Released and Readmitted

We were released on Wednesday from the hospital. That morning we were told that her juandice level was a little high. But, by the afternoon they released us. We were just told to come back the next morning to be tested again.
Thursday morning comes and we are back at the doctor. When her results came in they were off the chart. Her level was at 19 where 20 should be the highest. We were immediately admitted and tears just starting pouring from me. We had just been released and here we are back again.
It took until Saturday for her to be released for the second time. This time she got to come home with a light. She looked like a glow worm for the next 6 days. Every day between then we had to go get tested every morning. Her levels would come down and then go back up. With the lowest being 11.7 before he would clear her.
WOW, what a first two weeks of life.

First Photo Shoot

WOW! What a process this was. First, her dress was a newborn size and it completely swallowed her. Then of course I wanted that perfect picture. I just wanted her eyes to stay open long enough to get that picture. It took 5 of us to make that happen. Then she looked like she weighed 10lbs. I have to say it was a long process with not to thrilling results. But, it was her official hospital picture, so I have to love it.

Day 1 of life

This was a fun day because I couldn't wait to dress Riley Grace in her cute clothes. Then I realized everything I have is too big for her. The bets were in that she would be 8-10lbs. She came out 6lbs 7oz. I didn't care I was still going to put her in the cute pink clothes.

It was also my first day to breast feed. It was harder than I thought it would be. It is nothing like you may see of TV. You have to work for the results. I was determined in my mind to make it work. Throughout the first day we had many friends and family come to visit. The flowers everyone sent were beginning to over crowd the room. I loved all the company and all the flowers. I am so lucky to have these people in my life. Riley Grace even got daises from my friend in South Carolina. Then her Auntie Lauren gave her the official Alabama smocked dress.

Meet the Fan Club

Our room was located at the end of the hall. So, when the nurse released the hounds (friends and family), it was a race to get to Riley Grace. How do I know that? The sound of my sisters high heel shoes explains it. I warned Riley Grace that her world would never be empty.

Hospital

Starting at 1030a the labor process began. Family and friends had start to arrive for the big occasion. Everything was going wonderful and fast. It took 4 people to put an IV in me. I have such small veins and they were so swollen. Then the doctor broke my water. Can we say OLD FAITHFUL! I got my epidural fairly quickly. Since I was so dilated it didnt take me long to get to 4cm. There was no pain to that process. I quickly started to get numb from the waist down. It was around 330 that I became 10cm. It was time to start pushing. I had no idea pushing could take so long. I am talking a little over 2hrs. If I would have gone to 2 1/2 hrds they would have done a c section. There was no way I was wanting that. Her heart rate was dropping when I would push so I knew that was a factor in getting her out quickly. But, everything worked out and she entered this world at 5:29pm. The minute my life changed. I will leave the rest of the gorry childbirth details out. When she arrived she sounded like a little kitten.

Brian was completely involved from the time she got to see her head. I had never seen a man so involved with their child.

The Verdict

When we arrived to the doctor Ally was their to meet us. She had her iphone camera rolling and her digital camera around her neck. Your typical Chinese tourist. At this point we were not completely sure if I was in labor or not. I begged my doctor to let me have the baby that day. With everyone knowing now that I could be in labor, I could not disappoint them. There was no need for me to beg. I was 3cm dilated and 90% effaced. I was immediately rushed over to the hospital.

Riley Grace has arrived

I have a lot to write about. Riley Grace has made her entrance into this world. Lets start from the beginning.
Monday, April 12th
I woke up at 5am with little cramps. I laid there for an hour and fifteen minutes before I went into the other bedroom to wake Brian up. When I finally gave in and realized something different was going on with my body, I trotted myself into the other bedroom. Surprise, Brian was actually already awake. I sat by the bed and told him something was going on with my stomach and I thought I could be in labor. I went ahead and got my shower. A girl cant go to the hospital without looking good. Half way through the shower I didn't care what I looked like. I was ready to get out of their. We then started to the best of our ability to track the contractions. At one point I thought I may go to work because I wasn't positive I was in labor. I was saying that maybe I was just hungry. (I'm glad I never went into work) Finally, I told Brian he could call the doctor. Since my cramps weren't 5minutes apart I was told to wait until 930 to come in. At this point all of our immediate family had been contact just in case. With my mom working in Pascagoula we had to call because someone had to go pick her up. Dad got to go get her and I dont think the car could drive fast enough to please her. She had to get her. She was wonderful and calm when she arrived.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINA

A little late but better than never... HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINA

Wk 37 Dr

Well, yesterday was a big day at the doctor. No, there is no baby yet. But, I am 2cm dilated and 80% effaced. He doesnt think I will make it to the 20th. Brian and I both think it will happen Thursday or over the weekend.
I am so ready for Riley Grace to come. I found her a basinett last Friday. I love the bargains that I find.
My bag is packed to the best of my unknown ability. We have all the camera batteries prepared. Brian has been the best husband he could possibly be. He does everything for me without me even having to ask most of the time. I think he is learning my routine and doesnt want to hear the words "Hey Brian."
Thank you to everyone that calls me EVERYDAYto check up on me , it means everything.

Wk 36

Well, we are for sure having this baby on April 20th. That is if it doenst happen before then. Brian, thinks it will be next Thursday and I have to agree it will be next week.
I guess I need to pack that bag. I wonder what it will be like if my water breaks and Brian gets to get me to the hospital. I think he may be more anxious and hiper than me.
Until then I am enjoying these last two weeks of just the two of us. I cant wait! I want her here right now :)

Dr.Seuss Baby Shower

My great friends threw me a Dr.Seuss themed shower. Here a few pics from the occasion.

34-35 wk check up

It seems I am swollen big time. But, no need to worry about it, it seems like all is normal. The big news is that it seems I have started to DIlATE.
My doctor wants me to make it at least two more weeks. If I make it past then, he will induce me a week early. That will be the week of April 19. I think the baby will come at 38, thats just my gut.
The goal is to get through my baby showers and then she can come. Like it is going to happen my way :)
We have got to get the nursery finished!!!!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy JeNn

Jenn at her Olive Garden Birthday Celebration

34 Wks

I am swollen and ready to pop! This is me at 34 weeks.

Really in my head I am 35wks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA..

A Little Late on the Posting

Week 25 to now..

Almost 10 weeks ago I witnessed the best day in Alabama Football history since I have been alive. The day after I was sporting my new National Champion shirt and not looking so big. Fast forward almost 10 weeks and we are almost that excited again. The fact the baby is going to be here Soon.. Real Soon....

Preview Nursery Pics

The diamonds Brian hand painted on the wall

The glider,where I will be spending most of my time in my new life

White Iron Crib with baby toil and a few other patterns

My splurge on the Pottery Barn Chandelier

Pregnancy Thought

So, around 4 something in the morning I started pondering about friends. What makes a good friend? What makes a bad friend? What makes a friend that just likes to use you? I will have to say the older I get I have learned that are only a handful on true friends out there. Throughout this whole pregnancy there are a couple of girls out there that have gone over and beyond for me. They are constantly checking up on me, doing things for me and telling me I look good even when I know they are lying. They are always there for me and I hope they think the same of me. Besides, my wonderful sister who defeats everyone. Theses three girls are my lifeline and like my sisters. Lauren, Jennifer and Christy Reid ,they are so WONDERFUL. Love yall very very much!!!

32 wk check up

A great check up at the doctor. No more glucose test!!! I go back in 2 weeks and then every week. The fun is just beginning.
I have noticed in the past week her kicks/head butts hurt. The little one is running out of room and everything is getting tighter in their. I have also noticed she either hates baths or likes to dance during them. As soon as the warm water gets on her she dances like Michael Jackson.
It never fails, when she hears my moms voice she gets really still though. Actually the only people she will really move for is Brian and me. But, I know as soon as she comes out she wont be able to hide anywhere. She will the center of everyones world :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA

Today is PaPas 86th Birthday.. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Consignment Fun

Tonight my mom and I got to go shop the 1st time mom Kidz Klozet consignment sale. There were rows and rows of baby girl clothes. The object is to grab everything you like and then decide later what to buy. With some many women wanting the same thing you have to move kind of quick. I got a ton of clothes for Riley Grace. Smocked dresses that looked brand new and everyday outfits. It makes me not want to pay full price for any smocked dress!!! If it looks like new, go for the consignment. I think I got her 22 outfits. Her closet is getting FULL!!!

Riley Grace in 4D

HER BIG LIPS AND MY NOSE 5 FINGERS ("PLEASE STOP ALL THE PICTURE TAKING")


SIDE PROFILE


HER EYE IS OPEN

HER CHUBBY CHEEKS

It took 3 tries, but we finally got some decent 4D pictures. We got to see that she actually had a full face. The past couple of times she has had her arms over her face. I will admit the whole thing is creepy, but how can you not want to see it. There was no audience today to watch her in action. Brian and I was all she needed to show off. She has my nose and brians mouth. But, you gotta love her chubby checks and big lips. Paula (the ultrasound lady) is guessing in the end she will weigh around 8lb 2oz. That works great for me! The baby has been sitting as low as she can go the past 2 weeks. If she keeps that up then there wont be much pushing. I can only hope for that :)

I have attached some pictures of the 4D for you to view. ENJOY!

4D ultrasound

Friday we went to find out if I was diabetic. The verdict is maybe a little.. I will have my glucose drawn every time I see the doctor know. But, thank goodness they are not putting me on a diet. My feet are beginning to swell, signs on nearing the end. I am still on schedule and everything looks great.
The 4D ultrasound didnt turn out so good. This time she decided to keep her arms over her face the whole time. We got a good shot of her lips and they are big. Her feet are still big and she has a lot of hair. We are going to try one last time tomm to see if we can get a good profile shot. At this moment she has my nose and chin, and Brians eyes.

30 wks Pregnant

This is what a 30 week pregnant girl looks like. With a "little" weight

Yummy to my Tummy
Riley Grace gets snowed on for the second time. N.Y being the first and now in Mobile last week.

What am I Doing

So, I have decided to start a blog. I wanted to do this as a way to keep everyone updated. Everyday something happens as we are counting down to D-Day. I want to share this amazing journey with all my friends and family. There is a lot to come, so stay tuned.