Hi Guys!!! Sorry for the semi-radio silence the last 2ish weeks! We brought a new member to the fam/team and it's been a whirlwind. Meet Poppy James Dawson - born at 6lbs, 3 ounces and she's 100% perfection and we are OBSESSED.
Before we get into her birth story - I just want to say thank you to everyone who emailed, texted, DM'ed tweeted etc with words of congratulations. We're so over the moon and also deliriously tired and feel so lucky that Poppy is coming into such an incredible family here with the What's Gaby Cooking community! It's been a looooong journey but here's what happened!
At my 30 week appointment (we didn't do an ultrasound because no need that week) things were looking GREAT. My OB felt her in my tummy and was confident that she was head down, butt up and just chilling. I left my appt, went home, ate some Butterscotch Chocolate Caramel Balls and went on my merry way
At my 37 week appointment we did an ultrasound and MUCH to our surprise... we discovered she was Frank Breech. That means she was head up, feet up with her cute little toes touching her forehead. My OB and the ultrasound tech measured my amniotic fluid and said, we could try and flip her the next week. I never had much of a birth plan, I think babies will come into this world however the heck they want, so I said ok... let's try and flip her next week. Back home I went to some more Butterscotch Chocolate Caramel Balls.
The following week I went in early in the week and my amniotic fluid levels were FINE. Not great but that's to be expected as you near the end of a pregnancy. My OB scheduled me to do the flip later that week with 1 more ultrasound to double check that my amniotic fluid levels were up to snuff for the actual flip. Low and behold... when I went in for that ultrasound my amniotic fluid levels had dropped even more and my OB (who I love very much) looked at me and said.... meet me at the hospital this afternoon... C-Section coming your way.
We had discussed the possibility of having a C-Section before if she didn't flip. It was never my first choice because the recovery time from the incision is longer and we all know I'm not very good at sitting still for any extended period of time... but there we were! Everything I had envisioned went right out the window. No laboring at home, no painful drive over the canyon to the hospital, etc. I mean... my hospital bag became mostly WORTHLESS because it was mostly things you need to recover from a vaginal birth. BUT to be honest, nothing mattered. I just wanted this baby to come out as safely as possible.
So, 2 weeks before Poppy was actually due, we rolled right into the hospital, delivered via C-section and Poppy James Dawson was born. Typically the doctors make you stay in the hospital for 3 nights with a C-Section but I'm happy to report we waltzed out of there after 2 nights so we could get home and settle into life with a newborn.
So now, here we are! A little party of 3! Healthy and happy and working on fattening up little baby Poppy. I was up and moving within 3 days and already back on the neighborhood walks daily. (moving is the BEST way to get that incision to heal so that's what we're doing!) Poppy is very excited to be part of the WGC world and I cannot wait to introduce her to avocados and all the other delicious things in the future!!
Also how do new moms manage to return phone calls, answer text messages and/or do laundry? THERE IS NO TIME!!
Congratulations on your new addition!! Welcome to the world Poppy! Glad to hear that you are happy and healthy at home!
What an adorable baby! Thanks for sharing your story. It’s always something in the life of a parent. Your can-do attitude will keep you sane!
Stay well, share more photos when you can and sleep when she sleeps!!
Oh - and now that we have seen your beautiful daughter, when’s the kitchen reveal???
Lucky parents! Lucky Poppy! Enjoy this special time with your family. You waited a long time for this.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and having no attachment to a birth plan! I also had to have a c section because I was out of amniotic fluid and carrying a 10lb baby and never dilated an inch. But you know you imagine how it should be and part of it felt like a failure on my part. Two kids later all is well. Get as much sleep as you can (although I know you want to stare at them all day). Its the best! So happy for you both and take all the time you need to rest. Trust me, its a long road and your fans will wait. But keep posting pics cause its so fun to see her! Congratulations.
We are all so happy you had a safe delivery and a beautiful new addition to your family. Life will never be the same as you probably already know. Thanks for sharing your story during this busy time. Looking forward to your return to IG live where Poppy will put in her 2 cents! Your first pictured showed how much Thomas was in love with her.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, but take your time!
Chills reading this. Beautiful baby and family! Congratulations!
Absolutely beautiful. I miss those days. But I’m also very thankful that I got to take care of my four-year-old granddaughter and my two-year-old grandson after they were born helping my daughter out. I babysit for them three days a week no charge. They used to work in the city on Mondays and Tuesdays New York City that is and now because of the pandemic they’re working from home. I watch them Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays the four-year-old is in daycare/preschool and comes home around 2:30 I get to hang out with my two-year-old grandson which is Great until the four-year-old comes home and then I have both of them.
continued success with the business and you are going to be great parents.
Diane.
Congratulations! She’s beautiful and I love her name!!
Welcome Poppy James! You are cute as can be and imagine a foodie in the making too!!
Congratulations Mom & Dad! Enjoy all the baby snuggles!
Seattle based fan,
Heidi
All’s well that ends well! Welcome into this world Poppy...you cute little baby! ❤️❤️
Beautiful story and so glad your OB was on it! Ms Poppy is definitely a beautiful addition to your fam!❤️
Happy for the WGC fam..we love her already and looking forward to you being back 100%.
Congratulations. Babies are such fun. Enjoy, love, laugh, dance and cry together. It is a blessed time in your lives.
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!!!
So happy for all of you! Congrats and welcome to the world Poppy! You are destined to be a “foody” and have a fabulous life! ❤️