First Half Birthday

Dear Allison, 

I thought we talked about this getting so big thing. You're growing like a weed! At your 6 month appointment your head, weight, and length were all in the 85th percentile! You grew into your head! 

You are your momma's girl. You have a love of animals. We had several baby kittens born at the farm recently. Once we noticed their eyes were open we took them out to see what you thought of them. You LOVED them. 

Mommy and Daddy played with some friends on a team for a softball tournament. You were the cutest member of the team:

 This darn jumperoo. I tell you what. You LOVE this thing as long as someone is watching you. The second Mommy goes to do dishes you scream. If Daddy goes to get OJ from the fridge you scream. And that scream! my goodness child! You have found out how to make loud shrill noises and it's just as fun to scream as it is to jump in the jumperoo.

Saturday you and Mommy spent a few hours in the morning on a blanket in the from yard. We hid under the blanket from Daddy and Mommy snapped this gorgeous picture of you. You're so beautiful Allison. 

This morning Mommy took this cheesy picture of you and then....

 ...Tink thought you needed a kiss. :)

I love you Allison.

More soon! <3 Mommy

Better Late then Never

Peanut,

Clearly Mommy sucks at writing to you frequently. I feel like just yesterday I was writing to you, yet here I am finally writing a month and a half later. 

 Here's you in your baptism dress. You did soooo good during baptism. Mommy and Daddy think you looked as beautiful as ever.

A few weeks ago before we finally decided to put the window A/Cs in you got very fussy inside so we took off your clothes, (except your diaper with you can't see) and set you in your bumbo seat outside. You LOVED it!

This is Mommy's favorite shirt of yours in the 3-6 month size. I also think you look stinking cute as can be in those leggings. 

Your first Tulip Festival! Just like your momma you were less than impressed with the MOC marching band. You thought it would be fun to pull on a tulip during this little photo-opp.  Thank you for not picking it... There's a $50 charge for that you know!

Tummy time is such a hated time by you that I rarely get cute tummy time pics. Moments after mommy took this picture your spit up then started crying... yay tummy time!

2 weeks ago we went to church in the park then took you for your first adventure in the park swing. You were a big fan!

That afternoon we sat outside and you bounced like CRAZY in your jumperoo. You're pretty much in love with the jumperoo. too cute!

We recently switched from putting you in your bassinet in the stoller to the big girl seat. You were all smiles when we did a test run with the big girl seat. 

More soon (hopefully)

Love you!

<3 Mommy

Quarter Year

Holy moley. You're three months old Allison! Mommy and Daddy just got done reflecting on the past three months and can't believe how different life is now--it's so much better!

Today is the day you get baptized. Your baptism dress is made from Mommy's wedding dress. :

Mommy can't WAIT to put you in it tomorrow.

Mommy and Daddy were going to write a whol long blog tonight but it's late so we're going to instead post tomorrow after your baptism.

Sweet dreams peanut. And thanks for an AMAZING three months we can't wait to see what the future holds.

Love always,

Mommy and Daddy.

Snuggles & Cuddles

Allison,

Yesterday was Mommy's 25th birthday. You gave me my first birthday present of the day: you slept through the night!

We spent a solid hour of the morning like this:

Thats you. Snuggled up on my chest. <3

Then we went to take a cake to where Mommy and Daddy work. Daddy LOVES it when Mommy takes you to him while he's at work.

Last night Papa took everyone (except Grandma-she was working) out for my birthday. We went out for Mexican. It was delicious. Four years ago on my birthday was when Mommy had her family meet Mike for the first time--we'd gone for Mexican then too.

Here's a few pictures from Mommy's 21st birthday weekend:

Four years ago Kyli was the only little girl with Mommy's heart. Now I can't imagine my life without you!
Four years ago Mommy liked Daddy; now I'm head over heels in love with Daddy (and you!)
Four years ago I was finishing up college and worried about where I'd find a job. Now I have a job that used my degree, I'm good at, and I really enjoy (most days anyways)

Last week, Kyli came over to babysit. She read us books...

But mainly she cuddled you.

Here's a picture Mommy snapped of you and Daddy last Sunday:

And there's a picture of you and Tink.

Time for me to go steal some more snuggles with you tho peanut.

More soon,

<3 Mommy

Reflection

Dearest Allison,

Today Mommy has been doing a lot of reflecting. This morning, I got a call saying that Great Grandma (in the Big House)'s sister passed away. You and I went with Papa to go try to life her spirits. Mommy couldn't stand seeing Great Grandma cry. That loss. that pain. It got Mommy thinking entirely too much.

Also today, one of Mommy's friends posted a link to a memory book for their daughter, Paige. Paige is a beautiful little girl. She was born December 31 of last year. She has lots of pretty dark hair and long fingers/toes just like you. Due to an issue with Paige's umbilical cord, Paige went straight to heaven rather than spending time here on earth like you.

I know you and Paige would have been best buds. I could always picture you two having sleep overs together, pulling on kitten's tails together, cruising the loop on Sunday nights during the summer together, getting in to trouble together. Obviously God had a different vision for Paige-- Mommy doesn't really understand what God's vision is right now. Hopefully some day Mommy will be able to answer that question.

Mommy's heart breaks for Paige's parents. Allison, I've spent hours just staring at you and thinking about what they're going through. It moves Mommy to tears.  My heart hopes that looking at you/pictures of you doesn't cause them pain. I know you'll be a constant reminder of their daughter. You two should be about the same developmentally. You two should be in the same grade level of school, you two should be taking your first steps at about the same time, you two should both be here. Mommy really wants you to know about Paige.

I can't imagine my life without you, my dear. I can't imagine not waking up during the night to change your diaper and make a bottle while you're screaming at me cause you are 'starving'. I can't imagine not being sleep deprived. I can't imagine not getting those snuggles when you're fighting being sleepy. I can't imagine not feeling your finally place your head on my chest when you give in to your exhaustion. I can't imagine not having to monitor the diaper and wipe situation to make sure we never run out. I can't imagine not having the poop-splosions that result in a dip in the tub for you. I can't imagine getting to time my potty breaks around your schedule.

You aren't yet able to say "I love you, Mommy", but that look in your eyes when I'm feeding you a bottle says those words clear as day. You've shown Mommy a whole new level of love. I have this new found, constantly growing love for you and also a much deeper love for your Daddy. You're starting to stir so I'll wrap this up for now. I love you, peanut.

<3 Mommy

One Month Old

Dearest Allison,

You just turned one. One month old that is! Where, oh where, has the past month gone? I feel like just yesterday I was on bed rest praying for your arrival while dreading the whole labor process. Now here I am watching you sleep peacefully from your 'milk coma'.

You're such a silly sleeper, Allison. You constantly move, wiggle, squeak and even cry in your sleep; all without waking up.

This past month has been full of sleepless nights, sleepless days, tears, dirty diapers, pee fountains, and lots of gas (from both ends, lil miss!). But more importantly, it's also been a month full of late night cuddles, mid-afternoon naps, gassy smiles, lots of laughing on the part of Mom and Dad, and love. So much love.

Last night I had your Daddy watch you when he got home from work so I could take a nap. Hearing your Daddy sing you songs and tell you stories until I finally fell asleep made my day. You definately have Daddy wrapped around your little pinky, my dear.

It's amazing how much we've grown over the past month. The first week I remember feeling so overwhelmed and almost terrified of doing something wrong. I remember taking the first 2 weeks to just learn about you; your quicks, your schedule, your noises.

I've gone days without bathing and days without brushing my teeth (gross!). My hair is almost always in a ponytail anymore. I haven't worn make-up in a LONG time. but I don't care. You're more than worth it.

Would I do it all again? That's a good question. Yes, you were worth it. But Daddy and I are in no hurry to give you a sibling. We want to fully enjoy every minute and milestone with you. Someday maybe we will discuss giving you a sibline, but for now, our family is perfect and complete and we're so content with where we're at.

But you're starting to wake up so I'll write more later.

I love you sooooo much little one!
<3 Mommy

12 Days Young

Miss Allison,

You are 12 days old. Hokey petes!

What a crazy 12 days it has been. Mommy would be lying if she didn't admit that she's been feeling overwhelmed. Breast feeding is what's best for you, but it's been really stressful for Mommy. Today Mommy had a lactation consultant come over to help make sure you were latching correctly, etc and so far it's REALLY helped. Mommy's hoping that we can go formula free today!

Daddy was amazing today. He took care of you while Mommy took a four hour nap. Now he's currently cuddling you while Mommy writes this letter to you. Mommy just got done ordering your birth announcements. Mommy and Daddy are excited for them to arrive so we can show you off.

I love you peanut. I'm going to go steal some cuddles and kisses from you now.

A Whirlwind of a Week

Dearest Little One,

Wow. What a week!

Last week Sunday Mommy spent all day feeling "off". Mommy's tummy felt ucky, Mommy's back hurt really badly, and Mommy was just more uncomfortable than normal. It snowed for most of the morning. Daddy had to go to work for 2 hours to scoop snow, but Mommy did not allow herself to take a nap while Daddy left. Mommy hadn't slept well the night before and wanted to be able to actually sleep that night.

At 8 PM, Mommy was getting settled on the couch and felt a trickle of liquid. Mommy convinced herself it was just pee and not her waters breaking. Daddy started the bath for Mommy and we just sat in the bathroom and talked about what the next weekend would be like... what you would look like... what being induced would mean for us and you. Mommy convinced Daddy to give her a back massage after the bath since her back hurt REALLY REALLY badly. At 10:00, Mommy and Daddy got ready for bed. At 11:00 PM, Mommy got out of bed and tried to nest on the couch since she thought a change of scenery might allow her to find some sleep. Daddy decided that since Mommy was miserable and on the couch that he'd take up shop on the other couch in the living room.

Mommy started telling Daddy whenever her Braxton Hicks/contractions would start, stop and start again. They were the perfect showing of the 511 rule... 5 minutes apart, 1 minute in length, and it lasted for a full hour. At midnight, Mommy finally called the hospital and they asked her to come in to see if it has been her water that broke and see if you had decided it was time to join us. Mommy and Daddy scrambled to pack all the last minute necessities and took off to the hospital. The roads were slick in OC, but Daddy took it nice and easy.

At 12:30, Mommy and Daddy arrived at the hospital and went directly to Labor and Delivery. At 12:45 PM the nurse confirmed that Mommy's water had in fact broken. Mommy then had to get an IV put in. Daddy kept Mommy nice and calm while they put it in.

Mommy asked Daddy to put in the movie, "The Ugly Truth" to distract Mommy from the contractions. She wanted to go as long as possible without the epidural. Well... Mommy's a pansy and asked for the epidural at 3:00 AM. Mommy was only dilated to a 2.

Mommy then took a nap for a few hours while Daddy watched television. Daddy refused to take a nap. He told Mommy he needed to make sure both his girls were safe. At 6:30 AM, Mommy awoke to the smell of Daddy eating Cheez-its. Gross. Mommy put a quick end to that and made Daddy order an omelet a little after 7. At 8 AM, Dr Pals determined that Mommy was only dilated to a 3 and said she'd be back in an hour to check progress.

Daddy decided that since Mommy had only progressed 1 in 4 hours, that he could quick run home to let Tink out and feed the animals. He knew that at night he'd just want to be with Mommy in the hospital holding you and he didn't want to instead have to go home and clean up animal poop in the house.

At 8:30, Mommy asked the nurse if she could use the potty. The nurse helped Mommy to the potty and at the moment that Mommy tried going potty, your heart rate dropped quickly. The nurse practically threw Mommy on the bed. At 8:45 a nurse checked Mommy and we discovered that Mommy was at 8. Mommy immediately got ahold of Daddy and told him to hurry up. at 9:10, Daddy got back. at 9:15 the nurses had the room all set up for your arrival. At 9:20, Mommy overheard the nurses asking where the doctor was. at 9:23, Mommy heard "Dr Pals, to OB Stat" over the intercom. at 9:25 Mommy was told to lay on her left side and push when she felt the next contraction since you were facing the wrong way. The hope was that you would rotate if Mommy was on her side.

At 9:30 AM, Dr Pals attached the vaccuum to your little head and Mommy started pushing like crazy. Shortly after 9:40 Mommy was told that they could see the tip of your little head. At 9:43 Daddy told Mommy that your head was out. The nurses started yelling at Mommy to push and push now. Finally at 9:47 AM you were born.

Allison Jolene. You were welcomed in to the world on January 21, 2013 weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces. You were just 20 inches long. Mommy remembers the joy on Daddy's face as he told Mommy to look over to the warmer where they were wiping you off. Mommy started asking the nurses if you were okay. Mommy kept saying "Please let her be okay, she has to be ok. Is Allison okay?" Finally after what felt like hours to Mommy you let out your first cry.

Seconds later the doctor was explaining to Mommy and Daddy that Mommy has torn internally very badly from the vaccuum popping off once. Mommy told Daddy to take lots of pictures and take care of you before Mommy was put under so she could be stitched up.

Next thing Mommy knew, she was being helped off the bed and into a wheelchair. She was then wheeled to the post partum room. Daddy got the honor of carrying you into the room. The joy on Daddy's face warmed Mommy's heart.

Finally, Mommy was helped into the rocking chair in the room and FINALLY you were handed to her. You are perfect peanut. Everything about you makes Mommy's heart overflow with love.

It was after Mommy had been given a few moments to feed you and snuggle with you that she was fully informed of why delivery happened the way it did.

Allison, we're so lucky that you are here. So lucky that you are alive and well. Allison, your umbilical cord was wrapped around your neck. That's why your heart rate dropped when Mommy tried to use the restroom. That's why they had to use the vaccuum to get you out so quickly. That's why the nurses were all yelling at Mommy to push once your little head came out. That's why Daddy didn't get the privlege of cutting your umbilical cord.

Once Mommy and Daddy found that information out they both just sat there. stunned. amazed. overwhelmed.

In the 48 hours that followed, Mommy and you were 'stuck' in the hospital. Many people came to meet you. All of them were so excited to hold you. All of them decided that you are beautiful and perfect.

The first night home was a shock to Mommy's system. Mommy was an emotional mess. Mommy ended up having a break down during your second time waking up during the night. Daddy was wonderful and helped Mommy pull it all together to care for you.  The fourth time you work up during the night, Mommy didn't fully wake up and instead of comforting you, Mommy started shaking Daddy asking Daddy, "Where's my baby?" Daddy helped Mommy wake up fully and helped Mommy take care of you again that time.

The second night home went a lot better for Mommy. Daddy was able to sleep all night (Mommy told him to sleep since Daddy had to return to work right away) and Mommy didn't have an overflow of emotions. Mommy was able to care for you like the rockstar Mommy she is.

When you were 5 days new, Mommy and Daddy took you to have a newborn photo shoot. The photographer posted the following sneak peeks yet that night:

Mommy and Daddy again decided that you are beautiful and perfect.

More soon peanut.

<3 Mommy and Daddy

Notice of Eviction

Well Little One. Today we set the time and day that we'll be beginning the eviction process.

Next week Thursday night Mommy and Daddy will be heading to the hospital to get induced. Mommy would still much prefer you come on your own before that though.

Mommy is filled with so many emotions right now. I'm excited to see you and finally discover whose nose, eyes, etc you have but filled with fear over the whole labor process. I don't doubt that you'll be worth every needle poke, every discomfort, every pain. I just have a fear of the unknown. I know my body was made to give birth to you, but it's all so new to me.

Little One you should have seen the twinkle in Daddy's eye when the doctor scheduled the induction. Daddy is so excited to finally get to hold you. He thinks Mommy's been hogging you for long enough. I know that Daddy will be so good to Mommy during labor and delivery. It's impossible to see so much love and excitement in his eyes and be angry or afraid of this whole process.

More soon princess!

<3 Mommy

Bed Rest Day #2

My little gummy bear,

Today Mommy started her day out by taking a trip with Daddy to the doctor. Mommy was excited to get out of the house!

Mommy's blood pressure is still higher than is should be. Mommy had to lay on her right side during 95% of the doctor appointment. The doctor said that mommy's high BP is due to the placenta acting up. The good news is that Mommy's blood pressure will return to normal once you've been delivered. The bad news is, the doctor won't let you stay inside Mommy past week 39. You hereby have two weeks left in there you little turkey! (Daddy is excited about that part. He wants to hold you, kiss you, count your fingers and toes, and hear you tell him what's up)

Mommy and Daddy have an ultrasound scheduled for 8 AM Monday morning so the doctors can make sure everything is still looking good with you. Then we have a non-stress test at 9 AM to make sure you're not under any stress due to Mommy's high BP.

Needless to say, Mommy is looking forward to seeing your beautiful little face on Monday and then listening to your heartbeat for several minutes after that!

More soon little Lovebug.

<3 Mommy & Daddy

Week 37.... + 7 letters, 2 words...

Bed. Rest.

That's what Mom is stuck with.

Wednesday afternoon Mommy texted Auntie Shell to see if what/how she was feeling was normal. Auntie Shell ordered that Mommy have the work nurse check her BP. 180/11. Mommy had to go STRAIGHT to the hospital. Could not pass go, could not collect $200. Straight to the hospital.

Dr Pals decided that Mommy has pregnancy induced hypertension and can't go to work for the remainder of the pregnancy. While Mom's disappointed that she'll have to start using maternity leave time now and have less time with you, she knows it's so that you both stay healthy.

Tomorrow Mommy has her weekly appointment with Dr. Pals. Mommy's anxious to hear what the doctor has to say. 

Today Mommy conned Grandma into making egg rolls. She may have played the bed rest card, but that's totally acceptable.

Love you peanut!

More soon.
<3 Mommy and Daddy

Working on Week 36

Holy smokes Little One! Your due date is just 4 weeks and 2 days away. 30 days.

You're currently battling another serious case of the hiccups and really don't seem too thrilled about it. I know you're not thrilled because you're taking your frustrations out on my right lower rib again.

Little One. I'm so thankful for you. Even when you're beating me up. One of Mommy and Daddy's friends lost their baby this past week at 29 weeks gestation. I can't even imagine that pain (nor do I want to). I'd be devastated without you. You're already our world.  I keep looking at the ultrasound pictures trying to decide who you'll look more like. It sure would have been helpful if you had let the ultrasound tech get a good face shot rather than practicing hide and seek!!

Alright little one. Hopefully you'll settle down for a nap here pretty soon.

<3 Mommy