Julia’s first check-up

She weighed: 6 lbs 10 oz at birth

Then lost a bit…: 6lbs 5 oz leaving hospital

and gained quite a bit… 2 weeks + 3 days later: 8lbs 1 oz

She is obviously nursing quite well and doing amazing!!

I snapped these sweet pics of her last week.. ENJOY!

Welcome! Julia Rae McManemin

Y’all we are totally and completely smitten with her!  We are SO BLESSED and beyond grateful to have her in our lives.  This week was much smoother and more peaceful than I ever anticipated.  It is like she’s always been here.  The kids are transitioning remarkably well and have been amazing with her… even William!

Just for documenting sake I want to give a run down of the day she was born:

5:30 am - Charles and I left the house and headed to Dubai.  Espy came in the house and got the kids ready for school while a friend of ours picked them up from our villa and brought them to school.

7:30 am – Got settled into our hospital room, Charles went to get some paperwork done at the desk and I put my face on. 

 

8:00 am – Midwives came in and out, got me hooked up to monitors and they watched the contractions I was already having.

8:30 am – Got checked and was still 3 cm.   *I had been 3 cm for a full week

9:00 am – Nurse unsuccessfully tried to break my water. OUCH. Dr. Josza came in and got the job done.

9:30 am – Got hooked up to IV fluids, still no painful contractions

10:30 am – Anesthesiologist was available – so I got the epidural… I learned with Will’s birth that you get it when they are available because if you wait… you may be sorry!  I had the epidural done before I had any ‘real’ contractions.. nice!

11:30 am – Get checked, still 3cm. what?!

1:00 pm – feeling contractions – epidural was broken. yes, seriously.  I know the epidural was working some, just not as full on as it was supposed to be.  this was a good thing though, I felt enough to know it was nearly “go time” and convinced the nurse to check again.

1:15 pm – nurse checked – 9 cm! They were scurring around quickly to prepare the room, call the doc.  It was almost time to push.

1:30 pm – start pushing a little bit – but realized baby was ready to meet us sooner than later!

1:46 pm – baby Julia was born! 6lbs 10oz – (the runt of the litter)

 

1:50 pm – Doctor arrived. LOL. he got stuck in the elevator and did not make the delivery. My midwife was FABULOUS and didn’t need him.

2:30 pm – (5:30 am USA time) Skyping with mom and dad

3:45 pm – Charles leaves to check into the hotel and then drives to Abu Dhabi to get the kids

6:30 pm – Charles returns with Audrey, Will and Espy and they meet Julia!

Check out Will’s face in the next picture… he’s such a goober! I love this picture because it shows his personality so much. ha!

The kids seemed really nervous and reserved when meeting her – I expected more excitement, but I think the hospital setting etc.. was a bit intimidating.  I could tell they just weren’t ‘sure’ what to think about it all and they seemed a little worried about me.   They left around 7:15 to go to the hotel and stay there for the night.  Julia and I got upgraded to a VIP room at around 8:30 that night so we changed rooms yet again (3rd room of the day) and got settled in again.  I begged them to bathe her since their policy is to not bathe the baby until they are 6 hours old.  They said something about helping to regulate the body temperature.. but it just seemed icky to me.  When they took her for a bath I got a shower too and we finally finally got to rest at 11:00 that night. Long day, indeed.

Since my people were all at the hotel, it was a unique thing for me to be in the hospital just me and baby.  I’m sure the nurses were curious as to where my husband, family or any visitors were.  But surprisingly being alone there without anyone didn’t feel lonely.  I really cherished the sweet bonding time I had with my baby girl.  It was quiet, it was calm and it was peaceful.  Most people think I’m nuts for staying alone, but really it didn’t bother me.

The kids came back the next morning around 8:00 to visit us an I ordered room service to feed the troops.  We had quite the spread!  The VIP room set up was nice since it was a regular hospital room on one side and the adjoining room was the same size, but a living room set up.  It had a couch, TV, bathroom and enough space for Audrey to do cartwheels. 

an up close of that hair!

This time they were much more comfortable in the setting and were eager to love on her (and mama too!).  Audrey wanted to hold her so we got her all set up with the boppy pillow, nestled baby sister in her arms and took all the necessary pictures etc..

then BLECH. spit up and (lots of it) spewed out of my tiny babe.   Audrey was in shock and Will covered his mouth and was yelling YUCKY! YUCKY! YUCKY! over and over again.  Charles and I just busted out laughing.  I took Julia into the other room and got her cleaned up nicely and curious Will came over to check out the situation.  He gave Julia one look and said, “I’m older than you!” and walked out.  He is so funny and completely unpredictable… Charles and the kids hung out for quite a while… around 11:00 they left to go back to the hotel and check out the swimming pool.  They spent a couple hours there and Will went down for a nap (Espy stayed with him) while Charles came back with Audrey to hang with me and J.   Espy and Will hopped in a cab and joined us for another couple of hours and then they headed to a nearby mall to play on an indoor playground and grab some dinner. 

The next morning we got all geared up and ready to go, did our big breakfast once again and then waited and waited… we were used to being kicked out early in the US, but here there was no rush.  We finally got to leave around 12:00 noon and we were all ready to go.  It was 110 degrees that day (yes literally). Julia did awesome on the car ride home. We looked ridiculous all piled into the explorer… try to get a visual: Charles and Espy in front seats, behind them were Will, me in the middle and Julia beside, in far back was one seat up with Audrey in it and the other seat laid down with all our bags on top… that is three adults, three kids in car seats and luggage all in a Ford Explorer… it was hilarious.  When we walked into the house, it all seemed so natural, so normal and no big deal.  Espy was unpacking bags, Charles entertained the kids and I fed the baby.  I quickly got on the computer and uploaded some pictures to facebook…

…yeah I forgot to mention that the WIFI was not working on the day after Julia was born OR the day we checked out.  brutal. I desperately wanted to connect with family and friends.. if there was any time that technology was needed it was a time like this: when you have a baby in a foreign country! It stressed me out at first as I felt sorry for our families and friends.. I knew it was killing them.  I messed with it over and over and over again to see if I could get a connection and then I realized the outcome was no different, the internet was not going to work and I just needed to let it go and be present in the moment with Julia and my other two sweeties… after that it was all good. 

back to the day we came home: We were home maybe an hour and my girl Nancy was knocking at the door I was happy to be able to introduce Julia to her and catch up.  She and I got to sit and chat for about an hour.  She was so generous and thoughtful to bring over dinner to us that night and after we got in touch with our families it was already time to eat and get the kids to bed.. it was a school night! 

Audrey rode to school with a friend  while I just jumped in the car and brought Charles to work and Will to school.  Yes, less than 3 days post partum.   I did the same the next day and then we just laid low all weekend long.  Espy was off of work for the weekend, so it was “just us” for the first time with our three little munchkins.  it was much more manageable than I ever anticipated.  The kids played together while I tended to baby and Charles tended to his iPad. LOL. just kidding – he really has been a huge help thru all of this. 

Baby Julia is nursing like a champ, I am feeling great and it is all good here.  I feel totally relaxed and confident in caring for her and I am just enjoying and cherishing her littleness SO VERY MUCH. 

 

 

 

Charles and I thank y’all for all the sweet emails, Facebook messages, calls, instant messages and texts showing our family your love and support. It means the world to us and makes us feel connected to you even half way around the world. We are joyfully looking forward to this next chapter in our lives as a family of FIVE. wow. we couldn’t be more blessed.

AUDREY’S 6TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Since Audrey’s birthday is in August, she misses out on having her party during the school year… and is old enough to realize it now.  I PROMISED her a birthday party with her class and was determined to make it work, even if it meant having it the day before Julia’s arrival. ha.  To keep it manageable, we invited only the girls in her class.  She has lots of friends in other classes, but I knew if I started that it would be hard to draw the line somewhere.

It was a super simple party held at a craft store.  The girls made polymer clay beads and then created necklaces and bracelets out of them – right up my girl’s alley… creative and fun!  I got an invitation & matching party pack off of Etsy and then just worked on a little each day until the party prep was complete.

Here are the girls working with the clay

Then they rolled it into balls and poked a hole thru each.  While the clay baked, the girls sang happy birthday to Audrey and enjoyed some snacks… The candles were the only thing that did not make it inside.  Oh well, we improvised!

Then there was an impromptu dance party… (I brought our iPad loaded with fun songs on it and they just couldn’t fight the grove any longer!)

It was precious!

Some of the final product ^^

A HUGE HUGE thank you to Nancy and our helper, Espy.  I could not have pulled the party off without y’all! I appreciate you hauling up supplies for the party, setting up, assisting the girls and also cleaning up.  THANKS SO MUCH! The party was a success because of you!

Dear Julia,

As we anticipate your arrival in just 2 short days, I want you to know how excited we are.  You will complete our family and totally swell our hearts.  I can’t wait for you to meet your sister and brother!  Audrey has been so involved throughout the pregnancy… you will surely be her baby as much as you are mine.  She has held my tummy each and every night to feel you move, she sings songs to you and talks to you so you will recognize her voice.  It has been absolutely priceless to experience and has made this time so special with her.  I have no doubt you will know exactly who she is from the moment you are born.

Now, your brother, William – well, I know he will be a bit jealous after your newness wears off, but he will be protective of you and oh so very proud of his baby sister, “Ju-la”.  He recently has discovered he has 2 baby boys growing in his tummy and they are also coming out on Sunday... so precious.   Your daddy and I  couldn’t be more thrilled to finally see you after praying for you for more than a year now….  Wow. God has been so faithful to us! 

You have so many people that love you and are anxiously awaiting your arrival.  I have such a calming peace about it all, something that I’ve not felt before my other deliveries and this one has to be by far the most complicated since the hospital is over and hour and half away, we have 2 other children to make arrangements for and no family here. Despite all the challenges we face here in the Middle East I’m not worried for a minute…                  (your daddy is worried enough for the both of us). 

We have plans to drive to Dubai early Sunday morning (September 9th) and you should be born by the afternoon… please, please don’t come sooner since Audrey’s birthday party is Saturday afternoon… yes, I’m a little crazy.  The doctor we have been seeing there says that you are a good size and that you have really long legs! You can thank daddy for that.  We often wonder about what you look like since Audrey and Will look so different – but honestly we don’t care… we’re just curious and BEYOND THRILLED!!

All my love,

Mama

FAMILY REUNION, CAJUN PALMS, AUDREY’S BIRTHDAY AND ABU DHABI RETURN

Our next big event of the summer was actually a weekend at my parents camp, but I don’t have pictures on my camera from that and it is better for me to just move along at this point and post what I’ve got!  The weekend following our family time at the camp, we had a whole crew of family come on down from Shreveport, Bossier, W. Monroe area for the annual family reunion.  I really appreciate how everyone travelled to see each other and made it a priority.  Charles’ grandmother, both of his Aunts, Uncles and all the cousins and their spouses made it in (except one – missed you cathy and bj!). It was fun to have Audrey and Will get to know their second cousins and see so many little ones together.

my mother in law rented this awesome water bouncy slide.. we just cracked up at how the kids would fly off of it.

Here is the audience:

I got on water balloon duty…

Here is our oldest family member with the youngest.. MaMaw and Joplin.. how sweet!

Aunt Sandra with Jackson, Braiden, Alivia, Journee and Audrey… Kids were taking a break from the water slide.

Charles and I were taking a turn at monitoring/lifeguarding the littles:

All 10 of Charles’ cousins kids (and ours included too):

Will (yes asleep, we pulled him out the bed from a nap and he stayed out), Braiden, Jackson, Alivia, Miller, Madison, Journee, Keagan, Joplin and Audrey.  The reunion was laid back and relaxing the guys got to go golfing and fishing and we all spent some time at the pool and of course watching the entertainment coming off of the bouncy slide.  Good Times.  Next year we will be able to add at least 2 more to the kid picture since 2 of us are pregnant and both expecting girls.   That will make 4 girls within one year of each other… I can see lots of fun in future reunions for that crew!

The very same day all the family migrated back up to North Louisiana, we headed east to Cajun Palms Campground just past Lafayette.  This place was like the most kid friendly / adult friendly place I have been to.. I was shocked that it was just right down the road and we never knew about it.  Certainly Louisiana’s best kept secret!  My mom and I both had our cameras out so unfortunately a lot of the pictures of the pool etc.. are on her camera and she is on vacation right now so I cannot access them.  I’ll add them later. 

When we arrived, we took a train ride around the camp ground for a whopping 25 cents a piece.  We were impressed to see a little convenient store, amazing pools, sand volleyball courts, stocked fishing ponds, miniature golf course, movie theatre, a stage for live music and an awesome outdoor bar for the grownups.  I told y’all it was awesome!! we stayed in some cabins right by the pool and they were equipped with a fridge, sink, stove/oven, small table, TV dvd player, two double beds, & bathroom with tub/shower.  They had pizza on site that they deliver to your campsite or cabin as well as restaurants close by that also deliver.  We had our own little back patio with a picnic table and grill that overlooked the stocked fishing ponds where the ducks walked right up.  It was wonderful!

Audrey and some new friends trying to catch some fish.

The kids feeding the ducks off the patio:

We were squeezing the Cajun Palms outing in and really just wanted to check it out for a longer stay next year – so unfortunately we were there less than 24 hours.  The kids (and I) could have been entertained there for a few days for sure.  They did NOT want to leave! 

A day or so later we started celebrating Audrey’s birthday.  My mom bought a groupon for Club Tabby in Lake Charles for a makeover.. OH! she thought she was some kinda fancy!

The morning of her birthday I had the house decorated with balloons and streamers everywhere… this is now expected and not much of a surprise anymore with my kids… they know it is coming.

Next we all went out to lunch at Que Pasa (a mexican restaurant)

We surprised Audrey and the waiters/waitresses all came out singing and clapping – she was truly embarrassed and surprised! Her reaction was priceless!

Next up was a mani/pedi!

Every toenail was a different color:

The Reed girls were in Lake Charles from Sugar Land so they stopped in and got their toes done with Audrey too!

That evening (our last night there) we had a birthday dinner for Audrey complete with a Jo’s Party House cake.  She is so lucky – she is the only one of us that gets this for our birthdays..

Will surely appreciated it!

She asked family for money so she could buy an iPod Touch…

Four Generations of McManemin Men:

 

We had a great night celebrating Audrey's birthday and then got the kids to bed and started packing.  I totally underestimated this task.. it took HOURS.   The next day we didn’t do too much, just hung out, had a somber lunch with family and then just decided to rip off the Band-Aid and get going.  The goodbyes were sad, knowing that so much with our family will change by the next time we see everyone, but no one will really get to be a part it of except thru blessed technology.  We do plan on returning at Christmas so the family can meet Julia, which made it much less painful – knowing that in a very very short time, we’ll be right back.

Here is Audrey all geared up ready for the plane:

ready for take off:

Bye Bye USA….

Even though the summer was amazing and the goodbyes were tough, being back home in Abu Dhabi felt oh so good.. 2 months away from your home is a long time – but I’ll do it every year.

As usual the kids did great on the flight – it was about 14 hours to Doha and then another 30 or so minutes to Abu Dhabi.  We collected bags, luggage and strollers and then headed back to the villa.  It was fun to watch the kids recognize stuff and realize that we were back home… even though it was midnight and our days and nights were totally off.   From a pregnancy point of view, I don’t think I would ever fly that far again this late in the pregnancy (35 weeks).  It was pretty extremely uncomfortable – to the point where I just had to knock myself out with Benadryl to just endure it.  My feet were swollen like marshmallows and my legs were extremely achy.  Thankfully it only took about 2 days for them to go back to normal. 

It was all 100% worth it in the end and now as we expect Julia any minute now I can look back on our summer with such fond memories and a special time with my two big kids and all of our families before our world is about to change.