Atticus Vic Seidel

Atticus Vic Seidel arrived at 5:35 pm on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 via C-Section at St. Joseph's hospital in Bryan, Texas. Our doctor was Dr. Bertsch and she, along with wonderful doctors and nurses at St. Joe's brought him into this world! Atticus weighed 6 lbs 9 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. He is just perfect!

For the official story: On Thursday, the 28th, I went in for my regular doctor's appointment and my blood pressure was high. It had been high on and off for the previous 7 or 8 weeks, but after protein tests and more glucose tests that came back with good numbers, it was decided that I did not have preeclampsia and Dr. Bertsch was not concerned. But, this time the blood pressure was much higher than it had been and she decided it was best to plan to deliver. We were only 36 weeks but after an ultrasound showing he weighed 7 lbs 9 oz, it was decided that we would induce the following Saturday morning. So, I took the next day and a half to rest at home and keep the blood pressure down and at 5:30 Saturday morning, Vic and I headed to the hospital.

We checked in, got settled in our labor and delivery room, got my IV (after 2 tries - my skin is tough!), and began the pitocin. At 9:05, Dr. Bertsch broke my water and I was dilated to 1 1/2. About an hour later, I got my epidural. I'd had some cramp like contractions, but saw no reason to wait. :) The epidural made my blood pressure drop and made me sick but then we got settled back down to wait on our surprise gender baby to arrive!

The day progressed until about 4pm when I was dilated to only a 5. Throughout the day, when I had contractions, the baby's heart rate would drop. So, they would stop the pitocin to let my body do my own contractions but then the labor would still slow down and it was just a back and forth process of starting and stopping pitocin. So, by 4pm, they decided that the labor was progressing too slowly and a c-section would be necessary. After more meds to make me numb from the chest down, they took me to the operating room. It was surreal - everything happened quickly and since I didn't have contacts in, I couldn't see a lot of what was going on. I was sick during the c-section which was a little miserable. But, otherwise, all went fine! The doctors and nurses were great and so nice! Vic got to suit up in operating scrubs and mask and saw him as soon as he arrived and took pictures. I was so glad because as I said, no contacts were in my eyes - and I am as blind as a bat!! They did bring him to my face so I could see him, which was wonderful!

I was in the recovery room for 2 hours and then moved to our post-partum room. We didn't see and hold Atticus until 9:30 that night. I don't think it had sunk in at that point; but it was so wonderful to see his little face and touch him. And to think he had just been in my stomach before that - such a miracle!

He definitely has his daddy's chin and other than that, we will just have to watch him grow to decide what features belong to what family member.

We were in the hospital for 4 nights. We had to stay the 4th night because Atticus had a little jaundice and had to stay in the bilirubin blanket. But, Wednesday, the 4th, we got to come home and start our life as a family of 3. Here are a few pictures....really he is perfect. Vic and I are so happy!

5:30 in the morning in our labor and delivery room...waiting for our baby to make his/her debut!He is here! This was in the operating room right after he arrived. It was such a wonderful experience not knowing whether we were having a girl or a boy until Dr. Bertsch pulled him out. Vic said that he wants to do it that way every time. He always wants it to be a surprise. I agree! (sorry for the hand on the chest...I was not allowed to touch my body below my chest because of the sterile environment. I was a little sick and turning to the left so my hand just came with me instead of laying out flat to the right. Sort of funny now, but looks goofy!)Finally we can hold him!

Vic's parents came Sunday morning to meet Atticus and stay for the day.
He already loves his Aunt Geeg...she came Sunday morning as well and stayed until Thursday morning. She was so wonderful to stay the night on the very uncomfortable couch so Vic could sleep at home and get actual rest. Plus, it was just fun having GG there with me!
Atticus also has a very proud Uncle Charley! Looks like they are already having their first of many conversations right here...

We had lots of visitors at the hospital - girls from my office, girls from Vic's office, our Pastor and intern, friends, etc.

Also, since everyone asks for background on why we named him Atticus: It started out with Vic liking the name Atticus from the book "To Kill A Mockingbird". Over time, it just grew on me too and Atticus became our favorite boy name! And, our sweet little man just fits it perfectly.

Until next time....

Quick baby update!

So, we are hitting 32 weeks tomorrow and I cannot believe it! We had an appointment this past week and everything looks good; my blood pressure was a little high this time, but apparently that is normal for 1st pregnancies and towards the end. So, my doctor plans to monitor the blood pressure a little more. Otherwise, at this point, she is happy with the progress of the pregnancy.

I have another ultrasound on Monday to gauge the growth of the baby some more. This little kiddo has been moving like crazy the last couple of weeks. One evening this week, Vic and I sat and watched the little girl or guy roll around and push the top of my stomach up over and over while we watched TV. Of course, the baby and I still like to play the fun game called "let's move a lot and then call Vic over to feel or see the baby move and as soon as he gets there, let's stop moving". It is fun for me and the baby, but Vic doesn't seem to like that game as much...But, he did see it and feel it the other night for a good long time!

My baby shower being throw in College Station by some great friends Cady, Stacy & Katerina is THIS WEEKEND! I can't help but be really excited to not only hang out with some great ladies for a couple of hours, but to also talk "baby" for that entire time.

We are working on the baby room - artwork, sewing, shelf painting, changing table building, organizing, etc. But, it's hard to see much in completion when we are waiting for our crib to come in - could be as late as mid-May but hopefully before! So, I promise pictures when it all comes together!!

We also had our childbirth class this past weekend - it was most of the day on Saturday. I have to admit that I have not thought too much about the details of the labor and delivery until then and at the end of the day, I was a little less excited about what my body will go through and all that I need to know. Don't get me wrong - it's worth it and I know people have babies every day and all goes fine. But, it's still a lot to think about when all you want to do is get that baby here safely. So, lots of faith and prayers and patience will be needed by Vic and I. Otherwise, I am excited to know that I will deliver at St. Joseph's because I've heard such wonderful things about the nurses and doctors and how they take care of you. And, I felt that same vibe after our day learning from the nurses that work there.

That is the update - just want to keep you all posted. No pics of anything fun today, but I'm sure I will have some fun pictures after this weekend!

Sarah (and BABY!!!)

Happy Valentines Day!

Usually because February is just right after Christmas and our birthdays both fall in February, Valentines is sort of noticed but we don't do anything special. In fact, typically we support our youth at Church by attending their Feast of Valentines! But, this year we didn't even get to do that. I wasn't worried about it, but then felt terrible when Vic went to the trouble to create a Valentines Day celebration for me! He is the sweetest husband and because he knows how much I value a fun craft or someone taking extra time just to do something special, he made me a wonderful Valentine! I am very lucky!

He hand glittered all of these hearts and letters! haha - and then formed a heart out of chocolate! I love glitter and chocolate - he knows me well! And was super sweet to do something very non-male to make a craft like this!
Dinner - stuffed porkchops!
Dessert - grilled pineapples, ice cream and chocolate!

Vic turns 30!

When I first met Vic, I quickly learned that he likes to celebrate his birthday not just on February 5, but for the entire month! Over time, that has lessened, but with the big 30th birthday this year, a party was planned down in Orange Grove at the lake with family and friends to celebrate the big 3-0! Kind of crazy to realize that I met Vic when he was just 21...I've almost known him a 3rd of his life! See below for pictures of the evening of February 5th, 2011! Jill was my great photographer and I couldn't put them all on here, but some of these are good ones!

Some decoration - I made centerpieces with pictures of Vic when he was little - they were so funny!

Jill, Lora, Crissha, Vic
Mandee, Sarah & Amy

He's probably known these people his whole life! Joe, Lucas, Vic, DL
Jill, Vic, Sarah, Kari & Josh
Vic's Granny Irene has made his birthday cake possibly every year of his life...this year's was no exception - she is a great cook!
The men grilling the food...
and the ladies inside visiting!
Our last year of birthdays without a little one to celebrate with! I am 24 weeks pregnant in this picture.

Happy Birthday Vic!

Veretts in Town

So, since our fun friendship with the Verett family officially began on MLK Day in 2005, it was only mandatory that we continue the tradition when we can of spending that weekend with some of them! So, back in January, our great friends came into town for a great 4 day weekend - Whitney, Kristofer, Taylor and Mary traveled in to see Vic, Katerina and I! Here are a few quick pics from that weekend! It was spent eating a lot of good food, making them all see our London pictures, some important back porch sitting and solving world problems, doing a little baby shopping and baby book reading (thank you Whitney!) and even hitting up Northgate! This was also the weekend that Vic and I picked up our new Traverse! So, it was perfect for all 7 of us to fit all weekend long....yes, I felt like a soccer mom carrying all of my children around!

Whitney & Mary at Wings N MoreKristofer and Vic

Kristofer supervising the first "trimming of the beard". Kristofer is our expert and Vic was finally ready to start grooming it since it had grown out. Vic actually kept the beard for 3 months before Taylor convinced him to buy an extremely expensive new razor to keep groom his face during the summer! Thanks for spending all of my money Taylor! :)
One of the reasons I love Verett time is because they know how to relax! This was during Family Movie Time! Part of the group lounging around....
A little backporch time...we were heating ourselves by the grill!!Kristofer & Katerina - eating some delicious dessert that Katerina always brings!A few drinks at northgate...Kristofer looks so serious!
Mary and Taylor - our little couple that Vic takes credit for bringing together!
The Original Verett with the Seidels!
Brotherly / Sisterly Love between Kristofer and Whitney!
The boys
The group!

BABY UPDATE!

Today we have reached 28 weeks of pregnancy. After about 20 weeks I started feeling much better and now am not sick at all nor do I feel sick too easily. I am back to being tired and sleeping more, but because (sorry for this TMI) I have to go to the bathroom 3 or 4 times a night, I do not get that fantastic sleep I got during my first trimester. But, overall things are good! The baby just prefers to take space away from my bladder!

I am growing out in front of me and the baby is actually growing a little ahead of schedule. I had an ultrasound at 20 weeks where the baby was about 2 weeks bigger than expected and then I had another ultrasound at 27 weeks and the baby is about 3 weeks bigger than expected. So, after a dr. appt this week, my doctor decided NOT to move the due date, but instead to just start watching the baby's size at about 37 weeks. As much as I want this baby to get here, I am ok with cooking it as long as it needs. Plus, May is pretty busy with Charley's A&M graduation and it would be nice to have his party and ceremony done before the baby gets here....:)

The good news about the baby growing big is that the doctor sees no reason to be concerned. She said sometimes baby's just grow fast! Hopefully we are not looking at a 10 pounder...ouch!

We still do not know the gender and I have to admit - I am loving it! While I love to look at baby clothes for girls and boys, it is more fun for Vic and I to just constantly guess each day as to what the baby will be. Right now, Vic swears it's a boy and I think it is a girl. Of course, then I wonder if it is a little boy in there that is growing so big and strong since the baby is big. Constant guessing!

Other baby info:

• The baby moves ALL the time; i can now tell when it has the hiccups vs. when it is just rowdy inside there. And, there have been a few nights when I sit on the couch that I can watch my stomach jump when the baby jumps. Vic is also getting to see it some and feel it a lot more now.

• I haven't really had cravings in the sense of "Vic if you do not get to that grocery store for my craving right now, I''m going to go crazy!" but I have had a few things that I've just liked a lot of:      

Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches
Oranges
Toast & Jelly
Granola Bars & Applesauce (though know applesauce has changed into jello)
And let's be honest here....who doesn't crave chocolate??

• We have 2 baby showers planned - April 2nd in College Station and April 9th in Corpus Christi; we have the most wonderful friends that want to help us get ready for the baby and I look forward to both events!

• We also have ordered our crib, glider and mattress. And, I have finally registered at Babies R Us, Target & Buy Buy Baby. We are having the baby room painted this weekend and then slowly will work on sewing and decorating in the month of March.

I guess that is all the baby news I can think of. I will take a picture of myself this weekend for those of you who have requested "pregnant Sarah" pictures. I'm glad to say that I actually do look different now! For awhile, I was wondering what was just "lovable stomach sarah" and what was baby! Just kidding - I can tell just by bending over that I have something extra in there! And I will leave you with the best picture ever of my darling husband who found the perfect outfit for his "son" when we were at Carter's one day....it is going to be so much fun being parents with Vic!

They match!

London Day 3 - 6

Well we are going to summarize the rest of London for a couple of reasons:

1. It has been 2 months since we visited and I have yet to complete the remaining 4 days of my trip via the blog.
2. I am scrapbooking it anyways, so I'll have the details for myself in my scrapbook to remember.
3. I have 2 other events to get scrapbooked - Vic's 30th Bday and MLK Day Weekend with friends.
4. I have BABY news to get posted...

So, here we go:
Day 3: Thursday, 12/30/10
We went to St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Trafalgar Square where we went to the National Portrait Gallery. St. Paul's was also beautiful and while no pictures were allowed inside, this was Vic's favorite stop during our London trip. It was much more elaborate and fancy than Westminster Abbey. The Tower of London was practically a day trip, or you could make it one. It was huge and included us seeing the Crown Jewels and lots of authentic armor from people like Henry the VIII and the Medieval Palace. On this particular day, the weather was really drizzly and misty - not clear at all. We got a bite to eat and then by that evening, after heading to Trafalgar Square to see not only the Square, but the National Portrait Gallery, we headed home. First of all, the National Portrait Gallery was more than I expected. It has portraits of the entire Royal family from a long time ago to now. It also had portraits of famous people and family members of the Royal Family. It was really more interesting than I expected and we all enjoyed it! By the end of the day, however, I was exhausted, but also sick. I just came down with a cold and didn't feel well. Charley found me some medicine and instructions from a pharmacist and by the time we got back about 9 or so that night, I was ready for bed to start feeling better!

Sarah & Vic in front of St. Paul's CathedralCharley & Vic in front of Tower of LondonTower of LondonA fun spot in the concrete that looked like a "gig'em"

Day 4: Friday, 12/31/11On this day, I actually stayed home in the hotel. Sounds sort of silly, right? But, I felt terrible and really thought if I could just sleep for a few hours and not get out in the cold, then maybe I could feel better so I didn't have to be miserable for the rest of the trip. It actually worked out great. I doped up on medicine and slept and by that evening, felt much better. This was our day that we originally planned to go to Nottingham to see Charley's town and school, but after learning how much tickets would be on the train, realized we would probably just miss it that time. So, we will just rely on Charley's pictures and stories since we didn't get to see the town. While I stayed in bed, Charley and Vic headed to Wimbledon to tour the Tennis Courts and history of Wimbledon's big tournament. Vic is a big tennis fan, so he had a great time! Later that afternoon after they came back and napped, we headed to a fun Italian restaurant for dinner, grabbed some champagne for the boys for the hotel room and spent the evening in the hotel to ring in the new year. Again, we originally thought it would be so fun to go down to celebrate in the city but after being tired and sick and then learning that people had stood all day long just to get in the area of where the big fireworks show was held in London for the New Year, we were glad to ring it in while in our nice hotel room!

The tennis courts getting "fake sun"Vic at WimbledonHAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!!

Day 5: Saturday, 1/1/11Saturday was spent shopping! We headed to Portobello Market on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. We ate at Charlie's Cafe and Vic and Charley ate Full English Breakfasts while I stuck to my morning hot chocolate and muffin (safe on the stomach during this pregnancy!). Portobello Market was really neat - lots of antiques and shopping and tons of people! I found a small antique item for mom and a London onesie for the baby! We also headed to see and shop in Harrod's - the ritzy mall in London owned by Dodi Fayed's (Princess Diana's boyfriend who was killed with her in the big crash) family. I thought it would be so fun to just buy one small thing from that store and just knew they would have New Years Day sales. Well, they definitely had sales, but there were also 1 million people there. We made a pretty quick entry and exit, after looking at some expensive dresses (12,000 pounds) and some other expensive brands. But, it was still a fun day of shopping!

Portobello Road in Notting Hill

Day 6: Sunday, 1/2/11
On Sunday, our last day, we made it to Buckingham Palace for an outside view then split from Charley so he could go to one thing while Vic and I went to Kensington Palace and then to see an old movie in another part of town. First of all, Buckingham was so cool - regardless of what anyone says. I know it is just a palace and you cannot go inside except in August I think? but it was still really neat. Kensington Palace, however, was not that exciting. It is being renovated (the museum part) right now, so it was setup mainly for children, but we did not know that when we bought our tickets. Kensington is typically where princesses (like Princess Diana) live so it has some good history about princesses from long ago, but was still geared for children. So that was probably our least favorite thing to do in London. That afternoon, Vic and I headed down to the National Film Theater where they show only old movies. We had a quick bite and then watched "The Big Sleep" with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. It was great! One more fun Italian dinner (we ate lots of italian food when we were in London, other than pubs) and we were headed back for our last night in London.

On our way to Buckingham Palace, we passed these horses and riders...not sure what they were doing, but obviously something for the queen!!In front of the palace! P.S. The queen was in (per the flag on top of the palace)!My adorable husband having a snack before our date night with movie and dinner!

Overall, our trip was great and we were sad to leave. We probably could have spent a couple more days there to do a few things we didn't get to see...but that just means we will have to go back! So, what do you think of my hat below? Isn't it cute? It was always too cold to wear it during the week because it didn't cover my ears, but I wore it on the way home! I love it!