Baby Violet

Hi, so my husband asked me, "who's reading this blog?" He says my posts are too long. If so, let me know, I can cut them down. Its just that I don't get a lot of down time to post multiple shorter posts. Maybe I'll add that to my New Year's Resolution! ;) Update on this... As I grow as a blogger I'm learning more and more and trusting my instincts. Its a process, so what if the first one didn't work out, I'm enjoying the journey!

We have been truly blessed with our little bundle of joy. Violet is growing so fast. She is dancing and waving. She has two teeth coming in. She is crawling all over, climbing stairs and pulling herself up and walking along, holding onto the sofa. She can walk when you hold both of her hands or just one. She is laughing up a storm and her smile is the one thing that can pull me out of any not so happy mood. I can't even remember the last time I was mad...I mean, who can be mad or sad or frustrated or annoyed when you have that adorable face to look at, seriously!?!? At 9 months, she has the focus to stack cups and pound little wooden balls through a hole in a wooden tower. She has even started doing some yoga - at least we think that's what it is, she does boat and is so proud of herself and so serious until we giggle and then she cracks herself up. Oh my gosh, its so fun. Now that Violet is eating solids, I've found a little freedom. Although she does have a bit of separ...

I can't begin to tell you how amazing and comforting it is to have people you trust look after your little one!! Grandparents are in general safer drivers, more attentive, almost to the point of overstimulating, but always aware more than most parents!! So lean on them when you can. The relationship they build with your baby/child is irreplaceable! And if a friend offers to watch your little shnookums, drop her off every once and a while and do something nice for yourself, like a hair cut, massage, or even a nap! And finally, did you know that there are great, affordable daycares at gyms!! Gold's has a saline pool, family swim times, a cardio theater, and steam room and sauna!! The teachers at the kids klub there are great, use them!! They are a god send! Hope you're enjoying the sunshine today!! And thank you to everyone who's been there for us!! We're here for you too!

Hello Everyone!! Its been a long a time, and there's lots to catch up on. To my followers...I'm sure you've seen some things on Facebook, and have dropped by the house a time or two, but I apologize for slacking on the Blog-Front!! I'll tell you, being a mommy is amazing, challenging, and rewarding. As I write this morning, I struggle with keeping the computer from my little genius. Normally we open a word doc and let her type away, but today, I wanted to take just a few minutes and get something up on the blog before I blink and she's 18. At 5 months, she figured out, by complete mistake of course, how to type an Omega!! More than I've accomplished in my 18 years working on computers... ;) At 8 months now, she is seriously willful, knows what she wants, is very active and very funny! She's the happiest baby on the block for sure! Violet is crawling, pulling herself up, playing independently, loves her puppy, and is on her way to sleeping in her crib! So...

We've now been home for 13 days. I can't believe Baby Violet is almost 2 weeks old! I'm finally getting an opportunity to blog about my beautiful new baby. I think I'm still a little in shock - every time I look at her I can't believe she's here. First of all, I just want to quickly thank all of our friends and family for your continued help and support. You have made this transition into parenthood so much easier for us, by helping around the house, preparing meals, and offering helpful tips and love. After 24 hours of labor, at 3:07 AM, Saturday, March 19th, 2011, we finally brought our beautiful little girl, Violet Nichole Tuton, into world. She was 8 pounds, 7.5 ounces, and 21 inches long. She is absolutely perfect. Our experience with our Family, Doula, and Midwife at home at the Birth Center was amazing. Most of the labor was actually quite easy to work through; we were calm and excited at the same time, there was a lot of joking and laughter. Pushing ...

Well, we're almost here! If everyone thinks really hard and wishes for Violet to come tonight, then maybe she will!!! :) Ready, set, go! I am thankful for the sunshine today - I will certainly get outside and walk a bit. Maybe to Famous Footwear to get a pair of Fit Flops for my poor feet! Actually, looking better than a few days ago. Thanks for the prayers. We've got a couple more projects left to do, Scotty's almost done with the artwork in Violet's room, and the rest of my storage baskets are on their way - I can finally finish organizing which everyone knows I love to do! Scotty put up a beautiful shelving/clothes hanging unit in her closet, I'm tempted to do the same for our bedroom! Photos coming soon!

I finally cashed in my ProSports Club Prenatal Massage! It was amazing! Thanks Jen, Sara, & Linds! What a delight! I'm feeling much more relaxed and less sore... The Club is really nice, especially the Spa, complementary Women's Lounge, and Women's Locker Room equipped with hot tubs, sauna, steam room, tons of showers, tons of space to get ready, and Pureology hair care products!!! Yummy! I have to say that I should have done this a long time ago. I'm not kidding. New Goal  - before we try for our second baby - I want to save up a for massage fund - enough for about 10 massages - and here's how I'd break it up: Two massages toward the end of the first trimester, at about 12 weeks, then 3 massages for the second trimester and 4 for the third trimester. I only had two professional massages this pregnancy - totally should have done more. The ProSports Club is spendy, so I recommend splurging on one ProSport massage experience and bringing a friend to share it...

Which means that I'm around 39 weeks...which also means...not much else! Since the midwife doesn't do manual checks to see if your dilated or effaced at this point, since they have a "less intervention is better" motto, we really won't know when she'll come until she comes! Although, I've had some people comment on how I've dropped over the last days/week - which for all I know is a merely encouragement - which of course, I don't mind at all because positive is always better - especially now when I'm at my heaviest and I'm just so anxious to see who's eyes my baby has! All I really know at this point is that I'm really looking forward to meeting her and seeing her sweet sugar pie angel face and the faster I realize that she's on her time, the easier it will be for me to be patient! :) Non-Glamorous Reality: Carpal tunnel and swollen ankles, feet and hands, oh yeah, and where did my chin go? Sleeping is not coming very easily ...

Aside from getting no sleep last night what-so-ever, mama Melissa is doing quite well, especially after hearing Violet's strong heartbeat at today's baby appointment. The belly measured in at 38cm (or 38 weeks), a cm bigger than last week's appointment - I wonder if that means she'll be born a little early. God willing - because I'm so excited to see that cute little face and hold her and love her and squeeze her!! Oh yeah, and be a little less swollen and more comfortable in my own skin! Why is it that if you've never been pregnant, you don't listen to the unglamorous parts the women in your life tell you about? You just blindly go into it without a care in the world? I'll tell you why, because if you worried about all that other stuff, you might have a hard time believing its something you really want to do. Plus, the idea that you will unconditionally love another human being is far more rewarding than any "hardship" you "might" ...

Appointment went well today. The belly is measuring right on schedule, and baby's heart beat is 150 BPM. Strong and healthy! Oh yeah, and she's head down - ready to go! I'm almost finished packing for the big day, just have to pick up a few things. But, I'm feeling very ready - I finished writing my birth plan, so...all we have left to do, really, is wait!!  We've waited this long, a couple more weeks will be a piece of cake! Right? Just needed to give a shout out to my amazing sister for throwing me the best baby shower! It was so fun, the food was good, and everyone had a great time! You're the best! Thanks to the girls and Mom for helping too! It was a very special day! :) Also, looking forward to Friday & Sunday's showers too. Baby Violet is so lucky!

We are finally in the home stretch here. Only a couple more weeks and Baby Violet arrives! I've just completed the birth plan and we are looking forward to delivering at East Side Birth Center. This is the most amazing time in our lives, and we are so blessed by all the support we've had throughout this pregnancy. Violet will be born into a world of love and we are so grateful!