Happy Easter at 3 Months

We have many blessings to be thankful for this Easter.

Friendship

Love

Easter Dresses

Parents

Smiles

baths

grandparents

Adventures

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16, 17 NLT)

Happy Easter!

The Shaws

The Working Woman

I have always admired woman that have children and continue work full time. How do they keep the balance? Especially when there job is taking care of twenty plus children! I am faced with going back to work in a week. Knowing that Lacey will be in good hands while I am away is extremely reassuring. However, keeping the balance of my work load and family is what I am trying to process.

If you are a teacher, you can understand that our work is never ending! We could literally stay until 7pm every night and still not be done with everything. AND, to be considered a "good" teacher, you put in the extra hours helping out with tutoring, workshops, and family nights!! So, when baby and marriage come along, and priorities shift...what is the balance?

I am a "yes" person. I tend to say yes to many things. I also like to get things done efficiently. So, I tend to take on more than I need to, just so it gets done fast and on time:) Anyone else that way?? Going back to work, I have to rely on others to take the lead. I have to learn to say "no" and not feel guilty or that I am a "bad" teacher. I need to be able to leave at 3:30pm, which is the time we end our day as a teacher!

So ladies, I would love to hear from you! How do you keep the balance? How do you stop from feeling guilty that you are not putting in as much effort into your job as you were before baby?

XOXO,

The Shaws

One Month

We are celebrating Lacey's 1 month birthday this week! We cannot believe our little girl is growing so fast. It seems like yesterday when we brought her home from the hospital. I have yet to share our birth story, so today seems like the perfect day to do so:)

Lacey's Debut

5 am

The early morning if January 9th, I awoke having to use the bathroom for the tenth time it felt like. As I slowly climbed myself back into bed and adjusted the million pillows around my body trying to get a somewhat comfortable position, I noticed that maybe I wasn't done using the bathroom. Warm trickles followed by a gush sent me back to the bathroom while I yelled to Ian, "Um...My water definitely just broke!" Ian jumped out of bed and came in while I continued to stay seated in position on the toilet. My body begin trembling at the excitement that today was the day we would be meet our baby girl.

We immediately called my doctor and asked when we should go in to the hospital. I was dead set on going out for a big breakfast and stuffing my face, knowing I wouldn't be able to eat once I got to the hospital. The nurse said go in now, and do not eat! What!!! I really was not happy about not eating, so I had a granola bar to at least satisfy my hunger. We got to the hospital and they insisted on wheeling me in the wheelchair upstairs to labor and delivery. We were at Baptist Hospital, which I have to say was FABULOUS! My wonderful mother in law was with us along the way, taking pictures of the adventure. I was hooked up to monitors, had an iv placed in and waited...waited...and waited for contractions. Nothing. So pitocin was next, and throughout the day they kept giving me more and more. I was dilated a little over 4 cm. and almost fully effaced at this point, but my contractions were not regular. We then talked about getting an epidural, but I was feeling ok. However, I was really scared of the pain!! My doctor convinced me that getting an epidural now, when I was 4cm, would not prolong labor, and if my intentions were not to have pain, I mine as well do it now....so they called in the anesthesiologist.

2pm

The epidural was a piece of cake! Honestly! Except for me, they had to try 3 times. The only horrible part was the shot of numbing solution they give you in the spine before the epidural. So I received the shot 3 times, I guess 3rd time is a charm. Once I relaxed my spine into position it was fine. As soon as that sucker went in, no more feeling in my legs. It freaked me out! Ian could have put my legs behind my head for all I know. I really had to stop myself from panicking about my legs being motionless and heavy. I feel that was the worst part of the epidural for me, not being able to move my legs.

After the epidural was more waiting. I believe by around 4pm is when I was fully dilated and effaced. My nurse, who was wonderful, asked everyone to leave except Ian. During the course of the day, my mom was actually flying in from Minnesota. My dad had gotten her on a flight and she was expected in around 5:30pm. To this day, we believe Lacey waited purposely for her Glam-Ma to be there:)

4pm Pushing!!

I never really thought about how hard pushing would be. Obviously, it would be hard since they call it labor! I was in active pushing labor for almost 3 hours. I felt like I was in the last chance workout with Bob yelling at me to push harder! Little Lacey wasn't moving that first hour, which was discouraging. The nurse asked if I wanted to take a break, but I insisted on keeping at it. She then asked if I wanted a mirror, which may help with pushing. I said no, I really didn't want to see what was going on down there. So, there I continued with Ian as my coach and the nurse encouraging me on to push and push. I was able to feel a bit of contractions in my upper abdominal, which helped me push. At about 6pm my mom burst into the room.

YAY! My cheerleading squad increased tremendously at that point. Once my mom arrived, it seemed as though she brought the whole cheering squad with her. I had a sudden burst of energy. Lacey's little head began to emerge with a head of hair, black hair!! The doctor came in and suited up and within two more pushes, little girl squirted out!

6:45pm

Weighing in at 7 pounds and 12 oz, 20 inches, we had a perfect little girl.

Happy Birthday Lacey !!!

XOXO,

The Shaws

Feeding on Demand?

Lacey had her one month appointment today with her pediatrician. She weighed in at...are you ready...10 POUNDS!! That is right, she has gained more than 2 pounds since her birth.

As you may know, I am breastfeeding. It has been a rollercoaster, but I can honestly say that it has gotten much better! I have been waking little Lacey for her feedings during the day every 3 hours and then we began letting her sleep at night. Last night was a difficult night of waking every 2 hours to feed. We think it is a growth spurt

So, Lacey's doctor today said that we can begin letting Lacey sleep and waking on her own during the day. Basically he said feed on demand. So my question is, what do you all think of feeding on demand? I read the book Baby Wise, which talks about feeding schedules and advocates Parent Centered Feeding. I have been pretty stressed out trying to keep a schedule for her, and I feel like it isn't working. I do believe that after feeding, Lacey needs a time for wake and then sleep. I guess my question is, what is your opinion on feeding schedules with your newborn? Ian and I have agreed to have a set bedtime routine. We will begin that today and try to keep that scheduled. We are going to let Lacey begin sleeping during the day and waking on her own when she is hungry. We will see how that goes. There are so many opinions out there, it is hard as a mom to know what is best.

My doctor also believes that it is important the first 4 months to make sure baby keeps that bond with mom and dad. He does't agree with letting baby cry themselves to sleep at night until baby is 4 months. He believes that a baby isn't able to console themselves at this point. He believes it is important that when a baby cries, we are there as a parent to create that bond of trust. He does recommend putting her to bed somewhat awake at night and letting her fall asleep, but not have her cry it out. My doctor did stress that this was his opinion based on his research done through his practice and personal experience. Other doctors and friends have different opinions. I am torn on what I have heard and what my doctor has expressed to us. He is a great doctor and definitely doesn't pressure us one way or another.

I hope to continue bringing up different questions and concerns as a run into them as a new mommy. I would love to hear your advice and concerns as well.

Weighing in at 7lbs

That is right, baby Lacey is already 7lbs! Lacey is laying comfortably on her back head down, which you wouldn't think would be comfortable. Mom and Dad Squillace flew in for Christmas from Minnesota and were able to see Lacey on the screen. This was a blessing for me to be able to share the experience with my parents since they live so far away. Mom met the doctor that we hope will be delivering Lacey January 13th! Since Lacey is big, doctor has chosen to induce labor. It was a shock at first, but we are feeling better about the idea. I was hoping for a natural labor experience (water breaking...), and it still could happen. If not, this way my mom is able to be in town and I will be able to have my doctor deliver. Essentially I will be admitted to the hospital Thursday night and be hooked up to an IV. That morning the doctor will break my water and induce labor. Crazy how it can be so scheduled. I am trying to relax and really enjoy this time I have with Lacey in my belly. Ian and I are delighting in the anticipation of our lovely daughter being born. We continue to pray for a healthy baby and smooth delivery.

Happy New Year,

The Shaws

Lacey is Showered with Love

Lacey had her first baby shower this weekend and it was beautiful. Thank you to Amanda and Jennifer for making the day absolutely precious in every little way. With glittering Christmas lights and accents of pink, the day couldn't have been better. Thank you to everyone who came and made this day so special.

xoxo,

The Shaws

Lacey Means Cheerful

Ian and I are excited to announce our baby girl will be named Lacey Shaw. Lacey was Ian's grandmothers maiden name and currently is the name of Ian's cousin Lacey. This was a an easy name for us, since I fell in love with the name when I fist met Ian's cousin Lacey.

We are getting more anxious and excited for our baby girl to arrive in January. We have been blessed with loving support of family and friends. We will post belly and nursery pictures soon.

Love,

Ian and Melanie

Baby Shaw is a ...........

two legged

two armed

ten fingers

ten toes (we hope)

perfect

little

precious

blessing

GIRL!

There's a Bun in the Oven

Boy or Girl???

We are excited to announce a new edition to the Shaw family. Ian and I are expecting our first child in January. We find out the gender of our precious one in a week and we would love to see what you think we are having. We created a poll to the right to vote on a boy or girl! Have Fun!!

Sticky Situation

Have you ever wondered how honey is extracted? Ian and I were able to help our beekeeper mom with her honey extraction! The picture to the left is Ian holding a frame where the bees build the honeycomb.

This is a picture of the frames inside a super where honey is stored in the hive.

Using a capping knife the honeycomb is opened up and ready to be extracted.

Each frame is placed inside this extractor.

The extractor is spun until all honey is flung out of each frame.

There is all the honey!!

Yummy!! We extracted about 5 gallons of mesquite and primrose honey.

Killer Bee Honey

Kyle, TX

Being 31

being thirty

becoming thirty-one

acceptance is key

patience with myself can be difficult

dark chocolate gelato is amazing

running with blisters on your feet is no fun

teaching at a title I school is my passion

i have many faults, one is over-committing

forgive

i am obsessed with sweeping

a long bike ride is always better with good company

a spoon full honey is essential after a 16 mile run

i can live without television

bubbabutters snuggle bug

i love swimming, but deathly afraid of rapids

he was worth the wait

"me" time is important

theres nothing like a good glass of wine

long distance relationships can work

i want everyone to feel included

need 8 hours of sleep

loves to listen

coffee with agave nectar in the morning is a must

re-kindled friendships from high school are the best

blogging is my new thing

goodbyes suck, so i avoid them

can't stand people who make others feel guilty

relationships go through seasons.....and sometimes a big drought

stop and smell the rose bushes, they smell fabulous

cherish time with family

i'm in it for the long run...maybe barefoot

orderup has the best chocolate chip cookies, i dare you to try them

life doesn't end at 31

Sand Fest 2011

We had never been to a sand festival before...and boy was it something! What amazing talent with using just sand, water and some glue to prevent erosion overnight. Check out some of the amazing pictures of the actual artists at work. If you haven't attended a sand festival, we highly recommend adding it to your bucket list:)

xoxo,

Shaws

No Place Like Here: Marfa, Texas :: Etsy Blog

No Place Like Here: Marfa, Texas :: Etsy Blog

New York...New York!!!

I am a Project Runway Fanatic! Ian graciously went with me to Mood Fabrics and Bryant Park! LOVED both!! I looked intently for Tim Gunn and Swatch...didn't see them, but saw lots of fabric.

We went to Cafe Lalo after The New York Philharmonic Performance. One thing we loved about New York was how everything stays open late. We arrived at Cafe Lalo about 10:30pm and it was packed. We didn't leave until midnight or so and the place was still packed!! People drinking coffee and eating fabulous pastries and indulging in grand conversation.

The Shake Shack....amazing food!! Made fresh daily and made to order. Check out their website...pretty amazing stuff! http://www.shakeshack.com/

Dewey at the Statue of Liberty!

Opera House

Hotel Belleclaire

Here we are..... New York's upper west side at the hotel Belleclaire. Ian and I were spoiled completely! We indulged in mouth-watering food, unbelievable talent, and late night conversation. The highlight of our trip was going to the new musical, The Book of Mormon. Tastefully presented comedy, The Book of Mormon blew us away with unbelievable talent. Well done Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

Wedding Video

our cups our filled

The last couple nights we stayed at the Hotel Paisano with an out door fireplace! Fabulous!!! It was nice after hiking and camping in Big Bend!

Honeymoon Adventure

One of the highlights to our honeymoon

was enjoying eating and eating

and eating! We hit the trailers

for the best food!!!

Kosmic Kowgirl's BBQ

Falafel wraps with hummus

and oh so yummy sauce!

After a perfect wedding weekend, Ian and I headed for West Texas for a relaxing honeymoon. Most of our time was spent in Marfa, TX. This small artist town treated us extremely well. With the slow pace atmosphere mixed with good food and lots of art galleries, we felt right at home. Our first couple nights we stayed at El Cosmico. It was a perfect Kozy Coach airstream trailer with Big Bend coffee and an out door shower....perfect.