Nellie Louise - 10 months

took her first trip to visit her cousins Megan and Michelle in Omaha 

while in Omaha, got to experience all the animals at the zoo

has 5 cute little chompers 

took a nasty fall from the kitchen counter that ended up with a trip to the ER but other than a few minor injuries she was O.K. - thankfully

still a roller, not a crawler

waved her first flag on the 4th of july

not a huge fan of the fireworks

experienced her first drive in movie - despicable me 3

loves playing with her daddy and big sis 

is sleeping in her crib now at night for most of the night but not sleeping through the night yet

says: dada, cat, and something that sounds a little bit like dog but dada and doooche are her most frequently spoken "words"

Nellie Louise - 9 months

this sweet chickadee gained a whopping 7 oz over the last month weighing in at 15.14 lbs

she is 28 inches long

prefers rolling to crawling 

but can officially sit up like a big girl 

has 4 pearly whites and quickly working on more

was dedicated to the Lord this past month alongside her big sister

nani came for another visit

helped us celebrate her sister's 6th birthday

cheered her daddy on during his 3rd 1/2 marathon

granny and grampy came to visit for a weekend

loves bubbles

took her first trip down the slide on her big sister's lap 

started sleeping in her crib for naps and is doing well so far

still sleeps in the co-sleeper at night though

 giggles the sweetest giggle while in the swing

Nellie Louise - 8 months old

 

weighs 15.7 lbs

one of her top teeth have finally broken through, now just waiting on the other one

gets around by rolling although has recently started testing out the crawling pose

had a uti this past month and it was awful, poor girl

still sleeps in the co-sleeper

can sit up on her own for the most part, still tumbles from time to time

enjoys getting out in the sunshine

tried some of my re-fried beans on Cinco De Mayo and ended up eating most of them herself

still is a less than ideal napper/sleeper

got to spend lots of time with her gramps during his visit

vocabulary still consists of mainly "da-da, ba-ba, pssst" and baby babble

loves to wrap her arm around my arm when we lay in bed together

Nellie Louise - 7 months old

 

weighs 14 lbs

she is working hard at cutting those top too teeth

battled her first cold

likes to roll and is always rolling off her play-mat

still practicing her sitting up skills

still co-sleep in our room

uses her voice often and started becoming very vocal in the middle of the night

says "da-da-da" and then all sorts of other baby babble

we started to practice some baby sign language and she gets a big smile on her face when I sign "milk"

naps are still touch and go with a few decent ones from time to time if I am lucky

wore her first pair of baby shoes, hand me downs from her big sis

started eating baby food

Nellie Louise - 6 months old

 

weighs 13.12 pounds and is in the 11th percentile 

is 26" in length and in the 60th percentile

still just a little peanut of a gal

she now has her two bottom pearly whites

still sleeps next to momma in the co-sleeper

has blessed me with a few decent naps lately

went to her first mardi gras party 

has the sweetest little giggle & is always laughing at her big sis

says "da-da-da-da"

enjoys playing with her baby toys

drools all the time

celebrated her first valentines day

met some of her extended family in Kansas

My sweet Nellie Belly, Nellie Bean, Peanut Pie, Little Bit ... you have so many fun nicknames that we like to call you! I can't believe you've been apart of our family for 6 months, it seems like it's gone by so quickly but at the same time it feels like you've always been with us. You bring so much light to our family sweet girl. Your smile makes my heart melt over and over again and I love how incredibly cuddly you are. You love your momma and you love to nurse and we have such a special bond, I want to hold onto every moment we have because you seem to change a little each day. But as the saying goes, "babies don't keep". Your big sister is head over heels for you and is always so concerned for you. You are the first person she wants to see in the morning and when you cry, she is always informing me of your needs, she says she understands all your baby babels and I am quite certain to some extent she may! She is great at entertaining you and is the best at getting you to laugh and she loves to pick out your clothes and splash with you in the bath. You definitely love you some Daddy time and he adores his precious girl, he is a great "girl dad", so you and your sister and certainly blessed. Happy 6 months to you my precious Nell, we love you so!

Nellie Louise - 5 months old

she cut her first tooth

rolls from her tummy to her back on occasion 

rolled once from her back to tummy

weighs 13lbs

still co-sleeps in our room

thinks her sister is super funny

pro at 20 minute cat naps

second flight on an airplane 

went to colorado for the third time with just mommy

was diagnosed with allergic colitis

now that my diet has been drastically adjusted her eczema is better

still loves her snuggles

finally getting the hang of a pacifier 

baby babbles all the time

Nellie Louise - 4 months old

blows raspberries all day everyday 

currently weighs 12lbs

went on her first & very long road trip to colorado ... won't be doing that again anytime soon

got lots of love from everyone in colorado

 had her first christmas and new years

met the hagen boys for the first time and they love her so

her eczema is out of control right now

dreaded sleep regression is upon us

still sleeps in mom and dad's room

first belly laughs 

 almost always has a smile on her sweet little face

can roll from her tummy to her back with little assistance 

Nellie Louise - 3 months old

 

smiles all the time

loves to talk to us and has the most adorable baby babble

such a sweet, sweet girl

getting better in the sleep department

still sleeps in the cosleeper in our room

had her first thanksgiving

loves to wiggle 

nursing is her favorite

warm soaks in a tub full of oats is her jam

Nellie Louise - 2 months old

 

still a lover of all things snuggle related

such a sweet baby

loves to look me in the eyes

got her first vaccines 

weighs 9.1lbs - 5th percentile for weight

wears size NB diapers

not a very good sleeper

still spits up a lot 

had our first family photo shoot

likes to be held all the time

loves her big sis

first halloween trick-or-treating with her big sis

started to smile the sweetest smile

still sleeping with mom and dad in the cosleeper

has eczema - poor girl

went on her first plane ride and did fabulous

got to meet all her family in Colorado for the first time

Nellie Louise - 1 month old

 

loves to snuggle

hates to sleep at night

weighs 6.12 lbs

eats all the time

adores her big sis

can't decide if she likes her paci

spits up a lot

still can fit in preemie diapers and onesies 

smiles the best smile

started to make little coo noises

sweet as can be

precious gift from God

She is here!!!

 

Welcome to the world my sweet Nellie Louise!!!

You were born on Wednesday, September 7th at 12:15pm.

My labor came with a few complications but the most important thing was that you were alright!  

Here is your birth story:

On Tuesday, September 6th, your Dad and I went to my 38 week check up and found out that due to my high blood pressure the doctor would be inducing me the following morning! Talk about a rush of emotions. I was SO ready to meet you but I was also saddened a little knowing that come the next day, it wouldn't be just you and I as one anymore. As much as I wanted to meet you and show you off to the world, I also had the strongest desire to keep you just where you were - all to myself. Oh, a mother's love. ... We went and picked up your Nani up from the airport that afternoon, what perfect timing for her to arrive from Denver. Then the three of us went and got your big sister from school and shared the news that you would be making us a family of four by tomorrow! Blaykleigh was so excited by this, she had been waiting for you for a very long time. We spent the late afternoon running the last few errands before your big arrival and tried to mentally prepare for what Wednesday would hold. Surprisingly, I got a decent nights rest on Tuesday and woke Wednesday refreshed yet full of butterflies. I pictured myself holding you, my rainbow baby, staring into your beautiful eyes and reflecting on all that had happened to bring you here; what a blessing you'd be!!! After we dropped Blaykleigh off at the Pellegrin's (our sweet Louisianan neighbors) we made the trip to the hospital, this was around 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, we were checked-in and everything started falling into place rather quickly from this point forward. I changed into the hospital gown and got as comfy as I could in the hospital bed. By 9 AM our delivery nurse started the Pitocin followed shortly by the doctor breaking my bag of water. I had asked for an epidural around 11 AM (6 cm dilated) but it was inserted into the intrathecal space causing some complications where I felt numbness in my upper body and heaviness in my chest, so they pulled it out and I made the choice to go without one, by this time it was roughly 11:40 AM. I was fully dilated and started pushing shortly after 12 PM and you made your grand entrance at 12:15 PM on the dot. I honestly don't remember much from the moment I started to push until the moment you were placed on my chest but when I felt your tiny body on mine all the pain I had just endured faded, my eyes and heart were fully captivated by you and your sweet little cry. There you were, my rainbow baby, the baby I hoped for and cried for and prayed for months on end. My pregnancy was full of so many ups and downs, questions surrounding a viable pregnancy and the uncertainty of it all, but the moment I had been waiting for was finally here. And this is the beginning, this is the moment when you became a part of our family, the moment our family grew by one precious soul. Mommy and Daddy love you and your sister tremendously, more than all the stars in the sky. So glad God gave us YOU.

Nellie's Nursery

 

 

So much love was poured into your nursery, everything had to be just perfect. I chalk painted the dresser and rocking chair that I found at the antique store, that was a long and fun diy. I took a wooden letter N and adhered silk flowers to it and your dad built the mount for it. Your sister painted you an abstract piece which I framed and have sitting above your changing table. I searched etsy for days until I found the perfect baby quilt to throw alongside your crib. Your Granny & Grampy contributed the 'Sweet One' owl painting I had been eyeing, such a beautiful touch.  And your Nani found the letter N that is framed and sitting on your dresser, she also bought you the sweetest little bunny rocker. Each and every time you are in your room, you are surrounded by love my dear. 

xo.

36 weeks

 

Baby size? Little miss is measuring on the "petite" side as the doctor put it. She is currently measuring around the 38th percentile and if I make it to term she will most likely top the scale at around 7lbs.

Total weight gain? 30 lbs ... eeek! ;)

Maternity clothes? Best thing about being pregnant in the heat of the summer, maxi dresses! I have had to buy minimal maternity clothes because of maxi dresses, best thing ever!

Miss anything? Being able to breath without sounding like someone who just got done running a marathon when all I have done is gone up the stairs.

Movement? She has started to be more active at night again. Thinking this one is going to keep me on my toes at night once she arrives.

Symptoms? Contractions. Heartburn - oooh, the heartburn! Physical and mental exhaustion. Constant need to pee!!!

Belly button in or out? Still an innie!

Wedding ring on or off? On.

Sleep? What's that? My body is re-training me for all the sleepless nights that await. Oy vey! 

Best moment this week? Going to my weekly appointment and realizing that I am only 4 weeks out from getting to love on my baby girl!!!

Exercise? Nada.

Cravings? Virgin Pina Coladas like nobody's business.

Happy or Moody? The tears have been flowing freely lately. Hormones are making me cry at everything, both happy and sad! 

Looking forward to? Getting anxious to meet our girl! Come on Nellie!!!

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

Maternity Shoot

So excited for these sweet maternity pictures. We are just months away from meeting our newest girl and we are all over the moon. There were so many "what if's" in the beginning of my pregnancy in regards to it being a viable one, along with other pregnancy scares that it feels so good to have come this far. I am so thankful that our girl is growing well and I can't wait to hold her in my arms. Love you my sweet Nell. 

32 weeks

 

Baby size? No recent measurements since the last up date but according to my pregnancy app she is about the size of a honeydew.

Total weight gain? 26 lbs ... starting to get uncomfortable with the numbers on the scale that keep creeping up there. All for a good cause though right ;)

Maternity clothes? Just a few. Bottoms definitely, as for tops, just depends. Still rocking the dresses as much as possible.

Miss anything? Sleeping on my back!!!! And being able to pick-up Blaykleigh. I have been on a weight lifting restriction since the start of my pregnancy and haven't been able to pick her up, she often asks when I can pick her up again. 

Movement? She is starting to quiet down at night and spreading her active times pretty evenly throughout the day which is much appreciated. But not going to lie, when I lie back down from using the bathroom in the middle of the night I wait a good while before falling back asleep to make sure I feel a few movements from her. #mamabirdonduty

Symptoms? Just the same old same .... contractions. Got softly "scolded" by the doctor for not going in to be checked each time I've had more than 6 in an hour. .... So I promised him from here forward I will go in, which could potentially be several times a week with how often I get these bad boys.

Belly button in or out? Still an innie!

Wedding ring on or off? On.

Sleep? The crazy pregnancy dreams have stepped up their game but other than that not much else has changed.

Best moment this week? Last week we attempted the 4D ultrasound which was fun. Nellie wasn't the most cooperative in that she insisted on keeping her little arms and hands up by her face which really limited our view of her. But it's always fun to get to peek in on her!

Exercise? Nada.

Cravings? Virgin Pina Coladas like nobody's business.

Happy or Moody? I can be both in any given moment ;) don't mess with the pregnant lady!

Looking forward to? Getting anxious to meet our girl! Also, a trip to Table Rock Lake next weekend as long as the doc approves it. 

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

28 weeks

 

Hello sweet, sweet third trimester! I am so relieved and thankful that my precious girl and I have made it this far. It was definitely a rough first and second trimester with too many ups and downs for my liking but nevertheless here we are. Soooo many thanks sent above, truly blessed <3 !!! 

Baby size? Well according to recent measurements we have a petite girl growing in my womb, she is measuring in the 35th percentile. Doctors will continue to monitor her growth carefully due to the blood pressure medication I am on. 

Total weight gain? I think I am up about 20 lbs (eeek!) but that's how it goes when you grow a human. ;)

Maternity clothes? Some here and there. I can still wear a lot of pre-pregnancy tops but as for bottoms definitely sporting the maternity pants and shorts! Although, most days you can find me in a flowy dress. I am all about being comfortable and cool in this summer heat. 

Miss anything? Sushi has been on my mind a lot lately!!! And ... wine.

Movement? Let's just say as of now she is a night owl, she does most of her super active movements at night right before I fall asleep and then all throughout the night. Hoping that changes as the weeks pass. 

Symptoms? Contractions. Dang contractions all the time! I am honestly surprised she hasn't popped out yet with as many as I have but so far doctor says my cervix is still closed. 

Belly button in or out? Still an innie.

Wedding ring on or off? On! Although at times when it's super hot out, it gets pretty tight. 

Sleep? Eh, not much has changed since the last update. Not ideal that is for sure. 

Best moment this week? Well last week I turned 30 and the hubby threw me an awesome surprise 30th birthday party the weekend before so that was fun and totally unexpected. OH! Annnnd he totally found someone here in Des Moines to make me the Spring Fling cake that I am obsessed with from The Market in Denver. It made this pregnant mama's taste buds super happy :))

Exercise? Going up and down the stairs is about as much exercise as I get. Definitely anxious to get into a good groove once Nellie is living in the outside world! 

Cravings? Sushi, salads, tasty sandwiches and adult beverages. 

Happy or Moody? Depends on the situation, definitely short on patience though.  

Looking forward to? Going to visit the in-laws in Wichita in a few weeks over the 4th of July. It will be nice to have a little getaway and get to visit with them. 

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

24 weeks

 

It's hard to believe that I am 4 short weeks away from my third trimester, we have a busy summer ahead and I have a feeling it's going to fly by fast!!! I am trying my best to savor our time together, this little treasure growing within me but I am also anxious to meet our girl and see what a family of 4 is all about. In the meantime I am enjoying my time with Blaykleigh, getting in lots of mommy & B time ... kindergarten is just around the corner (cue pregnant hormonal sobs). 

Baby Size? - At 24 weeks Miss Nellie is roughly the size of an ear of corn, so about 12 inches in length and weighing in around 1 1/3 lbs.

Total weight gain? - Not sure the exact number on the scale at this point by my belly is starting to "pop" which is exciting to see, couple of more weeks and I am sure I will have a lovely pregnant belly to show off. ;)

Maternity clothes? - Some. Still can fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans if I do the rubber band trick but starting to feel more comfortable in clothes with a little extra wiggle room. I can see myself living in maxi dresses this summer!

Miss anything? - Lately have been wanting either a margarita or pina colada, I think it's the summer heat getting to me. But boy, that sounds amazing! Also, salads. A big, cold, dinner salad sounds like heaven right about now.

Movement? - I feel like she moves more and more each day. She is definitely starting to get into a pattern and I'm wondering if she is going to be a little night owl?!

Symptoms? - Still have to say the most bothersome symptoms are the contractions and lack of sleep.

Belly button in or out? - In. ;)

Wedding ring on or off? - On!

Sleep? - Between my multiple nightly bathroom trips and the contractions, sleep isn't the best to say the least.

Best moment this week? - Having my momma and niece Kailyn in town to celebrate Blaykleigh's 5th birthday! ... My mom being able to feel Nell move about within my womb.

Exercise? - Still on the "take it easy" orders from the doctor! Soooo, no exercise.

Cravings? - Cold fruit. Wine. Margs. Fruity cocktail drinks. I swear, the summer heat is to blame for all the alcoholic cravings hehe.

Happy or Moody? - Happy most of the time. But definitely more short tempered. #pregnancyhormones

Looking forward to? - Getting the nursery in order! She will be here before long.

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

20 weeks

Nellie Louise Stowell is the name we chose for our sweet baby girl! Just like Blaykleigh's name, there are family ties to her name. Nellie is Jason's Great Grandma's name and it's vintage, peaking in popularity in the 1880's and I LOVE it!!! It also means shining light or bright one. Louise is Jason's Momma's middle name and just fits so perfectly with Nellie. 

Today I reached the half-way mark and boy does it feel good, like really good. This pregnancy has certainly been stressful with so many ups and downs but I haven't stopped praying for her since the moment I found out I was expecting and our Heavenly Father has kept her safe and calmed my soul.

Baby Size? - About the size of a banana. Roughly 10" inches in length from head to toe. I go to the doctor on Monday so I will know her exact length then :) 

Total weight gain? - I think I've gained around 5-lbs so far but there are 20 more-ish weeks to go so that number is bound to creep on up there! 

Maternity clothes? - I have worn a pair of maternity jeans just because they are so comfy, but they are definitely a little baggy right now. So far I have survived with the good old rubber band trick, giving me that little bit of extra wiggle room I need in my regular jeans. Oh, and when the weather has been nice, wearing maxi dresses are my favorite. 

Miss anything? - Wine, wine, wine, wine, wine....wine. Hehehe. Oh and deli sandwiches. 

Movement? - I started feeling little flutters pretty early on, I think like 14 weeks. Now, her movements are much bigger than a flutter and both Jason and Blaykleigh have felt her movements over the last few weeks! Blaykleigh thinks it's so neat getting to feel her little sister move about in my belly. 

Symptoms? - Main symptoms that I've been having are early contractions, some are rather painful. But my doctor has been keeping a close eye on everything and so far just keeps saying to take it easy and get a lot of rest. I am also tired all.the.time. I could sleep all day but it might have something to do with my nightly routine. Seriously, I wake up every 1.5-2.5 hours with contractions at night so I go empty my bladder hoping they stop, sometimes they do other times they go on for awhile before stopping. So, I don't get a good nights rest ever, c'est la vie. 

Belly button in or out? - In. ;)

Wedding ring on or off? - On! 

Sleep? - Covered that up above....but no bueno. 

Best moment this week? - Reaching the 20 week milestone! Like I mentioned earlier, it's been a hard pregnancy and some days I didn't know if I would get this far but my fears don't have anything on His plans!!! 

Exercise? - Nada. Walking through the grocery store sends me into a fit of contractions and my placenta is currently completely covering my cervix, soooo a lot of my time is spent on the couch with my feet up, resting...doctors orders I promise! 

Cravings? - Over the last few weeks I have had a strong craving for Swedish Fish - yum! I also want fruit all the time. Oh, and wine, definitely craving a big glass of cabernet sauvignon!!!! 

Happy or Moody? - Depends on the moment hehe. Definitely have some moodiness in me more so than usual, just ask the husband. 

Looking forward to? - My 20 week appointment on Monday, always a good day when you get to see your baby! Oh, and reaching 23 weeks; viability week! I feel like I will be able to breathe a bit easier knowing if these contractions did start actual labor that medical advances could help our sweet Nellie to live outside of my womb. 

Thank you! Everything in me says "thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "thank you!". Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. - Psalm 138:2

disney world day three...

Magic Kingdom, the happiest place on earth! This was the park Blaykleigh had been waiting for, she was so super excited to meet some of her favorite Disney Princesses. We started off with the day with a few rides, I think our first one at the park was Splash Mountain...Blaykleigh and Jason loved it, I on the other hand wore a poncho ;) what can I say? I am just not a fan of walking around all soggy and wet lol. Before lunch, Blaykleigh had an appointment at the Bippity Boppity Boutique where she got to get a Cinderella makeover...let's talk about magical moments! She loved this pampering moment and looked so super adorable as a mini Cinderella. After her makeover we all went over to the castle to have lunch with Cinderella and several of her other princess friends. This was another magical moment for our little princess...she was in complete 'awe' all afternoon, barely saying a word! Once our royal lunch was over we spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying more rides, some of our favorite were Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Mad Tea Party, Under the Sea (my personal favorite) and It's a Small World. Our night ended with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party which was so much fun!!! They put on an amazing Hocus Pocus show, an awesome parade and lots of people watching. Definitely a great day filled with so much fun at Magic Kingdom but by the end of the night we were all more than ready for our beds.