William Scott Hinton

That's right, ladies and gentlemen. Will has finally come! He was born April 26th and 8:44am. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and is 20 inches long. We came home from the hospital yesterday. Here is a quick glimpse of our precious baby boy. I plan on doing a post about the labor soon, as well as adding plenty of more pictures. More pictures coming, I promise.

We were surprised but so excited to see all of that hair. We just can't get enough of him!

39 Week Update

The biggest mistake you could ever do while pregnant is planning on your baby coming early. I was so sure that Will would come early that is has made the last week practically intolerable. And I still have a full week until my due date! Don't even mention to me that there is a possibility he will come late. At any rate, I figure I will have this baby anytime between now and 13 days at the latest, seeing as they will finally induce me at 41 weeks. However, I'm really hoping I don't have to wait that long. One of the main reasons that I am so anxious to get him here is because my mom has this coming week off work. So she would be able to come and help out longer, and I know I am going to want her here. Whereas if he waits longer to come, she will probably only be able to stay a few days.

We had our 39 week appointment with Dr. Olsen yesterday. I was still only about 1.5 cm dilated, but I suppose that is better than nothing. He said the baby had dropped, which is also a good thing. He also stripped my membranes, hoping to help speed the process up a little bit. I went on a two hour walk shortly after he stripped me, but as of yet not much as changed. He said about 50% of women will go into labor within 3-4 days. I hoping I'll be one of those 50%.

I feel like I've been very blessed with this pregnancy. The last 2 weeks have definitely been a big struggle for me, but then I hear of friends who struggle the entire 9 months! I am trying really hard to find something to be grateful for right about now. So here goes: I am grateful that I still have never thrown up. I am grateful that I never got really nauseated or an upset stomach. I am grateful for the technology that we have today that allows us to monitor our children so closely and make sure things are going alright. I am grateful for doctors. I am grateful that my body has not completely fallen apart and that I am still able to be active and do the things that I need and want. I am grateful that I have been able to work as long as I have. I am grateful for all my family and friends who have been there to support us. I am grateful for my daily phone conversations with my mom. I am grateful for this precious little boy that I have inside me. And mostly, I am grateful for Lance.

The two things I have struggled most with in the past weeks is my emotions and sleep. And I am sure that they are highly correlated. I have been having an extremely difficult time sleeping at night due to constant bathroom breaks, sore back, hips on fire, uncomfortable mattress, etc. I am used to running on little amount of sleep, but at least it was a little amount of good sleep. Now it's just little amounts of terrible sleep. Then throw in the fact that I feel COMPLETELY bipolar most of the time. I will have one day where I am completely happy and not really caring when this little guy gets here. Then the next day, a monster takes over and it is the only thing I can think about ALL DAY long. On these days, I'll usually burst into tears at least 4-5 times and pretty much just sulk around the whole day. The worst part is that I realize I am doing it, and I know that I need to do something to make it better, but I seem to be unable to. I'm not sure who it's more frustrating for: Lance or me. He tries so hard to cheer me up, and I am so grateful to him for that. He is the main reason that I am surviving this and trying to stay positive. Lance will massage my back at least 1-4 times a day. Or he'll rub my feet after my walks. He still always tells me I'm beautiful. Pretty much, he's just amazing. I don't know what I would do without him.

Well, I suppose that's a decent update for now. Hopefully this will be my last post before we introduce our little baby into the world, but there may still be time for another one. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

I wish I could change the WEATHER!! I am so ready for warmer weather. I was terribly disappointed when I woke up and found it was raining. Then, I made the mistake of checking the weather channel and found out it will pretty much be raining for the rest of the week. I have been having a hard time with everything the past week and I could really use some sun to help cheer me up.

Maternity Pictures

I have always loved the maternity pictures that some people do. I considered getting them done at a studio, but decided I'd rather pay for real pictures once Will is actually here. So these pictures were just taken at our apartment by my friend Ashli Barfus. Thanks for taking them Ashli. These were taken when I was exactly 37 weeks. Enjoy!

Day 23 - Pictures of your favorite books

 

Here are just a small few of my favorite books. I have way too many to choose an absolute favorite. These aren't necessarily my top 4, they are just ones I that I really enjoy and was also able to find pictures of on limited amount of time. As you probably noticed, all of my favorites are "church books". While I can appreciate other books and enjoy many different genres, I have found that the majority of my books come from Seagull Book or Deseret Book. I have quite the library of books too! I think one time I counted how many books I owned and it was over 150...and that was back when I was in high school. What can I say, I love to read!

Just a bit behind....

So obviously I haven't done a post in several days. Honestly, I have no excuse. I sat down at my computer many times determined to do a post, but I found myself doing other things instead. Anyways, I am going to cheat and skip a few. Maybe when I get bored in the next few days I will go back and catch up on the days that I am skipping. But for now, we will just pretend it is day 22.

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

Sleep!! I am jealous of this guy. No matter how tired I was, I don't think I could ever fall asleep in that position. I just might be the pickiest sleeper I know. I have the hardest time getting to sleep and staying asleep. Fortunately, I am usually blessed with not needing a ton of sleep to function. I got through college on relatively little sleep. And that worked for me...then. Now, I just wish I could sleep better and longer. This desire mostly comes from wanting the days to pass faster, and if I could sleep all day, then wallah, it would be one day closer to getting this little guy out. But no, my body seems to reject sleep, even when I feel really tired. Then again, maybe it will make me more prepared to wake up with a baby during the night.

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

I have always been really insecure with my body, weight, and the way I look. I haven't felt good about my body since....well I'm not sure I've ever really felt good about it. I have memories as early as the 3rd grade of me wishing I was skinnier. This picture is super unflattering, but I'll let myself slide just a little due to the fact that it was taken when I was 36 weeks pregnant. It's been really hard for me watching the number on the scale go up and up every appointment. I know you have to gain weight when your pregnant, and it's helped having a little bit of an excuse, but I also know that I am not going to be one of those lucky girls that is back into her normal jeans the week after. I read somewhere that most people don't really gain any weight the last few weeks. I've been going on walks every day, and eating normal, so I figured the scale would at least stay the same, if not go down. How the heck did I gain 5 pounds in six days? That's just depressing! I'm hoping some of it is just water weight...or something that will go away quickly. Once this baby is out, I'm no longer going to have an excuse and I will have a lot of work to do. Fabulous.

Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

I think it goes without saying that this little guy has probably had the biggest impact on my life in the past few months. He has had an effect on pretty much everything I do. I pushed graduation ahead a little bit so we could have him. I decided not to continue my education or change jobs. We got a bigger apartment. We have been slowly buying all the essential baby items we need. I am not as reckless as I usually am. I can't go more than a few minutes without thinking about him. He has definitely already changed my life.

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

There are many people who have inspired me throughout my life, but I felt that this person deserves a special shout-out. This is one of my closest friends, Kim Newman. I thought this was a fitting picture...she is, afterall,...SUPER KIM! I met Kim my freshman year of college when we were roommates. While we were good friends then, we became much better friends in the following years. She has helped me through many rough times. I have probably had some of my deepest and most meaningful conversations with Kim. I've told her things that I haven't told anyone else. She is one of those friends that I would think to call if I was stranded in the middle of no where, and she is one of those friends that would not hesitate to come get me. She is very intelligent, driven, and she can succeed in whatever she tries. It is nice having her as a friend because she is constantly pushing me to do better. I worked harder in school in an attempt to beat her GPA. I would read my scriptures more and be better at going to church because I knew that Kim did. Anything Kim can do, I can do better, right?? Or not...she has a lot of qualities that I really admire and hope to have myself someday.

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

I have always LOVED traveling and one of my biggest dreams in life is to go to Germany....and the rest of Europe. I have always been fascinated with it and really want to see everything. I would love to just go over to Europe with a small bag full of stuff, and just wander for a few months. Finding random places to stay, and just not making plans, but living day-to-day. 

I have also always really wanted to try surfing. This seems like a much more attainable goal, so I really think that I will be able to get this crossed off my list before I die. Hopefully.

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without

I could not imagine my life without Lance. He is so good to me, and I know there are far too many times where I don't show him how much I appreciate all he does.

The weather was so warm yesterday, we had to spend most of the day outside. Lance wanted to go slack-lining. We hadn't been since last summer/fall, but he did so good! I was very impressed how good he was after such a long break. I read and took pictures while he had his fun with his friend Tom.

36 Weeks

4 Weeks Left!

Today I am 36 weeks! I finally feel like we are getting towards the end. Unfortunately, I also find my patience quickly running out. I have been very good up until the last few days. Now the thought of having to wait 28 more days just frustrates me. I hope he comes early, but I am trying really hard not to expect it.

We had our doctor's appointment yesterday. I'm not sure why, but I was feeling kind of nervous before we went. I hadn't been feeling Will move a ton that morning, so I was just a bit worried. But at the same time, I usually don't pay enough attention and focus on his movements, so it was hard to tell. The doctor visit went well. At 34 weeks, I was measuring 34 centimeters and was right on. Now at 36 weeks, I am measuring 39 centimeters! Talk about a growth spurt! Anyways, Dr. Olsen said that he wanted us to get an ultrasound done to check on a few things. He said that the heart beat was a little high, and that he also wanted to do this bio...profile thing....I can't remember the name. It had me slightly worried, concerned that there was something wrong. Unfortunately, the hospital was pretty booked and we had to wait until today to get that ultrasound. It was a lot of fun to see our little baby this far along and see the changes from the last one. The technician had a list of things he was checking for and Will passed with flying colors! Some of those things included: turning his head side-to-side, full body movement, breathing movements, being responsive, etc.

He is measuring a bit bigger than average. He said based on that ultrasound that my due date would be April 18th. I would be very happy with that! But like I said earlier, I am trying really, really hard not to expect it. But I'll be honest, I wont be particularly happy if he waits until his due date. And don't even THINK about mentioning him coming late! He weighs about 7 lbs right now and is doing really good. Babies typically gain about 1/2 a pound a week from here on out, so if he waits until his due date he will at least be 9 pounds. He is still apparently a little shy, because he still wouldn't give us a clear shot of his face. Again, his hands were covering the majority of his face. The little stinker. He is definitely a boy though, so I don't have to worry about exchanging anything that I have so far.

I also went to a parenting class last night. Lance had to work so he wasn't able to go, but I shared everything I remembered once he got home. There were many topics that were covered and I felt like there were some good suggestions offered. They talked about communication with your baby, different cues, how to swaddle, etc. One thing that I really liked and never would have thought of: she said that mothers are attracted to the smell of their babies, and babies are attracted to the smell of their mothers. So when she was a new mother, she wanted her baby to learn how to fall asleep on his own, not while she was holding him. So when he was getting tired, she would put him in his bed, and she would roll up the shirt she had been wearing that day to put next to him. The smell would help to comfort him and so he could fall asleep without being held. Who thinks of these things?! So I really appreciated all the little suggestions (such as that one).

Well that is about it with the pregnancy update. Our next doctor appointment is next Wednesday. I'm hoping that now the appointments are every week that it'll help the time go by faster.