Reppin' well.

As long as I can remember, my dad has been way into politics.  He absolutely loves it.  So this past year, he ran for South Carolina's House of Representatives, and he was elected!  On Dec 4th (yeah, I know I'm way behind), he took an oath to serve the people to his best ability, which I assure you is amazing.  Anna and I made the trek in different directions to converge in Columbia to see him make this commitment, and it was so great!

First off, Anna was late, and she was hungry.  Since I was early for a change (shocking), she asked me to stop and get her a biscuit.  I didn't know how strict the security would be about eating inside the State House, so I kinda hid the biscuit in the bottom of my pocketbook.  So after Dad stood in the median on the phone trying to direct her, waved furiously at a guy who drove the same kind of car that Anna used to drive, and she successfully arrived, she got her biscuit.  It had flattened a bit in the time that I was receiving a tour of the premises, but hey, beggars can't be choosers.

Dad trying to get Anna to Columbia in a safe and timely manner.

Flat biscuits, don't knock it til you try it.

Anna and I got to actually go down to the House floor and sit in one of the Representative seats, but I didn't take my camera because I wasn't sure how appropriate that was, or if we'd look like country-come-to-town, which is what we normally look like anyway so I should have embraced it.  We also got to meet a lot of cool people who represent the people of South Carolina.  It was such a neat experience, and seeing Dad have so much fun was really amazing, too.

Then the Representatives voted on stuff, I was apparently being hilarious that day because Anna giggled inappropriately the entire time, and then Dad took his pledge.

I had to work that night and Anna had a huge test the next day, so we didn't get to spend a whole lot of time there, but what time we did spend I'll remember forever!

So congrats to my father!  I love you, Pops, and I know you'll do a great job!


A couple posts back, I think I said I was gonna end them with a random quote and I haven't had any really fun ones until recently.  So here's a conversation I had with a friend after Black Friday.

Her:  "Leah!  I almost bought us matching scarves but I didn't because I didn't know if you'd think it was lame or not."
Me:  "You totally should have gotten them!  That's so not lame!"
Her:  "Okay good!  Because I totally bought us matching scarves but I was afraid to tell you because I thought you'd think it was lame!!"

Happy almost Christmas, everyone!

What's Happenin'

So all of my long-distance friends know that I'm bad at it.  It's not that I don't love you, it's just that I don't ever know when it is appropriate to call!  I was going to use that excuse for why I haven't posted in a really long time, but now that I read it out, it doesn't really work.

Here's my update on what's been going on in my life since...geez, October!  I'm way behind.

First, my wonderful friend Jennifer got engaged to Chris!!  I am so happy for you and I can't wait to see how everything unfolds!  I know the wedding and marriage will be a beautiful thing!

Then, it was our anniversary!  Hunter and I have been married for a whole year.  It doesn't feel like it's been that long, and every day has been a blessing.  We have grown so much as a couple and as individuals.  God knew what he was doing when he put us together, and I am so thankful!  I woke up to flowers on the day of our anniversary, and then we went on a weekend trip to Asheville, NC!  We had a lot of fun, including going on a hike.  I apologize for the lack of a picture of me looking like a decent human being, I promise I did shower and look nice during the trip.

At the end of October, I finally got to babysit my favorite brown baby, Ian!  He was not well at first because he was taking a nap when he arrived at my apartment, but after a while he warmed up and became this cute little booger.  The pictures are a little blurry, but that's because once he stopped clinging to my chest and whimpering, he was constantly in motion.

The beginning of November, I got to see my roomies from Clemson!  Julie and Kristi were in Savannah for a half marathon, which I politely declined to participate in because it would have been embarrassing for everyone else around me due to my speed and endurance (hah!  Yeah, right.)  And then Kathryn drove down from Charleston to meet us for some pastries.  It was glorious and I always enjoy seeing them.

I feel like the rest of November, I worked a ton.  Because I did.  I had an endocrinologist appointment somewhere in there, and my diabetes is still in check.  Fast forward to Thanksgiving.  I had to work Thanksgiving night but I cooked my first real holiday meal the night before and it was delicious.  Then the day after Thanksgiving we made our way to the upstate.  I got to see Anna for dinner on Friday, and my friends from high school before that!  Hunter and I got to hang out with more friends from college on Saturday afternoon, then we spent some time with Hunter's family watching our Tigers get their tails handed to them.  Sad times.  We met Dad for lunch on the way back home on Sunday!  It is always nice to see family and friends that we miss so much!

It's officially December, we're getting in the Christmas spirit and our tree is up and decorated!  

And now it's back to work once more.  Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

For all my Preggos

Hi friends!

One of my friends who does not live near me is pregnant and is scheduled to have her (medically necessary) primary C-Section tomorrow! So congratulations to the soon-to-be new parents of their little Halloween baby! Anyway, she posted on Facebook asking what kinds of things to bring to the hospital. So I messaged her and asked her if I could give her the complete low-down. She said yes, and I feel like I typed a novel. Which is also what I'm about to type for you right now. So saddle up.

I've been meaning to write this for a while, as a lot of first-time moms don't know what to bring or what to expect, etc. Before I started working my current job, I had no real idea of what to expect. So if you are pregnant or know someone who is pregnant (and honestly, you probably do), hopefully this post will help you in some way.

DISCLAIMER: These are merely suggestions. They are pretty much specific to the hospital at which I am employed. Every hospital is different, so if you have any questions, I suggest you go to a tour of the unit or call the hospital and ask specifics. None of what is said here is legally binding. Also, if the doctors or nurses taking care of you tell you to do something different, DO IT. They are your primary caregivers and should be respected. Do not be like, "Oh, this blog I read on the internet said (insert my ramblings here...)". Because if one of my patients said that to me, I would not be happy. And happy nurses are important.

ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: I may get a little graphic. I don't mean to, but it's not really graphic to me anymore. So the guys may want to turn back if it gets too gross. I just want you to be fully prepared for what's going to happen. I am a fan of mental preparation.

Let's get started.


Before coming to the hospital:
- Shower.
- Groom yourself however you see fit, if you are able. If you are unable, you can ask the man who impregnated you to do it. Or your sister. Or whomever.
- Brush your teeth.
- Get prepared for an IV, especially if you want an epidural or the labor-inducing medication.
- Bring your toco belts (the pink/blue belts that they use to hold the baby heart-monitor and contraction-monitor to your belly). This may just be a "my-hospital" thing, but our ladies are given a set of belts when they come in for the first time, and if they're sent home, they go with them and need to be brought back on subsequent visits.
- Eat something, unless you're coming for a C-Section. You'll need to not eat before a C-Section because the drugs/anesthesia can react to anything in your stomach. If you're in labor or coming to see if you're in labor, eat something, because once you're admitted and in labor, you normally shouldn't eat anything in the off chance that you'll need a C-Section. You'll get ice chips. And that's pretty much it.
- Alright, here's a graphic part. I keep typing and erasing what I'm trying to say and there's no delicate way to put it. When women are pushing, sometimes more than just a baby comes out. I'm talking about a bowel movement, people. So take that as you will. If you want to try to have a bowel movement before coming in to try to avoid that, you may. Just wanted to warn you.


What to bring to the hospital:

- Insurance card(s), identification card (driver's license) for you and your significant other.

- A list of your current medications and vitamins (please include the dosage)

- A good supportive bra. For real, this is a necessity. It can be a nursing bra or not, just something that supports your breasts well. You need this whether or not you're breastfeeding and we will not supply one for you. You can bring nursing pads if you want them, but breast milk doesn't normally come in for a few days.
- A boppy if you have it/want to bring it. It's not necessary. Pillows work just the same, especially while laying in the bed.
- Extension cord for the ill-placed outlets, cell phone charger.
- If you want to bring the baby clothes, I suggest sleepers, hats, and socks. The baby will need a going-home outfit and a blanket for the ride home.
- Favorite snacks. Our hospital doesn't have a lot in the way of snackage.
- Plenty of change/dollar bills for the vending machiines.
- If your overnight guest drinks caffeinated beverages like soft drinks, they might want to bring some.
- Your own pillows/blankets/towels etc. if desired.
- Necessary toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, face wash, deoderant, etc. Also, take some good, soothing lotion.

- Glasses.  If you wear contacts, bring your glasses as well, and contacts-related items.
- Unnecessary toiletries you may want include: chapstick, hair ties, headbands, bobby pins, hair dryer, straightener, etc.
- A mini hand-sanitizer for the bedside.
- Door decorations if desired.
- Some of those little Colgate Wisps for when you want a fresh mouth (especially after a C-Section) but aren't able to get up yet. These should not be a cop out for getting up to the sink for actual teeth-brushing when you're able, though.
- PJs and a robe if desired, but don't take any clothes that you aren't prepared to get blood, baby vomit, or baby poop/urine on.
- Any kind of medicine that your overnight guest might want/need. Cold medicine, allergy medicine, Advil, etc.
- Be sure to bring Tums, like a little travel pack. Trust me on this.
- Appropriate clothing for your overnight. You might enjoy seeing your significant other in his boxers, but I do not. Also, you will most likely be either burning up or freezing cold after you have the baby (those crazy hormones), so make sure your visitor brings a sweatshirt and pants, as well as t-shirt and shorts.
- The carseat. It will be needed in order for the baby to be discharged from the hospital.
- Footwear. Flip flops, non-skid socks, slippers, etc.

- Your camera!!

- A laptop if you want to skype with family members, but the hospital is not responsible if anything bad happens to it.

What to expect for you:
- Cramping: Your uterus is going to be cramping to get back down to its original size. Motrin works really well on cramps. The cramping usually gets worse with each pregnancy you have. Having a full bladder makes cramps worse, so peeing frequently is important.

- Bleeding: You're basically going to have 9 months worth of periods in a few days (the majority of it in the first day), even if you have a C-Section. If you think your bleeding is super heavy, ask the nurse. If you have a C-Section, the nurses/aides will change your pads before you're able to get up and while you still have the catheter in your bladder. The hospital should provide pads and disposable mesh undies, but your own pads and cotton granny panties aren't a bad idea if you want to take them, especially if you're wanting to cut down on the cost of your stay.

- Activity: If you have an epidural, then once it's out and your legs have recovered you will be expected to walk around and do the majority of your own care. You can shower as soon as the nurses/doctors say it is appropriate. If you have a C-Section, it's normally a good idea to get up out of bed as soon as the doctor/nurses say it is okay. The sooner you get up, the easier it is. It might not feel like it at the time, but your recovery will go quicker. Walking is SO important. And not just walking around the room, like walking in the halls. A lot of times after c-sections and epidurals, the bowels are a little sluggish due to anesthesia and walking helps mobilize gas. That, plus the lack of movement that your body is used to, can lead to gas build-up which pushes on your diaphragm and can cause some pretty serious shoulder pain. Oh, and you won't be able to drink from a straw after a C-Section since that leads to gas build-up, too.

- Pain: I already touched on the cramping situation, but you may also have pain in your back at the epidural insertion site, even a few days after the epidural is out. You may also have soreness in your thighs and hips from pushing. Your hoo-hoo may also become swollen and painful. Ice packs help with the swelling and pain immensely, so follow the nurses instructions for that. You may be prescribed stronger painkillers. If you take them too much, it can make you constipated. You will most likely be receiving a stool softener, but that doesn't make you not constipated. Take the stronger pain meds if you need them, though, especially if it helps you keep moving. Just try not to take them willy-nilly.

-Hydration: Be prepared to drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps your body recover more quickly and if you're breastfeeding, it helps your milk supply come in good and strong.


Breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding is such a good way to bond with your new little one, it is the best thing for your baby, and it's free! Plus, your body burns several hundred extra calories a day just from making breastmilk, imagine those pounds dropping! But formula feeding is just as acceptable. Personally, as long as your baby is being fed, it's fine with me. Breastfeeding is most likely going to be incredibly frustrating at first, and you may want to throw in the towel, but I encourage you to keep at it. Please make every attempt to take a breastfeeding class, you can ask your OB or the hospital what classes are available. If for some reason you are unable to do so, search some breastfeeding videos on youtube just to have an idea.

- Nipple shields: Some women have flat or inverted nipples. That's just the reality of it. And some women with those nipples want to breastfeed. Nipple shields are not necessary for these women, but may be helpful especially in establishing breastfeeding. Even if you have everted nipples, the IV fluid that you'll get during your hospital stay can make you swollen, breasts included. This might sound strange, but if you cup your breast like a C and squeeze your breast and notice that your nipple either becomes flat or inverted, you may benefit from a nipple shield. Try to breastfeed without it at first, but nipple shields are great to have on hand if you decide you want them and the issue has been discussed with the nurse or lactation specialist.

- Cluster feeding: Warning: at around 24-36 hours of age, most breastfed babies do what's called cluster feeding. They will want to eat every 30 minutes to an hour for several hours. It is exhausting! But the best thing to do is just to keep feeding him if your nipples can handle it. If not, you can try to pacify him another way like swaddling, holding, rocking, putting him skin-to-skin, etc. It usually lasts about 6-8 hours and then he'll get back to a more normal pattern.

- Assistance/determination: If you need help breastfeeding, don't hesitate to ask for it. A lot of people think it's just a magical connection and you put the breast within 100 yards of the infant's mouth and the child just goes to town. Sadly, this is very rarely the case. So if the magic does not happen at first, please know that this is normal and you are not a failure. Just keep trying. It does get easier.

- If you plan on pumping your breasts and have a breast pump, please bring it. We have a breast pump or two at our hospital, but they are used only in the case where the infant is medically unable to breastfeed. If you don't like the feeling of the baby on the breast but still want your baby to get breast milk, that does not count as the infant medically unable to breastfeed.

Nursery:
Our hospital practices couplet care (as do most of them, I think), where the parents are responsible for the care of the baby. It's important that you learn how to soothe the baby and sleep in the same room with him/her because you'll have to do it when you get home. Ask your hospital the policy for the baby going to the nursery. But you shouldn't expect the baby to stay in the nursery all night unless medically necessary, especially if you're breastfeeding.


Miscellaneous info:
- Call light etiquette: If you need someone to bring you something or a general question, ask for it over the call system. Also, try to ask for everything in one go if you can help it. We will bring patients one thing they asked for and then they'll say, "Oh, and can I have some more pads?" So we bring them the pads and they say, "Oh, I need some pain medicine." So we bring the pain medicine and they say, "Can I have some more juice, too?" It gets tiring. Plus it's wasted time and energy for us. We know sometimes you honestly just think of something else as we're walking in the door, but please do try. If you have intimate questions or a more personal request, by all means call us to the room and ask. Asking for more pads, or panties, or an ice pack for your hoo-hoo does not count as a personal request to the staff, by the way.

- Be pleasant, polite, and use common sense. I know that sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised at how many people just expect us to do everything for them. It is our job to help you recover, keep you comfortable, and make sure you can appropriately care for your baby. "Please"s and "thank you"s go such a long way. We understand that you're exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, but we are much more willing to do everything we possibly can for you when you're pleasant and polite.

- Last name:  In most hospitals, the infant's last name will be the mother's last name throughout the length of their stay.  That is so the infant and mother are easily identified as belonging to each other.  The baby's last name may be changed to the father's last name on the birth certificate paperwork.  There will most likely be a card on the baby's bed saying "Last name, Baby Girl/Boy".  Please do not scratch this out or change anything on it.  Your infant will not have an identity crisis, I promise.


Whew! I think I'm finished. I know that was long and tiring for you, but aren't you more knowledgeable and prepared now? I hope so, because that's my intention.

Happy baby-having!

Lovebugs

Last year when I moved here, around August, these random little bugs showed up that I had never seen before.  They have black bodies and these little red heads.  They don't bite but that doesn't make them any less annoying.  They are practically everywhere.  And they pretty much do nothing but mate.  Like all the time.  They look almost two-headed because once they hook up with another bug, they don't let go for the 48-72 hours they're alive.  If you live on the gulf coast, Florida, the lowcountry, etc., then you know these terrible little bothers to society are called lovebugs.

When you first hear the term lovebugs, you probably think, "Awww" or "They can't be that bad..."  Let me tell you, they are bad.  I cannot express how much I despise these insects.  They swarm, try to join you in your vehicle, hit you in the face, and flock to warm places, especially recently turned off cars.  I really don't see a purpose for these little buggers, but I know everything has a reason.  They show up in the spring and in the fall for a few weeks.  Disclaimer, most of my knowledge about lovebugs comes from Wikipedia or personal experience, so take it as you will.  They're actually gone now, but I didn't write a blog about it  until now because my computer was on the other side of the room.  I'm lazy.

And I know all of you have been DYING to know what's happening with my plants.  Well, I'm a terrible plant mother and they're mostly dead.  This morning, God decided that I was doing a bad job watering them and decided to water them Himself.  Which is a task, seeing as how the rain had to be practically horizontal to give my plants a drink.

Here's a quote from a lesson one of my friends gave her school-age son about not opening the door that makes me laugh:

"I don't care who is at the door, you do not open it.  Even if it's Santa Clause holding a unicorn, you do not open the door."

To the Happy Couple!

Last weekend, on August 25th, my beautiful cousin Kaylin got married!

It was several hours away, but I am so glad that we were able to come.  It was so good seeing my mom's family after so long and hanging out with Dad.  The wedding was GORGEOUS.  It was rustic, classy, and a lot of fun!

It was also (in normal Hunter and Leah fashion) complete with misadventures on our part.  So saddle up friends, here we go.

Firstly, it was an outdoor wedding for which I thought I had dressed appropriately.  I wore a cute sleeveless gray dress and yellow flats that I had just bought with yellow earrings.  For those of you who don't know, my right foot is a good 1/2-1 size bigger than my left foot, so while my new yellow flats fit perfectly on my left foot, big ole righty over there was barking after a few minutes.  No bueno.  Eventually they stretched out and they were fine, though.  Score for me.  So we get to the wedding and after approximately 3-4 minutes, I start sweating.  Not really because it's hot, but because it's not cold.  That's my life.  I'm normally cold because I'm very cold-natured, but today the evidence of my sweating was all over my back.  I'm talking from neck to lower back.  My dress was a material where every bead of sweat showed.  So I just decided to own it, because let's be serious, I'm sure everyone else was sweaty too but  was the only one that was displaying it.

We went to sit down, and we were told that we could sit where the family sits.  Our family and people that we knew were sitting on the right side, so we just went up to the second row and sat down.  Where we were sitting initially was close to the aisle, so I figured that not too many people could see my back in all its glory.  So I'm snapping pictures and trying to figure out how to make it not make so much noise when it took the photos.  I thought I had it as the groom's grandparents were coming down the aisle.  I was wrong.  And I was also wrong about which side we were supposed to be sitting on.  I don't know WHY it didn't occur to me that the bride side is the left side.  Dad, Hunter, and I had to scoot over to the outside of the second row so the grandparents could sit.  And like the Baptist church, nobody was really sitting in the front few rows, so I was hyper aware of my back being soaked with sweat and the fact that everyone could see it.  I shortly got over it when I saw my stunning cousin walking down the aisle!  But I didn't snap any photos because it was still really loud.

Things went smoothly for a while, complete with a popcorn bar (maybe one of my most favorite things), a delicious dinner, and phenomenal treats.  This story isn't really a misadventure, but it makes me laugh just thinking about it.  At the reception, I was sitting next to a pair of elderly ladies.  They were super nice and I really enjoyed talking to them.  They got up at one point to get dessert, which consisted of different types of custard, cake pops (which Dad thoroughly enjoyed), little brownie type desserts, and they were all amazing.  When the ladies came back, one of them told us to be sure to take a plate when we went to get desserts because they had to carry everything, including a little cup of custard and a little bit had gotten on her shirt right at her boob level.  The other elderly lady looked at her and said, "Oh look!  You lactated!!"  I had just taken a big swig of water and I started laughing, and it tickled me more that I was trying not to spew my water everywhere.  It took me a good few minutes to stop laughing.  It was so wonderful.

Anyway, I have decided to end my blog posts with a quote from someone important in my life.  Some I will leave anonymous to protect the innocent.  Today's is from Hunter.

"Are you smiling?  Because that's why I do like 80% of the things that I do..." --Hunter

And that's why I love this man and am so blessed that he asked me to be his wife.

(Oh!  Two of the goats in the background of this picture started humping after the ceremony.  But thankfully they waited til afterwards.  It was also hilarious.)

Awkward and Inappropriate

I love to read.  I got my kindle last May and I read at least 50 books within a year.  Hunter even got me a gift card to Amazon as one of my wedding gifts so I could download books.

A trend I've noticed is that I somewhat make fun of my friend Julie's ideas, and then end up doing the same thing.  I think I've already apologized, but if not, I'm sorry.  Again.  Firstly, it was the blog.  Secondly, the glorious library card.

Hunter and I got library cards a few months ago, and it's probably one of the best things to happen to my wallet in a really long time.  Hunter hasn't really used his, but I've probably read like 10 books since then.  Some of them being the Maze Runner trilogy and Divergent.  I'm still on the waiting list for Insurgent and have been since mid-June.  But that's neither here nor there.

The first time we went to the Beaufort Library, I couldn't help but laugh.  There's this little beauty waiting to greet you and your quest for literary enjoyment.

Maybe it's because my  mind is in the gutter, but I laugh literally every time I see this.  It just looks so dirty.  Another great thing about it is the kid on the receiving end of this Freudian slip's face.

I know, I know.  He's supposed to be trying to drink water.  But I cannot help but think about how awkward and inappropriate this statue is!  Although, I seem to thrive on awkward and inappropriate.  I believe a situation is only as awkward as you make it.  So I tend to love awkwardness and trying not to feel awkward in what is clearly a completely warranted embarrassing situation.  And inappropriateness is just always great.  I tend to surround myself with inappropriate individuals, and I love it (and them) very much.

One of those individuals is my sister.  She seems to say the most horrible things at the most inopportune times.  We went on vacation to Boston after I graduated college, and we had just been to the Red Sox game at Fenway (it was awesome).  Going back to the hotel on the subway was CRAZY.  There were approximately a billion people trying to board the subway, so we were very cramped.  So Anna leans over and says to me in a very carrying voice, "It's times like this that I'm glad I'm not really huge!"  I look over her shoulder, and there is a guy that has to be at least 400 lbs behind her.  He was definitely within earshot.  I almost peed my pants laughing so hard.  This is only one of the inappropriate things my lovely sister has said, and I love her and those times intensely.

So I hope you got a good laugh out of the completely harmless and well-meaning but awkward and inappropriate statue at which I giggle every time I go to the library.  And if anyone has any good book suggestions, let me know!

'Let's hope there's not a gate-opening challenge on the Amazing Race'

It's been nearly 3 weeks since I last posted.  And I apologize.  I have been quite busy, which is no excuse.  I acquired a "mammoth" kidney infection (quoted from the nurse practitioner that saw me) a few days after my birthday.  It was terrible.  I don't recommend getting them.  But my last fever was 2 weeks ago.  I've also been working a lot.  My casual job in Savannah in the intensive care nursery has been going well, and I have been enjoying it a lot.  That also means I have been working 4-5 nights per week.  Tiring, but worth it.

The past few days have been spent with great friends that I haven't seen in many many months. My college roommates have been planning to spend a weekend together for a long time.  The reunion was so wonderful!

We spent some time on the beach, had time to read, went out to eat, laid by the pool, played a pretty heated game of Phase 10, and just enjoyed each others' company immensely.  I was the palest person there.  And I don't think that has ever happened to me before.  Kathryn is very anti-getting-skin-cancer, so usually I'm at least more tan than her.  Not this time.  It was a new experience.  In an attempt to darken my skin, I got sunburned on my kneecaps and in a line down my shins.  It was pretty attractive.  God blessed us with awesome weather for a beach day yesterday, complete with no run-ins with the very aggressive seagulls.

Today, the guys met us for lunch and everyone was able to be together for a while!  I think we need to make this a tradition.  Possibly bi-annually.  I love all these individuals very much, and I am so thankful to have them in my life.

We also spotted a little tiny lizard at the pool this morning.  It was probably about an inch long, and it was incredibly adorable.

I'll try to be more frequent with my posts.  Thanks for being so patient and forgiving!