Gift Idea for Guys

This seems like a great business idea! Here's a company that has come up with shirts for men (and women) that are the perfect length. They are designed to be worn untucked. The shirts show a little of the rear end but still hang appropriately.  Check out this company, UntuckIt, and all their inventory! 

http://www.untuckit.com

'Twas the Night Before Gracie

This is a poem I wrote last year about my birth experience. It is modeled after the famous and old poem, 'The Night Before Christmas' by Clement Clark Moore. My due date was December 25, 2014, but my daughter came a few days late. I wanted a natural child birth in a hospital setting, but quickly changed my mind when I felt the horrific pains of labor a few days after Christmas. I was in labor from 3:45 am until 1:40 pm on December 28, 2014. I did not have a natural (drug-free) childbirth, but all went smoothly regardless. I did have a vaginal delivery, and most importantly, I had a beautiful and healthy daughter named Grace who's almost one year old now! Wow. 

Here's my story:

‘Twas the night before Gracie, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Grace’s stocking was still hung by ours with such care, in hopes that this Christmas, with her we would share.

But Christmas had passed, and we wanted her here! We knew that “the day” was soon drawing near…

The dogs were both nestled, all snug in their beds, while visions of beggin’ strips danced in their heads.

And Daddy in his jammies, and me in mine too, had laid down at 9, like we usually do… 

When all of a sudden Charlie heard pitter patter; he sat up in bed to see what was the matter.

I was sweating and shaking, and stricken with pain, my back was on fire, contractions- INSANE!

I said, “This is labor- we really should go.” And to my surprise, my husband said, “No.”

“We’ll labor at home , that’s what’s in your plan.” “UMMMM, WE’VE GOT TO GO!!  I’VE FELT ALL I CAN STAND.”

We arrived at the hospital at half past six. There was no denying- I needed a fix. 

My Doula consoled me said “You really should wait. Don’t get it too early,”  but it was too late.

I’d already decided, I was getting relief. Or else I would die, I’m not lying, GOOD GRIEF!

Now Demerol ! Now Stadol!  I need a spinal block!… “No, Kelly…remember? Just get up and walk.”

On Epidural, On Morphine...”I need drugs to get through it!” While Catrice calmly said again, “No, You can do it.”

She rubbed my back as I sat on the ball... I could’ve collapsed, didn’t feel good AT ALL! 

The doctor then checked me.  “You’re only at 4.” (cm)  Five minutes later, the anesthesiologist walked through the door.

He came to save the crazy lady, thank GOD he did. Then a 2 hour nap…resting up for my kid… 

No, the epidural was not part of my plan. But it helped me so much…I was dying, OH MAN! 

Just three hours later, I was finally at 10! (cm) Couldn’t believe it was time for pushing to begin!

For an hour and a half, Charlie counted to 10, he was the most amazing husband and coach, the greatest of men!

Then suddenly, I realized, but how could it be???????   The most perfect angel you ever did see!

Her cry, the most heartwarming sound you could hear, she’d finally decided, it was time to appear.

Her eyes, how they twinkled, her nose, so, just fine, her cheeks warm and rosy, and she was all MINE!

10 fingers, 10 toes and a perfect round face, so much hair, so much life, all God’s Grace in ONE PLACE!

That cute little body, not much vernix at all, 7 lb, 14 oz. and 21 inches tall…

My darling, my angel, the love my life…you were DEFINITELY worth all of the pain and strife…

To see her, to hold her, JOY! I can hardly explain.... This feeling of love shall forever remain!

She spoke not a word, but went straight to the breast. She was certainly hungry and ate like the best!

How is it possible that we were this blessed? I looked at my husband with the babe on my chest.

He looked at me too, with a gleam in his eyes… She’s finally here safely, what a glorious surprise!

I was truly in heaven, with her in my sight… “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO!    : ) 

Here is Grace now at 11 months old!