Motherhood Thoughts While The Wee One Sleeps.

Hi again.  Sometimes I get five minutes to do something on my own while Ellis is sleeping.  Many times that means showering, or folding laundry.  I already got my five minute shower in this morning and the laundry can wait right now.  He is asleep thanks to another food coma.  During the day, he often only goes down for about ten to fifteen minutes.  Luckily, he usually goes down for a few hours during the night.  I will be knocking on wood after mentioning that fact, because Honey Badger(another one of Ellis' nicknames) often does what he wants and changes things as soon as I get used to them.

So, here I am with Sportscenter in the background and typing a post.  We watch a lot of Sportscenter around here.  It is good background while I am feeding the wee one.  Sometimes it is Call the Midwife, or some other show on Netflix(it was Mr. Bean last week!).  I like this whole be at home and take care of the kiddo for my current job.  I actually would be pretty content doing this full time.  Unfortunately, our circumstances as a family call for me to go out and earn our benefits.  We could probably live on just one income but we must have insurance.  So, in two weeks, I will ball my eyes out and head back to work.  Luckily, Reuben has a job that will let him work different hours, so Ellis will not have to go to daycare, but will be able to be with his daddy.  Not that I judge anybody for their choice in childcare, we all have different situations and we all have to choose what is right for US!!!

So, motherhood.  It is quite amazing.  Here are a few things that I have learned about it since I have become one a short four weeks ago:

1.  Being a mother is SACRED.  It is a responsibility that makes you worry 24-7 that you are doing the right thing and that your kid(s) are okay.  God has entrusted me with Ellis.  I am to figure out what he needs and what will be best for him on every avenue of his life.  That is a huge responsibility and when I think about it, an awesome thing.
2.  Motherhood is tiring.  Luckily, I think I am hard wired(women are) to be up every few hours and only get sleep between feedings.  At least babies do grow up and start sleeping through the night, but for now I will be tired.  I am sure, even when Ellis sleeps through the night, I will still be tired out because kids suck the energy out of the adults around them.
3.  As a mother, you instantly love that little person.  I can't explain it, but I just loved him the first time I looked at him and those feelings have only grown as I've gotten to know him a bit better.  What a cool thing and it breaks my heart to think about the children of the world who did not receive this gift from their mom.  Even though he makes me tired and is sometimes screaming, I still love that little kiddo.
4.  There are a million voices out there telling you how to do things.  Funny thing about that is that you have to find out what is right for YOU and your KID.  What works for Sally's kids, may not work for my kid.  I bet things that work with Ellis may not even work on our future babies.  Each of us is different and have different needs.  Ignoring those voices is hard because you second guess yourself all the time.
5.  Being a mom is going to be the most important thing I ever do.  I get to help Ellis on his journey here on earth.  I get to teach him how to treat people with respect, how to deal with disappointment, how to keep positive, and how to judge what is right and wrong in a confusing world.  Sure other stuff is important, but not as important as this.  I think at work I will be much more organized this year because I will want to get to Ellis as soon as I can after my contract time is done at 3:20.  I will have to grade and plan quickly after school and during my prep hour.

There is lots more to say, but my mind is pretty scorched.  I am going to go and read a few pages in my book before Ellis awakes.  I hope you all have a fantastic day and that these pics will brighten your day like experiencing the moments with Ellis have done for me!  Cheers!

Church clothes.  Ellis and I went to Sacrament Meeting for the first time Sunday.

 He is much more alert and interactive this week:

 Isn't he just the cutest little angel.  I could stare at this face for hours!!!

10 Things About Ellis

Well, time is flying (Bugaboo will be 4 weeks on Friday) and we have gone from this baby in the hospital:



To this baby at home:



He seems to change every day and this week has started to get more alert and show a bit of his personality. Here are ten quick(he is sleeping but that could change quickly)things you should know about Ellis:

1. He is named after is Great Grandpa on Reuben's side, Ellis(who I share a birthday with), and after his grandpa, my dad, Daniel.

2. He hates being cold. Diaper changes and clothing changes are not his favorite.

3. He has a bazillion nicknames: Grumpy McGrumperson, Mr. E, Bugaboo, Bugs, Toad, Squirt, Little Man, and a few more I can't remember at this moment.

4. He is in control. I think I know what I'm doing and then he changes the game.

5. He lets you know when he is angry. He starts with grunts or little noises, then cries, and when he is really mad, he snorts. The snort is the cutest thing and I have to stop myself from letting him cry too much sometimes, just to hear it.

6. He is adored by his family. The Ficklins will often be caught gathered around his carseat just loving on him and my sister and mother need daily Facebook pictures or I am in trouble.

7. He likes the car after the transition to his transporter(carseat) is over.

8. He loves baths and his dad is awesome at giving him baths.

9. He must be rocked to sleep before putting him down. And if you think you have done it long enough, go five more minutes.

10. He laughs and smiles while falling asleep. It is the cutest thing ever and it makes rocking him five more minutes very worth it!!!

Maybe one day I will post about motherhood and what I have learned. But in the meantime, I must go check on the wee one and watch some Sportscenter. I actually was able to eat breakfast and shower this morning during his micro nap! Yea Ellis!!!!

Two Weeks Later...

Well, actually three weeks after the last post, but two weeks after the arrival of Ellis Daniel Ficklin.

Last time I wrote, I was still hopeful for a flip from this baby and a natural birth. Well, when I went in for some tests(they give standard tests for week overdue mamas!), one was normal(Ellis was not in distress) but the other wasn't(he only had about half of the fluid he was supposed to). So, right there at my appointment with the midwife, we were told we would be having a baby that day.

My mom and sister were in town and it was kind of a relief to know that they would be here for Ellis' birth. I was worried they would have to leave the next Tuesday without even meeting him.

So, we did what we do and shopped for an hour before meeting Reuben and heading to the hospital. Then, after waiting for about two hours for the anesthesiologist, Ellis was born at 6:23 Friday, August 9th.

After a three night stay in the hospital, we headed home. Then I really didn't know what to do next? So, I just held him and starred.

The past two weeks have been magical. That little boy had my heart and is such a peaceful little soul, except when you change his diaper or clothes, then he screams. Oh and that scream is so cute because the more mad he gets, then he snorts. It's way cute.

I have been learning so much. The main thing is that I am not I control. From his birth to the outfit I had picked out for him to go home in, he had other plans.

I can't wait to get to know Ellis even more as he grows and becomes a man. What a blessing it is to be a mother and it all has been quite a ride. I'll be sure to keep bookface updated with photos but here are a few. I know a few people who need a daily Ellis.



My favorite.


Another smile.


Already ignoring mom!


Sleeping angel



With Papa


With cousin Chloe.


Snug in the Moby.

"Zero Hour"

Today is Baby Ficklin's due date. This pretty much means absolutely nothing. Just thought you should know. People are starting to ask every time they see me: "still no baby, eh?" I think that is kinda obvious too. Just sayin'. You will all know as soon as he's here. Give or take a few hours. Until then, you can check out this link whenever you are tempted to ask: "Have you had that baby yet?": Answer

In celebration of the due date, here are ten things you should know about Baby Ficklin:
1. His name has been picked out and is secret until his arrival(I did let Reuben know. Lol. He helped!!!)
2. The Ficklin Clan call him RP3(Reuben Perry the third). This is not his name.
3. The Koehne Clan(mainly Mom and Seester) call him Abner Erich. This was my Cabbage Patch Kid's name and also not Baby Ficklin's name.
4. He is a hipster. He doesn't want to follow the crowd, therefore, head down is just too trendy. He is currently breech but I'm am faithful he will join the majority soon!!
5. I sometimes call him Honey Badger or HB. Mainly, due to the popular YouTube video entitled "The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger." Now, with that name you may think I am being mean to my unborn child but the Honey Badger, according to this video, just does what it wants. It doesn't care. Just like #4, Baby Ficklin does what he wants too. P.S. I do not recommend this video to anyone who is offended by language. It does swear lots and includes the F-word twice, but secretly it makes me laugh so hard that I cry. Don't judge.
6. He is a Ninja. He stretches and kicks lots. These days it kinda takes me by surprise and often stops me in my tracks. It tickles too.
7. He likes Miranda Lambert. Or he hates her. It's hard to tell when you play babies music in vitro because they could be enjoying the music and rocking out or they could be knocking on the walls going "stop that crap!" He also feels this way about Kelly Clarkson and all music really.
8. He likes Reuben's calm voice when we practice Hypnobirthing. He moves around, gets comfy and then sleeps/relaxes.
9. He doesn't like ice on his head. Again, this relates to #4. Some people have claimed that if you put something cold on baby's head they will flip. Baby Ficklin flinches a little, sinks an inch and then is like: "Yeah right mom, that isn't going to trick me out of my special comfy spot.
10. He has already captured my heart. I cannot wait to see his little face, fingers and toes. I often wonder who he will look like and what his personality will be like. It is a miracle to be a part of this process of bringing a little person to this world and I feel so blessed to be a part of God's work, for he is truly is one of God's sons. What a great responsibility and one never feels ready or competent enough to face the challenge of raising a child, but I think of how important it is to raise a child right and teach them the way in a quite confusing world. I have every confidence that this kid is going to be a hero and change the world for the better. What a great journey Reuben and I are starting soon as parents. We will need all the help we can get and you all are a part of this too and I am thankful I have such a great support group of people who have charted these
waters before and even if you haven't, you bring so much talent and skills to help him too!!! We are all in this together, right?

Well, as Reuben says, it is the "Zero Hour now," because the due date is here. Now, you all can guess what day he will appear. Also, guess a name. I'll buy you a treat, if you guess right!!!

Cheers.



He waves with his toes.

July flies by!

Hi all. Still hanging in over here. The dog days of summer make me want to just sit on my couch and enjoy the cool created by my new air conditioner. Maybe part of this laziness is tied to being pretty ripe and pregnant. That's probably it.
Reno doesn't like when I take him for walks in the hot. It's truly dog days if summer because he just plops down and refuses to go any further. This even happens when about 100 yards from home:




Silly mutt!!!
The highlight of the past few weeks is having Liz, Reuben's sister, and her son, Cade visiting from Arizona.
We do a whole lot of fishing and have been again impressed by Liz's amazing catching abilities. We have ventured to Strawberry Reservoir near Heber, Utah and have tried our luck on the Provo River.




Reuben had some luck at Strawberry after Liz lead the way. Two tasty Rainbow Trouts were enjoyed at dinner.




Cade was kept busy by being the Crayfish King. He caught enough for Reub to make some tasty étouffée.




There is uncle and nephew at the Reservoir.




And the étouffée.




Liz caught an amazing catfish on the Provo and Reub helped land it.




Liz hates having her pic taken so she always makes Cade display her goods!!! It makes me smile.
Last night I spent some fun time with a few of the Bills girls (Erin/Sarah) and Kari. Sarah was the only brave enough one of us to participate in karaoke. It was nice to spend time with them all!!




In other news, the past few weeks have been a little stressful. Baby Ficklin has decided that head down position is much too trendy for him and is transverse breech(he's laying sideways). He is as stubborn as his mother and even with some fun positions and chiropractic attempts, still remains sideways. It has been an emotional roller coaster for me because I am stubborn and have always dreamed of having a natural birth. I find myself tough and also think this is the best for me and the baby. Anyway, you really can't do this with a sideways baby so if he still hasn't flipped into position before my appointment with the midwife on Monday morning, we will probably schedule a C-Section. It isn't my ideal but as I have pondered and prayed, I realize getting this baby here safely is the most important thing. The comfort that has come from those prayers is truly a tender mercy. I am very blessed to be comforted by my Heavenly Father in all aspects of my life.
Life truly is good!!!
I'll keep ya posted on the arrival of Baby Ficklin, who does have a real name now but it will remain secret until the big day!!! All of you can make guesses in the comments. You can also predict the birth day, if you want too. Maybe if you are the winner, you can name him a different name if you don't like it(just kidding) or at least get a chance to change his diaper or hold him!!! ;)