Erica Magdalein

My Birth Story: My due date was Saturday September 17 2011....

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:20:00 -0400

My Birth Story:

My due date was Saturday September 17 2011. Around 2:00pm on that day I started having small, irregular contractions. I went about my day as usual not thinking anything of it. That evening while a movie they started getting closer together so I started timing them. They were about 5 minutes apart but not very strong. I timed them for an hour and then decided to call the nurse on call to see what she thought. She said I could come into the hospital for a labor check if I wanted, but she suggested staying at home to labor. We decided to stay home and as soon as I started moving around they went away. We had gotten so excited to finally meet our little man and were disappointed that it was a false alarm.

Sunday morning when I woke up I had a bloody show. I got excited because I knew that was one sign of impending labor. We went about or day Saturday with my contractions being a little stronger but still irregular.

Monday morning September 19 I woke up to another bloody show with my contractions even stronger but still irregular. I knew my time was close and was starting to get impatient. The contractions were starting to be uncomfortable and annoying. I had been having contractions for 2 days now and was over it. Around 2pm they really picked up in intensity. I was having to stop and breath through them so I began to time them. They now had a pattern to them but were still far apart. I called Scott and told him that we were going to be going to the hospital that evening. He was at the grocery store picking up ingredients to make dinner. He rushed home in excitement and quickly made us dinner. My contractions were painful at that point so I wasnt able to eat a lot of dinner.

After cleaning up the kitchen I called the nurse again and told her my contractions were 5 minutes apart and had been for a few hours. She told us to come to the hospital. This was it! We were ecstatic!

On the way to the hospital we were happily calling all our family to tell them to meet us there because we were going to have a baby!

Upon arrival we learned that they were not going to automatically admit us but were going to observe me for a few hours to make sure I was actually in labor. They hooked me up to a contraction and fetal heart rate monitor and did an internal exam to see if I had dilated more since my last office visit. Much to my dismay I had made no progress in the last week and was still at 3cm. My contractions were pretty intense at that point and I was certain I had dilated more than that. They kept me for a hour and a half and then checked me again at which point I was 4cm. They called Dr. Greenhauld at home and he said I was not progressing fast enough and to send me home. I was devastated! Not only had all of our family arrived at the hospital by that point, but I now had to labor through the night at home with intense contractions and no medication. The nurse gave me Ambien to help me sleep and sent us on our way.

By the time we arrived home the Ambien was starting to take effect, and not in a good way. Instead of making me sleepy it made me hallucinate. I felt like I was tripping. I only remember bits and pieces of the next few hours but Scott said it was scary. I was saying and doing very weird things. He put me in the tub and realized I was completely helpless so he moved me to the bed. I slept for about 30 minutes until my contractions got so bad that I was waking up every few minutes moaning and crying in pain. A few hours later the pain was so bad I was on my hands and knees in the bathroom crying. Scott was completely helpless and had no idea what to do. He was worried for me so he called the hospital again to tell them what was going on. They tried to talk him into keeping me at home till the morning but he told them that wasn’t going to happen and we were on our way.

We arrived back at the hospital around 1:30am on September 20 for another labor check. I was now at 5cm and they were finally convinced I was in active labor since I wasn’t able to sleep through the contractions on the Ambien.

Around 2:30am they admitted me and wheeled me to my room. Finally! I immediately asked for an epidural and within 30 minutes I had it. What sweet relief! I could finally relax and get a little sleep. By that time our families had reassembled in the waiting room with the exception of mom, Ginny, and Brittany who hung out in the room with us.

At some point they gave me poticin to get me moving along faster. Around 8 or 9cm my epidural started wearing off on my left side. They tried everything but nothing worked. I could feel the contractions on my left side and was having to breath through them. They finally told me they were going to have to take the epidural out and put it back in in a different position. I braced myself for round 2 and quickly realized it wasn’t as bad as the first one. It didn’t hurt and within minutes it was working on both sides.

At 11am the nurse came in to casually check me and then started freaking out. She said I was 10cm and that his head was right there. It was finally time to push! The moment we had all been waiting for had arrived. We were going to get to meet our little man!

After pushing for 48 minutes Lucas King arrived in the world. They immediately put him on my chest and I started crying. Words cannot describe what I felt. The whole world went silent and it was just he and I. It went from chaotic and loud to calm and peaceful the moment I touched him. I was relieved that he was healthy, but more than that I was in love. I felt an overwhelming sense of unconditional love for this human that belonged to me. I wanted to protect and nurture him and never put him down. He was absolutely beautiful and perfect. To finally hold what you have been growing for 9 months is so rewarding.

Lucas King Magdalein was born on September 20 2011 at 11:48. He weighed 6lb 14oz and was 19 inches long.

My world felt a bit shaken earlier this year with the news of my...

Tue, 10 May 2011 23:28:00 -0400

My world felt a bit shaken earlier this year with the news of my pregnancy, but was quickly rebuilt. It was rebuilt on a new and different foundation. One that I had not asked for or anticipated, but one that I wouldn’t change for the world. Our family of two had suddenly become a family of 3.

I am now 21 weeks and filled with so much joy and happiness that sometimes its hard to contain. We are having a boy…Lucas King. The name was easy to pick out because we always knew that if we ever had a boy his name would be Lucas.

The first time I felt him kick I fell in love. Scott and I were walking back from the gym and I felt a little thud. I brushed it off because I was only 13 weeks. Then I felt it again….and again. I stopped dead in my tracks and exclaimed to Scott what was happening. He pressed his hand hard to my abdomen and felt it too. I walked back to the house in a dream-like state and then flopped down on the couch. I don’t remember how long I laid there, hands on belly, with a huge grin on my face. It could have been minutes or hours. I was treasuring each small thud I felt and my pregnancy suddenly became real.

I now feel him move constantly. The movements are much stronger and if you look closely you can see them. It still sends a huge grin to my face when I feel our baby rolling and kicking. Its the most amazing feeling that Im sure will never get old. There is a life inside me.

My bump is definitely noticeable now and I proudly rub it when people comment on how beautiful it is. Its a fun accessory that I get to add to every outfit.

I feel great. My only complaints up to this point are occasional lower back and hip pain when I sleep, fatigue, and upper back and rib pain in the evenings. I have had no nauseousness, thank God. I have been blessed with good health so far.

Scott has been amazing. He has been my support and rock. It melts my heart when he talks to Lucas. When he wakes me up the morning by burying his head under the covers and singing to him, I am reminded just how blessed I am. Im so in love with both of my boys.

The story has begun…

We Are Going to Have a Baby!

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:14:00 -0500

As most of you know Scott and I have debated whether we wanted to have children or not. At first we were on the 5 year plan. It seemed as if we blinked twice and year 5 was upon us so we reevaluated our plan and decided on 10 years. At that point we would adopt an older kid.

Our plans are not His plans. On January 10 2011 I found out I was pregnant. It was obviously a huge surprise because we were trying to prevent getting pregnant. Im not going to go into details but the timing for this child couldn’t have been any better. God obviously knew what He was doing by creating this life in me. I can look back now and say its Gods perfect timing and we desperately needed it. I praise God that He is wiser than me and has our best interest in mind.

Its amazing how quickly your feelings change about children when you find out you are having one of your own. I went from complete and utter shock to joyfulness. I immediately had a overwhelming feeling of wanting to protect and nurture this child growing in me. I would be devastated if something happened to it and would probably try for another one.

The way I found out I was with child is not the fairy tale story I always imagined. Its the complete opposite:

It was January 10th and I woke up to a disaster. My email and Facebook had been hacked during the middle of the night. The hacker erased everything in my email including my contacts, which in turn erased all the numbers in my phone. I spent 5 hours trying to recover the information and change my passwords to all my online accounts. To make matters worse, Scott had left for Oklahoma the day before and wouldn’t be back till Thursday night. I was all alone trying to deal with the mess that the hacker left. I was suppost to be at work at 10 but my boss was understanding and allowed me to come in late after I had delt with the mess I was in.

In the back of my mind that entire morning was the fact that I should have started my period a few days ago (if my calculations were correct). I had been late plenty of times before. I would always take a test, see the negative line, breathe a sign of relief and patiently wait till mother nature finally decided to show up.

I needed one less thing to worry about that day so on my way to work I ran by Walgreens and grabbed a test. I knew there was no way on earth I could be pregnant, and I just needed to see the negative line to put my mind at ease so I could focus at work.

I waltzed into work 3 hours late and immediately headed for the bathroom, stick in hand. I did my thing, washed my hands and then looked at it. OH MY GOSH! No, dear Lord this has got be a mistake!! I went into a mild panic state and said rather loudly, “Are you freaking kidding me?!”

I stormed out of the bathroom in a zombie like trance and made a bee line for my car. My boss tried talking to me on my way out, but I blew him off and mumbled something unintelligent about being back soon. As soon as I got in the car I started sobbing and hyperventilating. I immediately called Scott in Oklahoma and broke the news to him. His first response was, “Erica, breath!” We were both in shock, but he quickly transitioned into husband mode and tried to talk me through it saying things like we are going to get through this. His words helped calm me down and soon I was able to think straight. I apologized for taking the test while he was in Oklahoma and explained that I didn’t actually think I was pregnant which is why I took it when I did. He tried to make earlier flight arrangements back to Jacksonville but nothing was available and he ended up having to stay till Thursday.

It was so hard having to keep the secret from my family all that week. I wanted to tell them, but also wanted to Scott to be there. Our reunion was one of the sweetest we had ever had. I jumped in his arms and we hugged for the longest time. We spent that night talking of the future and he would lean down randomly and kiss my belly and talk to our child. It was a memory I will cherish forever.

Tonight Scott and I went to Celebration Church to hear Craig...

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:09:00 -0400

Tonight Scott and I went to Celebration Church to hear Craig Groeschel (the pastor of LifeChurch.tv) speak. Before the service started we were speaking with John Wyatt, who is the Families Pastor at Celebration. He and Scott were talking about what it is like for Scott to be on staff at LifeChurch.tv and work remote.

At the end of their conversation John asked us if we want to say hello to Craig. Of course we said yes and I started getting giddy because I had never had the chance to meet him before.

John ushered us through a side door, down a hallway, and through an inconspicuous door guarded by an intimidating looking man. When I walked through the door I saw Craig sitting on a couch by himself surrounded by tables with tons of untouched food, and talking to 3 people I didn’t recognize.

As soon as Craig saw us he immediately recognized Scott because they had had lunch together once before. (I know what your thinking. Scott has worked for LifeChurch.tv for 7 months and has only met his pastor one time? When you are the second largest church in America and have 300 people on staff, it’s pretty hard for the pastor to meet everyone.)

Scott introduced me and I think I said something along the lines of what an honor it was to meet him. Honestly, I was a little star struck and don’t remember exactly what I said. The three of us sat on the couch and talked for about 5 minutes while I concentrated on keeping my jaw off the floor.

Craig was extremely friendly and warm and made me feel at ease. He ended up asking me what I did for a living and I told him I was training to be a scuba diving instructor. He was intrigued and I was able to explain to him a little about the process. Craig then gave us his latest book “The Christian Atheist” and told us to come back after the service to meet his wife and kids.

About that time, Stovall Weems walked in the room and we were introduced to him. We chatted with he and Craig for a few more minutes until the service started.

After the service, Scott and I attempted to make our way back to the green room by ourselves, but as we were walking through the side door a large man grabbed Scott’s arm and asked us where we are going. We said we were going to talk to Craig and he said he couldn’t allow that. Scott explained to him that he is on staff at LifeChurch.tv and we had an invitation by Craig himself. He smiled and said, “In that case…” and escorted us back to the green room.

Craig introduced us to his wife and 4 of his 6 kids and then pointed to me and exclaims, “She scuba dives for a living!” We offered to take he and his family out to dinner, but they declined saying that they already had dinner plans with the Stovall and his wife.

Oh well….we tried.

Here is the latest update on my Scuba Diving Instructor...

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:20:15 -0500

Here is the latest update on my Scuba Diving Instructor training. I am now working on my Divemaster certification. This Saturday I am going to be doing the water skills and stamina portion of the test. This requires:

Swim 400 meters/yards without stopping using no swimming aids and using any stroke or combination of strokes desired.
Using no aids and wearing only a swimsuit, the candidate will stay afloat by treading water, drown proofing, bobbing or floating for 15 minutes, with hands (not arms) out of the water during the last 2 minutes.
Using a mask, fins, snorkel and swimsuit only (no BCD or flotation aids) and swimming with the face in the water, the candidate must swim nonstop for 800 meters / yards.
Wearing full scuba equipment, the candidate must push or tow an inert diver in full scuba at the surface 100 meters/yards nonstop without assistance.

All 4 skills are timed and you are awarded higher points for the faster you finish each swim. I don’t think I will have a problem with it since I used to be on the swim team and have been taught the proper stroke techniques.

Here is a list of the other requirements.

Dive Master Course prerequisites:

Be a certified PADI Rescue Diver or have an equivalent rating. (If equivalent candidate must submit proof of CPR and first aid training within the past 24 months.)
Have completed and logged at least 20 dives as documented by the individual’s personal logbook. Note: at least 60 dives are required to complete the program.
Be at least 18 years old at the start of training.
Submit medical clearance for diving signed by a physician, attesting to fitness to dive.

Course Requirements

Experience:

The candidate must have completed and logged at least 60 dives as documented by the individual’s personal logbook. These dives must include experience in night diving, deep diving and underwater navigation. We stipulate the minimum of 60 dives but the internship approach will ensure approximately 100 dives for the student.

Knowledge Development:

Candidates must read the PADI Dive-master Manual and complete all the Knowledge Reviews
There are eight exams:
- Physics.
- Physiology and First Aid.
- Equipment.
- Decompression Theory and the RDP (Recreation Dive Planner)
- Dive Skills and the Environment.
- Supervising Activities for Certified Divers.
- Supervising Student Divers in Training.
- PADI Divemaster Conducted Programs.

Each dive master candidate must complete an Emergency Assistance Plan. This is essentially an emergency plan for evacuation and assistance in the unlikely event of a diving accident.
Rescue Assessment:

Candidates must perform a simulated rescue of an unresponsive, non-breathing diver. The exercise is pass/fail, but the candidate’s performance must be of demonstration quality. Being a divemaster in training you’ll be assisting with many rescue diver courses ensuring that your skills are sharp and honed.
Required Training Exercises:
Mapping Project.
Dive Skill circuit.
Equipment Exchange. (Exchanging full equipment whilst buddy breathing at about 5 meters in depth - character building)
Divemaster Conducted Program.

Once I am finished with all those things I have to do an internship. Pretty intense, huh?

27th Birthday

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:00 -0500

I cannot believe that my Birthday is exactly one month away. At the risk of sounding pretentious I have created a birthday wish list. Click here to view it.

A snapshot of our weekend diving in West Palm (02/20/10)

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:17:00 -0500

A snapshot of our weekend diving in West Palm (02/20/10)

Rescue Diver

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:13:00 -0500

Yesterday I ventured south to Crystal River, FL to finish up the open water portion of my Rescue Diving Certification. Dad decided to tag along with Dave (my dive instructor) and I and we all made the 2 1/2 hour drive together. We met a friend, Gary, down there and took his pontoon boat to 3 Sisters Springs which is a refugee for manatees. This time of year is mating season for them and there were literally hundreds of mom’s and calf’s! We were not able to go more than idle speed and even then we were constantly dodging them.

Before we dove we spent about an hour snorkeling and enjoying the manatees. It was my first experience swimming with them and it was amazing. The river was about a quarter of a mile wide, 10 feet deep, and there were hundreds of them congregating in one area. It was crowded to say the least. I kept bumping into them as I swam and vice versa. I cant tell you how many times I was hit by one of their massive tails. The best part was when we stood in waist deep water they came to us and wanted to be scratched. One even rolled over and let me scratch his belly. Dad got tired and sat down thinking it was a rock, but when it moved realized he was sitting on a manatee.

After we played with the gentle giants we donned our scuba gear and I did rescue scenarios with Dave. The area we moved to to do the scenarios had zero visibility which made it extremely difficult. I was literally feeling my way along the bottom trying to find Dave who was acting like a lost diver in distress. Once I found him and brought him to the surface it was much easier to tow him to the boat.

The good news is I passed! I am now working toward becoming a Divemaster which should take a few weeks but I will continue to keep you updated.

Dream

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:23:00 -0500

I am blogging this upon Scott’s request.

Last night must have been the night of weird dreams. Boyd was just over here and he was saying how he had one of those dreams were he was bawling the whole time. He woke up in a bad mood that he just couldn’t shake. When he left I told Scott that I had a bad dream as well. Here’s how the conversation went:

me: I had a dream that I was trapped in a air duct and this scary guy was crawling toward me. He could make the floor spark with his fingertips and he looked like he wanted to eat me alive.

Scott: How did you get in there?

me: Denzel Washington led me in there!

You know what put me in the worst mood when I woke up? It wasn’t the fact that I had just had a nightmare. It was the fact that before last night I was under the impression that Denzel was a nice guy! He completely sold me out in my dream. I have always liked Denzel for his conservative values and somewhat Christian world view but not anymore. I will never forget what he did to me…in my dream.

Well, hello stranger

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0500

Last week I had an adventure and took a road trip by myself. The trip had a purpose, to get my Advanced Open Water Dive Certification, but it was a solo trip non-the-less. I was a little apprehensive at first since I had never done anything like it in my life. But you know what? I had a blast! I was trying to put my finger on why I had such a fun time, and as I was reading a magazine article it donned on me what it was.

Strangers.

I was surrounded by strangers the whole time! Naturally, I am curious person. I love learning and exploring new things, and strangers are uncharted territory. My life had become a comfortable routine which didn’t leave room to meet new people. This trip forced me to interact with strangers. As I was driving down I-95 I wanted to lean out of my window and yell to the cars next to me, “Where are you going? Why? What are going to do when you get there?” I would see a small car crammed with stuff sporting a Quebec license plate and would make up a story about that person with the clues I gathered. She is from Canada and she is chasing her ex-boyfriend down south to tell him she loves him and wants him back.

Over the next 3 days I made acquaintances with countless people. I enjoyed talking to the clerk in the hotel lobby and learning about how she lived in Stuart her whole life and her sister runs a Sea Turtle rescue operation. She had amazing turtle rescue stories to tell and I wondered if the Sea Turtle I saw on my dive was alive because of the efforts of that lady’s sister. The guy at the Chili’s bar had an intriguing story about how he works on boats for a living. I was mesmerized by the couple on my dive boat who gave up their life in NY and moved to the keys to do what they love…dive. The pictures of their dive experiences were fascinating and inspiring. It’s amazing that you can learn so much from people in such a short period of time.

Then there was Donna, my dive instructor. She started off as a stranger but after 2 days of hanging out she was my new BFF. We had a fun time together and I was blown away by her story. I hope to see her again in order to share my ultimate story of finding life and joy in Jesus Christ.

When I got home Scott and I went on a lunch date and we had so much to tell each other. When I’d left for the trip we had become the ultra comfortable couple who always did things together. Now we were both telling stories-me of the strangers I’d met, the experiences I had; him about his adventures with his job. I had no idea how his stories would end and he had no idea how mine would. It was like we had become strangers again and that was fun!

New Things

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:50:00 -0500

Some of you may have heard by now that I am working toward getting my scuba instructor certification. This should take a few months, but once I am done I am hoping to make this my new career. I am so excited about this new journey in life! I will be two thing that I love: traveling and diving. For instance, I will be taking a road trip by myself to south Florida this weekend to get my Advanced Open Water Certification. I have never done this before but the independence of it all excites me. I will have time to think, pray, and relax with no interruptions. I may even go out to eat by myself…gasp! I have a feeling that this new career will introduce me many new experiences and firsts in life, and I cant wait! I am hoping to document my experiences on this blog through pictures and writing so keep checking back often.

84 Years

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:12:00 -0500

(written on January 7)

Tonight I was with my precious Papa as he took his last breath. After living an incredible life the Lord decided to call him home on January 7th 2010. He was surrounded by his wife of 64 years, 3 children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. We were all there holding his hands, stroking his face, and whispering words of hope. It was a peaceful and pain-free moment when his spirit left his body, and afterward we sang Amazing Grace. I will always remember that moment as long as I live. We were able to celebrate because we know that he is in heaven having the time of his life. As soon as his spirit left his body he was being ushered through the gates of heaven by a heavenly host of angels. He was an amazing man of God who lived by example. He loved his wife and family unconditionally and was a role model to us all. He taught us the value of hard work and the importance of laughter. He always had a humorous story to tell or a birthday card to twist in own words.

It’s unfortunate, but sometimes it takes a tragedy to remind you what is really important in life.

Papa, I will miss you dearly but until I’m with you I’ll carry on.

Merry Christmas!

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:22:01 -0500

I hope everyone is having a fantastic Holiday Season. This year has been wonderful and The Lord has blessed me beyond what I deserve.

Last night we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family and it was bitter sweet. Papa is in the hospital and it was the first time he has not been with us. It definitely was not the same without him, and we all missed him dearly. We did have an special time of prayer/reminiscing for him and it was one of the most special times we have had together as a family. We laughed and cried all grew closer to each other. I love my family so much!

Christmas Wish List

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:04:01 -0500

here it is

I came across this little guy on Anthro’s website and I...

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:06:48 -0400

I came across this little guy on Anthro’s website and I immediately fell in love. He is so cute that I want to squeeze his head off! I have not seen it in the store and I am not quite sure what you would do with it but I still want him.

He is so precious.

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:11:36 -0400

He is so precious.

I love the fact that Anthropologie has a ton of Scottish Terrier...

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:35:00 -0400

Scottie Romper

jacket has orange print Scottie lining

I love the fact that Anthropologie has a ton of Scottish Terrier items for sale. I want to buy them all but that would break the bank, and also classify me as the crazy dog lady. There is also a Scottie dish towel but I couldn’t find a picture on the website.

Anthropologie, I knew liked you for a reason!!!

Christmas

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:32:00 -0400

As crazy as it seems, you can’t deny the fact that Christmas is right around the corner. Its never to early to start thinking about what you want. Click here to view my wish list. Keep checking back periodically because I will be adding and deleting items.

Hubby

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:32:29 -0400

I would like to take a second to brag on my husband. I am one proud wife for many reasons but I will only name a few.

1. I love his ambition and drive, which has led him to this new Lifechurch job. Not only did he strive for the seemingly unreachable, but he is doing an amazing job so far.

2. He is serious about getting healthier by working out and eating right. I know he can do it…

Free tube of mascara!!! I just went and got mine and it was so...

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:12:12 -0400

Free tube of mascara!!! I just went and got mine and it was so easy to do.

Starting today September 15, 2009, bring the October 2009 cover of Seventeen or a printout of the seventeen.com home page to any participating ULTA store to receive a full-size tube of Benefit BADgal Blue Mascara (approximate retail value: $19). One per person. Giveaway ends October 19, 2009, or while supplies last. Once all mascaras are distributed, there will be no substitute product given away. If I were you, I would be there the first day of the giveaway. I’m betting these will go superfast.