Archive for the ‘Bowman’ Category

Posted on February 13, 2010 - by Jason

Happy V-day Jaime! this time last year…

Happy Valentines day Jaime. Has it really been a year since last Valentines day? I suppose. I love seeing you flourish as a mom and can’t wait to see what this next year holds for us. Everyday I am encouraged by your patience with Bowman and me. Thanks for letting me pursue my many activities (golf, bowling, music, mexican food, technology (yes I love technology)) and for always understanding me. I look forward to sharing Bowman’s birth story on Sunday night with Teresa’s birth class. It’s good to remember the process we went through and praise the Father for the miracle of life. Bowman is truly a blessing to us. I have a dinner setup Monday at one of our favorite places. I’ll keep it a secret until we get there. Love!

This video shows what we was happening in our lives this time last year. It’s mostly in Spanish, but we’ll see who can successfully translate the main points. Two cupcakes to the winner.

Posted on January 19, 2010 - by Jason

Bowman 3 months

Bowman, You’re 3rd month of life has been full! While the world was busy with Christmas & the start of a new decade, you’ve been busy growing. Just today you weigh 14 lbs & are 24 inches long. WOW!

You took a trip to meet Dr. Jackson for your 2 month shots…you were brave, crying just for a few brief seconds. It was harder on mom & dad! Dr. Jackson prayed for you to know Christ & for us, your parents to show you who Christ is through our love for you. You were quite chill in his arms.

On Christmas Eve, the Archers & Millers went to church. Your dad led worship & you were content through the service in the carrier. We then shared our tradition of chili & sang “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. On Christmas morning, we crunched through the snow (yes, your first Christmas was white!) over to the Archers & you slept through all the presents. Later that day, we exchanged gifts with the Millers & found out that you are going to have a new cousin in July!!

The first full week of January was bitter cold & our pipes froze in the farmhouse. So, we spent our first nights away from home at Grammie’s (across the yard!). It didn’t seem to phase you! And a whole week of snow days means that mom gets another week of maternity leave…what a blessing!

Not only are you growing physically, but we’ve also taken note of your skills this month. You’re starting to think you might like bath time. While you frequently coo/giggle, you graced mom & dad with a big laugh one day…we can’t wait to hear it again. Your neck muscles are quite strong as you’ve had lots of tummy time…nearly ready for Bumbo fun! You also do the Bowman dance a lot. This involves crazy happy flailing of your arms & thumping of your legs. And talk…wow, you are quite social. Once you’re warmed up, you’re ready to tell us all your thoughts–usually when you’re on the changing table. And you’ve become so observant that naps in the swing are long gone and we’re starting to think it may be time for you to go to the Greenhouse (where kids grow) at church.

We love you dearly, Bowman. Part of our bedtime routine is praying together as a family. Now that you have a voice, you join in. We always pray for your heart to be calm & for you to know Christ’s love by how we love you.

Posted on December 18, 2009 - by jaime

Bowman is 2 months old!

We celebrate Bowman’s life!  His second month highlights are:

• Being dedicated at church.  We chose Isaiah 26: 3-4 for his dedication, “He will keep your mind in perfect peace as you trust in Him.  Trust in the Lord, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal.”  We pray this for Bowman every day & are so grateful to dedicate him in a community that will raise him to know the fullness of life in Christ.
  
• āyí Esther visits for Thanksgiving.  That’s Aunt Esther in Chinese.  While we didn’t like that she had a hurt ankle, it did slow her down to get lots of love time with baby B.
• Growing boy!  I’ll post the stats after his 2 month check-up next week, but he’s sporting a cute belly, rubberband wrists & his legs just keep getting longer!  We think he’s at least 24 inches & on his way to 12 lbs by our home measurements.  I never understood parents’ excitement with their kids’ growth, but it makes total sense now as I am his food source & like to see that it’s working!  :)  
• Sleeping in his crib.  We made the move from the bassinet beside our bed to his crib around week 5.  It’s probably only 10 more steps away, but it’s still an accomplishment!  Now his room really feels like his room.  He absolutely loves his gazing at his 2 mobiles (yes, we’re crazy & hung 2), mirror & bedding.  He frequently tries out his whale-like language with the giraffes on his bumper.
• Laughing, smiles, gazes & vowel sounds.  It may change some day, but Bowman loves to talk with us as he gets his diaper changed.  He is fascinated with anyone who wants to talk with him.  So sugary sweet.
• Mom & Dad learning lots.  We bought a Miracle Blanket, sound machine & are working to perfect the perfect soothing hold.  We now know to put Bowman down to sleep while he’s just drowsy.  We even discovered socks that will stay on his feet.  And of course, our days are pretty much eat, play, nap, repeat.  We love taking care of our little man.
  
• Two more trips to Terra Tots, Bowman’s favorite store, and we’ve loved our bimonthly baby play dates with moms who had babies in september & october.
  
• And of course, meeting more of you!  Here he is meeting his cousins Dalton & Madison.  Thank you for loving our family.
  

Posted on November 17, 2009 - by jaime

bowman’s first month

“see what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God.”  1 john 3:1

we are so grateful to celebrate bowman’s first month of life.  we have stuck pretty close to home as we hope to avoid the flu.  despite that, this first month has been very full!  here are some highlights:

• lots of visitors!  the first couple of weeks, bowman was rarely put down.  they say you can’t spoil a newborn & i’m sure bowman enjoyed being held by his friends & family.  we’ve had lots of visitors from oklahoma, colorado, texas, d.c. & even spain!  and our local community has outpoured their love with lots of food for mom & dad.
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• aunt wendy made the trip up from dallas to give bowman lots of love…and clothes!  she even organized bowman’s room–what a great help!
• 3 trips to the doctor.  we saw dr. johnson when bowman was 4 days old & then again when he was 8 days old just to make sure he gained his birth weight back (7 lbs 13 oz).  not a problem for the B who enjoys eating a lot!  yesterday we had our first visit at nwa pediatric clinic for bowman’s 1 month appointment.  he’s now 9 lbs 5 oz & grew an inch & a half, coming in at 22 inches.
• a bath in grammie’s sink.  after losing his cord on day 18, bowman’s first bath happened on his 22nd day of life.  he did great, but we made sure it was fast as our little man doesn’t like to be exposed too much.
• trips to the grandparents.  we’ve ventured to grandma & grandpa millers twice now.  it’s wonderful to have family close!   bowman’s also been to grammie’s a couple of times while jason & i have enjoyed an hour away for dinner–ok, well maybe the first time i shouldn’t say “enjoy” as i mostly cried from missing b-man.
• switching to cloth diapers.  we waited for his cord to fall off & then started experimenting with our cloth diapers.  after a week of experimenting, i think we maybe have it figured out!  we are using pre-folds with covers.  jason & i really don’t like the smell of disposable diapers.  they gross us out.  cloth don’t stink probably because they require more diaper changes!  :)
• mom & bowman’s first outing.  on bowman’s 23rd day, we ventured to lindsey’s for lunch & then swung back by home to pick up grammie for a quick trip to terra tots, our local cloth diaper store.  i learned the convenience of nursing on this trip as bowman ate his first meal in the car–stopped of course!
• to look forward to:  pics from bowman’s photo shoot yesterday with the super patient & fun chris stinson, being dedicated at church this upcoming sunday & aunt esther visits from nyc over thanksgiving!

Posted on October 26, 2009 - by Jason

Bowman’s Birth Story

Friday, October 16, 2009

Didn’t sleep too much Thursday night after celebrating Jason’s bday with our community group. I was quite uncomfortable.

3 am: Our cat, Molly, wakes me up with her cold wet nose on my forehead. She had to touch my face twice; I realize that I am having contractions in my lower back. I let Jason sleep, knowing that he would need to be well rested. I get out of bed & go sit on the exercise ball while I use the computer. Lots of bathroom trips. Molly & Eldrick are my labor assistants. 6:51 am-Jason wakes up & starts timing contractions (still in lower back)

Friday morning: Send text to some friends & family, “Haven contrctns. Eatn bfast. Thnks for ur pryrs.” It’s very brisk outside. First sunny day in 13 days! We are hopeful. Took shower, got dressed. Contractions over 1 minute. Jason calls Teresa, our doula, who comes over to check out my progress. With Teresa’s visit, the contractions stop for an hour. Teresa tells us that since I’m having contractions in my lower back, the baby may be posterior (face-up/head-down). I’m instructed to do more pelvic rocks & crab walks.

Friday lunch: Contractions back as we drive to La Huerta to eat lunch with Candy, Gene & Adam. Yes, they are back.

Friday afternoon/evening: Random contractions. Quick walk around the neighborhood. Try to rest. Putz around the house. My niece, Hayley, visits with her friend, Ashley. They help me perfect my crab walk.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Attempt to sleep through the night. Perhaps slept 2 total hours off & on as contractions continued randomly.

Saturday morning: Feel more confident as my body reveals some more symptoms that indicate this is true labor. (Trying to keep this story G-rated)

Saturday afternoon: Watching football, contractions strengthening. Take a bath. Teresa comes to check our progress & decides to stay with us, as all signs are good. The Hogs are playing Florida & doing well, but I don’t really notice as my efforts are focused on relaxing through contractions. My sister-in-law, Kerrie, visits & we ask her if she’d like to be an assistant to Teresa during labor/birth. Kerrie helps Jason take a walk with me around the neighborhood to encourage contractions to continue & strengthen. We have to stop at least 5 times (including on Carley Road) for me to relax through a contraction as I lean into Jason.

Saturday evening: The family who has taken residence at Grammie’s house orders pizza. I avoid the pizza as labor has induced burping. Jason uses my burps to gauge when a contraction is finished. We relax through continued strengthening contractions, using various positions—leaning into the exercise ball, laying on my left side, leaning back into Jason, squatting, etc. We also use the rebozo method to continue to encourage the baby to turn around. Rebozo is Spanish for shawl. We use a flexible t-shirt material sheet instead of a shawl to wrap my belly. Jason stands behind me, lifting my belly up very gently from side to side. This gives the baby extra space to perhaps turn around. (I think it worked…but we didn’t know until later). At 11 pm, we decide that it’s time to head to Mercy as Teresa checks my progress & I’m dilated 6 cm at least. As we head out, we walk to Grammie’s & quickly pray together with Jason’s parents, Grammie, Teresa & Kerrie. Matt wakes up Abe & Luke and they head to the hospital as well.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

We arrive at Mercy & wait in the Emergency Room for 10 minutes. Lindsey & Sarah show up as well. When we get to the delivery room, we meet Liz, our nurse until 7 am. We also find out that our doctor, Dr. Johnson is out of town, so we meet the doctor on call, Dr. Joel Jones. Jason quickly reviews our birth plan with the team & we agree to have intermittent monitoring (baby’s heart rate & contractions) to allow me to move more during labor. I’m still dilated to 6 cm.

As we progress through the wee hours of the night/morning, we hope to have a baby by noon. We enjoy a beautiful sunrise through the 3 large windows in the room. Contractions are continual & we alternate between lots of positions to relax through the contraction. At some point, Dr. Jones proposes that we consider breaking my water as I haven’t progressed past an 8 for some time. As the doctor presents options, we discuss them as a team—myself, Jason, Teresa, Kerrie (& perhaps our moms if they happen to be in the room). We agreed to have my water broken. It does work to heighten contractions & I progress to a 9 by 7 am.

Our memories of the afternoon become muddled as natural contractions continue without making progress; however, the baby was changing stations—getting lower in the birth canal. We have a wonderful nurse, Cyrese, who we prayed would be as great as Liz & she was! Throughout this entire process we all continually pray aloud, at times just crying out, “Please dilate my cervix, Lord Jesus!”

Sometime around 2 pm, we decide to have a “whiff of Pitocin”. I am able to manage the contractions, but as time wears on, Jason & I begin to lose steam—mostly mental exhaustion. The next day, we figured out that we both started to hallucinate a bit thinking that the contraction machine was controlling my contractions & that Jason simply needed to unplug the machine to give me a break! Pitocin is crazy hard to handle after a while. After all the hard contractions, I still was dilated to a 9.

Around 6 pm, Dr. Jones proposed that we consider an epidural, thinking that my body would relax & then dilate to a 10. He was correct. Within 30 minutes of being highly uncomfortable even though I couldn’t feel the contractions, Dr. Jones checked me & said the magic words, “We are ready to push!” The epidural was lighter than most as I could feel when someone touched me & could feel enough to know when I was pushing correctly.

I loved the pushing part! I pushed for an hour—Teresa at one leg coaching me along, Cyrese at the other, Kerrie snapping pictures & Jason watching in amazement. Dr. Jones nicknamed our baby “Shim” since we didn’t know the sex or the name. He helped lighten the mood as we joked coxing “Shim” out. On the final contraction, I could tell by everyone’s faces that we were close, so I pushed 3 extra times & that was it! Dr. Jones exclaimed that it was a boy & placed him on me immediately. Jason cut the cord & then the baby was carried to the warming area immediately in front of me where the nurses worked to get his body welcomed to the world. Teresa encouraged Jason to talk to his son & Jason was sweetly overwhelmed. We announced that his name was Bowman & then quickly agreed that his middle name was Cruz (we had 2 other options to rule out).

After a bit more bonding & the doctor tending to me, Jason announced Bowman’s arrival to our faithful family & friends in the waiting room—they were a bit delirious themselves, as Jason had to announce it several times. Everyone crowded in the delivery room to welcome sweet Bowman Cruz.

Amazingly following delivery, I was able to walk to our post pardem room—again the epidural was quite light. We were a family. Jason & I were both overwhelmed to know our child.

Posted on October 20, 2009 - by Jason

Bowman’s Birthday Picture Set

Head over to Bowman’s Birthday Set to check out some highlights of the delivery. We are still working on getting the birth story together in picture form. Stay tuned.

Posted on October 19, 2009 - by Jason

Hello World

Announcing the birth of Bowman Cruz Miller, born October 18th, 7:36 pm, 7lbs 13oz, 20.5 inches. We are rejoicing in the birth of our son. We are already way in love with this little guy. Jaime’s labor was long but it was all wiped away when he arrived. The full story will come soon. Thanks to everyone who prayed for our family. I’ll be posting better pictures later today.