Happy Anniversary!

Wow, I have not updated in a while, but we had been just plain busy. I will write a post about our Christmas/New Years/and Vacation in Philly later this week but for now I just want to state that today is our 1 Year Wedding Anniversary!

I cannot believe how time has flown and how much has changed! I was somewhat positive by this time I would have a teaching job and Dustin and I would have our own place, perhaps a new car, and of course another puppy for me to love on. Not that I am unhappy without those things, those were just some of our goals for the year --- although the puppy thing didn't really interest Dustin. :) Now here were are just starting to house shop, with one dog and two crappy cars, and a beautiful baby girl. I could not imagine life any different right now and I am so blessed to have Dustin and Brooke in my life. Dustin has been such a great husband -- not that I expected less -- and we have had a lot of fun despite the surprise this year has brought. Brooke is growing and learning with each and every day and I am having so much fun being a mommy!

2 months old

I can't believe Christmas is 1 week away! This time last year I was home and prepping for our wedding day and here we are, with a 2 month old baby girl. Brooke is doing really well and growing up way too fast. She turned 2 months old on Monday and that seemed to be the magic number for a happy baby. She is smiling and cooing in response to our silly faces and songs now, which makes this all extra rewarding. I even took her to see Santa this morning and she was all cheery for the picture, no tears at all. After that it was off to the Pedi for the first round of her shots, which was really hard to do but she is feeling much better now.

She weighed in at 11lbs and is 21 and 1/4 inches long.

Blessed

I follow a blog written by a mom who currently has a baby girl in the NICU with multiple problems. Her twin sister was lost shortly after birth due to many complications. I have been praying for this little girls recovery for awhile now and have felt amazed at this woman's strength. Here is a link to her blog.

http://kargfamilyupdates.blogspot.com/

Through this I found a blog written by the wife of Todd from the band Selah. I sat here in tears as I read Audrey's story, very thankful for the healthy little girl God blessed Dustin and I with. This woman also has great strength and faith in our Lord and Savior. Her story is heart breaking but filled with peace. Here is a link and I encourage you to read this family's story if you have the time.

http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

How blessed we are.

Christmas is in the air!

Dustin and I put up our temporary 4ft Christmas tree, our stockings, and even icicle lights on the roof! I am a big fan of Christmas time and all the traditions that come with it. This year will be extra special since Brooke will be joining us, even though she will have NO idea what is going on. I am thinking about taking her to PETCO -- yes, you read that correctly -- so her and Jake can have their picture taken with Santa together.

Brooke is doing really well and is oh so sweet! She smiles for us a lot now, when she isn't cranky about her reflux. She is at a stage where she is awake for a good part of the day but really hard to entertain. She has no interest in toys so I just talk talk and/or sing to her. Thankfully, I am getting much more sleep at night as well. Last night she slept for 8 hours straight, and the night before that is was 6. I am hoping it is not a fluke but a new pattern!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

This dress is so stinkin' cute and I know Brooke would look adorable in it someday!

Dinner Party Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

December is here!

Wow what a year has brought! Dustin and I are coming up on our one year anniversary soon and I cannot believe everything we have experienced as a married couple. If you asked me this time last year where I would be today, I would probably have said teaching at an elementary school. (I had high hopes I would find a job) but God has a way of changing OUR plans and letting HIS be known. We could not be more thankful for Brooke and how wonderful she is. I love seeing her smile at me when I pick her up from a nap, or bounce her on my knee. Dustin and I are looking forward to all of the changes ahead.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent Thanksgiving with Dustin's family this year and really enjoyed the time we all had together. It was also nice for Dustin to have a 4 day weekend where we did not travel to Philly but instead spent some time shopping and decorating for Christmas. We do not have a tree of our own so we are borrowing a small 3 ft. tree from Dustin's parents this year. We are going to try and get one on sale around Christmas.

Here is a picture from Thanksgiving.

Here are some pictures from Brooke's JCPenny photo shoot!

Swing, Swing, Swing

Dustin and I ordered Brooke a swing earlier this week and it came in the mail yesterday afternoon. It is definitely one of my new favorite things, and hers too! Her reflux was really affecting her sleep since it was uncomfortable to be on her back so someone suggested a swing. It is a cradle swing (I'll post a picture below) so it is really comfy for her to sleep in. Since the reflux started she was up every 2 hours at night and would stay awake for an hour each time. Last night she slept from 10-3, ate 15 minutes, and slept until 7. We stayed awake after that because this morning I took Brooke to get pictures taken at JCPenny. They turned out great and I cannot wait until I pick them up next Saturday!

Here are some adorable pictures for your enjoyment.

1 Month and Reflux

Brooke was 1 month old on Saturday and we were able to get her to sit still long enough for a picture. Unfortunately for her outfit, she decided the need to eat it. She is changing each and every day and I am completely loving being a mommy! She is awake more during the day and smiles at me when I talk to her. We have long conversations about nothing, and I love them even though I probably would look silly to anyone watching. I can't wait till she starts babbling and reaching out for things, and also starts recognizing Dustin and I better.

Now on to some less exciting news. Brooke has been spitting up a bunch after feedings and choking on it when she is laid flat on her back. I made the decision to take her to the Pediatrician yesterday afternoon and she diagnosed Brooke with reflux. She is on a medicine that should help control the reflux and I am thankful to know the cause of her discomfort. She is still having trouble lying flat and I am working on finding ways to help ease her pain. Last night I tried to prop up her bassinet mattress but that resulted in her rolling up against the side. This afternoon she has been napping on her belly and hopefully I will find a better way to prop her this evening.

Poem

I just love this poem.

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton



Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

4 weeks old today!

I cannot believe that 4 weeks ago today, Brooke came into our lives! I am looking forward to watched her develop into a beautiful young girl but she is already growing up too fast. Right now she is getting over a cold so I have been sucking snot out of her nose every hour, but she seems to be okay with that. I wish I had more time for a long, detailed update but I have to use her nap times to get things done otherwise we are going to end up on an episode of Clean House.

3 Weeks old today!

Brooke is 3 weeks old today! It sounds like such a short time but she is changing so much each and every day. She is smiling for me a lot now, but Dustin has yet to get a real taste of it. We have already started a "routine" with her and are trying our best to keep up with it. I am really trying to teach her the difference between day and night in hopes that I may start to get more and more sleep. Right now she goes down with out fussing around 11PM and wakes up every 2-3 hours until 8AM. I am definitely suffering in the sleep department but I think my body is handling it well.

And a side note: She is still supposed to be in my belly.

Happy Halloween

Our Love Bug!

Sleepless in Indiana

During my pregnancy I easily slept 12 hours a day and now I know why... I needed to store it up for when the baby arrived! I have now learned how to complete daily activities on a night of 5-6 hours of broken sleep. I usually have to wash baby clothes every 2 days and our sheets about every 4. Let's just say that baby poop can fly!

Brooke's Birth

Brooke is now 9 days old! WOW, time is already flying by. After a long morning and early afternoon I was finally able to get her down for a nap so I am going to try and write her "birth story" in that time. It is long so I tried to put it in sections in case you want to skip around.

Preface

The weekend before Brooke's birth, I found myself very energized. I was sleeping 5 hours a night yet thriving through out the day and running tons of errands. My neighbor -- who was due the same weekend as me -- had her baby so I spent time visiting her, running errands with her mom, and Tuesday night I decorated her apartment and baked a cake. By 10PM on Tuesday night I just did not feel right and decided to call out of substitute teaching the next day. I went to bed with a mission to finally get more than 5 hours of sleep.

When it all started...

Around 5am I woke up for the first time and noticed I had "wet" myself, or so I thought, and went to use the bathroom. I felt a gush when I sat down and thought, "I really needed to go to the bathroom!" I got back in bed and after feeling crampy, decided to make another trip to the bathroom at 6am. Once again, I had "wet" myself, and once I sat down another gush came. Just to be safe I put a call in to the doctor and after explained to her what happened, I was told to come to Labor and Delivery at the hospital. She told me not to rush and to take an hour or two to get ready, which made me happy because we had not packed my hospital bag yet! I woke Dustin up and after making sure he was coherant, I told him to take a shower and I would pack the hospital bag. An hour later we were off to the hospital!

Here we go!

After confirming that my water actually broke, I was admitted to my own room and set up on the IV. This is where things started off rough. I am not afraid of needles, so I was completely ready for the IV, but apparently my body was not. As soon as she hooked me up -- in my hand, OUCH -- I started to pass out. Dustin had just happened to step out of the room so the nurse had to call for help since she could not let go of the needle! After a nice cool compress, I was back on my game and ready to start walking the halls. Also, I had not had my Strep B test so I had to automatically start antibiotics for that which hurt SO bad going in! I used an ice pack to numb my hand a bit and lessen the pain. So after all that, the nurse told me that if I did not start labor by noon, they were going to start me on Pitocin.

Let's get this started...

Around noon our wonderful nurse decided to check me. Let me tell you, I never imagined that getting my cervix checked would hurt so much! One enema later (yes, you read that right), I was ready to go. Dustin and I began to walk the halls again... he pulled the IV cart while I munched on ice chips. Around 2 in the afternoon I finally started labor! The contractions were pretty mild at first but in about an hour, I was back in my room and sitting on a birthing ball. I'll be honest and say they got so intense that I broke into tears and could not calm myself down. The doctor on call from my OB practice came in to check me and when he said 2cm, I about cried. He then became my best friend again when he said, "Let's discuss pain meds." I guess if you are on pitocin you can get the epidural as soon as you want! SO... GIVE ME THAT EPIDURAL! A CRNA came and gave me the Epi, which took about 10 minutes to set in. I felt so absolutely wonderful and was able to relax in bed before the pushing phase.

Coming to the end!

2 hours later, I felt an overwhelming need to push! I called the nurse in and we found out that I was 9.5cms dialated. She told me to breath through the need to push and she would be back in 30 minutes. Well, we did not make it that far. At 6:00 I told her I could not longer resist the urge and after a quick check, she confirmed I was at 10cm. The pushing process started and was much more exhausting than I anticipated. About 30 minutes in, I was having trouble breathing so they had to put an oxygen mask on me. Dustin has pictures, it wasn't pretty.

After more than 2 hours of pushing the nurse brought my doctor in, which is always a great sign that it is coming to an end, and he told me he would like to preform an Episiotomy (look it up if you need to). I knew exactly what it was and decided if that would bring the baby out, I would do it! Sure enough, a couple pushes later our little girl was born!

Brooke was born at 36 weeks and 4 days yet weighed 7 lbs 1 oz! Her birth time was clocked at 8:17pm which puts my labor at 6 hours and 17 minutes.

The recovery in the hospital was painful the day after the birth, but got much better with each day. And you know what, I would not change a second of it! We have a beautiful, healthy baby girl who makes my heart swell. She is truely a miracle from God and I am amazed at the fact that Dustin and I made her!

Baby Girl Miller

Well, yesterday we had our baby girl! I know a lot of people got confused that I had posted pictures of another baby -- my neighbors -- and I had to reassure them it was not my time yet, but I guess I was wrong! She was born at 8:17pm after a little over 6 hours of labor and she weighed in at 7lbs 1 oz. She has dark, wavy hair and very large eyes.

Daddy, Baby, and a VERY tired Mommy

I will post more about the birth story and some pictures at a later date.

Baby James

Here is a picture of my neighbor's baby. He is so tiny and so sweet! They come home from the hospital tomorrow morning after being there since Saturday afternoon.

What a weekend!

Long post, but it's interesting!

It was a busy and interesting weekend in our household. It also requires some background info...

Yesterday Kara and Ellie came to visit me for a short trip and it was great to have friends here. I feel so cut off from every body sometimes. We rented a movie last night and then spent this morning shopping. After they left some of Dustin's friends came over to watch the Notre Dame game and have pizza.

This is where the background info is necessary.

We rent a house from friends of Dustin's family and have been here for about a year. There is an in-law suite built onto the side in which our landlord's daughter and fiance, Aimee and Bronson, live. Her and I HAD (pay attention to that) the same due date so we have had fun comparing pregnancy pains and talking about things to come soon enough....

Well, around 4:00 Bronson knocks on our door and tells us they are going to the hospital because Aimee has a fever of 103. They were cooking lasagna at the time and needed us to turn the oven off in about 20 minutes when it would be ready. Well, they were gone all afternoon and around 7:30 a group of us headed to Cold Stone. Upon coming home at 9, we pull up to Bronson and his friends smoking cigars. We get out of the car and he goes, "Well, my kid was born tonight!" Turns out Aimee's fever was a cause for concern and she had an emergency c-section!

He was close to 7 pounds at birth so very healthy for a month early. I am still in shock over it all because I guess I just always thought we would be pregnant into November and begging for labor to start!

Sorry that was long. Update on this side, I think the baby is dropping. The second picture is a bit closer than the first but you can still tell. Take a look and decide for yourself. The first picture was taken about halfway through my 32 week while the second was taken the day I hit 36 weeks.

Happy Father's Day...

... a very, very early Father's Day.

Dustin got a new toy this week. I don't think he'll ever put it down.

Baby Shower #2

This past weekend I had my second baby shower. My MIL and SIL decorated everything in pink, brown, and Winnie the Pooh! The bedding hanging from the fire place is for our little girl... I bought it a couple months ago and they borrowed it to decorate with. We had a lot of fun and we given LOADS of clothes. Here are some pictures...

Gift area

Dustin got a gift too

With my hostesses

Diaper cake

Baby Clothes Galore

Tonight I took all of the tags off the baby clothes and separated the piles into color groups. Next step: WASH all the baby clothes! I knew we had a lot of clothes but I am blown away by the actual amount now that I have it all laid out in front of me. I am up to my elbows in little pink and purple outfits! We have another baby shower this weekend so soon enough the nursery will be ready to go.

I love searching through blogs and finding fun things to read and look at! This blog is one of my favorites.

Red Riding Hood Jacket GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

34 weeks!

Here is a picture of me at 34 weeks. I have abandoned the make-up and hair brush this week as I am currently battling a sinus infection. On a good note, I still managed to fit into my Eagles jersey! Dustin and I are really excited that it is finally Fall and that we are only 6 weeks away from the due date for our little girl.

Oh, and gauchos = one of a preggo's best friends [ at least for me ]

Keeping Busy... Or Not

With a little over 6 weeks until my due date I am finding it hard to keep my mind off the baby! I just keep thinking about getting the nursery ready, shopping for the last minute essentials, and going into labor. I'm sure it will all fly by and November will be here before I know it, but I can't help but feel as though it is dragging by. I have a shower coming up on October 4th but I still haven't unpacked from the last shower. Also, I need to make a packing list for the hospital and finish decorating the nursery. I am not sure why I don't want to get anything done just yet, maybe I'm afraid I will go even more insane once it is all finished.

Also, we had our last prenatal class last night where we learned about caring for a newborn after birth and then were given a tour of the maternity ward. It is a new wing in the hospital so it is very nice and barely feels like a hospital but it was still somewhat nerve racking! Every time she pointed out something in the room and talked about when during labor they used it, I could not help but imagine myself in that hospital bed!

On a fun note, I went and picked up our stroller and car seat combo yesterday. Dustin's parents bought it for us as a gift and I am so excited to finally have it in the house. Dustin put it together and pushed Jake around the house in it to check it out.

Football Season

Well, football season is in full swing and our weekends are evident of that! It is pretty normal for Dustin and I to be found home relaxing on our weekends any other season of the year, but this heightens the need. Every Saturday we have to watch Notre Dame and every Sunday it is the Bears. I am a big Eagles fan but since we live in the Midwest I am not guaranteed that they will be on TV. When they are, I will try to watch them... unless the Bears are on. Dustin is protective of his televised sporting events.

On another note, I reached 33 weeks of pregnancy on Friday! Our little girl is all over the place these days; one day she is up high and I cannot breath and the next she has dropped down and I feel as though my hips are going to fall apart. Bending over has become impossible as well so no more painting my own toe nails! I know many changes are to come these next 7 weeks so I'm sure I'll have much to update on.

Cravings

I think Dustin has just as many pregnancy cravings as I do these days and last night he asked me to make him chocolate chip cookies. This is how you gain more weight than is recommended during pregnancy. My belly does make for a good lap tray though!

Side note: Isn't our dog adorable?

32 Weeks!

Man how time flies! Today I am officially 32 weeks pregnant which means I have about 2 months to go. Dustin and I are getting really excited for our little girl's arrival and I am starting to wonder how I am going to pass the time. I am really waiting for that nesting phase to kick in.

Prenatal Classes

Last night marked the first of three prenatal classes at the hospital. I was really skeptical about taking a labor and delivery class but Dustin was really interested so I signed us up. The first hour or so consisted of information about labor, included diagrams and plushies of women's body parts. We then watched two videos on labor and moved into some breathing exercises on the floor. This is where it all went down hill.

First, I was sitting crossed-legged with my belly sticking out and Dustin was behind me massaging my back. We were also practicing arms rubs and I had my palms up on my legs so he leaned forward and whispered, "You look like buddha." Of course I burst into laughter in the middle of a calming breathing exercise. After the class ended, we spent the whole ride home making jokes about the class.

I guess motivated massages and good jokes are worth the money we are paying for this three part class. I am mainly looking forward to the last class which talkes about newborns and gives us a tour of the maternity ward. Everything else I have already learned through reading!

Labor Day Weekend

This past weekend Dustin and I headed to Philly for a baby shower and some family time. We split our trip between Thursday and Friday morning on the way there and did it full swing coming back yesterday. Such a short trip but we had a good time! I had some of my favorite Philly foods and really enjoyed being back on the East Coast. Too bad we could not get down the shore.

Saturday was my baby shower which was loads of fun. My mom set up some cute decorations (that I got to keep) including a clothesline full of baby clothes. We played some games, at some amazing food, and opened gifts. Here are a few pictures from the day.









Later than night we went to Jess's Hollywood party. She is moving to California in a few weeks.



Sunday we headed up to my Uncle Rich and Aunt Carol's home for a mid-afternoon meal. They have a log cabin with tons of land so we spent much time watching the cousins ride around on an ATV and a dirt bike. Too bad I was not allowed to get on and experience the fun.



One last note. I think my family is more obsessed with Jake (our miniature dachshund) than the fact that I am having a baby. My Aunt Jenn has about 40 pictures of Jake during my shower and maybe one of me, it was hilarious.

Baby Bump Update

Well, I promised and here I am to deliver... 11 more weeks!

BUSY weekend ahead!

Well, today I am officially 29 weeks pregnant! Right now my body feels as though I either a) had a really awesome work out that has left my muscles throbbing or b) have the flu and my body is aching from it. I do not have pictures for you just yet because it is really hard for me to commit to getting in front of a camera, I feel like a whale. BUT we did get our new camera and it is awesome. Here are some pictures Dustin and I took while playing with it...

Jake

Dustin's wedding band

My rings

Cool color feature

My eyes

Tomorrow is Dustin's grandma's 90th birthday party so a ton of family is arriving. Two of Dustin's cousins, Alex and Cooper, are staying with us this weekend and other guests are spread out across the county. I will update on how the party goes and hopefully I will brave a picture.