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!!
All’s well that ends well! Welcome into this world Poppy…you cute little baby! ❤️❤️
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
Congratulations! She’s beautiful and I love her name!!
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.
Chills reading this. Beautiful baby and family! 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!
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.
Lucky parents! Lucky Poppy! Enjoy this special time with your family. You waited a long time for this.
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???
Congratulations on your new addition!! Welcome to the world Poppy! Glad to hear that you are happy and healthy at home!
Well you are calm over this and Poppy is beautiful so all worked out perfect. I too had a c- section right before a Xmas shopping time many a moon ago but felt good enough to go out and walk slowly. I know you and Poppy are just fine. What isThimas eating? Cooking for you? Best to all and God less. It will be fun times soon with so many crazy days of joy.
Awesome story, Gaby! Things never do go as planned. Had to have an emergency C with my first, which was not part of my plan, either, but all that mattered was getting her here safely and healthy! Congratulations again! Soak up every wonderful minute!
I had an unplanned c-section for my first (labored for 16 hours) but deep down – I always knew that would be the way it happened. Planned c-section for my 2nd and it was so much easier! Enjoy and take LOTS of photos!
So happy for you all! After it’s all done and everyone is safe and healthy an interesting birth story is always welcome!!
Well you are calm over this and Poppy is beautiful so all worked out perfect. I too had a c- section right before a Xmas shopping time many a moon ago but felt good enough to go out and walk slowly. I know you and Poppy are just fine. What is Thomas eating these days? Cooking for you? Best to all and God Bless. It will be fun times soon with so many crazy days of joy. You look estatic as Thomas too! Euphoria! Yes
Congratulations!!! I am so super excited for your new adventures! So happy she is healthy. I hope she gets lots of rolls on her!!! I love it when they are chunky!!! Continuing to pray for y’all!!
Wow! What a journey. I do love her name. Glad you are all well!
mt
Congrats on your sweet baby, girl! She looks just like you! <3
Congratulations on your growing family! I love Poppy’s name!
Fern
I LOVE your attitude! With my oldest daughter, the birth story was similar to yours. Except, my daughter had the cord wrapped around her neck!!! C-section immediately ❤️
Welcome to the world Poppy! Gaby and Thomas, I couldn’t be more thrilled for you as you embark on this new chapter in your lives. Thank you for sharing your family with all of us.
congrats…she is beautiful! xo
Congratulations you three!!! Poppy is adorable and I’m glad to read that you are healing well Gaby 🙂
Looking forward to more pictures nd yummy recipes!
So happy for all of you! Trust your instincts, Momma and Daddy, and let the games begin!
Congratulations!!! Where can I find these butterscotch chocolate caramel balls?
Trader Joes!
1st off, congrats on the new arrival! You mentioned the Butterscotch Chocolate Caramel Balls a few times, that I was drooling by the end. Disappointed to search your recipes & no where to be found. Nothing exists like that when I googled even. Please, oh please, share the recipe. TIA
Freezer section of trader joes!
Congratulations!!!
So very happy for you, Gaby and Thomas! Wishing your new family of three lots of love, good health and good eats ❤️
Thanks for sharing your story! I had an emergency C section with my first then a planned one with my second. Every story is unique and beautiful. And because I’ve only had c sections I don’t per when I laugh or jump bonus!
The 1 time you pack ahead of time… Is the 1 time you don’t need anything that you’ve packed. I feel like this proves you right to Thomas and Matt
YOU ARE NOT WRONG
Poppy is beautiful! Enjoy your now family of three ❤️
She’s adorable. Couldn’t be happier for you! Enjoy every moment of this little treasure!
Congratulations on your sweet addition to family. She’s beautiful.
One word of unsolicited advice – no photos of your baby girl on the internet. Best wishes to all and be safe.
She’s adorable. Congratulations to your family. Excited to watch her grow and eat all your wonderful meals.
Congratulations to you and Thomas. Thank you for sharing, and it’s amazing you were up and taking walks on day three. I knew it, it proves you are a SuperWoman!
things weren’t quite adding up….
But now it all makes sense and knowing the facts I’m so thankful that it all worked out and you and Poppy are doing well ;)))) I’m so very happy for the three of you and how nice it must be to have your mom and dad there now with you God bless you . Anxiously waiting for your return to us on Instagram I feel like I’ve been part of the family since March 13th when I found you❤❤
Congratulations!!! Being a momma is the best…even as your baby grows into an adult, each stage is awesome!!! EnJOY each moment, such a blessing to your family!!
Congratulations. Staying cool and calm all the way What a fab job you did!
Beautiful family. Congratulations! Absolutely LOVE the name! Story behind it?
Welcome, Poppy! Congratulations Mommy and Daddy. She’s beautiful!
Congratulations and welcome to the world Poppy! Glad everyone is healthy. Both of my girls were breech, refused to flip and ended up c-sections, and while not ideal, recovery wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected if I kept moving, rested when I needed to, and took meds as necessary. I like to think they knew what they wanted before they born, and those stubborn/assertive personalities have persisted.
Enjoy this slow time with your sweet little family.
So glad you are both ok.. from your cryptic clues I thought either breech or oligohydramnios…. you had both. Enjoy the ride of being a parent..
mamareinhold
Congratulations! I’m a college friend of your mom’s and imagine she is as over the moon as you are. Happy for all of you!
Welcome, Poppy James! And congratulations – you are going to be the BEST mom. xoxo from Austin 🙂
Congratulations! Cutest baby and name ever! My little (28 yrs old currently) first born was that exact size. I’m pretty small like you and bounced back to my starting weight right away. Get lots of rest and enjoy every minute as a party of 3! I’m really happy for you all!
Awww. She’s beautiful. Congratulations.
Congratulations! What a precious blessing for all of you!
Congratulations on the arrival of Poppy! She is so cute!
Best wishes to all three of you!
Linda in Sugar Land, TX
Congrats you two awesome parents! Don’t worry about your WGC family we will continue to make all your wonderful recipes. Take your time coming back to work. They grow up so darn fast! Xoxo
Welcome Poppy!