Cove's Birth Story

Wednesday, June 14th 2017

That evening I worked my last shift at WestJet and my sister flew in on our flight! I was SO excited for that flight to get in! Once my sister arrived and I got to hug her I instantly felt relieved and ready for baby boy to make his arrival. That was one of my biggest worries before I went into labor was thinking of who was going to watch Harbor for us. Something you don't have to think about with the birth of you first baby! So knowing that my sister was here and that I had just finished my last day of work I felt ready to have this baby!

Thursday, June 15th 2017

Thursday morning I had a membrane sweep scheduled with the OBGYN. I had purposely pushed the sweep back until my sister was in town JUST in case it actually did put me into labor. My sister, Chelsea stayed home with Harbor while Sean and I went to the appointment. Holy CRAP. That sweep was like no sweep I have ever had before! It literally took me off the table, made my eyes water and took my breath away. The OBGYN wasn't messing around. After the appointment I even told Sean, "If that sweep doesn't make me go into labor than I don't know what will!"

An hour later I had a hair appointment (it was the ONLY day I could get in and I desperately needed my hair done so had to do it!) I even joked telling my hair gal that I apologize in advance if my water breaks in her chair haha I was so uncomfortable and was in pain.. I felt beat up down there.

Later that evening my sister and I took Harbor to the park and I kept telling Chels that I just didn't feel the best. When we got back home I laid down on the couch and took a little nap. I just felt kind of off and sick. We had dinner, put Harbor down for bed and then washed up for bed myself. That night Sean slept in the guest room so my sister and I could sleep together (we always stay up late talking and catching up). 

10:00 pm

I started to get some stronger contractions. "A good one" is what I always say when I have to close my eyes and breathe through the pain! After laying in bed and chatting for a while Chelsea dozed off, but I just couldn't sleep through the contractions. I ended up waking her up once they seemed closer together. Chelsea timed them and said, "Yeah they are like 3 minutes apart Ash! You should fix up, do what you need to do before heading into the hospital and I will go wake up Sean." She was right.. while brushing my teeth and grabbing my stuff the contractions got WAY more intense. Before we headed out the door I tip toed into Harbor's room and rubbed her head and said bye. (I couldn't lean over her crib anymore to kiss her with my huge belly!) While walking to the garage I started to tear up.. Harbor won't be my only baby anymore and I already felt like I missed her. I felt a mix of emotions I just couldn't explain. 

Friday, June 16th 2017

2:50 am

When we got to the hospital they checked me and I was at about 3 cm dilated. My contractions were about 3 minutes apart. I was given a shot of Morphine/Gravol to help with the pain a bit. I honestly didn't feel like it helped at all. It made me feel a bit tired, but that was it. Sean walked the halls with me and I also labored on an exercise ball until the nurse came in to check me again. 

4:00 am

I was 4 cm dilated and contractions were still strong so they admitted me and we checked in to room #3. Once we got into our room Sean ran the bath for me and I labored in the bath. I felt calm and focused in the bath. Sean played the music playlist that I had created (it was actually the playlist I created for Harbor's labor and delivery but I never used it) and it was so nice to try and relax, listen to the music and focus on it. I felt like that really made a difference for me. It was peaceful and exactly what I was hoping for.

6:00 am

My nurse came in to check on me and said I should hop out of the bath so they can check me again. I was 6 cm dilated and baby boy had dropped a lot lower. I then stayed out of the bath for the rest of my laboring. At this point I started inhaling Entinox (laughing gas) to help me breathe during contractions. The laughing gas definitely didn't take the pain away, but helped me focus on my deep breathing. When we first had checked into the hospital I was very honest and open with my nurse about my birth with my first child and how anxious and nervous I was about this delivery. I told her this time around I am definitely open to having an epidural. She was very positive and kept reminding me that it was going to be a different scenario this time around and that I CAN do it. I appreciated her positivity and I remember just telling myself that, "I CAN do this!"

6:24 am

8 cm dilated

8:10 am

9 cm dilated 

9:24 am

My water still hadn't broke so the doctor said if it didn't soon he would break it. I started receiving doses of Fentanyl to help with pain. I started to doze off in-between contractions. 

10:34 am

I was fully dilated, the doctor broke my water and I started pushing. No more Fentanyl or laughing gas could be given.

While pushing I tried in multiple different positions. Laying on my back, kneeling and hugging the back of the bed, standing and wrapping my arms around Sean, squatting on the side of the bed and even sitting on the toilet. I didn't really find one position more effective than another so I ended up laying on the bed for the most part. Sean kept giving me juice to sip on and kept putting cool cloths on me from the freezer that my sister had previously made up and froze. The cloths were frozen with water and lavender oil in them. I do remember them feeling really good in the moment cause i was really hot and sweating.  I remember asking Sean and the nurses over and over if I was making progress. During the excruciating pain I needed to hear that I was getting somewhere! They did say I was making progress and that baby boy's head was crowning and the had dark hair! 

11:00am 

My nurse said to me, "He is right there Ashley! You will have baby boy in your arms by 11:15am!" and I couldn't believe that she really thought I was going to push this baby out within 15 minutes!

12:00 pm

Still pushing... 

12:30pm

I was still pushing, but baby boy was now stuck and I wasn't making progress. :( The nurses were calling my doctor, but just my luck he was in the middle of a c-section! This was the part of the delivery that felt like it took forever. I was in SO much pain, felt so much pressure and kept pushing, but baby boy wasn't moving! It was awful. I remember at this point feeling so weak and telling Sean that I didn't think I could go any longer.

1:20pm

My doctor finally arrived and explained to me that he would be using a vacuum to help get baby boy out. I pushed while he pulled and oh my gosh I just wanted baby boy to be out!! The doctor told me he was going to need to do an episiotomy.. When he told me that I really started to panic. After a few more contractions...

1:37pm

Cove was born!

7lbs 13oz

21.25"

My sweet baby boy has arrived! Such a surreal moment holding your baby for the first time. I was so in love and so relieved!

So later on when the doctor came into our room to come check on Cove and I he explained to me that he had actually pushed back his scheduled surgery because he had thought I was going to be delivering right away when I was making progress, but as my progression slowed down he wasn't able to push back the c-section any further! He also explained the anesthesiologist was tied up with him during the c-section so when I was asking for an epidural (after pushing for 2 hours) I wasn't able to get one! This was the hardest part about the delivery.. I felt as though everything went pretty smooth up until he got stuck and I wasn't making any progress. I asked for an epidural but I kept being told, "He is RIGHT there Ashley! You can do this!" but he didn't come right away! It was very frustrating and in the moment I felt so defeated. The doctor also explained to me that he didn't leave his c-section to assist me because both baby and I had good vitals. 

Proud dada!

Meeting auntie!

Meeting his big sister!

My recovery after Cove's birth was much better than my recovery with Harbor (thank you God). I did have an episiotomy but I didn't tear any further. I was happy the laboring went pretty smoothly, but I would be lying if I said the delivery was easier.. the long hours of pushing and him needing to be vacuumed out made me feel disappointed, BUT I have a healthy beautiful baby boy and it was all worth it!

xo

10 Signs You're a Long Distance Auntie

Even with my sister and I living in different countries and thousands of miles apart our relationship is still as close as can be! Now to see her have a special bond with my daughter is absolutely one of the best things ever. She loves and spoils Harbor as if she were her own and I am so thankful for that! So here's a little post dedicated to the best auntie in the world.. even if you live way too far away.. 

10 Signs You're a Long Distance Auntie 

1. You request Snapchats all day, every day of your niece/nephew! If you DON'T receive snaps throughout the day you WILL let mom and dad know they're on your shit list.

2. You Skype with your niece/nephew any chance you can get. 

3. Your shopping cart at Target is filled with baby items and there is no doubt while checking out the cashier thinks you are buying it all for your own child.

4. Your social media accounts are filled with mom bloggers, children boutiques and giveaways for baby products.

5. You mail goodies in the mail to your niece/nephew just because! 

6. You have a permanent carseat in your backseat of your vehicle.

7. You talk to your friends about your niece/nephew like they're your own child to brag about.

8. You log into the nursery Nest camera account to peek at your sweet niece/nephew while they're sleeping JUST to get a little glimpse of them at the end of the day.

9. Your home is completely baby proofed, there's a highchair sitting in the closet, there's a shelf in the pantry filled with baby food and a full bin of toys/diapers ready for the next visit!

10. You work your butt off to be able to take time off work, purchase plane tickets and come visit your niece/nephew because it means the world to you to be with them!

xoxo

Bumpdate: 21 Weeks

And just like that I am half way there! It really is true what they say about your second pregnancy going by even faster. I feel like before we know it baby boy is going to be here!

We had our 20 week ultrasound last week and it was so amazing to see baby moving around in there. It was for sure confirmed baby is still a BOY! He was moving his arms and legs around, sucking on his thumb and opening his mouth. It is just truly a miracle. 

Baby boy is measuring just a bit over average. 

(Oh PLEASE don't be another almost 10 pounder! haha) 

We have a new due date: June 24, 2017!

We will be meeting baby boy even sooner :)

There are definitely some things that are different this time around compared to when I was pregnant with Harbor. The biggest thing is obviously being more busy with taking care of a busy toddler and not being able to relax or nap when I would like to. I kept a journal during my pregnancy with Harbor and I wrote down a lot. I do currently write in a journal for the 2nd pregnancy, but I am for sure finding it more difficult to find the time to write everything down! I will try my best though. 

I thought it would be fun to do a little comparison of my pregnancy with Harbor and this second pregnancy so far!

Harbor- H    Baby Boy- B

Finding Out the News

H- 5 weeks, boobs KILLED & certain smells would really gross me out

B- 5 weeks, period symptoms.. not really any big signs

First Time Hearing Baby's Heartbeat

H- 9 weeks at the Drs office on ultrasound

B- 11 weeks at the Drs office on ultrasound

Food Cravings/Aversions

H- carbs + fruit through the whole pregnancy

I couldn't eat salad or vegetables!

B- carbs at the beginning + right now currently craving caesar salad quite often

No food aversions thank goodness! 

Bump Showing

H- I think I started showing around 16 weeks. Carried high.

B- I felt like since the day I found out I was pregnant! You really do start to show sooner with baby #2! I was almost worried at the beginning about how big I looked and how we hadn't told anyone the news yet. I think my belly started growing really fast at the beginning, but has slowed down a bit now. Carrying lower.

First Time Feeling Baby Move 

H- 18 weeks

B- 20 weeks 

I found this kind of interesting. I thought for sure I would be able to feel baby #2 sooner than when I did with Harbor since I knew what to expect! Guess not.

Nursery Prep

H- I was planning her nursery since the day we found out we were having a girl!

B- I haven't even thought about the nursery yet. Better get on it!

Bump Pictures

H- I took a weekly bump picture at first, but then every couple of weeks

B- I have only taken 2 so far. Seriously the days fly by!

Nerves + Stress

H- I was pretty stressed out about having everything we needed for Harbor and wanting to get the nursery ready. Labor scared me, but I just kept thinking I can do it!

B- Definitely feeling more relaxed since we have all of the main baby items that are needed. Unfortunately, baby boy is going to be using a lot of pink colored items ;) We will have to sit down and make a list of things that we do need for him though. I am so scared of labor this time around. Some moms say they didn't feel as nervous the second time around since they knew what to expect, but I will be honest.. I am scared shitless. After having a pretty traumatic delivery with Harbor I am really nervous for baby boy's entrance into the world. I am just praying it will be a smoother delivery!

I am beyond excited to meet baby boy. I am also really excited to see how Harbor is with him. She will be 19 months old when her baby brother is born so I am not sure if she will be old enough to fully understand, but I really look forward to seeing their bond. Sometimes I do find myself thinking about how once baby boy arrives Harbor won't be the center of our attention anymore.. and it kind of makes me sad. That's normal right? It just kind breaks my heart thinking of my baby girl not being the baby anymore! Well, in the mean time I am going to enjoy my time with Harbor as the only child and enjoy the wonderful movements in my belly from her little brother.

xo Ashley

Rodan + Fields

You might have seen my posts recently if you follow me on Instagram about my new adventure with Rodan + Fields and how much I am loving this skincare line! Have you heard of Rodan + Fields before?

Rodan + Fields was founded in 2002 by Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields (the dermatologists and creators of Proactive) and is redefining the future of anti-aging skincare. A premium skincare brand creating life-changing results!

Skeptic? Sure, I was too when I was first introduced to R+F, but now that I have been using the products and got to see the results first hand.. I'm not a skeptic anymore! When I was first told about the skincare line I was interested, but I didn't think it was something I really wanted to try. I did some research online and quickly came to find it had great reviews! 

I thought to myself, "Well, I really only use a cheap face wash and lotion right now. Maybe it would be good to invest in something that would be GOOD for my skin." I'll be honest, I did a lot of damage to my skin in the last 26 years. I worked at a tanning salon during high school and tanned everyday after school. I soaked up the sun while lathered in baby oil at the beach with my girlfriends and seriously was a sun worshiper. Gosh how I wish I could go back and tell my young self it's just not worth it!! So here I am, 26 years old trying everything possible to keep my skin looking younger, trying multiple products to get rid of my wrinkles and fix my sun damaged skin..

I HAVE FOUND IT! THIS IS IT!

Rodan + Fields has 4 regimens. Each regimen focuses on different concerns for your skin.

REDEFINE

For the appearance of lines, pores and loss of firmness

REVERSE

For the appearance of brown spots, dullness and discoloration  

UNBLEMISH

For acne

SOOTHE

For sensitive skin

I am truly excited to have found this skincare line and that is why I have taken it to the next level becoming a Rodan + Fields consultant so I can share these amazing products with others!! I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't stand behind these products 100% and really passionate about them! 

*No filters. Taken in direct sunlight.

My skin is clearer, softer and brighter. My dark spots have definitely been reduced and my wrinkles have been lifted. I will have to take another photo soon to track my progress! I have been using R+F for about 7 months now.

I am currently using the Redefine Regimen. I love the products in this regimen! The daily cleansing mask, pore minimizing toner, triple defense treatment with SPF 30 (morning lotion) and the overnight restorative cream (night lotion) ALL feel and smell amazing! Being a busy mom of a 1 year old I don't always get a lot of time to myself, but when I wash my face in the morning and at night it's MY time. It's my mini facial time. My face feels so clean and so fresh each morning and night! 

So other than the products in the Redefine Regimen, I use a couple other R+F products that I am completely obsessed with!

#1. Micro-Dermabrasion Paste

I have NEVER used an exfoliator like this before! You're skin will feel like brand new skin after each use and will be so soft and glowing!

#2. Night Renewing Serum + #3. Micro-Exfoliating Roller

AMP MD SYSTEM

Amp up your results with these two!! The noninvasive micro-needle roller is rolled all over your face right before applying the night renewing serum to get the night renewing serum even deeper into your skin. The serum is like SILK. The anti-aging serum works all night long to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores giving you improved skin texture and visibly brighter skin! It's amazing!!

#3. Redefine Must-Function Eye Cream

As a new mom with lack of sleep, I could use all the help I could get! This eye cream is used to minimize the appearance of crow's feet, puffiness and dark under eye circles and will noticeably brighten the eye area. After being up all night with a newborn...YES PLEASE!

If you are looking for a new skincare routine and wanting to see a change in your skin whether it be to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, get rid of brown spots, gain firmness, get rid of acne or to get an over all brighter softer looking skin.. THIS IS IT!

PLUS, R+F offers a 60 day full refund if you are not 100% satisfied with your order! WOW! So what do you have to lose?! They also offer for you to sign up (a one time small fee) and become a Preferred Customer and receive 10% off and free shipping! 

Stop thinking WHAT IF and start changing your skin TODAY!! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

xo Ashley

grace.co.ashleykae@hotmail.com

Canada: www.ashleykae.myrandf.com/ca

USA: www.rodanandfields.com 

Breastfeeding: A Love Hate Relationship

I knew while I was pregnant that I wanted to at least try to breastfeed. I knew it wasn't for everyone or  even some moms weren't capable of breastfeeding, but I at least told myself to give it a shot. Even reading on HOW to breastfeed and how the whole thing works I found it confusing. I felt like I read SO many different opinions on this and that! Can someone please just write out an exact HOW TO step by step!? Well little did I know, it's just not that easy.

Love: I've said this in a past post, but the moment I fell in love with breastfeeding was minutes after Harbor was born and when she latched for the first feed. Something inside of me felt at ease. I felt like my body knew what to do, my sweet baby girl knew what to do and in that very moment nothing else mattered.

Hate: Just hours after Harbor was born my nipples KILLED. This whole cluster feeding thing was confusing and oh so painful! I started to bleed and that was my first moment of, "I don't think I can do this." A nurse told me to try using a nipple shield to help with the pain and it made a huge difference! I definitely would recommend using one to new moms who are in a lot of pain while nursing, but make sure you start to feed without the nipple shield here and there to try and get back to eventually nursing without one. 

Love: To be home with a newborn, taking in all of the snuggles and knowing you're giving your baby the nutrition he/she needs is simply amazing. 

Hate: I absolutely loved taking the time out of everyday to nurse, but wow I had no idea just how much time would be spent doing it! Breastfeeding is time consuming and a commitment. A newborn feeds A LOT. I remember at some points I just felt like I couldn't get anything done! I admit it made me feel overwhelmed. I was nursing my newborn on demand, but at the same time was surviving off no sleep, needed to shower and felt like all I was doing was sitting with my breasts out nursing! I didn't read anything about this part.

Love: While nursing it is just such a rewarding feeling. One of my favorite things during it (besides the snuggles) is when Harbor would look up at me with her big blue eyes. It was our bonding moment and I felt grateful.

Hate: Pumping. Not a fan. The first time I got all hooked up to pump I just felt like a big cow. I pumped obviously when I needed to, but it's really not my thing. I give mad props to the ladies that exclusively pump! I don't think I would be able to do it.

THE WORST!

Love: Do you know how many calories breastfeeding burns?! On average 300-500 calories a day. I'll take all the help I can get!

Hate: Mastitis. A horrible horrible thing. I ended up getting mastitis 4 times and it was so painful! Listen to your body and make sure you go in to see your doctor.

We did supplement with formula (to help Harbor gain weight), but I am so glad I stuck with it and kept breastfeeding through the ups and downs. I did set a "goal" for myself to nurse Harbor until her first birthday. I do feel like setting this "goal" helped me push through it. The last time I got mastitis was when she was about 9 months old and I had to tell myself, "3 more months. You can do this!"

When Harbor was 11 months old we needed to buy more bottles so we purchased a new fast flow type and of course Harbor loved them! Well, to my surprise she loved her bottles so much that she did NOT want to breastfeed. It turned into me pretty much forcing her and it was awful.

One day instead of latching Harbor bit me and she bit me hard! Soon each feed turned into just biting and I absolutely couldn't handle that. Just like that, Harbor was done breastfeeding. I was kind of shocked! I had to pump a couple times to relieve my boobs a bit, but then about 3 days later I wasn't in pain anymore and that was that!

It's funny because I admit I had so many moments of being like, "Okay, this is it. I think I'm ready to stop breastfeeding," but once I went a full 24 hours of not nursing it was weird! I was kind of sad. That was the last time I would ever nurse my baby Harbor. It's just kind of funny how you go through different emotions!

Even though I nursed Harbor for 11 months and was just shy of reaching my 12 month "goal" I felt proud of myself. I am so glad I gave breastfeeding a chance, for sticking through it after multiple times of getting mastitis, for sometimes feeling like I had no clue if I was doing it all right and for remembering I was blessed to be able to breastfeed and to enjoy it. It was an amazing journey!

Traveling with a Baby

I am no expert by any means, but in the last 9 months we have sure done a lot of traveling with our little miss (26 flights and some road trips) so I thought I would share some tips and products that I found helpful while flying!

Harbor's first flight!

1. Give yourself plenty of time to pack and get to the airport. I am such a last minute person sometimes and it definitely helps to go to bed the night before knowing everything is packed and ready to go! I lay out what I am going to wear for the flight, Harbor's outfit, have our bags packed and have the diaper bag packed the night before. Of course, make sure to get to the airport with plenty of time to check in for your flight. Traveling with a baby you have a lot more baggage and baby equipment to check.

Let the packing begin!

I can't even handle that face!! :)

2. Always pack extra in your diaper bag! We ended up having one of our flights delayed and ran out of diapers! Not good. In my diaper bag I always pack an extra outfit for Harbor, burp cloth, lots of diapers and wipes, diaper cream, a little plastic bag (just in case she has a blow out and we can seal it up), hand sanitizer and nursing cover. I also pack a couple snacks, but nothing too messy. I usually bring some puffs and rice crackers for her to chew on. I also pack her Sophie giraffe and a baby doll. No toys that are really small because chances are she is going to drop them on the plane and I want to be able to find them! I always pack a large ziplock baggie filled with the things I will need DURING the flight for Harbor (snacks, pacifier, toys) so that way it is easier to have them all in one place & to be able to pull them out easily! One of my favorite products to bring on the plane for Harbor is the Glitter & Spice Silicone Teething Necklace. It is a silicone teething necklace that I wear around my neck. Harbor sits on my lap during our flight and will sit and chew on it. It's great!

You can shop their adorable pieces at www.glitterandspice.ca

3. A great traveling stroller is a must! It makes such a difference. We have our Bugaboo Donkey for our everyday stroller, but I am SO glad we purchased the Recaro Easylife Ultra-Lightweight Stroller for our traveling stroller! It only weighs 13lbs, has a multi position reclining seat, folds small enough to fit into the overhead compartment and can be folded up/assembled with just one hand. It is so great to be able to hold Harbor with one arm and use the other to pop open the stroller.

We purchased ours from www.toysrus.ca

4. Find your gate. Go to the nearest restroom and change babe into a fresh diaper. Pre board! Take this time to pre board, get to your seat and pull out everything you need for the flight. I always pull out my nursing cover and the ziplock bag that I pre-pack before the flight with Harbor's goodies in it and put them in the seatback in front of me.

5. While at the gate you can talk to the customer service agent and kindly ask, if possible to move you to a seat where there is no one sitting in the middle seat. It's not always a guarantee they will be able to do so, but it doesn't hurt to ask! Having the extra room between you and another guest can really make a difference. 

6. It might not work for every mom & baby, but I always nurse Harbor for take off and landing. It helps her ears to be sucking and it comforts her so that is what we have always done. If you're not nursing have a bottle ready to feed or a pacifier to help them suck. 9 out of 10 times Harbor falls asleep and then sleeps most of the flight!

7. Last, but not least book your flights with WestJet when possible! ;) They are the best airline to travel with and are so helpful to parents traveling with little ones!

PS. They have a two day seat sale going on now!
www.westjet.com

Safe travels!

xoxo

Ashley