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.

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

Photo-shoot!

So we went to the beach yesterday evening with some friends of ours whom are also expecting a baby here shortly and took some fun pregnancy shots of each other! It beats having to pay for a real photo session and was a ton of fun. 

Enjoy! 

the bump update - in the homestretch!

35 weeks & 3 days

Well this will probably be one of the last "bump updates" being that as of today we have a mere 27 days at the most until we get to meet our precious daughter; the induction date has been set ... May 30th, 2011! I can't even begin to express the overwhelming feelings of joy I have knowing that she is almost here!!! 

By the end of this week (Friday, May 6th) Blaykleigh will be considered full term! She is now close to, if not already weighing in at 6lbs and is approximately 18 1/2 inches in length. She is definitely about out of room in her current home. Of which, I am constantly reminded of as she tries to maximize her space in there by stretching herself out; in turn leaving me with an achy ribcage, while at the same time hitting her head in very "low" places making it feel as if she may fall out at any given moment! Won't be one of my most favorite parts about being pregnant that I can assure you of. 

As far as my bed rest days, it has been almost a full two weeks since I have been "set free" and what a relief it is! Although I am still having contractions on a regular basis, my last protein test came back negative (a test that is supposed to detect if you will go into labor in the next few wks) and so my doctor felt comfortable enough to allow me a portion of my life back! Hallelujah and Praise the Lord. 

Jason and I are pretty much ready for her to come at any moment with hospital bags packed (just in case) and car seat bases installed in our vehicles! As for now, we wait patiently and continue to count down the days towards May 30th!  

the bump update

31 weeks & 1 day 

Blaykleigh is around 19 inches in length, weighs approximately 4lbs and as she continues to grow, her living quarters have become a bit cramped! The last sono I had she was still head down and extremely low which is a prime position for a smooth delivery, hopefully! 

She still moves around all the time, this includes many more movements during the day. Although, they are often not as strong as they used to be but that would once again be due to the tight space that she has to work with. 

Jason and I both get quite the entertainment out of not only feeling her little movements these days but watching them as my stomach moves from side to side. 

I was put on bed rest for preterm labor around 29 weeks and as of now that is where I remain! It looks like I will most likely be kept on bed rest unless the preterm contractions finally come to a halt?! 

the bump update

28 weeks and 4 days

 Blaykleigh is roughly 15-16 inches in length and about 2.5 pounds or the weight of a sack of flour ... she certainly is doing a wonderful job at growing!!!   

Most of her movements are still at night as I am trying to get comfortable and go to sleep. I have read that the sleeping/awake patterns in the womb often times resemble the same patterns the baby will have once the baby is born?! Looks like Jason and I might have a night owl on our hands - eeek!  

Jason has now felt Blaykleigh in action several times since my last pregnancy post update when he was in "denial" of the movements he felt, chalking them up to be anything but her in there.   

I have been feeling good for the most part. I am carrying pretty low so I have a lot of pressure down "there" and back pains. I have started noticing that I am getting tired more easily and most days would do anything for a nap! Guess that is to be expected as you enter the BIG home-stretch of the last trimester.

My heart is full of love ...

You are the poem I dreamed of writing, 

the masterpiece I longed to paint. 

You are the shinning star I reached 

for in my ever hopeful quest for a life fulfilled. 

You are my child.

Now with all things I am blessed. 

~Author Unknown~

February 1st - 23 weeks

Here is a picture of me in my 23rd week! 

Blaykleigh is about 11.5 inches in length by now and weighs in a little over a pound. 

I can feel her move around all the time these days! Her most "active" periods of movement

are definitely at night as I am laying down for bed and then early in the morning. Jason has felt her move a few times now, even though he is convinced what he felt wasn't "really her"! I absolutely enjoy any flutter, kick or punch I can get from her ... even if it is starting to disturb my sleep. I guess she is preparing me for the days to come! 

Baby Morphing Schenanigans!

On this lazy Sunday afternoon I got the idea to "morph" Jason and I together to see what Miss Blaykleigh will look like! It was rather entertaining. Not sure who our morph child resembles, if either of us?! Enjoy. 

Jase

+

Me

=

A child that is supposed to be our future daughter! 

Only time will tell. 

Pregnancy Dreams

So I thought I would share a laugh or two on here.

Pregnancy dreams are that of the STRANGEST dreams I think I have ever had! I read and have heard stories to expect something of the sort but never did I vision myself having some of the dreams that I do.

There is the every so often reoccurring dream of me nursing kittens; one after the other as if I am some type of milk making factory! The first time I had this dream, I was kind of embarrassed to tell Jason because it just felt so unnatural in my “awake” state of mind. But I ended up sharing it with him anyhow. After having this dream more than once, I decided to “google” it and found the following on babycenter.com –

“The presence of friendly animals — rare and charming creatures in dreams — is generally thought to represent a good relationship between the dreamer and his or her instincts. In the dreams of many pregnant women, animals are frequently cuddly and cute. Your feeling about the animal or baby reveals something about your attitude at the time of the dream.”

Thus perhaps me dreaming about nursing kittens isn’t so crazy after all?! However the strangest dream of them all might say otherwise. This dream started off with Jason and I enjoying a nice dinner out, when he asks me how the baby is growing and if she is happy. Without hesitation I take the knife off the table and cut my stomach open from side to side, pull Blaykleigh out of my stomach and begin to play with her right there at the dinner table showing Jason just how beautiful she is! Then as a few minutes pass I tell him it’s probably not good for her to be out this long and that it’s time to put her back in so she can finish growing. I promptly ask the waiter for some foil (yes I said it foil, as in aluminum foil) and when he brings it back to the table I carefully wrap her in the foil and place her back in my stomach! All seemed completely normal in my dream but when I awoke to the afterthoughts I couldn’t help but laugh as creepy as some of it seemed. Apparently putting her back in my belly to “grow” resembled something like that of baking a potato???  

      (This picture doesn't have much to do with the post, just thought it was cute.)