SHE IS HERE...

...and she even came early...

{Sunday July 17, 2011}

Astoria Rose Radford

6lbs. 9oz. 19 inches long

tons of BEAUTIFUL red hair and the most AMAZING eyes.

She is ever so tiny but we love her lots and lots and lots! That's a lot!

First Family Photo. SHE IS SOOO CUTE!!!!

The Story of 'Stori'

{skip to the end if you just want pictures}

We spent all day Saturday in Idaho Falls; we went to Kung Fu Panda 2 in the morning and then we walked around the greenbelt with a picnic and some contractions. Then we headed to Rexburg and walked around the Nature park with even more contractions. So I called my mom and all my sisters in Logan and asked them about their labor pains-each with different stories. So I was in denial that I was actually in labor. But then it was off to Gringos for some spicy food. At Gringos, my contractions were about 2 minutes apart so we decided to go for our 3rd walk of the day around Porter Park. We only made it around twice before I knew we had to go home. So we went home and watched an episode of Modern Family while we timed my contractions to know if we should go to the Hospital or just sleep it off. Well they were consistently 5 minutes apart so we decided we needed to go in because I was group B strep positive and needed to be on antibiotics 4 hours before delivery. I had such a nervous excited feeling thinking that we might not come back to the apartment just the two of us...

On our way to the hospital Saturday night

We walked into the hospital and explained to the nurses that it was okay if they sent us home cause we weren't sure if I was in labor. She sent us to an exam room to get checked to see if I was dilated. Which I was-but only to a 1. So we were sent on a walk for an hour. Let me tell you this. That was the worst hour of my life (and I can probably put a really really stamp on that)! I was having contractions every 20 seconds and they were getting worse with each one. SDR was great at being the supportive husband. I said several times that I wasn't strong enough to do this but he was quick to tell me that he loved me and that I definitely could do this. So after the hour I still hadn't dilated anymore and I was sent to the jacuzzi for an hour. That turned out to be only 30 minutes because I couldn't handle the pain anymore. Went back and got checked and the lady discovered that the reason I wasn't dilated anymore was because I had scar tissue built up and it was preventing me from dilating. She called the Dr. because the baby was low and ready to be born even though I wasn't dilated more than a 1. He gave the O.K. to send me to the labor room and get my epidural. EPIDURAL. my favorite word!

Once I got that epidural at 3:30am, I was able to relax enough and I immediately dilated to a 4. then an 8. then a 10.  On the last check the nurse did, my water broke. Which was such a cool feeling. 

so tired but ready to deliver this babe

 After my water broke, it was go time! So the nurse, SDR, and I started the real labor stuff. At 10am we began the pushing. I actually really really liked the delivery process. The epidural took the pain away, but I was still able to feel the pressure of contractions and I was able to feel every time I pushed. I knew that each push was putting us closer and closer to seeing our beautiful baby so I gave it everything I had. One hour later SDR cut the cord and our baby girl was on my lap looking straight up at me. She was so alert and so peaceful. We couldn't help but crying with happiness. She was finally here. We were now a family of 3!

look at those eyes!

love her so much

 BATH TIME

Proof that we belong together

SOME OF THE MANY VISITORS that love Astoria

GETTING READY TO HEAD HOME

she loves me :)

She is now 4 days old but it feel like she's been a part of our family for years. She's going to think her name is gorgeous because that's all she hears from her dad and mom. We love every minute of this little squirt.

still cookin

Remember the time I swallowed that basketball........

This was taken today after our 3.5 mile walk. 

4 DAYS LEFT!

And this pic is from Wed after our 3.5 mile walk. Yep, trying to get her out.

We had to have another ultrasound because the doc says I have a "deceiving torso". He said I don't look full term but when he checked me, the baby was big. 

So we saw her little profile again, and this time she was covering her nose with her hand. It made SDR and me feel kinda bad cause we made fun of her big nose in the last ultrasound. haha. But everything is great and she is healthy. Just really low and hiding in my deceiving torso. The Doc says she weighs about 7lbs. 12 oz. 

Bags are packed. We're ready to go. Just waitin on you A.R.R.

Some summer Rants & Raves

SDR and I are absolutely lovin our lives right now.
I go to work, SDR goes to class, and we arrive home at the exact same time. Then our evening adventures begin.

Our first task is to go work out. I walk about 3.5 miles on the treadmill while I watch "Chef Brad" make some 'abtholutely fabulouth' meals. SDR runs about 4 miles to music while I hand him water. 

We leave the gym and head home for dinner. Our fave is Taco Tues. (which sometimes lands on Wednesdays).

Then we clean the apartment and gather our bikes from Baby Rad's room. (which reminds me, we're loving the creative names you guys are coming up with. ex: Seagull ha).  

Anyway, our bike rides are spectacular! We usually go to the Nature Park, Porter Park or the Gardens. AND We have made some stunning discoveries with the Rexburg parks. Just hear me out...(rant)...

PORTER PARK= Telestial Kingdom

NATURE PARK= Terrestrial Kingdom

BYUI GARDENS= Celestial Kingdom

"If Porter Park knew what was going on in there, it would go confess to the bishop"

-SDR

Seriously, why do couples think everyone wants to see them making out wrapped up in blankets. And thats while is LIGHT outside. So who knows what happens when it's dark? And the girls. oh man. They just throw those BYUI standards right out the window along with all their clothes! 

Ok. Then we have the Nature Park. Not too bad... we just try to avoid the topless skater crowds. (At least it's the men that are topless).

Now we have the BYU-I Gardens. Beautiful. Peaceful. Full of modest people. Brides getting pictures taken. 

Ya, that's where we wanna be!

After our bike rides we usually do some Maverick hopping to see which one has the best Fro Yo. Head home with the fro yo and soda and start watching a movie or an episode of Seinfeld, Modern Family, Office, or Community. I would say that's a pretty grand way to live!!! 

Switching topics now

I'm starting to really panic about only having 2 weeks left of being alone with my hubby! I know that the baby is going to bring soooo much happiness and that we'll love her more than anything...but sometimes I stress out about missing out on the time I have with just me and SDR. Pretty lame thinking huh?

Only 2 dr. appts left 'til she comes!!!! :) oh ya that's a Rave!

As you can see, between weeks 36 & 37, my belly turned into a torpedo belly. Both rant and a rave. So enjoy!!

too little

I am probably the worst pregnant lady ever.

It's still weird to say that I'm pregnant. People actually ask me when I'm due. ME.

Being pregnant is just something that Moms do. That my friends do. That my sisters do. 

I feel too little to be the pregnant one. To be the one raising a small human being. 

To be the one getting up in the middle of the night, the one to change diapers, the one to buy baby toys and clothes, to clean up the spit-up and drool. 

To be the one that makes the rules. The one who picks out what baby wears, what they will or won't play with. 

The one to make the nap schedule, to take them to their Dr. appointments. 

The one to baby proof the house, read stories, buy diapers, sing primary songs, feed. 

The one to teach crawling, walking, talking, reading, crafting. 

The one to teach them scripture stories, right and wrong, how not to hit, how to be polite, how to do the chores, ride a bike, play volleyball. 

To teach them how to shop at D.I., estate sales, and ROSS dress for less. 

The one that get's them ready for dates, dancing, and their wedding. 

To be the one they call Mom. 

That is a lot of responsibility.... and I feel too little.
Good thing I have an amazing husband to be the other responsible party.

&

Good thing for my amazing mom, sisters, and friends. Hopefully I can be like them one day!!!

But all that can wait a month or so.... right now I need some help with some pregnant lady/baby vocabulary...

-What exactly does it mean to "pack your bags" for the hospital? Is there something special that goes in this bag besides a toothbrush?
-When that time comes and I'm like, "holy crap, my water just broke", what do I do? Do I go to the ER or to some special baby having station? And why don't I know this answer?
-And how do I tell people (Dr's and nurses) that I want an epidural? Do I do that when I go in when I'm in labor, or is that something that I need to schedule?
 Holy Schmoley I know nothing. Being pregnant is easy. I take care of this baby without even knowing it. Once it's outside of my belly I'm lost. Wish me luck. 39ish days left.

P.S. SDR has been wanting to take preg pics of me for a while, so we spent a saturday and did just that.

32 week pictures (currently 34 weeks though)

We have to move....

...just found a spider. We don't do spiders.

(but we'll have to wait to pack until the NBA finals are over).

Our "Campout"

Memorial Day weekend is when people usually venture out into the wilderness to do some camping.

Well this year we decided to be nonconformists.

The rain, wind and muy pregnantness of myself, kept our camping trip to a very local destination.

Our very own living room. 

We grilled up some hamburgers and jo jo's.

Ate on our camping chairs

And even set up our tent.

We decided that we would watch a movie about people camping, so we watched "Last of the Mohicans". haha ok it was a stretch, but we weren't really feeling "The Great Outdoors" at the time. 

And let it be known that I finally stayed awake for the ENTIRE movie! 

After the verryyy long preparation for our campout, we were feeling quite tuckered out. 

The thought of sleeping on the hard living room floor when our soft bed was only 8 steps away was unbearable. 

So we moved the tent to the kitchen, brushed our teeth, and went to our comfy bed. 

Best camping trip ever. 

cuties

We went to Montana for cute little Maizy's baptism. 

We have loved our road trips to Montana and we even decided that Dan would make a great Cowboy and I would make a great stay at home wife...So beautiful. The land, not me!

We saw the cutest moose I've EVER seen

On the way home we drove through Yellowstone and saw a few more cuties...

Cute little cinnamon black bear

Cute little baby buffalo

And a cute little mountain goat thing (the momma is pushing it up the mountain. Very hard to see).

Ya, it's all pretty cute. 

We sure love Yellowstone, Jackson, and all things that Montana and Idaho have to offer. Oh and a little bit of Wyoming too... haha jokes....that one is for my mom! 

Baby Trivia

So you wanna know Baby Rad's name eh? I wish we knew for sure.
Well...to be completely honest...we do have one that we are kind of in LOVE with. But it is definitely OUT THERE and it is definitely one to think about. Not everyone that we've told has a positive reaction to it and we're wondering if we should be concerned.....????
We don't want some boring shmoring name that just anyone can have, however, we don't want people to absolutely despise our beautiful Baby Rad because of her name. Makes sense right?
As much as I want to say the name, I just can't. I'm not ready for everyone in the world {'cause everyone in the world reads this} to tell me how much they hate it. My sister said it's best to wait to announce the name until the baby is born because it will already be linked to a human and maybe they won't judge it as much.
BUT, I will share some clues to this enigmatic name.

Trivia Level: Advanced
a) the meaning is "like a hawk"
b) it's a location
c) you may crave a specific candy bar upon hearing it
d) babycenter doesn't know a single other person with this name
e) and its nickname can be read.
Welp. best of luck.

P.S. I now go to the Dr. every 2 weeks....that means it's getting realllly close! I can't believe I only have 8 weeks left! The Dr. was very pleased with my results after drinking my sugary drink (which tasted like a melted Otter Pop-not too bad). He said he would love to hire me to teach other pregnant women how to be so healthy. So good work Baby Rad. We sure love ya!

Changes...

I have decided that getting behind on your blog is one of the most stressful and overwhelming feelings ever. On the other hand, I have thoroughly enjoyed not having Internet for the last 3 weeks. Really really, it was nice not having to spend hours stalking people, boring others with my blog, and checking facebook. Instead I cleaned, decorated, organized, reorganized, redecorated and relaxed with my hubs in our new apartment. What? New apartment? 

Enter #1 big Change.

SDR and I found a great deal on an 2 bedroom apartment in Rexburg: It is the bottom floor of a 4 plex, includes a washer/dryer, AC for my fat pregs self, cable, internet, and ALL utilities. Plus it is located 47 steps from my friend Fae, 2 minutes from fro yo, and 7 minutes from work.  (Rather than 40 minutes).

I'll post pics of the after apartment. This is a definite before!

 Change #2. 

I was stressing out about moving to Rexburg and still having to travel to Idaho Falls for work. {And with gas at a ridiculous price, I would probably rather quit}. Well the very day we moved to Rexburg was the very day I started working at the Rexburg office! I feel so blessed. Now we get home before 5:30 everyday rather than 7:30. We actually have time to make dinner, work out, AND watch an entire movie before bedtime. We love all this time we get to spend together.

Change #3

SDR is back to school this semester. He has decided to do fast grad, so he should be done next April.We really enjoyed his last time off track but glad to get going again. This semester is going to be crazy...mainly because I will be giving birth to Baby Rad the VERY week of FINALS!!! Great planning eh?

Change #4

We moved into a married student ward. It is very much the opposite of our previous family ward and I think we'll really like it. In Relief Society they passed around the announcements in a folder like usual, BUT the first paper in there was titled "Are you Pregnant and When are you Due?" No joke! haha. And even better, I was the 3rd person from the front and the 3rd person on that list! Gotta love it.

Change #5

Finally cut my nasty hair! I have always thought that I need to have long hair because I was always the friend with long hair. Then a few years into college I discovered that I was a secret 'short hair' lover trapped in a 'long hair' body. {haha sounds so awkward} So I cut it. And I love it! And I will cut it again after Baby Rad is born! Hopefully cut off more nasty fake color. Also, the very day I cut my hair, we were out on my moms deck and a squirrel, yes a squirrel, pooped right on my head. See the pooh?

In other news, we spent Easters at my moms beautiful house and spent the whole day outside in the sun with almost all the family and lots of friends. The weather was amazing and my mom has the perfect yard for egg hunts and yard games. Speaking of games, that same day I had the privilege of telling everyone that a 7 month pregnant lady beat all my brothers and all the Radford boys in the basketball game 'around the world'. No big deal. 

And I would like to end with a little friendly FACT: You probably won't like the name we pick for Baby Rad. But guess what? WE will love it and probably won't care that YOU don't, so just love it anyway. Or else you can't hold her! Mmkay?  Thanks :)

Thought this was a cute family photo of sodas.

Muy Pregs

I am not very good a taking belly pictures lately…. I think it’s because I am always wearing gross scrubs and have my hair slicked back from working all day. 

Preg updates

-Hair: It wasn’t until I went to Montana to visit my sister that I realized my hair hasn’t been falling out. It is also getting really fine and hard to fix.  So I am at war with myself…To Cut or Not to CUT????

-Fat: It’s getting very difficult to feel pretty. I am at the in-between stage with clothes. Too small for maternity clothes, but busting the seams in my regulars.

-Cheap entertainment: “Did you see that?” “OH OH did you feel that? That was a big one huh?” These sayings are an hourly occurrence. I LOVE feeling Baby Rad move and I ALWAYS want SDR to feel. It’s the best when I’m lying on my back and we watch this lil girl squirm, roll, and punch every surface of my belly.

-Sleep: I am just now, at 26 weeks, starting to feel a little fatigued and uncomfortable. Still nothing to really complain about yet-I’m certain it will get MUCH worse.

-Breathing: When I eat too much, I swear Baby Rad is all the way in my rib cage and it literally hurts to breath. I know there has to be an easy solution… oh ya, don’t overeat!!!

-Food: Cereal is my best friend. No matter what meal I have, I always have cereal for dessert. Sometimes Cereal IS the meal and I still have sugar puffs for dessert.

-Shopping: Things have REALLY changed. I was at the usuals: ROSS, TJ MAXX, and Target, and found myself in the baby section the whole time. Before being pregs, I would have rather consumed moldy milk and rotten cheese than go shopping in the baby section. I was traumatized as a child.

-Work out: I am still walking for about 45 minutes each night and it still feels great, but I have to drink more water and need a longer cool-down.

-Love: I love life, my family, my baby, my super hot spouse, my slippers, my bed, movies, popcorn, blog stalking, cereal, baby hats from my sis, my treadmill, no monthly visitor, ice cream, fabric, skirts, baby sun dresses, fingernail polish, earrings, Pandora, fat clothes, road trips, mountains, great friends, conference, DVR, blue skies, going for walks/bird excursions, and makeup. To name a few.

Life is grand! Just grand!