Haley- 1 month

Sorry I haven't updated in a while, but I'm sure those who follow this are used to it by now. Obviously, I have a lot on my hands these days with a lovely little girl in my life! She is relatively easy to care for- only cries when she is hungry- and she is developing well! At her last pediatrician appt. she had gained 1 lb 6 ounces, now weighing in at 7 lbs 10 ounces. I was so proud! However, that was a week and a half ago and I'm sure she is around 8 lbs or more at this point. She is starting to grow out of her newborn sleepers and no longer needs the small head support in her car seat. Although these are minor things to others, they are big steps to me! Right now, I can tell she is trying to smile everyday, its a joy to watch. She is definitely finding her voice and is her happiest in the morning when she is well rested. She sleeps pretty well, as well as a 1 month baby can. She sometimes feeds every 3 hours, and every once in a while surprises me by sleeping through a feeding (those are good nights!). But regardless, its always a pleasure to see her smiling eager face at any time, day or night. She just lights up my world.

My maternity leave has been wonderful, but its soon coming to a close in a week and a half. I'm not sure that I'm prepared to go back to work, but I'm becoming a little too comfortable at home and if I stay too much longer, I might never go back! But staying at home isn't for me. I will miss her more than anything when I go back, but will appreciate the time I have with her even more.

Right now, Haley is doing wonderful holding her head up. She is not quite at full support, but I am continually amazed how well her tummy time sessions are paying off. Almost there! Recently, projectile vomiting all over mommy has been one of her favorite things; I often brace myself everytime I see a little spit up. When I go out, I not only bring a change of clothes for her, but myself as well! She is gazing at objects much more willingly than before, and sometimes even follows them when I move it back and forth. She LOVES her car seat. I'm not sure anything else puts her out more than a good car ride. Its great because no matter where we take her, she is out like a light so we can get a lot done when we actually go out. She likes to grab things. She is already grabbing my hair or shirt when I lay her down. The dogs have been great since day 1 and Haley really enjoys them. She loves to stare at Joey when he comes to lay next to her- which is often!



Here are some new photos to share of Haley. I'll be sure to update you on daily milestones and photos. Enjoy!

And Baby Makes Three!

Welcome to the world, Haley June!





I feel awful that I am just now updating my blog, although most of you have probably heard by now or received an update that Haley was officially born on February 18th, after a very successful inducement. There were many times in the days leading up to that date that I felt she would come, but my body was just crying wolf unfortunately.

On the morning of the 18th, Ian, my mother, and I arrived bright and early at Boone Hospital Center. When we arrived, we were informed there were several inducements taking place that morning, but we seemed to be one of the first to arrive that morning, so I was hooked up to my IV and monitors quite fast. By 7:30 am, I was receiving my Pitocin and my doctor broke my water (a very interesting experience I'll just say). At that time, I was almost 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced. I had already been having contractions before we came to the hospital and when they hooked me up to the monitor, I could see the numbers going up (before I ever got pitocin), but they only reached 70 or so, not 130 like most contractions. However, this had been going on for over a week now and if anything, Haley was more ready to get here than not! So contractions kicked in immediately after 7:30 am and I began to progress at about 1 cm ever two hours to so. I did my best to get through the contractions on my own, but by 10:30 am, I politely asked to get my epidural. I was on a short waiting list and received some medicine through my IV to take the edge off, and boy, did that do wonders!!

After recieving my epidural, I felt GREAT. However, about half an hour in, I noticed the contractions began feeling super intense again, and I knew that couldn't be normal. It seemed I didn't get a high enough dose to start off with, so the anestheiologist gave me a higher dose and I started feeling pretty good again. I was still having some trouble with pain on my left side so they moved me onto my side to help, which it did. I actually ended up taking a nap. At that time I was 6cm dilated and it felt like things were stalling a bit. Ian and my mother started to get antsy. My nap lasted for about 2 hours. When I woke up, I noticed feeling abnormal "down there." Everytime I had a contractions, I strangly felt like I might need to push, and I nonchalantly mentioned this to Ian. Not even a minute afterward, my doctor checked on me and good thing she did! I was 10 cm dilated and at 2 station! Haley was on her way out and wasn't waiting around!! I had not even had a chance to digest this before I began throwing up. Was I really about to see my daughter?!? I couldn't even believe it. And after about 10-15 minutes of pushing(with an episiotomy throw in there, ouch), she was here in all of her glory! What a beautiful baby! All of the sleepless nights, acid reflux, and emotional breakdowns proved to be worth it after all. I would not trade that moment for anything.

Now the three of us have been home for almost two weeks and things are better that I ever could have imagined! Haley is truly a wonderful baby. She feeds regularly with no problems, and has been since day 1. Breastfeeding is better than I imagined it would be. It gives me time to stare at her all day and listen to her little coos. She is a master burper too! :) She also sleeps A LOT. What else do newborns do, right? Her mornings were mixed up with her nights for a few days, but she is getting better. She rarely cries, almost to the point that I feel spoiled. She makes it pretty easy to be a mom. She does NOT like baths, but I think that will change when her cord falls off. Crying or not, she is the most amazing little thing I've ever laid eyes on and I can't believe she is ours. I love to put my finger in her hands and feel her clench them. I love to stare at her ever changing facial expressions. I love the little noises she makes when she is hungry. And dressing her in her clothes gives me such satisfaction! She is so darn cute no matter what I put her in!

I still can't believe I have another month to do nothing but focus on her- no other vacation could ever beat this!

Here are some pictures to leave you with of Haley's first few weeks:










I will try to update the blog with more pictures and updates on Haley's growth very soon!

Wishing and Hoping

Patience is a virtue. One, unfortunately, I don’t possess. If I could describe the word “torture,” this weekend would probably be a pretty good example.

I had my 38 week appointment last Thursday, not to mention my last until the inducement date. The night before I had several contractions, to the point that I was timing them to see how long they were lasting. They were about 10 minutes apart for the most part, sometimes reaching 8 minutes, but then stretching back out to 15-20 minutes again. I called Labor and Delivery at Boone, just for some piece of mind, and of course they told me I shouldn’t come in until they were closer together. Okay, I can accept that. Better luck next time, maybe. So at my doctor appointment, I found out I was now 75% effaced, which seemed to be a result of the contractions I had experienced prior. Well, at least it all wasn’t for nothing. Then Dr. Welch made the offer of “stripping my membranes” in an effort to move labor along. It doesn’t necessarily work all the time, but if your body is ready, it certainly can kick start things. So I accepted her offer with fervor and hoped something would happen. She said I had to promise if I went into labor, it would be before the weekend (she had a wedding to attend). I said I would certainly do my best!

So the next morning, I wake up and realize I lost my mucous plug. Didn’t realize it at the time, but once I did, I thought “wow, this could be it!” Once I told my mother, she was on her way down to Columbia. She had not planned to come until Tuesday night, but was convinced all signs were pointing to Haley’s entrance into this world. Cause when it happened to her, she went into labor that day. Like mother, like daughter, right?!?! If only…

Today is Monday, and I feel like a failure. I am at work, as no one would have predicted. I’ve had contractions consistently since Wednesday, and nothing as a result of it. I swear, if my body is not somewhat prepared for my inducement date after all I have been through to that point, I will scream bloody murder. I cannot even sleep in my own bed anymore. I had to sleep on a recliner because my back pains were so intense and I couldn’t figure out if it was back labor, not to mention I was still having contractions about ten minutes apart that kept me up a majority of the night before I was able to get some rest.

I know this will all be worth it come Wednesday morning, but I am holding on by a tiny little thread. Can these next few days fly by…please????????

The Countdown Begins!

10 more days. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! It was only a few days ago that I felt she would never get here. Then overnight, I suddenly realized the time left is quite short. Though at this point she can come at any time now, I have a sneaking suspicion she is pretty content in there and has no plans to arrive until we make her! My inducement is scheduled bright and early at 6 am on 18th, so I am pretty much planning everything around that day. Not to say that I still don't grow impatient. As Ian and I sit on the couch on this very lazy Sunday, I just want her to be with us so bad. So does Ian. He is starting to get impatient too! That is reassuring to know; sometimes I wonder if he is fully prepared for all to come. I think he is. :)

So for those I don't talk to as frequently, at my 36 week appointment, my doctor checked me for the first time and to my delight, she said I was already 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. That is awesome news! But it got me so excited, I was for sure I had progressed more at my 37 week appt, right? Not so much. The baby's head had descended down but I had stayed the same otherwise. "I don't think she'll be coming this weekend" was what she had to say. Well, damn. And she was right obviously. Here I am, and still no baby. I do have contractions from time to time, but it is nothing too concerning. Everyone says I'll just "know" when the real ones get here, and only once have I had a contraction that was really painful, so I still am not quite sure what I'm in for.

People ask me if I'm scared for labor. Really, I don't know how to answer that question. To be perfectly honest, I sort of have this "anything goes" feeling to it. I am ready for whatever, and I'm not naive to know I will be in lots of pain, but I just have to go with it and depend on my husband and mother for the support I need to get through it. Can it be that simple? If not, oh well, but thats my attitude going into it. And getting the epidural is must. I have a pretty good pain threshold, but I know myself well, and doing the whole thing natural is just not in my game plan. And I'm not ashamed to admit that.

So its a countdown to the finish now. I am more excited than I've ever been. I can't wait to count her little toes, pinch her chubby cheeks, and kiss her face! Its going to be the best day of my life!!!

Baby Room is DONE!

YES! FINALLY!

Here are some pictures of Haley's wonderful abode.









well, now that the room is done and out of the way, Ian and I are getting the last minute necessities together before the little one gets here. I THINK we have everything, but can you ever be fully prepared? I am sure there is something I am missing, but I've decided that those holes can be filled down the road. I'm just fixated on her getting here now! And from the way my body has been acting, that could be sooner than later. I am definitely having contractions of some way, shape, or form on a daily basis. Some are painful, some are not. Some are long, some are short. But the main thing is they aren't consistent. And I don't want her to come yet anyway! I won't be 36 weeks until Thursday. Then, I will have my 36 week checkup and a better idea of whats going on, as I'll start having weekly visits and the doctor will check my cervix for signs. I sure would like to meet Haley sooner than later, but my doctor did at least give me great news at my last visit. No matter what, I will at least have her by the 18th of February if she has not come yet. This was for no medical reasons; I think she was a little concerned for my mental state though! At my last few visits, I've had nothing to say but how depressed and sick I am of being pregnant, and she truly felt my pain. To shave 8 days of torture and wait is a HUGE relief. Although I'd prefer not to be induced, I'm not going to be choosy! This at least gives me a clear date that I can go by to close things down at work, which is so helpful.

The days and nights are harder for me, definitely, but with the help of my husband, he really does make me see the big picture. What would I do without him???

Hope you like the room! I'll post any news come Thursday. I sure hope there is something to report- I'm getting antsy!!!

Happy 6th Anniversary to US!

January 4, 2009- Ian and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary! Seriously, where does the time go? Ian and I have been through many hardships that the average couple never have to experience in their lifetime, but it has never brought us down. IN fact, it only made us stronger (you know what they say). We just keep on plugging. I can truly say that life just gets better and better with him. No "itches" here!








I love you Ian and look forward to the rest of my life with you. We have much to look forward to!

34 weeks...in the homestretch

Time seems to be flying by and standing still, all at the same time. On January 2nd, I went into St. Louis to visit family and attend two baby showers in Haley's honor. These types of events are tough for me. I get really flushed when I am surrounded by such generosity from others. But I made it through, and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have such wonderful friends who came to show their love and support for me and lil Haley. It's a great feeling and words can't describe it. It really puts so much in perspective.

My first shower was held by my Aunt Vanessa. It was very low key, mostly family and some friends from my moms work- only 10 people or so. I got lots of great things, including my car seat and stroller from my lovely grandma, an umbrella stroller from my cousin, and from my Aunt -one of my favorites- a Baby Einstein Aquarium that plays water sounds and classical music in the crib while the baby sleeps! Perfect!

Can you tell I like orange??


My mother also surprised me with this totally cute blanket that she made- I had no idea! I absolutely love it. It has little doggies on it too- gotta represent her "brothers." :)


But, thats just a sampling. I got lots of clothes, toys and other items to get me started! I felt so blessed. Thank you for a wonderful day Vanessa!

On Sunday, shower #2. We had 22 of my great friends and neighbors over to partake in another shower, held by my sister and Julia Gold (along with help from my mother). It was overwhelming! Everything from the food, the friends, and just the love I felt for my unborn child, made me feel pretty special. I could begin to tell you how much great stuff I got, but it would take me forever! Here are some pictures instead:

My other pregger friends, Missy and Gina:


mmmmmmmm....food....


Got my baby bouncer! Whoo Hoo!


The coolest burp cloth EVER, compliments of my mother!


Baby clothes make me cry every time, it never fails!!!


Thanks again to Julia and my sister for a truly special day! Mom, you rock too!

So, this past Saturday, Ian and I went to our 8 hour birthing class. I'm going to waste a lot of time talking about how STUPID this class was, but I completely regret taking it. I could have been catching up on sleep and rest, but instead, I was learning about stuff that I already know through my books, while my poor husband was forced to watch birthing videos of strangers' lady parts- oh, the torture! Oh well- we took a few tidbits of information away from it, but thats 8 hours of my life I'm never getting back!

My mom and dad are finally bringing down the crib this weekend. Yeah! The room will finally pull together and I can start putting some pictures on the wall. I had an issue with the curtains though- one was shorter than the other(which I'm sure you can tell in the photo), so I am waiting on a replacement. I'll post more when all is finished, but here is a sneak peek:



Also, I got the cutest frame from Ian's grandma for Christmas (I love ladybugs) and thought I'd put my favorite ultrasound photo of Haley there. After all, that was the day that changed my life forever...


I have a doctors appointment this Friday, which will be helpful to see where I might be at this point in the pregnancy. I have been having more frequent contractions that are hurting more than what I'm used to, but obviously too infrequent to be considered the "real thing." Not to say I'm going to be having this baby sooner than I think, but it sure gets me wondering. I'll be sure to give everyone an update, should I be surprised with anything!