. Because it was screaming hot outside, we walked in the mall, and in the late night. Did I enjoy it? No. I was tired, my back hurt, and my calves were sore. But did I enjoy doing it with my mom? Yes. So I went. And I did so with a half smile.
After each passing day, and I mean EACH passing day, we would get ready for bed and know that tonight was the night! Then, I'd wake up pregnant. I cannot tell you how many time this happened... except I can. It was a lot. There came a point that my mom and I decided that if this baby wasn't going to come, which we both knew she would, then we would take advantage of the time we had together and enjoy ourselves.
Initially, my mom made me finish all the small odds and ends I had created for myself, and all the small projects I completely gave up on due to lack of motivation. She made me finish the car seat cover I made for my little girl, and her tiny headbands too. Once those were finished, I felt relief. Now she could come, of course! She'll be snug in her car seat, and adorable too!
Bob and Wendy suggested we eat at Macayo's, a mexican restaurant. The spicy food helped induce Kevin's older sister. And at this point, I would try anything. And by anything, I mean eating at a reasturant, because we all know I love to eat out.
Another night we ate at Organ Stop Pizza. It was the coolest place ever. Loud, but awesome! There is a grand organ in the center of the joint and she plays whatever music you want. From Frozen (which I swear was on repeat) to Star Wars and The Jungle Book. While she played each key would trigger something on the wall or ceiling, be it strumming cats, reindeer bells, or blaring trumpets. My favorite was Under the Sea, They had bubbles falling from the sky, which certainly added to the pepperoni flavor on my pizza.
My mom was shocked to hear how close we lived to two LDS temples. We stopped at the Mesa Temple just when a dust storm was headed our way. My mom thought it was the coolest thing ever! Granted, what she thought was the dust storm was wind blowing on a dirt road.
One of my favorite days, including the pedicure my mother and I thoroughly enjoyed, was this facial. Ladies, let me tell you, it was much much more than a facial. As you can see I got the royal treatment. It must have been since I was pregnant, she had mercy on my and my poor body. She gave me a facial, along with a great massage--my neck, shoulders, arms, hands, calves, feet, boy oh boy was it wonderful. It was relaxing and rejuvenating. I'd go back in a heart beat. Just tell Suzi I sent you.
One of the most memorable nights was when Kevin and I took my mom to the coolest pool around! And it was only $1.75 to get in. Unheard of, right?! Well, they had a lazy river, which was just my style. Did I get stuck on my tube? Yes. Did Kevin and I blockade my mom under overflowing buckets? Barely. And did my mom make me swim laps to get this baby out? Well, she tried. I can tell you that my mama is one great swimmer. She's a fast little lady. We had so much fun racing back and forth, I really had to work hard to keep up with her. I blame my squished lungs.
We also went to the LDS Gilbert Temple, except this time we went inside. It was a wonderful feeling being inside The House of The Lord knowing that my babe was right there with me.
These are only a few of the things we did on this, oh so long, waiting game. Seriously, every passing minute we had something to do, thanks to Wendy, who happened to be the brains behind the operations.
I tell ya, having my mom here for all of these days ended up being one of the greatest blessings I've had. I thought I wouldn't need her before my sweet girl was born, but it turns out I did. I think this was the time where my mom and I were able to bond the most. We had no deadline, no other obligations, and no time constraints. We were there, with each other, with nothing to do except spend time with each other. I learned so much from her, and enjoyed each day we had. I woke up disappointed that my babe didn't come, but eager to spend the day with my ma trying to get her to come out. My mom is fantastic. Not every daughter can say that about her mother. But I can.
It was during this time that I really believe my mom became my best friend.
Throughout pregnancy, I hate to admit it, but I wasn't too active. I mean I walked all over campus, but once we moved to Arizona, it was so much easier to sleep. Only in the afternoon, because we all know I never slept at night--stupid restless legs. My mom was bound and determined to get this baby out of me. We walked. And walked. And walked. Because it was screaming hot outside, we walked in the mall, and in the late night. Did I enjoy it? No. I was tired, my back hurt, and my calves were sore. But did I enjoy doing it with my mom? Yes. So I went. And I did so with a half smile.
After each passing day, and I mean EACH passing day, we would get ready for bed and know that tonight was the night! Then, I'd wake up pregnant. I cannot tell you how many time this happened... except I can. It was a lot. There came a point that my mom and I decided that if this baby wasn't going to come, which we both knew she would, then we would take advantage of the time we had together and enjoy ourselves.
Initially, my mom made me finish all the small odds and ends I had created for myself, and all the small projects I completely gave up on due to lack of motivation. She made me finish the car seat cover I made for my little girl, and her tiny headbands too. Once those were finished, I felt relief. Now she could come, of course! She'll be snug in her car seat, and adorable too!
Bob and Wendy suggested we eat at Macayo's, a mexican restaurant. The spicy food helped induce Kevin's older sister. And at this point, I would try anything. And by anything, I mean eating at a reasturant, because we all know I love to eat out.
Another night we ate at Organ Stop Pizza. It was the coolest place ever. Loud, but awesome! There is a grand organ in the center of the joint and she plays whatever music you want. From Frozen (which I swear was on repeat) to Star Wars and The Jungle Book. While she played each key would trigger something on the wall or ceiling, be it strumming cats, reindeer bells, or blaring trumpets. My favorite was Under the Sea, They had bubbles falling from the sky, which certainly added to the pepperoni flavor on my pizza.
Wendy, my mother, and I also made a stop to Scottsdale Mall, which I tell you is one way to break the bank, and on our way home checked in on Kevin and work. We went to the spa for a refreshing smoothie. If you ever go, I strongly recommend the banana bread. Ohhh-weee does that hit the spot.
My mom was shocked to hear how close we lived to two LDS temples. We stopped at the Mesa Temple just when a dust storm was headed our way. My mom thought it was the coolest thing ever! Granted, what she thought was the dust storm was wind blowing on a dirt road.
One of my favorite days, including the pedicure my mother and I thoroughly enjoyed, was this facial. Ladies, let me tell you, it was much much more than a facial. As you can see I got the royal treatment. It must have been since I was pregnant, she had mercy on my and my poor body. She gave me a facial, along with a great massage--my neck, shoulders, arms, hands, calves, feet, boy oh boy was it wonderful. It was relaxing and rejuvenating. I'd go back in a heart beat. Just tell Suzi I sent you.
One of the most memorable nights was when Kevin and I took my mom to the coolest pool around! And it was only $1.75 to get in. Unheard of, right?! Well, they had a lazy river, which was just my style. Did I get stuck on my tube? Yes. Did Kevin and I blockade my mom under overflowing buckets? Barely. And did my mom make me swim laps to get this baby out? Well, she tried. I can tell you that my mama is one great swimmer. She's a fast little lady. We had so much fun racing back and forth, I really had to work hard to keep up with her. I blame my squished lungs.
We also went to the LDS Gilbert Temple, except this time we went inside. It was a wonderful feeling being inside The House of The Lord knowing that my babe was right there with me.
These are only a few of the things we did on this, oh so long, waiting game. Seriously, every passing minute we had something to do, thanks to Wendy, who happened to be the brains behind the operations.
I tell ya, having my mom here for all of these days ended up being one of the greatest blessings I've had. I thought I wouldn't need her before my sweet girl was born, but it turns out I did. I think this was the time where my mom and I were able to bond the most. We had no deadline, no other obligations, and no time constraints. We were there, with each other, with nothing to do except spend time with each other. I learned so much from her, and enjoyed each day we had. I woke up disappointed that my babe didn't come, but eager to spend the day with my ma trying to get her to come out. My mom is fantastic. Not every daughter can say that about her mother. But I can.
It was during this time that I really believe my mom became my best friend.
doctor's appointments.
Seeing as I was now overdue, the midwife wanted to see me every 2-3 days to make sure the baby was okay, since I didn't want to be induced. This was so much fun. I'd have an ultrasound and testing done at each appointment. My mom was there, which made them extra special. We would look at the screen and see her sweet toes, her lungs, her heart, really everything. We would guess how long she would be and how big... which once I became overdue, I didn't like the idea of her gaining any more weight, cause that meant I would have to deal with it at her birth. But these appointments were fun to be at with my mom. I looked forward to them when they came, but dreaded making them. Really Doc, I don't need to schedule another appointment, the baby will FOR SURE be here by then, right?
I love reading your posts, Shaylee! I always feel like I'm there with you when I read them. Can't wait for the next post!!! :)
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