Chunky Monkey

Look at those chins! There is so much extra flab, we could make another baby!

This little BIG guy just sucks the fat off of me and puts it on himself. So much cuter on him, that on me.

At 6 weeks postpartum, Joel weighed 10 lbs 7 oz. I think Micah probably already weighs that much. And even with the extra pound he started with, I'm sure that in three weeks, he'll weigh a TON more than Joel every did. I must admit, my arms are getting a bit sore carrying this chunky monkey around. But, he's pretty cute...so I don't mind.

Crazy Days

Its been a bit crazy around here these days.

On Thursday, Micah got his first cold and has been sneezing a lot. His poor nose is stuffed up and its hard for him to breathe, let alone sleep. But he's a trouper and doing fairly well. Unfortunately, he's passed his cold on to the rest of us (or maybe we all had it and passed it on to him. But his immune system is weaker and can't fight off the germs as well).

I survived my first major clogged milk duct that started Wednesday night, right after our Missionary Support Team meeting. It was one of my largest clogs to date. Felt like I had a hot dog sized clog radiating up to my neck for almost 24 hours. Not an ideal situation. I just wanted to pop a pin in my breast to relieve the pressure. Any one who has ever had a clogged duct knows the pain. Probably the most pain I've been in, in about three weeks (when Micah was born). Although this pain is different than labour. With labour, you know its going to end sometime. But with clogged ducts, it could go on for days or weeks with no relief. Luckily, Dan was home to watch the kiddos and I could spend some time resting (yep, midwives orders!).

Today I put Micah in his rocking chair. I picked him up a few minutes later only to find that he was drenched.  I thought he had wet himself through his clothes. Nope. It was not pee. Luckily, it wasn't poop either. He had vomited. Yet, somehow in his creativity, he only had a small spot on the front by his shoulder and the rest ended up on his back. I'm not sure how he does it, but that boy has talent. So, I quickly changed him, bathed him and rushed off to finish the three loads of laundry I was doing.

Later today, after I fed Micah, he puked all over me. I caught the first hurl in a recieving blanket. Although that was quickly saturated and started to drip through. Then came the second and third bout and that just drenched me. All over my skirt, the chair and himself. I can't believe how much came out.

And then the topping on the cake! This evening, just before we were about to put Joel to bed, he ran into the kitchen and fell flat on his face. A solid ten pointer. Then came the blood. No big deal as that is a regular occurance around here. He seems to like biting through his lips, leading to bloody mouth and a fat lip. But as we calmed him down and took a peek through the blood, I noticed his front tooth to not be aligned with his other tooth! It was bent backwards. Yikes! We made a call to Health Line to discuss whether this was a dental emergency, hosptial emergency or nothing at all.  They asked some questions, and we all decided that it wasn't worth sitting in emergency for hours. They suggested that we make a dentist appointment for Tuesday (since its a long weekend) to see if it needs to be repositioned so that it doesn't affect his permanent teeth. What a way to end an evening!

Let the Dehydration Begin!

Since local strawberries are finally in season, its time for dehydrating! Dan's secret passion is to dehydrate fruit for his granola. He finds it quite exciting and fun. My guess is that it has something to do with being able to eat fresh local fruit throughout the entire year. Nothing beats strawberries (or any berry) in your granola. Just wait for raspberries, blueberries and cherries to come into season. I can see his mind reeling with what else he can throw in there. I've already heard peaches and pineapple being tossed out there!

A Revelation

I can't believe its taken me five years of marriage to figure this out. And the saddest part? I figured it out in a semi-sleep deprived state, two weeks after giving birth to my second child.

I have this routine in the middle of the night when I wake up and Dan's snoring/heavy breathing is annoying me. I turn over and in this order hope that his snoring will end.
#1. Give him a death glare
#2. Gently tell him to stop snoring
#3. (Now completely annoyed) I hiss, STOP IT!

Dan's response (in this order)
#1. Sniff his nose
#2. Gently lift himself up and reposition himself in the exact same spot (and continues snoring)
#3. Tells me, "I'm not snoring"
#4.  Huffs and turns over

Now, I'm wondering if anyone can see a problem with this (other than the fact that it doesn't work)? The problem lies with me. In my initial response to Dan's snoring. I'm giving the death glare to someone whose eyes are shut. He can't see me! I don't know why I haven't figured this out before. And why every night I get more and more annoyed that my death glare doesn't work. Yep! I'm not the smartest tool in the shed. But at least I figured it out before I killed him!

Footnote: Do you know what the worst part of all of this is? After figuring out that he can't see me when I give him the death glare, I still do it! Every night since I have given him the death glare while he snores away. You think I would figure it out or something!

Micah Samuel

Smiles!

Sleeping Beauty

The boys on Father's Day

Deep in Thought

Old Man Hair (aka comb over)

Little Tongue

Breakfast Thief

Joel already had a big bowl of cheerios. But then, my breakfast just seemed to tempting.

He asked for my plate and I offered it to him. That was my first mistake. He devoured a whole piece of toast and most of the hash browns.

Finally Dan got me my own plate (after he was done laughing). I stole a piece of toast (or what was left of it), the scrambled eggs and a few hash browns. Needless to say, I was still hungry by the end of it and Joel didn't need lunch.

Lean, Mean, Milking Machine

Its no surprise that Micah gained 6 ounces in only 3 days. I am a lean, mean milking machine. Sometimes I feel more like a cow than a mom. But thanks to some great preparation and a wonderful device, I am a lot happier this time around with my milk production. The "Milkie, Milk Saver" has saved me a lot of frustration. When I had Joel, I would literally use a bottle to catch my extra milk on the opposite side I was feeding. I could get anywhere from 6-12 ounces per feed. It was overabundance at its best. Thankfully, with Micah, I only leak about 2 ounces per feed. That is where the milk saver has "saved" me. I just slip it into my bra on the opposite side and it catches all the extra milk for me. No trying to balance a bottle and constantly spilling it all over me. I can then easily transfer it into bottles and freeze it for later. Every day I freeze 12 ounces! Our freezer is quickly becoming full again. But I'm ready to call the Milk Bank on Monday and offer my milk again. I just have too much for our family and I know that there are those who could benefit from it.  Plus, I had such a great experience the last time around that I would love to do it again. And now that I know my milk is still in abundant supply, I feel confident enough to donate the extra. After all, God gave me enough to feed my family and share with others.

 

Sharing is such sweet sorrow

Not exactly thrilled with the concept of sharing, Micah resists Joel's gesture.

Joel continues to push the idea of sharing, right down Micah's throat.

Finally Micah understands that sharing isn't that bad and he embraces the concept.

Brotherly Love

 

Community of Sorrow

"Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come;
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee;
Out of my sickness, into Thy health,
Out of my want and into Thy wealth,
Out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee."

Being a part of community isn't always full of joy. Today has been filled with sorrow. A dear friend of ours, who had a baby due around the same time as us, is dealing with unspeakable sadness. Her baby was born via C-section, and whisked away. A week later, her baby passed away. She only got to hold her little baby girl once.

Today we recieved news of her baby's passing. We are shocked and saddened. We pray for her and her family, and ask you to do the same. We have spent time in tears, prayer and shock. We have held our little boys close, thanking God for their lives. And our hearts ache for our friend whose arms are now empty. We wonder how we can support her from half a world away.

When I worked at Langley Memorial Hospital as a baby photographer, I was informed of what they call the "butterfly room." Whenever a baby was born and passed away, a butterfly was placed on the door to imform all staff and visitors that the family was dealing with a loss. A few hours after we recieved this news, I was praying about what we could do to support our friend from so far away. God placed "a butterfly" on my heart. I knew what He meant. I spent a few moments trying to get creative on how to create a butterfly. I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, so this was difficult for me. I wanted the butterfly to remind our family of the loss of this little baby and to remind us to cherish our children. It was then that God brought to mind little feet. Dan and I, together with Joel and Micah created a butterfly to place in our home. Each one of us has put a piece of ourselves into it. It may not be beautiful or even look like a butterfly to some, but to our family its a stricking reminder of little Maria. Her name is placed in the antennae of the butterfly to remind us to pray for her family.

Today has brought sorrow and we have spent the day learning how to mourn from afar. But we know that even though we are miles away, we have been brought closer through our grief. As a Christian community, our thoughts and prayers can close the gap.  

"Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, We come to Thee."

Church Community

Today, my Dad and Shannon came to visit Micah. While they were here, Mary Derksen came over to pick up her casserole dish from a meal she had cooked earlier in the week (thanks again!). I told them that the church provides a weeks worth of meal (thanks for organizing that Greg and Karmen) to a family after they have a baby. Shannon exclaimed to my Dad, "See! That's why we should join a church!"

Her comment stuck with me. We are blessed to be a part of a church community that values one another. We take care of each other.

My dad's comment afterward floored me. "But then you know who would be calling. People would want us to cook for them too." In his selfishness, he missed the point. Community is about helping one another and being helped. Its about giving and taking. Its about caring for one another. Little does he know, but not 8 weeks earlier, we were the ones bringing the meal to another family who just had a baby (hi Darnell and Christina). Its a reciprocal gesture.

Community to us has always been important. We can't imagine having to cook meals after just having a baby. It would be too much work and we'd probably end up "finger cooking" (ordering in). We've heard many stories of people who had to cook meals for their entire extended families 24 hours post-partum.  (Can you imagine?) Many people we've talked to have been amazed by the generosity of the church. And to be honest, we are too. We don't take it for granted. We are truly blessed by the community that surrounds us. And the best part? It goes beyond just meals. Its the warmth you feel when they offer to get groceries for you. Its the thought behind the question, "Do you need anything?" Its the blessing of having them run after your toddler when you are 9 months pregnant. Its the smiles and hugs they give. Its the encouragement they give you with a squeeze of the shoulder when your unruly toddler is fussing in church (thanks Margaret). Its the joy you see in their eyes as they watch your family grow. It the desire to hold your newborn and play with your toddler. Its the laughter you see when your toddler makes a break for it during the service.

Its a blessing to us to be a part of a church community and all that it entails, both the giving and the receiving, the joys and the sorrows.  Perhaps they should join the church and see what community is really all about.

More Photos

Family Portrait

Snuggles with mommy

Joel LOVING Micah!!

Sleeping Beauty (Dan calls it butt crack chin)


Who can resist these little feet??

Enough already! STOP the PAPARAZZI!

Welcome to the World!

Micah Samuel McCrimmon
born June 5, 2012 at 5:28am

Micah means "Who is like God?"
Samuel means "God has heard"


Weighing 8lbs 9oz (Joel was 7 lbs 9.5oz)
21 inches long (same as Joel)

We are super excited to have our newest addition here!

The Birth Story
Joel woke up at 3am with some tummy troubles. Dan went to soothe him, while Amanda lay awake in pain. At 3:30 am, after a trip to the bathroom, Amanda felt some contractions, similar to the ones she had earlier in the evening (between 6 and 7:30pm). Within a few minutes, she realized that this was the real deal. The contractions were 2-3 minutes apart! Not wanting to call her midwives too early in case this turned into another case of false labour, Amanda resisted the urge to call too soon. At 4am, the labour instinct kicked in and it became urgent that help arrive soon.

Dan called our midwives, mother and friend/former midwife Rachel. Mom arrived first, then Rachel at 4:30am. But no midwives (they didn't arrive until 5am!) Rachel took charge, as any good friend would. Did I wanted to be check? (nah, if you say I'm 6 cm I might kill you) How was I feeling? (I'm handling the pain okay)  Did I feel like pushing? (sorta)  She constantly reassured me that I was doing a great job.

The midwives finally arrived at 5am. Sharon (who I've seen in clinic numerous times) and Joy (whom I never met before). I greeted Joy by saying, "Hello, nice to meet you when I'm here completely naked!" It gave her a laugh and made me feel comfortable with her presence. Joy was joining us from a different practise since there was another birth happening at the same time as mine.

I listened to my body and breathed through each contraction. I felt like pushing and finally allowed my body to do so. At 5:20am my water broke with a gush like a water balloon. Micah descended rapidly and I felt like his head was already half way out. I pushed a bit and his head came out with such sweet relief. He let out a little cry. Then it was time for the shoulders. But Micah decided that he wanted his hand and shoulder to arrive at the same time. Ouch! But finally he was out.

They placed him on the bed in front of me (I was on my hands and knees). I opened his legs and to my surprise, found out that I had just given birth to a little boy (I was utterly convinced that it was girl). Joy reassured me that his heart rate was good, but they were concerned since he wasn't breathing yet.  His face was blue and I have never felt so scared in my life. I kept telling him to breathe. They gave him some oxygen and Rachel rubbed her hand down his spine. It was then that he came to life and had colour in his face. He let out a little cry. He was fine! Just a bit stunned from the quick delivery.

Joel woke up at 7 am and immediately was brought in to meet his little brother. He was a bit overwhelmed by all the commotion but almost immediately offered his giraffe to Micah. He gave Micah a kiss and then went off to play.

Joel was super surprised that Micah brought him a new golf set. He refuses to let go of his new golf clubs and has scattered all the golf balls around the house.  Joel has already tried sharing his golf clubs with Micah and seems a bit disappointed that Micah doesn't play back.

We've had a good morning, bonding as a family. And look forward to many more opportunities to share the love we have for one another.

Frustration City

Sunday night, 6pm: Contractions start and are 2-3 minutes apart. Nothing really intense, just enough to need to breathe through them. I was able to laugh and joke with my mom and Dan (ahhh..toe cramp!). These lasted until 7:30pm when they slowed to 5 minutes apart and eventually petered out at 9:30pm.

Monday Night: Had a few intense contraction between 4:30 and 6pm. Then at 6pm, they went crazy! I was moaning and groaning. Every 2-3 minutes, I was in agony. I couldn't talk and breathing though them wasn't really doing much. I was anticipating this to be the "real deal." I even had Dan put the sheet on the bed in anticipation of our home birth. But yet again, at 7:30pm, they slowed down to 5 minutes apart and eventually petered out by 9:30pm.

Its frustrating. I've called the midwives to inform them that I might be in the beginning stages of labour, only to have the contractions stop. Today, my friend and former midwife Rachel called during the intense part of my "labour" and wondered how I was. I couldn't even talk during the contractions. But then had to inform her that they stopped and she should just stay home.

I think I was prepared for the physical aspects of pre-labour. (Although tonight gave me a run for my money). But the hardest part is the emotional side of things. The anticipation of this glorious event and then the devastating end of the progression. I feel guilty for not being able to stay in labour. I am annoyed that my mother has to come out every night to hang out, make dinner and look after Joel only to have the contractions stop later in the evening.  I'm frustrated that I have thought I am in labour twice, only to be fooled by this little leech. I'm tired of praying for this baby to come out or for the labour to end. Its a cruel, cruel joke I tell ya. My emotions are going nuts. I'm not happy. We're all frustrated that this baby has decided that my uterus is too hospitable to leave. I can't even look after my own son by myself. Dan stayed home from work today to help me out, since after about 10 minutes of walking, I can contract too intensely to care for my own child.

I'm still only 3-4 cm dilated (as of this afternoon). I am ready for this child to arrive. I'm just getting physically tired, emotionally exhausted and spiritually defeated. Pray for us if you will. We need some encouragement and signs of hope. Oh...and a baby IN OUR ARMS!

The Most Pregnant I have ever been

As of Friday at 8:02pm, I am officially the most pregnant I have ever been. But now its Saturday and I'm still pregnant. I am officially 5 days overdue (Joel was only 4 days overdue). Its a bit disheartening to not be holding my beloved child in my arms, but exciting knowing that at any moment labour could kick in and in a few hours (hopefully) I'd be holding my child. And I know that eventually I will be holding my baby in my arms, even if this child decides not to come on its own (Thursday would be induction day).
Today I have been relaxing and walking. I have already walked to Safeway and back with my neighbour, and to House of James and back with my mom. I hope that all this walking will help induce labour (and not leave me too tired to do all that hard work). Now, I'm sitting and watching my mother play with Joel in the backyard while I rest from all that walking.

Some random things I look forward to about not being pregnant, other than the obvious (holding my baby)
1. Getting to wear my wedding ring again
2. Not having these insane pregnancy hormones making my hair into a big frizz ball all the time
3. Not having to worry about who is at home and if I can call them to come and look after Joel
4. Being able to walk around the block and not worry about going into labour
5. Not having to get up and pee ever 45 minutes
6. Not going through 4 rolls of TP every day (see above)
7. Being able to tell Joel that the baby is FINALLY here
8. Going to the store and buying veggies without worrying about them going bad after the baby is born
9. Being able to play on the floor with Joel
10. Not being bored stiff staying at home all day hoping to go into labour