How we welcomed our little girl

Honestly it took us by surprise or at least me. My husband however, seemed to know that Gracelynn had a new idea in her head.

December 3rd was my baby shower that was being thrown by my mother in law and my sister in law. I hadn't been feeling great the last few days and almost cancelled the baby shower due to swelling and general lack of wanting to do anything.

The baby shower went well we got a lot of great gifts but had to exchange some items that were doubled. We went to babies r us after the shower and picked up a breast pump and some other odds and ends and headed home.

We got home around 8:30 and just basically relaxed. I had already packed my hospital bag and the diaper bag just to be safe since my first baby was early...

Around 10pm we decided to try to lay down and watch a movie. By 12 I was having contractions but they weren't consistent so I ignored them as best I could. By 2 am I was writhing in pain and calling the dr. When we didn't get a call back within 20 minutes I decided it was time to go to the hospital. My contractions were 3 minutes apart and very intense. When we got to the hospital I was dilated 6 cm and about 50% effaced.

I got an epidural and tried my best to relax however, I had a spinal leak and that caused me to have a really intense headache. By 8 am I was begging them to break my water and when the dr came in at 8:40 am to do that she said the baby hadn't come down that much... Within 5 minutes of her breaking my water I started feeling this intense urge to push and a lot of pressure and burning. By 8:50 it was time to push and I wasn't gonna argue.

It took 3 pushes and 5 minutes to deliver my beautiful baby girl. I was so exhausted and sore (my epidural wore off) that all I cared to know was if my very early little angel was ok. Once the husband confirmed she was ok and brought her over I was relieved and mellow.

We spent 2 days in the hospital and part of that was spent with Gracelynn in an incubator since she had jaundice. When we went home and introduced boogey to his sister it was like our little family was complete.

I have spent the last week adjusting to being a mommy of 2. Hubby has been a big help when he is home as much as he can. He can't help with the feedings since we're breastfeeding but he can help with boogey.

We can't say how blessed we really are enough. God has given us two beautiful children and the love I have for both is overwhelming.
Voting

Sorry i've been gone but...

I've been busy with this little love bug:


Gracelynn Bella Michele was born on 12/4/2011 at 08:55 am. 5lbs 15 ounces and 19 inches long.

I was only 35 weeks and 4 days pregnant with her when she decided it was time to welcome herself into the world... I'll post the birth story later with more pictures.


Voting

I'm alive just pregnant and can't think...

I'm 32 weeks pregnant tomorrow!! We are so ready for Gracelynn to get here. Honestly my pregnancy symptoms have been not good... Seriously, my hips seperate all the time making it extremely painful to move let alone walk, I live in the restroom, my swelling is getting obnoxious but thank god for my Ugg boots, exhaustion is a popular theme in my house, and I have a four year old who is into everything... I haven't posted because well honestly, I can't form a thought without getting distracted.

I have had one baby shower already for work and I can't lie I was such a giddy girl because without my momma the older ladies i work with really make me feel like its ok. I miss my mom so bad. Now I'm crying...

I have another baby shower this weekend and i am super excited. Hopefully it goes without a hitch... here are some belly pictures.



30 weeks


31 weeks




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Fun stuff

I just purchased this little hat on etsy and I am so excited! I can imagine baby girl wearing it for her newborn pictures.

and i also received an unexpected package today... from similac. Yes I plan on breastfedding and there are no plans of when we will stop but its good to have received two cans of free formula in case anything happens and Gracelynn for any reason cannot breastfeed.

Short post, random post. Thats just how it is today.

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Fall does not mean time to chill out picture overload

Get it?? Chill out? The weather?? hahaha i crack myself up. But for real I have not had a quiet day in weeks... Im 29 weeks today!!! Boogey turned 4 today which makes me sad and happy I can't believe he is 4 where have the last 4 years gone???

Wanna see pics? of course you do

















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27 weeks pregnant

OMG! I am 27 weeks that means I have 13 weeks left. WHAT??!!!!

We have been relaxing, spending family time, getting things together for the baby girl, and just basically enjoying the fall.

My brain doesn't hold attention on any subject for more than a few minutes right now so any posts I've started have all ended up making no sense to me what so ever.

Baby girl is a mover. She kicks and rolls and punches all day long and throughout the night. No complaints about it I really enjoy feeling her in there. I have finally however, found out why I was having all of the hip, pelvic, and back pain... I have something called symphysis pubis dysfunction. Sounds fun right?? No?? you sure? anyways basically I get to wear a pregnancy support belt that is more like a harness than a belt but it works so I gotta pacify myself and suck it up..

Good stuff, I love the fall weather we've been having in VA I love the crisp air and being able to enjoy sitting outisde with booty while he runs crazy all over the yard. I have been living in leggings and ugg boots and hoodies. My husband purchased me some ugg cardy's as a surprise. I am used to sticking to the classic ones but i googled the boots and found Ms. Megan Fox rocking them so I am ok with them... hello cute casual!

I love that I can wear Warm Vanilla Sugar body scents and it feels like it fits the season. mmmm

This weekend we are taking a trip to WV for what they call Forest Festival and i am so excited to get out of town and to visit my friends who I havent seen in forever. I will definitely post pictures when i get home....

Voting

I feel like...

A whale! Ok maybe not that bad but I feel like I am huge. With my first pregnancy I was tiny or at least I feel like I was tiny... this time around I feel like a big ole fatty...

I don't know how to up my self confidence but seriously I feel yucky.

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Preggo brain and ramblings

I don't remember going through this with my first pregnancy. I remember being in pure bliss and just relaxing with him. So why is it that now all I can do is worry? Is it because I've been there done that and I know all of the things I will have questions about once miss Gracelynn gets here? I dont know. What I do know is that I have a gazillion things I never thought of with boogey and here I am stressing out...

Breastfeeding- I am terrified that I am going to fail at what I'm supposed to be naturally good at. I didn't breastfeed my son. So I have no idea what to do. The biggest things?? What should my diet be like to help my milk flow? How often should I pump just to save up milk? How frequesntly should I nurse??

Vaccines- I never knew the dangers of vaccines with boogey. But the more I read the more freaked out I get. I worry that I shouldn't get her vaccinated when she gets here. I worry that I risked my sons life by following the doctors schedule with his vaccines. He never had a reaction but I'm still worried. What is yalls opinions???

With all of the worries though there have been some good things that have happened this week... like getting her nursery started... We are going with a shabby chic theme. Want to see some of my inspiration of course you do!!!





Our nursery won't be quite as lavish as some of the images but its what inspired me.

oh and of course a belly pic...




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This and that

Ahhh!! Time is flying by. I am 23 weeks and 5 days pregnant. When did that happen?!

Anyways, Boogey's birthday is coming next month!! That means I have been in party planning mode, and then my baby Shower is in November... I have been in love with the theme wanna see what we are cooking up??


My theme is going to be Alice in Wonderland. Its colorful, fun, and girly. Not to mention there are tons of things we can do.

Boogey's party is dinosaur themed apparently. He keeps changing what he wants on me. He gets it from me...

Well I have to get ready to go today is the hubs' birthday we're going to dinner with his family...

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Its been busy

Sorry for lack of posts. I am sure everyone was dying to know where I went... Kidding...

My little man started preschool this week :( Makes me sad.



The baby has been causing me to have tons of Braxton Hicks contractions. Which scared me at first but the dr. put me on pelvic rest until my next appointment at the end of the month.

We bought a used car. I was tired of my 07 Cadillac CTS and wanted something bigger but didn't want a huge car payment so I started looking for a used car and we bought an 04 Acura MDX. Not brand new but very exciting to me... I love it already.





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Gender Reveal post

We went Wednesday morning to find out what Duckie is Boy or girl, pink or blue... My husband and I had our preferences but we were also happy as long as everything looked healthy.

Its a.... GIRL! So I definitely bought pink stuff.

Her name?? Gracelynn Bella Michele

Gracelynn- Because my moms middle name was Lynn and his grandfather was called Lynn. So Lynn was a must considering they both went to heaven.

Bella- we both loved the name and the meaning.
Michele It is his mothers name and even though she hasn't always been super supportive we thought it was fair and it continues with his family's tradition of the 4 names. First, two middles, and last.

We are thrilled and now I am ready to start registering for girly stuff.


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Earthquake!!

i have never experienced an earthquake until now... And it scared the daylight out of me. I am home alone with my cats and I was actually asleep when it happened. Thankfully everything is ok and my family and friends are ok but it scared me...

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BOOOOOO

Im in the office today which equates to a rather unhappy me... I had to wake up wayyyy to early and this was one of those sleep in mornings. So I'm not thrilled. However, duckie has been kicking away this morning so that has entertained my mind enough to make me not kill anyone... Kidding guys come on!

Tomorrow is the day I find out what duckie is Pink or Blue... Any guesses?

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Half way there

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 20 weeks and one day

Size of Baby: Duckie is the size of a cantelope

Maternity Clothes: So comfy and found some cute basics at target this week

Gender: Finding out on the 24th

Movement: Duckie is active...

Sleep: What is that? I hardly sleep and when I do its barely the type of sleep you need.

What I Miss: Sleep.

Cravings: Pasta. And mexican

Symptoms: Syncope, tiredness, sore muscles, sore breasts, constant bathroom trips especially at night.

Best Moment of the Week: Just feeling duckie move all the time. I doze off to it and wake up to it so I love it...

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WHAAAATTT???!!!

I am 19 weeks pregnant... 19 WEEKS! Where did the time go?!!!

I'm posting my first real belly pic and doing a Survey...



Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 19 Weeks and 2 days

Size of Baby: Baby is the size of a mango... I feel like its bigger than that!

Maternity Clothes: Yes please! I think I shall live in them forever ;)

Gender: Finding out on the 24th

Movement: Feeling it more and more and of course loving it.

Sleep: What is that? I hardly sleep and when I do its barely the type of sleep you need.

What I Miss: Sleep.

Cravings: Pasta. And mexican

Symptoms: Syncope, tiredness, sore muscles, sore breasts, constant bathroom trips especially at night.

Best Moment of the Week: Getting the crib and mushy putting it together.


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Crazy girl

Apparently thats what my son and husband think I am. There is a country song that they both sing to me and they both think I am crazy because I always worry that my crankiness is pushing them away.

I don't sleep and when I try to I can't get comfortable. I only bring it up because when I was pregnant with booty I slept like a rock. I could sleep all day long. Not with duckie. Duckie keeps me up all night and most of the day. Luckily I get the great opportunity to take naps or sit at home and relax as I get to pick when I work everyday. Which also allows me to spend time with booty alone and focus solely on him. Thats important to me. When mushy and I started discussing having another baby no one told me how I would be so emotional for the loss of my "alone" time with my first born. I feel like I am somehow taking something away from him. I know that I am adding a friend, companion, and aggravation to his little life as well but I just worry that he will feel like hes being left out.

I have done sooo much to keep him included like taking him to my monthly appointment. He got to hear duckie's heartbeat on Thursday and his face lit up. He never complains about me hvaing a baby, he honestly brags more than anything. I guess that having him all alone and to myself for the most part really makes me feel like the new addition is selfish on my part... See I am crazy.

So I have been enjoying our daily sleep in sessions or more like his sleep in sessions, where i climb into his full bed and cuddle with his warm little body and smell his clean toddler hair and watch as he flutters in and out of dreams. I love it when he wakes up and smiles at me and then he gets to choose whether we stay in bed longer or if we get up and get breakfast. He gets to decide if we go to the pool for the day or stay home making arts and crafts and in all honesty, tearing the house apart for the 20th time during the week.

I realize that there are so many parents who don't have the opportunity to stay home and spend this time with their first born before they add to the chaos. I realize that these moments are so precious and that is what makes it hard to see them so close to changing. I know he and I will always have a special bond. He finishes my sentences and corrects me when I say something ungreatful, for instance when I said life sucks he looks at me and said "God didn't appreciate that." So true...

Any thoughts ladies?

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Blessings

I am in a good mood today. I woke up and I am just happy. I guess it could be the fact that I helped someone out who really needed it and his family isn't there for him. Like, at all.

It could be that I get to wake up when I feel like it Unless booty wakes me up first not usually though.

It could be that my tooth feels much better and I am not in such pain. It could be that I can take a nap anytime today that I feel like it. It could be that the little one is starting to kick more.

It could be a number of things but I think it comes down to the one fact, that I know I am blessed.

Voting

OUCH

I had my tooth extracted today and it hurt like HE**. It still hurts but thankfully its out but I'm not going to lie its painful. Tylenol isn't doing anything for me. My jaw feels like a got kicked. Luckily Booty's grandparents are willing and begging to spend some time with him overnight so he doesn't have to sit at home with miserable mommy.

Lets talk about new stuff... I am starting to feel duckie move and I love it. Its funny because the baby really moves when our kitten sits on my stomach and purrs. Its like the baby gravitates towards it.

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Pregnancy symptoms

Its no big secret that you are supposed to be especially aware of your teeth when you are pregnant. So I was no exception.

I got an infection in one of my teeth. Don't ask me how because I have no idea, I brush and floss and use listerine but I still got one and it was a MOTHER of pain.

So today I went to Le dentist and they decided it needed to be extracted and replaced with an implant. Ok... I can handle that... NOT When they started pulling they quickly but not quick enough realized I was in serious pain and given the amount of (pregnancy safe) novacaine I was given there was no reason I should have been feeling anything... they gave me more shots of Novacaine... Still feeling it, and then more shots. Still felt it. They gave me enough Novacaine to numb a horse and it did NOTHING. Wanna know why?? The infection in the tooth was counter acting with the Novacaine and preventing the numbing effect to take place. I felt everything. It hurt so bad I cried. The dentist wanted to cry because there was nothing he could do at that time to fix the pain I was in.

So after being given an ungodly amount of antibiotics and tylenol 3 I am now going back on Monday to have the issue fixed.

Voting

A big ol mess but nothing negative

Yea really I'm a big ol but of good things... We finally decided on a crib for duckies nursery. Wanna see it? Of course you do!


Yea I love it... It took forever for me to decide between a white crib or a dark one and which crib I wanted because lets be honest, I had to read reviews and reports and which cribs had high ratings. I finally decided and within seconds of saying yea I love that one my husband had ordered it before I could say "welllll... Maybe we should wait." He wasn't having that again.

I also LOOOVE getting my nails done. It makes me feel girly and pampered and lets face it all pregnant ladies love pampering. I also love foot rubs which my hubby is more than happy to give me every night.


I'm happy to report that things have improved in my marriage. God answered my prayers and so far I won't say things are perfect but they are definitely better and they are improving everyday.

The hubbs decided to surprise me when we took my engagement ring in to get cleaned and he knew I had been eyeing a new wedding band or anniversary band however you want to look at it and within seconds of locating again, bought it before I could argue

He really is the sweetest guy and I am blessed to have him.



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I Love Free Stuff

I love getting free stuff. Today I ordered my baby sling and my breastfeeding cover both for free.

Seven Slings is Ah-mazing... I received a baby talk magazine and started immediately looking through the offers in the back and one of them was the Seven Sling. If you go to seven slings and order the one you want enter a promo code of UdderCover it will eliminate the price of the sling and only charge for shipping... I can handle that. So I am going to be receiving this little gem :


Then it offers you a promo code for Udder Covers once you order. That was my surprise... I have been looking for something to use once duckie gets here to breastfeed should I feed around people. So now I will also be receiving this:



Voting

16 weeks

I wish I could say this is going fast but honestly it isn't. That doesn't mean I don't get to enjoy it because I am. I finally have a baby bump... See :


We've purchased some baby items but since we don't know what we're having yet although I highly suspect that this little one is a girl...

Does anyone have any old wives tales that turned out to be true?? What about the chinese gender chart? I am just looking for something fun to pass the time and I know that with my son one sight was wrong and one was right...

Voting

MOMMMMYYYYYY!

That is what I woke up to this morning at 4:30 a.m. My screaming toddler.

Mushy got up and took him back to bed and within 5 minutes we heard another yell and went to see that he had thrown up everywhere. Poor kid has the stomach flu.

So far he has vomitted 3 times but hasn't done so in 4 hours Thank god... So as of this moment he and I are camped out on the couch watching all the kid movies and shows his little heart can handle.


Voting

Horrible I know...

I'm horrible about posting I know. When I have posted its been negative and sad but thats how my life has felt as of lately...
Things are getting better its a day by day thing. I know God's plan is what I need to focus on and not try to override that with my own "plan".

I got some VERY good news from my boss last week... Yours truly is a work at home momma now. I get to work from home everyday with the exception of meetings which I have once a month... Do you know that that means?? I get to be home with my baby boy and when the new addition gets here I will not need to focus on daycare... Speaking of we have enrolled boogey in preschool. He starts in September. Hes very excited and I have mixed emotions I don't want him growing up.

We will be finding out what the baby is but have to wait until August... Its ok time if flying by.

I am 15 weeks and 5 days pregnant.. Things have been pretty well, I was really sick with nausea the first trimester that has since gone away but now I can not sleep. At all. I get maybe 3 hours of sleep per night and I gotta tell ya it makes it hard to function.

I will post pics tomorrow. I have to find my camera charger... Its missing in action.

Voting

Amazing

It really is very helpful reading your encouraging words of wisdom. It is even more helpful when those words come from personal experience.

No marriage is perfect or simple. I know that, but I also know that a marriage is not supposed to be unhappy or unfulfilling. My husband and I both know and realize that we each have spots to work on. And we both are praying to God to get us through this.

Thank you ladies

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Confusion

I am sorry if this blog has turned into something depressing. With my mothers passing and my marriage issues its hard to be upbeat.

I am hoping that God will tell me where to go as far as things with my husband go. I want things to be back to how they were but I also know that I cant have unrealistic expectations. I just have to trust in the Lord and know he will guide me where he wants me.

As far as my pregnancy... Its going great. I had a checkup this morning and everything sounds good. the heartbeat was nice and strong and the doctor seemed pleased with everything except that I lost 6 lbs since the last time I was there.

Thats ok... I was sick.

So anyhoo we have been discussing baby names and here are some options for if its a girl:
Lauren Ashleigh
Lauren Grace
Gracelynn Bella

Boy:
Grayson Ryan
Ryan Tyler
Reagan Tyler

Any opinions??? Please

Voting

Marriage

What do you do when your marriage is in trouble? When your feelings have changed and you both seem to be going in opposite directions?

When words don't work and prayers arent seeming to be what you thought you'd be praying for.

Its scary. I have no one close to me to talk to since my mom passed away. Its devastating.

I feel like the more we talk the more we hurt each other. i love my husband but he is not who he used to be. I have caught him lying to me and while the things he has lied about have been petty its the point that he was dishonest.

WE find ourselves enjoying being away from each other more than when we are together.

i don't know what to do.
Voting

Baby talk

After the big bomb of my mothers passing, I have literally taken the week to just relax. And it was necessary. I have my 3rd sinus infection since I've been pregnant. And on top of it I have been vomitting like crazy.

So I will be 9 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I have been craving chicken nuggets and mexican food like nobodys business. Sleep sucks at night but during the day I can nap for hours.

I had my best friend down from WV this weekend who I haven't seen in 2 years and We have been friends for 14 years. Crazy but true.

I will post more tomorrow. Now I am going to try to sleep


Voting

Heavy hearted

This past Saturday my mother passed away in her sleep. She was 46 years old and too young to go. But due to her choices in life, her life was cut short. I love my mother and this week has been very difficult.


Voting

Does it ever end?

Nausea I mean. I don't really vomit but I forever feel like I am one sniff shy of losing whatever I managed to eat that day. Of course the flip side is, I am pregnant and carrying a precious baby, but still nausea SUCKS!

Sleep. Oh How I love my sleep. However, I am lacking in that department. I cant sleep and when I finally do sleep I always get woken up by something, my son, my husband, or my cat. Which btw, I am allergic too. Thankfully the hubbs cares for her.

Food... Well I will say this many of the things I once savored and loved so dearly, are now becoming the exact things that I avoid. BOOOOOO! I am however loving fresh tomatos with a little salt. Weird but yummy and very refreshing for a snack.

Work. I hate working. I feel like the more I am at work the less time i have to be home with boogey and that makes me sad. Which isn't difficult considering I am ay emotional...

This pregnancy has been so different than my first. I guess thats normal

Voting

7 weeks

How Far Along: 7 Weeks

Size of baby: The baby is the size of a blueberry


Total Weight Gain: 0 I actually lost weight when I started getting too sick to eat much other than crackers

Maternity Clothes: Just my BeBand from Target over some work pants

Gender: Don't know yet but my guess is girl

Movement: None noticable yet
Sleep: I DO NOT SLEEP. And it sucks

What I miss: not feeling like Im going to vomit everytime I see or smell peanut butter. Sleeping

Cravings: Mexican and salty stuff

Symptoms: Tired, no sleep, nausea, cranky, and emotional

What I’m looking forward to:
Bed time. I am always looking forward to bed time


Voting

Wow Thats was off

We had our first appointment today...
Everything went great. But we found out that yours truly is actually only 6 weeks and 1 day... Yea read that again. I am no where near as far as I thought I was. The doctor reassured me that it was because of the fact that my cycle has been so out of control that I ovulated later and that is why I haven't had a period... But the good news is everything looked great. We got to see the baby's heart beat. And even the little peanut. We are very excited. But I am a nervous wreck. Because I am so scared that we will miscarry and that we have told people thinking we were further along...

I need words of wisdom or encouragment... something


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My husband is pretty much the best

Yea thats right I am gushing ove my hairbrained, pain in the butt, loud, goofy, confusing,giddy, romantic, mushy, Husband AGAIN.

He is always so concerned with making sure I am happy and feeling well. Even before I found out I was pregnant he dotted over me.

This weekend was no different. He is so protective over me and Boogey. And I love it all.

For Mothers day I requested no real presents as I knew I needed to go buy some maternity clothes. Yes I am 3 months and already in Maternity... Maybe its twins ;)... Its also my second pregnancy... So be nice deal??

So anyways. Saturday I bought by far my favorite pair of jeans EVER from H&M. They are a pair of maternity jeans with the big elastic belly thing and the cutest back pockets. I also got to order a really pair of cute capris from Motherhood for work. I need work clothes the worst. I can wear my yoga pants and leggins and sun dresses around the house. So I made a wish list for what I'd like to purchase:









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