On my own...

So today is my first official day on my own.  Mom left early yesterday morning and I have to admit I got a little emotional as I drove away from the airport.  She was such a blessing to me the last 2 weeks - organizing my house, cleaning, SERVING me in every way and being a source of encouragement as I went along.  I'm so thankful to have a mom as selfless as she is - always looking for ways to help others.  I was humbled as she did so much for me this week, but don't know what I would have done without her. 

I'm feeling great - so thankful to have a good recovery.  I feel like myself again and it's hard to believe I was carrying Henry a little over a week ago.   I'm definitely glad to NOT be pregnant anymore and to have my body back! 

Henry is doing great - he's eating like a champ and gained a whole pound from Monday to Friday last week!  I was really stressing that I was feeding him enough, but he seems to be doing just fine. 

Hanging out on our first day alone...

Want to thank everyone again for all of your prayers, words of encouragement, and love the last couple of weeks.  We've had some AMAZING meals delivered to us as well, which have been such a blessing!  :)  I'm slowly getting back into a routine and I hope to make contact with many of you as the weeks go along. 







A Note From Aunt Karla

(This was written before Baby Henry was born, but various circumstances prevented it from being posted until now...)

Heather's birth was such a much anticipated event.  She wasn't just Kevin and Donna's first child; she was the first grandchild, the first niece or nephew, and the whole family was eagerly anticipating her arrival.  So much so that when we got the word she was on her way, we all jumped in the van and descended en masse on that small hospital in Angola, Indiana.  What a beauty she was with her dark hair, lying in her little cardboard bassinet.  She captured our hearts that afternoon.

Even as a baby she had a love for life.  She didn't want to miss a minute of what was going on around her.  She was never one to lie quietly in your arms.  She had to be sitting up, looking around.  She's never changed.  She still has that same love for life; meeting challenges as they come up, trusting in God to lead the way.  She has a deep commitment to family and an enduring loyalty to her friends.  As her aunt, it's been a blessing to watch her mature into the beautiful young woman she is today.  I eagerly anticipate this next phase in her life.  

I've watched her mothering instinct kick into gear with her sisters and cousins.  I always loved getting some time to spend with the girls when I was back in Indiana.  We'd usually go to a movie and maybe out to eat.  But there was this time when I had the chance to not only take Heather and Holly to a movie, but some of their cousins as well.  Heather fixed them all little baggies of popcorn and I think she even managed a few other special treats for them.  She was like a hen with her chicks!

Heather will excel as a mother.  It's a role she's been preparing for her whole life.  Her children will truly "arise and call her blessed" (Proverbs 31:28).  I have been blessed with eleven nieces and nephews and they all bring joy to my heart, but Heather was the first and she set the bar high.

Heather, I am so excited for you and thrilled to be a "great aunt."  I know you are ready for this new adventure and for those unexpected things that will come up, because they always do.  I know you will trust the Lord to lead you and Peter.  I truly admire the person you are and I am honored to be your aunt.  I just can't wait to see this little guy and to be able to cuddle him a bit.  You are all in my prayers daily.  I love you!

Aunt Karla

 

A little more detail about Henry

So, I'm out of the hospital as of yesterday.  Peter and I were MORE than ready to leave...and since both Henry and I were doing great, they sent us home.  I've been pretty exhausted and as much as I thought I'd be able to write sooner, I just haven't had the energy (maybe the long labor process is part of it too :).  So sorry about the wait and hope you enjoy the pictures of Henry (aka. "Little Peter"...he looks so much like his dad).

Wanted to give you the gist of why my labor was so drawn out and intensive....and I promise to be as concise as I can.  :)  I started contractions at 6 pm Wednesday night and due to the fact that I had actually NO IDEA what a REAL contraction would feel like (found THAT out later), we were sent home.  Felt a little embarrassed, but glad to know everything was normal and I would just need to wait it out.  

Kept having contractions through Wednesday night and all the way until my scheduled induction at 8pm Thursday night.  By the time I got to the hospital, I was contracting fairly often and thought I would be moving along.  But when the doctor checked me, I was still only 3 cm. dilated and she started me on Pitocin. 

They broke my water around 3 am Friday morning and I was really feeling it then... had an epidural around 4:15 am (praise the Lord for modern medicine!  Honestly, don't know how I could have managed the next 20 hours without an epidural). 

Henry's heart rate started dropping in spurts throughout the morning and they took me off Pitocin (thought I was contracting too fast and Henry wasn't reacting well to it)...which didn't allow me to dilate as quickly.  Put me BACK on pitocin around 1pm and this time Henry was doing great and heart rate was better.

All that to say, we continued to up the pitocin throughout the rest of the afternoon and through the evening.  Henry's heart rate was alright, although it did dip at times, which worried the doctor.  I also wasn't dilating.  Still at 3 1/2 cm. at 7 pm!  I got a fever around 10 and when the doctor checked me again, I was only at 4 cm dilated.  That was when the doctor said that she was seriously recommending a c-section - I was NOT dilating, I was starting to get a fever (which could possibly lead into an infection due to the fact they broke my water so long ago) and Henry's heart rate still wasn't steady.

Peter and I had been warned of this all afternoon and had mentally/emotionally prepared ourselves for this possibility.  By 10:30 pm Friday night - 24 hours after arriving to the hospital, I was ready to do whatever it took to deliver this baby.  I was disappointed...got a little emotional, but obviously God knew the plan and I was reminded again to trust the Lord...even though this wasn't in MY plan. 

The c-section went really well.  It was the first time I was ever on a surgeon's table and was a little nervous.  Being awake the whole time was a little surreal, but great having Peter there to assure me that everything was alright.  They told us that Henry's head was turned and this was causing him not to move down the birth canal...the doctor was glad we went ahead with the c-section, otherwise I would have had a very intense delivery.

Henry Peter Von Tobel was born at 11:31 - just shy of 8 lbs. and 23 inches long (no wonder he was kicking my ribs the last month of my pregnancy!).  We think he's perfect and are so incredibly thankful that he's checked out healthy and well.  We're slowly adjusting to this new life - Peter's been a rockstar, taking care of both of his "patients," done things that might have been a little out of his comfortzone, and has really stepped up to the plate.  Don't know what I would have done without him the last 4 days...love that man. 

I'm feeling better than expected...obviously have some pain, but was able to be up and walking the next morning.  Nursing has also been going alright - Henry and I are both trying to get the hang of it and adjusting to the lack of sleep.  :)  My amazing mom is going to stay throughout this week to give me a helping hand...and she has already been such a blessing today.   So thankful to have her and an extra set of hands...

So anyway, just wanted to let you know that we're all doing well.  Sorry again that it's taken me longer than I thought to get back into the swing of things.  But I can't say enough how much we appreciated all of the texts, calls, FB messages...my word!  We were overwhelmed with every one's prayers and excitement.  :)
Can't wait for everyone to meet him - he's a pretty swell guy!  :)
Heather :) 



   

About to get out of his carseat...sound asleep

Little Henry

After 52 hours of contractions, inducing meds, a welcomed epidural and unplanned c-section - we would like to introduce Henry Peter Von Tobel.  An 8 pound, 23 inch powerhouse.  More pictures and details to come;  thanks for all of the love over the past several days.  Here's little Henry minutes after delivery.

Still no baby...

Just wanted to update everyone on the status of our little man.  As you can tell, he hasn't come and we've been patiently waiting (well, TRYING to patiently wait).  I had a doctor's appointment today and am still not as far along as I would like to be.  They are going to keep my Thursday induction - due to possible complications, the size of the baby and MY frame...so unless he comes the next couple of days, I'll go in for an induction at 8pm on Thursday.  We're just praying he'll come on HIS OWN between now and then...or that when I go in for the induction, I'll be further along than where I am now.  I know the Lord knows EXACTLY when this little person is supposed to come into this world...just want it to be in His time. 

Peter's mom and dad came last Wednesday and we had a GREAT time visiting with them - they did so much for us around the house, at my school, and to prepare even more for the baby's arrival.  But still no baby...  They are flying back tonight and coming back when we give them the call.  They were so understanding about the whole thing; it put me at ease....although I STILL feel bad they came and I didn't have the baby!  

My parents surprised us and rang the doorbell last night.  Dad said he just couldn't sit around and wait any longer.  :)  It was a full house last night with Peter's parents, my parents, and Peter's cousin, Heather, who drove up from Wilmington to join in the fun.  But I loved having a full house and being with people I love...  :)

So my parents will be here for the next week and we'll be able to hang out and enjoying the last few days of no-baby.  

On a side note, my last day of school went really well - thank you for your prayers that day.  It WAS bittersweet and there were tears as I drove home that afternoon.  Can't believe this chapter has come to a close.  I'm still trying to process it all and wrap my mind around the whole thing...more thoughts to come when I'm able to better verbalize what I'm feeling... 

Thanks again for all the text messages, emails, and calls.  I have just felt SO loved the last week...

A Note From Kristin

Heath,

I can’t believe Baby VT will be here any day now!  Do you feel like the last six months have flown by?  I am so happy for you and Pete and I have to say that you are the cutest and happiest pregnant person I have ever known.

So since I don’t have much parenting advice of my own, I reached out to a few close friends who have been parents for at least a year to get some thoughts to share with you, and then added some commentary of my own – enjoy the beginning, the first few months are easy (comparably) – lots of feeding and diaper changes and sleep (unfortunately only for the baby, not you), always take care of yourself because happy momma = happy baby/family!  Or, as our hubbies like to say – happy wife = happy life!!  :)  Patience is key (which I know you already have a lot of, considering how good you are with all “your kids” at school), read lots of books, and lastly hug and kiss them as much as possible… little boys adore their mommies!  Oh and one more thing, continue date nights… they are so important!  You know we love kids, and especially yours, so if you ever need us, we’ll come down and babysit for you.

While at first I wasn’t thrilled about the decision to move to North Carolina, I’m so happy we did!  We made some amazing friends (including you and Pete) and James was right when he said, “I think you’ll really like Pete’s wife Heather – you guys will be great friends I’m sure of it.”  I consider myself very fortunate to have met such a great and genuine person and a really special friend.  I love that I can talk to you about anything and not even think twice, and I love that even though we may never live in the same state, I know we’ll always be in each other’s lives.  And now you’re going to be a mom and that little boy is so lucky.  He has no idea how lucky he is – he’s coming into such an amazing and loving family.  You are going to be great parents and we can’t wait to meet the little guy!

Love you lots and miss you!!

Kristin

Musings of How I'm Feeling..

Well, this is officially the first time that I've written on this new blog of mine.  My sister, Holly, has graciously taken over and has surprised me with so many wonderful and touching notes from so many people that I love.  I'm so thankful for her and her prodding to get this started...both my sisters are so creative and very verbal...I'm a little intimidated by writing down words myself.  But here goes...

I wanted to personally give you an update on how things are going (or NOT going) in the last few days. :)  As you can tell, I haven't had our little man yet, but I'm MORE than ready.  The nursery's ready, my house is clean and ready to go...and my last day of school (maybe forever?) is tomorrow.  I'm thinking that maybe my body will start to relax once school is over and everything there is taken care of.  Maybe THAT'S when he'll decide to come.... 

It's hard to believe that my last day of school is tomorrow.  It is so bittersweet and I'm sure there will be tears shed tomorrow by yours truly.  I have loved teaching and have loved the opportunity to invest in over 200 students' (can it be THAT MANY??) lives in the last 8 years.  There have definitely been rough days and difficult students, but there has been so many fun times.  Nothing can beat the joy of seeing my kiddos learn something new or see the pride in their faces when they see how much they've grown over a year's time.  I've gotten lots of hugs, lots of pats on my belly, and lots of words of wisdom in recent days.  So many of my co-workers have wanted me to stay home and enjoy these last few days of "solitude and freedom..."  But I think I've truly wanted to be in class and owe it to my kids to be there these last few days of school.  Most of my kids have come in every morning this week, looked around the room for me, and said "YES!  She's still here!"  It makes my decision a little easier. :)  But the reality of not teaching next year has started to sink in and I'm trying to soak in every last chance I have with them.   I'm not going to be "Mrs. Von Tobel" anymore...and although I WON'T miss hearing my name called 10,000 times during the day, I'll miss having my own classroom and being the "mother hen" of 25ish kids each year.  I'm so thankful that the Lord has given me this gift, this opportunity, and I pray that I have used it to His glory each year that He blessed me with another set of 25 little lives.

All this being said...I'm ready for this new chapter in life and excited about what it is going to bring.  I'm MORE than excited to see my little guy's face and to meet him for the first time.  To hold him in my arms and welcome him into the world.  Peter and I have SO much to learn, but I think we're up for the challenge.  :)  I think God has so much to teach us through this little guy and I'm looking forward to seeing how He's going to change me. 

I'm feeling fine...my legs have been tired after each day of teaching and he's running out of room (and kicking my ribs), but other than that, I'm feeling well.  Peter's parents are here and my parents are on-call to start driving after they get the call from us.  We're just WAITING...I know good things come to those who wait and God knows EXACTLY when he'll come...It's getting hard to be patient.  :) 

40 weeks...

I'll keep you all updated and can't wait to introduce him to all of you in the next couple of days...Thanks for your words, love, encouragement, wisdom, sweet gifts, and prayers over the last 9 months.  This baby has been loved and bathed in prayer more than he'll ever realize.  I have some amazing people in my life...and am so lucky.

 Love you all...
Heather :)

A Note From Allie...

Peter and Heather:

It is hard to believe that in days you will meet this little boy who has “cooked” inside for 9 months!!  It’s even more amazing to process that God created him and loves him more than you can imagine. This kind of love blows me away. His love is simply amazing!

I am confident that your hearts will be filled with awe and wonder in the days ahead.  I pray that in the whirlwind of parenthood, with each new twist and turn it brings, you have time to experience the wonder of Christ in it all.  Reflecting on how God relates to us like a parent to His children, even as you parent. Feeling the depth of love you have for a small helpless baby that cannot offer you much in return gives us a glimpse into the heart of God.  Yet, through it all knowing that your love for your little guy is but a poor reflection of God’s love for us.

Heather you have always had a beautiful Christ centered heart for loving and serving others. I remember a time when you were encouraging Renee and I through simple scriptural reminders around the apartment, drawing us back to Him and His simple truths!  I pray that He would overwhelm you with his love and presence in the weeks and months ahead.  Keep your eyes open for He will never cease to amaze you in how He shows His love for you.  Embrace it!

You will both be wonderful parents…
(love God first, then love one another, then this sweet boy…)

We love you and will continue to pray for you through this next step in the journey.

Adam and Allie
Girls too!  :) 

A Note From Renee

Heath,

12 years…that’s how long it’s been since you came into my life.  Can you believe it!?!? It seems like just yesterday we were getting to know one another in our dorm room during the freshman tennis weekend.  I remember leaving that weekend knowing that there was something special about Heather May and that I hoped that, just maybe, I would have someone like you as a friend during my time at Taylor (I also left that weekend extremely impressed with the secret to your adorable curls…the pink curlers… :).  Now, 12 years since that first rainy weekend together in Upland, we’ve had thousands of experiences and memories together…I thank God for you, my friend for life.

H, there is no question about it…you’re going to be an incredible mom.  Your little boy is going to be blessed daily by your sweet spirit, nurturing nature and ability to love and give of yourself no matter what.  As is your approach to most things in life, you’ve managed to make pregnancy seem so easy and enjoyable.  I’m sure you’ll be the same way with parenting.  Your little boy is so blessed to get to have you and Pete as his Mom and Dad. 

I am looking forward to walking this next phase of life alongside you (even if it has to be done thousands of miles apart via phone calls and e-mails) and continuing to grow and learn with you. 

I love you Heath!

Renee