Happy Two Months Old Today!!!

2 Days

Where did time go?! It's hard to believe that it's already been two months since you've come into the world my dear Alana. You have made excellent strides on development and you are on the fast track to talking! You started cooing shortly after our visit to Colorado and have been perfecting those sounds for almost a month now. You have a very specific sound you make when you are sleepy and want to be held. Sorry to say, I can't always pick you up when you make that noise, so that noise quickly becomes your very angry and very loud cry. 

2 Months

My favorite time of day with you is right after you wake up from your naps...you have so much to say, you smile a lot, and you have the cutest little baby laugh! For example, right now you are sitting in your Bumbo seat, smiling and cooing at me right now :-) I love it! 

We got your pictures done today, nothing too fancy. The picture to the right is one of them. Look at how happy you are! You've gotten so big and I'm so excited to see how much more you change and grow, and yet at the same time, I want to keep you as a baby :-( 

Mommy's had a rough time these last 8 weeks. Recovering from having you, and then WHAM; I got hit with continual gallbladder problems. I had surgery to get it removed almost two weeks ago and I also had that awful hernia repaired too. That was a very rough time for me, because I had to leave you. I almost cried, but I stayed strong because I knew you had great people taking care of you during the day, and then Daddy took care of you at night because I had to stay overnight in the hospital. My first few days back home were slow and sore, but you were good so that made it easier. I'm now on the fast road to recovery and Lord willing there won't be any more problems. That means I'll be able to spend time playing and having fun with you!!

Uh-oh, by the look on your face, I'll be changing your diaper in a couple minutes. Know this my dear, no matter how many stinky diapers you make, or how many times you cry at night (right when Mommy lays her head down to sleep), your Daddy and I love you dearly and can't wait to see what your future holds! 

1 Month Already

They say time flies when you're having fun; if that is the case, I'm having the time of my life! My sweet Alana you are 1 month old (and a day, I'm a tad late typing this). To see how you've developed and changed already is like watching my own personal miracle. I am in awe of the awesome power of creation and the intricate design that is you. For example, did you know that right now your voice box is higher in your throat, this enables you to breathe while you eat, without swallowing milk down your windpipe. Isn't that amazing!? Or how about the fact that you don't see in color yet, this helps keep yours senses from being overwhelmed. Oh and that incredibly cute chubby face of yours...yeah the chubbiness helps you learn how to use your jaw and to develop that coordination. 

One of my favorite pictures of you!!

You started making new noises while we were in Colorado. Some pleasantly sweet, and then you have one noise which I have dubbed your "I'm irritated" noise. Your lungs are certainly growing, because you're getting louder. You are cooing in your sleep more frequently and the sounds just keep on getting cuter. I'm still so very anxious to hear you coo of your own free will!! 

We've hit a bump in the road I suppose you could say, speaking of you sleeping. You've decided that sleeping with Mommy is better than sleeping in your bassinet and while I'm sure this is 100% true in your brain, I don't agree. So, it's been quite the battle these last couple of days, but we are swiftly making headway. For instance, right now you are snoozing on the couch instead in my lap. Granted, our trip to Colorado is probably what helped you make this not so good decision. You didn't like the bassinet that Grandma had and you got all stuffy if I laid you on your blankets on the floor, so the only solution...in bed with Mommy and Daddy: thus our problem. I suppose I can't get too upset about this, because at the very least you are practically sleeping through the night, you only get up 1-2 times MAX, so to that I say thank you my dear :-)

You went to the doctor today for a check-up. Doctor gave the thumbs up and says you're just where you need to be growth and development wise. That's my girl!! :-) You are now: 9lbs 1oz and 21.5" long. you are quickly growing out of your newborn clothes (which are so cute!) and I'll be lucky if I can stretch the newborn diapers another week. I'd be okay if you slowed down the whole getting bigger thing (just temporarily), I have so many newborn diapers I still need to use! 

All's well in your land of baby-ness! I'm so excited to watch and be a part of your continued development! And as always you are loved!

The Grand Arrival

I must apologize at my lack of keeping up with my entries...

UPDATE:

Alana Michelle was born on June 17th at 9:55 PM, weighing in at a healthy 7lbs 15oz and she was 20" long! She also came with a head of hair which has now lightened to a beautiful blondish color!

The delivery went smoothly, I didn't have to do a thing, but I wish'd I could have. at 9:15 PM on June 17th I was admitted into the OR for a C-section. I had gone all day without my cervix dilating one little bit! Most painful part you ask? the localized numbing agent that they STABBED into my spinal cord...3 TIMES! Alright, so perhaps that's an exaggeration (the "stabbed" part), but it definitely was the most physically painful part. 

To be honest, I was terrified. Up until then the most "major" surgery I had ever had was my wisdom teeth removed. I didn't relax until I heard Alana cry for the very first time, I think even Daddy got a little teary-eyed. There is nothing quite like the sound of hearing your child's cry for the very first time. You go 9, almost 10 months wondering what she's going to look like, who will she take after more, is she going to be healthy, will she have hair, will her eyes be like Mommy's (Mommy's eyes are prettier, haha), but when it comes right down to the time for it all to happen, the only thing I cared about was hearing her cry, because that means she made it and she's ok. 

Recovery was tough, but you made it better Alana. they would bring you in to me every morning and we'd spend all day together, but at night, they would wheel you to the nursery, because I had to sleep and get better. They took GREAT care of both of us at the hospital. Those first few days all you did was sleep and sleep and sleep, haha. You passed your hearing test well, so I know that if you don't hear what I say from now on it's because you're choosing to ignore me...just so you know. 

They did more than just deliver you during my surgery, they also helped get Mommy cleaned up. They found a tumor (the size of a softball!), it was benign, that they went ahead a removed, and they also said they found some scar tissue that they got rid of. So in that area, Mommy's in tip-top shape! You did give me some issues with my gall bladder, but we're hoping and praying that corrects itself, otherwise I get to have another surgery, but that's ok too, because it will never be able to cause me trouble again if I get it removed :-) 

We're leaving to visit Colorado tomorrow (Thursday, July 12th), Grandma, Grandpa, your 3 Uncles, and your Aunt all really want to meet you. I hope that you cooperate on the flight, it's only 3 hours, I have confidence that you'll do just fine snuggled up with Mommy in your Moby Wrap! the Moby Wrap is your favorite thing right now, it keeps you tight to Mommy and you go right to sleep :-) 

You've definitely grown since day 1. You're almost 1 month old now and you have quite the personality, haha. You do what I call the Daddy face: you scrunch up your little forehead and eyes, and you look just like Daddy when you do that. Speaking of eyes; yours are going to be absolutely beautiful! They are starting to lighten up, and right now they are a deep, grayish blue color, and you try your absolute hardest to see EVERYTHING, unfortunately you can't see much further than a foot from your nose right now, but don't worry it gets better.

Apollo loves you! He gets so concerned when you cry that he comes and finds me and pokes me with his nose. At night, he curls up at the foot of your bassinet. I was worried that he wouldn't do well or that he would be hyper, but he seems to know that you're fragile so he is very gentle with you, and keeps his distance when you're being held. I have a feeling that you guys are going to be great friends growing up together! 

You're changing so quickly and growing up so fast! You've started cooing in your sleep and when you eat, I can't wait till you figure out you can do it all the time!! Daddy taught you to stick out your tongue when he does, but you'll have to learn it's not always ok to do that when you're older. 

Children are a blessing and being a mother has been fulfilling in ways I cannot explain. Just when I thought I had loved all I could, God gave me more love to give! I love you and Daddy loves you Alana! 

Always remember, 

You are well loved! 

Ready Or Not...

I am 35 weeks along! This special bonding time I've had with you Alana is coming to an end, but you've definitely kept Mommy on her toes. With a slightly alarming trip to the Hospital under my belt (as of a little over a week ago), I press on to completion. No worries needed now about the brief stint at the hospital, but at the time it was scary, simply because I didn't have a clue what was going on. Intense upper abdominal pain, lasting 30 minutes, followed by a violent episode of being sick tends to make this new Mommy panic. Once it was established that all was ok, I felt kind of selfish because I got yet another ultrasound. I've officially received more ultrasounds than that of my fellow pregnant friends **smiles**. You are very healthy my dear, but again I must say, why all the angry faces?!

May 16th, 2012, the ultrasound technician measured you in at an approximate weight of 5 lbs 7 oz! Again, I say, Alana, if you want to come early, you won't hurt my feelings at all! But let's just for my peace of mind say that you don't come until 37 weeks. They say that you've dropped and that you could come whenever you wanted, so be a good girl and come when your ready, but before you get too big for your cute newborn clothes!

In final preparation for your grand entrance, everything is set up! You have your very own crib, changing table, and dresser. Mommy was even lucky to get a pack n play to lay you in when we travel, which we will be doing so that proud great-grandparents can see you! You know, on one side, you are the first and only official great-grandbaby, how exciting for you!

Anxiety, anticipation, nervousness, and excitement grows with every day! There were times when I dreamed of being a Mommy. There was also a time when I resolved myself to the possibility of never being one, but now here I am on the brink of a miraculous, life-changing adventure. What a gift! I'm humbled that God has chosen me, and I can only pray earnestly that I become the Mommy you need me to be.

Closing words of wisdom to you my dear:

Surround yourself with good friends of godly character and good report; they will be your life-line in helping you stay true to God in this world. 

Your First Stern Talkin' To!

Got another ultrasound done today. It was exciting, and slightly scary to see how much she had developed and grown! Under normal circumstances I wouldn't be receiving anymore ultrasounds, but because it's my life and nothing can be normal I get more chances to see my little Alana, which is most definitely a plus. Now for the scary side of things...

Look, it's my future! Kidding (kinda...)

Lil Miss Alana, you are going to be a very healthy baby, which means that your Momma (yeah that'd be me) is going to have quite the time when you decide to come into this world. Write this down people; on April 30th, 2012, Alana Michelle weighed in at 4 lbs 12 oz, with 2 more months to go! Anybody feeling sorry for me at all yet?? Is sympathy too much to ask, because so far, I've only gotten laughter, and a couple of tears...THROUGH THE LAUGHTER! I suppose it'll be ok, because the rumor is, Jesus doesn't give us anymore than we can handle. Unfortunately, it's starting to look like Jesus thinks I'm amazing. Which, don't get me wrong I am...but even I have my limits ;-) 

Just when you thought things were smooth sailing, I got quite the disturbing 4D ultrasound picture. Alana was actually angry in her picture! That's when I had a flash-forward to 15 years down the road, and I swallowed down the little cry for help that tried to escape. I'm not kidding, guys, she had the frown, wrinkled brow, and she genuinely looked mad that she had been disturbed. So this is where I get to play my ultimate trump Mom card; Lil Miss Thang, you have no right to "feel" disturbed right now. I'm the only one in this situation that has any "right" to have an angry look, especially since you spend most of your day playing my organs like bongos, thank you very much. So when a camera/ultrasound wand comes around to take your picture, you better be all smiles next time! 

Mommy Loves You Alana!  

In The Not So Distant Future...

Well I feel as if congratulations are in order for myself. During this pregnancy I have become quite the "hurdle" jumper. The first hurdle was the 1st Trimester, that was brutal: Alana, honey, you were not very nice to Mommy when we first discovered you. Ill does not even properly describe what I went through for about 14 weeks. Top that off with Tums being on the "no no" list for the 1st Trimester and topping that even higher with the harsh reality that I could not take anything to curb the nausea. Alana, if you ever want to know specific stories, ask Daddy, because he has some "funny" ones. 

The second hurdle, I suppose this one feels more like a perpetual metaphorical hurdle, as I'm still in the process of leaping over it. The bigger you get dearest Alana, the more Mommy's tummy looks weird. I believe the technical term is "umbilical hernia," not so much fun either, but, I have a found a way to temporarily rectify the issue until I can get the surgery done to fix it. It only hurts sometimes, but that's ok, because I know that it has to be this way so that you can get bigger before your grand entrance into the world. 

The third hurdle, I've already discussed in a previous post. The tear in my placenta. That hurdle was only conquered by the miraculous healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to Him may all the glory go. I cannot in any way lay claim to this, but I thank God for being able to be an instrument through which He can receive recognition for the healing that took place. Alana, if I can teach you anything, it would be this: you have a Heavenly Father that infinitely loves you, cares for you, and wants nothing more than to have a personal relationship with you; so when the world lets you down, which it will, never forget your Father in Heaven will NEVER forsake you.

And finally, as we enter the final stretch of this race, we have come upon the fourth hurdle, and Lord willing, other then the birth itself, this is the final hurdle. Gestational Diabetes; that phrase strikes panic into soon-to-be mothers everywhere, and you always hope it isn't you that gets it. Sorry, but I did. But please don't worry because, with a proper diet and close monitoring, everything will be A-OK. I do get to have two more ultrasounds before the real show, so that part is exciting! The more chances to see your face my little Alana, as long as it causes no problems to you, I am ok with.  

Apollo!

With 9 weeks left and counting, Alana, you'll be here before you know it! Daddy and I are very excited and look forward to holding you in our arms. We do ask that you don't try to come early, take your time (but not too long), and make sure you're fully developed and ready. Oh by the way, Apollo, your puppy and future playmate, is anxious too, he knows something big is about to happen! 

And as always, 

Alana

You Are Loved

Hmm, still 3 Months Left...

At the urging of a friend, I have decided to write another journal entry. I realize that the title to this entry may be confusing, come to find out, I'm just not that good at "pregnant math." What is pregnant math you ask? It is it's own mathematical system that does not jive with the math everyone has learned. So I've decided that from here on out I will simply talk in "week" terminology. With that being said, I am in my 28th week. 

To the left here is Alana's precious little foot. My usage of the word "precious" can be translated in any way you would personally like to read it...but let it be known, that while I love my child and cannot wait for the day to hold her, I can honestly say that I do not like her foot/feet. It seems that her feet find the most inconvenient time to jar my insides. 

The kick's that once provided the "awe" moments in my day, have now become my "Ow!!" moments. Is it possible to sustain internal bleeding from this?? 

Ok, ok so maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit. But there are definitely times when I can look down and see my belly violently jump. I'm proud of Alana for keeping up with her Calisthenics and staying in good health, but Mommy's organs, and bones for that matter, need a break every now and then! Yes that's right, I said bones. Yesterday, while in the dining hall partaking of the Seder meal, dearest Alana, got turned upside down thus lodging, what I assume was her hind-end up under my ribs, and proceeded to flutter kick the lower, left side of my abdomen. 

Talk about an uncomfortable experience! But then at the same time, it made me marvel at the miracle that is life. Deeper still, human life. What a gift! Have you ever thought about it? I mean truly tried to comprehend the intrinsically, complex, beautiful formation of a single cell taking the form of a baby. Even at 6 weeks I could see her body forming.

Obviously, this is not one of my ultrasound pictures, but look at the detail found already, at only 6 weeks! 

<- This is what my child is able to do right now at 28 weeks! Again I say look at the beautiful detail! How can there not be a Creator?! How can this miraculous beauty be an accident of random cells coming together. There is no possible way that I will ever be convinced to believe anything but that there is a Creator. That Creator has taken my DNA and my husband's DNA, woven them together to create something beautiful and perfect! 

My little Alana, when you read this, know that God loves you and took great care to create everything about you!!