tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35749208457876618992024-03-21T15:59:17.951-05:00Life is Grand!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-43158507772107235332013-03-12T15:34:00.001-05:002013-03-12T16:20:45.429-05:00Oh, the places you will go<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">NOTE: This is a long post. If you are looking for advice on air travel with a baby and not interested in my ramblings, feel free to jump to the bottom for my list of suggestions on travelling with a baby. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">At the end of February, we took Grace on her first plane ride. We went to visit family in Washington State. I was so anxious and worried about how it would go. I prepped for months, talking to other moms of young children and getting advice from them on air travel with a youngin'. Starting in December, I was collecting little items from the dollar aisle at Target that I tucked away for the trip. The week leading up to the trip I seriously considered buying ear plugs and making cookies in case Grace was a total mess so I could hand them out to people around us. I did not end up doing that, in part because I was too busy packing. Corey worked a lot that week and I basically packed the entire week. There is a lot of crap needed to travel as a family of three (with a fashionista one year old). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think part of my anxiety goes back to my memories of my first plane ride. I was 7, and we were traveling to California on Thanksgiving Break to see my Uncle Steve and Aunt Doris and their daughter Audrey. This trip also would be our first time visiting Disney Land. As a 7 year old, I was totally stoked. But I have really frightening/upsetting memories of the flight. <br />1) My ears killed me. I chewed gum like a champ, but my ears felt like there were little fireworks going off in my ear drums. I think I might have literally cried during take off and landing. At 7. What a baby. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2) My mom sat with me and my sister, and my dad was on the other side of the aisle with this older black woman who had the longest nails I had ever seen in my life. She had to have my dad help her open her bag of peanuts. The nails really amazed me and at the same time grossed me out. They curled under and were painted and looked like something out of Beetlejuice. And the fact that she couldn't open her own peanuts raised all kinds of questions in my child's mind that I still don't know the answer to 21 years later. How did she write a letter? Type? GO TO THE BATHROOM? I shudder to think about all of these things. Basically, it was disturbing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3) My sister and I were dressed alike in quite possibly the most dorky/horrifying outfits possible. My cheeks still turn pink thinking about it. We wore matching knee length GARTH BROOKS T-shirts, leggings and keds. Why didn't my mom just get us tie-dyed T-shirts and have us write "Bumpkin" on the front in magic marker? I cannot even deal with this. It's too traumatic.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I still to this day get anxious every time I fly, and I don't really think it has much to do with the long fingernails or the fashion faux pas as much as it still hurts my ears pretty bad (although not nearly as badly as it did then) and I hate take off and landing. I'm always certain we are going to go down in flames. And in the last 12 years, I have also had frightening thoughts about what I would do if a terrorist took over the plane and I get super paranoid when we haven't heard anything from the cockpit in awhile and there is some turbulence. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now that I sound like a crazy mess, let me explain some of the things I love related to air travel.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1) Airports. I'm a weirdo who gets so excited just to be in an airport. There is something about the bustle of people coming and leaving that just makes me happy. I love the corny stuff in the gift shops. I love the crappy over-priced restaurants. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2) people watching. At airports and on the plane. It's just unbelievably amazing. While we were in the Austin airport, we saw a lady who was orange (too much tanning) in a bright pink tank top and bright orange pants with platform tennis shoes running past the airport Thundercloud subs. She was dragging her suitcase and looked like she was trying to catch a connecting flight. She was quite the spectacle. Not even 5 minutes later, she ran past us again. She ran in a way that made it look like she was auditioning for Baywatch. I have no idea what she was running to or from. But it was hilarious!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3) Flight attendants. They are cheerful and deal with lots of awful people. They are well traveled and great at pantomiming. I love them so much, I really kind of want to be one (except for the whole flying all the time and increasing the likelihood that I get into a plane crash). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So now that I have totally digressed, I shall tell you about our actual trip with Gracie. She was dressed in her precious pink Adidas track suit (who doesn't love a baby in a track suit?). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;">At our gate, we found lots of parents with young children. Instantly, I felt so relieved. Other parents understand. Other parents will not judge you if your kid throws a fit, because they know that their kid has thrown a fit and they are just glad that this time, it's not their kid. Gracie crawled around and played with the other kids. She looked out the window at the planes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She petted the puppy who was also apparently on his way to Seattle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>actual puppy not shown (this is actually the Gonzaga University Bulldog)</em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><br /></em></span>Finally, we were getting close to get on the plane time. I went to change Gracie's diaper in the bathroom. Half the bathroom was roped off so they could clean and I couldn't figure out how to get past it with a giant baby on my hip and a giant disorganized diaper bag on my back. I looked on the open side of the bathroom and there were no changing tables. So I changed her on the counter with the sinks. And somehow, without me knowing, the diaper bag ended up in the sink and the automatic faucet went off and soaked half of our diaper bag. When I finished changing Gracie and realized what had happened I was so upset. I got really mad at myself and the stupid airport. Corey then went to the men's bathroom and was able to find a perfectly functioning, non-wet changing table. Annoying to the say the least. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Anyway, we got on the plane and got in our seats. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> We were in the very last row of the plane so our seats did not recline (boo) but we had the only free seat on the plane next to us (woohoo!). There was a dad traveling by himself with a boy a few months older than Grace sitting catty corner from us. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I braced myself for the worst at takeoff. I held onto Biscuit, and looked out the window, worrying because it was SO windy that day. What if our plane blew into another plane? I tried to remember what part of the plane Jack and Sawyer and Co were on in the show Lost. Wherever they are, that's where we want to be, because at least they ended up on land, right? When we took off I felt my ears start to pop and looked down at Gracie. She leaned toward the window and looked absolutely fascinated by the fact that the plane was leaving the ground. NOT A PEEP. The girl didn't act like she even noticed anything going on with her ears. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let me tell you -- the flights were kind of long - about 4 1/2 hours both ways (thank God for non-stop flights, though). So of course Gracie cried at different points during the flights, just as she would normally cry at some point during a 4 1/2 hour stretch of time. But she never ONCE cried on take off or landing. It seemed to have no effect on her. I'm so grateful. And we just got lucky. There's no rhyme or reason to it--she just has ears that don't get bothered by flying. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Overall, it was a phenomenal trip. We had a great time, we saw almost everyone we wanted to see while we were there, we got lots of good time with Corey's parents and brother and even got to spend a little bit of time just the two of us while Corey's Dad and Chris watched Gracie. He got to show me around his hometown. It was awesome. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />I do feel like we did some things really right and that there are some things I would do differently next time. If you are still reading after the bazillion words I have already written, here are my tips/things I've learned from our trip.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Don't Do This If You Are Traveling With A Baby/Toddler </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1) Don't reserve seats on the emergency exit row. Although that is what I've always done because it gives you more leg room and I also feel I'm a natural born leader. They don't want you to sit there if you have a baby because babies get in the way. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2) Don't put your diaper bag in a sink. Nothing good comes from that. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3) Don't project your own anxieties and insecurities on to your child. This is difficult to swing, but I tried really hard not to let on how freaked out/anxious I was to Grace and she seemed to not even notice. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4) Don't worry about what other travelers think. I'm so glad I didn't waste a lot of time/money buying ear plugs/baking cookies for no reason. I know that would have been nice, but I really had other things that were more important to do. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5) Don't forget your toothpaste. This has nothing to do with traveling with a baby. It's just something we forgot and we brushed our teeth with the remnants of our old toothpaste and had to buy some at Target the next day. Our breath smelled terrible. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Do This If You Are Traveling With A Baby/Toddler </strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1) Get those window cling things. They were the biggest hit out of all of the dollar aisle things we brought. Although, apparently my child is a hoarder, and she enjoyed holding every single one in her hand and didn't care as much for actually putting them on the window. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2) Bring post it notes. Put them all over everything. Then you can take them down with no mess</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3) Give you baby some baby Tylenol. You can think we are cruel parents who drugged our child, I DON'T CARE. I was worried about my kids ears and I gave her Tylenol. She was the happiest baby on the plane. She took a nap. So did we. Just don't rule it out. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4) Use the Priceline Negotiator. It's seriously my new favorite travel tip. I was able to get a totally sweet deal on renting an SUV using the Priceline Negotiator tool. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhXaX7od5iTSclKPurNyzCIFNoNg7IAlnBg2Gl17x7l84qfeFcbCMloSjpFHPsJQ9ulu8IiAT0CKUHDD9COTK3EQGGArU-tPWcjZYzOKNRYQ8WSgwkLHx-2MKZWBm6qih273ulJrJUcpe/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>FYI: Car totally parked and not moving. We are not total idiots. </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also got an amazing deal on a hotel near the airport for our first night there. We got in at around 9 PST which is around 11 our time. I wanted something close by and not terrible. I got a room that was super cheap, clean and didn't smell bad. It was a mile from the airport and they had a crib for Grace. It was perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5) Bring your own (preferably light-weight) stroller. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It helps in the airport. A LOT. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wb492lwkPpkQ7J8D_8EZe5opB_23LXTFbE0oy5Qs_MNhEYsADaOxLV-qDgZNILuOxrmyhXwAxCIku0f0oj-IKxtjZbRMipXdMEWpccuC3jT1jkVf3AjjcWVn-GAo-BPgXSrPx02z_8-y/s320/d&c.jpeg" width="240" /></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And also, lots of other places. Our baby loves the stroller.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And they don't charge you for it in your carry-ons or checked baggage and you can basically stroll them up to the plane and then leave it with all the wheelchairs/umbrellas right before you get on the plane. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 6) Bring your own car seat- in the car seat travel bag thing. I have heard terrible horror stories of people renting a car seat from a car rental company. I have friends who ended up walking to the airport rather than putting their baby in the death trap that was the car seat the car rental company offered them. Bringing your own car seat is good for a lot of reasons-- </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> a: They don't charge you for bringing your car seat in your # of checked bags. So it's free</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> b: The bag you put it in is totally worth whatever money/time you have to spend at Buy Buy Baby/Babies R Us. Here's why. There is a bunch of extra room in there and you can put so much extra crap. We put a lot of her toys, her white noise bear, the mirror so we can see her in the back, and I think even some of her food, shoes, etc. It's amazing. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> c: You are getting in an unfamiliar car, in a unfamiliar place, and surrounding your baby with lots of unfamiliar people. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOl7kqMaaz-GTYbM_Hrxe4Mnh-XU_cHK7G4inzM4Vv3gSkTHfXQmGdni1-D5tMTc8KE7eP-BJIjpIZWOCH_zNB7736I9zqsCYuD4PKT56jiT06wiLfLP_boN87PHwhgIybta7UnhaftLr/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <em>And</em> making them travel for hours in the car. The least you can do is let them do it in their own comfy car seat that you invested lots of money in. Even though we brought our own car seat, Gracie still got really tired of riding in the car. She usually is a champ with car rides, but I think it was just too many long rides in too short of a period. I think it would only have been worse in a car seat she wasn't familiar with.</span><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JluEasDh5Ill0V1fRf1VCpKBDYX9oiRW8XEbabbwGGb-aghFJDPURlxWVb-0MSPhMZWXwdPQZT5Sy7mYn-L7GFzhkWi5x3FUjML8HuSXgerLzQVFWjeVhyecjTeVWBlFMWweZnXOdjbQ/s320/6.jpg" width="240" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> 7) If you are going to visit family, let them know the things your baby likes. That way, they can have them on hand when she gets there. When we got to Corey's dad house, they had balloons all around. Since Gracie loves balloons, she was SO happy. Also, our kid loves food, so we let people feed her and then she liked them a lot. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Also, bring toys and books you know your baby likes that are relatively small. That way they don't feel like everything in the world is different. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">8) Make your child drink lots of water. All the travel happened at the same time as a transition to whole milk and lots of solid foods. Poor Gracie suffered from some poop problems early in the trip. Namely: constipation. Water always helps (and prunes if you can make your kid eat them). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">9) Dress your child in a cute outfit for the plane. Think back to the olden days when ladies dressed up to travel on a plane and men wore suits. Or pretend your baby is Harper Seven Beckham. Or Posh Spice herself. People like a well-dressed baby. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">10) Have faith in the good hearts of people. I have never had a better experience traveling. Everyone seemed to go out of their way to help us. People on the shuttle to the car rental terminal entertained our baby. Other kids shared their toys with Gracie. The sweet shuttle drivers helped lift our ginormous bags and a nice British traveler offered to help us with carrying stuff. On the way home, after we had dropped of our car, the shuttle driver let us keep Gracie in her stroller with the brake on and even helped me lift her on and off the bus. The sweet lady in baggage in Seattle didn't charge us the overweight baggage fee. The people with the puppy that were traveling with us to Seattle were so sweet and let all the kids play with the puppy (who was very well-behaved and never barked) and complimented us on our mellow baby. Every single person that Gracie waved at (many of whom she waved at over and over again) waved back. Gracie is big into waving right now, so this is really incredible. On the flight back, there seemed to be many people returning back to Austin from Seattle's Comic-Con, which had happened on the weekend we were there. Our girl showed her true Austin spirit and flirted shamelessly with two tattooed, pierced men dressed in black. They were so incredibly sweet to her. Many people traveling on their own went out of their way to tell us about their own kids. I feel so lucky that we had such a good experience. It doesn't hurt that we have the cutest, sweetest baby on earth, but I'm still very grateful. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNRjqjOsFc0yDnYlwcAxAik1lNOucPv9keWubpiYgm8pLZNhStwJs3O9c1A1wIjokud-SNToAAwX7doWcOGfyuG5djkC3YEYPaugiu2hdHaiAt4IFAh1M3cXaHCUEW4_ycs3IvBzM_oZw/s320/ed.jpeg" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In summary, if you are on the fence or worried about traveling with a baby or young child, I encourage you to go for it! Even if they are too young to remember it later, you are helping to train them to be good travelers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ru_LwSo8Y3jU8cNNbYy1LVN6-2hq6leNVSE-QLQGf3nVh1Us1YVa5tNtnIm9XjvgNSjSZPJ7G5-NT3WKBFzeh4uE8F3v4NlUzqTATDEny2lC3QLDZToKn22PxIqlNY5nEZPXPEfqVd2B/s320/bear.jpeg" width="320" /></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have never been overly structured/scheduled people, and I was glad for that since a lot of times when you are traveling your schedule has to go out the window, and I know kids that are used to a very specific schedule sometimes freak out in those situations. But even if your kids are the most scheduled kids ever, I still say go for it. I rarely regret doing things - most of the time, my regrets relate to things I didn't do or chances I didn't take. </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And honestly, what's the worst that can happen (okay, maybe not the best question to ask when we are talking about air travel). But really, even if your kid cries a lot on the plane, people feel for you. The guy with the kid a few months older than Gracie who was sitting catty corner from us had to deal with a lot of crying. His poor little boy was obviously dealing with a lot of pain in his ears. We tried to share Gracie's toys and stickers with them. Everybody around tried to provide comfort to the man and his little boy. Nobody voiced annoyance and I think if they had, there would be several people that would tell them to shut up. Maybe your kid doesn't sleep/nap very well for a few days. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyVC6pt8dyQ1uPmuZw8FVqmV-UdJc4KnA9ZKGGBha30aKBq-Cl-rj1cFF-joY2IslKcYbOJlBqnIe-xaXF3w0aN8ECb1pP0psa1p-f7WSAOWR71pJjOTXpgteDAASSwlX7WtKCz3hSv-0/s320/sleepy.jpeg" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maybe they are a little cranky. It doesn't matter. Babies are still cute, even when they are cranky.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOBwnu_mn4fWZEszpH-72BxpENYDn_gSDWmENVdmkPs-Dy835kc-ty3WpRv-evqf3BVdEYJAw-SMwrwikNzd7UShZo6g8wvOy2v9VZpO4mVsfEJrwvjTYuRz1K4Org-h0Xp4W0YHW4ep_/s1600/mck.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOBwnu_mn4fWZEszpH-72BxpENYDn_gSDWmENVdmkPs-Dy835kc-ty3WpRv-evqf3BVdEYJAw-SMwrwikNzd7UShZo6g8wvOy2v9VZpO4mVsfEJrwvjTYuRz1K4Org-h0Xp4W0YHW4ep_/s320/mck.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It meant SO MUCH to Corey to be able to bring his baby girl to where he grew up, and have her meet his grandmother, and her many aunts and uncles and cousins. He was so proud and excited. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I want my child to experience life and all of it's many wonders. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlmXyUSynLswz4g7Z2NK0fTTAfx5nunUSGzZ7212stpIgY0ws0oRCgWc6ef9EROYKAK0RdoOJ8MenR1l2pZQFCkAibHgQtrpT_1t5RtM2NoA2AeQ541dsF0Yz63kD-gWGZOUhOyilzKBO/s320/us.jpeg" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;"></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> I want my child to get to know all of her family members/grandparents, even if many of them live over 2000 miles away. I want Gracie to see snow and mountains and her daddy's hometown. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcoRxvrvfUV4NDQNj4N2oXycc63eqFXzMeN9-wMrSOEAR2eLavECUXGJodcdG-jWAhz5XB-mgk0AfmDK4jwZdYQ9XHMmMs8nxjZvh0Aw1fKacNbhY3Np3eM71nVNApXpCMDvEeAbgIc3z/s320/snowd.jpeg" width="320" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglhmdWFjPKeWMaNWDqkzmTnIOGCfATpJiPb2VIiWnEYZOkh-g9wZdtAMBk2CWJGdnpXSH9fLeggi0jZ9cDmQMlsalhFyA9pBy-4SmE7zLEotN1ApOWT1xSEZRrBP-SPdZi0gcpFnCU3Tnc/s320/snowm.jpeg" width="240" /></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> I've always been grateful that my parents took us on lots of trips growing up. I still have lots of wonderful memories of those trips. I hope Gracie is a seasoned traveler by the time she is 18. Which I'm not going to think about now because it will make me cry.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rxY_GkWyyzhSXwePSe4JqZMtvzvU0AutlFZOWFaoGdj4QIk02OlijbPF6bxazYrzM-fW-PWlyuimEeK0OpmFj1XCF8f5kUTXwDbmcKcPgQKdJJwas91BnMiV80hk1B9TANuDUA8fH0eH/s320/crawl.jpeg" width="240" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Anyway, that's all for now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy and Safe Travels!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Elizabeth </span></span></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-88267021699424021892013-02-25T12:21:00.003-06:002013-02-25T12:21:46.612-06:00Pretty Pictures of our girl (and our family)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We have a nice SLR camera, which we have had it for a few years, and it is starting to not work as well (boohoo :( ). The majority of the time, you have to take the battery out and put it back in for the camera to work. This does not work well when you are trying to capture a quick moment with the baby. But even if you have a perfectly functional camera, a lot of the time, because of convenience in a busy world with a busy baby, you end up taking the majority of your pictures with the iPhone. And while the picture quality is great, it's not quite as nice as the ones our Canon Rebel takes. And while the camera is awesome, I've got a bad habit of taking a lot of pictures with Gracie's eyes closed. Or her falling to the side. Or she starts crying. It's hard taking pictures of a baby. This is why I'm so grateful for professional photographers.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We have had the privilege of working with a few different very talented photographers over the course of the last twelve months. They have captured our family and our sweet girl so well and we feel so lucky to have these pictures to remember this special time. Here are some of our favorites from our last photo shoot with the talented Abby Glenn, which we did to celebrate the fact that our sweet biscuit is one year old!</span></div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-74679164744593273732013-02-13T16:50:00.000-06:002013-02-13T16:50:13.763-06:00Christmas Time was here<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grace's first Christmas was so incredibly special. I can't even describe how wonderful it was to watch her play with her new toys and open gifts and spend time with family. She is such a joyful little girl, but is at her most joy-filled when she is surrounded by loved ones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some of the highlights-- </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1) Christmas Eve candlelight service with the family. This is a tradition for our family and it was the first Christmas Eve service for Gracie (not counting the time she went with us while I was pregnant). She loves seeing all of the candles lit. She wore her precious Christmas dress and hat and loved hearing all of the songs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2) Opening gifts - there were so many. Too many. We definitely went overboard. But who can resist buying things for a baby? We opened our stockings at our house on Christmas Eve Eve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Then on Christmas Eve, after the church service, we came back to the house and changed Gracie into these snazzy pajamas and tore into the gifts.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It took us 3 hours to open all of them. Gracie really got into opening the gifts (she loves paper).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">She wore a bow on her head for awhile (she couldn't take it off her head since she can't reach the top). And she played with a lot of her toys along the way and some of the toys the rest of us had gotten :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">She got way too many things to list individually, but some highlights include a stroller and baby doll, the DVD's of Cinderella and Lady & the Tramp, lots of pretty clothes, a vanity mirror that talks to her, a bear mat, and a little piano. As a family we received an iPad from my parents (!) and a nice printer, and several other very nice gifts.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7wId6NGkVpOyWW_fiKT1gyo7c2OvNblEmFFO3ES_flqwpjvJTrbB5yJ5-dKz16huOeOlOF70n1WMJxR45KUYB_E_7ZWt_OV4CvHgK92wR5yJasGngDI8fFC8ZCeKBC1fC1amPY-kQrCq/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH7wId6NGkVpOyWW_fiKT1gyo7c2OvNblEmFFO3ES_flqwpjvJTrbB5yJ5-dKz16huOeOlOF70n1WMJxR45KUYB_E_7ZWt_OV4CvHgK92wR5yJasGngDI8fFC8ZCeKBC1fC1amPY-kQrCq/s320/9.jpg" uea="true" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sSKbcljyeHTT4tfOzT_7_cUnuG30BrsHkIZxyxHraK2GWvRoRbRxijuedswDtBQ8vTrW0YPXfJ87RE4vPoURyWUWxmoZTW37J5w138IiXXtmvez9R-UIf564QDbt0AL7TEwvGI38tUmz/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sSKbcljyeHTT4tfOzT_7_cUnuG30BrsHkIZxyxHraK2GWvRoRbRxijuedswDtBQ8vTrW0YPXfJ87RE4vPoURyWUWxmoZTW37J5w138IiXXtmvez9R-UIf564QDbt0AL7TEwvGI38tUmz/s320/10.jpg" uea="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3) On Christmas Morning, we went downstairs with Gracie and Santa had come! He left her a peekaboo bear, a play mat, several books, and a Radio Flyer Wagon! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4) Grace ate our yummy Christmas dinner with all of us and she had her first taste of meat (Turkey). She loved it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">5) Seeing her play with all of her toys after the fact is so much fun. She loves to go for rides in her radio flyer wagon. It is seriously one of her favorite activities. And she loves all of her other toys. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We couldn't ask for a sweeter little girl to spend time with! It's hard not to want to shower her with gifts all the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Hope you had a great Christmas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Elizabeth</span></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-44466040984280491502013-01-30T11:15:00.000-06:002013-01-30T11:15:02.941-06:00Two posts in one week!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As Mickey would say, "Hot Dog!"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDE_YTHvuykDCJ9NydWZ2DBLzLk0llB3gnxrTrcxQ9fsERJq78sfgl-yXrnyoRXKvB1UhY0T8WNKKte14OnC6ZnpLm3B-uTJTIJnUzgQrVgAfB7DVpLgymwWRXi93YrlSx49dxrvwE7lN/s1600/220PX-~1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDE_YTHvuykDCJ9NydWZ2DBLzLk0llB3gnxrTrcxQ9fsERJq78sfgl-yXrnyoRXKvB1UhY0T8WNKKte14OnC6ZnpLm3B-uTJTIJnUzgQrVgAfB7DVpLgymwWRXi93YrlSx49dxrvwE7lN/s1600/220PX-~1.PNG" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are in the process of planning Grace's birthday party. I have visions of a perfect day, our house clean as a whistle, everyone getting along, eating and enjoying. The kids are getting along well and playing, and Grace is having the time of her life.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv1TQ7ku2vgowxW0o3nJHXuWW30ao12fKpkPhwFWaKQaju2gM8CaYzaWEBGNZtrzKp3wCxujW4sU5CP6RyF6-BoSir38WrJXwZbNGtIeI6XL2PWOftKKKIlril_N0GP4UqKr7_p219Axu/s1600/valentine's+celebration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv1TQ7ku2vgowxW0o3nJHXuWW30ao12fKpkPhwFWaKQaju2gM8CaYzaWEBGNZtrzKp3wCxujW4sU5CP6RyF6-BoSir38WrJXwZbNGtIeI6XL2PWOftKKKIlril_N0GP4UqKr7_p219Axu/s320/valentine's+celebration.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have plans to make heart decorations using scrapbook paper and brads and string to hang them from the ceiling. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG6Z9PgnBTfTMehrAFQ8IDnLmRohosmYZPQTjMOZoWyBMYbtvr3g4QM2fO2ovKYjPHD1ELeZuvNXQbTmYt3Y415yP23-XNR7zH1vj6Uu1V9sI27oajRcqfRgdsPhElXgqj05toE3hD6tf/s1600/Paper-Hearts_Mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG6Z9PgnBTfTMehrAFQ8IDnLmRohosmYZPQTjMOZoWyBMYbtvr3g4QM2fO2ovKYjPHD1ELeZuvNXQbTmYt3Y415yP23-XNR7zH1vj6Uu1V9sI27oajRcqfRgdsPhElXgqj05toE3hD6tf/s320/Paper-Hearts_Mantel.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also plan to make cookies, cupcakes, and a smash cake for Grace, all incorporating our heart theme (since her birthday is the day after Valentine's Day). I've also been hoping that I could get fingerpaint and make Valentines for Corey and the Grandparents using Gracie's thumbprints, and also making Valentines that way for all of our guests. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DO-tLjeI9lfgBpBzjQq6CevegOnaY9Rd6bWBmn3evK8HXNcLkiCvrMT9LwW4fVtdtOjaOATrQU9eiFPOtdccGxCkZPF7DVKhLmdlVlTIsPlcl_hm_sAnReCOlnjct00m5fkhMzJH-o4L/s1600/fingerprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DO-tLjeI9lfgBpBzjQq6CevegOnaY9Rd6bWBmn3evK8HXNcLkiCvrMT9LwW4fVtdtOjaOATrQU9eiFPOtdccGxCkZPF7DVKhLmdlVlTIsPlcl_hm_sAnReCOlnjct00m5fkhMzJH-o4L/s320/fingerprints.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The reality? I already know this is not going to go quite as smoothly. There is no way my house is going to appear clean and pristine. We had thought about hiring a maid to come clean beforehand, but I haven't gotten around to calling her, and now I'm feeling like I'd almost rather us spend time on a day off trying to clean it ourselves. I'm honestly kind of embarrassed to have someone clean our house--I always feel like they are going to find cat hair or a cheerio in some obvious place I've overlooked and judge me. We have a crawling baby who throws everything around within less than one minute of being in the house. Our cats have destroyed our couches, which now have clawmarks all over them, and we can't quite afford new ones yet (I'm also not sure how I will keep them from clawing new couches). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our house is somewhat small, so I'm not sure how exactly everyone is going to fit inside, and I'm praying that it will be amazing weather in mid-February, when in all-actuality, mid-February is pretty much the only time in Central Texas when I can remember getting snow. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know I probably won't have the time or energy to make my scrapbook paper hearts, and if I do, they will probably look like crap. I may get around to making cookies or cupcakes and a smash cake, but probably not both and all of the other things I'm planning on baking/making. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's quite likely that I'm going to buy the fingerpaints at the store and never get around to making Valentines or attempt it and give up because Grace is a baby and probably not the best at fingerpainting. She is good at putting her fingers in her mouth, though. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I will probably at some point in the hours leading up to the party break down in tears because I'll be overwhelmed by all I have left to do. And also, because I will be realizing that we are throwing a birthday party for our daughter who is ONE YEAR OLD. Holy moly. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What can I say? My <strong><em>heart </em></strong>is in the right place. I hope our friends and family won't judge us for our crappy couches or the cheerios that will most likely be on the floor. And if the decorations are all store bought and the cookies don't taste quite done, I hope they won't think we are the worst hosts ever. </span></div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-50629628350239329072013-01-28T13:52:00.003-06:002013-01-30T11:16:15.780-06:00Well, I'm pretty much the worst blogger ever...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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But it's just because I've been too busy being a mom and wife and working full-time. I guess that's not really an excuse, because lots of women do all of those things AND keep up with their blogs, and let me tell you - I'm impressed ladies! </div>
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I've had a pretty hard time finding balance. I tend to feel really good about how I'm doing if I have a holiday at work and get a 3 day weekend, or if I'm able to take some PTO. Otherwise, I constantly feel like I'm failing at something. This is where I go down my laundry list of things I'm not doing very well. I'm either losing touch with my friends or I'm totally forgetting a procedure at work (that I helped develop, no less) or we are eating fast food/Digiorno's pizzas for a week. There are definitely entire stretches of time where I don't really talk to Corey about anything but Grace. </div>
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I'm late to work A LOT. I can't remember the last time I did anything resembling working out. I don't drink nearly enough water. It has never taken me so long to get thank you notes out after Christmas and my birthday as it did this year. I watch a little bit too much reality television. </div>
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But when I look at Gracie, I feel like we are definitely doing something right. </div>
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She is so smart. And beautiful. And funny. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dJHm1H04pQtdOuJZ5XipDYawQ566zNlnC8gLh5-3NN84OJffwZxlC6omTfw6EKP0lHzkAm1Mq0sqwDE9oDsUKha-9JhXlALEM_htggqAuGHebX696XT3zLcb2fVkui9AZ5V3AL_dit6D/s1600/grace9months4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dJHm1H04pQtdOuJZ5XipDYawQ566zNlnC8gLh5-3NN84OJffwZxlC6omTfw6EKP0lHzkAm1Mq0sqwDE9oDsUKha-9JhXlALEM_htggqAuGHebX696XT3zLcb2fVkui9AZ5V3AL_dit6D/s320/grace9months4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And CHEERFUL! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthD1DyD6177Al22ZxLB23hOM_5-5mobY_IlxGtmV1hOBZBrxkhaOpvL4PaokTATs6wepEXFgkLODtune3-euu8pX1bN4EEypSDhZxa6QVF5lWxHe2aylUDMMHBGnOls3ONSx68ITZgkWm/s1600/Grace.6+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthD1DyD6177Al22ZxLB23hOM_5-5mobY_IlxGtmV1hOBZBrxkhaOpvL4PaokTATs6wepEXFgkLODtune3-euu8pX1bN4EEypSDhZxa6QVF5lWxHe2aylUDMMHBGnOls3ONSx68ITZgkWm/s320/Grace.6+months.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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She is busy. She loves to play. She loves to eat. She has quadrupled her weight since she was born. She smiles more than she cries. She loves to be read to. She says Mama, Dada, occasionally says Papaw (or Bapaw). She says Hi and Yeah. She claps and waves. She loves to dance. She crawls all over the place. She loves the cats. She LOVES people. Most of all, her family. </div>
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She is especially attached to me, Corey, Pinky, Papaw, Meredith and Cam. She is interested in other babies. She has a new cousin, adorable Claire (Meredith and Cam's baby) and she seems interested in her, although a little cautious (this is a good thing). This weekend when she saw her, she waved!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fhq1ZJSebJ5bGNHK4opSuQqc1uX6CF95rKgespzbl7dqh4GZLczmpBmnnm7ltryU6CH3QUWt1wCClseSod8kivzjylbU60GmBDewzhPdA0Z1VXOPmyN29InIrwlhyphenhyphenzwFN2iLAS4DUDhV/s1600/graceonmat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fhq1ZJSebJ5bGNHK4opSuQqc1uX6CF95rKgespzbl7dqh4GZLczmpBmnnm7ltryU6CH3QUWt1wCClseSod8kivzjylbU60GmBDewzhPdA0Z1VXOPmyN29InIrwlhyphenhyphenzwFN2iLAS4DUDhV/s320/graceonmat.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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She is a flirt. She loves to go out in the world and see other people. It can be embarrassing at times, because we will be in a waiting room/store/restaurant and Gracie will stare someone down until they look back at her and then smile big (often tilting her head to the side, which is pretty much the cutest thing ever).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVCYHwm7etn2aXnELbTPEhSF1FI3ogod6uoLQXLcU0PgOUxgpEX0f92y-IK_kkV6V0fCBY6AAFyLR0DyJCplkhnsuSejXdLR7rTai9HZ5hcL6D6oXJ6hizhfxsj2Pa1hmw5Ik5gwpLMJp/s1600/61121_10102441519302620_549288920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVCYHwm7etn2aXnELbTPEhSF1FI3ogod6uoLQXLcU0PgOUxgpEX0f92y-IK_kkV6V0fCBY6AAFyLR0DyJCplkhnsuSejXdLR7rTai9HZ5hcL6D6oXJ6hizhfxsj2Pa1hmw5Ik5gwpLMJp/s320/61121_10102441519302620_549288920_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Being her mom is truly the best thing ever. I love her so much it hurts sometimes. I often find myself missing her at night when she is sleeping in her crib. Some nights I creep into her room and watch her. Other nights, afraid of waking her, I sit in our room and watch her in the monitor or watch videos or look at pictures of her on my iPhone. The love I feel for her is unmatched by any emotion I have ever felt in my life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaY2FDqRbmF4eZRkm98P374fhVnbL15cWad-dSQi0heCVhZG4y4YnoLmn2-vlUoCFv0lMLi-N62h-QBTgUzgcSfq99iJdIyHmYmyqPapf0o6kTwVsxRNRR6qGY4QoL9X2QCL2lbcUd8EW/s1600/graceandcorey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaY2FDqRbmF4eZRkm98P374fhVnbL15cWad-dSQi0heCVhZG4y4YnoLmn2-vlUoCFv0lMLi-N62h-QBTgUzgcSfq99iJdIyHmYmyqPapf0o6kTwVsxRNRR6qGY4QoL9X2QCL2lbcUd8EW/s320/graceandcorey.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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I find myself doing things I never really envisioned doing before. I make a lot of her food myself. I never quite pictured myself staying up late to puree peaches and green beans, but it makes me so happy to hear her "mmmm" after she tastes it! I spent months researching the best car seats to buy. I send texts/post on facebook a ridiculous amount of pictures of Gracie. </div>
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<img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9u5gJ53kQq7S50IsJ-cf5hCcCCmgXn6ifAKGh2nVSBfHwpyu98MG_WVGH9g7Rb7uLVvfDK9U3MxzWpZxeo09GHQ9it_E2j95War-Sc_EA3nJ_qEn1Ua-RfQbue78L_KcWmYiCPGPgGTA/s320/Gracievalentine.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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There are certainly times when I feel like I'm failing as a mom.There are days when I only see her for about an hour and half that she is awake. That breaks my heart. It doesn't seem fair, and I don't know how to fix it. All I can do is pray and work hard so that maybe, by the time we have baby #2 I will be able to stay home with both of them.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUYVpvTCDQiTAWquplSe8tOaii1KalN9vC2vzaEjoGvUfhvW8jVnuzrVFo-Uz4WtHD3YwdrCKH_z0VYSH_qI0UDlXJN4rov9c1k6RaPoY5UPNIR0WZ13m54EHSAtigyqCc07JOp5zZmRj/s1600/grace9months5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUYVpvTCDQiTAWquplSe8tOaii1KalN9vC2vzaEjoGvUfhvW8jVnuzrVFo-Uz4WtHD3YwdrCKH_z0VYSH_qI0UDlXJN4rov9c1k6RaPoY5UPNIR0WZ13m54EHSAtigyqCc07JOp5zZmRj/s320/grace9months5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And hopefully, Grace won't be 15 by that time. It's hard to pay down debt and work so much, but I feel good that we are providing for our family and we are ultimately so lucky because my mom is able to take care of Grace. </div>
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There is another kind of guilt that goes along with that - I often feel like I'm keeping my mom from things that she needs/wants to do instead. She would never say that, and she has a very special bond with Gracie, but I know there are times where it is a difficult balancing act for her, too. We are so grateful for the time she spends with Grace and I know Gracie loves it. Every time I tell her we are going to Pinky's house, she pumps her legs. </div>
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There are these really special moments everyday. I feel like every age is more fun than the last. When I was pregnant, I would have these visions of dancing with my daughter, and now we do. It's really special and makes me so happy. She gives me kisses now. She is reacting more and more everyday to the stories we read her. I feel so lucky to be able to dress her every morning. It is seriously one of the best parts of having a little girl. The clothes are so precious and fun. She puts up with it all, and seems to like some of the outfits. </div>
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There is so much joy in seeing her with Corey. He loves her so much, and she loves him right back. She gave him a hug the other day. She loves to hear Corey play guitar, and he plays for her almost everyday. She reaches out and strums the strings.</div>
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He is fiercely protective of her, but also plays with her in a way that only a daddy can--he throws her in the air and takes her on crazy unwieldy wagon rides and tickles her 15 times a day. They are so cute together, it makes my heart sing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5YdxdbLjk66Hb2Afhc7VQESLDba6klPoSr8M5tIZEgqjM7pyvdAACi6C1yUl8qgeqFD5g4_ONck6Xp5h_k2goob7hmY6DtZdj22msVcIQyLqlg5wcy1eedfXbHu5mC2usBG7qHAOppgo/s1600/coreyandgrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5YdxdbLjk66Hb2Afhc7VQESLDba6klPoSr8M5tIZEgqjM7pyvdAACi6C1yUl8qgeqFD5g4_ONck6Xp5h_k2goob7hmY6DtZdj22msVcIQyLqlg5wcy1eedfXbHu5mC2usBG7qHAOppgo/s320/coreyandgrace.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9u5gJ53kQq7S50IsJ-cf5hCcCCmgXn6ifAKGh2nVSBfHwpyu98MG_WVGH9g7Rb7uLVvfDK9U3MxzWpZxeo09GHQ9it_E2j95War-Sc_EA3nJ_qEn1Ua-RfQbue78L_KcWmYiCPGPgGTA/s1600/Gracievalentine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>In less than a month, Grace will be One Years Old. In some ways, I feel like that is completely unbelievable. I also feel like I cannot remember what life was like before her (and I don't want to). She makes our family feel complete. </div>
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She gives me purpose, and drive. She is absolutely the best thing that ever happened to us and I feel so grateful to be her mommy. </div>
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I'm going to do my best to write more. I have been keeping up pretty well with her baby book, but I like the idea of updating here, too. Because I can never express enough how much I love Grace and how happy I am that she is in our life. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bwDuK0ei04hxgPGqpp3LmdIfU7KuvaRZKDgFP_t7r2RZp8ELFxTHi5hwKPhlqphn4AV1tR0xoxC8SdTSthCIBTLlGsU7-_rE1uvZmjdI3smQ3kPGxEwNrtSzJFArA8swOLpxlciIF3OJ/s1600/11months.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bwDuK0ei04hxgPGqpp3LmdIfU7KuvaRZKDgFP_t7r2RZp8ELFxTHi5hwKPhlqphn4AV1tR0xoxC8SdTSthCIBTLlGsU7-_rE1uvZmjdI3smQ3kPGxEwNrtSzJFArA8swOLpxlciIF3OJ/s320/11months.1.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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Love,</div>
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Elizabeth </div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-23573390948825613632012-07-05T19:04:00.002-05:002012-07-05T19:04:16.749-05:00Joy in My Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgRCzjNROzJW6wNlK8F9Xp9vQQBlkS5HrG6hpXEUaa9qkngUwSLwneF8rYRmL5sDnFh-oy3treY_tZz6NfBo4HSqytyGC0UNIfnfxAVRQSc5yLoKGGvpcyK1sF98pqZXAdoxDumTnR5ZB/s320/4+months.jpg" width="239" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;">Well I feel like I blinked and Grace will be 5 months old in 10 days. Time goes by too quickly. But she is growing and beautiful and so much fun. She is really the best baby and bring so much joy to our lives. </span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK1fapML-UNnlEf-U35iksm1CGo3U2bp8wSkkM-dh2OnnL9vFHtZj2q6uqjR5iVuOFfJBnOV-lY3wZbI6esCXyLmxtQ8uoLNQ5wku3GCLSVBmrL4rcHHQztt3jrwXcipc8ygu0fLrmW0x/s1600/Granstrand+Family+2012+571-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK1fapML-UNnlEf-U35iksm1CGo3U2bp8wSkkM-dh2OnnL9vFHtZj2q6uqjR5iVuOFfJBnOV-lY3wZbI6esCXyLmxtQ8uoLNQ5wku3GCLSVBmrL4rcHHQztt3jrwXcipc8ygu0fLrmW0x/s320/Granstrand+Family+2012+571-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love being her mommy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;">We talk a lot. I tell her lots of stories. She is a great babbler. I'm working on getting her to say Mama. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu7MRWNpPHklLILE0-4H-XQy5X23yiCiUbpPmL_CIKjm1Yt4Udv8tpQmFbg1YWem6naCrNuUFFgiu1NvMPXN3yZ4ip-9-9x4RBvYO5GZPBpjP1aJXJr1xbnvo3cLihVII_Y4ulkSmL634/s1600/Granstrand+Family+2012+353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxu7MRWNpPHklLILE0-4H-XQy5X23yiCiUbpPmL_CIKjm1Yt4Udv8tpQmFbg1YWem6naCrNuUFFgiu1NvMPXN3yZ4ip-9-9x4RBvYO5GZPBpjP1aJXJr1xbnvo3cLihVII_Y4ulkSmL634/s320/Granstrand+Family+2012+353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;">I really hope she says Mama before she says Biscuit (our nickname for her). I guess Dada would be okay, though.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2TI8xFTabJ9CHAfZJ8LkasTBG32xlBZia6N91fYRd58z0K2Fm1KUicheicHibwHj1BC41xdFLZF6GoU3CF-Btjn-0kQ175pkJQf_g9laCcBHpWL5wi33mPyKijfdMzfHvG9ace2dkZP4/s1600/DAD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2TI8xFTabJ9CHAfZJ8LkasTBG32xlBZia6N91fYRd58z0K2Fm1KUicheicHibwHj1BC41xdFLZF6GoU3CF-Btjn-0kQ175pkJQf_g9laCcBHpWL5wi33mPyKijfdMzfHvG9ace2dkZP4/s320/DAD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is a very fashionable dresser. We have fun picking out her outfit everyday. She loves getting her diaper changed. She is not a big fan of baths. </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;">She loves her bumbo seat. She also loves the playmat. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGBSsXysgRo6yeJRJP2Mc8jFuabE27Dz2Bnu6f5vECO0z1DiZzRJCrYIKk8L4iOx3zBfBt4NCmcx5Tz0SSNDZnpVu7k1yUP2zY-iPFoLkC0UWbuY5GbulzGEylX-VKwX9z18SLllYAy2t/s1600/gracehat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGBSsXysgRo6yeJRJP2Mc8jFuabE27Dz2Bnu6f5vECO0z1DiZzRJCrYIKk8L4iOx3zBfBt4NCmcx5Tz0SSNDZnpVu7k1yUP2zY-iPFoLkC0UWbuY5GbulzGEylX-VKwX9z18SLllYAy2t/s320/gracehat.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She is sleeping through the night (pretty much). We are very lucky.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I feel like the luckiest person in the world when I walk into her room to wake her up in the morning and she looks up at me and smiles like I'm her favorite person in the world. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqo5hXNEgwAjy5WWvXe969sqfwnKUgRI7hi19O4H2edgT20-DuoFb5N_8YD3xvMaHZcLbVfvtpvufch5M2IxfzRhARk6N1BHLRjkKexlDK8Pakb2dQiEyFF9kEoHow03SyDCwPnMlIg19/s1600/Granstrand+Family+2012+412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqo5hXNEgwAjy5WWvXe969sqfwnKUgRI7hi19O4H2edgT20-DuoFb5N_8YD3xvMaHZcLbVfvtpvufch5M2IxfzRhARk6N1BHLRjkKexlDK8Pakb2dQiEyFF9kEoHow03SyDCwPnMlIg19/s320/Granstrand+Family+2012+412.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The feeling is mutual.</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrqWa_mbJCUIqWRYBX68Z4daWcKKPRPoW6xAtq3YPUEDfbjwWZ-jLT8qdmM6ejm_dp1Lpbi1VqkrSBYvtUN36iYjgCpyQq1a2KQJ2R0X2zXDkC6V3BUVM5eGk3I_OAHGUTqtlNUgcjNNa/s1600/Granstrand+Family+2012+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrqWa_mbJCUIqWRYBX68Z4daWcKKPRPoW6xAtq3YPUEDfbjwWZ-jLT8qdmM6ejm_dp1Lpbi1VqkrSBYvtUN36iYjgCpyQq1a2KQJ2R0X2zXDkC6V3BUVM5eGk3I_OAHGUTqtlNUgcjNNa/s320/Granstrand+Family+2012+161.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">I love you Grace!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;">Mommy</span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-71253204930002688512012-03-19T12:10:00.001-05:002012-03-19T12:17:48.315-05:00One Month and reaching the due date: An update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCmZKanG0m9t0HfjsPlHvkspKxaMr2qdzycHbVLzrrbfm_Z4DRvQOTRUkxSMG8VHknDbqKFaVRtVXwap82IzWvDFENd4seQ2ty9Pw4BDxcYZQBzdrxT3xOHtu1I0K100q5leAqKxF9qyd/s1600/gracetutu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCmZKanG0m9t0HfjsPlHvkspKxaMr2qdzycHbVLzrrbfm_Z4DRvQOTRUkxSMG8VHknDbqKFaVRtVXwap82IzWvDFENd4seQ2ty9Pw4BDxcYZQBzdrxT3xOHtu1I0K100q5leAqKxF9qyd/s320/gracetutu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On this past Thursday, we reached Grace's one month birthday! And tomorrow is Grace's due date. It's incredibly difficult for me to imagine what it would have been like to still have her in my tummy right now, but if everything had gone the way I thought it would, she would have most likely still been in there. I'm so grateful that she is already here. we know that she is healthy--a bit on the small side, but strong and full of life. Sometimes there is a bigger plan for us that may seem scary and difficult at the time, but things work out the way they are meant to.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On her one month birthday, Corey brought a carrot cake cupcake home from work and we had a little celebration. We also took some cute pictures of her with a stuffed bunny in her chair. I know it's just one month, but we think it is a big deal that she is doing so great at this point. She isn't even really supposed to be here yet, so to have her in our lives and being such a great "grown up" baby is such a blessing. You have to celebrate the little things in life!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTItbuUjEadPHQFrixe0SjmABFEV0YsfstVNSI1jsTCBcImB4N-oKDFw4PyWew44kPfhVG4Dm5oN4au0m4QKg6MOzo5_6ZP_boU_4_KB1wyFnKvRSsmRxeu1pWqyAm4pLd_3k4l84_8XV/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTItbuUjEadPHQFrixe0SjmABFEV0YsfstVNSI1jsTCBcImB4N-oKDFw4PyWew44kPfhVG4Dm5oN4au0m4QKg6MOzo5_6ZP_boU_4_KB1wyFnKvRSsmRxeu1pWqyAm4pLd_3k4l84_8XV/s320/IMG_4477.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grace has enriched our lives in so many ways. She is so beautiful that Corey and I often just sit and stare at her, then look at each other and ask how we got so lucky. Her skin is like silk and her fingers are long and delicate. Her hair is dark, but we are noticing more and more golden tones there. She has tiny little ears and a perfect nose and mouth. The shape of her eyes is just like her daddy and she looks like a little lamb when she sleeps. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She makes the cutest noises--sometimes she chortles and it sounds like Beavis or Butthead. She makes these little sighing noises when she is eating sometimes. She also does a panting thing when she is eating which is super cute but was a little alarming at first (talked to the Pediatrician, totally normal). It makes her sound like a puppy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She's really funny about her getting her diaper changed. Most of the time, if she has a poopy diaper, she will cry like someone is pinching her until someone changes it. But she cries a lot more when we change a wet diaper than a dirty one--most of the time during a poopy diaper, she just looks around with her eyes wide open, happy as a clam. She has had a few horrifying poopy diapers--last night we literally cut her onesie off because it was already ruined by the poop coming up out of her diaper and we didn't want to have to pull it over her head. Oh, the things you will do and talk about when you are a parent. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She is slowly growing out of her preemie clothes. Some of her nicer preemie outfits still fit, but she has grown out of most of her preemie Carters outfits. She is in newborn diapers (although they are a bit big on her).</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She eats about 3 ounces at a time, sometimes more. At night, she will usually sleep a good 3-4 hour stretch now, which is wonderful. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On Wednesday the 14th, I had an appointment for a check up with my OB, and Grace's pediatrician wanted me to drop by and get her weighed. She weighed 5 pounds and 9 ounces! She has been consistently gaining an ounce a day. Last night my mom and Corey used a tape measurer and found that she is now 19 inches long! She is growing so fast and that makes me so happy--I'm so grateful that she likes to eat!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grace loves her swing. She loves to be swaddled. She loves to be held and she loves to be held while we walk around the house--apparently she is a fan of changing scenery.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Over the last week, we've been taking Grace to do more and more things out and about. On Thursday, we went on a stroll in her awesome stroller over to the mailbox. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEDaLWQi0zxAa_uWvwKmVObE50qiWmqWsFW0RKqNWUhQV5SZQibg3flSvHjkGfr6dqot4WSh8-JiGPMBA28ambL-87douGU6Be-x62afGB67FVBZAqKtsWBNMqn-S4erujaHApdRohSKh/s1600/stroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEDaLWQi0zxAa_uWvwKmVObE50qiWmqWsFW0RKqNWUhQV5SZQibg3flSvHjkGfr6dqot4WSh8-JiGPMBA28ambL-87douGU6Be-x62afGB67FVBZAqKtsWBNMqn-S4erujaHApdRohSKh/s320/stroller.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know that is not a big deal for most, but it has been such a crazy month that I hadn't done that at all. Between her being in the hospital for the first 5 days of life, then bringing her home and getting used to the new routine with a newborn and sleep deprivation, all while recovering from a c-section, it took me awhile to get to that place. But going out to do that instantly made me feel better and Gracie seemed to like it, too. Walks (or even jogs!) are going to be one of our daily activities (on good weather days!). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvPveZeC8h39xa39yXy1qUqbhBrGF2reuRDgDkLBP6Fcz5j-cdmLFdIojkVv7W_GiQIFH2ZMxNaWk20kkNOflh8x98FZ6OWbPCMjGu3DCw4pQIpV_rK4QquQd2YHdvN-FUVuJx6uBPCMQ/s1600/stroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvPveZeC8h39xa39yXy1qUqbhBrGF2reuRDgDkLBP6Fcz5j-cdmLFdIojkVv7W_GiQIFH2ZMxNaWk20kkNOflh8x98FZ6OWbPCMjGu3DCw4pQIpV_rK4QquQd2YHdvN-FUVuJx6uBPCMQ/s320/stroll.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On Friday, my mom and sister and I all hung out and we took Gracie to her first restaurant--Olive Garden. It was a little intimidating, but we got through it. We sat in a booth and I just put her in her carseat next to me. There were two sets of children at nearby tables, and one of the tables of children were little hellions. They screamed the entire time and they were not babies (although one of them had a pacifier in at 5 years old). The moms that were there with them did nothing to correct them and didn't take them out of the restaurant. Then, when Gracie finally woke up after they screamed for a good hour, the mothers sent the little girl with the pacifier over to apologize for waking the baby up. Of course she immediately tried to touch the baby and her mom did the whole "No, don't do that" thing without moving. Grrr</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On Saturday, Corey and I went and did some shopping with her and went to another restaurant for lunch. That went very smoothly and I was so happy we did it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It feels good to go out and do things with her. She seems to like it/do well with it and it is so great for my mental health. In the last couple of weeks, I really feel like I'm getting more and more comfortable with being a mommy and I feel so much more like myself.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm so glad to be Gracie's mommy and to be living the life I always dreamed of. We are so lucky!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzmAsUmGStYqMG72Xq9QmEgIS2kEMyWhGE7Dx1cR2JWJ86ycxY696CcZtW2oTSHWyBeF38fDVJxwPHhYD1L4OnFmZ6h3m8s-bEOCa99DlV8fjLjuBNdcIr0cejLYUwMTVfhJ-OgGr5JWH/s1600/IMG_4467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzmAsUmGStYqMG72Xq9QmEgIS2kEMyWhGE7Dx1cR2JWJ86ycxY696CcZtW2oTSHWyBeF38fDVJxwPHhYD1L4OnFmZ6h3m8s-bEOCa99DlV8fjLjuBNdcIr0cejLYUwMTVfhJ-OgGr5JWH/s320/IMG_4467.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Love,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Elizabeth</span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-47750686320622997592012-03-12T23:45:00.001-05:002012-03-13T02:50:59.262-05:00Gracie Girl is here! Here is the Birth Story..and the story about what happened after that!<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Warning--this is super long and took me forever to write! There are probably several errors as I've been writing this over several days (weeks even) and I'm sleep deprived and distracted, but it will have to work for now. I've got to get this out!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">This update is long overdue. It's been a busy time to say the least! Our beautiful baby girl is here! In fact, she arrived the evening of my last post (2/15)--it's very funny to read that now! Our birth story is long and emotional and I'm going to do my best to sum it all up, but before I get to that, would you like to see a picture of our sweet Gracie? </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWrjcXKhdlI9ixWohOiBc8JxpDgel8p5Tw-v9NACzP7SD7FPlPO5YSkpu_yFmg5P3Psu0dVRLeAFa8q5FV97r6Naas1EWHbVMR29C7BT666Pl2nZz6FyJxvv_oq_nwCeY_ESyJWFOQaUY/s1600/blogger-image-903818648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWrjcXKhdlI9ixWohOiBc8JxpDgel8p5Tw-v9NACzP7SD7FPlPO5YSkpu_yFmg5P3Psu0dVRLeAFa8q5FV97r6Naas1EWHbVMR29C7BT666Pl2nZz6FyJxvv_oq_nwCeY_ESyJWFOQaUY/s640/blogger-image-903818648.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>She's pretty adorable.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">So on the evening of February 15th, I finished my blogging and was working on other projects on my laptop. My mom came to spend the night at the hospital so Corey could have a night of rest at home and we were planning to work on getting my taxes done and other projects. Corey came by to see me on his way home from work, and then my Dad stopped by to see us on his way home. My best friend Meredith was on her way to come visit. At about 7, Corey was just about to head home when Dr. O came by again unexpectedly. She said that she had talked to the perinatologist that I had seen the week before and he was concerned about my platelet count being so low. She said that he recommended delivering as soon as possible to avoid possible complications. She said that they would do an urgent check of my platelet count, but that she thought we would be delivering that night. I immediately started shaking. I was so worried.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I couldn't believe it. Earlier that same day she had said that I would probably be delivering at 37 weeks and now we were going to deliver that night (at 35 weeks, 1 day)? </div><div style="text-align: center;">The platelet count came back 30 higher than they had been earlier that day, but the train was already moving, and when I asked if there was anyway we could wait until the next morning, I was quickly redirected. </div><div style="text-align: center;">People were soon buzzing around me like bees. I was getting asked questions by the nurses like "what are you allergic to?" and "have you been shaved?" (sorry, TMI, I know), signing papers that pretty much said they could kill me and that would be okay and being talked to by the anesthesiologist all at the same time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jRvPFHBK1Vgzyxe9T8pjOcCLkmit-7y9MdxkAqZVCVTQgoRKc4kP9kAF0IIrpNsNvMlDasjPAuCkGdp9ihobzmqun5BzCrE0E7G2_7ZYHxJXkNagi4xmIizrnYHMIKdQ4ta0pYoBMC8d/s1600/IMG_4055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jRvPFHBK1Vgzyxe9T8pjOcCLkmit-7y9MdxkAqZVCVTQgoRKc4kP9kAF0IIrpNsNvMlDasjPAuCkGdp9ihobzmqun5BzCrE0E7G2_7ZYHxJXkNagi4xmIizrnYHMIKdQ4ta0pYoBMC8d/s320/IMG_4055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Signing my life away</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzFGUBuJgXMT-fvHsRLVqw55pMLh8J-b0M16grb-7OjdDNqElD7dOUODsVi2B_daHevQisbdJdaI_psHkMxPMcCXOHJzgs8OVWln50Eomizn2PxesMasRYyxoa9qmKkX-Q82tlvsT9M3d/s1600/IMG_4056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzFGUBuJgXMT-fvHsRLVqw55pMLh8J-b0M16grb-7OjdDNqElD7dOUODsVi2B_daHevQisbdJdaI_psHkMxPMcCXOHJzgs8OVWln50Eomizn2PxesMasRYyxoa9qmKkX-Q82tlvsT9M3d/s320/IMG_4056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Corey getting ready for the c-section</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDCA0JYNTlem-hcyuw5yb_5Bh3h0s870pi7peBp0bmgCL6O1wGIWqVULJxtm-N23GeF2hxrC7x_6aaBKwEDywPFrxVBBtkRQnp7ZPvb7tIDCxPYRojcCfypT7x2NZW2Rd-DoaLSOPBymy/s1600/IMG_4058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDCA0JYNTlem-hcyuw5yb_5Bh3h0s870pi7peBp0bmgCL6O1wGIWqVULJxtm-N23GeF2hxrC7x_6aaBKwEDywPFrxVBBtkRQnp7ZPvb7tIDCxPYRojcCfypT7x2NZW2Rd-DoaLSOPBymy/s320/IMG_4058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>That is definitely fear in my eyes.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> My best friend Meredith showed up while the doctor was in the room telling me that I was going to deliver that night. When she came in the room after that set in, we talked and she told me with tears in her eyes that in the way over to the hospital, she noticed that the sky was pink and she thought it was for Gracie (my sister Meredith said the exact same thing back in October on the morning we found out we were having a girl). She was a very calming presence to have around and I'm glad she was there. My mom called my sister and she and my brother in law came over and were there for a few minutes before I went back. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Let me just say, there is a lot about my birth experience that I'm not thrilled with. It's not as if I had my heart set on a birth plan or anything like that. I had already resigned myself to the fact that I was having a C-section since she was frank breech. I wasn't expecting the birth experience to be a dream-come-true, pleasurable experience. I just wish that I had been more assertive about asking to delay until the next morning. I also wish that I had insisted on the opinion of another perinatologist. I wish I had had more than a moment to say goodbye to my pregnant body. I wish that I hadn't felt like I was on a death march on my way to the operating room. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But, that didn't happen and we are both okay. That is what matters. A lot of my inability to ask those questions or be insistent on those things was motivated by fear of the unknown. My doctor had tried to explain to me and my family why it was important for us to go ahead and deliver and the explanation involved the placenta detaching and worries about mortality. So although I was so worried about her being delivered at 35 weeks, 1 day, the alternative was too scary to think about. </div><div style="text-align: center;">As I already mentioned, the walk to the operating room felt like a death march. I was so worried about what was going to happen. Would my baby cry when she was born? Would the anesthesia work? (I've had some issues with anesthesia in the past) Would Gracie have to go to the NICU? Would we get to leave the hospital with her or would we be coming to visit her there for weeks? The uncertainty was overwhelming.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I sat up on the table and Dr. O held me forward while the anesthesiologist did the injection in my back (which seemed to take Forever). I was shaking and told her "I don't feel ready for this." She said "Nobody ever is." </div><div style="text-align: center;">Corey finally got to come back and join me after what seemed like an hour, and even though I felt super cold and shaky, he made me feel so much better. He held my hand. I felt completely numb from the chest down. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The crew of nurses and doctors were wonderful and reassuring as well. There was a wonderful male anaesthesiology nurse who stayed by my head the whole time, and a lot of the time leading up to Corey's arrival, and he was so calming and helped make sure I was okay and comfortable. Maybe I'm crazy, but I have never done any research on any of the details of what happens on the other side of that blue sheet during a c-section. I just think there are some things I don't need to know. But the whole group of people working on me down there were great about not letting on if they were taking out any of my organs and/or seeing my guts. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It wasn't long before Dr. O said "we're almost there." Then suddenly, at 8:10 PM, she said "Oh, Elizabeth, here she is! She looks just like your husband!" She also said "Oh, she's a fighter"--apparently my daughter started grabbing their instruments on her way out of the womb. That's my girl! The nurses and doctors said, "Dad, look, look!" He looked, and he swears to me that he didn't notice any of the gross stuff, because all he saw was his daughter. He immediately said "Oh, Lizzie, she is so pretty! She's so pretty! It's a girl! She's so pretty!" (He knows me well. I'm going to be honest. Up until the day she was born I was certain that we were going to end up with a surprise boy since I wanted a girl so bad. It was also reassuring to know that she is pretty). <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> A second later, I heard the most beautiful sound I have ever heard--a loud screech! Our baby girl's lungs were working! Then, another second later, they held Grace's face over the blue sheet and my world changed instantly. She was beautiful--her face was all scrunched up and wrinkly, and she was sticking her tongue out and screaming at the top of her lungs, but she was pink and wiggly and had lots of hair and just absolutely perfect. There are no words to capture the emotion in that moment. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They whisked her over to the side and weighed her--4 pounds and 11 ounces--we didn't quite get to 5 pounds, but I felt like it was respectable for 5 weeks early and a pre-eclampsia pregnancy. She was 17 1/4 inches long. She scored 8 and 9 on the APGAR. They had to use a little bit of oxygen at that point and said they were going to take her to NICU. I was surprised to find that I was relieved that they were taking her there. Once I met her, I couldn't stand the idea of her not being monitored constantly to make sure she was okay, so NICU sounded good to me in that moment. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvQTgSQonz-yk_UVIk4BD7ZwhBoxkMYUIEioE89y9yVaCTcwUJUt-9QVLX_Q6X0ndcW_6Q8AItK8TBZixoaT2IDT-HKf-lLdRxVgDFvaqKiX-U_QOmPiyWTjj8R3EINziSOCBmex1tfQv/s1600/IMG_4064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvQTgSQonz-yk_UVIk4BD7ZwhBoxkMYUIEioE89y9yVaCTcwUJUt-9QVLX_Q6X0ndcW_6Q8AItK8TBZixoaT2IDT-HKf-lLdRxVgDFvaqKiX-U_QOmPiyWTjj8R3EINziSOCBmex1tfQv/s320/IMG_4064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Gracie crying while she gets weighed.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Corey brought her over to me, and the male anaesthesiology nurse took our first family photos. I couldn't get over how beautiful she was or how much she looked like her Daddy. Corey went with her and Dr. O instructed them to take the baby down the hall past my family (this is apparently not standard protocol). I'm grateful for that. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDK3QNCP5-KZ_RYL83GTXFpdh4tNEmfGj19uTbwPdqmF5iYVLYMiQ4wkg1ShMWwAAZ2Agj6IOUJewrRafyb2O0g1JqosbVTC8YlB99IC8NZGRo1O2imaoRuHJJOfxR-1T0Go5diQd8-L1/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDK3QNCP5-KZ_RYL83GTXFpdh4tNEmfGj19uTbwPdqmF5iYVLYMiQ4wkg1ShMWwAAZ2Agj6IOUJewrRafyb2O0g1JqosbVTC8YlB99IC8NZGRo1O2imaoRuHJJOfxR-1T0Go5diQd8-L1/s320/IMG_4067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our first family photo!</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkxf0KK4avroub5Ze0jn8EeuqN1Of6g226vgAvUAjSZx7B9wjqDeX71IF1gK9BTqfDro80vFFabMHPDM2b7iljG7ibjvtfbqUpSC9vWmJIe_RxzbR2TRj4lRgEY99VVYQbhPXtV0Vs7wf/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkxf0KK4avroub5Ze0jn8EeuqN1Of6g226vgAvUAjSZx7B9wjqDeX71IF1gK9BTqfDro80vFFabMHPDM2b7iljG7ibjvtfbqUpSC9vWmJIe_RxzbR2TRj4lRgEY99VVYQbhPXtV0Vs7wf/s320/IMG_4068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our beautiful girl</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7IqrpmXhAPbGXPXkF_EqrZRr32JawvXmGqxjs1ef1NDdOmLenksVJ6amqde2hW_zoZmvQ8vQ-VBpssK4BExgDCCTrs-OUAvH1jf4b_mVT8IVkwEIIcGNnP2HuBIYPBTtPHBFCo4gYmdN/s1600/IMG_4069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7IqrpmXhAPbGXPXkF_EqrZRr32JawvXmGqxjs1ef1NDdOmLenksVJ6amqde2hW_zoZmvQ8vQ-VBpssK4BExgDCCTrs-OUAvH1jf4b_mVT8IVkwEIIcGNnP2HuBIYPBTtPHBFCo4gYmdN/s320/IMG_4069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Holding onto her Daddy's finger. </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>After she was born and Corey left with her, there was a period of loneliness and then I was really freaking scared. They put me back together, which seemed to take forever, all the while chatting away. Dr. O went on and on about how she couldn't believe I have a baby and have been married for 5 years (she has been my gynecologist for years). I couldn't focus on anything other than Grace. I wanted to see her. I wanted to hold her as soon as possible. Was she still okay? Had my parents seen her yet?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Eventually, they rolled me back down the hall to my room, past my mom and dad, Meredith and Cam, and my friends Meredith and Lindsey. The nurses were doing lots of wrap up paperwork so they closed the door so I stayed in the room by myself with them. All I wanted was to see my family and ask them how Grace was doing and what they thought, but the nurses told me that I needed to spend a few minutes alone first. I worried that meant something was wrong. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, I insisted that they bring someone in my family back there--I told them that I knew my parents would be worried that they couldn't see me. The nurses were really nice and let me have them come in, and from then on I had people come back two at a time. My parents came back and talked about seeing her and how beautiful she is. They had gone back to NICU to see her, and let me know that she was doing well. They also mentioned that because it is flu season they only allow parents and grandparents back to see babies in NICU. My sister and Cam came back and talked with me after that. Lindsey and Meredith came back and talked with me as well. I found out later that Cam and Lindsey missed seeing her when they rolled her down the hall. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Eventually, Corey came back and showed me pictures of her. She was so gorgeous. The whole time, in between visitors, I was asking the nurses if they could check on how Grace was doing. Poor Corey felt obligated to spend time with me and her. My instructions were for him to spend as much time as possible with her. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TyzKXArDOhJhGNyMQA4WQFeP3t-uFbytj17qC739shm64OLoGmgXgpLFI6a63zxhcgX5-HM7jspVne-lD4NH1tRPPkYH9yXp7MYlpaGqk2gwkpn-i5JAYqRBnEBY9pzwu1hUqniawDM2/s1600/IMG_4071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TyzKXArDOhJhGNyMQA4WQFeP3t-uFbytj17qC739shm64OLoGmgXgpLFI6a63zxhcgX5-HM7jspVne-lD4NH1tRPPkYH9yXp7MYlpaGqk2gwkpn-i5JAYqRBnEBY9pzwu1hUqniawDM2/s320/IMG_4071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>My parents visiting Grace in the NICU</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Eventually, my nurse took pity on me and asked her supervisor if they could roll me down the hallway to NICU and have me see the baby. They rolled me on down. It was amazing--even though I was in a drugged haze, that is one of my most vivid memories ever. I could barely see her under her heating lamp, so I just rubbed her foot. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3Ku_bOqYn70BfJygNsNRS4fo_vx6pESqkPpNqk0RJTgR9Vm3WmgtM9g5oKcVhXQfG9WcE4Uwaqa_LBVyh1921S13-BxH_HfdXtneC_4AJ8DDgS3w60q8hGPnJMEOV7ReQe404DyNCbbt/s1600/IMG_4081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3Ku_bOqYn70BfJygNsNRS4fo_vx6pESqkPpNqk0RJTgR9Vm3WmgtM9g5oKcVhXQfG9WcE4Uwaqa_LBVyh1921S13-BxH_HfdXtneC_4AJ8DDgS3w60q8hGPnJMEOV7ReQe404DyNCbbt/s320/IMG_4081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Rubbing her foot</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> The NICU nurse looked at me holding onto her foot and I must have looked pretty pitiful, because she took Grace out of the bassinet and laid her next to me in my bed. I held onto her, all bundled up, and felt overwhelmed with emotion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEAY-U0bV4ibCLruYQKdeuAlBctEVg3b8ngjIPXRVLnZcayKLOmFCwjRW9SJNlBLrdz87Zm-esw0Iu40pATq6PyJREn1xq6JriSg3GcGaf6-sG5zOxW6ZsgMdUX_t8eP7ydevU2pBRtHU/s1600/IMG_4082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEAY-U0bV4ibCLruYQKdeuAlBctEVg3b8ngjIPXRVLnZcayKLOmFCwjRW9SJNlBLrdz87Zm-esw0Iu40pATq6PyJREn1xq6JriSg3GcGaf6-sG5zOxW6ZsgMdUX_t8eP7ydevU2pBRtHU/s320/IMG_4082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Not the best picture, but as you can see, lots of emotion going on here!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> It was a long road to get there, but we finally had our baby. She was in the NICU, but she seemed remarkably healthy. And she was teeny, but absolutely beautiful. They rolled me back to my room, and I cried the whole way. I hadn't cried the whole time I was in the operating room. Sometimes experiences are just too overwhelming for me to cry during, you know?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmwmOtqjDYFn39Qn1Ft8nz0S1VbqGWiatoPzoSIJHAC_KpXPcJ8T-YNIE2AMXWwqdE5iK8jEH1RINxFSBO45km-YNXxp9HZ1zO1u6Igg1gTxc-pvkI_nncOF7A2erX3UsisewZyrOGnS4/s1600/IMG_4088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmwmOtqjDYFn39Qn1Ft8nz0S1VbqGWiatoPzoSIJHAC_KpXPcJ8T-YNIE2AMXWwqdE5iK8jEH1RINxFSBO45km-YNXxp9HZ1zO1u6Igg1gTxc-pvkI_nncOF7A2erX3UsisewZyrOGnS4/s320/IMG_4088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This is a sweet moment-Corey, my dad and Cam toasting Gracie's arrival.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I laid awake for hours after my visit to the NICU. My mind was racing, and I don't think the meds helped much. I finally requested Benadryl at about 4 and slept for an hour and a half. I continued to ask my poor nurse (Ms. Margaret, the same nurse who had gone with me to my C-Section and who requested my trip to the NICU) about Gracie everytime she visited. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The next morning, one of my many regular nurses came in and started talking to me about breast feeding. She got a breast pump and we got started. I already was able to pump a little bit which I thought was promising. Then Corey got to take me down to the NICU in a wheelchair and I got to see her again. She was so amazingly beautiful and was doing really well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NzaN1lV9MCHs07-rp-ft4_KZjBJuMLTGJabJqB0xULjGZ2nBrk1gJbR7nmWDTT2XfyitrBe_kW6r5UOQu_8r2vqYOqNaXnSXC8E8q9QXvydi-ThS0ccQU0OMhAkpNWBpJdzkbNtg8Aob/s1600/IMG_4092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7NzaN1lV9MCHs07-rp-ft4_KZjBJuMLTGJabJqB0xULjGZ2nBrk1gJbR7nmWDTT2XfyitrBe_kW6r5UOQu_8r2vqYOqNaXnSXC8E8q9QXvydi-ThS0ccQU0OMhAkpNWBpJdzkbNtg8Aob/s320/IMG_4092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>This picture was taken when she was one day old. I look so tired and so drugged. </em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>From the beginning, they said that her lungs were doing so great they hadn't had to use any support since in the operating room. They still had her in the warmer but said soon they would see if she could mantain body temperature on her own. The main other factor was to see how she could feed. They had her on an IV of sugar water. I tried to feed her immediately, and she seemed to latch. We worked with the fabulous lactation consultants the whole time we were in the hospital and they were truly a big help. The majority of the NICU nurses were amazing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9UsqhsJSY6IGooxEXnNMiO7lgefkq406UbCyhyphenhyphen4yBAQ1uSBRFWeT-vdrnl3AlviQPWXOd_3VrfxMcUksui3P3hPUZUuK1Zk91tOxndv40jY9nlyjuR0lyhdNit-SiqecQl78Q5vFZd5K/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9UsqhsJSY6IGooxEXnNMiO7lgefkq406UbCyhyphenhyphen4yBAQ1uSBRFWeT-vdrnl3AlviQPWXOd_3VrfxMcUksui3P3hPUZUuK1Zk91tOxndv40jY9nlyjuR0lyhdNit-SiqecQl78Q5vFZd5K/s320/IMG_4115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Gracie in the NICU</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Later that day they let me walk to the NICU. From then on, I was walking down there every chance I could. People have asked me a lot about how I recovered from my surgery so quickly and if I was in pain. My nurses were constantly trying to get me to take more pain pills when I was in the hospital. I was also still dealing with severe swelling and high blood pressure-pre-eclampsia doesn't go away instantly when you have a baby (unfortunately). It can take up to 6 weeks post-pregnancy to go away. First of all, it just felt amazing to be able to walk somewhere beside the bathroom for the first time in 6 days. But really, all I can tell you is that having a baby who needed me was the ultimate reason to forget about all of that and just move forward. I know (and I truly do believe) that as a mom, you have to take care of yourself to take care of your child. But when I was with Grace in the NICU, I felt such a connection to her. And I felt that she needed me there as much as possible. That connection was just as strong when I was away from her. It felt like it was pulling me towards her at all times. I honestly believe that the time we spent together was the most healing time for both of us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45rtoq-tPsL3YSHtFw4Y_P49iRXyeQDSTvlvzip_u32M_iCwzo0_5TQoTvBmtJEVa-t1Yo7a0BHz7GC3xODfkslky3Cwchk34rVz6GmHhsqjgeKsBZoeshZGpz3VqvyWl6c_9tbFTu-jp/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45rtoq-tPsL3YSHtFw4Y_P49iRXyeQDSTvlvzip_u32M_iCwzo0_5TQoTvBmtJEVa-t1Yo7a0BHz7GC3xODfkslky3Cwchk34rVz6GmHhsqjgeKsBZoeshZGpz3VqvyWl6c_9tbFTu-jp/s320/IMG_4149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Gracie and I bonding and healing.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table> And so, even though I was completely sleep deprived and there were times when I felt really sore, how could I not want to walk over there as fast as possible to see my baby and make sure she was okay and doing everything in my power to get her better? I think putting the focus on her was the best thing for me and my body.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Minor digression--we started a pattern of going to the NICU every three hours to feed Grace. Breastfeeding has been a continued issue and we are still supplementing a bit with formula, which we started doing two days after she was born. We "triple feed" which means we start with breastfeeding, then feed her a bottle full of expressed milk, and then feed her formula to supplement whatever else she needs. I think we are on the road to it getting better, but it has been a process--in part because of her being premature and not having fully developed jaw muscles (it makes it harder for her to feed) and possibly because of nipple confusion. She also may have been hindered a little bit by having an attached frenulum (i.e.--tongue tied) which we just got clipped this past Friday. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDLXft1jKKfata5aDlgP87F9G-76wMRJKHDX2OsvXn1uz0GhHmIedouIQomhAPRXTWo5-6D2CpTfawdO7nNoL8NiBrcHtZ-zFMiTvx23bbLlJ-wuXVLVxYGu10DT8o-n1Lrjq6UXwoIi7/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDLXft1jKKfata5aDlgP87F9G-76wMRJKHDX2OsvXn1uz0GhHmIedouIQomhAPRXTWo5-6D2CpTfawdO7nNoL8NiBrcHtZ-zFMiTvx23bbLlJ-wuXVLVxYGu10DT8o-n1Lrjq6UXwoIi7/s320/IMG_4201.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Gracie eating</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back to the days right after her birh--they flew by in a blur of feedings in the middle of the night and throughout the day. I was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, February 19th--it was torture for us to think about leaving the hospital without her, but I will admit to feeling a little bit of cabin fever after 10 days in the hospital, 6 of which were on bedrest. Gracie was doing so well, and the nurses and doctors in NICU said that it seemed like she would be discharged in the next couple of days. She had done great with being taken off the warmer and was eating like a champ after an inital pretty steep weight loss in those first couple of days. She had been taken off of the IV during the night on Saturday. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Our hospital NICU has an amazing "rooming in" program from NICU parents. It is a program where as parents, you can stay in the hospital for free in a special room they have set up next to the NICU (it looks like a hotel room). They allow parents to stay in that room for up to three days so that the baby can stay in the room with them and be near the NICU. That way, if any questions or worries come up during the night, the parents can call the NICU staff. They can also come in a couple of times during the night to check vital signs and get the baby's weight. We were absolutely thrilled when they encouraged us to stay that night and told us we might be able to bring her home on Monday or Tuesday. I prayed and prayed that would happen.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So that Sunday, after I had been discharged, I went out for a couple of hours with my family. We went back to our house, I put together a bag for us to take back to the hospital, we went out to a mexican restaurant and had a bite to eat. It felt amazing to do "normal" things for a little bit. Then Corey and I went back to the hospital and went to the NICU and brought her back to our "hotel room". My sister and Cam, who hadn't gotten to hold her yet, came to visit and spent some time getting to know their neice. It was really magical! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHVlHxD4fibe1BKai6k2wzdRupwjwkg_6KSqvS6u_j-JZ23FrFikNgHOLdTKiMG_GU5lS2RJS6uE5EHZvmxjkO-CcDMDdJ7Nva400XXwpf6V4LJhuI0RdJEQHS5SqiTVGuv8xxUrBbfKL/s1600/IMG_4171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHVlHxD4fibe1BKai6k2wzdRupwjwkg_6KSqvS6u_j-JZ23FrFikNgHOLdTKiMG_GU5lS2RJS6uE5EHZvmxjkO-CcDMDdJ7Nva400XXwpf6V4LJhuI0RdJEQHS5SqiTVGuv8xxUrBbfKL/s320/IMG_4171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Meredith and Cam holding Grace</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>After that, the nurse came in to talk to us for a bit about what to do. There were a few times that night that I couldn't believe they were letting us stay alone with her in the room with no monitors or anything. I barely slept and checked if she was breathing about 50 times that night. But we made it through and it was the perfect transition into bringing her home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahsZ10kfQYPrN2zqaY94foCSnyJd_ElyGHGYcYVxF4n_lRnHojSmyNvZqoozGq8BCw0670hFZq6N2pD-5r7ySnOfbskwGa3VMPdUoI8jWBaA0pUjyTg1OCy2HtW8h-faQuyRrAFtlDBTP/s1600/IMG_4198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahsZ10kfQYPrN2zqaY94foCSnyJd_ElyGHGYcYVxF4n_lRnHojSmyNvZqoozGq8BCw0670hFZq6N2pD-5r7ySnOfbskwGa3VMPdUoI8jWBaA0pUjyTg1OCy2HtW8h-faQuyRrAFtlDBTP/s320/IMG_4198.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Gracie and me sleeping on our "rooming in" night</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next day, after they checked her out, she was okayed by the nurse practioner to go home. It was the best feeling! We packed up, put her in her preemie coming home outfit--which was still a little on the big side but oh so cute (and purchased by my mom and sister in the days after she was born) and waited. And waited some more. Hours went by. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsonCqzcqhAGmUzXSSrn9KBSnjpJX_7A3f8yIA3D_pOjbNpfnOuGvUvNXde9zKZnWv6Pfhcn4KEE5BC0zDYFlagBk9n9SUiGkS5JK8x7_17nqeDbQMlzKsTVtU9APwKNYpyE6UJBz_L7q/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsonCqzcqhAGmUzXSSrn9KBSnjpJX_7A3f8yIA3D_pOjbNpfnOuGvUvNXde9zKZnWv6Pfhcn4KEE5BC0zDYFlagBk9n9SUiGkS5JK8x7_17nqeDbQMlzKsTVtU9APwKNYpyE6UJBz_L7q/s320/IMG_4225.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Gracie in her going home outfit</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;">The nurse practioner had left the hospital and we were left waiting for hours for her to sign off on the paperwork to go home. We had a nurse we had never dealt with before who wore clown-ish makeup. She was very little help and had zero suggestions for a way to speed things up. At a certain point, I just broke down. I was so tired and all I wanted was to bring my baby home. I couldn't believe that we had gotten this close and were still having to wait. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was honestly a combination of those wonderful postpartum hormones, sleep deprivation and the emotional upheaval of all that we had gone through in those weeks. I went into the NICU unit and asked what was taking so long (and got reprimanded for taking <strong>my daughter</strong> into the unit in my arms instead of her bassinet. Really? So. Stupid. Especially since we had matching bracelets). Then I went back to our room and just cried and cried about the injustice of it all and picked a fight with Corey. Because that's how I roll (just kidding). I think it's pretty amazing that I made it that far without having that kind of breakdown, but apparently 11 days and 6 hours is my limit and after that my patience expires and I lose it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, the nurse practioner magically appeared within minutes and after a few minutes of minor details and paperwork said "Mom, is everything okay?" I wanted to say "No, you left the hospital for hours and we've been waiting to go home and now we have to go home in rush hour traffic and if we get into an accident I'm going to sue you" (very rational, I know), but instead I said "Oh yeah, I'm fine, just a little emotional." That kind of sums it up, I guess.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, we finally got to leave and bring our baby home. It was a magical feeling. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WzNznDlyFvliFDZ4RBm8IjOk7zLv5MPJZrWgsJHcdzBESXuUj_OXp5GtP47kLT2FmpGFfZVFrv0uY_1aVxkb6JrcTWSZVS9YnbRYxr-8kqa9Tx_iJw8S0grkNZh5vvJHciKevD-eKsPH/s1600/IMG_4236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WzNznDlyFvliFDZ4RBm8IjOk7zLv5MPJZrWgsJHcdzBESXuUj_OXp5GtP47kLT2FmpGFfZVFrv0uY_1aVxkb6JrcTWSZVS9YnbRYxr-8kqa9Tx_iJw8S0grkNZh5vvJHciKevD-eKsPH/s320/IMG_4236.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Getting in the car to go home!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>My mom and sister came to help take pictures and video of the occasion. Corey drove like an old man and I sat in the back with my beautiful baby girl in the seat and gazed at her. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqGV-WArCtv1FaaLdgxY0cIK6KnOQh4gCX39Vge0RteYkdeG2Yf-5hR1gejarZ0Lgiv9zKZd_Bc3T_3z6mhhHGJWgjRADmpdsTuT8UtDMqvZX1kW6hLQtjoUakiC88FOnDkd_KewG-ijg/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqGV-WArCtv1FaaLdgxY0cIK6KnOQh4gCX39Vge0RteYkdeG2Yf-5hR1gejarZ0Lgiv9zKZd_Bc3T_3z6mhhHGJWgjRADmpdsTuT8UtDMqvZX1kW6hLQtjoUakiC88FOnDkd_KewG-ijg/s320/IMG_4245.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Holding Grace's hand.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's amazing all of the firsts--her first time riding in a car--her first time <strong>outside</strong>! Her first time in the home! Meeting her kitty sister and brother! It's a really beautiful thing to create a tiny person and see their life begin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwCAxzjGW9HeqInTO6wkyV6MV68E6bnHPP2HQUQeGaNJsYdGuBYKrc4zgMyNZxTHwAvaLurG3nR36KsQ1iaDQ9rxe4HIPLLvcxZknVgviKPSkuEX4ox7jSfuFED-xlxz0fOE-voWEl0IS/s1600/IMG_4257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwCAxzjGW9HeqInTO6wkyV6MV68E6bnHPP2HQUQeGaNJsYdGuBYKrc4zgMyNZxTHwAvaLurG3nR36KsQ1iaDQ9rxe4HIPLLvcxZknVgviKPSkuEX4ox7jSfuFED-xlxz0fOE-voWEl0IS/s320/IMG_4257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Bringing her in the house!</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmQnTH1U_ViNNUd5WkzQlgw4FF3pHyBcG_QBU41-qrMxvsFakLT3ofYusNnPK-O_eZqcwYMm1RzBtDZeZc6Mrgf1EOVPSU3wNlWRyW-DrEUD3mi1ub1DACSPktWcyY4n9QzII-UolQ92w/s1600/IMG_4272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmQnTH1U_ViNNUd5WkzQlgw4FF3pHyBcG_QBU41-qrMxvsFakLT3ofYusNnPK-O_eZqcwYMm1RzBtDZeZc6Mrgf1EOVPSU3wNlWRyW-DrEUD3mi1ub1DACSPktWcyY4n9QzII-UolQ92w/s320/IMG_4272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our little family at our little home.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>She has a little personality-I feel like she came out of the womb with it. She is strong-willed and easy-going all at the same time. She has the most amazing facial expressions. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mjUZ0BQVMRsZYLxyP4Yr2F7pT_CDWlNbeg4X2Uw_FqEDdj2k80nZgwnbbu0JrX8O-yh5ltwZbcVOwTvPfoe54JkCqaQmVq8JI174Gvxj4yZa8lJbcbbM0A6mavnBE3fuAIg1ZRXHol6I/s1600/IMG_4276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mjUZ0BQVMRsZYLxyP4Yr2F7pT_CDWlNbeg4X2Uw_FqEDdj2k80nZgwnbbu0JrX8O-yh5ltwZbcVOwTvPfoe54JkCqaQmVq8JI174Gvxj4yZa8lJbcbbM0A6mavnBE3fuAIg1ZRXHol6I/s320/IMG_4276.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Beauty</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>She has her daddy wrapped around her finger.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpP4_LB_3IKt3rrPSF2ziSWa8PBBO3mJa0_w_HalzPewFngwBO8U8fB4RVvMiepOot36xGBMfAf5Mc7ThvjuZzPo6NCGoKoz_icKx_MUg0Q-4fTuuW_sjl7dm1vzLxncpnq5SQRrLvTfPW/s1600/IMG_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpP4_LB_3IKt3rrPSF2ziSWa8PBBO3mJa0_w_HalzPewFngwBO8U8fB4RVvMiepOot36xGBMfAf5Mc7ThvjuZzPo6NCGoKoz_icKx_MUg0Q-4fTuuW_sjl7dm1vzLxncpnq5SQRrLvTfPW/s320/IMG_4146.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Official Daddy's Girl</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>She has us all wrapped around her long elegant baby fingers. I don't remember what life was like before her and I don't want to. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtiIOV8ITOmJ1u_2BEiiErJSIBCk9zvLttKiaZ0GVRuvsN9K9lpRLGTG70pjeOaitdl9NmxNO-ircsxqvzRJrM82ATpMiFP2epZ7dq6UEU-Gt_n1yholDQMc729-MOzruR8ULSDSRkDGD/s1600/IMG_4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">I'm going to do my best to keep updating this blog along the way. We've also started a <a href="http://www.gracecgranstrand.blogspot.com/" title="family blog">family blog</a> to share pictures and videos. We just posted some of our newborn shots that were taken by a great photographer Rachel Parkhurst last week, but I will leave you with just a few of my favorites.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><strong>Grace </strong>was in all her steps,<br />
heaven in her eye,<br />
in every gesture dignity and love.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>-John Milton</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMd55CqC0NlZD7j2DdCL5Dj-pwg3mq-0-NzyEy-3bcrd_aLGbhdvf2RZvCKZ-HkGDXj9oxZ1llV8YhFkT1Q7rBNo7vCeyfX43vP_9MJNHFMoFKJMVSsuR7n3ZrY9WmOGP0zvdYxdyYB6s/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMd55CqC0NlZD7j2DdCL5Dj-pwg3mq-0-NzyEy-3bcrd_aLGbhdvf2RZvCKZ-HkGDXj9oxZ1llV8YhFkT1Q7rBNo7vCeyfX43vP_9MJNHFMoFKJMVSsuR7n3ZrY9WmOGP0zvdYxdyYB6s/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYDKYUbMDanZrYpaR93F7d8FhLwmHjIPCg76DoBV1YA_S1bKED8wfYOmpJRUb9Hs_ZzrYE_eahy7CQUn_iVR9-I4uLFpyR0V6wrqn4qTI8Y26UG-V7vLiqMJFXrLOdlO1kSs9j0UpdRgW/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYDKYUbMDanZrYpaR93F7d8FhLwmHjIPCg76DoBV1YA_S1bKED8wfYOmpJRUb9Hs_ZzrYE_eahy7CQUn_iVR9-I4uLFpyR0V6wrqn4qTI8Y26UG-V7vLiqMJFXrLOdlO1kSs9j0UpdRgW/s320/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Our happy family</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks for reading--you are amazing if you made it through this!<br />
Love, <br />
Elizabeth, aka Grace's Mommy</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-16396428011993591182012-02-15T17:22:00.000-06:002012-02-15T17:22:06.386-06:00Pre-Eclampsia: I have it<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Where to start? My mom says that I should define pre-eclampsia.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><em><strong>Pre-eclampsia</strong> or <b>preeclampsia</b> is a </em><em>medical condition </em><em>in which </em><em>hypertension</em><em> (i.e. high blood pressure) arises in pregnancy</em><em> (</em><em>pregnancy-induced hypertension)</em><em> in association with significant amounts of </em><em>protein in the urine</em><em>.</em></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We went for an ultrasound on Wednesday at my OB where they were going to check the growth, and Gracie had dropped from the 24th percentile to the 13th percentile. She had gained about a pound, but obviously the drop in percentile was concerning. My doctor was out of town (ugh) so I saw one of her partners, who reminded me of Billy Bob Thornton. They took my blood pressure (normal) and my weight (which said I had gained 5 pounds in the last week). I was surprised by the amount I had gained but figured it was because I was weighed on a different scale than I normally weigh there. Due to some mixed messages, they didn't actually take a urine sample that day. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The doctor I saw said it was a concern, but we weren't in dire straights until she dropped under the 10th percentile. He sent me to the perinatologist that day--I wasn't able to get into the same one I've seen twice before, so I saw another one (that I didn't like as much). He also agreed that it wasn't a concern until she dropped under the 10th percentile. My frustration was 1) why do you wait until you hit rock bottom to do something and 2) why can't anyone tell me what's causing this? I was very upset by everything that day. All that they told me was to come back in 2 weeks for a growth scan. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Apparently you can't do growth scans more frequently than that (which is super frustrating). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I already had an appointment scheduled with my OB for Friday, so I went in with three pages of notes and the intent that we were going to leave with a plan. They took my urine sample and my blood pressure before I saw the doctor. My blood pressure was higher than average--my blood pressure normally runs on the low side, so I noticed and made Corey right it down. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then Dr. O came in and said there was protein in my urine (+2) for the first time ever with them testing it. She did a Blood Pressure check as well and it was even higher than it had been with the medical assistant. All my questions, some of which I had already started into, were no longer the focus of the appointment. She told me that she thought I might have pre-eclampsia and that we needed to do some further testing. She wanted to do another biophysical profile (with the ultrasound) and then send me over to the hospital (which is next door to her office) to monitor my blood pressure for awhile and do a non-stress test. She said that she would likely put me on bed rest through the weekend and have me come back to her office on Monday for further testing. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She said that this could definitely be the cause of all of the issues we've been dealing with in the last 4 weeks. She said that sometimes, the blood vessels will be affected internally and cause problems with the placenta. The placenta can then cause low amniotic fluid and the baby's growth before it shows up with the classic external signs--i.e., high blood pressure and protein in the urine. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Corey and I both looked at each other after she left the room and talked about how relieved we were--finally, an explanation for what might be the root cause of the issues. I had heard of pre-eclampsia and I know people who survived to tell the tale and have very healthy happy children, so I knew that it can often be managed with bed-rest. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We went for our biophysical profile ultrasound, and the baby looked great. Then we went over to the hospital and they started monitoring my blood pressure. The also did a blood test. Once the blood test results came back, Dr. O came to visit us and told us she wanted me to stay overnight to do a 24-hour urine collection (gross) to get a better idea of how things look and see where we should go from there. I was a little bit disappointed that I didn't get to go home, but prepared to stay and do whatever we needed to find out what we needed to do. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The next day, which was Saturday, was covered by the on-call doctor--who happens to be my doctor's husband. This was my first time meeting him, and I liked him a lot. He's very focused and detailed which appeals to my need for data and information. He also gets the opportunity to talk to my doctor at home about what is going on, which I like. After we got the urine collection done, he made the decision to keep me in the hospital another day for observation. My numbers definitely made it clear that I had pre-eclampsia, my blood pressures were still fairly unpredictable, and they didn't feel comfortable sending me home. They still don't, and I'm 99.9% certain I will be in here until Baby Gracie is here. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since Saturday, I've done 2 more 24-hour urine collections. They've taken my blood 3 times now (and will again tomorrow). They test my blood pressure every 4 hours and they do Non-Stress Tests twice a day. The baby is still looking fantastic. My blood pressure is really good sometimes, and other times it's totally crazy, but never at the levels that they send you straight to delivery for. And every day it seems there is another concern with something that comes back from my labs. My creatinin clearance is higher than normal, definitely in the pre-eclampsia range, but it isn't at the point that they have to deliver. My platelets are low, but not low enough to where they would deliver. Some of my other numbers are a bit wonky. I've got the swelling associated with pre-eclampsia. I haven't been dealing with any headaches which is good and I'm not seeing spots. So far, so good.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So basically, we are in a holding pattern. I'm getting to know the nurses. The baby is still breech, so I will likely be having a c-section. The latest I will go is 37 weeks (February 28th) but if enough things are a concern or one of my numbers gets too low or high (depending on what it is supposed to be) than it's show time for me. I am absolutely thrilled that we got to the 35 week point. I'm nervous we won't get to 36 weeks, and in some ways, I'm also nervous that we will go all the way to 37 weeks with me still in here--I want to do everything I can for the health of my baby, but 2 weeks more in here might send me to the looney bin (I say that, but honestly, if I could get to 37 weeks, it would be a very good thing and I'm willing to do it if I'm able to based on labs and my symptoms). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So now, here I sit in my hospital bed. 35 weeks and 1 day pregnant. Thrilled that I didn't have a Valentine's Day baby. While this isn't what I envisioned I would be doing in my last few weeks of pregnancy, there is only so much you can control. I am trying to look on the bright side of things as much as I can and trying not to let myself go to some of the scary places my brain can go. I'm trying not to think about what eclampsia means (seizures). I'm trying not to worry about my baby possibly having to spend weeks in NICU if she is born with problems related to prematurity. I'm trying not to cry my eyes out about how much I miss my cats. I'm trying not to worry about using too much of my FMLA leave before my baby is born. I'm just trying to let go and realize that nothing I can do at this point other than following doctor's instructions is going to change things. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bed rest is really much more difficult than I thought it would be. I'm not allowed to get up on my feet except to go to the bathroom and I can take a 5 minute shower once a day. Today I finally got permission to go on wheelchair rides twice a day around the hospital, which is thrilling, as I hadn't left my room since Saturday (when I moved to a bigger room). It's fun getting to see the babies all swaddled up. They look like little burritos. I'm getting a little bit stir crazy. I'm starting up deep conversations with my nurses and talking a little bit too much to the cleaning staff. I feel sick at the idea that I'm not getting to put the finishing touches on my baby girls room--instead, Corey is having to do those things on his own or with the help of my family. It's hard to give up control of something like that for me. And I can't think of a time in my life when I've felt such an urge to do so many things--definitely that nesting instinct kicking in. It's hard handing it over to others, and I really appreciate all that they are doing to help. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm overwhelmed by the amount of support I've received from friends, family members and coworkers. My room is beginning to look like a floral shop. I rarely spend anytime alone without my family around. My husband has been a rock star throughout this whole experience. Overall, the staff here is incredible and so warm and caring. I feel very lucky that me and Gracie are where we are. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My mom has been amazing--she has done all of the laundry for the Newborn and 0-3 month clothing, and all of the sheets and blankets. She has also been helping us with our laundry and so many other things. She spends the night when Corey needs a break (starting a new job in the midst of all of this has been an interesting challenge-lucky he really likes it and the people there are great). My sister has been so great--she gets my mind off of things, she brought me a computer charger because mine currently doesn't work, she brought me great magazines to read and Designing Women DVDs. My dad comes over to the hospital and spends a lot of time with me--he tells me stories and makes me laugh and helps get me centered. My husband has been so sweet and amazingly supportive. I have never loved him more than I do right now. He got me roses for Valentine's Day. We had a romantic Italian dinner last night to celebrate Valentine's Day and the fact that we haven't had a baby yet (woohoo!). We had our favorite dessert and talked about how someday, we would tell Corey about how special this Valentine's Day before her birth was. Last night Corey climbed into my hospital bed and spooned me and Gracie for quite a few hours--eventually he had to go to the cot because the bed can be pretty small, especially when shared with a 8 1/2 month pregnant lady. My blood pressure is consistently lower when he is here. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A couple of nights ago, Corey and I met with the NICU Nurse Practitioner for about an hour. She went over a ton of information and was very helpful--a few things she said stood out, though. One funny thing--she said for a baby to either avoid or be discharged from NICU, they have to act like a "grown up baby." Then she had a whole list of things that defined a grown up baby for them. For some reason, that made me giggle. She also said that if our baby had been born at 34 weeks and 6 days, it's hospital policy that they have to go to NICU. At 35 weeks, it then becomes more about how the baby does and not about their age. Finally, she said that baby girls are much stronger than baby boys. They tend to do better than their male counterparts if they are born early. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think Grace is a fighter. I think she is a very strong, smart girl. And I know that I love her more than I have ever loved anyone. I can't wait (but I really can wait so don't get any ideas) to meet her. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">--Elizabeth</span> </div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-1250006454064725802012-02-07T14:08:00.000-06:002012-02-15T17:29:42.021-06:0034 Weeks!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><img activesrc="null" height="320" hoversrc="null" src="http://scmedia.theknot.com/~/media/2D1E4BB3EAE84CA4948294595CA68EF5.ashx" width="320" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Well, I'm behind on things--it's been a busy couple of weeks. All in all, it has been a really great time. I plan to do a post soon about the baby shower (which was awesome!) and I'm also planning to add some of the pictures of my bump which we've been taking all too infrequently. I also want to do a post with updated pictures of the nursery. These should all be coming before too long. The end of pregnancy is exhausting and crazy busy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Total Weight Loss/Gain:</strong> At my appointment last week, I had gained 23 pounds. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Size of Baby:</strong> The baby is size of a durian! I have no idea what that is, but it is in the picture above.The average baby at 34 weeks can weigh anywhere from 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. So there is lots of variation at this point, but I would venture a guess that Gracie is somewhere around 4 pounds (I'm hoping for 4.2!) and may be that long. We do a growth ultrasound tomorrow, so I will have a better idea then. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Maternity Clothes:</strong> Yes. And I still don't feel like I own enough of them, but I don't want to waste anymore money on these clothes. I'm sick of everything I've been wearing. I'm also getting really close to the point where I don't care what people think and I'm going to start wearing yoga pants to work. I'm already lucky enough to work in a place where I can wear jeans everyday, but somehow that seems like too much effort lately. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>I slept a lot this weekend, which was great. I haven't been sleeping through the night very often but I did on both Saturday and Sunday night (and Saturday was after sleeping through a good part of the day). I went into the week feeling better than I have in a long time, but returned to my old habits and came home exhausted and was up from 3-6 this morning. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Movement:</strong> The whole getting up at 3 AM? Has a lot to do with the cha-cha that Gracie was doing on my bladder. She was a dancing machine last night. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Cravings:</strong> Mexican Food. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>What I miss:</strong> Being able to breathe easy. Breathing has become a difficult task lately. And I'm going to be totally honest, another thing that is becoming more and more difficult--getting myself up off of the toilet after one of my millions of trips to the bathroom to pee. So yeah, not feeling like I've exerted a herculean effort by getting myself off of the toilet would be good. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Gender:</strong> Still a girl, hopefully. People keep telling me stories about people who found out that they were having a boy after thinking the whole time they had a girl on the way. Which is a lovely thing to tell a pregnant woman with about 300 dresses and piles of pink girly things in the nursery. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Mood:</strong> Much better. I feel very relieved that we've got a lot of sources of stress figured out. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Milestones:</strong> Um, I can't think of any that I haven't already talked about--we had our shower on the 28th, which was wonderful. Also, with hitting 34 weeks, there is an added feeling of relief that unless something else is wrong, in most cases there are no long-term issues with babies born at this point (beyond staying in the hospital for a little bit longer).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Another really cool thing I read today--babies at this point can recognize and react to simple songs if their mamas are singing them. They have found that if you sing them the same song after they are born, they may find it soothing. Sounds like Gracie will be getting some awesomely inappropriate lullabies-every baby loves Radiohead, Ryan Adams and Rihanna, right? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Medical concerns:</strong> I'm still going every week for my amniotic fluid check, and this week they will also be checking growth. I'm praying that everything will look okay. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">I'm fairly annoyed with my OB's office--they have a habit of making clerical errors and then giving me inaccurate information. Having to spend lot of time there makes it more difficult to overlook the things that have been a little bit annoying up until this point--now they are just downright frustrating and I don't have a very good filter these days. About 3 weeks ago, my doctor said we would be lucky to get to 34 weeks (check!). A couple of weeks ago she said she would feel really good if we got to 36 or 37 weeks in spite of the fact that the perinatologist said there wasn't anything wrong with the amniotic fluid. Last week, they scheduled me for the crappy ultrasound machine, so the numbers weren't that accurate and I don't feel confident about the fact that they keep having the same tech do the ultrasounds over and over again. I'm just feeling a little bit powerless and unsure of what to do. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Last week, my doctor scheduled a c-section for me at 39 weeks. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Gracie is still breech, and my doctor acts as if it is not a possibility that she could change positions. We will see about that--Gracie is fairly stubborn and doesn't like being told what to do (this is my impression of her so far anyway). Dr. O said she just wanted to make sure to schedule it to avoid running into issues with not being able to get me on the schedule if we need to do it then. She pointed out that 39 weeks would put us at March 13th and my wonderful husband immediately said that we couldn't do the 13th. We could do March 14th or the 12th but the 13th wasn't an option. He knows I'm crazy and superstitious and a 13 just wouldn't do--I appreciate him saying it so I didn't have to. She got me on the schedule for 3/14. Nothing is certain at this point, but it's kind of crazy to know that it could happen then. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Symptoms: </strong></span></span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm definitely feeling the nesting instinct--it's not necessarily effecting my urge to clean--that sounds too hard and exhausting--LOL. I just want to get everything in order. I want to have enough time and energy to wash all of her clothes and sheets. I want to get the hospital bag together and feel terribly behind that I haven't done so already. I want to buy everything left on her registry that we really need, and get the birth announcement address list together and start addressing envelopes. It's hard to do these things when there are monetary concerns. I want to get our taxes done so we can get our refund. Despite getting a ton of things done last week, the list keeps on growing and it's hard to accomplish all of it when I feel so exhausted by work alone. A phone call after work can honestly wipe me out. The stress of the last couple of weeks has probably added to that feeling. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All I can say is that it is definitely understandable if a woman doesn't want to work up until her due date. If it wouldn't get in the way of my spending lots of time with Gracie once she is here, I'd be totally ready to check out of work right now and just focus on getting everything else done. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>What I look forward to:</strong> I'm looking forward to our appointment tomorrow. I'm also feeling a little nervous about it. I'm looking forward to checking off some more things on my long list of things to do. On Saturday, I go to get the car seat inspected to make sure we got it installed right. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Anything else you would like to share/vent about: </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our baby girl has a room full of wonderful gifts from amazing people who already love her. We have everything that we absolutely need for her to come home--diapers, diaper genie, diaper bag, an unbelievable amount of cute clothes, tons of sheets and toys and books and stuffed animals, car seat, etc. She is one lucky, loved little girl and we feel like a very lucky family.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My wonderful husband got two job offers last week. He accepted the second one, which was his first choice out of many that he was looking at--he will be a restaurant manager at one of my favorite places to eat! He will be starting tomorrow. I'm so proud of my hardworking husband and I am so grateful that he has this wonderful opportunity! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TH43JcdYde9SNtQCnFwsCeeXpm9dKzbxK_NttH0XPMwBo-mG_oN15GaIAtYY2xj3rSHmUGWR8miVtQIV5XdFqI-yX3s4Qczde_47hqP4tYVb6Mq9cEZwALstDZK_0HNxWD2wtH41tgZx/s1600/224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TH43JcdYde9SNtQCnFwsCeeXpm9dKzbxK_NttH0XPMwBo-mG_oN15GaIAtYY2xj3rSHmUGWR8miVtQIV5XdFqI-yX3s4Qczde_47hqP4tYVb6Mq9cEZwALstDZK_0HNxWD2wtH41tgZx/s320/224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Elizabeth </span></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-45109682310236228622012-01-27T10:01:00.000-06:002012-01-27T10:01:39.942-06:00Short Update on Amniotic Fluid Levels, etc.<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On Wednesday, Corey and I went to our appointment with Dr. O. First we had an ultrasound--it's with the same lady who has done the ultrasounds the last two times at their office, and got the levels around 7 cm both times (before we went to the perinatologist). She measured and got 8 this time. So I guess the conclusion I draw as far as the reason in the difference in measurement is that it is either because they have better equipment at the perinatologist's office or it is related to human error/the fact that it isn't an exact science. My doctor wants me to continue to come in once a week for ultrasounds and visits with her, but said that as long as the number doesn't drop, things should be fine.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">From what I've read, it's pretty normal for the amount of amniotic fluid to get lower the further along you get in pregnancy, so I think it is good that my doctor wants to keep a close eye on it. I'm trying to be diligent about drinking lots of water, getting enough rest and paying attention to movement. Luckily, Gracie has been moving around a LOT over the past week, so I'm not having to worry too much. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our main goal is to get to 36 weeks-they say that is when most babies have lungs that are developed enough to go home at the same time as Mom. That is only 25 days away, which is a little scary, but at the same time, very reassuring. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Corey has 4 interviews in the next week for jobs that he is really interested in, all of which I think would be great opportunities for him. Please pray that the right job comes along for him! I'm so proud of him and I know he will be an awesome addition to whatever company he goes to work for. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to my shower tomorrow!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Have a good weekend!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Elizabeth</span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-9649242183250835592012-01-24T13:53:00.000-06:002012-02-15T17:33:01.860-06:0032 Weeks<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><img height="302" id="il_fi" src="http://infertility-and-me.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/32-jicama.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="424" /></strong></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Total Weight Loss/Gain:</strong> I'm pretty sure I've gained around 17 pounds. I will know for sure tomorrow. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Size of Baby:</strong> On average, babies weigh as much as a jicama at 32 weeks. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Maternity Clothes:</strong> Yes</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>Not great. Between lots of stress and allergies and hip/back pain, I'm not getting a lot of sleep. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Movement:</strong> It feels much lower down now. She gets the hiccups ALL the time. In general, I typically am feeling less hard kicks--most of the time I'm mainly feeling like she is tumbling-several smaller movements in a row; or it feels like a fluttering. I think she just has less room to move around. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Cravings:</strong> Girl Scout cookies. I'm eating a lot of them. They are delicious. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>What I miss:</strong> I'm not a big drinker, but after the last couple of weeks, I could really use a margarita. Not much longer to wait!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Gender:</strong> Baby Girl Gracie :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Mood:</strong> All things considered, I would say that my mood is pretty good. I have good days and bad days. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Milestones:</strong> We've now had our childbirth/infant care class, a breastfeeding class, and our first freak out/unnecessary trip to Labor and Delivery. It's been busy. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Medical concerns:</strong> See my last post. I'm still concerned about the amniotic fluid being low/our baby possibly being on the small side, but overall, I'm feeling much more calm about everything. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong>Symptoms:</strong> It's crazy how much the 3rd trimester is reminding me of the first trimester. I'm <em>SO </em>tired. I'm pretty weepy sometimes. I have actually been dealing with a little bit of nausea. I just feel really sloshy most of the time, and like there is not enough room in my stomach for any food even though I'm really hungry. I keep eating, though. My heartburn and my constant peeing have gotten better, though--I'm hoping this means that baby may have changed positions!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>What I look forward to:</strong> I'm looking forward/nervous about my ultrasound/dr's appt tomorrow. I'm also really excited for my shower this weekend! I feel very grateful for my wonderful sister and friends. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="266" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/420818_10101633237126580_7920754_75630356_1674705037_n.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Elizabeth </span></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-26374314889830248832012-01-24T13:21:00.000-06:002012-01-24T14:00:07.953-06:00Two Weeks From Hell: Good Riddance, Year of the Rabbit; Welcome, Year of the Dragon!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It has been a crazy couple of weeks. I'm not sure I will be able to cover it all in one blog entry, but I'm going to do my best (so expect this to be a long, text-heavy, no pictures post) Honestly, in spite of buying numerous pregnancy journals/calendars, I always find myself checking my blog to see how much Gracie weighed at a certain point or what my doctor told me about something, so I feel the need to keep this as up to date and complete as possible.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago, my mom, Corey and I went for what was supposed to be a fun 3-D ultrasound at one of those non-medical places. A big part of wanting to go do this is that they have it available for people to view on the internet, so Corey's parents could see it and feel involved. When we went, the lady who was doing the ultrasound went on and on about how my bump was too small and I obviously wasn't drinking enough water. Considering the fact that I have been drinking 80-100 ounces of water a day the entire time I've been pregnant, I was pretty offended/annoyed because she was flat out wrong. She told me that the reason I didn't have a big healthy looking bump was because I'm not drinking enough water. She looked at the baby for 3 minutes, said she was breech and there was no way she would get good pictures, put the wand away and said it would be better for me to come back in a few weeks. I was pretty upset to say the least. I felt like she hadn't even tried. I also felt totally insecure and worried about the size of my bump/uterus, my baby, etc. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We had an appointment at our doctor's office the next week, and I talked with my doctor about what had happened. She said she didn't think there was anything to worry about, but said that she could go ahead and set up an ultrasound to ease my mind.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I came in for an ultrasound at my doctor's office the next day (which happened to my doctor's day off). The ultrasound tech seemed a little bit concerned - baby was still breech (frank breech); but she seemed a little bit more concerned with the size of the baby (measuring in the 24th percentile) and the amniotic fluid levels. It was at 7 cm-- they want it to be between 5-25 cm and 7 cm is fairly low for this early in the pregnancy--I was at 30 weeks, 2 days. They had me do a non-stress test, which showed an active baby with a good healthy heart rate and no contractions. Another doctor in my doctor's practice came in and told me that everything was measuring within normal range and that I shouldn't worry, but they would bring me in the following week for another ultrasound to measure the amniotic fluid again. </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I worried all day after that happened. I felt like my mother's intution was telling me something wasn't right. I was desperate to hear what my doctor thought. I felt like she would be more concerned. I was right. I got a call the next morning from the nurse saying they wanted me to come in that day for another ultrasound to measure the amniotic fluid. I came in and went for the ultrasound with the same tech, was told it was at the same level (7 cm) and that baby was still breech. I went in to see my doctor and she was pretty concerned about the level being so low. She said that she wanted me to see a perinatologist to get their take on things. I was scheduled to go in for an ultrasound on the following Monday. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My doctor said a lot of things that really scared me at that meeting. She said that she thought that I may have to deliver early and that we would feel really good if we got to 34 weeks. She made sure I knew the signs to look for and to notice if the baby wasn't moving as much as usual. She said that if I didn't feel as much movement as usual, I should eat/drink something sugary and wait 30 minutes--if I'm still not feeling movement, I need to come into their office/go to the hospital. She also said that, depending on how things went, I might need to go on bed rest. She said that since the baby was breech, we would probably have a c-section. I've never been set against having a c-section, but I was just shocked that my totally average normal pregnancy had suddenly turned into a crisis. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then, I spent the weekend reading online and torturing myself for everything that could be wrong with my baby. Here are the possible causes listed for low amniotic fluid on americanpregnancy.org:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Birth defects – Problems with the development of the kidneys or urinary tract which could cause little urine production, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid. </em></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Placental problems – If the placenta is not providing enough blood and nutrients to the baby, then the baby may stop recycling fluid.</em></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Leaking or rupture of membranes –This may be a gush of fluid or a slow constant trickle of fluid. This is due to a tear in the membrane. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) can also result in low amniotic fluid levels.</em></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Post Date Pregnancy- A post date pregnancy (one that goes over 42 weeks) can have low levels of amniotic fluid, which could be a result of declining placental function. </em></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maternal Complications- Factors such as maternal dehydration, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, and chronic hypoxia can have an effect on amniotic fluid levels.</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Obviously post date pregnancy wasn't the issue, and I don't have hypertension, </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">preeclampsia, diabetes, chronic hypoxia (that I know of). So basically that leaves the possible causes (in my mind) as: </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1) Birth defects. Something is wrong with my baby. In spite of all the testing and being incredibly conscious of things from before I was even pregnant, something is wrong with my baby. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2) Placental problems. I'm not getting enough nutrients to my baby. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3) Leaking or rupture of membranes. Is it possible that somehow on one of my 15 trips to the bathroom every night, I had missed the fact that my water broke? Or have I been leaking amniotic fluid all along and didn't realize it?</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4) Am I somehow, in spite of the fact that I drink so much water, pee 10 times a day at work and 15 times once I get home, still not drinking enough water?</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As you can imagine, I was just a peach to be around all weekend. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even though my doctor said she wasn't sure I needed to attend, we decided to go the all day childbirth and infant care class that I had signed us up for over 2 months ago that was scheduled for the next day after my appointment with her. It was actually very informative and a great distraction. While we were there, I noticed that none of the other pregnant ladies were drinking anywhere near as much water as I was or having to pee as much as I was. I didn't know what to make of that. Maybe my baby just needs a lot of water?</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After lunch, there were a few kicks from Gracie, but not as many as I'm used to. I got super paranoid. I was also very glad that we were at the hospital for the class. We got to the hospital tour part at the end of the day (which Corey and I have already done before, but decided, what the heck, we will go again) and I couldn't feel the baby move. I poked her over and over again, still no movement. I ate an entire orange, and we still weren't feeling anything. We were walking around in labor and delivery on the tour and after 20 minutes of not feeling anything post-orange, I told Corey I just wanted to sit down and see if I could feel something. Corey asked one of the orderlies about where would be the best place to sit down and we split off from our group. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Before I knew it, the nurses at the hospital were saying they wanted me to come back and check how things looked. As soon as I got into the hospital gown, Gracie started hiccuping and kicking me hard. My immediate reaction was relief, frustration (that little stinker) and "we've got to get out of here before they charge us!" (Hey, maybe I'm cheap, but whatever). Corey went to check with them to see if they would let me leave and they wouldn't. They wanted to do a non-stress test to make sure everything looked okay. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Of course, she moved around and had a great heartbeat. The nurse was great, and she took down a lot of my medical information for their records, which is good for when I actually do go in for delivery-less to go over. They did say that the NST showed a few contractions--most likely just Braxton Hicks. Corey and I have decided that it may be that the tightening in my stomach from the Braxton Hicks while I was standing may have been why we couldn't feel her move as well. Once I sat down/laid down, she was bouncing around consistently. They discharged me within an hour and said everything looked fine but I was right to be concerned and they wanted me to come in if anything like that came up again. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That was a long day.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then, on Monday, I went to the perinatologist. The ultrasound technology at that place is better and the tech is more used to dealing with high-risk issues. The doctor then comes in and does some measuring/looking himself. Both came back with higher amniotic fluid levels -- they both measured it to be around 12 cm. When I watched them measure, I realized how easy it would be to measure it differently--it's not an exact science. But the doctor thought things looked fine, said baby is in the 36th percentile based on their measurements and didn't see any reason why I would need to deliver early. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've tried to determine the reason for the difference in measurement from my OB's office to the perinatologist and I'm still not sure--but I think it's either related to better ultrasound technology or possibly the baby moving and revealing some fluid she was hiding. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Little. Stinker. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But overall, what a relief! I felt totally de-stressed! It felt like all of a sudden, I was free from worry again. I also was sure that my doctor would feel better about things. Once she got the report, she cancelled the other appointments I was scheduled for that week (Wednesday and Friday). She is having me come in tomorrow for my appointment and another ultrasound, but said that the perinatologist's report is exactly what we wanted to hear. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Later that same Monday (a little over a week ago), we got some other not-so-great news. Corey got laid off from his job. No warning, and honestly, the company has been pretty terrible about the whole thing. It makes me so mad-Corey has worked there for 3 1/2 years. He has transformed their inventory processes, he has done so much for that company and been very dedicated. It came down to money--they didn't care that his wife was having a baby in 2 months, all they cared about was getting someone to do his job (not as well) who would be fine with getting paid less. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It stinks. It is the worst timing. Neither one of us has ever been laid off before, and it's kind of a shock to have it happen now. But I'm so proud of Corey. He is so hardworking. In spite of our worries and fears related to money and the future, he has forged ahead. He has several interviews and has been so organized and calm throughout the whole process. I know, in the long run, he is going to end up in a better job with more opportunity for growth. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm doing my best to be supportive and not stress too much about everything--there have definitely been some moments of questioning why we are having to go through all of this, but there isn't really anything to gain from that. The weekend we were so worried about Gracie's health, I said to Corey--I just want one weekend without something stressful happening. This past weekend, despite Corey lost his job, we honestly were happy and less stressed. Because we have each other and my baby is healthy in my tummy. And that makes me realized that we are going to be okay--because our priorities have always been each other and family. We know that jobs aren't that important, they just pay the bills. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">All I can do is ask for prayers that this issue will get resolved soon. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm not big on astrology or the Chinese zodiac, but I have to say, I've been reading a lot about it lately. Apparently, the Year of The Dragon is supposed to be a lucky one. Baby Dragons are said to be very fortunate and Chinese couples make plans in advance to try and have their baby in "the year of the dragon." We were lucky enough to have a dragon baby without even realizing it. So, despite the Year of the Rabbit being great overall to "The Bunny Family" I have to say, I am thrilled that it is over. The last few weeks of it have stunk. And I'm looking forward to what's to come in the future. It's a scary but very exciting time for our family. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Elizabeth </span></div></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></div><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-16210914781255471632012-01-10T10:28:00.000-06:002012-02-15T17:36:48.433-06:0030 weeks down, 10 more to go!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><img height="317" id="il_fi" src="http://stillthinkingagain.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/30wks-lg-cabbage.png" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="439" /></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Total Weight Loss/Gain:</strong> I honestly have no idea. I think maybe I'm still sitting around 15 pounds gained. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Size of Baby:</strong> Baby is now the size of a head of cabbage. Babies on average are about 15.7 inches long and weigh almost 3 pounds. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Maternity Clothes:</strong> Yes</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>Lots of weird dreams. I have really bad allergies right now, so I've taken benadryl for a few nights, which my OB says is fine, and helps with sleeping better. It does tend to make me a little bit loopy/out of it, so it's probably pretty funny to watch me get up to go the bathroom during the night, but I haven't fallen over or anything. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Movement:</strong> She moves a lot. She also gets the hiccups quite a bit. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Cravings:</strong> Pickles. Yes, I am officially a cliche. I also was thinking about how I'm a cliche, and thought about pickles and ice cream, and I can say that it honestly doesn't sound like the grossest thing I could eat. Apparently, I've entered the delusional part of pregnancy. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What I miss:</strong> I wish people wouldn't feel so comfortable commenting on the size of my bump. It's amazing--you go your whole life and no one feels the need to comment on your size--at least to your face. Now, it's everyone's business. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Apparently, according to some people I've got a small bump for this point in pregnancy. I'm not surprised, considering I've gained less than average for 30 weeks. But I think I just carry differently than a lot of women do--I have a fairly long torso. </span></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Anyway, I would be lying if I said the comments from people don't hurt my feelings. The number of people who have said things like "Are you sure you have a baby in there?" And strangers who have said "I didn't even know you were pregnant!" are grating my nerves. I'm doing my best, and it just hurts to have people constantly question you on your abilities to "grow a good healthy baby." I know that I would probably be getting the opposite comments if I was bigger and that would probably upset me, too, but I honestly don't know why people can't just keep their opinions to themselves. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">My doctor, who is awesome, apparently knows her stuff on this whole pregnant lady thing, because when I came in at about 10 weeks pregnant, she called it-she told me I would be like her and probably wouldn't show a lot until the very end of pregnancy. She has also measured my fundal height along the way, and everything is measuring normal. My baby <em>is</em> growing in there. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I'm honestly dreading our class that we have this weekend on childbirth and infant care because I'm afraid of what people will say about my size and what my reaction will be. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Gender:</strong> Grace</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Mood:</strong> In the interest of being honest, I will admit that I'm not in the greatest mood lately. I'm excited for Gracie to get here, but I just wish life and random people would be a little bit nicer to me in the meantime. I'm hoping to cheer up. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Milestones:</strong> It's pretty crazy to think that after our long journey, we only have 10 weeks to go. 70 days. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Medical concerns:</strong> None that I know of. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Symptoms:</strong> I've been feeling much more fatigued lately. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Anything else you would like to share/vent about:</strong> We got our beautiful glider chair and ottoman! The room is really coming together, which is exciting. I hope to post pictures of that and some new bump pictures, soon!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What I look forward to:</strong> I'm looking forward to my baby shower on January 28th! My sister and my two best friends are throwing it for me, and I'm really excited to get to see everyone who can come and celebrate Gracie with them!</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span> <img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="213" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/423288_10101633234990860_7920754_75630347_1509531469_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elizabeth </span></div></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-42197319622246733642012-01-03T13:30:00.000-06:002012-01-03T13:30:02.415-06:0029 weeks!<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBM2EDrn2dduMX43lUoMsbERTi7L5JHlmLoDVMALubUgJcD2cRVS6y7ihG4ucQeUNecrpxhjMJYVw9CO5PC58FG4OWT1rCJf31NPNxpEKB-m_lQuHuQPI9BHSiiMOUip__GQFVO6BLPgh/s400/mo7_lg.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Total Weight Loss/Gain:</strong> This morning, I weighed myself for the first time in a week. I believe I've now gained about 15 pounds!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Size of Baby:</strong> Baby is now the size of a squash! At 29 weeks, she should be around 2 1/2 pounds and 15 inches long. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Maternity Clothes:</strong> Yes. I got some new ones for Christmas. They are very comfy!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>Not good lately. Lots of getting up at night to pee and normal pains associated with pregnancy getting in the way of uninterrupted sleep. I can assure you that I'm very sleepy, though--slowly but surely, that fatigued feeling from the 1st Trimester is returning and I'm pretty sure I will be taking a nap when I get home today. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Movement:</strong> A lot of movement. I think baby has been completely changing positions at times. Corey saw her move this weekend, which was pretty cool. He also felt some really big kicks from her! I've noticed more discomfort related to her kicking my various organs. She is getting strong!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Cravings/Aversions: Cravings:</strong> Just in general, I crave sweets much more than I normally do while pregnant. And since I officially got the word that I passed my glucose test, I've been allowing myself to enjoy it. </span></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> But I'm doing my best to balance it out with healthier stuff and with some less sugary foods. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I had my first real craving for a drink over the last week-I love champagne and I missed it at New Year's. It's nothing I can't live without, though!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Aversions:</strong> None that I can think of. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What I miss:</strong> Sleeping well. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Gender:</strong> Gracie Girl!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Mood:</strong> All in all, pretty good. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Milestones:</strong> I hit the third trimester last week! I was taking a break from blogging last week, though, so I'm mentioning it now. Pretty amazing to think that we only have 11 weeks to her due date. We are 77 days away. I have 11 weeks of work left. (Can you tell I'm counting them down? I might have the countdown on my desk calendar). </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Medical concerns:</strong> Nothing that I know of. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Heartburn. Hip and pelvic pain. Fatigue. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Anything else you would like to share/vent about:</strong> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What I look forward to:</strong> As I mentioned earlier, I'm looking forward to maternity leave. As of the end of the work day today, I will have 52 working days before I'm off. It's always hard coming back after a vacation, especially after such a nice long one, so at this point, I'm also looking forward to a 3 day weekend for MLK day in a couple of weeks. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy 2012 everyone!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elizabeth </span></div></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-23437206402224696512011-12-22T12:38:00.000-06:002011-12-22T13:09:52.421-06:00Our Nursery<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a long road to get here, but I think the nursery is almost complete. I love it! I think it is an absolute reflection of our love for sweet baby Grace. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is what the room look liked when we started: </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEw3EWZQB-U/TvNycj3CW1I/AAAAAAAADCI/gwPcWGsM784/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEw3EWZQB-U/TvNycj3CW1I/AAAAAAAADCI/gwPcWGsM784/s320/082.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">(I'm actually not sure what the office chair is doing in there--it wasn't really normally in there, but whatever).</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48U_-bS7d0I/TvNygP8P_rI/AAAAAAAADCQ/pOxc76xfFgg/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48U_-bS7d0I/TvNygP8P_rI/AAAAAAAADCQ/pOxc76xfFgg/s320/084.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I loved the room. A pretty standard guest bedroom. It was already painted that color when we moved in, and we liked it well enough. We've never really spent a lot of time in this room--it's just nice to have when people come to visit. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I always knew that this was the room that we would turn into a nursery when we were lucky enough to have a baby. I love the bay window. I love the natural light. It's a nice, big room which will be great for baby as they get older. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we started looking at decorating the room, it was pretty overwhelming. There were so many choices to make, even for the simplest things. If you choose this furniture, what color finish should you get? Do we have to have a theme for the room? We have found that one of the most useful tools is a book called <em>Baby Bargains.</em> It's written by a married couple who aren't sponsored by any particular brand or company, it's just meant to help inform new parents. The book is great- they give you an idea of when it is a good idea to spend a little bit more on something, because it will be worth your money, and when you will be fine with something on the low end. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">After we had made lots of purchases and decided on our colors (a pale petal pink and a light gray) we decided it was time to paint. It only took us painting the room three times to get it right. Only had to paint the ceiling white once, though! </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7LlZzLa3vE/TvNy0nWdOzI/AAAAAAAADCc/6jYkWto78Y0/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7LlZzLa3vE/TvNy0nWdOzI/AAAAAAAADCc/6jYkWto78Y0/s320/086.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Trying out paint colors.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bless his heart, Corey insists that I can't help with it because of the fumes so he ends up doing all of the work. We initially picked a color gray that was way to dark and had too much blue in it. Poor Corey and my dad painted the whole room that color and I walked in and said "It's blue". Paint often dries a different color than it looks when it's going on. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkYxwuqJldo/TvNzIzr8FtI/AAAAAAAADCo/Ku4q1huR_V8/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HkYxwuqJldo/TvNzIzr8FtI/AAAAAAAADCo/Ku4q1huR_V8/s320/088.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the background here is the "blue" color--paint attempt #1</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, we went to the initial color I had gravitated towards--Stonington Gray from Benjamin Moore. Corey painted the room again completely in that, and I decided it still looked too blue. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwjGKwpzEtE/TvNzqC7aj5I/AAAAAAAADC0/8Ge-Hz9BgRo/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwjGKwpzEtE/TvNzqC7aj5I/AAAAAAAADC0/8Ge-Hz9BgRo/s320/IMG_3822.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnD9JmD8aOs/TvNzvNeecuI/AAAAAAAADC8/iraBljMsc_0/s1600/IMG_3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnD9JmD8aOs/TvNzvNeecuI/AAAAAAAADC8/iraBljMsc_0/s320/IMG_3823.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Poor Corey. But he didn't give up. He decided to go back to ACE Hardware (he's made good friends with most of the people working there now) and asked them to adjust the gloss on the paint to be a step less glossy. That did the trick! Corey and my dad painted the room again and it really did look much better (meaning gray!). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The final step was painting the closets, door and windowsill white (they were cream) to match the ceiling and make the gray of the walls look less blue. It really made a difference. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCchggAVvr4/TvNz56cWUgI/AAAAAAAADDI/f_N4KpElkic/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCchggAVvr4/TvNz56cWUgI/AAAAAAAADDI/f_N4KpElkic/s320/IMG_3857.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once the painting was done, everything else could move forward. Luckily, we had already purchased most of the items that we needed to put the room together--it was finally time to do it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I got home last night, thanks to the handiwork of my wonderful husband Corey and my amazing brother-in-law Cam, our baby's room looked like a real nursery! The painting is done (save a few touch ups), the chandelier is installed (and beautiful!) and her furniture is in! </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYcepQYU4hE/TvN0V4yFt6I/AAAAAAAADDU/jqNyiUUhjPI/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYcepQYU4hE/TvN0V4yFt6I/AAAAAAAADDU/jqNyiUUhjPI/s320/IMG_3848.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ0rHPERtGk/TvN0hZATqGI/AAAAAAAADDs/BCVfBJ0qzlg/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ0rHPERtGk/TvN0hZATqGI/AAAAAAAADDs/BCVfBJ0qzlg/s320/IMG_3852.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctMBhU2iI0Y/TvN0phxsfZI/AAAAAAAADD0/ydNiGBNTQ3Y/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctMBhU2iI0Y/TvN0phxsfZI/AAAAAAAADD0/ydNiGBNTQ3Y/s320/IMG_3855.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymt4X-zaMIU/TvN014H8scI/AAAAAAAADEA/DDCHECHlEmY/s1600/IMG_3853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ymt4X-zaMIU/TvN014H8scI/AAAAAAAADEA/DDCHECHlEmY/s320/IMG_3853.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Corey had put a few of the other cute items we've picked up along the way around to decorate. So sweet!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first thing we decided on was the furniture. I'm so glad we went with the furniture we did. It is really beautiful and will grow with our baby. The crib converts into a toddler and full-size bed. The changing table is also a great dresser. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last night, Corey and I hung out in our pajamas and put together the crib. It was such a fun experience and didn't take us near as long as I expected! Thanks to my wonderful in-laws, Denny and Chris, for buying Baby Grace her crib!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmFgRB53eB4/TvN1tCVPyQI/AAAAAAAADFE/Uz39CAATJd4/s1600/IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmFgRB53eB4/TvN1tCVPyQI/AAAAAAAADFE/Uz39CAATJd4/s320/IMG_3877.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opJUFsVtrXA/TvN24D29FaI/AAAAAAAADFY/QZ7RZRblK6c/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opJUFsVtrXA/TvN24D29FaI/AAAAAAAADFY/QZ7RZRblK6c/s320/IMG_3881.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not really into any of the theme-y stuff for nurseries. I like subtle touches of elephants and bunnies (our two favorite animals) but I'm not crazy about having elephants all over everything. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">We found beautiful bedding that we love at Restoration Hardware for Baby & Child. We got it on a great sale. The crib skirt is from Pottery Barn Kids (and needs to be ironed!)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6uWDhrCmyE/TvN36G49SMI/AAAAAAAADGU/Dlcfs2qE9s4/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6uWDhrCmyE/TvN36G49SMI/AAAAAAAADGU/Dlcfs2qE9s4/s320/IMG_3893.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep32D91dr-M/TvN390KFOTI/AAAAAAAADGc/QaCZO3cdMLc/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ep32D91dr-M/TvN390KFOTI/AAAAAAAADGc/QaCZO3cdMLc/s320/IMG_3895.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love the way Grace's nursery has come together. I think it it so beautiful and I can't wait to bring her home to it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of the finishing touches that we are waiting/working on: We are going to get some wood blinds and petal pink drapes (from Restoration Hardare) for her windows -- I love the natural light, but we want to make sure she will be able to sleep in there during the day. We are also waiting for the glider to come in--I really think that will be such an awesome addition to the room! That should come in mid to late January.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the meantime, I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful husband and wonderful family who have helped us with this project along the way. I truly love the room and I know Gracie will, too!</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Love, </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elizabeth </span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-80683926514550549442011-12-22T11:12:00.000-06:002011-12-22T11:13:47.680-06:00Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love Christmas and I feel so grateful to be able to celebrate it with my wonderful family, my cuddly cats, my amazing husband, and our beautiful baby safe in my tummy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GniGLO58ztI/TvNXaw_YKAI/AAAAAAAADB8/_fOckY6MWAE/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GniGLO58ztI/TvNXaw_YKAI/AAAAAAAADB8/_fOckY6MWAE/s320/IMG_3841.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm so blessed to have a beautiful home with the prettiest decorations outside. I love the way Christmas lights shine in the nighttime-something that is difficult to capture in a picture. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-molC54ja2k4/TvNWyYCLKbI/AAAAAAAADBg/RX7j2J56fDM/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-molC54ja2k4/TvNWyYCLKbI/AAAAAAAADBg/RX7j2J56fDM/s320/IMG_3807.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My favorite thing right now is to sit in our living room, preferably with some hot cocoa and enjoy some good snuggle time with my wonderful husband and kitties. It's so cozy with the Christmas tree lights twinkling and stockings I love (that my husband got me for my birthday!) hung by the fireside with care.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb7MCtUDWcU/TvNXAs4XqAI/AAAAAAAADBw/rVPu4ZMfZYU/s1600/IMG_3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb7MCtUDWcU/TvNXAs4XqAI/AAAAAAAADBw/rVPu4ZMfZYU/s320/IMG_3840.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did you notice that there are 5 stockings there? One for Corey, one for me, a cute elf-like stocking for each of the cats, and one for our baby girl with her name on it. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Grace</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">She already has the most gifts in her stocking (although the kittens both have lots of goodies as well). </span></div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Strut loves Christmas. He also loves wrapping paper. </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-seM62Rk_gfc/TvNWrQcVT0I/AAAAAAAADBY/of3hHRpTVGg/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-seM62Rk_gfc/TvNWrQcVT0I/AAAAAAAADBY/of3hHRpTVGg/s320/IMG_3809.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love my life and I love everyone in it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to next year, when sweet baby Grace is here to experience the blessings of Christmas and see all of the beauty of life with her own eyes. </span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone be found boasting. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!</span><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger'" Luke 2:9-12</span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-80904029723602659132011-12-21T15:16:00.000-06:002011-12-21T15:36:07.689-06:0027 weeks (and 1 day)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmoFwyiYxaEdmveTAxoasdxpnSctameRPrhGBBorD9DYTPpX_LIdwrEB3ZMMP8fa56Gi8e77oy4ugieUiHTsoemI37spoDsf26O81_XW51G7Dt4iGvRIwFY0rEfV-EUXvp_C57F1XqcPW/s1600/27Weeks_Cauliflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmoFwyiYxaEdmveTAxoasdxpnSctameRPrhGBBorD9DYTPpX_LIdwrEB3ZMMP8fa56Gi8e77oy4ugieUiHTsoemI37spoDsf26O81_XW51G7Dt4iGvRIwFY0rEfV-EUXvp_C57F1XqcPW/s320/27Weeks_Cauliflower.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to wait to post anything until I went to my appointment today since I would have more news to share. </span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Total Weight Loss/Gain:</strong> As of today's weigh in, I'm up 12 pounds. My doctor gave me permission to eat some extra cookies. I think I can do that!</span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Size of Baby:</strong> At 27 weeks, baby is the size of a head of cauliflower, weighing in at almost 2 pounds. (Length: about 14 1/2 inches.)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Maternity Clothes:</strong> Yes. I did wear regular jeans this weekend, which was kind of awesome, but I like wearing maternity clothes. The negative side is that I feel like I wear the same thing all the time. Oh, well. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Sleep: </strong>I have a lot of aches and pains in my hips, but overall, it's not bad. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Movement:</strong> Tons of movement. And now, baby gets the hiccups at least once a day. Poor baby! It feels really weird on this end, too. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Cravings/Aversions: Cravings:</strong> I don't feel like I've had any specific cravings lately. I'm enjoying some seasonal hot chocolate. I'm looking forward to Christmas cookies and Christmas ham. Yummy!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Aversions:</strong> None that I can think of. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What I miss:</strong> Feeling well-rested. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Gender:</strong> Baby Girl :)</span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Mood:</strong> All in all, pretty good. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Milestones:</strong> Some consider the 27th week to be the beginning of the third trimester, but I'm a believer that 28 weeks marks the real beginning of the real third trimester. So I guess, none to speak of. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I did take my glucose test, which tests for gestational diabetes today--won't get the results until later. I also got my rogam shot, which has something to do with my blood being O Negative and Corey's being A Positive and RH negative--I don't know. Can you tell I work with medical jargon all day? Me neither! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, from now on, our appointments are going to be closer together. We have another appointment 3 weeks from now (at 30 weeks), and then we go to one appointment every two weeks (at 32, 34, and 36 weeks) and then, I will go to an appointment every week. Eventually, towards the end, she has people come in every other day. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's just amazing to me how quickly everything is flying by!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Medical concerns:</strong> None that I know of. I talked with Dr. O about all of the symptoms I have and asked her lots of questions. It always makes me feel better to talk with her and I feel like everything is going great so far!</span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Heartburn. Hip and pelvic pain. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Anything else you would like to share/vent about:</strong> Our appointment went really, really, well today. I love our doctor. We asked her about whether or not we will be seeing other doctors in the practice and she said that they don't do that for several reasons, but most imporantly because she will do everything she can to be there for our delivery. If she can't be, she went on and on about how wonderful the other doctors are and how they have all even worked on each other (i.e., one of the doctors in the practice performed surgery on her, another doctor in the practice delivered one of the other doctor's babies, etc). I feel confident about the care we are getting there. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">She said that my blood pressure looked great, my fundal height (the measurement from the pelvic bone to the top of the uterus) is 27 centimeters, which is exactly where the want it to be at 27 weeks (1 cm=1 week). Baby's heartbeat was 160 bpm.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">She also told us that if I measured small or large on a given week, they would do an ultrasound. Otherwise, they would probably come up with a reason to do another ultrasound at 36 weeks. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">One thing I'm nervous about that makes me want to do a 3/4D ultrasound a little bit sooner? One of the girls on my bump message board, who had her anatomy scan at 20 weeks and was told she was having a girl, went in for her 3D ultrasound this week and they told her it was a boy. Now I had them confirm the girl at 25 weeks at another location, but that was with the 2D ultrasound. I think this is a good enough reason to get an elective ultrasound at one of those 3D places. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Switching topics, I'm getting really, really excited about the nursery. Lot's of work has been done over the last week (in fact, right now Corey and Cam are working on things there) and it is really coming together. I can't wait to see how things look when I get home! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, we have a real guestroom--with a bed and furniture set up. We have clean carpets in all the bedrooms. I'm a happy girl. I definitely have to do some organizing--having everything consolidated to the other rooms that weren't being worked on did not work well for me. But I will have time to work on that. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">We've made some really fun purchases, too! My mom and I went to a really nice second-hand store where I got a couple of really cute picture frames for the nursery. Corey and I picked out and beautiful (and really affordable) lighting fixture which I managed to get for 20% off. It's a little bit ridiculous, but it's a little girls room and I think it will bring some class. We also got the mattress for our baby girl's bed. I love buying these things for her and picturing her surrounded by all of her things in her room. It won't be long, now!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>What I look forward to:</strong> Tomorrow is my last day of work before my Christmas vacation. I'm so excited to have 11 days off and just relax a little bit. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas everyone!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elizabeth </span></div></div></div></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-18960934999155747092011-12-15T15:00:00.000-06:002011-12-15T15:26:51.733-06:00Lessons Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RB5H7nEImy6OR4Jsj8S8lmm3qeaC1AlK1EkouqKaWqbIF_oJ-GVGTNXsvZPTmS7MwpP_w72c3aVQ-GgS6d_FTYw2vLp3nS5rQLYngy5XthJryLtADScbozV5sm6lstNrmv2qZWnNp4k3/s1600/27_year_old_birthday_cake_card-p137456234958350971z85cd_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RB5H7nEImy6OR4Jsj8S8lmm3qeaC1AlK1EkouqKaWqbIF_oJ-GVGTNXsvZPTmS7MwpP_w72c3aVQ-GgS6d_FTYw2vLp3nS5rQLYngy5XthJryLtADScbozV5sm6lstNrmv2qZWnNp4k3/s320/27_year_old_birthday_cake_card-p137456234958350971z85cd_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday, I turned 27. I've been ready for it. But that number sounds <em>so</em> adult. I know logically that I'm an adult. I'm married--have been for years. I've also been a home-owner and a responsible employed person for several years. I don't know why I still feel so young. But I honestly feel about 17 on most days. Maybe baby will change that, and if so, I can't think of a better reason to grow up. But I hope that I will still hold onto at least some of things that make me feel so young at heart and pass them down to our little nugget. </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are some of the lessons that I've learned along the way that I can't wait to share with our baby girl.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) Dance. Always, always dance like nobody is watching. Your life will absolutely be better if you dance around the kitchen while putting up the dishes and do some boogying in the car while you are stuck in traffic. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) Take joy in rituals. Whether it be family traditions, story time at night, or writing in a journal, it is a special treat to create a routine and make something a priority if it means a lot to you. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">3) Never be afraid to take a chance and put yourself out there. Even if it doesn't end up how you'd like, you'll be much more likely to regret not trying something than trying something and knowing it didn't work out. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">4) Be silly and laugh as much as possible throughout the day.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">5) Make it a point to travel as much as possible. Even if you don't have a lot of money or time, take a quick trip a couple of hours away and you will feel better. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't be afraid of a long road trip--it's an American Tradition and you will learn as much about yourself as the land along the way. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is a wonderful thing to fly on an airplane -- don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Airports are amazing places to people watch and buy lots of ridiculous things and good (bad for you) food. And, once you get on the plane, you might get scared, but you shouldn't be--there is nothing cooler than seeing a new and exciting place from above as the plane descends. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">6) Throw yourself into the holidays. I've always loved Christmas the most, but you may prefer Halloween or Easter of St Patrick's Day. It doesn't matter, just let yourself get into it. It is so much fun to plan and anticipate an upcoming event, and there is nothing better for that than a holiday. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">7) It doesn't matter what your favorite holiday is, I've always felt a sense of wonder and excitement when I see houses decorated for Christmas and I hope you do, too. I hope you will love driving or walking around with me and your dad and seeing all of the beautiful lights on the dark night, the creative ways people try to make you smile and laugh, and the awesome nativities. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">8) Learn how to be alone. This is a very difficult lesson for a lot of people to learn. But the reason it is important is you don't want to be one of those people who has to be entertained or considered entertaining at all times. Folks in that category are the most boring people in the world. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">In general, if you are someone who can handle spending time on their own or even likes solitude, you will be happier in a multitude of situations. You will not have to call someone on your cell phone every time you are alone in a waiting room or an airport. You can enjoy long car rides without constant entertainment. You most likely will not drive people crazy by asking them their opinions on everything, because you will have your own, well-formed opinions on things and won't care as much about others' opinions on it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Someone who spends quality time on their own knows their own likes and dislikes well enough to not waste a lot of time doing things or being around people they don't like. They have a good, heartfelt answer about their feelings on a topic because they have spent enough time alone to examine it. All in all, it's a good thing. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">9) It's also good to know how to be yourself and be your best around people. Social graces are important, but they shouldn't be used to make other people feel bad, they should be used to make people comfortable. Hold the door open for the next person to walk through. Thank others when they do the same for you. If you are seated on a bus or a train and see someone less able or older than you standing, get up and offer them their seat. If a man offers you his seat, thank him and take it. If someone pays you a compliment, thank them- don't immediately discount what they complimented you on. It's also good to compliment others whenever you get the chance. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Respecting the opinions of others and knowing when to express your own and when it's best left under your hat is a good thing. Of course you should feel free to express your opinion amongst close friends and family, but don't let that get in the way of you hearing what other people have to say. When you are in the company of folks you don't know that well or aren't that close to, it's a good idea to stay away from some of the hot button issues; namely, politics, religion, and money. You'll save yourself a lot of headaches and be a lot happier if you avoid adding your two cents if these topics come up. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">10) Animals are the most loving creatures and way better than the majority of people. I'm sure our pets will love you and you will love them and I hope you will learn the value of having a pet. It is such a pure loving relationship and they will keep you silly and happy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">11) Write thank you notes. This may seem like an old fart thing, but I've done it my whole life (admittedly, before I was 12, it was because my mom made me) and over the years I realized that it is something that can make you really happy--it is a good thing to express gratitude and it will keep you from taking people (and their gifts) for granted.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">12) You will learn from all of the opportunities you are given if you go in with an open heart and open mind.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The most important thing we can do as parents is raise our baby girl to feel loved and happy--she has already brought so much happiness to our world and she hasn't even been born yet! </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">I'm lucky enough to have great family and friends who have made me feel so loved and happy everyday, and most definitely on my birthday. Thanks everyone!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth</div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-73971755383413469402011-12-13T09:00:00.000-06:002011-12-13T09:54:28.953-06:0026 weeks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lJlAXKWU0G8/Sns9Vw5a-mI/AAAAAAAAbq4/3VO12-tH7Jo/26-english-cucumber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lJlAXKWU0G8/Sns9Vw5a-mI/AAAAAAAAbq4/3VO12-tH7Jo/26-english-cucumber.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Total Weight Loss/Gain: I think at this point I'm up about 11 pounds. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Size of Baby: A quick internet search found that at 26 weeks, most babies are as tall as an English hothouse cucumber and weighs about 1 2/3 pounds. (Length: 14 inches, head to heel.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maternity Clothes: Are the most comfortable. I've been taking a lot longer to get ready the last few days because most of the sweaters I own (in regular sizes) are too small. Luckily I have a loving husband who is honest with me and won't let me leave the house in something too small. Our sweet friends Lindsey & Troy bought me a very pretty maternity blouse for my birthday which I'm sporting today and loving!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sleep: Is getting worse. I've been having some pretty vivid, terrible dreams and I usually wake up feeling achy. I think that comes with the territory, though.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Movement: Is frequent. At times it can be distracting. I love it so much, though!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cravings/Aversions: Cravings: My mom made me a delicious chocolate pie w/ merengue for my birthday celebration this weekend. It was amazing and I'm still enjoying the rest of it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aversions: I'm really grossed out by anything too soggy. Consistency of food has always been big for me, but now, something even a tiny bit too soggy is grossing me out. <br />
What I miss: Having better control of my emotions. I'm all over the place these days. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gender: Baby Girl :)</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mood: I'm not going to lie. I'm a hot mess some days. I'm doing the best I can, though. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Milestones: Today, the very last day of my 26th year, is the beginning of my 26th week of pregnancy. I think that's pretty cool! Also, on Monday, we hit the double-digits on our countdown to the due date--as of today, we are officially 98 days away from our due date! It's hard to believe it's moving so fast, now!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Medical concerns: None that I know of. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Symptoms: Heartburn and round ligament pain. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anything else you would like to share/vent about: We are still perfecting the paint in the nursery, but we're getting there. I'm feeling very lucky to have such a patient sweet husband. <br />
What I look forward to: Several things -- my birthday tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My appointment with Dr. O next week (yes, that's right, I'm the weirdo who likes going to the doctor). </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My 11 day Christmas Vacation. I need at least 3 of those days to involve doing absolutely nothing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I'm looking forward to entering the new year--the year in which our <em>daughter </em>will be born. So exciting.</span> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQEITFeiEDFkejBvERGqgFkxNNmr1QdRvOSvHOlyaLZWR2p8orMNPgVJO36E9JXVhigO56BEKbgarUnSc8UDog-zcwymppmzAq9h9NTlV9r5xXPzGhFJi8JQwbzI78Ry2IMja9LuMb5XW/s1600/130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQEITFeiEDFkejBvERGqgFkxNNmr1QdRvOSvHOlyaLZWR2p8orMNPgVJO36E9JXVhigO56BEKbgarUnSc8UDog-zcwymppmzAq9h9NTlV9r5xXPzGhFJi8JQwbzI78Ry2IMja9LuMb5XW/s320/130.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-89390993992774093522011-12-06T13:20:00.000-06:002011-12-12T20:06:52.162-06:0025 weeks!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uBtBwgQF9K7oVqqRJ_fuNO3mZLtG0FZ1ndg4mWGNt8AI-rZPpdkxHkwhmx11us8gjPb-B93Rg-0mLVxHXDG58D5sLHhs7jakXYYFuQgmMumUp5XWOqDetYO8e2v6w3-7_JSd3ffwoGRu/s1600/25weeks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683098129945333250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uBtBwgQF9K7oVqqRJ_fuNO3mZLtG0FZ1ndg4mWGNt8AI-rZPpdkxHkwhmx11us8gjPb-B93Rg-0mLVxHXDG58D5sLHhs7jakXYYFuQgmMumUp5XWOqDetYO8e2v6w3-7_JSd3ffwoGRu/s320/25weeks.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 186px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 186px;" /></a><span style="color: #336666;"><strong> </strong></span><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Total Weight Loss/Gain</strong>: I believe I've officically gained about 10 pounds. Possibly 10.5. <br />
<strong>Size of Baby</strong>: Our little baby eggplant. She is anywhere from 13.6 to 14.8 inches in length and 1.5 to 2.2 lbs. So exciting!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Maternity Clothes:</strong> Are getting used all of the time now except bedtime. And now I'm starting to wish I had some pregnancy sweatpants. And more warm maternity clothes-but I don't want to spend a bunch on clothes I'm going to wear for such a short time - it very rarely gets cold here, and if experience has taught me anything--with close to 27 years as a central Texan under my belt--I can predict it will probably be back in the 60s or the 70s (or even 80s) by the end of December. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Sleep:</strong> Is pretty good. Every once in a while I will have a night where I just can't sleep. And I'm getting more uncomfortable at night. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Movement:</strong> I think she has been moving her whole body around in there, not just her limbs. Occasionally I will get this feeling that the bottom of my stomach is dropping out and then this creepy feeling of something sliding around in my stomach and I think she is repositioning herself. Also, as we speak, it feels like she is punching me in the gut. She is such a sweet girl lol. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Cravings/Aversions: Cravings:</strong> I have been craving queso a lot. And chicken and dumplings (which I'm going to make tomorrow night in case you were wondering :)</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Aversions:</strong> I feel like I'm eating everything in sight. So, no aversions right now. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>What I miss: </strong>Being able to get up off my couch or any other seat I sink into without extra effort. I have a feeling this is only going to get worse lol. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Gender</strong>: A sweet baby girl!<br />
<strong>Moods:</strong> Pretty good. I'm trying to enjoy life and all of the little steps along the way. Trying not to get so upset by small stuff. I succeed about 80% of the time, but occasionally I get annoyed by silly little things and I feel like I have a shorter temper. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Milestones:</strong> 25 weeks! Only 15 to go! Holy moly! I have gotten a few smiles from people out and about over the last few days while I've been Christmas shopping, and I'm pretty sure they realize I'm pregnant. On the other hand, I was sitting right in front of someone today who didn't realize I was pregnant. Go figure. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Medical concerns</strong>: Feeling blessed to be feeling great!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>Anything else you'd like to share or vent about</strong>? I'm feeling pretty good about getting so many things done. We've accomplished a lot over the last couple of weeks, but I'm feeling like this is going to be how things are from now on - there are just so many things to do before our baby girl gets here. So I'm trying to get used to being busy all of the time when all I want to do is come home and lay around in front of the fire. I now do that for about 30 minutes and then try and knock out a few things on my to do list. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><strong>What I look forward to:</strong> I'm really looking forward to having the baby. After our hospital tour I'm not feeling so much anxiety at the thought of labor and delivery. I also feel like I've been seeing so many cute babies out and about lately. I just can't wait to have our little girl out and spend time with her. Of course, this is a very special time, and I'm trying to enjoy this and be patient. And <em>of course</em> I don't want her to come early, but I'm looking forward to her arrival in March! </span><br />
<span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;">Here is a picture taken in front of our Christmas Tree at 25 weeks, 2 days!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsqM-5eCHE_vRMhqP0uhGNY2cs0mMTkvdF3KuLKDDKrUY0kVhH8gSyvDhQU0ocvH-UU_piONFl_sD-T42eQiAoAJ7EVYm29G-2ylh1VEfogX0TOjAv2FvfP16uVQvEfXm6-aX39CTOJ20/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsqM-5eCHE_vRMhqP0uhGNY2cs0mMTkvdF3KuLKDDKrUY0kVhH8gSyvDhQU0ocvH-UU_piONFl_sD-T42eQiAoAJ7EVYm29G-2ylh1VEfogX0TOjAv2FvfP16uVQvEfXm6-aX39CTOJ20/s320/114.JPG" width="214px" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 130%;">Have a great week!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: 130%;">Elizabeth </span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-48360894309711242802011-12-05T14:29:00.000-06:002011-12-05T15:11:26.919-06:00The Hospital Tour<div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvU96Q5vufhOtF9ciPcF1RjTIKFLoYrIcAyf7QZVQjtjDsWsYUshNYg-wp3BQmxmjgVQp28mRHKb3JA945ksEcJ3LBaYAUuJt9Z-35FmSkMyFxzPZNz1Odwx9BRgGgV-DOS6-Mh11lBrT/s1600/be-ready-for-baby.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 118px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682744264481281314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvU96Q5vufhOtF9ciPcF1RjTIKFLoYrIcAyf7QZVQjtjDsWsYUshNYg-wp3BQmxmjgVQp28mRHKb3JA945ksEcJ3LBaYAUuJt9Z-35FmSkMyFxzPZNz1Odwx9BRgGgV-DOS6-Mh11lBrT/s320/be-ready-for-baby.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#339999;"> Over the course of the past week, Corey and I have gotten a lot done. We've decided on a paint color and got opinions on it (thanks Mere and Cam!). We signed up for a birthing class (we will be going to it in January). We registered at Babies 'R Us, which I found fairly intimidating at the outset, but it went pretty well. I am, however, taking suggestions on infant <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">carseats</span> since I'm not in love with the one we picked out but I can't find any others that I like more. For the record, I'm fine with the safety ratings on the seat, I just don't think there are very many seats out there that are cute. And I know that sounds silly, but that's me. </span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">And my favorite thing that we've done so far? The hospital tour. </span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">This past Saturday, Corey and I braved the cold and rainy weather and went to the hospital where we will be having our baby girl. They have free scheduled tours for couples having babies three times a week. I grew up about 3 minutes away from this hospital, and I've been there (to visit sick friends) a few times over the years, but somehow, I had no idea where we were supposed to park to be near the women's center. We ended up parking at the complete wrong end of the hospital. Luckily within a minute of us walking in, we crossed the path of a very nice helpful man who worked there. When we told him what we were there for, he got a big grin and took us on a little mini-tour <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">thru</span> the back way to the women's center. Then he told us that he would let the tour guide know that we were waiting. </span><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">There was another couple there with their toddler and a third couple arrived shortly after us. Soon, a sweet nurse showed up with rubber duckies and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">sippy</span> cups for every baby (they had the hospital's logo on them).<br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeatasNFpbAK8hK18OGLTf0guo2OlUbNHezf6Y9_HYLDBsRD6joxmIZiD5rAC8PPjnDMZuxpAaNKZVKZe6cKzJ0IPy0gg3lPtX48rGAru7nKtCQmo2z5OZ8eHu_7uhyphenhyphenlRHauDIPAGC8SZE/s1600/ducky.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#339999;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682749729819011346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeatasNFpbAK8hK18OGLTf0guo2OlUbNHezf6Y9_HYLDBsRD6joxmIZiD5rAC8PPjnDMZuxpAaNKZVKZe6cKzJ0IPy0gg3lPtX48rGAru7nKtCQmo2z5OZ8eHu_7uhyphenhyphenlRHauDIPAGC8SZE/s320/ducky.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">The nurse's name is Sherry, and she has been a nurse for over 40 years, 8 of which have been at the hospital we are delivering at. She was so knowledgeable and laid back and within a minute of meeting her, I felt so relieved that we would be delivering there. Everyone we came across had that same nice, easy-going attitude. They are all very focused on doing what is best for their patients, both mama and baby. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">Some cool stuff that I didn't know/hadn't realized about our hospital:</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">1) Unless you end up having a c-section, you will go through labor and deliver all in the same room. I'm pretty sure this is how it happens most places. I just hadn't really thought about it. The beds are configured to come apart when you are ready to push and get that baby out. They have stirrups and leg grips on the bed.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">2) After you deliver, baby will stay in the room with us for the next 2 hours while I get cleaned up, she gets cleaned up and weighed and measured and all that jazz. Sherry said that they make it a point to give you that time with baby on your chest as soon as you deliver and the cord is cut. She said that all the L&D nurses are trained to be able to help with breastfeeding in that first hour because that is very important. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">3) For postpartum, they have lactation specialists on staff that do nothing but help with breastfeeding. They will schedule appointments with you and help you as much or as little as you like with the process. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">4) You get to order whatever you want to eat from the cafeteria menu after you get to Postpartum. They also have a hospitality suite where they have lots of yummy drinks and juices and snacks--since you aren't able to eat at all during labor and delivery, I'm sure these things will come in handy. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">5) They really want you to stay for the full time allotted-48 hours post-delivery for vaginal delivery, 4-6 days for c-section delivery. I had heard horror stories about people being pushed out of the hospital from a lot of people, but that is not the case here.</span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">6) They let you keep the baby in your room as much or as little as you like. Most people keep their babies in the room with them the majority of the time. I can't imagine wanting to part with her much, but they do say it's good to have them take the babies every once in a while so you can get some really good sleep. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">7) This particular hospital is big on epidurals. They are not going to guilt me if I want one. I'm pretty open to doing whatever I need to, but I feel like I will decide once I get there. It's nice to know I won't be judged by the medical staff if I decide to go for it. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">8) They have fewer patients now than they did a couple of years ago. A lot of hospitals have opened in the area, so it's freed up a lot of room for them. This is good in a lot of ways-I won't be fighting to get a good room, me and my baby will be getting lots of attention, etc. And this is one of the best hospitals to deliver at in the area, as it is a level 3 (meaning they can handle a lot of complicated issues if need be). </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">All in all, I feel very confident and comfortable delivering at that hospital. It's within 15 minutes of our house, and I feel like I will be well taken care of by nurses and doctors that care about their patients. We are lucky ducks!</span></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-44638391290369714622011-11-30T10:46:00.000-06:002011-12-01T12:48:22.847-06:00Random thoughts...<div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#336666;">Today I have a lot of random thoughts and things to share, most of which are unrelated to each other. Hopefully this will be an interesting, somewhat entertaining post instead of confusing. </span></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#336666;">1) The other day I ran a few errands after work and stopped to get food on my way home. I went out to the (dark) parking lot and pressed the button to unlock my car, heard the beeping noise it always makes, opened the door and got into my car. Except it wasn't my car. It was an entirely different silver Camry parked right next to mine, except this one looked like it had been detailed recently and they had a moon roof (jealous!). I started freaking out--what if these people think I'm trying to steal their car? I got out of the car and ran over to mine and got into it, hopefully before anyone saw me. Too weird. I guess this means I also need to look for the flash of my lights whenever I unlock my car to make sure I'm getting into <em>my </em>car. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">2) I cannot think of anything more annoying than the sound of ACDC -- except maybe Manheim Steamroller Christmas Carols. They grate my nerves. It's probably my least favorite part of the holidays--I'm not kidding. </span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#336666;">3) I'm ridiculously paranoid that people just think I'm fat, and don't realize I'm pregnant. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">4) I'm helping with interviewing people at my office this week, and I really think I want to work in Human Resources. I like the idea of helping people understand their benefits and helping with the hiring process, etc. I think that might be a good field for me to look into in the future. </span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">5) Speaking of work, I'm so excited by the fact that I will be off for 11 days in a row at Christmas. I cannot wait! I look forward to doing really super-Christmasy things and baking, watching movies, sitting by the fire, etc. It will be a restful, fun time of year and probably the last time for awhile in my life that I will have a real chance to sleep in, as long as I'm not too uncomfortable while I'm sleeping. I plan to take full advantage of that as long as my body cooperates.</span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">6) Switching topics - Corey exchanged the paint again for what we think is the right color this time and painted most of one whole wall.</span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">7) People keep asking me what I want for my birthday, which is coming up. I have a hard time coming up with things. Because I want is for people to do stuff for me or help me with stuff. Is that terrible? Like coming over to my house and telling me what you think of the paint color in the nursery. Or help with getting rid of our old couch, which is now on the side of our house in our backyard, and is worrying me. I want it out. I don't want some family of vermin to move in on it and build a little home in what used to be our man room couch. All I want for my birthday is a house not in disarray. And preferably decorated for Christmas. I need people's time and elbow grease but it is hard to ask for at such a busy time. Unfortunately, we have also been so busy lately that we are having a hard time getting everything done and a lot of the heavy lifting falls on Corey. There is only so much I can expect him to handle. I feel like a bad wife. </span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">8) I haven't really talked about it on the blog, in part because I was a little bit nervous about it, but my OB asked me to go see a perinatologist to check on the baby's heart and make sure everything look okay. The baby has some risk factors for heart issues, and she just wanted to ensure that everything was fine. They can do a fetal echocardiogram and she said that if they found anything, most times nowadays they could do something to fix it in-utero. Which is amazing to me. </span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">9) Anyway, I went to my appointment today by myself, not realizing that by fetal echo, they would also be doing a regular ultrasound as part of it. Everything looked great with baby's heart--Yay!--and they said that she did in fact look like a she (which is good, because if not, I have a lot of dresses and pink things to return) and I got a great chance to see our baby girl again. First I saw the ultrasound tech, who was really nice and reassuring and printed out a picture of our baby's profile because she said that she was "really cute". She kept saying how everything about the heart looked normal, which was such a relief. Then the doctor came in, who was this sweet, quiet older man, and he agreed that everything looked normal, no need for me to return, the heart looks "excellent" and he said I had "a nice looking baby". I feel very grateful that she is very healthy! I wish Corey could have been with me to see her, I think he would have enjoyed the appointment as much as I did :(</span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">10) So a few funny things related to my appointment this morning. Baby girl had all of her limbs up by her head. At one point, the ultrasound tech was laughing because she was able to get an image with both feet and hands in the picture. She likes to put her hands up next to her face and kick her legs up. There was one time that they were looking at her profile and you could just see this perfect image of her leg extended in a high kick, toe pointing above her head. Could she be a possible future Rockette? Or a soccer player? Or a gymnast? Do we have karate in our future? I'm in full support of anything she wants to do, but she seems to like kicking. </span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">11) They said she is 1 lb 6 ounces, the placenta is posterior and they baby is breech. It is fairly common for baby to be breech at this point, I'm not concerned about it--they usually move around and get in position over the next 15 weeks or so. </span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">12) Other interesting observations: in the waiting room, I saw a 14 year old girl who was 7 months pregnant. She was there with her entire extended family and her little punk/gangster boyfriend. I also saw his underwear because his butt was hanging out of his jeans. Lovely. Anyway, they all seemed thrilled that she was having a baby and I heard her mom going on and on about being a grandma. Of course I think it's good that they aren't abandoning her because she's pregnant, but I was somewhat surprised by the whole scene. I can't help but feel bad for the baby. I need to work on being more empathetic towards the pregnant girl. </span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">13) Also, after filling out my paperwork in the waiting room, I got up to hand in my clipboard and some weird pregnant lady saw me get up and stole the chair that I'd been sitting in. I gave her my evil pregnant lady look when I went to return my seat and found that it had been taken. Why take a chair that you already saw me sitting in?</span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">14) I also parked in the doctor parking area. Oops. Luckily, I wasn't towed. But I guess how do they know I'm not a doctor?</span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#336666;">15) This will be my last embarassing story for the day, I promise. During the ultrasound, I had to pull down my panel of my maternity pants and when I got up to leave I half-hazardly pulled my shirt down and forgot to pull up my panel. When I got to work today I walked in, sat down at my desk, and about an hour later I realized that my panel was still down and my shirt was halfway tucked into it. Oh, well. Hopefully not too many people saw me. </span></span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#336666;">If you made it to the end of all of those random thoughts, you are awesome. And you are probably wondering if I need my head examined. </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#336666;">Thanks for reading!</span></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-14466452953855847012011-11-29T10:16:00.000-06:002011-12-12T20:10:59.876-06:0024 weeks down, 16 to go!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZMRk8QtLt9U3et3y4eiDELmwg3iWOTMzJVa23Z_dLaonK3OBOpClVJJbUtKl0GgVwhUxMaxdmQflSlhOFUCIpFlUhrf64sd0H5hhL6lA3yzEilLz2McNKLrEOyt4TnjEq47b9pRQ81Rm/s1600/24Weeks_Corn.jpg"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680457329897458114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZMRk8QtLt9U3et3y4eiDELmwg3iWOTMzJVa23Z_dLaonK3OBOpClVJJbUtKl0GgVwhUxMaxdmQflSlhOFUCIpFlUhrf64sd0H5hhL6lA3yzEilLz2McNKLrEOyt4TnjEq47b9pRQ81Rm/s320/24Weeks_Corn.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 142px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></span></a><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> <strong>Total Weight Loss/Gain:</strong> When I went to the doctor on Wednesday last week, it said I was up 8.5 pounds! I was wearing my Converse, which are pretty heavy, but I'm still pretty amazed at how quickly things are moving along. And that was <em>before</em> stuffing my face at Thanksgiving. According to my scale this morning, I'm up 7.5 pounds, but that is without the Converse. I'm guessing I've gained at least a pound since last Wednesday. I'm actually pretty on track with what they recommend gaining, but all bets are off once Christmas Cookies enter the equation!<br />
<strong>Size of Baby</strong>: She is apparently the size of an ear of corn. I'm not sure I understand these food comparisons, but that's what they tell me.<br />
<strong>Maternity Clothes</strong>: Yes. I actually have to dress like a professional 4 out of 5 days this week, so my mom and I braved the crowds this weekend and she helped me pick out a couple of very cute pairs of dress pants at Motherhood Maternity. It's nice--I wore some nice pants a couple of weeks ago with my belly band and I felt very uncomfortable. This is better.<br />
<strong>Sleep:</strong> Is great right now. She does like to move around a lot right before I go to sleep, which always puts me in a good mood. Not as many crazy dreams.<br />
<strong>Movement:</strong> Is good. I have a hard time distinguishing what people can feel from the outside and what I can feel on the inside. Everytime baby kicks, I try to get somebody to feel it (if I'm at home or amongst family) and then they feel...nothing. I think our baby is playing possum once someone else comes around!<br />
<strong>Cravings/Aversions:</strong> <strong>Cravings: </strong>A lot of my cravings were satiated over Thanksgiving. I got to have yummy turkey, dressing, scalloped potatoes, rolls, etc. My mom also had a Thanksgiving Eve dinner which seemed centered around meeting my cravings for things like hot dogs and onion dip. It was a very food-filled holiday, and I loved it!</span><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Also, I'm loving Blue Bell Ice Cream right now. I don't know why, but every year, I get hungry for Ice Cream when it's cold outside. I'm a weirdo. I'm on the search for the Blue Bell Tiramisu flavor which I've heard rumors of. Does this really exist? If so, can someone please get it for me for my birthday? Thanks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: #336666;"><strong>Aversions:</strong> I'm dealing with more and more heartburn, so I'm trying to avoid foods that aggravate it over the last couple of days. Although, yesterday, I stopped at the store to get some necessities (toilet paper, milk, potato chips and ice cream) and came across one of my favorite things..a loaf of warm french bread. I bought it, thinking we could use it for dinner that night and I ate about 1/3 of the loaf on the way home (I'm all about honesty on this blog). That bread, which is about the least acidic thing I can think of, caused me heartburn most of the night. Really? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Anyway, I'm sticking with light and bland for the next few days in the hopes that I will get the heartburn under control. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: #336666;"><strong>What I miss:</strong> Feeling comfortable. I have a hard time getting comfortable when I'm just hanging around these days. I can only imagine how I'm going to be feeling 10 weeks down the road.</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: #336666;"><strong>Gender:</strong> A sweet baby girl!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: #336666;"><strong>Moods:</strong> I've been dealing with some anxiety un-related to the pregnancy. I cried my eyes out on Thanksgiving about something not very important. I'm feeling very protective of Corey and our baby girl. Most of the time I'm in a great mood, but when it turns, I can be difficult to deal with. I'm not sure that all of that can be blamed on pregnancy or just the insensitivity of other people and the mega-sensitivity of moi.<br />
<strong>Milestones: </strong>We've now hit 24 weeks, which is considered viability by most doctors. That means if, God forbid, baby came tomorrow, she has a decent chance of living. I'm happy for her to stay in for quite a while longer so that she can come out fully cooked!<br />
<strong>Medical concerns: </strong>None to speak of. I'm a little nervous about the Glucose test, which will be done at my next Dr's appt on 12/21. I'm not too worried about the drink that everyone complains about, as I've had to drink my fair share on contrast over the years with multiple CT scans, so I doubt it can be worse than that crap and I know it's not as much volume. I'm just worried about the results. Everything has been so perfect so far with this pregnancy, I feel kind of spoiled and I keep waiting for some kind of complication. Knock on wood, hopefully it won't ever come. If I have gestational diabetes, I have it, and it's better to know and deal with it. I have no reason to think that I will, though.</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: #336666;"><strong>Anything else you'd like to share or vent about? </strong>More information from my doctor's appointment- Dr. O said that they have found that babies born after 41 weeks have a higher risk of being stillborn, so they would be encouraging me to induce if I go over 40 weeks by the time I reach 41 weeks. She said the latest they would want me to have this baby would be March 27th. This makes me happy, although I don't like the idea of having to be induced and I'm hoping it will come naturally. But whatever happens, happens, and I'm going to go with whatever is best with my baby. I 100% trust my doctor and what she recommends. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;">I have to share a really cute story-last night, I asked Corey to read to Lil Buns. He picked out the Poky Little Puppy, one of the books he bought for her, and read it with his hand on my bump. She loved it! She kicked and kicked! We were both laughing at her response. I think storytime is going to become a nightly routine. Our little girl is so lucky to have such a great Daddy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="color: #336666;"><strong>What I look forward to: </strong>I'm getting really excited about the baby's room. We found the perfect glider chair and ottoman this weekend for 20% off. My wonderful parents are giving us the chair as a Christmas gift. I'm thrilled! It is so beautiful and it will be custom made for the nursery! We got to sit in the model we are getting and see the fabric that we want on another chair. The fabric is gorgeous and durable and the chair is so super comfortable, which will be nice during those all night parties with our baby girl! It will be ready in about 6-8 weeks. I'm pinching myself - I feel so lucky that we get to have that beautiful chair!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;">We think we have found the perfect color for the walls in the nursery, but the paint that we ended up with does not look the same on the wall as the sample did, so we are going back to ACE hardware again to get that fixed--they must have just mixed it wrong. It will be repainted before too long, but I've asked Corey to make sure and paint half a wall, then let me see it. I'm crossing my fingers this will work. </span><br />
<span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Here is a not so great picture taken of me last night in our currently blue-gray nursery. Bump is growing!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLttsCHdWYAC_-pwKxTTDO0IRlTcLlTxU17rfc0ZcS8YRJ1lzbZ-xM6kVd-y84Q1222KaBhpVWOv1XtZ7_ZXK6CJMRmfx_WMJbJ0-ocVeblFJHlgcGldh7u07W2t0pjedY_xWySm_G8Mg/s1600/IMG_3750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLttsCHdWYAC_-pwKxTTDO0IRlTcLlTxU17rfc0ZcS8YRJ1lzbZ-xM6kVd-y84Q1222KaBhpVWOv1XtZ7_ZXK6CJMRmfx_WMJbJ0-ocVeblFJHlgcGldh7u07W2t0pjedY_xWySm_G8Mg/s320/IMG_3750.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Have a great week!</span></div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Elizabeth </span></div></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574920845787661899.post-8374929932176330072011-11-22T12:38:00.000-06:002011-12-12T20:21:24.881-06:0023 weeks<div align="center"><em><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></em><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP2X_LEbsaI6JZ6tmJjiFlLQaaPkjl2fcZQLSPb2FOECOw-O9CXKT3_AbogGHe5ML9TkhGGqCu7_K97FAuLlQHsEfqRaLq5dS08ETGvxuIQuO7sKfETAo430Z1y9QOvploGFOUFXAzkr7/s1600/23-mango.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677893805353525474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP2X_LEbsaI6JZ6tmJjiFlLQaaPkjl2fcZQLSPb2FOECOw-O9CXKT3_AbogGHe5ML9TkhGGqCu7_K97FAuLlQHsEfqRaLq5dS08ETGvxuIQuO7sKfETAo430Z1y9QOvploGFOUFXAzkr7/s320/23-mango.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 228px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;"> I totally missed blogging last week! Somehow, the blog fell through the cracks--it was pretty busy at work and in life but somehow I don't have much to report--here is my picture from last week, though! </span></a><span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;">In general, I need to start updating more often with interesting things--I'm afraid this blog has gotten a little bit boring, to say the least. I'm hoping I will find some time this weekend to blog about our trip to Fredericksburg or the millions of articles of clothing this child already has or perhaps the great saga that has been our journey through decorating the nursery. </span><br />
<span style="color: #336666; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Total Weight Loss/Gain</strong>: According to my scale at home, I'm up 6 or 7 pounds total. I'm interested to see what the scale says when I go to the doctor tomorrow. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2jT0VqgO7FgnbFJzuUZy4wISqP75OGIzBna8i0He0L6ZFBTXj9HeuEIKrNc5HxbvsDPWv_-8IesMUrLXBlXPoFmjioDOiNXXAv2wT0sJRay2arLmyUfhqMVkBvSNPClZd6umoW5k8_Um/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2jT0VqgO7FgnbFJzuUZy4wISqP75OGIzBna8i0He0L6ZFBTXj9HeuEIKrNc5HxbvsDPWv_-8IesMUrLXBlXPoFmjioDOiNXXAv2wT0sJRay2arLmyUfhqMVkBvSNPClZd6umoW5k8_Um/s320/079.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Size of Baby:</strong> Baby girl is now the size of a large mango according to the interwebs. The average baby is a little over 1 lb at this point! Pretty amazing!</span></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Maternity Clothes</strong>: I haven't attempted to put on my regular jeans in over a week. They might still fit, but I'm pretty sure they would be rather uncomfortable to wear throughout the whole day. I do wear lots of my regular pajama/sweat pants at home. Does that count? Oh, okay...probably not. On shirts, I can definitely go either way, but I usually prefer maternity tops because I think they make it more clear that there is a baby in there and not just a few too many big lunches in a row. </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Sleep</strong>: Is much better. Part of my inability to get anything done for the last few weeks is that I felt so terrible. Allergies were hitting me pretty hard for about 2 1/2 weeks there, but (knock on wood) both Corey and I have felt better for about 3 or 4 days now, so I'm hoping the worst of that is over for the timebeing. So I've been able to sleep pretty soundly, minus a few interruptions for trips to the bathroom over the last few days. It's wonderful!</span></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Movemen</strong>t: Is so lovely. A little distracting at times, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. She definitely has a pattern of when she moves - usually early in the morning for about 30 minutes (usually between 6 and 8--talk about a great wake up call!), then again in the afternoon at work for about 20-30 minutes. Yesterday it made it a little bit difficult to finish up a call when she was doing the salsa on my organs, but like I said, I love it. She also likes to move a lot in the hours from 6-7 and at night when I'm going to bed. I don't see a direct connection to my eating patterns or anything, I think that is just when she isn't sleeping. Corey feels it more and more from the outside, and it's pretty cute to see his face!</span></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Cravings/Aversions</strong>: <strong>Cravings</strong>: Powdered sugar is still the loveliest thing ever according to my pregnant stomach. I'm hungry for a lot of other very unhealthy things, and I'm looking forward to dressing and the pies that come with Thanksgiving which is now just two days away!</span></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Aversions:</strong> I can think of any right now. Food is my friend. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Symptoms:</strong> I've had some pretty bad round ligament pain over the last week. I'm not surprised, as I feel like my stomach is expanding rapidly. I'm also experiencing some nasty heartburn, which is putting a damper on my love of eating. Tums help, though!</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>What I miss</strong>: I'm trying to think of the best way to word this, but I'm not sure I know how. I've always been pretty emotional. I'm a little annoyed that people are now blaming my pregnancy hormones for my getting annoyed/mad at them when they do insensitive things. Newsflash --don't be rude or do stupid things and I won't get annoyed with you. </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Exception to this rule - Corey and my immediate family. Sometimes I get upset with them over stupid stuff that isn't there fault. This is mainly referring to some really annoying people that I work with that have always been pains to deal with for everyone else in the work place.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Gender:</strong> Baby Girl Granstrand</span></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><strong>Anything else you'd like to share or vent about?</strong> Corey and my Dad got the guest room and the nursery painted over the last week. I love the color in the guest room! It turned out a beautiful pale blue. The nursery, which was supposed to be a beautiful shade of light gray? Turned out to be a beautiful different shade of light blue. I feel a little bit guilty, but some more work is needed it to get it looking right. Corey is going to see if adding another coat in one area makes a difference, and if so, they will just add another coat. Otherwise, we will go back to the store and see what we need to buy to get it looking gray. We just want it to look perfect when Baby Girl gets here!</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We got the furniture for the nursery and it looks beautiful! Uncle Cam was awesome and helped Corey with picking it up at the store and carrying the heavy boxes into the garage where they are going to stay for now. Once we get the paint color figured out and on the walls, the other furniture in the nursery moved into the guest room, and the carpet cleaned in all of our bedrooms, we will move the furniture inside and get the crib put together. I'm looking forward to that!</span><br />
<span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We also got the bedding for her, and it is beautiful! It includes some personalized pieces, and I just can't wait to see how everything looks once it's put together!</span><br />
<span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I find myself worrying that I will never find the right paint color, that I will pick the wrong glider and it will look bad in our nursery, etc. I'm second guessing myself on those things, but I'm glad I like all of the big things we have purchased so far. Paint is a pretty easy fix (even though I feel bad because I'm not allowed to help with fixing it). </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>What I look forward to: </strong>I'm looking forward to my appt w/ Dr. O tomorrow. My mom is coming with me! I'm also looking forward to getting off of work tomorrow at Noon and then plan to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family and all of the wonderful food!</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm hoping to get some shopping done this weekend. We've got a good start on Christmas shopping, but still have a lot more to do. I really hope to get all of my shopping done by December 5, so I can really just enjoy the Christmas season and not feel the need to run around like a chicken with my head cut off right before Christmas. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Have a very Happy Thanksgiving! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #336666; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Elizabeth </span></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17413904813592668235noreply@blogger.com0