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| Photo By: Becka Edmonson |
"For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him."
1 Samuel 1:27
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Monday, April 15, 2013
Think Pink!!!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
A Baby Story (guest writer)
Today I am featuring a guest writer, Alicia Hammock here on "Inside My Head. You may remember Alicia. Her, and husband Chris are no strangers to the blog. I featured a story about their January 2010 wedding back in June of that year. So, I thought it would be something special to have them back to share their experience of becoming parents. Chris and Alicia became parents back in August of 2011 and Alicia was kind enough to share her story with us. I really enjoyed hearing Alicia's story mostly because I can relate to not enjoying the pregnancy(for the most part). I loved her honesty. Alicia also talks about her support of breastfeeding and natural birthing along with her own personal experiences. You can just feel the love through her words for her sweet daughter and you know she would do it again in a heart beat. Thank you Alicia for sharing your baby story with us!
I totally recommend the Infinity Birthing center and the midwives there. It was an awesome experience! I can't say enough about the way they let you have the birthing experience you want.
A BABY STORY: guest writer Alicia Hammock
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| Joyful hearts in becoming parents |
Chris and I were trying to pregnant only a few months before God blessed us! We were SO excited about the news! I unfortunately had a miserable pregnancy with "morning sickness" and general fatigue. The second trimester was pretty good and the 3rd was miserable again. I would do it all over again for my sweet girl but not a fan of being prego. I had a couple of false labors which was so disappointing. But we finally went into labor at 39 1/2 weeks. We were at a baptism for church at the York Grist Mill in Pall Mall TN that afternoon and I just had a feeling that night was the one. About 7:15 we headed home and I started having contractions. since I had the false labor before I wanted to make sure this was it so I called the midwife to let her know it was a possibility but waited it out at home for another hour. The contractions kept getting closer and stronger and so we headed to the birthing center. I was dilated to 3 (which I had been for over a week) so I was again disappointed. But she was pretty sure this was going to be it so she asked us to stay and walk around some more. In a little over an hour she was about to check me again and as I went to lie down my water broke! I progressed pretty rapidly from there.
I decided to go with an all natural birth. I wouldn't change a thing. I won't lie..it was tough! But, so worth it. My daughter was born within 6 hours of starting contractions and she breastfed within 5 mins of being born. I feel like the pain you experience during the pregnancy makes you appreciate your baby so much more.
I know alot of people that have babies in the hospital with epidurals and they wanted to breastfeed but had complications or LONG labors because the meds slowed down the progression.
I got in the water birth tub for a little while when I was at 6 and I progressed to 9 in a matter of 15 mins. It helped ease alot of back pain for a while. After being in there for a couple hours though I wanted out. I couldn't get a comfortable position to push. But, I changed positions several times. I had to push for a good 3 hours because she got stuck in the birth canal. They eventually had to give me an episiotomy because her heart rate dropped to about 60 or 50 and they needed her out! She came within 2 pushes after the episiotomy. :)
She was born at 5:20 am on Monday August 15th, 2011 weighing 7 lbs 5 ozs.
I know alot of people that have babies in the hospital with epidurals and they wanted to breastfeed but had complications or LONG labors because the meds slowed down the progression.
I got in the water birth tub for a little while when I was at 6 and I progressed to 9 in a matter of 15 mins. It helped ease alot of back pain for a while. After being in there for a couple hours though I wanted out. I couldn't get a comfortable position to push. But, I changed positions several times. I had to push for a good 3 hours because she got stuck in the birth canal. They eventually had to give me an episiotomy because her heart rate dropped to about 60 or 50 and they needed her out! She came within 2 pushes after the episiotomy. :)
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| A Mother's Tender Love |
My sweet baby girl is still breastfeeding and thriving! She is changing every day!
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| Sweet Baby Girl Hammock |
Friday, October 8, 2010
Seeing God in My Rearview Mirror(Guest Writer)
This is a story about how one couple's life was filled with hope and love through the process of adoption and the power of God's plan for their lives. I am so grateful to my guest writer Lisa Coil for sharing this beautiful, heartwarming story with my readers. Thank you Lisa =).
Seeing God in My Rearview Mirror
by: Lisa Coil
For anyone who has ever traveled the stretch of interstate known as I-40 West connecting Nashville to Memphis, Tennessee, one can truly understand just how long and boring those 200 miles can be. Perhaps it's because there is virtually nothing from Nashville to Jackson, few towns and fewer exits. It was July 2005 and my two children and I were traveling from our home just outside Memphis to visit my parents just east of Nashville for a little summer vacation. The weather was beautiful, the sky clear and sunny, so began our journey just as we had done many times before. However, on this particular trip, from the driver's seat of my Saturn Vue, I caught a glimpse of God in my rearview mirror that I had never seen before. Let me tell you what I saw.
This story really began in 1997 when my husband was preaching in a gospel meeting near Manchester, TN. He left our home in East Tennessee to go begin the meeting when near the Monteagle Mountain his car broke down. He was stranded. He finally got the car to a station only to find out that is would take a few days to repair it. He called one of the members of the church where he was scheduled to preach that next morning to come get him. When the elderly gentleman arrived (a longtime friend of ours) his daughter and new grandson, Will, were with him. Evidently, Will captured the attention of my husband in a most unusual way. When my husband called me later that night most of the conversation was about the young Russian boy, Will, which he had met earlier that day. My husband had excitement in his voice that I had never really heard before. As the week continued with gospel meeting, I continued to hear about Will almost every night. Will had been adopted from Russia a few months earlier, and he now had a wonderful Christian home.
At that time my husband and I had been married for about ten years. We had gone thru endless fertility treatments and drugs. We had exhausted every resource we could find to help us conceive a child. We knew God was in control of our lives, and we trusted in his promise and plan for us. (" And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28) I had longed for children it seemed my whole life. I had never really desired a sophisticated career or to be a professional. I had always wanted to be a wife and mother, nothing more. I had a "hole in my heart that nothing seemed to fill." My husband was very happy with our life, just the two of us, but he was keenly aware of my heartache. He tried everything to fill my void, but nothing worked. We had spoken about adoption, but until he met Will, we had never gotten beyond the words. We kept holding out hope that I would conceive. We continued to serve God in every way we could, always believing that He had a plan for us, and that someday He would "fill the hole in my heart."
After the gospel meeting ended my husband returned home, his meeting Will lead us to a decision that would change our lives forever. We contacted Will's parents and obtained as much information as we could about their adoption process. We had many conversations with them and made the decision that God was leading us in this direction. So, the exhausting, yet fulfilling adoption process for us began!
In mid-October 2000, on Friday evening, our adoption facilitator called us from her office in Murfreesboro, TN to see if we could meet her for dinner. She wanted to introduce us (via photographs and video) to our son. He was the most beautiful, black eyed, brown haired baby boy we had ever seen. He was about 7 months old and we could bring him home, hopefully, by the end of the year. The next morning, my husband and I went on our usual 3-mile walk, and I as skipping and leaping thru most of it! The "hole in my heart" was beginning to close! My husband couldn't stop smiling, showing off the pictures and video to anyone one and everyone he could. Through exasperating paperwork and red-tape, through long and extensive trips to Russia, through snow, ice, and 14 hour long train rides, and more experiences than I can recount, we arrived at Nashville International Airport on December 23, 2000, with the greatest Christmas gift that anyone could imagine. Our son had made it home! He was ours, he was safe, and loved beyond measure.
Ivan and Lisa=Love At First Sight
Homecoming
In 2003, our son welcomed a baby sister! We traveled again to the other side of the world, Siberia, to embrace the baby girl that God had entrusted to us. She was 5 months old, she was tiny, she was an angel.....she was perfect. She was blonde headed and blue eyed, and now "the hole in my heart was filled and began to overflow."
Ms. Emma Claire
So you ask. "What did you see in your rearview mirror on that long boring drive on a July day in 2005?" I saw two sleeping angels, nestled snug in their car sears, heads turned to either side, and I knew beyond any doubt that God is love (....God is love 1 John 4:8). I saw His love and goodness. I say He longs to satisfy the desires of His children. I saw how he hears and answers our prayers (...The effectual fervent prayer of righteous man availeth much James 5:16) I saw how He careth for us like no other, how He hurts when we hurt and rejoices when we rejoice. I saw how He has a plan for us in His time, and His way. I saw how He blesses us beyond what we can ever begin to comprehend or imagine. I saw His unspeakable gifts (Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift 2 Corinthians 9:15). I had received two of them!
That drive for me isn't so long and boring anymore, I just take a few quick glances in my rearview mirror to remind me of all my Heavenly Father taught me that day. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be the glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world with end. Amen" Ephesians 3:20
THE COIL FAMILY
Special Note: This story also appears in the Cookevilletimes.com
by: Lisa Coil
For anyone who has ever traveled the stretch of interstate known as I-40 West connecting Nashville to Memphis, Tennessee, one can truly understand just how long and boring those 200 miles can be. Perhaps it's because there is virtually nothing from Nashville to Jackson, few towns and fewer exits. It was July 2005 and my two children and I were traveling from our home just outside Memphis to visit my parents just east of Nashville for a little summer vacation. The weather was beautiful, the sky clear and sunny, so began our journey just as we had done many times before. However, on this particular trip, from the driver's seat of my Saturn Vue, I caught a glimpse of God in my rearview mirror that I had never seen before. Let me tell you what I saw.
This story really began in 1997 when my husband was preaching in a gospel meeting near Manchester, TN. He left our home in East Tennessee to go begin the meeting when near the Monteagle Mountain his car broke down. He was stranded. He finally got the car to a station only to find out that is would take a few days to repair it. He called one of the members of the church where he was scheduled to preach that next morning to come get him. When the elderly gentleman arrived (a longtime friend of ours) his daughter and new grandson, Will, were with him. Evidently, Will captured the attention of my husband in a most unusual way. When my husband called me later that night most of the conversation was about the young Russian boy, Will, which he had met earlier that day. My husband had excitement in his voice that I had never really heard before. As the week continued with gospel meeting, I continued to hear about Will almost every night. Will had been adopted from Russia a few months earlier, and he now had a wonderful Christian home.
At that time my husband and I had been married for about ten years. We had gone thru endless fertility treatments and drugs. We had exhausted every resource we could find to help us conceive a child. We knew God was in control of our lives, and we trusted in his promise and plan for us. (" And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28) I had longed for children it seemed my whole life. I had never really desired a sophisticated career or to be a professional. I had always wanted to be a wife and mother, nothing more. I had a "hole in my heart that nothing seemed to fill." My husband was very happy with our life, just the two of us, but he was keenly aware of my heartache. He tried everything to fill my void, but nothing worked. We had spoken about adoption, but until he met Will, we had never gotten beyond the words. We kept holding out hope that I would conceive. We continued to serve God in every way we could, always believing that He had a plan for us, and that someday He would "fill the hole in my heart."
After the gospel meeting ended my husband returned home, his meeting Will lead us to a decision that would change our lives forever. We contacted Will's parents and obtained as much information as we could about their adoption process. We had many conversations with them and made the decision that God was leading us in this direction. So, the exhausting, yet fulfilling adoption process for us began!
In mid-October 2000, on Friday evening, our adoption facilitator called us from her office in Murfreesboro, TN to see if we could meet her for dinner. She wanted to introduce us (via photographs and video) to our son. He was the most beautiful, black eyed, brown haired baby boy we had ever seen. He was about 7 months old and we could bring him home, hopefully, by the end of the year. The next morning, my husband and I went on our usual 3-mile walk, and I as skipping and leaping thru most of it! The "hole in my heart" was beginning to close! My husband couldn't stop smiling, showing off the pictures and video to anyone one and everyone he could. Through exasperating paperwork and red-tape, through long and extensive trips to Russia, through snow, ice, and 14 hour long train rides, and more experiences than I can recount, we arrived at Nashville International Airport on December 23, 2000, with the greatest Christmas gift that anyone could imagine. Our son had made it home! He was ours, he was safe, and loved beyond measure.
In 2003, our son welcomed a baby sister! We traveled again to the other side of the world, Siberia, to embrace the baby girl that God had entrusted to us. She was 5 months old, she was tiny, she was an angel.....she was perfect. She was blonde headed and blue eyed, and now "the hole in my heart was filled and began to overflow."
So you ask. "What did you see in your rearview mirror on that long boring drive on a July day in 2005?" I saw two sleeping angels, nestled snug in their car sears, heads turned to either side, and I knew beyond any doubt that God is love (....God is love 1 John 4:8). I saw His love and goodness. I say He longs to satisfy the desires of His children. I saw how he hears and answers our prayers (...The effectual fervent prayer of righteous man availeth much James 5:16) I saw how He careth for us like no other, how He hurts when we hurt and rejoices when we rejoice. I saw how He has a plan for us in His time, and His way. I saw how He blesses us beyond what we can ever begin to comprehend or imagine. I saw His unspeakable gifts (Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift 2 Corinthians 9:15). I had received two of them!
That drive for me isn't so long and boring anymore, I just take a few quick glances in my rearview mirror to remind me of all my Heavenly Father taught me that day. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be the glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world with end. Amen" Ephesians 3:20
Special Note: This story also appears in the Cookevilletimes.com
Monday, September 27, 2010
Hayes Foundation{Shining A Light On SIDS}
Sometimes we come across stories in life that are both heartbreaking and inspirational. This particular story is just that, a story of sadness turned into something very beautiful by the courage of one mother.
This story starts with the tragic loss of a very precious 4 1/2 month old Oliver "Hayes" Hitzeman. Hayes, a very healthy little boy, was lost to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in June of 2002. His family was just getting to know him, figuring out what his cries meant, loving his laugh. He filled their lives with a happiness and light that has now gone dim due to his loss.
While this story is truly one that pulls heartstrings until they break, it also does not end with a life that was indeed cut too short. Though his family will never regain the presence of their precious little son, they are now on a mission. Hayes now shines a whole new light on the very real subject of SIDS all around the country, a pretty big legacy for a tiny baby boy to have left behind. His family is helping carry on that legacy.
They continue the mission to educate the public and aid in the research to better understand this terrifying silent killer. While most parents and caretakers have heard of SIDS or maybe even been handed some basic reading material on the issue, it still remains a subject at which we all shutter and little to no discussion about SIDS is taking place.
That is where The Hayes Foundation comes into play. The Hayes Foundation was created in loving memory of sweet baby Hayes by his Mother Kyra, family, and many loving friends. The purpose of the foundation is to create programs, support services, public awareness, and award grants for further SIDS research. One such campaign is "This Side Up" started in 2006.
The goal of this campaign is to educate parents and caregivers by distributing friendly T-shirts/Onesies that remind them to put babies to sleep on their backs. Studies have shown that placing babies on their backs lower their risk of becoming a victim of SIDS. "This Side Up" campaign has reached California, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, Alaska, and Florida.
The Hayes Foundation, with campaigns such as "This Side Up", are doing an astounding job to raise awareness and get America talking about this very real danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Be apart of the campaign and let's reach the Hayes Foundation's goal of a future where no one experiences the loss of a child to SIDS!!!
Find out more about SIDS at by clicking HERE and how you can help by volunteering, donating, or even just educating yourself on the guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS
Special Note: This Story also appears in the Cookevilletimes.com
This story starts with the tragic loss of a very precious 4 1/2 month old Oliver "Hayes" Hitzeman. Hayes, a very healthy little boy, was lost to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in June of 2002. His family was just getting to know him, figuring out what his cries meant, loving his laugh. He filled their lives with a happiness and light that has now gone dim due to his loss.
While this story is truly one that pulls heartstrings until they break, it also does not end with a life that was indeed cut too short. Though his family will never regain the presence of their precious little son, they are now on a mission. Hayes now shines a whole new light on the very real subject of SIDS all around the country, a pretty big legacy for a tiny baby boy to have left behind. His family is helping carry on that legacy.
They continue the mission to educate the public and aid in the research to better understand this terrifying silent killer. While most parents and caretakers have heard of SIDS or maybe even been handed some basic reading material on the issue, it still remains a subject at which we all shutter and little to no discussion about SIDS is taking place.
That is where The Hayes Foundation comes into play. The Hayes Foundation was created in loving memory of sweet baby Hayes by his Mother Kyra, family, and many loving friends. The purpose of the foundation is to create programs, support services, public awareness, and award grants for further SIDS research. One such campaign is "This Side Up" started in 2006.
The goal of this campaign is to educate parents and caregivers by distributing friendly T-shirts/Onesies that remind them to put babies to sleep on their backs. Studies have shown that placing babies on their backs lower their risk of becoming a victim of SIDS. "This Side Up" campaign has reached California, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, Alaska, and Florida.
The Hayes Foundation, with campaigns such as "This Side Up", are doing an astounding job to raise awareness and get America talking about this very real danger of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Be apart of the campaign and let's reach the Hayes Foundation's goal of a future where no one experiences the loss of a child to SIDS!!!
Find out more about SIDS at by clicking HERE and how you can help by volunteering, donating, or even just educating yourself on the guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS
Special Note: This Story also appears in the Cookevilletimes.com
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Rookie joins the Motherhood Force
Continuing my May project of Operation Celebrate Mothers. I would like to introduce you my fabulous readers to Mrs. April Baird. You may remember her from her appearance last year here on Inside My Head interview with a teacher. April has been a life long dear friend of mine, and January 22, 2010 she joined the ranks of motherhood. She gave birth to Owen a precious baby boy weighing in at 7lbs 13.4oz. Oh and did I mention she did the delivery all natural. I am so proud of her. It was something she really wanted to achieve. Now days April is still adjusting to everyday family life with her new center of the world little Owen. Her husband darling husband Evan right by her side for support and love, and their loyal and giant dog Annabelle tagging not far behind to offer up her support in puppy kisses. April was sweet enough to take the time to answer my questions, and give us a little insight on what it is like to be a rookie momma. Folks I think she may just earn the Rookie of the year. Well I think the fact that Owen just oozes 100% adorableness may just get her some extra points =)
Interview With The Rookie
Q: How has the new arrival effected or change life for you?
A: Well, now I need a babysitter for when I run or go cycling and that proves a hard task sometimes. Oh, and the focus of my world now drools, coos, and poops and pees on himself. (not talking about Evan...ha ha haha!)
Q: How did the adjusting to less sleep go?
A: It's going pretty good. He's a morning baby (whether it be 2 am or 8 am) and smiles and coos at me when I go get him so it doesn't bother me to get up with him. If fact, E tells me all the time he'll get up with him but I beat him to it :)
Q: Who have you gone to the most for advice?
A: My dear mama.
Q: What is the worst advice you have received on motherhood?
A: Hmmm...haven't gotten any bad advice yet...
Q: What is your I can't live without baby item or items?
A: Nasal aspirator. :)
Q: Has your relationship with your husband changed at all since baby came along?
A: We've grown stronger and are even more happy even though we didn't think it was possible. I look at him differently now (in a good way). He's so wonderful, caring, and fantastic. We've been together for 9 years and he amazes me still to this day with his compassion and love.
Q: Share one of your favorite memories of motherhood so far?
A: I had to think about this question for awhile. I'm going to have to go with natural childbirth. It was the most wonderful experience and I'd do it all over again. It didn't hurt like everyone said it would...if fact it felt good and was such a bonding experience. His cry was strong and I felt fantastic.
Q: What is one important thing you know you want to teach your child?
A: Versatility. It has served me well in life and career. Just because no one else has done it doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't. Try everything (except drugs) and don't be afraid to step outside the norm. Set yourself apart. You'll be surprised at what you can do and the things you'll achieve.
Q: Are you reading any parenting material to help with adjusting?
A: The usual..."What to Expect the First Year" and "Baby 911".
Q: What is some advice you would like to share with all those rookie mommies out there?
A: Well, if you're expecting, consider delivering naturally. Don't let everyone freak you out. It's not bad like everyone tells you and definitely not like on TV. I never cussed Evan, scratched him, or threatened to kill him :) There wasn't a million people running around like mad and it wasn't chaos. Also, ignore what people tell you if it's negative. Everyone thinks they're an expert. :)
Side note: All Pictures by Brooke Kelly Photography
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