Labor of Love: Clint Andrew

It was Sunday, November 1st (due date was October 26) and I had been having irregular contractions for three days. They would start at night around bedtime and last until about 10 or 11 the next morning. They always started around 30 minutes apart and would decrease down to 6 minutes before they would completely stop. I was scheduled that Tuesday for my second non-stress test and also for my 41 week appointment. Baby wasn't moving as much as I was comfortable with and I was beyond irritable from the past three sleepless nights and constant discomfort. I called into the Birthing Center and decided to go in for a non-stress test that afternoon instead of waiting for Tuesday. I put Josie down for a nap and Andrew stayed home with her while I drove myself into the Birthing Center for my test. My Contractions had gotten down to 6 minutes apart so I secretly hoped they would just admit me when I got there. (They had to be 5 minutes apart for 30 minutes to be admitted). I got there around 12PM and was hooked up to the non-stress test machine which monitors baby's heart rate and my contractions (which much to my disappointment had stopped by the time I got to the test---I even had to stop for one on the sidewalk walking in!!) I was on the machine for about 20 minutes when they had me drink some juice to get baby moving. Once the sugar kicked in, they monitored me for another 30 minutes and decided everything looked fine, but wanted me to walk around a little while to see if I could get m contractions started up again to monitor before I headed home. (I really think the nurse was just being nice and had me walk because she saw how disappointed I was that they were going to send me home.) I walked a few laps around the hallways and at 1:15PM I felt a very sharp knotted contraction pain. Seconds later, my water broke! The on-call doctor was around the corner and I walked to her and told her my water broke. (She gave me a questionable smile--I don't think she believed me) She hooked me back up to the machine and realized my contractions were very regular and coming on fast and strong. She told me to call Andrew and whoever was going to watch Josie. Luckily, my parents were on their way already--my mom was coming to stay for a few days to help with Josie since I was so exhausted and uncomfortable. I told Andrew I was being admitted and that everything was happening fast. I got settled into my room around 2PM and Andrew got there to join me at 3:30PM.
**When I had arrived at the birthing center at Noon that day I was dilated to a 1 with 0% effacement. Immediately after my water broke, they checked me and I was at a 2.5 and 50% effaced. When Andrew got there, they checked me again; I was at a 5 and 100% effaced.
Things progressed very quickly. The doctor asked if I wanted an epidural because we would need to order it and do it fast if I wanted one. The anesthesiologist got there around 5PM and decided along with my doctor we wouldn't have time for an epidural and instead chose to do an intrathecal (spinal). This shot would only last 2 hours, but the doctor was sure that would be plenty of time because baby would be here very soon. The nurse checked me again after my spinal and told me I was fully dilated and we were ready to push. I started pushing around 5:40PM and at 5:56PM Clint Andrew joined us. He came out with a set of lungs and was able to do skin to skin for quite a while before I cut the cord. (Yes, you read that right, I got to cut the cord!) So many emotions in such a short period!

Clint Andrew arrived at 5:56PM weighing 8lb 8oz and 21-1/2 inches long. He was a beautiful baby and perfect in every way. My birthing experience was very fast, strong, and intense. It is an occasion I can remember vividly, but even in my head can't comprehend the level of pain. I am very thankful for my nurse, Alecia, who talked  me through it and stayed by my side through everything. Her presence alone, was comfort. Andrew was a little taken back at the intensity of my labor, but did everything I asked of him to help me through it. I think we were both a little in shock, as Josie's labor was 17 hours. Clint's was less than 5! Andrew's love, support, and encouragement through this pregnancy and labor and delivery once again confirmed for me that hi is truly the love of my life, my rock, and my very best friend. I am so blessed to have such a great man be the father of my children.
Clint was a name that Andrew and I chose toward the end of our pregnancy. It was  always one that continued to come back to us as a top contender. His middle name came with some heavy discussion, but we finally decided with, Andrew, after his dad. We liked the sound of Clint Andrew and felt it was the perfect name for our little man.

Freezer Meals

Prior to having baby #2 I prepped and froze a bunch of crockpot meals...they have turned out to make life a lot easier and are actually very tasty! Even Josie (2 years) approves!
Here are our favorite crock pot freezer meals so far and two easy peasy other ones toward the end but they require baking not crockpot. Let me know if you have any questions!!


Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli Teriyaki
1 cup soy
1 cup sugar
1tsp garlic salt
1/2 cup onion chopped
1-1/2 lb beef stew pieces
1 bag frozen broccoli
Combine all in freezer gallon size bag. Freeze.
Thaw overnight. Serve over rice.
8hours Low or 4hours high in crock pot once thawed.

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
3-4 chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth
1 small can pineapple rings
1 bell pepper (I used half each of red and yellow) sliced in thin strips
Combine all in gallon freezer bag. Freeze.
Thaw overnight. Serve on hoagie rolls with provolone cheese.
Cook in crockpot low for 8 hours

Pepper steaks (recipe doubled)
3lbs round steak cut in 1/4-1/2 inch strips
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp pepper
Large onion chopped
4-5 crushed garlic cloves per bag
2 bell peppers sliced
2-16oz cans Italian style tomatoes
2 tbsp beef bouillon
4 tsp worst shire sauce
2 tbsp steak seasoning
2 tbsp steak sauce (a-1)

Toss steak strips in salt, pepper, flour mixture to coat.
Mix beef bouillon, worst shire sauce, steak sauce, divide in two bags.
Add remaining ingredients. Freeze.
Thaw overnight. Cook low 8 hours
Serve over rice or with heavy bread

Cilantro lime chicken ( serve as nacho topping, in quesadillas, or tacos
4 frozen chicken breasts
2 limes (1/2 cup juice)
1 can corn
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup onion chopped
1 can black bean drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt and pepper each
Combine all and freeze in gallon freezer bag
Thaw overnight.
Crockpot 8hours low or 4 high
This was one of our favorites...

Potato soup
30oz bag shredded hashbrowns
32 oz chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken
1/2 cup onion chopped
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp pepper
8 oz cream cheese (1 block)
Bacon bits and cheddar cheese for garnish
Combine all minus cream cheese in gallon bag. Freeze.
Thaw overnight. crockpot  Cook low 6-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.
Add cream cheese block to soup 1 hour prior to serving.

Chicken pot pie ****not a crock pot meal
1 pkg frozen deep dish pie crust (2 pack)
1 large can of canned chicken, drained
1 small bag frozen mixed veggies (I always add in other frozen veggies we like, too)
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
Salt and pepper
Cheddar cheese
Mix all ingredients and 1/2 of cheddar cheese together.
Fork holes in bottom and sides of bottom pie crust
Pour in mixture. Top with cheese prior to adding top pie crust.
Pinch two pie crusts together (you will kind of have to push down and mold to top one)
Stab holes with knife.
Cover with wax paper and foil and freeze.
Prior to baking, brush with olive oil or egg yolk and water mixture.
Remove wax and foil cover.
Foil around the edges.
Bake 45-60minutes or until bubbling in slits @ 375.

Pesto chicken ****not a crockpot meal
4 chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes
Salt pepper
1/2 cup basil pesto (small jar)
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shred
Freeze cubed chicken.
Thaw and toss with basil pesto and salt n pepper
Spread evenly on bottom of 9x13 baking dish
Cover with cheese and foil
Baked 375 covered for 25-30 minutes
Remove and continue baking until cheese is golden brown.
I usually serve with rice and salad or over noodles.

QUILTS

Hello! I have taken measurements and detail photos to best of my ability to give you a better look at these gorgeous quilts. Please remember these are VINTAGE quilts and show "Character." I have tried to point out the worst "flaws" (love marks). I have priced well below value, as I am hoping they find good homes more than me making profits. I came across this large collection and was able to get them at a great deal and want to share that with you! I am willing to give discounts on purchases of multiple quilts and also open to offers. Please note it is first come, first serve on these quilts and also keep in mind that some are currently pending. I will put your names in order as I hear from you to keep things fair. Please text me the number of the quilt you are wanting to purchase.

The reason I am downsizing my collection is due to lack of storage. Believe me, I'd keep

every single one if I could! I started out with over 30 in this lot.

231-872-5473

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

Please feel free to tell your friends, as well.

Happy Shopping!

 

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#1 60x72inches

Very Soft Flour Quilt. Lighter Weight. Wear around edges,

 some yellowing, rust spot in corner.

SOLD

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#2 62x80inches

Very soft light-mid weight. "Fake" quilt patches.

Worn Edges. No Stains. Good Condition.

$35-PENDING

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#3 68x75inches

Fun Squares and Diamonds Pattern.

Medium Weight. Great Condition for an old quilt!

Not quite sure what type of material floral backing is....

$50

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#4 70x70inches

Blue/White with hand stitch detail.

Light-Medium Weight.

Great Condition.

SOLD

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#5 67x85inches

Pie quilt. Thick, Heavy weight.

Slight Fading/Yellowing mostly on back.

Batting is Bunched in spots.

Great Condition.

$70

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#6 67x104inches

Basket Quilt.

Light-Medium Weight.

Extensive damage in spots, missing batting.

Very soft, just needs some TLC.

$20

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#7 54x78inches

Fall colors! Unique fabrics used.

Medium-Heavyweight.

Excellent Condition.

SOLD

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#8 61x90

Very soft Flour Quilt. Bonnet Girls Pattern.

Some tears.

$35

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#9 65x81

Bow-Tie Quilt

Extensive Damage from lots of love and wear.

VERY SOFT. Backing is still in good solid piece.

Small rust staining. Just needs some TLC.

$20

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#10 32x48inches

Baby Girl Quilt

HEAVY, HEAVY weight.

Color-bled spots toward bottom (see pic)

one small tear in seam.

I'm guessing wool batting.

Would be a great playmat!

$40-PENDING

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#11 64x80inches

Fan Quilt. Very soft.

Worn but STUNNING!

Medium Weight.

Very Faint Yellowing.

Batting crumbled in spots, but not bunched.

$70

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#12 76x84inches

Heavy Yellowing

Great Condition!

SOLD

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#13 58x95inches

"Fake" quilt pieces. Actually two solid pieces

sewn together and tied. Still cute.

Excellent-New Condition.

$15

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#14 39x69

Rainbow Zoo Child's Quilt

Excellent-New Condition

Light Weight.

$10

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#15 38x38inches

Flannel Red/Yellow Bug Pattern

Light Pilling

Great Condition

$5

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#16 61x75inches

NOT A QUILT!

Vintage Wool Aztec Pattern Blanket/Throw

Great Color! One small hole.

Black/Orange

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#17 34x48inches

Pottery Barn Girl Quilt

Excellent, Used Condition

SOLD

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#18 28x32inches

Vintage Baby Quilt

Very Soft

Yellowing back

SOLD

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#19 42x50

Nursery Teddy Quilt. Not a patch quilt.

Does have detail stitching. See pics

Great Condition.

$8

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#20 33x44inches

Patch Quilt.

Great condition.

One stain.

Made in Hudsonville, MI tag.

$5

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#21 66x82inches

Great detail Bonnet Girl Pattern.

Amazing color. Very faint yellowing.

A few broken stitches, but overall Great Condition!

$45-PENDING

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#22 62x72inches

Very Heavy weight. Heavy fabrics used.

a few moth damage spots.

Beautiful quilt.

**Photo of back shows spot from camera and not actually on quilt.

$55