She truly is. Not enough time for a long posting, but wanted to at least say thank you to everyone for the prayers, well wishes, gifts, cards... well, for everything!! Jeff and I have never felt so blessed. Emma is truly a gift from God, and we treasure every second we have with her. How in the world did we survive without her?? One look at her pouty bottom lip makes us melt, as does her smile, her sweet, sweet smell, and even her wiggly little legs that make it close to impossible to change her diaper! :o)
More details tomorrow on her first doctor's appointment (let's just say it involved a few diaper changes!!), but the good news is she already back up to her birth weight. In fact, she's 1 oz over, which means breastfeeding is going as well as I thought it was. She's a champ and latched on right away and eats like a textbook baby (trust me, I've read enough to know!). Between this and a quick labor, she's making this a little too easy on me -- although lack of sleep does still take its toll. But she even slept for almost 4 hours last night, which means I almost slept for 3 hours straight! I'm not counting on that happening too often, but a Mom can brag, right?! :o)
I'll definitely get better about posting more often now that Miss Emma is here. It's just so weird how you kind of live in a time warp that first week. There's no date... you just live feeding time to feeding time! Thankfully my Mom has been helping beyond belief, so I'm slowly getting used to my new schedule. In fact, I think Jeff wants to hire her full time! :o) Between her cooking and cleaning, we almost feel a little guilty. Okay, well, I feel A LOT guilty. But as she told me: "Lisa, look at Emma and tell me you would do anything to care for her, right?"
"Of course," I say, "Yes."
She replies: "Now multiply that by almost 28 years and you see why I am doing this. I am enjoying it."
Now if that's not a Mom to aspire to, I don't know what is. God is soooooooo good!
Love you all!
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Our Beautiful Emma!!
The newest member of our family -- Miss Emma Kay. Born Sunday, August 14, 2005 at 1:42 am. A perfect little bundle at 7 pounds 2 ounces and 21-inches long...with a smile bigger than the sun. More details to come! :o)
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
2 Weeks to Go and Counting...
As expected, last night's doctor's appt. told us that nothing much had changed in 4 days. I'm definitely 2-cm dialated (he said last time was more like 1.5-2.0) and 75-percent effaced (last time more like 70 percent). Baby is at 0 station, or as the doctor said, "really, really low" (I could have told you that! :o) So now we wait...
I'm actually pretty glad that we didn't get anymore ground-breaking news last night because to be honest, this past weekend was crazy. I questioned every ache and pain and pretty much drove myself insane. Do I go to work on Monday after cramping all through the night? Is this the start, I thought? In the end, I went to work and obviously it wasn't the start, so I've decided to chill out. I have finally accepted that I have no idea when this baby is coming, so I might as well relax and enjoy these last moments of "freedom," right? :o) I also interviewed every recent pregnant lady I know (as well as my mom) about their labor experiences, so I feel confident that I'll "just know" and won't end up at the hospital for false alarms. It's funny -- I'm honestly more worried about false alarms than delivering in the car or my water breaking in public. I would just hate for someone at work to drive me home only to find out I'm not in labor!
The doctor did talk about inducing if this baby does decide to wait 2 more weeks, but I REALLY don't want that, so he said we could postpone that discussion until next week. Still, I know he won't let me go more than a day or 2 past my due date, so we will meet Baby B the week of the 22nd at the latest. That is exciting, but I still pray this baby comes on his or her own!!
Next appt. isn't until next Tuesday, so won't have much to post. But who knows, maybe this next week will be it and I'll be up to posting a quick note to pass the early labor hours. We'll see! :o)
I'm actually pretty glad that we didn't get anymore ground-breaking news last night because to be honest, this past weekend was crazy. I questioned every ache and pain and pretty much drove myself insane. Do I go to work on Monday after cramping all through the night? Is this the start, I thought? In the end, I went to work and obviously it wasn't the start, so I've decided to chill out. I have finally accepted that I have no idea when this baby is coming, so I might as well relax and enjoy these last moments of "freedom," right? :o) I also interviewed every recent pregnant lady I know (as well as my mom) about their labor experiences, so I feel confident that I'll "just know" and won't end up at the hospital for false alarms. It's funny -- I'm honestly more worried about false alarms than delivering in the car or my water breaking in public. I would just hate for someone at work to drive me home only to find out I'm not in labor!
The doctor did talk about inducing if this baby does decide to wait 2 more weeks, but I REALLY don't want that, so he said we could postpone that discussion until next week. Still, I know he won't let me go more than a day or 2 past my due date, so we will meet Baby B the week of the 22nd at the latest. That is exciting, but I still pray this baby comes on his or her own!!
Next appt. isn't until next Tuesday, so won't have much to post. But who knows, maybe this next week will be it and I'll be up to posting a quick note to pass the early labor hours. We'll see! :o)
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Ultrasound Update
First of all, I'm obviously still here, so no Baby B yet. :o( But the good news is that the ultrasound showed that everything is just fine with this little one. He or she is measuring average at about 6.5 pounds. My fluid levels are also good, as is placenta placement, etc. In fact, the baby is definitely "in position." It was really hard to see since the ultrasound tech now had to go through bone to try and see the face, so we really didn't get any good pictures. Plus, the baby's face is totally smushed against my pelvic wall, so it wasn't as cute as before. The one thing the doctor said is, "Wow those are some big lips!" :o) We know where those come from! We did see that the baby was sucking... a lot! Hopefully that means nursing will go smoothly…
I am definitely getting more tired now and am making many trips to the bathroom (for more reasons than one), so hopefully these are signs that it won't be too much longer. I admit that I was really pumped after Thursday night, but here we are on Sunday, and not a whole lot is happening. I was feeling a lot of pressure in my lower back Friday night, but obviously nothing too major was going on. I am definitely getting anxious at this point. I even cleaned out some stuff at work just in case. But I guess it's good that I have some more time to get things wrapped up. Jeff painted the last bathroom this weekend (gotta luv him!), and we were able to stop at Babies R Us and get the last-minute stuff we needed. We hung the wall hangings, and I finished organizing and doing baby laundry (which, by the way is WAY more fun than adult laundry. It's all so tiny!). I also got all of my shower thank you cards finished. All that, and we even managed to chill today. I even floated in a pool... on my stomach!
So, I have to say I am ready now -- REALLY ready! We just need Baby B to be ready!! I'm not tired of being pregnant yet, but I am anxious to finally meet this little scooch! Jeff seems to think that we still have 2 more weeks ahead of us. Yeah, the one who originally thought I would go early... but what does his opinion mean anyway?! He's only the daddy! :o) My sister and I are betting on Tuesday (I luv her for that!). For some reason, August 9th just sounds good to us. But maybe we're just being optimistic. Anybody have other guesses? If you think I'll be late, post your comment at your own risk. Luv ya! :o)
I am definitely getting more tired now and am making many trips to the bathroom (for more reasons than one), so hopefully these are signs that it won't be too much longer. I admit that I was really pumped after Thursday night, but here we are on Sunday, and not a whole lot is happening. I was feeling a lot of pressure in my lower back Friday night, but obviously nothing too major was going on. I am definitely getting anxious at this point. I even cleaned out some stuff at work just in case. But I guess it's good that I have some more time to get things wrapped up. Jeff painted the last bathroom this weekend (gotta luv him!), and we were able to stop at Babies R Us and get the last-minute stuff we needed. We hung the wall hangings, and I finished organizing and doing baby laundry (which, by the way is WAY more fun than adult laundry. It's all so tiny!). I also got all of my shower thank you cards finished. All that, and we even managed to chill today. I even floated in a pool... on my stomach!
So, I have to say I am ready now -- REALLY ready! We just need Baby B to be ready!! I'm not tired of being pregnant yet, but I am anxious to finally meet this little scooch! Jeff seems to think that we still have 2 more weeks ahead of us. Yeah, the one who originally thought I would go early... but what does his opinion mean anyway?! He's only the daddy! :o) My sister and I are betting on Tuesday (I luv her for that!). For some reason, August 9th just sounds good to us. But maybe we're just being optimistic. Anybody have other guesses? If you think I'll be late, post your comment at your own risk. Luv ya! :o)
Friday, August 05, 2005
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Worth the Wait!
How can you stay mad at a doctor who tells you that you're almost 75-percent effaced and 2-cm dialated? You can't!!! :o) Well, that's what we found out today at our long-awaited appointment -- definitely worth it! Jeff and I were a little surprised, but VERY excited. It was so weird to hear the doctor say, "Well, if you don't deliver by next week, I'll see ya at your appointment." What?! Did he just say that?! Jeff and I looked at each other in total disbelief as we shook his hand goodbye.
Other less exciting details... I lost another 1/2 pound. So that's 2 pounds in the last 2 weeks. The doctor isn't too worried since the baby is still extremely active (he could barely get a heartbeat), so my fluid levels are most likely okay. I am measuring a little small for my dates, but the baby has dropped, so that often happens. Still, we're having our last ultrasound on Saturday just to be sure all is well. I'm not worried though. Just to know that things are already moving along this early on makes me happy. As the doctor said, the longest part of labor is getting from 0 to 4 cm, so if I'm already at 2 cm, hopefully that will make it that much shorter! :o)
So when do I think I'll go? No clue, but I'm not totally shocked that I'm dialated. I had a lot of contractions on Saturday and really felt the baby had dropped, but then again, I was trying not to get too excited so I wouldn't be disappointed. I am having quite a few contractions today, but I don't think they are the real deal. I'm sure I'll know when they are. I have to say next week is a possibility in mind at this point, but odds are we'll go to our next appointment on Tuesday and we'll hear the same measurements as today, especially now that I've got you all excited... :O) I guess it's all a waiting game from here!
So say a prayer for us as we continue on our little journey to parenthood. The ride is about to get a lot more exciting! Love you all!
Other less exciting details... I lost another 1/2 pound. So that's 2 pounds in the last 2 weeks. The doctor isn't too worried since the baby is still extremely active (he could barely get a heartbeat), so my fluid levels are most likely okay. I am measuring a little small for my dates, but the baby has dropped, so that often happens. Still, we're having our last ultrasound on Saturday just to be sure all is well. I'm not worried though. Just to know that things are already moving along this early on makes me happy. As the doctor said, the longest part of labor is getting from 0 to 4 cm, so if I'm already at 2 cm, hopefully that will make it that much shorter! :o)
So when do I think I'll go? No clue, but I'm not totally shocked that I'm dialated. I had a lot of contractions on Saturday and really felt the baby had dropped, but then again, I was trying not to get too excited so I wouldn't be disappointed. I am having quite a few contractions today, but I don't think they are the real deal. I'm sure I'll know when they are. I have to say next week is a possibility in mind at this point, but odds are we'll go to our next appointment on Tuesday and we'll hear the same measurements as today, especially now that I've got you all excited... :O) I guess it's all a waiting game from here!
So say a prayer for us as we continue on our little journey to parenthood. The ride is about to get a lot more exciting! Love you all!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Getting Close?
Unfortunately, our long-awaited doctor's appointment got postponed...again! If you recall, last time we had a quickie with a nurse -- no internal and no measurements taken, but some questionable weight loss reported. So, as you can imagine, we were really excited/anxious about this next appointment, which was scheduled to happen yesterday (Tuesday). I was supposed to have my strep test done, which means a definite internal exam that will check for some sort of bacteria, but more importantly, it will tell me if all is moving along "down there." Any effacement? Have I dialated? These are key pieces of info that keep a pregnant woman going in these last weeks! Well, the doctor had some sort of emergency and called to cancel right before my appt. yesterday. I was not happy. I reminded the nurse that I am full-term and that I haven't seen a doctor in 3 weeks, and I'm supposed to be seeing him once a week. Plus, I haven't had my strep test done yet, which is supposed to happen before you deliver. She said, "I know, you're pretty far along, sorry. We can take you Thursday." So, Thursday it is. Frustrating, yes, but what else can we do?
The good news is the baby is moving a lot (as usual!), so I assume all is well, but I'd like to know what's happening, especially since I could officially go any time now. I'm sure I won't deliver too early, and I know it's all a guess anyway (even if you ARE dialated), but I'm looking for some sort of info to get me through the week, ya know?
On the bright side, today will go by fast since tonight is my last shower. It is being thrown by one of my good work friends, Norma. It will be a small gathering of women colleagues, so it should be nice. I'm really looking forward to it because it will also kind of be a "going away" shin-dig since I won't be back in the office full-time once Baby B is here. I'll still go in once a week for a few hours, but it won't be the same. I'm going to miss everyone, but I know I could also list about a thousand responsibilities I won't miss! :o)
This last week has been a lot of fun as Jeff and I get everything ready for Baby B's arrival. :o) I bought some nursing clothing for the hospital and have my bag almost packed, so I feel pretty organized. Plus, Jeff installed the car seat last night, and I have an appt. set up to have it inspected (in spite of Jeff telling me it isn't necessary), so if something does happen, we can pick up and go!
The baby's room is also almost ready. We've hung the window valence, and I started organizing the armoire and the baby stuff that needs to be washed. Jeff has put together most of the baby gear, so we are fully equipped! It is so fun to have it all sitting around our house… it makes it so much more real to think that a baby will be using it all before we know it! We can't wait! :o)
As we get closer, I am thinking of taking a few vacation days off before my due date to make sure all is in order, but we'll see. I wanted to take those days off sporadically throughout the next few weeks, but I'm not sure that will work as I try to wrap things up for our next issue. There's too much to do before I go; yet, at the same time, it would be nice to ease into this whole mommy job. :o)
I will post updated belly pics soon and will give the doctor update once we know something (anything!). Until then, we wait and thank God for our little miracle on the way...
The good news is the baby is moving a lot (as usual!), so I assume all is well, but I'd like to know what's happening, especially since I could officially go any time now. I'm sure I won't deliver too early, and I know it's all a guess anyway (even if you ARE dialated), but I'm looking for some sort of info to get me through the week, ya know?
On the bright side, today will go by fast since tonight is my last shower. It is being thrown by one of my good work friends, Norma. It will be a small gathering of women colleagues, so it should be nice. I'm really looking forward to it because it will also kind of be a "going away" shin-dig since I won't be back in the office full-time once Baby B is here. I'll still go in once a week for a few hours, but it won't be the same. I'm going to miss everyone, but I know I could also list about a thousand responsibilities I won't miss! :o)
This last week has been a lot of fun as Jeff and I get everything ready for Baby B's arrival. :o) I bought some nursing clothing for the hospital and have my bag almost packed, so I feel pretty organized. Plus, Jeff installed the car seat last night, and I have an appt. set up to have it inspected (in spite of Jeff telling me it isn't necessary), so if something does happen, we can pick up and go!
The baby's room is also almost ready. We've hung the window valence, and I started organizing the armoire and the baby stuff that needs to be washed. Jeff has put together most of the baby gear, so we are fully equipped! It is so fun to have it all sitting around our house… it makes it so much more real to think that a baby will be using it all before we know it! We can't wait! :o)
As we get closer, I am thinking of taking a few vacation days off before my due date to make sure all is in order, but we'll see. I wanted to take those days off sporadically throughout the next few weeks, but I'm not sure that will work as I try to wrap things up for our next issue. There's too much to do before I go; yet, at the same time, it would be nice to ease into this whole mommy job. :o)
I will post updated belly pics soon and will give the doctor update once we know something (anything!). Until then, we wait and thank God for our little miracle on the way...
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