JOAN COLLINS BROWN

6 months ago I became a mom to a beautiful, happy and loving baby boy. His presence in our home has brought so much joy, laughter and peace. In the last 6 months, Rory has taught me so much about myself, my husband, what it truly means to be human and what to value in life. I'm currently at home, where I have spent the majority of the last 6 months. It is now, more than ever our safe haven. As I debated sharing Rory's birth story because of the vulnerability attached to such a special and private memory. I found my heart aching for those mamas out there trying to stay calm, positive and safe in our current pandemic. Remembering that 6 months ago I was in similar shoes. Bringing a baby into this world is already uncertain and scary and I can't imagine the struggle a lot of you might be going through. Before I had Rory, I read and watched several birth stories. It calmed me down while somewhat preparing for what might happen. So much of my pregnancy came with trails and uncertainty that I figured I wanted to mentally prepare for everything that might occur.  It has led me to open up to share my experience. Before I start, I want you to know that every story is different and special and this is mine. When everything could have gone wrong, it didn't.

... I was having my very last baby check-up when my OB highly suggested I be induced within the week. I wasn't in favor of being induced and anytime she suggested the idea in the past I brushed it off because I wanted to go through all the symptoms of labor naturally. However, I was going into my 40 weeks and my OB (who I REALLY, wanted to deliver my baby) wasn't going to be available into the following weekend. It was crunch time. So, before we left the office, we set a date (Thursday-September 19, 2019) to be induced with high hopes I would go into labor naturally before then. The week felt long and uncertain. I remember my stomach being in knots from nerves. I had a date with destiny and continual excitement and fear. I tried to naturally induce with all the usual suggestions but of course nothing worked. Thursday or D-DAY as I thought of it, came. Chase made all the arrangements at work to start his leave that Thursday and before heading home he picked us up a big dinner from my favorite local taco shop to enjoy before going to the hospital. They always suggest eating before hand because once you are there, they won't be able to eat per Doctors orders (Food will play a big part of my delivery so remember this). Before Chase made it home, I received a call from the hospital letting me know that there were no beds available for me at the time set for me. They would let me know. I had a feeling this would happen since it is pretty common. After the phone call, I battled with myself of what I should do. Was this a small sign I should wait to go into labor naturally? Chase came home, we ate dinner, the bags were packed, the house was clean and we were ready to head out the door. But by 8:00pm we still hadn't heard anything form the hospital. I called.. and called again. I'm sure I was annoying to the nurse on duty but I felt such uncertainty and I wanted to know if I was going to be given a bed that day. We went to bed but of course, I couldn't sleep with anticipation and at midnight the hospital called to let us we could go in. We looked at each other, got ready so quickly and by 1:00am we were the hospital ready to start our new life. I didn't realize the exhaustion and hunger I was going to feel in the hours to come. Once we checked in, I gave my nurses my birth plan, we called my parents and the rest of our family to let them know. We were exhausted and little did we know what a long day it was going to be. After we were all settled in, I had my cervix checked and I was surprised to find out I was dilated 2CM already. I was hooked up to the monitor and found out I was having contractions. The nurse on duty kept asking me if I was feeling anything but I wasn't. Around 3am or 5am (I can't recall) I was given Pitocin to speed up the labor. I remember being nervous, people had told me that once they received Pitocin, their contractions and pain increased drastically. However, I still wasn't feeling any contractions and if I was, they were extremely mild. The nurses also informed me the baby might be smaller than expected. Something that my Doctor never informed me of. I tried to not think of it because there was nothing I could do in the moment. All I knew was that my baby was fine and in that moment, I had one job.

My parents made it to the hospital and later in the morning my OBGYN came to check on me. I was so surprised because from others experiences, I heard the doctor doesn't come into the last minute to deliver the baby. I was so happy to see her. I love my OBGYN, she is so calming and brilliant and I knew I was in great hands.

By 10AM my OB had to break my water to get things moving along. When she did, they found stool from the baby. She informed me that the baby might have ate feces and told me to not be frightened if I didn't hear his cry when she delivered him.  Up until this point I was so calm. The day was going so smooth, I wasn't in any pain and I was moving along my contractions and dilating with great timing. But THIS. THIS scared me. What does she mean my baby won't cry or make a sound? My eyes instantly filled with tears because by this time, I was exhausted and hungry and one sign of bad news could really take a turn for the worse. I tried to hold it in until the doctor left. I looked at Chase who seemed shaken up by the news as well. Without hesitation, him and my dad gave me a blessing. To be honest, I don't know a single word he said but I remember feeling so much peace. It seemed like we all felt the spirit because when I looked up I saw my husband in tears as well as my parents.

The day kept moving along and I kept dilating and still no heavy contractions. I felt them but the best way to describe it were mild to sever period cramps. The day was going perfect, the room was calm and dimly lit, how I wanted. I had my family with me, supporting me and I felt in control. I used different techniques to move the labor along such as the peanut ball and moving side to side. I remembered to breathe and by 5pm I was fully dilated 10cm. At this point, things moved so quickly. The room was quiet Chase, my mom, nurse and OB were the only other people with me. It was time to push and I didn't realize how difficult this would be. Remember in the beginning of the story I told you food would come into play? That is because, when 5pm hit I hadn't ate anything in 24 hours. During my pregnancy, when I didn't eat, thats when I became so sick and this day was no different. I felt weak, hungry and tired and I was about to do the hardest thing of my life. I pushed for almost 2 hours. My mom held my head while Chase helped holding my legs and giving me words of encouragement. The hardest part for me was not having the urge to push. At every contraction I had to push the baby out. The OB suggested a mirror to be placed in front of me to motivate me by seeing the baby's head. However, this tool didn't help me and it was more discouraging. Everyone else could see him crowning and I couldn't really see the mirror. And I didn't want to look because I felt myself loosing focus.   I stayed so calm and relaxed during the entire time.   I remember pushing during a contraction and feeling every little pain. I remember the hunger and exhaustion. I remember seeing my mom and Chase helping me through. I remember thinking I couldn't do it.

On September 20, 2019 in an instant I remember becoming a mom. I remember hearing Rory's sweet cry of new life and holding his warm body for the first time. I remember seeing his eyes for the first time and saying how much they reminded me of Chase's. He was so perfect, I fell madly in love right away. I couldn't stop crying from pure joy. I felt everything so deeply. His life leaving my body, my love for Chase grow, my pain leaving and starting anew. It was incredible.

Much of the details are a blur. I know Chase cut his umbilical cord. I know I threw up from hunger right after, which I suspected might happen. I remember being stitched back up by my OB while Rory was being cleaned, weighed and measured. I remember still being hungry and I remember feeling so powerful.

They handed me Rory and I have never let go. I can't put into words all the emotions I felt finally holding our baby. He was real and healthy. We were so in love with this little human. A lifetime of wondering what our child would look like and he was here.  Once my OB stitched my tear, Rory was handed back to me. With the help of a nurse, I breastfed him right away. I was so surprised how natural it all felt. I didn't even feel in control, as if my body was navigating itself. I had no idea what I was doing, mentally but my body did.  Those moments were so sweet and passed by quickly. Before we were taken to a new room. Chase's parents stopped by and saved the day with Chick-fil-a. Rory got some shots and I walked to the bathroom to be given a lesson by a nurse on what to expect and do the first time I use the bathroom. There were so many steps to a simple trip to the bathroom. The pads, mesh underwear, and creams. We moved into our new room, everything felt more relaxed there. I couldn't move much because I was still hooked to an IV and sore. But when I finally made it to the bathroom to use it for the first time, I can remember my body being so different. flappy, sore and exhausted.  Using the bathroom for the first time, hurts and no one is going to tell you because they don't want to scare you. I tore. I'm sure its different for a lot of people but for me, it was more painful than child birth or equally the same. Its all a blur. What I do remember is not having any control of my bladder. By the time I realized I had to use the restroom, it was too late. Between the peeing and continual bleeding plus pains and aches I was needing so much help myself. But these feelings are also so minuscule when you compare the reward. I felt amazing and so happy.  Rory was such a sleepy baby from the start. Which lucky for us meant we got to sleep even for a few moments.  Those days in the hospital while you and baby are monitored just overlap each-other. 72 hours feel like one continual day. The morning after having Rory. My brother and parents came back to the hospital to visit us for sometime.  I was able to shower, which was scary because I felt so fragile. Using the bathroom was a complete ordeal. Cleaning myself with the peri-bottle, derma-blast and lotions + pads, ice packs and mesh panties to complete the process.  While my parents were with us we managed to get some family pictures with Rory, which I am so grateful for. I actually put on a little makeup and brushed out my very tangled hair. I looked like a completely different person and felt so much better.

I remember being in the hospital bed, Rory to the left of me and Chase sleeping in the sofa to my right. How remarkable 9 months + 24 hours can make. Everything that day could have gone wrong. Rory could have been too small, but he wasn't, Rory could have ate his stool but didn't, He could have suffocated because the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice. But he was absolutely safe. I am so thankful to every nurse and medical worker but especially my OBGYN. She supported me and protected us through it all. Everything turned out perfect. It was truly the most perfect day full of bliss. We appreciated our nurses and caregivers, the food service and all but we were so ready to leave the hospital. After giving brith to Rory Friday night, we left the hospital Sunday afternoon and started our new life as a family of three.

My husband, Chase, and I go to Walmart at least once a week for groceries or picking things up for our home. Since having Rory, its been so easy to swing over to Walmart and pick things up that he needs. However, since I am home most days, online shopping on Walmart.com has been my go to when getting ready for his arrival.  

Walmart's website makes it easy to shop for everything you'll need. They have a great selection of premium brands plus other brands you can only get with Walmart, such as Parent's Choice which is celebrating their 20th anniversary. My mom actually gifted me these wipes  for Rory and I instantly recognized the brand from all my years of shopping at Walmart. 

I'm really happy I get to share some of my favorites picks you can purchase in store or online. These are products we have used nonstop and love since having Rory. 

Even before you leave the hospital you'll figure out a newborn's life is based around 3 things you have to constantly do for them. You need to Feed them, Clean them and put them to Sleep. All the products I will mention help me do just that...

EATING: 

Making sure Rory is fed is my biggest concern at all times. He sleeps a lot, which is both a blessing and a curse. Although he does give us cues and signs of hunger we have to be on top of it. I started pumping at the hospital and realized I had a pretty good supply. Once I got home I needed to start pumping immediately. Not only because we wanted to start storing milk for the future, but I was also producing so much, I needed a form of release. I've been using The Spectra Pump and I love it. It's really easy to use. I'm able to pump from both sides at once and I appreciate the night light feature since I do pump in the middle of the night.  To store my milk I've been using the Kiinde Twist pouches and I'm loving how easy and simple it is to use. I really like all the tools you can use with the pouches. For example you could store it away or you could put a nibble and cover and use it right away after pumping as a bottle. Really functional and easy to use.  I've also been trying the Haakaa. This product was recommended to me by so many mommas. It's a manual breast-pump, but completely hands free. You suction the opposite breast while you are breastfeeding so excess is stored. This comes in handy when I'm leaking.

We have tried so many bottles, but at the moment the Dr. Browns baby bottles are my favorite because of the slow flow feature. The nipple on the bottle is also small enough for Rory and doesn't overwhelm him.  This Boon Grass drying mat has been so handy. We are constantly washing bottles and this has helped us keep our kitchen tidy and the bottles and other tools clean and safe for Rory. We also use this brush to make sure everything is cleaned properly.

The Boppy pillow has also been an excellent tool. Not only while I breastfeed but when Chase bottle feeds Rory as well. Once he gets a little bigger he can use it to help him sit. It also works great during tummy time.

CLEANING: 

We have this summer infant changing pad on his dresser and we love it because it's long and secure, but lightweight enough to move around the house. The first few days of Rory being home we spent in our living room as a family, so we kept the changing pad out there with us. It is also water proof so I'm never worried that it will be damaged. 

Okay we have tried so many brands of diapers already and have found the Honest Company diapers to be among the best. First, they are so darling. I think it is such a neat idea to have different prints on the diapers. Makes changing them a little easier ;)  I appreciate the Honest Company's efforts in making Eco-friendly and clean products that are also functional and excellent quality.

We have also tried a bunch of wipes and the brand we love at the moment is the Water Wipes. Rory had a little bit of a rash the other day and we needed to use something that wouldn't irritate him even more. The Water Wipes have really come in handy.  Speaking of Rash, we have been using Butt Paste and it seems it be working great.

We also have this portable changing station by Skip Hop. We have used it so much when we are outside the house. It is water proof plus it has compartments for anything else you'll need while changing. It's also so cute and comes in different prints. 

Rory loves bath time. We use this adorable Blooming Baby Bath Lotus and bath time has been a dream. It is so soft and I feel he is comfortable and secure while we wash him. I also can't say enough about Burt's Bees shampoo and wash. It smells so lovely and it puts me at ease to know the product doesn't have any harmful ingredients that could effect Rory's skin.

SLEEPING: 

When we were picking out Rory's crib we wanted to make sure it could grow with him and transition into a toddler bed. We added this mattress to the crib with this mattress protector and sheets.  In his room we also have the Hatch baby rest night light and sound machine. It is low profile, and simple to use. You just download the app to your phone and can control all the functions from there even when you aren't in the room.  Rory loves the sound of rain and lullabies.

*This article is sponsored by Walmart

WHERE WE STAYED: 

The Isla Bella Beach Resort is located on Marathon. If you have never visited the keys before and want to visit Key west I think this resort is a good distance in between. Marathon is less crowded and more laid back (if thats possible) than Key West. 

We were greeted before the gate by a gentlemen who was so sweet and helpful. He had our tag ready for our car so we can park on the property without a problem. Once the gates closed we realized how quiet and peaceful it was. The experience started right away, we were so impressed and hadn't even checked in yet. 

The moment you drive up to the building for the front desk you'll notice the beautiful and unique architecture. Every aspect of the resort is planned and laid out so methodically. I kept looking around for inspiration for our future home.

You should note when booking at the resort that every single room is facing the ocean. I've stayed at other hotels that do this and always think its genius. Its so nice knowing you'll have the best view without having to pay more for it. Speaking of rooms, there are so many features I really enjoyed. I loved our balcony (every room has one). I don't need to say how pleasant it is to step outside to a beautiful view. I also loved our bathroom! It was so spacious with his and hers sinks, a bath and stand alone shower, LOVED! LOVED! LOVED! They also carry Molton Brown products which are some of my favorites, we use Bobbi Brown body wash at home. Another thing to note about the bedroom are the TVs. I know you'll be on vacation and don't care much about whats on. But the TVs are able to connect to your smart phone and play any app you have such as Netflix. The TV also has maps and menus of the resort features. It made things so easy and simple to look up. 

As I previously mentioned the resort is packed full of activities and experiences. Both complimentary and for purchase. You can enjoy some time biking or kayaking. Or purchase an excursion out to sea for some fishing or diving. There was so much to choose from and we never had to leave the resort. 

The rooms gave me beach house vibes because of the wrap around porches and tones of white and wood.

The property is so beautiful from the ceiling to the floors. Every aspect is so carefully detailed. You'll catch yourself taking pictures nonstop.

WHAT WE DID: 

The Turtle Hospital:  We were between going to the Turtle Hospital or the Dolphin Research Centre. Ultimately, we picked the Turtle Hospital because it was so close to our resort. I figured we could go back to visit the Dolphin Centre when I wasn't pregnant and could experience swimming with the Dolphins.

Regardless, I am so happy we did visit the Turtle Hospital. We learned so much and saw so many turtles in the process of recovery. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release. Although I already try to do my part for the environment, it changed my outlook even more. The smallest of things, such as, stopping the public from littering could help these endangered species.

You can go on their website for more information but a few tips from me. Make sure to call ahead for an appointment. Our tour time was full and its seems like thats often the case. Bring water! Most of the tour is outside, and it is South Florida so chances are it'll be HOT!! like I mentioned its outside so wear sun screen. The price of admission is $25 for adults which might seem a little steep but all that money goes right back to saving the turtles.

The SPA:  Chase and I never go to the SPA. Usually when we are vacation we rather spend the time exploring or being more adventurous. However, I'm pregnant and it was our anniversary, we just wanted to relax and enjoy some peaceful time together.

We were so lucky, we visited the resort just days after the SPA officially opened to the public. I opted for a facial and Chase picked a massage.

The SPA at Isla Bella has a menu full of treatments you can choose from. It was actually hard picking just one thing because everything sounded like a dream. But the girls were so wonderful and tailor the experience to you and your needs.

Once we finished signing our forms. We were taken to the back to the locker rooms to change into our robes. I didn't take any photos of the locker room for privacy reasons for the other guest. But take my word. It is so lovely in there and just so peaceful. I was a little bummed because inside the locker room they have the most beautiful steam room and I couldn't use it. Chase did in the mens locker room and he said it was amazing.

Once we changed, we moved over to their Zen room. There were drinks and fruit laid out to eat while we wanted for our services to start.

My facial was incredible. My esthetician was lovely and made the experience so calming and peaceful. It felt like a facial massage and I left in a dazed because it was so tranquil, I didn't want it to end.

 Sea Fishing: Chase had the opportunity to go out deep sea fishing. The boat left early in the morning and returned back at noon. Which was more than enough time.  

Chase really enjoyed his captain. There was great music and made for a great environment. He had a neat experience while onboard because the other guest were kids from a nearby foster program. He loved watching how happy the experience made them. 

He didn't catch anything personally but they collectively reeled in a Tarpon and shark. 

WHERE WE ATE: 

Our first stop of the trip was to "No Name Pub" located in No Name Key. The restaurant is located in the middle of no where but it is a unique spot. Chase would come to eat here when he was younger and wanted to take me. Inside the restaurant the walls and ceiling are covered in money. People have been stapling money to the walls for years with their name on it to add to the growing collection. I have to say the food wasn't out of this word but it was fun to go.

We had the most delicious breakfast with the most amazing view right on the Isla Bella property.

Our favorite treat, Ice Cream. It was delicious and the perfect way to cool down on such a hot day. The Marketplace has the best treats!

For Dinner we went back to Il Postino. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and since breakfast was so delicious we had try their dinner menu. The Italian themed restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating looking out to the ocean and we arrived at the perfect time, just as the sun was setting. I recommend booking a reservation especially if you want our door seating because the restaurant was full for dinner.  (Not pictured) Delicious mussels we ordered as and appetizer. They were prepared in such a lovely white wine sauce that was perfect for dipping the complimentary bread in. I ordered Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp. Chase had the Grilled Mahi-Mahi.

For breakfast on our last day I had to go back to the Marketplace to pick up some pastries. They have such an assortment ranging from muffins to croissants and sandwiches, not to mention all sorts of drinks. The perfect combination of a cafe and souvenir shop.

On our way back home I asked Chase to stop at Robert Is Here. It is a local fruit stand and farm where they prepare the most delicious and filing fresh milkshakes and smoothies. This place is always busy so prepare for a wait but so worth it. The menu to choose from is extensive and hard to choose from because they have sorts of fruits. I went with a classic banana and strawberry and Chase tried Guanabana which is seasonal.