Molly is here - not exactly as planned!!!

Most of you know this already, but baby Molly is here!

Stats and Picture . . .

Born Tuesday, September 22nd (10 days early) at 1:59 pm

Weight - 7 lbs, 6 oz (1 oz smaller than Bailey).

Length - 19 inches (1/2 inch shorter than Bailey).

We're doing great! Trying to adjust to having a newborn again. I think God really "helps" you forget some of the "difficult" and "bad" stuff - a kind of grace for new parents.

Details . . . If you are interested, here are some details of my labor and delivery (no inappropriate details - I promise!)

Last Monday was a crazy busy day - Bailey and I did our normal grocery errands, the entire computer system went down at Dillons while we we there, and I had pretty much constant Braxton-Hicks contractions all day long. Really, nothing too out of the ordinary, though.

That night, I went to bed early and Joey came up about midnight (it was the first night of season premiere week after all . . ) I told him that I'd had a couple Braxton-Hicks contractions strong enough to wake me up. No big deal, right?

Around 3:30, I woke up with my first real contraction. Didn't feel like they did with Bailey - she was born face up, so I felt most contractions in my back. These felt much different! I told Joey these were the real thing, but I had plenty of time.

Got up, paid the bills due by the first of the month (I know - I'm a little neurotic) and addressed the Thank You cards from my shower two days earlier. Contractions were still 15 minutes apart, so I decided to go into work for about an hour to take care of a few things. Joey's dad came to watch Bailey for an hour so he could take me to work (just in case). Got my work done, came home, and rested. Contractions were still 10-12 minutes apart. About 11:30, my dear friend Caressa came over to check on me (she noticed both cars were in the driveway and knew something might be up). Contractions were 8-10 minutes, but I could still walk and talk through them. She agreed that I should wait a little longer to go in

Then, noon - contractions became 5 minutes apart and very intense. I told Joey we needed to get some things together and go. We got in the car at 12:30 and arrived at the birthcare center at 12:55 - darn Kellogg construction! They checked me in right away and the charge nurse took me back to check me. At 1:05 I was 8 cm dilated and 100% effaced. She made about 20 phone calls (OB, anesthesiologist, etc), then checked me again around 1:15 - I was 10 cm complete! We had to wait about 10 minutes for the epidural because he was next door and by the time he got there, I really felt like I needed to push. My OB said I would have to hold the baby in for 20-25 minutes while the epidural took effect. Wasn't at all physically or emotionally prepared for this, but decided to go without! Started pushing about 1:40 and Molly was born less than 20 minutes later.

I won't lie - it hurt! But, she is here safe and beautiful. The best part is that the hospital recovery was so much easier than with Bailey (I had an epidural and had to push for a couple of hours since she was face up). I was able to get up on my own within the hour, nurse right away, etc.

So, she's here - all natural! Didn't know I had it in me. Will write more soon. She's a week old today. Time flies, even in early days.

Cammy

Update and Pictures

Don't have a lot of time . . . but here is a quick update:  

38 weeks today . . . had a Dr. Appointment on Tuesday, already 4 cm dilated and 80% effaced

.  She's coming soon!  

Joey and I are geeks!  We create an Excel spreadsheet for everything.  Our latest spreadsheet listed (in order of priority) everything we wanted to get done around the house before baby comes.  We're about 80% done.  Tonight we hired a friend of Joey's to aerate and verticut the backyard - granted, it's cheating a little, but we can cross that off the list.  We're getting there.

Here are some pictures of the nursery.  I have some polka dots to put in the window well, but haven't found the motivation yet to do it.  Thanks Brandi for keeping me honest.  I know I promised them earlier in the week.  I won't list my excuses for not getting it done.  Just didn't do it.

The North Wall . . . 

The West Wall . . . 

The South Wall . . . look close to see baby's name:)

The East Wall . . . 

The bedding set that inspired the room . .. 

Our Funny Trip to the Doctor for a Flu Shot

My daughter cracks me up.

A little background . . . my OB is pretty insistent that we all get the seasonal flu shot since we'll have a newborn soon and the flu seems to be hitting much earlier than usual this year. Joey and I will partake in the free flu shots from the school district, but they won't give them to children under 18.

So . . . I called last week to arrange for Bailey to have the flu mist this morning. After she got up, I told her that we were going to see Dr. Tana. She said "OK - my ear hurts." The last time we went to the doctor was several months ago due to an ear ache. Being the "creative" mother that I am, I said to try to prepare her . . . "When we get to the doctor, they are going to give you some medicine in your nose to make your ear feel better. I need to you to be very brave." She took it "hook, line, and sinker."

When we got to the office, she knew exactly where the exam rooms were, but told the nurse she needed to see how big she was first. The nurse (Julie) was really sweet and let Bailey get on the scale to take her weight. Then, Bailey led us all to the exam room.

She wanted to sit on the exam table all by herself and didn't even flinch when they gave her the flu mist. I was very proud. She got down from the table and said "Thank you Julie, my ear feels much better."

(I had to explain to Julie why she said that). We both cracked up. I think I'm going to be in trouble the next time Bailey has an ear ache - she'll be expecting medicine up her nose again!

What a funny way to start the day!

Nursery Pictures Coming Tonight

I know I said a few days . . . so, it's been 2 weeks. But, the nursery is done. I'm charging the camera while I'm at work today so I can post pictures tonight.

Stay tuned . . .

It is finished!

The swing set is officially done! It has already had cousins and neighbors on it! Here are some pictures of the assembly and Bailey playing. It's been a perfect week to spend more time outdoors.

The nursery is next! It's about 95% done. If I could just get Joey to hang those last two shelves:) I hope to post pictures in the next couple of days.

Only one more month until my due date! Found out on Monday that I'm already dilated to 2 cm as the baby is head down - yeah!

Have a great week!

Cammy