Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Pantone 2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid


Pantone has made its annual pronouncement for the 2014 Color of the Year. And the winner is...

Radiant Orchid



A hybrid purple-pink (which, in some color families, may also be known as fuchsia), this color is a bit hard to pin down. It may err on the side of either pink or purple, but it is really a vibrant mix of the two. And I do not own a single item in this color! It would seem Pantone is telling me this is an issue that needs correcting. So, in honor of the impending new year, I've put together an inspiration board of pieces that would be worth adding to my ensemble featuring this lovely color. It's interesting to note how the hues of the below products are named by their respective manufacturers... some creative color distinctions out there!


Clockwise from top left:

Leatherbound 2014 Planner by Gallery Leather (Honeysuckle)
I love notebooks and journals and all manner of writing materials. Even though I keep up with my calendar on my phone as well, I love having a hand-written planner to carry with me and make notations about day-to-day scheduling. This color would be perfect for my 2014 datebook!

Smith & Hawken Orchid Scent Candle 
I love lighting scented candles in the house for a bit of atmosphere, and this orchid scent would be the perfect way to introduce a lighter scent in anticipation of spring!

Nine West Vintage America Collection Nomad Large Satchel (Plum)
I'm a saddlebag kind of gal. I like to have enough room to fit everything I need, plus some extra. And now that I have baby paraphernalia to tote along as well, this purse is large enough to double as a diaper bag. And it's on sale!

Geometric Print Infinity Scarf (Pink)
A good scarf can really pull an outfit together. I love the rich color of this scarf, and the geometric metallic pattern is a fun addition. Pairing a single bright accessory with dark jeans and a plain neutral tee is a great way to make a simple outfit shine. Check out how Emma Roberts makes it work or like this.

Women's Italian Lambskin Lined Leather Gloves (Fuchsia)
Leather gloves lined with lambskin? Pure luxury! And these come in a variety of colors, including a shade of Radiant Orchid!

Essie 'Big Spender' Nail Color
I rarely have my fingernails painted, but I do love a pretty color on my toenails. This color from Essie will be fun for the gray months of winter and into early spring.

Mossimo Supply Co. Boyfriend Cardigan - Rose Bonnet 
A colored cardigan goes a long way toward freshening up classic wardrobe pieces. Pair this with a black or navy skirt, a pair of dark jeans or patterned pants -- the color speaks for itself! Leave it open for a casual look, or button and belt at the waist for something more pulled together. Love how it looks with this polka dot button-down!



Vince Camuto Suede Cynthea Pumps - Deep Fuschia
Last but not least, some stellar pumps! These would be a hot stand-out accessory for any outfit. I'm thinking these will fancy up dress I'm planning to wear to a wedding in January... and that price isn't bad either!

I've added all these pieces to a new board on Pinterest so I can keep track if this trend for 2014. Orchid is IN!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

New Mom Essentials

The past couple weeks have been quite an adjustment period, but I am loving new motherhood and getting to know this sweet baby boy. Having my mother around to help during this time has been such a gift, and surviving without her is going to be tough! She and my father left on a flight back to Georgia this past Sunday, and I know the memories of their visit to meet this first grandson are going to be so special to think back on in the coming months. I am blessed with some pretty stellar parents!

In addition to the love and support of family and friends during this time (for which we are so grateful!), there are also a few inanimate objects that have been pivotal in helping me survive these newly-sleepless nights and baby-focused days. Some of these may seem a little silly, but it really is the small things that make life a little easier sometimes...

1. Lululemon Astro Pant
My mother-in-law bought these for me when I realized in the hospital that the only pair of pants I had were the ones I was wearing when I went into labor (and hadn't properly packed my hospital bag). She ran out and picked these up, and they have basically have not left my body since then (I have washed them... once or twice). They are so comfortable and the criss-cross waistband is perfect for sucking in the postpartum belly.

2. Bravado Original Nursing Bra
A good nursing bra is key. I picked one up about a week after birth when my "ladies" were so engorged that the very thought of an underwire bra was painful. This wireless version is comfortable and easy to snap on-/off.

3. CoverGirl BB Cream
Needless to say, I'm not wearing a lot of make-up these days... But when I want to not look like I haven't sleep in weeks, this foundation/moisturizer combo is the perfect sheer cover-up. Add a little mascara, and it's just enough to make me feel not hideous.

4.  Half-Caf Coffee
Oh caffeine, how I've missed thee. I'm still trying to limit my caffeine intake after 9 months of decaf, but that extra caf in my cup these days makes mornings a little easier. I've actually made my own mix by combining a bag of regular Dunkin Donuts with a bag decaf, but this pre-mixed Folgers would work just as well.

5. iPhone Apps (and technology in general)
Seriously, what would we do without technology? That's a hypothetical question...I know there are plenty of great things to do that are 100% tech-free. But, it really does make life easier sometimes. The Baby Log app that I downloaded when we left the hospital has been my brain when it comes to feeding and changing the little guy. Adapting to breastfeeding has been a little tough, so this tool has been very helpful in tracking. And my Kindle app is perfect for reading during those late-night/early morning nursing sessions!

6. Scented Holiday Candles
I committed to going decoration-free this Christmas, which is a little sad, but I didn't want to feel completely out of the holiday spirit and these scented candles have made all the difference. We might not have a live tree this year, but the smell of evergreen still permeates the air!

7. Holiday Mint M&Ms
These were a treat my mother picked up during her visit and I'm sad to say they are all gone now. But they were very tasty and another fun way to enjoy the Christmas season. I don't normally sit around eating M&Ms, but a little indulgence every one in a while can't hurt, right? New moms deserve a little break. :)


Friday, December 20, 2013

3 weeks

My little guy is growing so fast! Can't believe it's been three whole weeks since Cormac entered this world, and what fun it has been! New parenthood has certainly been an adjustment, but it gets easier with each passing day and I'm trying to appreciate each precious moment as it comes. I know it will go by all too quickly...

My favorite Christmas present this year


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

What's in a Name? Cormac Donald McCarthy

Although he was born on November 29, our little guy officially didn't have a name (other than 'Baby Boy McCarthy') for a full 24 hours! Throughout the pregnancy, DH and I had a running list of names that we were planning to select from when our son arrived. We had a 'Top 3' list -- all three started with the letter 'C' and all were of Irish origin. So that part was pretty easy. The hard part was choosing which name we wanted to give him once he arrived! We had pretty much settled on a middle name, but that first name was touch-and-go for a while. It's a big responsibility to saddle a person with a name for the rest of his life! The tough part was the DH changed his mind last minute. I had kinda thought we were going with one name, but when the baby arrived, DH became pretty adamant on a different selection. I, on the other hand, needed to be convinced....

As you'll see from this post title, we did end up naming our son Cormac. It is a great name, and I'm really loving it, but what held me back to begin with was the idea that our son might be associated with the author of the same name (Cormac McCarthy... wrote All the Pretty Horses, No Country For Old Men, The Road, and some other disturbing novels which have been adapted to extremely disturbing films). Our selection of the name Cormac has nothing to do with any preference for the author. Just to be clear. :)

So, what's in the name? Above all, I wanted our son's name to be meaningful beyond our personal preference. I was a little unprepared that his name would end up being Cormac (which has a somewhat obscure meaning), but after a little thought I've determined that it really does suit our hopes for this little man. Above all, my prayer for our son is that he would grow to be a man who fears the Lord, loves His Word and lives in a manner that proclaims His kingdom. The meaning of his full name has very strong connotations, and I look forward to seeing him become a strong influence for Christ in the world.

Cormac

Meaning: 'Charioteer' - Irish origin
Psalm 76:6-9 "At Your rebuke, God of Jacob, both chariot and horse lay still. And You—You are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You? From heaven You pronounced judgment.
The earth feared and grew quiet when God rose up to judge and to save all the lowly of the earth. Selah"

This verse may seem a bit obscure in application to the name and especially referencing the anger of a just God, but it impresses upon me the importance of submitting one's life to God and His plans. Learning to submit to the Lord's plan for our lives, especially as we enter a new phase of life with parenthood, has been imperative to my growth in faith. The Lord's plan is perfect and His judgment alone is just; we would not be able to stand before His righteous wrath were it not for His equally efficacious saving grace. I pray that our Cormac may be a "charioteer" of the Lord, listening to and obeying His word and proclaiming His righteous judgment and salvation to "the lowly of the earth".

Donald

Meaning: 'World Ruler' - Scottish/Celtic origin
Isaiah 55:4-5 "See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples. Surely you will summon nations you know not and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”

Although these verses are technically a prophecy of the coming Christ, the Old Testament is also full of Christ-like archetypes that the Lord raised up to lead His people and make them a witness to the world. My hope is that our son will grow to be a leader of men who would direct others to Christ.

So, there you have it. Keep yours eyes on this little guy, he's going to do big things! :)

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Black Friday Special: Cormac Arrives!

Of all the things I had planned for the Friday after Thanksgiving, labor and delivery was not one of them. Baby McCarthy made a most unexpected appearance almost a week ahead of schedule. It was not at all what I expected and, at the same time, much more than I could have hoped for. For posterity's sake, I want to record the experience as I remember it.... so, what follows contains some pretty graphic labor and delivery details.

If you're not interested in somewhat graphic labor/delivery details, STOP READING NOW! :)


Part 1: Is This Really Labor?

DH and I had decided to spend Thanksgiving in Chicago, considering how close it was to my due date of December 4. We spent the day relaxing and went to see The Hunger Games 2 in the early afternoon. We split a giant bucket of popcorn and snuck in our own candy and soda from the 7 Eleven across the street. After the movie, we spent the rest of the afternoon cooking our Thanksgiving feast: red wine braised beef short ribs, roasted acorn squash, Italian stuffing, roasted brussel sprouts and pumpkin bread pudding with vanilla ice cream! It was delicious! What is it they say about spicy foods jumpstarting labor? I had felt fine all day with no signs of labor beginning, but it must have been something in that spicy Italian stuffing that had just the right amount of kick to it...

We went to bed early (9:30pm) since DH had to work on Friday, and I had planned on spending the next day cleaning the house and preparing for the arrival of my mother the following Saturday. She would be driving up from Atlanta to hang out with me while waiting for the baby to arrive, and help out afterwards. Little did we know...

I woke up at about 11:30pm that night with mild cramps in my lower abdomen and lay awake for a little while just feeling them. Not really painful, but also not something I had felt in the last 9 months. About 11:45pm, I felt a gush of fluid and literally jumped out of bed to find my pj pants soaked. Had my water just broken? I wasn't sure.... The fluid seemed to stop, but I was still experiencing cramps. If this was it, I thought to myself, all the classes told us I should just try to go back to sleep and stay home as long as I could. So, that's just what I did: got back in bed and tried not to disturb DH. But I couldn't fall back asleep. The cramping had gotten a little stronger, so I pulled out my phone and opened up a contraction timing app I had downloaded a couple days prior. I tried to start timing the cramps (I didn't believe they were actually contractions), but they seemed irregular and sometimes extended or coupled together, and they didn't seem to follow a "wave-like" pattern as I had been told. By this time, I could feel them in my lower back as well as abdomen and they were becoming a little more noticeable, although I was still recording them in my app as "mild".

About an hour later (12:30am) I finally got up to go to the bathroom and noticed what must have been the mucous plug. At that point, it was slowly starting to sink in that this really might be the beginning of labor. I remember taking it very matter-of-factly, as though going into labor was a normal midnight activity for me. I was a little excited, a little nervous, but also trying to moderate my emotions, thinking that I still had several hours of work ahead and needed to conserve energy. The pain was becoming more noticeable, but I also didn't want to underestimate what might be ahead so I kept reassuring myself that this was no worse than normal menstrual cramps and went back to bed.

Part 2: Kick It Up a Notch

By about 1:30am, I was pretty much convinced I was in labor (can you tell it took a long time for this to really sink in?) but still decided to get up out of bed and Google some details about water breaking because I still wasn't sure if that had actually happened. Even though with every strong cramp there was still fluid leaking and I had already probably gone through about 3 pairs of pajama pants.... I just wasn't convinced! Silly me. After perusing a few forums online, I finally stood up from my computer.... and an even larger gush of fluid poured onto the carpet. OK, I thought, that was definitely it. The cramps were strong enough at this point that I felt like I could call them real contractions and decided to call my midwife.

I called the answering service and my favorite midwife called back about 5 minutes later (I have to note it was my favorite midwife, because the practice I was going to had 7 and it could have been any of them on call when I went into labor. I am SO thankful it was the one I liked best!) I told her my water had just broken (it was about 2am) and she said to just do what I had been doing: hang home, keep timing contractions, and call again when she went off call at 8am to talk to the next midwife on shift. She predicted they would want me to come in by 2pm at the latest (12 hours from water breaking, even though it had ). At that point, the fluid was clear and I was negative for Group B Strep so there were no concerns for infection. So, I hung up and tried to get a little more geared up for later.

I called my mother next. It was 3am her time (in Georgia) but she answered right away. I was disappointed to have to tell her that I was in labor, since I had asked her to be a part of the labor and delivery as my birth coach and she had been planning to be there the very next day! Nonetheless, she sprung into action and started packing to make the trip to Chicago later that morning, as it was really beginning to look like I was going to have the baby in the next several hours. At one point, she asked me why I was breathing so heavily and I said of course I was breathing through contractions. Even at that point I was still classifying them as "mild" (trying to mentally prepare myself!), but she seemed to sense this was a tell-tale sign that things were moving more quickly than expected.

Next, I decided to wake up DH. He had woken up slightly the first couple times I got out of bed (I startled him pretty good the first time I said "I think my water just broke"), but this time he really woke up and got out of bed to join me in the living room where I was pacing through contractions. I asked him to help time, but it was still a little difficult for me to track them as they came irregularly -- sometimes quickly and one after the other, sometimes a longer break. On average, they were probably lasting 45 seconds and coming 5 minutes apart at that point. All the classes we'd been to had said to follow the "411" or "511" rule (5 minutes apart, 1 minute long for 1 hour), but my midwife group had advised the "312" rule for a first labor (3 minutes apart, 1 minute long for 1-2 hours). So, that's what I was waiting for.

The next couple hours were a bit of a blur. I got in and out of the shower several times to help soothe the pain and this did help, but only temporarily. Once out of the shower, I would be pacing through contractions, walking up and down the hallway slowly and trying to breathe deeply. I vaguely remember DH lying on the couch in the living room watching The Hobbit. I pulled out the birthing ball at one point and leaned over it, seeming to remember this pose from one of the classes we took and hoping it would get baby into the right position for delivery, but found it increasingly uncomfortable. At some point, the contractions took a noticeable shift into a more vice-like pain that required me to stand still or rock and concentrate on breathing through them. By this time, my mother had called to confirm that she bought a plane ticket to arrive by noon that day and I was relieved thinking that she would at least be present for the end of my labor/delivery.

But things took a decided shift. I remember sitting in the shower with the water pouring over me and the strength of a contraction suddenly felt like an urge to push. Up to this point, I hadn't really been vocalizing through the pain but it suddenly seemed very natural to make noise. I got out of the shower again and tried to keep walking around, pausing with each contraction to moan, lean over or squat and trying to resist that growing urge to bear down. I wasn't sure why it felt that way and didn't know how long it was going to last, but I was beginning to feel as though I couldn't stand it much longer. It was probably 4:30am at this point, and DH decided he needed some caffeine if we were really in for a full day of labor. I gave him the go-ahead to leave the house and get some energy drinks. While he was out, I called and asked him to get some Gatorade. I hadn't really been drinking anything since I woke up at midnight and realized I was really thirsty. While he was out, however, the pain really picked up. By the time he got back, I was in the shower again, squatting and groaning through each contraction. He came into the bathroom and found me in that pose, and when I looked up to see him come in I told him in no uncertain terms that we needed to go to the hospital. NOW. I had been timing my contractions but not really paying attention to the length and frequency. Looking back at the app now, they were about 1 minute long and no more than 2.5/3 minutes apart. Things had progressed much more quickly than expected, although I don't think I realized exactly how quickly. All I knew at the time was that I needed to get to the hospital.

It took me a little while to put on clothes and grab what I could for my hospital bag, which was only partially packed (I had expected to finish packing it the next day!). I had to ask DH to call the midwife to let her know we were coming in because I couldn't talk through the contractions. At that point, she could hear me groaning through the phone and gave us the ok to come in (we would have gone whether she did or not, I was not staying home any longer!). It took me a little while to get into the car and I was dreading the ride. Sitting down felt excruciating as it only increased the urge to bear down through each contraction. The car ride to the hospital was only 10 minutes, but with 3 contractions to sit through it felt like forever. I was practically holding myself off the seat with my arms, worrying the whole time about the fluid that continued to leak through my pants and onto the seat. I remember thinking, if this pain gets any worse I won't be able to keep going without an epidural. I had planned for a natural delivery all along, but at that point I was really beginning to think I wouldn't last.

Part 3: This is IT!

When we got in the vicinity of the hospital, DH couldn't find the entrance right away and in between contractions I had to direct him to the valet drive-up to enter triage. I could barely force myself to get out of the car and once we got to the reception desk I could barely stand up to give the receptionist my information. I remember thinking she was moving far too slowly while talking to a woman who was obviously in labor. As I feared, a contraction hit as I was standing there and I couldn't help but groan through it. There was a man and his young daughter sitting in the waiting room outside triage -- I distinctly remember the little girl giving me an odd look as I groaned through contractions. Finally a nurse came out to usher me into a triage room. Once there, it took all of my effort to disrobe and get into a hospital gown. Who knew changing clothes could be so hard! Well, we were about to find out why. As soon as they checked me, it was confirmed that I was already at 10 centimeters and the baby was at +2 station. No wonder I kept feeling that urge to push -- because it was time to push!

They kept me on the gurnee and began rushing up to the delivery floor. As we were passing by another triage room, my midwife stepped out and caught my eye. She looked a little confused and asked where they were taking me -- one of the nurses said something about a Dr. Starr. The midwife immediately said, "Wait, aren't you my patient?" When I nodded in confusion, she grabbed my hand and we headed for the elevator. Turns out they hadn't notified her I had arrived and was already "complete". A contraction hit while we were in the elevator and she could tell I was pushing -- everyone in the elevator at that point was telling me NOT to push. I think I looked at them like they were crazy.

When we got to the delivery room, the situation started to calm down a bit. The midwife and a nurse helped me get into the bed, strapped on a fetal monitor and gave me instructions for pushing through each contraction. I couldn't believe it was happening so quickly. I had honestly expected to get to the hospital and have to wait for another several hours before this happened. But I didn't really have time to consider it -- and for that I am grateful. Everything happened so quickly, there was no question that it was going to be a 100% natural labor and delivery. There wasn't even time/need for an IV.

And so the pushing began... at this point, my contractions were still painful but had changed pace and seemed more manageable. However, the urge to push was still strong and consistent. The midwife, nurse and even DH had to talk me through NOT pushing without a contraction. I moved from a side-lying position to squatting with a bar while DH held me under my arms. I should mention at this point that DH was an incredible support throughout the entire process, and so encouraging. He held me through the every contraction, squeezed my hand in between, reminded me to breathe, brought me water and generally provided the kind of support I needed to get through it. And this is guy who insisted his role in the birth of our child would be to sit in the waiting room with a cigar. :)

I don't know exactly how much time passed (when time is counted by contractions, it could be 5 minutes or 5 hours), but at one point I remember feeling frustrated at lack of progress. I knew from our classes that the baby's head would move slowly through the birth canal, moving slightly down with each push and then shifting up again. It felt excruciatingly slow. But the midwife was very encouraging and finally pulled over a mirror so that I could see what was going on. If you had asked me before labor whether or not I wanted to see what was going on, the answer would have been NO. But, at the time, I couldn't have cared less what I was looking at except that I could see my baby's head becoming more and more visible with each push. Even seeing this, it still felt too slow. I wanted him out right away! Especially with his head just sitting there, about to come out (at the stage they call the "ring of fire") I could barely keep from pushing just to get past that point. I'm sure he was only sitting there for about a minute, but it felt like forever.

Part 4: He's Here!

Finally, finally, finally. That's all I could think when the midwife excitedly told me that the baby's head was out. I vaguely remember her saying something about the cord being wrapped around his neck twice, but it took her mere seconds to remove it before she told me to reach down and grab his shoulders. With two gentle pulls, I brought his little body to my chest. He looked a little purple, but started crying almost immediately and I was in awe that this little person had been inside of me. I had expected to cry, but I think I was too dehydrated for the tears to come. All I could to was smile at him, so glad that he was finally here! I remember smiling at DH, but I don't recall if either of us said anything. I was just so relieved that the pushing was over and we were finally meeting our son. It was a wonderful moment. He stayed on my chest for half an hour while the midwife delivered the placenta and sewed up a tear. The pressure she used on my labor abdomen to get the uterus to contract was almost more annoying than contractions themselves, but probably only because I was so absorbed with looking at my son and didn't want to be distracted.

The nurse finally took him over to the warmer to weigh and measure him. He promptly peed on her. DH was very proud. As they cleaned up the delivery room and prepared to move me to a recovery room, I still couldn't believe it had happened to quickly. We hadn't even gotten our hospital bags out of the car! DH was concerned with getting the car out of valet, and so at one point I was left alone in the delivery room with my newborn son, but I didn't really care. Just looking at him was enough. A nurse finally came in to help clean me up, and then they brought in a wheelchair to bring us up to the postpartum floor.

Looking back, the entire process of labor and delivery was a huge blessing. It happened sooner than expected, and was much, much shorter than expected and I couldn't have asked for anything better. Not once did the question of medical interventions come into play, and the pain was not what I had expected anyway. Although my mother wasn't able to be there, it gave DH the chance to step into the role of birth coach, and I couldn't have done it without him. I was able to deliver with my favorite midwife, and this made me feel so much more comfortable through the entire process.

We are thanking God for all of these blessings and especially for the arrival of our healthy son! He was officially nameless for 24 hours, but that's a story for another post...

Cormac Donald McCarthy

Born Friday, November 29, 2013, 7:28am
7 pounds, 9 ounces, 21 inches